My closest friend and next-door neighbor, Gil Flores died almost one year ago on June 26, 2009 because he NEVER had the luxury of having health insurance at the young age of 39. A native of the South Bronx, he worked as a doorman for 18 years and never missed a day of work. But none of his employers ever offered him health insurance. He suffered from asthma, diabetes and could never afford health/medical care on his minimum wage jobs. The lack of public health insurance murdered my friend. This must end. Thank you President Obama.