The Healthcare Reform Debate

"With all [our] blessings, what more is necessary to make us a happy and a prosperous people? Still one thing more, fellow citizens--a wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicities." --Thomas Jefferson: 1st Inaugural, 1801


I believe that most Americans will agree, we do want fair affordable healthcare for everyone. The difference of opinion lies in what kind of reform. Some feel that any reform is better than none while others fear they maybe going from the frying pan into the fire by getting something that is worse than we currently have. There are those that feel that Government should have the answers for all of our needs, yet others would not trust Government with their pet hamster, let alone healthcare reform. Furthermore, there is the cost of such reform to an already stressed economy. Will we be able to create the savings that we need to be fiscally responsible and still get affordable healthcare to all. These are discussions that Americans must wrestle with.

So why are these people yelling at politicians and being disruptive at all these townhall meetings?

The simple answer is they are frustrated. They are frustrated at a system that is not responsive to their needs or concerns. They are frustrated that important decisions will be made without their input or that last minute language may be inserted to nullify any improvements agreed upon. They are frustrated that legislation will probably be made that favor the corporate special interest at the expence of the citizens best interest. They are frustrated that the Presidents family can take months to decide on what breed of dog they were getting, yet important legislation is being rushed through in hours without anyone reading it. These actions do not instill confidence but fear of inappropriate judgement and action.

Regardless of whether you voted for our President or not, the majority of people did and still do want him to succeed and fix the problems that have plagued and in many cases have been made worse by countless Administrations before his. However, the change that we have seen so far is disconcerting. The Government continue to bailout banksters, Corporate America and Wallstreeters at the expence of its Citizens. The Federal Reserve is the only drawing pool for applicants that have been tapped to find the solutions to the economic crisis they themselves helped to create. How can we continue to support policies and promises coming from the same source.

The President stated that he did not favor a Canadian or British style healthcare system that is publicly owned and publicly paid. He did not favor a Danish style system that is privately owned and publicly paid. He wanted a uniquely American solution based on the for-profit insurance model. I think that he is very wrong. Those that build on crumbling foundations will never experience stability.

The solutions must come from an honest assessment on why our parents could afford to bring us, as children, to see our neighborhood doctor and it not involve the price of an arm or a leg.

And for those politicians who have stated that the protests at townhall meetings are staged and are not done by real Americans...You are dead wrong! These are real Americans, Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Independents, Blacks and Whites. We have seen the change and this is not the change we meant.

The fact of the matter is we do not have a coherant plan as of yet to even discuss. There are currently four proposals that exist at this time, two in the House and two in the Senate. Ultimately, the plan is to magically combine these into one bill. Will the citizens of this country be able to discuss what we like or dislike from this final bill or will it just be crammed down our throats. Time will tell.

There is a warning I have for the Government and the men behind the curtain of power and it is not a threat but an observation. The people are restless. Heed them not and suffer the wrath of the people of this land, who's awakening can be seen and felt from sea to shining sea. Propaganda and lies will no longer save you from your actions. You have one more chance to make it right, because if you don't, even the soldiers and law enforcement that you depend on will turn an angry eye on your actions and you will be no more. We love our country and the flag that represents our freedoms and have a god given right and obligation to change it when it no longer serves its purpose. God Bless America, my home sweet home.