The Health Care Debate

I have watched the national debate on health care with interest because it will effect my family and me. I have also been disappointed at the expressions of hatred thrown out at both sides of the debate. I can understand emotion, but not hatred in a national debate.

To me the issue of health care in America is a series of questions that we need to answer.

First, are we happy with our current health care system? Is it adequate? Is the level of care the my family and I can get adequate? Can we afford it? Is American health care the best in the world? Is it as good as it could be? Everyone has some experience with doctors, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and insurance companies. Are we happy with the care we get? The answer is probably somewhere between yes and no. The answers to these first questions can be emotional, but I do not see a reason to be upset with each other.

Second, do we believe that everyone in America should have adequate health care? OK, this question can generate some debate. It is essentially a yes or no question and goes to the heart of our nation's character. Americans do not have to answer the question the same way as Canada, England, France, or any other country. But, we should answer the question.

Third, can we afford the health care system we want? Now this may our current system, or something we think is better. This is a serious question and should be answered honestly. If we do not have the money for what we want, we should not try to pay for it. On the other hand if re-prioritizing our expendatures can free up the money we need for a personal, family, state, or national health plan, why not do it? I understand that we tend to get emotional whenever we talk about money. Taxes, like all our other obligations from utility bills, car payments, and mortgages are never enjoyable topics, but I don't have to demonize others when I consider my budget.

Can we look at this issue and answer these questions without calling each other names?