Whoever defined the current noise surrounding the question of reforming health care as a debate needs their heads examined. A debate implies an exchange of ideas. All I’ve heard is a bunch of whining from both sides.
While real arguments exist that support both mindsets, they’ve been drowned out of the conversation. Instead we see news stories about “death panels,” the “morality” of passing health care reform, and boycotting Whole Foods. The Whole Foods story leaves me shaking my head. More than 17,000 people have joined the Facebook group, “Boycott Whole Foods.” Why? Here’s the official description:
John Mackey, CEO and co-founder of Whole Foods wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on August 12, 2009 quoting Margaret Thatcher and suggesting that healthcare is a commodity that only the rich, like him, deserve. Whole Foods has built its brand with the dollars of deceived progressives. Let them know your money will no longer go to support Whole Foods’ anti-union, anti-health insurance reform, right-wing activities.
Here’s the link to the full editorial. I’ll leave you to decide whether you agree or disagree with Mackey. The fact remains that instead of talking about the merits of Mackey’s arguments, the focus became boycotting Whole Foods. Then, as borne out by comments on the Facebook page, the discussion veers into people’s other issues with Whole Foods.
After scrolling through a few of first pages, it became clear that the majority of commenters weren’t discussing the actual points raised in Mackey’s editorial. For me, the first line of Mackey’s editorial raises the biggest question in this debate, regardless of what your position is on health care:
With a projected $1.8 trillion deficit for 2009, several trillions more in deficits projected over the next decade, and with both Medicare and Social Security entitlement spending about to ratchet up several notches over the next 15 years as Baby Boomers become eligible for both, we are rapidly running out of other people’s money.
Why aren’t we having a discussion about the cost of health care reform?
Why aren’t we having a discussion about our current financial obligations?
Why are we not honest enough to admit that sacrifice will be a part of any “solution,” regardless of the source?
If we maintain the status quo, many people will go without health insurance.
If we adopt a plan where more people have health insurance, costs will go up.
Utopia is not an option.
And yet, we can’t have that conversation. We can talk about everything else, but our country seems bent on refusing to behave like the adults I know we can be and face some hard truths:
- Our current financial obligation is $56.4 trillion; that’s money the government (we the people) owe. (source)
- Spreading coverage to more people will, more than likely, lead to cuts in Medicare and Medicaid
- Taxes, at some point, will have to go up to cover the costs
- We can’t continue to raid Social Security to cover additional expenses
I want a real debate. I want a real opportunity to measure both sides, but I doubt the reality will even come close. Who are we as a nation if we can’t talk about the hard truths?
Are you really so comfortable in your recliner that you can’t be bothered to invest the time needed to understand the basics? I’m more than happy to point the finger and politicians. There’s little I like about what our political process has become. However, I can’t abdicate my responsibility as a citizen.
Yes, there’s corporate money, lobbyists, and nefarious networks that protect incumbents. But at some point, you elected those individuals, and only you can remove them. The reaction at the recent town hall meetings, both good and bad, indicates that some people still care enough to voice their opinion. Keep in mind what you’re opinion is worth if you haven’t taken the time to educate yourself about what’s at stake.
If you’re against health care reform, why? Don’t spout the tired line of “government taking over the world.” Instead, ask the question why we haven’t reformed the current programs we have (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare, etc.) to help redress the issue.
If you’re for health care reform, why? Don’t talk to me about a right to health care. Instead, ask the question why are health care spending is almost double the the amount (based on GDP) of other industrialized countries.
Facts give us a framework to help the decision making process. Hate mongering and stirring up fear to achieve a cause should be beneath us, and yet it takes center stage time and again.
