Real debate might fix what ails health care

[babylonsister]

Real debate might fix what ails health care

August 12, 2009

In a country easily lulled into complacency by the mindless distractions of, say, Jon and Kate, (give yourself points if you don't know who they are) we're thrilled by the intense public debate that has broken out over national health-care policy.

This is what democracy is all about -- ordinary people standing up and saying their piece while the politicians listen.

We only hope the debate will grow more civil. Enough with the name-calling. Let's dial down the shouting. Let others have their say.

And we sincerely hope the debate, spinning out in town-hall meetings across the country this month, will shift from the sideshow of false and manufactured fears about President Obama's health-care proposals to the single biggest legitimate concern -- the cost of this thing.

When all is said and done, that is the one question that leaves even many Democrats feeling uneasy: How much will health-care reform cost us, our children and our grandchildren? Can we afford to do it? Can we afford not to do it?

We're not sure it's even possible to nail down a firm answer to the cost question. The president's health-care plan is a work in progress, relying on a host of long-term projections. But we do believe -- calls us dreamers -- that a vigorous and thoughtful public debate will bring us closer to the truth.

The very complexity of the legitimate issues before us explain the proliferation of the false claims. Slogging through Medicare reimbursement policies is tough. Scaring people with talk of "death panels" is easy.

more...

http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/1711747,CST-EDT-edit12.article

[timeforpeace]

1. Good point, knowing the cost before Congress votes would be helpful.