Okay, I still agree with the argument that the U.S. is a "Center Right," generally conservative country. The health care debate is a classic example. War resolutions, and sweeping tax cuts are easy to get bi-partisan support on. Health care for all Americans is altogether different. When you have a broad majority in the House, and 60 Democrats in the Senate, this should be doable. We're not even talking universal coverage, or a single-payer plan here.
If you ask people what they think about the educational system, most say it's screwed up. Ask parents about their kids' school, or more specifically, their kids' teachers, the opinion is much more favorable. The same goes for the health care system. People say we need reform and broader coverage, in the abstract. But most people have insurance, and most of those people are basically satisfied with their health insurance. People are afraid that what is coming is going to disrupt their place in a flawed system. It is the perfect environment for fear-mongering.
A few weeks ago, I said to Carrie, "You know what Obama needs to do with the health care debate? LEAD." It was bad strategy to do the Energy Bill first, then leave the country, then come back and try to impose an artificial deadline on Congress. Obama is afraid to level with people about costs, you know, taxes. Yes, it is going to cost more to cover (nearly) everyone. Can we afford it? A wealthy and powerful country can afford its priorities. That we have gone so long without ensuring that people have access to affordable health care says something very troubling about our nation's values and priorities.
I still think they will get something through Congress, and I hope that it works out to be a good plan, or something that can be made into a good plan going forward. A lot of people, including me,
voted for Democrats to lead on this issue. Their job is to lead, even when the public gets squeamish about the details and the process. If they fail to get this done, it will be a monumental failure of leadership. Credit for success can be shared, but if Pelosi and Reid can't get a bill through, it will be their failure. And even more so, President Obama's.
Not currently running, but enjoying Austin in the summer of 2011. It doesn't rain here anymore.
Jay is Blogging!
For entertainment purposes only.
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1 comment:
I can't believe no one commented on this. You said it very well; I've been so frustrated with Obama because of his hands-off approach with this subject. You can't leave it to Reid/Pelosi, it's like leaving the building of nuclear bombs to the intern engineers; way too important and easy to screw up.
And fear-mongering is exactly what's happening with 80% of America. It is SO difficult to have an intelligent conversation with a conservative and resist the urge to scream "You're an IDIOT!" when they start blathering the latest statistic from Fox News.
I like that it's a hard battle. If we can keep slogging through the philosophies and the details maybe we can outlast the dumbasses and have not just meaningful healthcare reform but meaningful conversations about our country's values and how we should be stewards not just of our own health but of our collective health. What responsibility does the conscientious runner have to the couch potato mom of 4? Why should the vegetarian care about the chain smoker? I think these are the good conversations to have, because it reveals more about our humanity (or lack of it) than any talking head on Fox News.
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