The Debate Over Health Care Reform ... Or Is It?

Like many of you, I have watched the events in our nation’s capitol unfold this week with intrigue, wonderment, and disappointment. On the surface it would appear as if the debate over reform has reached its pinnacle, and is only seconds away from exploding into what the vast majority of Americans are in agreement is needed—a reformed health care system.

But, as I have thought about this longer it occurred to me the debate and arguments are no longer really about reform. It has really evolved to debate over the accomplishment of a political agenda, and the process of enacting legislation. Our government leaders in Washington seemed to be fixated on enacting more than 2,700 pages of legislation that in large part remains unclear as to what will really be accomplished with it. Polls have consistently reflected that the vast majority of Americans are opposed to the legislation, and have general fears of an escalation of governmental control in their daily lives. In addition, there are concerns that the cost of this legislation will far exceed estimates, and only drive America deeper and deeper into debt.

On the other side of the debate is the fact that tens of millions of Americans are without access to insurance, and therefore lacking access to health care. Frustration over the control and selective picking of who/what is insured by large insurance companies; waste and abuse in the system; and poor quality in relation to costs are also key elements as to why reform is more critical now than ever.

Regardless of which side of the debate a person is on, I believe virtually all Americans are in agreement on one thing. Given the magnitude of what is at stake for every American, the legislation that is ultimately passed should be representative of bi-partisan agreement and support. Legislation of this magnitude should not be passed through the back door, but should follow the checks and balances put in place by our fore-fathers, and be void of special accommodations and closed door deals. Earlier this week President Obama asked congress to have the “courage” to pass health care reform. Given the economic condition of this country, current and projected deficits and levels of debt, we can only hope that our congressional leaders have the courage to do it right.