Fred: Reform is Long Overdue

Hello, everyone.

Hmmm...seems to me this issue has been on the table for at least twenty years. We've all been aware of it, and it has been discussed repeatedly during that time. So I don't see much hurry, actually. The opposite, in fact. Some kind of reform is long overdue, and we've all known for along time that something has to be done.

I think Obama has tried hard to include representatives of all the key groups (doctors, hospitals, AARP, insurance companies, patient advocates, etc.) in the discussions of how to formulate a plan, so it seems like it's just the kind of thoughtful, considered approach that George says he'd like to see. We--the citzenry at large, not just our elected representatives--even we are now getting the chance to weigh in with our opinions (whether we know anything about the issues or not). Congress will vote on their plan(s) after they have heard from us during this recess. Given the complexities of governing 300 million people, this seems like a pretty inclusive process to me, not something being rammed down our throats.

What has been rammed down our throats is the present system, in which insurance company profits largely determine whether one can get, and afford, meaningful health coverage or not. (No wonder that it's one of the most profitable of all industry sectors.) That gagging sound you hear is our population choking on insurance rates that are ruinous for more and more of the people who can get coverage, or living with their hearts in their mouths because they have no coverage at all. This is a system that needs to be changed!

Best, -Fred