4 Points on Healthcare

A couple important points that came up in the plenary, don't get mentioned often in the healthcare debate, and seem particularly important to underscore.

(1) It's not about Healthcare reform; it's about the government's role in our lives.   If you ask people who are against healthcare reform, their doubts are founded on the notion that more government is bad and it shouldn't force citizens to do anything, i.e. get healthcare coverage.  They also think that government running healthcare is not a good idea -- a waste of tax dollars.  Understanding this objection from the reform opposition is the key to compromise and real progress towards what we all want: quality healthcare for all who need it.

(2) The President's role is limited in that he doesn't touch the legislation until after the fight is over -- it passes the house and senate.  His role is crucial however in that the "reform is orphaned without him".  Every congressperson and advocacy group is working for their own constituents' interests.  Nobody's job is to think of the policy as a whole but shape it to their own interests.  The President can take a nation-wide benefit maximizing perspective.  Without it the policy will inevitably get fragmented into little bits.  This historical reform need to keep structural coherence as much as possible.

(3) Urgency of Now vs. Long-run.   Passing healthcare reform is critical but where is the finish line?  It's important to remember that passing a bill is only the beginning.  Implementation is going to be a huge administrative and politcal endeavor that will make or break our country's well-being, literally

(4) Political win.  This administration and the democratic congress know that they need something passed.  Without any win, the political consequences are very large well beyond healthcare.  The surviving politicians remember all too well the mid-90s when they lost congress due to the failed attempt to get healthcare reform. 

by Lloyd Nimetz