What Does Reform Look Like?

I've tried to write about and think about other subjects,but it seems like this Healtcare Reform is still at the top of the list. As I was thinking about the constant news reports coming out every day, the usual things came to my mind. But it seems to all boil down to how can we get around all of the yelling and accusations from (some on) the right. As all of us must know by now, it's easier to "win" this debate by "not debating". Instead one needs only to do and say things that create some level of doubt and confusion among the listeners.

It does not matter whether the accusations are true or not, in fact, it is easier if they are not true. That is because, the goal here is not to engage honest debate with those you disagree with, but to do something (anything) that might confuse others. For, when people get confused or find themselves doubting any proposed CHANGES in life, many of them will simply go with the status quo. The opponents of health care reform know this very well, whether they be politicians or insurance executives.It is ironic but this is perhaps,the best example of how our criminal justice system is supposed to work. You've all heard the old saying, "innocent until proven guilty" or "the burden of proof is on the prosecution - the defendant does not have to prove anything, i.e., his innocence". At least that's what we are told. Of course, that is not always the way it plays out in a real life court of law. But in the healthcare debate, it seems to work quite well.The opponents start off by making false accusations and exagerations of what will happen if the bill is passed. Then these statements are repeated over and over again, sometimes with a few new wrinkles added. This tactic keeps the proponent(s) constantly busy trying to rebut the allegations and defending the bill from the untruths that appear to be, but really are not part of the bill.

Earlier today, I was conversing with an elderly friend of mine and this subject, understandably, came up. Her sentiments, like that of so many others I've spoken with, can be summed up with, "I don't know who is telling the truth. I don't know who to believe". So there you have it: Doubt! The poor citizens don't realize that they are being duped, that they are being used as pawns. But as I stated earlier, the goal is to do just that - create doubt or confusion. For once that is created, many people, perhaps most, will settle for the status quo. And the opponents (who have craftily put themselves in the "defendants" chair) end up never having to prove anything; never having to present their case, just knock down the prosecutions cae. HOW CLEVER!But then it has just recently dawned on me that even I do not know what is in the bill. That's right. I have taken a position IN FAVOR of reform, but I really don't know enough about it. Because I don't know much about it, I am only 51% in favor, but in favor nonetheless. This is because I too have been caught up watching "the side show". I should know more about the contents (of the President's proposal)than I do. I think I know what it basically says, but I don't really know. So from now on, I am no longer going to be ensnared by the sideshow trappings; I am going to become focused and informed. I hope you will too!