My opinion of the health care reform efforts in Washington changes almost everyday. One day I'll read an analysis written by a conservative writer and hope legislation is defeated. Then I'll come across an article by a liberal writer and think differently.
Politicians unfortunately, but predictably, couldn't agree on a bill. There's no consensus on a measure that works best for all Americans. Republican arguments, in the most simple form, against a Democratic health bill boil down to this:
- The bill increases taxes.
- The bill increases government spending.
- The bill is too big (in physical size and scope).
- The legislative process Democrats are using to pass the bill is shady.
And, Democratic support comes down to this:
- The bill will insure more than 30 million Americans.
- The bill cuts the deficit by billions and billions of dollars in a decade ... more than a trillion dollars over 20 years.
- The bill ends discriminatory practices by health insurance companies.
- The legislative process Democrats are using is well within the rules of our constitutional democracy/republic.
One could probably look at these points and come to a conclusion on whether to support the reform or not. But I will still find myself looking at my own life experiences. I've had successful and unsuccessful dealings with health insurance companies. My health insurance is not as good as it used to be nearly 10 years ago, but I pay a lot more. I've sat through local school board meetings as a journalist and seen the impacts of rising health insurance costs - cuts to curriculum and higher property taxes to help cover health plans for teachers.
I believe something needs to be done to improve the current health care system in America. It's just unclear if that something is this health care reform bill.