hesitantly optimistic

I tend not to get involved with political discussions as a rule, especially online. I'm one of those people who thinks of the perfect response about two hours after a discussion is over. Then boy oh boy do I sound smart as I mutter around my toothbrush and present my argument to the mirror.

I admire those who state their sides eloquently and brace themselves for the fall-out - whether it's constructive criticism or brainless heckling. But some of my bloggy friends are bravely entering the U.S. health care debate, asking good questions as they try to wrap their heads (and mine) around the issue. Not only do I want to be supportive but I figured it was time to stick my own neck out. I remember saying to a mentor of mine, years ago, that I was a fence sitter and didn't feel I had opinions either way in many situations. She said, wisely, that being a fence sitter is a position and perhaps my role could be as arbitrator or facilitator.

I'm now much more opinionated than I was then (in my early 20's), and nothing fires me up more than injustice (perceived or otherwise). As both a Canadian and an American (with a daughter who is a fiercely patriotic American at six years old), I'm willing to see both sides of an issue, but I definitely lean solidly in favour of health care being a RIGHT for every human being. And I proudly claim my consternation that anyone would not be in favour of the same thing.

One friend wrote about being "saddened and dumbstuck" about how many are against reforming health care and how the media is presenting information that is unbiased and in my opinion, untrue.

Another friend wrote about the "level of crazy" people have reached simply because of differing opinions.

And a Canadian blogging acquaintance, always thoughtful and always well-written, expressed her concern that as a society we are politically, spiritually and culturally terrified of any change.

My response to her post was this*: I don't think the whole health care issue has much to do with health care. People are afraid of change, yes. The media is blowing it all way out of proportion, yes. But the American political system is like a dog chewing ferociously on its own tail - whatever the issue is, someone (holding an opposing viewpoint) will take the complete and opposite standpoint just because. Because they don't want the other side to "win". Because they think they could do it better. Because they're afraid they'll look bad in the eyes of their constituents. Because God forbid someone might have an idea that is better than theirs.

Aside from that, I think the health care bill just pushed through by the skin of its teeth doesn't go nearly far enough in supporting and protecting its citizens' right to fully provided health care. But I do feel that any progress is positive and that this is only the first step - in hopefully a long line of revisions - that will give every family a chance to be treated without fear of being turned away for pre-existing conditions and without fear of potential bankruptcy.

Really - does that sound so bad?


Note: I like this article in the Christian Science Monitor which offers plainspeak about what the health care bill represents. Click here.

*paragraph cut and pasted right out of my comment in her post, because after writing it once jetlag wouldn't allow my brain to re-phrase it any other way...