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There Is No Easy Way to Greatness
Taxing the rich to give to the poor: this is how the debate on financing health-care reform has been framed. This inevitably puts the "haves" against the "have-nots" and will create deeper divisions within our society with great consequence. And once this happens, we will no longer see our individual efforts in advancing society as mutually beneficial. Instead, there will be more credence given to harsh criticisms about who deserves what and who should foot the bill that compromise our professed values.
As difficult as this discussion is, the debate is forcing us to re-evaluate our collective and individual perceptions and value systems. For example, what does a wealthy American look like -- a Republican CEO of a Fortune 500 corporation or a social entrepreneur who happens to be a liberal Democrat? How about what an uninsured American looks like -- a small-business owner living with multiple chronic illnesses, the 10-year-old child whose parents can't afford insurance despite holding multiple jobs, or hard-working conservative family living in low-income housing? Does either group deserve to be less healthy than the other? Chances are they do not fit the neatly packaged stereotypical images used to defend or denounce proposals to fund health care. Reliance on them prevents us from focusing on the real issue--the health of our nation. Our nation's health does not solely rest on the status of the 50 million uninsured (though this is an important priority). It also relies on curbing health care costs, supporting efficient delivery of quality health care and investing in mechanisms that promote health. These will only be accomplished by all of us working together, doing our part. Focusing on these things will lead to substantial dividends.
So does taxing the wealthy Americans get the job done? It is part of the answer. I once heard it said that there is no easy way to greatness. By extension, there is no easy or unanimously comfortable way to finance our health-care system. Invariably, some concessions will have to be made. But, this is one time where all of us, rich or poor, sick or healthy must look in the mirror and ask what investment we can make to improve our (collective and individual) health. And how we frame the issue will necessarily dictate how we solve it. The "us vs. them" platform will hinder us from seeing that we all deserve to live healthy, productive lives with a health-care system that supports this and that we each play a significant role in making it happen. It may not dampen the angst that comes with the word "taxes," but it will help us align our values with our goal of having a healthier, more productive nation.
By
Chisara N. Asomugha
|
July 14, 2009; 11:50 AM ET
| Category:
Taxes
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Posted by: RoniceC | July 27, 2009 8:42 AM
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I dont believe that the burden of health care rests fully on the shoulder (or dollars) of hard working americans. The target should be improving the system by regulating those who are directly responsible for the delivery of health care. Contrary to what the... Read More Obama Administration thinks its not within the hands of doctors and nurses as we sold our professions to big business long ago and have yet to reclaim our professions and place as health care leaders/patient advocates. The major burden lies with the insurance and pharmaceutical companies who regulate what and how much we can provide as clinicians. Clean up the system 1st before creating an alternative plan that doesnt have the funding, and may/may not work. Easier said than done, but thats my take.
Posted by: NefertitiBrownMD | July 16, 2009 1:18 PM
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I dont believe that the burden of health care rests fully on the shoulder (or dollars) of hard working americans. The target should be improving the system by regulating those who are directly responsible for the delivery of health care. Contrary to what the... Read More Obama Administration thinks its not within the hands of doctors and nurses as we sold our professions to big business long ago and have yet to reclaim our professions and place as health care leaders/patient advocates. The major burden lies with the insurance and pharmaceutical companies who regulate what and how much we can provide as clinicians. Clean up the system 1st before creating an alternative plan that doesnt have the funding, and may/may not work. Easier said than done, but thats my take.
Posted by: NefertitiBrownMD | July 16, 2009 1:17 PM
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These ideas are very true and this nation must focus on prevention in regards to a lot of healthcare issues.
Posted by: prophetessjnc | July 15, 2009 4:49 PM
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A reasoned approach to a serious issue. We should heed her words.
Posted by: jimtrotter | July 15, 2009 4:12 PM
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Insightful article addressing some very valid points about the complexity of health care issues