Delay Until They Know What They're Doing

Health care reform is not a simple matter. What's the rush if the legislation remains in the current unkempt mess it currently is in? This legislation isn't anywhere near completion.
Last week I asked the readers of my chronic pain blog to comment on reining in costs and the replies were passionate, thoughtful and often, surprising. Approximately 90 percent of the 150 comments I received expressed fear, apprehension and bitter disappointment in the facts that are slowly leaking out to the public about this 1000 page document. The citizens in America have strong opinions on this issue and their representatives had best be listening.

One of the factors I liked was the candid honesty expressed by my fellow citizens. Most of them threw political correctness aside and spoke from their viscera and often, from their hearts. They are worried about how we are going to keep small businesses up and running; will it effect their jobs and how and where is the money going to be spent. Most expressed fear about the trillions of dollars, their dollars, being treated with such gross disrespect. Another common theme they expressed was the need for cutbacks in benefits for those individuals who are in this country illegally. The public is sick of picking up the tab for those who are breaking the law by being here. Another concern, often expressed by medical personnel, was the need to clean up the process of qualifying for medicaid. Several suggested drug tests should be required monthly for those receiving medicaid as well as more vigorous efforts made to find jobs for those individuals who are able to work.

The high costs of drugs is a common worry as well as the abuse of the emergency rooms throughout our country. Many citizens I heard from expressed grief and melancholy over the way things used to be in the field of medicine. I can say, the emotions are running high across this country. People want some change, but they don't want the government interfering anymore than it already is. There is also an appalling lack of faith in the government being able to do a good job of coming up with a working plan due to their past experiences with bureaucracy. Only a small handful of individuals felt the President should be allowed to "take charge," but there is also a deep and violent fear of "socialized" medicine.

By Sue Falkner Wood  |  July 28, 2009; 1:07 AM ET  | Category:  Health Care Reform , Leadership
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