No need for abracadabra

Health-care reform is not a fairytale, though it often seems to be an elusive dream. And that dream, in order to be realized, needs good politics as well as good policy. Looking back across the American landscape, great presidents, led by an enduring sense of urgency, dared to birth a nation, end slavery, champion citizen rights, broker a Square Deal, a New Deal and ultimately a Fair Deal. Change agents have fought tirelessly to advance the American domestic agenda, though universal health coverage has never been among the purse.

What about now? Time remains of the essence. Meaningful reform and not an artificial cutoff should be the priority. Too often in a rush to be efficient we become less effective. Neither must we deliberately delay or prolong a solution, yet we must build a foundation, upon which progress can begin.

Still is the 2009 deadline necessary? Yes, if none other than to serve as a wake-up call, and a due date, rather than an expiration or "best when used by" clause. Why? Because every day in the status quo is another day someone is denied access, loses coverage, avoids treatment or halves a pill because they cannot afford to be healthy. And truthfully, it is within our power to bring considerable change.

At the stroke of midnight on the close of the 2009 session, health-care reform will not magically turn into a pumpkin. Suffice to say, the answer lies partially in a timeline, but more so in steely resolve.

Like the fabled Cinderella, our one glass slipper may be that down-payment on a more perfect system. History has shown us that incremental victories can be potent in the run-up to seismic change. Though having a fairy godmother (instantaneously hatch 60 senators or better, turn a pumpkin into a bipartisan bill), would be less messy, the alternative to do it ourselves would be no lesser feat.

So, all magic aside--those superheroes we need are dressed not in capes or costumes, but wear everyday clothes, resemble the reflections we see in the mirror and bear names not too unfamiliar from our own. Oh, and last but not least, our moment is now. The baton is in our hand and the gun has fired. Most likely, it won't be a sprint, and hopefully neither a marathon. Too many wait.

By Chris T. Pernell  |  November 17, 2009; 6:46 PM ET  | Category:  Health Care Reform Save & Share:                 
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