Health Care Still The Biggest Issue for Americans

Bigger than terrorism.

It's time for Democrats to come out forcefully for a comprehensive solution to the current health care crisis, no matter what cries of "Hillarycare" they hear from the right. I'd rather be on the side of presenting a solution than blocking one. I'd rather be on the side of the average American than the insurance or pharmaceutical industry. Democrats over the past five years have constantly been in "beat-back" mode, always on the defensive as they parry some fresh Republican rollback or privatizing scheme. We can turn this around in one fell swoop by aggressively advocating a health care plan, backed by big business (who needs comprehensive health care taken off their backs in order to get competitive globally), and forcing the Republicans onto the defensive. When your opponent's message can be successfully condensed into "they don't want your grandmother to get her pills," you're in great shape.

This is completely anecdotal, but on my trip to Ireland, where I engaged quite a few locals on the issues of the day, not one of them complained about health care. Probably because public health is cheaper and better, despite the bogus horror stories you hear about it. A recent study by Maine Rep. Tom Allen shows that, even with the new Medicare plan, prescription drugs are still far higher for seniors on the plan than if they try to obtain them by other means. If it was cheaper, we wouldn't continue to see the elderly buying their prescription drugs from Canada (and increasingly, they get them confiscated by DHS, who of course must protect the monopoly).

Once again I find myself screaming for Democrats to be bold. I don't relish having to defend this party oftentimes, a party whose political instincts have nearly flatlined. I have an upcoming post about the need for third parties, so maybe I'll save this rant for later.