According to what I hear from the US media, I'm supposed to be very confused and worried about the health care proposals from President Obama. What worries me is that I'm not confused about the health care proposal from President Obama; it seems simple! Of course, if people are confused, then they are likely to be worried, but why are people so confused?
The simple answer is that the press is not doing its job. Instead it is willing to allow politicians and citizens to grandstand and tell lies (read “spin”). The media print editorials full of political blatant distortions and outright lies, broadcast speeches that also contain fabricated problems and create confusion. If a well-known person gives a speech and it distorts the subject, should this be broadcast? If I write an editorial and distort the facts, should it be printed? Expressing an opinion is one thing, but outright lies are another!
Perhaps from the point of view of the US press it's much easier and less expensive to just broadcast or print anything that is submitted or spoken, but that is not the purpose of the media. If you are a propaganda arm of the government or a particular political party, simply parroting what you are told is fine. But isn’t the job of the Fourth Estate to clarify, not obscure? Isn’t your job to filter out the lies and distortions and expose them?
So why is something so simple like "the public option" not explained as just an "option"? I want to read and hear editorials and speeches that clarify and enlighten, not confuse and create fear.
When I listened to President Obama’s speech about health care, I understood what I heard and I understand what I want: the option to buy into Medicare as my insurance. Although the president made it clear we can pay for health care reform by cost savings (or he will cut costs if we don’t) , I would even accept dramatically reducing our bloated military spending to pay for it., Yes, I am willing to risk a Taliban terrorist in Afghanistan coming to attack me so I can go to a hospital without going bankrupt.
I will gladly take that chance for a healthy future for myself, my children and my grandchildren.
Since 2007, Tom and Beverly Westheimer have been going to Chiang Mai, Thailand for four months to escape NH winter. We met and lived in BKK in the 70s for 10 years. We volunteer with http://www.KidsArkFoundation.org, enjoy Thai smiles, warm weather and best of all ... Thai food.
