Issue Forum: Health Care in America

December 14, 2008

First, this blog is an experiment seeking solutions hopefully to the point where we can arrive at a consensus to some of the problems/issues we all face in America. My opinion is that solutions for improving America can be accomplished by the collective wisdom of many; instead of my narrow and limited view. So, the first issue (out of about 65) to start off is related to health care.

Second, just like running a successful business, you only need to be successful once. You can fail many times. So, I am not expecting one big solution to improving health care in America. The goal is to propose many solutions from various perspectives. So, we value all positive and constructive input.

Third, every solution will face harsh criticism from the status quo whom want to keep health care in America static; or advocate by their argument to why we should dismiss a consensus solution we all agree to; that is adverse to their interests. For example, health insurance and drug companies motivated by profits/greed.

Fourth, it will require input from many diverse people. For example, consumers , care-givers and policy-makers.

Fifth, it is easy to complain, whine and be cynical. But offer no solution. But maybe if we are lucky, we will like in business, get one or two solutions where there is a consensus of most of us. On the other hand, if you just want to complain about a specific health care situation for the benefit of many, without any solutions (which is OK), please be as brief as possible.

Sixth, I will do my best to merely moderate. I may seek facts, clarification or elaboration only as is needed that moves the issue in a positive direction.

Seventh, issues need some geographic context. So, keep that in consideration if your issue is local, county, national or global.

Eighth, sub-issues are anticipated depending upon interest. For example, maybe a lot of discussion starts focusing on a particular drug policy or health insurance. We will try to figure out how to separate sub-issues within a broad category such as health care.

Finally, it is OK to counter-argue a post by someone else. Just try to be civil about it. This is not a blog to be witty or used for your personal entertainment. Our simple goal with this blog is be informative and reflective on what people such as yourselves, consider as possible solutions to making America and Kansas a better place to be.


General Disclaimer: My personal goal is to merely find someone far better at being your representative than myself. I am tired of waiting for a politician that will discuss issues in detail with specificity including proffering solutions warranting your vote. So, welcome to an issue-based forum. We proffer no professional advice; nor assume any responsibility for content contained herein.

And if we start getting some posts, I will do more work on improving the blog format.

ts