| With emotions running high surrounding the health | | | | the biggest reason for being against the current |
| care issue, it's no surprise that the debate continues | | | | proposals. People feel that putting the government in |
| to remain at center stage of political circles. However, | | | | the middle of the equation is a recipe for disaster. |
| average citizens may be confused and uncertain | | | | They point to other government programs that |
| about what the proposed legislation will mean for | | | | promised big and did not deliver, such as Social |
| their own lives. There are pros and cons to each side | | | | Security and Medicare. |
| of the argument when it comes to the health care | | | | Another concern is the projected cost. Most |
| debate. Understanding each position can help the | | | | government proposals don't stay within the bounds |
| average layperson make a more informed decision | | | | of the original bill and this one is already going to be |
| for themselves. | | | | extremely expensive. Opponents also point out that |
| You hear the terms health care and health insurance | | | | the actual cost is being hidden and under reported. |
| all the time, but what exactly do they mean? This is | | | | With the economy already in such dire straits, the |
| a simple definition that must be made before | | | | ability to afford the new services is a real worry. This |
| continuing any discussion. However the terms tend to | | | | has the potential to impact small business, an area of |
| be used interchangeably in many circles. Health care is | | | | the economy that sorely needs assistance. |
| the ability to receive services from a doctor, nurse or | | | | Finally, opponents of the government reform |
| hospital. | | | | proposals firmly believe in the power of a |
| In American, nobody is denied health care. However, | | | | competitive market. Whether one is a small business |
| the financial fallout can be devastating after the fact. | | | | consultant or a huge drug company, competition and |
| Health insurance provides a way to manage and | | | | monetary reward drive inventiveness, according to |
| mitigate the costs of health care. If it works, it's | | | | the traditional mindset. By removing this factor of |
| great, but in practice, that isn't always the case. | | | | competition, opponents believe that the new system |
| Advocates of the proposal currently being introduced | | | | will be built much like a house of cards, that will |
| claim that access to quality health care is a basic | | | | eventually collapse under its own weight. |
| human right. | | | | Whether the American lawmakers on both sides of |
| Nobody should be allowed to suffer because they | | | | the aisle will be able to reconcile is yet to be seen. |
| can't afford to buy insurance or see a doctor and | | | | However, we can look to other countries and see |
| this is the basic point of health care reform. Another | | | | what the possibilities are on both sides of the issue. |
| common point being made is that the health | | | | Democratic countries as varied as Canada, France |
| insurance companies are inefficient and that the | | | | and England use some sort of centralized plan for the |
| system encourages waste and corruption. By | | | | health care of their citizens, but clearly none of these |
| upsetting the status quo, the claim is that more | | | | systems are perfect. |
| people will be given treatment that is fairer to the | | | | The most effective plan may very well offer a |
| average consumer. With money out of the picture, | | | | combination of public and private options. Studying |
| companies will be able to focus on treatment and | | | | these programs can help voters become more |
| better service. | | | | educated and have a better idea of what to advise |
| The opposing side of the debate is equally as | | | | to their own representatives as the process unfolds. |
| passionate about their stance. Personal freedom is | | | | |