By Lynn Saternow
Here are some thoughts from a guy who has a complete understanding of the national health issue which so many people think is complex.
Sure it’s something like a gazillion pages long and contains clauses and addendums that would take the mind of an Einstein to comprehend. Sure the language is so convoluted with legalese that it could confound Clarence Darrow.
However, here is the complete understanding that I have of the bill: It has to pass now. It’s probably now or never.
How can the greatest country on earth have 30 million people who don’t have insurance? How can so many other countries take better care of their citizens than we?
We’re a country of people who will rally around a country like Haiti in time of disaster, yet we have people who will die of hunger or illness right here in the United States.
Here’s what I understand about the health care issue: It’s a subject that the government has considered for about 100 years. Teddy Roosevelt first brought up the idea about a century ago.
Many presidents since have tried to deliver a health care package and every time politics came into play. Now the Republicans are trying to derail the issue, as lobbyists from health care and insurance groups try to drive the votes.
Yes, there are problems with any bill. The big issue for many people is the amount of money that will be spent for abortions. Once again religion is a sticking point for people despite the so-called “separation of church and state.”
What I understand best is that we need to pass it now. Despite the problems that Democrats and Republicans may have, we can always tweak the law at a later time. Issues can be debated and altered in future years.
But as Obama says: “If not now, when?”
If not now, maybe never. Or maybe another 100 years.
What I do like is that our president is finally taking charge. When Teddy Roosevelt brought up national health care, his motto was: “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Obama not only carries a big stick, he’s speaking loudly and he’s speaking clearly.
He’s backing the Republicans into a corner and pretty much threatening Democrats who may be wavering on backing the presidency and the party on health care.
It’s time to push a law through. Let’s worry about the changes later.
If not now, when?
• Last week I wrote about the upcoming open call for the Senior Follies, but I left out the date. The signups for the follies are from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at the Shenango Valley Senior Center, North Buhl Farm Drive, Hermitage.
The theme is “The Best of Ed Sullivan” and acts, dances or songs should be related to performances that were on that show. The follies, for people 50 and older, are a lot of fun. There is plenty of room in the chorus for singers also. See you there.
The Herald’s Lynn Saternow writes this column each Saturday for the Opinion page. He can be reached at lsaternow@sharonherald.com
