Health Care

 Dome of the U.S. Capitol

As I write this, our elected representatives in Washington are engaged in a monumental struggle to alter the nature of our economy.  It's called a health care debate, but since the so-called health care industry in America is a sixth of the overall economy, this debate is assuredly about the allocation of billions of dollars first and foremost.  But it's something else as well.  The contention is also about the way this, the richest, most powerful nation in history observes ancient understandings of civility and compassion.  Do we regard our fellow citizens as equal in their struggle to attain whatever position they may reach, or not?  For as long as there have been social groups, there has been a shared exposure to debilitating illness and injury.  It has long been acknowledged that we share some, albeit limited, responsibility for our neighbors.  We've understood forever that one person's debility affects us all.  Good health being a requisite for contribution by members of the social group, we all have a stake in the outcome of this debate.  Members have a responsibility as well, and that includes at least an attempt to preserve one's health as much as possible.  If nothing else, this debate will bring focus to a national priority that has languished far too long.  Stay tuned.