Health reform a three-step process

Both parties agree that health care reform is needed, and soon. I believe it is in the best interest of the Republican Party in general and Republican Incumbents in particular.

The reasoning works like this: Rule 1: Nothing significant gets passed if you antagonize too many folks at one time. Vested interests held by several groups force costs to be high in the U.S. So we must do reform in steps.

Step 1: Trim the health insurers profits, (and greatly extend coverage and assistance). Step 2: Trim big pharmaceuticals' profits two years from now by allowing negotiated pricing for Medicare and other government health care providers. Step 3: Trim malpractice insurance premiums and excessive use of tests by doctors, by placing caps on lawsuit awards.

This third step antagonizes the trial lawyers. To get it done, independent voters will see the need to elect Republicans. Democrats can't be trusted to do Step 3 because it is generally thought that Democrats are in bed with trial lawyers.

So, vote for health care reform now, so voters may trust you to keep Step 1 in place, while you promise to reduce costs with Step 3.

This legislation will become more popular than Medicare. And insurance companies that are competitive will survive. And so will small businesses who are on a level playing field with their competitors. America needs this reform now, and all incumbents who vote against it will be reminded of it by their opponents in 2010.

Terrence Reische

Warrenville