Is 'national health' really inevitable?

Americans seem to like the idea that stress is our national right. Kind of the foundation of the idea that we will take on the wild and unknown and shun the familiar and safe.

So when it comes to an idea as simple as if you get sick or even if you are not you can see a doctor about a concern or seek advice on how you might be healthier. You pay taxes? No worries. Welcome.

Somehow the rest of the world seems to see this stress as cruel. But not us. This is... well, socialism. If you look at health outcomes, we rank well behind what might appear to be some pretty unhealthy nations. When it comes to spending health dollars, no one can touch us.

So the AMA, generally considered by many to be a very conservative group, says we are ready to take a hit for the betterment of our patients. Even the public option (thanks to the insurance company spokesman Senator Baccus) is part of the "insurance exchange" (a likely windfall for, you guessed it, insurance companies).

When we stop to think about the only reason not to move forward now? Well, it is political. So we are letting fear mongering and disinformation move our gaze away from the obvious. Even The Wall Street Journal now says that not just reform but "national health" will happen like it or not, because we cannot go on as we are. So call, write, speak to your friends and relatives and let's see if democracy really has any hope.

Richard Foulkes, MD

Hinsdale