Hot topic of health care reform calls for cooler heads

Hot topic of health care reform calls for cooler heads

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

(MCT)

The following editorial appeared in the Kansas City Star on Tuesday, Aug. 11:

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It happens sometimes at sporting events. You come to watch the action on the field and end up gaping as a melee breaks out in the stands.

Unfortunately, that’s the scenario threatening to take over what should be a serious debate over how to reform the U.S. health care system.

Around the nation, loutish behavior has disrupted public appearances as members of Congress have come home on summer recess to find a fracas in the bleachers.

Protesters affiliated with anti-tax and limited-government groups mocked U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan last week at a St. Louis-area forum organized by the Democratic congressman. Outside the forum, jeering among activists on both sides of the issue escalated into shoving and led to several arrests.

Elected representatives have a duty to meet with constituents and discuss hot-button issues. They aren’t required to submit to heckling or to referee the verbal equivalent of a mud-wrestling exhibition. Politicians should put audiences on notice that civility is expected.

Productive discussions are certainly possible. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, enjoyed one Monday in Kennett, Mo. She fielded polite questions from a skeptical, largely Republican audience.

Members of Congress also have a responsibility to keep the health care debate grounded in reality.

Republican congressional representatives obviously know that Democrats have no intention of hurrying the demise of senior citizens or tapping into citizens’ personal bank accounts. Republicans should denounce those and other hysterical claims.

Rather than simply opposing Democratic proposals, Republicans should present their own version of a bill that strives to expand access to health care while slowing the soaring inflation rate of medical costs.

Responsible people on all points of the political spectrum agree on those goals. A bipartisan plan would best serve the nation.

Perhaps the most destructive myth being pushed is the falsehood that health care in the United States is working just fine.

It’s not true. Our nation spends more per capita on health care than anywhere else in the world yet achieves mediocre results in comparison to other wealthy nations.

Congress ought to work to substantially reform an out-of-control system that affects everyone. Real action on the field is the best way to quiet down the brawlers on the sidelines.