Health Care Reform Should Include a Public Option

Hello Socialism: A Political Column

Unlike America’s weak kneed “liberals,” this column will champion the logic and practicality behind socialism, uplifting it from a falsely portrayed concept and fear-inducing political smear. President Barack Obama has attempted to push through vital healthcare reform, advocating some stellar socialist ideas, but looks likely to fail. He should succeed.

For one thing, one cannot easily argue against reform. America has 46 million people without coverage, spends more than any country per capita on health care and has the highest rate of chronic illnesses (the most expensive). In a recent poll of numerous developed countries, Americans come up as the least satisfied with their care. Most countries with a more socialist health care system rank better in all of these indicators. That is why we need a total overhaul that involves a public option to allow everyone access to less expensive insurance.

Obama made mistakes pursuing his goals. He told Congress what he wanted and expected a bipartisan compromise. To me, that seems delusional. With his Democratic majority, Obama needed to lead, not direct. He could have given them his own bill or acted more decisively in general. Obama underestimated the ability of conservatives to spread false rumors. Think of “death panels,” the accusations of fascism, raising taxes to pay for abortions and worries over insurance being taken away, all ridiculous. In truth, a majority of people support Obama’s plans. A recent www.pollster.com poll showed that 62% of Americans would more likely support a plan if it included a public option. Congress needs to pass Obamacare because it’s what the people want and it is best for the country.