Obama needs to hold town halls all over the country. He is comfortable talking to people and acknowledging where there are problems and questions. He categorically denied the heinous fear-mongering rumors of death squads and rationing (as distinct from the rationing that happens now). He pointed to the importance of change and the needless waste now (for example, giving hundreds of billions of dollars of subsidies to the health care companies who have record profits).
He was willing to accept disagreement. He was willing to engage in conversation. He was willing to talk to a Republican. The astroturfers were smart not to come to this town hall meeting because they would have been exposed for who they are.
The questions could have been tougher and more probing into the specifics. The President looked ready for them. The big question I have as a supporter of the reform is how can we make sure this is deficit neutral. The truth is we won’t know until the plan is underway. That is scary. But, right now our health care system is adding $10 billion a year to the deficit. So if, let’s say, Obama is off by $5 billion, we are still saving money.
My health care plan didn’t cover emergency room care for me because the nearest hospital wasn’t on the approved list. Thank G-d I can afford it. What if I couldn’t? You, the taxpayers, would have paid. Now, THAT is taking money out of your pocket.
