I’m deeply pleased that President Obama is signing our nation’s health care bill into law today. I have a couple of thoughts about it, and then a parallel in my own work-life.
In my view and perhaps the view of other progressives, millions of people gaining access to doctors and medicine is important, even fundamental to a civilized society, with the government becoming larger merely an unintended consequence of that, a price worth paying. I gather that in the view of many conservatives, the government having a minimal role in our lives is important, even fundamental to a civilized society – and millions of people not having access to doctors and medicine (and the suffering that follows) is merely an unintended consequence of that. A price worth paying.
It’s amazing, as they say, how differently people can see things. But I suggest there is a common ground here, in the same way that pro-lifers and pro-choicers have agreed on the importance of preventing unwanted pregnancies. We can all minimize government’s health-related role in our lives by being aggressive in pursuing our own health. I know, it takes ongoing self-discipline to reach for fruits and vegetables instead of Coke and potato chips, and to exercise daily, like doing a one-mile errand on foot instead of in the car, for example. If we’re sincere about seeking health, though, or sincere about self-sufficiency as opposed to big government taking care of us, those are the kinds of things we do. They’re not exciting or glamorous, and they don’t make anyone a lot of money. In fact, they save money, and contain health care costs for everyone. Let’s do them!
Many of you know that when I’m not blogging or working on my novel I work as a transportation options program manager. I see a good rideshare program here in Oregon as similar to the Unites States’ situation with health care (though without as sharp of life and death consequences). It’s similar in that the need has existed for many years, a lot of people have worked on it happening, and its development has been painfully slow. Also parallel is the fact that a statewide rideshare program is now finally coming together – step by slow step – which is the way that things happen in government. Lest we become too big, or controlling 
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Great article about health care and intense thought about subject matter. It can be said that the author is good critic.