It’s Our Country, Whether We Like It or Not

by Tim on April 14, 2009

10-08aReaders not comfortable leaving a comment below may send feedback to: timsize@rwhc.com.

Americans on both the political left and right have finally found something to agree about. And in my opinion, they both have it wrong. Both sides now tend to say “this” country instead of “our” country. This matters because words represent ideas and ideas lead to or away from useful action.

You’d expect a visitor from overseas to say “this country” when they visit America. I’d expect an economist to compare this country to that country. But for those of us who live here, and aren’t writing a research paper, I believe we have a responsibility to think and say “our country.” Not as in “my country, love it or leave it,” but as in the sense that all of us here are part of America, its flaws and its unique blessings alike, whether we like it or not. [click to continue…]

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An Opportunity for American Healthcare

by Tim on April 14, 2009

Readers not comfortable leaving a comment below may send feedback to: timsize@rwhc.com.

Even with or maybe because of the economic downturn, healthcare “reform” is back on the front burner. The fall election results were a lot about seeking economic stability and security. Healthcare reform is part of that search. The severity of Federal and State government deficits make reform harder but not impossible.

1-09aI have never liked the word reform. It implies good people fixing bad people. “Bad” kids used to be sent to reform school. Or we need to reform how we finance elections to limit bad things from happening. We won’t improve American healthcare by reforming millions of dedicated clinicians and healthcare workers. We won’t improve healthcare by reforming away care that most of us like. Most of us can afford our out of pocket healthcare costs, if we keep our jobs. [click to continue…]

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What’s Next

by Tim on April 14, 2009

Readers not comfortable leaving a comment below may send feedback to: timsize@rwhc.com.

3-09b2

This is the best of times and the worst of times. I’ve always wanted to start with this line taken from the beginning of Charles Dickens’s “A Tale of Two Cities.” It certainly fits well today. Some may quibble with the “best of times” but as an aging optimist, each new day above ground is always welcomed.

President Obama has now signed into law the largest economic stimulus bill we have ever seen in the U.S. There are without a doubt some good things and some not so good things in it. Strong feelings for and against the wisdom of many of the provisions exist. [click to continue…]

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