New Opportunity for Leadership

Based upon polls, a large segment of our population continues to be concerned about the health care legislation that was passed last year. Now that the House of Representatives has repealed the legislation, efforts will likely take place in the Senate to do the same, but repeal in the Senate does not look promising. Furthermore, the President threatens a veto if repeal occurs in the Senate.

Because so much dissatisfaction exists with the new health care legislation, it creates a prime opportunity for the President to lead Congress through another look at the health care law and enact changes for the better. This would be a much better alternative than veto threats, along with the Senate refusing to budge.

The health care legislation has many flaws that need to be corrected. Too much Federal Government control was built into the law which over regulates doctors, patients, and insurance companies. The law fails to effectively reduce costs for all patients, while mandating that we purchase insurance regardless of the fact that premiums are likely to increase. Most of the debate severely critized insurance company policies, without dealing with increased costs generated by the rest of the medical industry.

It is very possible to remodel the legislation into a law that is more palatable to everyone, and that meets the needs of our society. However, it will take leadership on behalf of the President and Congress to get this done. We hope they are capable of doing so.