A sad day for healthcare

The loss of Senator Ted Kennedy is another blow for healthcare reform in the U.S. For many years he was the force behind the effort to insure universal healthcare for all Americans. Now that it seems we may finally be drawing closer to getting a bill passed, it is sad that Ted Kennedy will not be able to share the joy of achievement. However, there are still forces working against healthcare reform, and Senator Kennedy's death will not turn back those forces, as reported in the N.Y. Times. Those of us who believe in universal healthcare must work harder than ever to make sure that Ted Kennedy's dream does not get frittered away in partisan bickering that does no good for anyone.

Civilized, dignified healthcare may still be ours! (Action still required.)

It's been a dispiriting period for everyone who will ever need health care without the benefit of employer-provided insurance (that would be most of us), but the trajectory may reversing. We start from a low point: California's universal healthcare bill, SB810, was shelved due to fiscal worries. Of all things. Containing medical expense with preventive care and early treatment is part of a solution to individual, corporate, and government fiscal worries. Then, Congress said no, flat out, to single payer healthcare. Insurance companies protested they couldn't compete with a government program, and it would be socialism, too. Hmmmmmm. People agitated heartily, and Senator Baucus opened the door to at least considering single payer. The rhetoric intensified. I woke up earlier this week to NPR's Steve Inskeep badgering HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to assure us there would be no single payer system . The Secretary obliged; he crowed. (Tell us what you really think, Mr. Inskeep. Now we understand why NPR describes you as a "personality" rather than a journalist.) It was depressing and distressing. But wait! Late in the week Senator Dodd, speaking for Senator Kennedy, called his colleagues to task for plans that would still leave millions without any health insurance, and would leave preventive or early treatment our out-of-pocket costs. There was a pause in the rush to publish something, anything, rather than a responsive, responsible proposal. Now, today. The NYT published a survey showing 72% of respondents back a public health care option. 64% of persons earning less than $50,000 (these are people with very little discretionary money, really) would be willing to pay higher taxes for universal health insurance. And, today, the Times ran a thoughtful editorial in full support of a public health insurance option, compared to the alternatives. I'm encouraged. But this is a fragile recovery. Let's keep speaking out for better, meaningful access to healthcare. Our voices make a difference. And our lives depend on it. (League Lady II)

What's on the News?

The dreadful scenes from the tragedy in Blacksburg, Virginia, dominated both network and cable news channels on Wednesday. We know that most people get their news from TV, radio or the Internet, and all three were occupied in pondering questions about what would make a student kill so many people on a quiet college campus. The event led to many questions which are unlikely to ever be answered completely, but our news channels certainly gave the impression that it is important for everyone to ponder them.

Another piece of news almost escaped comment, as the Supreme Court made a decision that marks a dramatic turnaround in the country's abortion practices. Although both the San Francisco Chronicle and the New York Times had editorials on this decision, the news comment was sparse and mostly in print sources. There are no good pictures of women and their doctors trying to maintain the health and safety of patients. This decision is likely to affect thousands of women over the years and may lead to further changes in the law. Whether you are in favor of the decision or opposed to it, this is a time to think about what has happened and what the implications for the future might be.

The League has for many years supported a woman's right to choose, but an even more important right for all of us is the right to hear the news that truly makes a difference in our world. The opportunity to discuss and decide on the crucial issues in today's society is one of the perks of being a League member. Participate and make your voice heard!