What happened yesterday morning is historic. I am thinking to my days in medical school (1983-87) when several of us started a "health policy discussion group." Our primary concern - universal coverage. Health care had just crossed 10% of GDP and we talked about the catastrophe that would befall our nation if we ever got to 15%. We also thought that reform was just around the corner....because it HAD to be!
In the ensuing 25 years I have watched the number of uninsured swell from around 30 million to nearly 50 million, and health care expenditures approach 18% of GDP. I have also watched every attempt at reasonable reform fail, even when we've had a Democratic president and congress. To think that we are on the verge of enacting a bill that will insure 30 million Americans, protect others from the worst abuses of the industry and create mechanisms to (hopefully) bend the cost curve is simply extraordinary when seen through that lens. And, it leaves us in an entirely different starting point for future legislation.
Is it imperfect? Absolutely. Would I have liked to see a robust public option and better subsidies? For sure. But . . . oh my God . . . is this a huge step forward! For a moment, let's put our cynicism and various disappointments aside and just celebrate what we've helped make happen!
It was entirely possible (and certainly within range of a smart gambler's wager) that health care reform would fail again this time. The President and his team, as well as congressional leaders, made a series of calculated decisions - some right . . . . some probably wrong, that helped get us here. While I will continue to fight to improve this bill in conference, and will support future efforts at enhancement, I, for one, am most appreciative and savoring this victory.
Happy Holidays!
Update [2009-12-25 18:2:14 by James Ty]:
Thank you! This is my first diary, and on the rec list. I'm humbled....