Hi, I've written a few diaries on health care so far, some in an attempt to be helpful, and some in a perhaps ill-advised attempt to make a snarky point. I have looked at the data and the arguments to my own level of satisfaction, and have come to my own viewpoints of the merits and flaws of the bill, and my own conclusion of its overall worth. Many of you have as well.
I would like to join in an agreement with those who agree with me, and those who don't.
I personally believe the bill is worth it. Not by just a little bit, but by a lot. I believe with a full sense of emotional certainty that this bill will overall improve things, in many different ways: greater security among those who are sick and fearful, in the pocket books of our poor and working class, and decreasing the rate of growth in our health care spending. Concluding in this manner has led me to debate and argue other people from that point of view. I've probably been 80/20 on the respectful/disrespectful ratio in my arguments. I know I can do better, but it is difficult when one person with pure emotional certainty is up against another with pure emotional certainty, but from the opposite viewpoint.
So here is my promise. Down the line, whether a year from now or four years from now when things take effect, if I turn out to be wrong, I will remember this feeling, and I will examine it, take it into account, and learn from it. I will not rationalize it, I will not ignore it. I will let it affect my world view.
My challenge to those of you reading it, whether you agree with my thoughts on health care or completely disagree with them, is to do the same. If you agree with me and the whole thing ends up a waste of time, remember your optimism and take into account that it was misplaced, and accept why. If you disagree with me and health care ends up working better than your expectations, remember your pessimism or cynicism and take it into account and develop more trust and belief going forward. Either way, remember your current feelings, examine them, take them into account, and learn from them. Do not rationalize them or ignore them. Let the experience affect your world view for better or for worse.
Please comment below if you agree to sign on to this pact.