On health care reform, the choice between the Democratic and Republican candidates is crystal clear. The two leading Democratic candidates tell the American people the truth about the American health care system – it is too expensive, leaves out 50 million people, and burdens employers. One can argue that the Clinton and Obama plans do not go far enough toward creating universal single-payer coverage that citizens of other developed countries take for granted, but at least the Democrats are talking about steps toward solution. By contrast, McCain and the Republicans offer nothing but tired rhetoric and more tax breaks for people that do not need them. If you cannot afford health insurance, then putting aside money into a medical savings account is a cynical, if not blatantly cruel “solution” to the problem.
This recent editorial in USA Today highlights the uphill battle we face as the media seek to muddy the waters and muddle the public.
The editorial notes that health care costs per person in the United States are double the per-capita rates in other countries, including Canada and the members of the European Union. It grudgingly admits that many Americans lack health insurance and therefore access to quality care. However, the rest is nothing but disinformation.