Written by Lisa Beebe   

The Founding Fathers, via the Constitution, envisioned representational
government. A Congress that abides by the wishes and needs of the
populace.

Not the case with health care. Congress is abiding by the wishes and
needs of their pocketbooks. And it's so blatant. Special interests and
lobbyists rule the day.

Suddenly, we're worried about cost. We weren't worried about the cost
of two wars or fancy weapons. Money for death and destruction. But for
vital health care... What's wrong with this picture?

What we really need is campaign finance reform. But that is even harder
than health care.

Regarding health care, the populace wants and needs low premiums and
better coverage.

I lived in Spain for three years. My health insurance was $5 a month; a
doctor's visit $2 plus a coupon. Back in the U.S. my health insurance
was $700 and we all know what doctors charge. Something was amiss.

The current Senate bill does nothing to lower costs and improve
coverage. But it does provide the gouging insurance companies with
millions of new customers -- at any price.

Not reform at all. Gives the lie to that term.

Competition is a hallmark of capitalism. It is missing in the insurance
industry and in this bill.

A public option or extended Medicare might have provided this, but
they're gone.

Without competition there is no incentive to lower prices. Greed rules
the day.

Who is represented? Certainly not the populace.

Of course, there remains the conference committee process whereby the
House and Senate bills are merged into one piece of legislation to be
possibly blessed with the president's signature.

"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."
-- Jack London

Faith that the thing can be done is essential to any great achievement.
-- Thomas N. Carruther