INCONVENIENT TRUTHS
The two most important issues facing us today are health care reform and climate change. I think it is fair to say that both issues face enormous obstacles not only in the Congress but from the public at large.
Two reasons. First, America is suffering from a sever case of future shock. To quote the old cartoon character Popeye, "We’ve had all we can stand and we can't stand no more." It has been one expensive problem after another, and people are nervous about taking on more.
Second, there is no real constituency for change. Polling reveals that most folks are satisfied with their own health care, and they aren't all that motivated to embark on a brand new social experiment to take care of someone else’s problem.
As for climate change, it is hard to believe in a problem that isn't slapping you in the face. Unlike other parts of the world, climate change does not resonate all that much with Americans. When you think about it, why would anyone be eager to undertake an expensive restructuring of a major industrial sector (there's that future shock thing again) for a problem that is decades in the offing.
Now, before all those of you who are against both of these measures get too carried away, just remember this. When Social Security was proposed, it was violently opposed by Republicans. They predicted that passage would mean the death of democracy and the birth of socialism.
Fast forward to today. Social Security is considered to be the third rail of politics: Mess with it and your political career is toast. Republicans are just as ardent in their defense of Social Security as the Democrats. Ten years from now, if health care reform gains a similar degree of acceptance, guess who is once again on the losing side of history.
As for climate change … well, time will tell. Somewhere down the line our generation will be held accountable by our children and their children for what did or did not do. For those who have such certitude in their denials of climate change, just remember that it is your kids who will have to live with the choices you are making today.
September 30, 2009
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Tags:
Health Care Reform
Climate Change
