Obama's Health care Reform Speech

I am sure most people reading this know that Obama gave a key speech regarding the state of the health care reform legislation on September 9, 2009. (Obama’s Health Care Speech Text) This speech has been long awaited because it would provide details of the reform bill for those of us unable to understand the legal language in the actual bill (Obama’s Health Care Bill – Actual Text) Obama’s health care speech was both informative and empowering. It is wonderful to see the President lead the country on resolving an issue that has been stalled for many years now. The goals of the proposed health care reform include:

1. to increase stability to the insured
2. to provide coverage to the uninsured
3. to slow down the rising rate of health care costs
4. to demand responsibility on the part of the government, insurance companies, employers and individuals.

Obama addressed the qualms that arose about his reform plan, while addressing the presumed political tactics that have been employed to sway the public. Furthermore, he left room for compromise and bipartisan approach to solving a national crisis. Through his speech, Obama challenged the Congress to put aside the political views, the political enmities, and most importantly put aside personal gain. Rather he wants to approach health care as a united front (more on the hackling incident below). I think this particular point will be his winning ticket because the average US citizen just wants better health coverage, and sooner the better!

Just as hind sight is 20/20, I felt that his speech should have further addressed certain aspects of the reform bill. As a future physician, I would like to know more about the effect of the new health care bill on “defensive medicine.” From the looks of it, the new reform will focus heavily on making sure that coverage is provided at a competitive price. Nevertheless, it is equally important to maintain a national standard of care. I would have liked to learn more about how the reform will ensure the price for insurance coverage is not being paid by a decrease in the quality of care provided nationally. Lastly, the American College of Physicians has alerted us of the approaching shortage of primary care physicians. I want to know how and if this reform bill will address the shortage and encourage future medical graduates to pursue primary care.

All-in-all, the speech was a commendable beginning to this process of health care reform. I am looking forward to the coming weeks of debate on this topic. It will make us think critically, as a nation, about where we stand now versus where we would like our health care to be for our future.

On a side note, Re: hackling the President.

Representative Wilson of SC, I have a few words for you. South Carolina is considered a gem of the US because of its hospitality. What will your constituency think of your lack of hospitality for the Commander-in-Chief? I thought the army was respected in the South? You should know that – since all your sons are in the army. As per your website, you serve as “a Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, the Committee on Education and Labor, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs.” Foreign Affairs??? I am sorry, but I thought you hackled at the point when President Obama stated that reform legislation would not mandate health care for illegal immigrants. And you are responsible for Foreign Affairs? I am sorry, but I do not want you to represent this country on matters pertaining to foreign affairs, especially not in front of other people. Since you are unable to abide by the code of a Congressman, maybe it would be best that you leave the representation of your state and the US to someone with more dignity, decorum, and grace. In parting I would only like to say: No hackling the President…ever! Thank you.

[Via http://ankitasagar.wordpress.com]