Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Fellow Conservatives: Get in the Game on Health Care

"Republicans want you to die quickly." A stunning claim by Congressman Alan Grayson but a theme that is all too familiar: Conservatives hate Americans and don't care if half of America dies to defeat health care reform. They are mean and greedy, more concerned with lining the pockets of big insurance firms. The truth of the matter, for those interested in truth, is that conservatives care about improving access to health care while lowering costs, but oppose any larger role of the federal government in accomplishing this laudable goal. So how did this argument begin and how has it been successful? Conservatives have failed at articulating a cohesive and understandable alternative for reforming health care and thus allowed their opponents to take the offensive in framing the issue. This has the consequence of not only costing conservatives the debate on a crucial issue to all Americans, but leaving voters with a false and damaging impression of what conservative politicians stand for.

Conservatives alternatives for health care reform are numerous and promising. Bobby Jindal wrote an excellent Op-ed for the Wall Street Journal laying out his principles; The Cato Institute has a library of ideas from expanding the role of Health Savings Accounts to leveling the tax deductibility of individual health insurance plans with that of employer based health insurance plans. Many in Congress as well as conservative economists and health care experts such as Congressman Blunt, Paul Ryan from Wisconsin, former Congressman Joe Scarborough, and Larry Kudlow of CNBC have advocated for the elimination of state barriers to allow insurance companies to sell across state lines, opening up markets and increasing the risk pools. Each of these ideas have real promise and strong evidence in support of their probability of success.

Despite this, few Americans are aware of, or understand what conservative alternatives exist and how they can work together. The debate has been framed by Democrats who have told voters that if you are not for their plan, if you are against the public option, you are against health care reform and you don't care about average Americans. The truth is quite different. The choice is really about the role of government. Do you want more or less? Do you want the federal government to take a larger role or would you like to have the free market reform health care?

The term "public option" has given progressives an easily understandable and seemingly simple idea to rally support around. But the polling tells a very different story. Progressives often cite majority support of the public option as a reason why Congress should adopt this policy. True, some polls have reported support as high as 85%. When asked if they know what exactly the public option means however, the findings are startling. In a recent poll, only 37% of respondents could correctly identify a public option as "creating a government funded insurance company that competes with private insurers to offer health insurance at market rates." In a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll, 4 out of 5 surveyed think the current reforms being contemplated in Congress would reduce quality of care, increase personal health care costs, and limit choice. Why would Americans be in favor of a system that they believe will leave them worse off? Because they are in favor of reform and this is the only plan that has been articulated to them.

Conservatives are in favor of health care reform. Conservatives care about their fellow Americans. Conservatives want everyone to live a long, free, and fulfilling life. Conservatives are suspicious of an increased role of the federal government. These principles are not diametrically opposed. Conservatives (read Republicans) cannot be seen as the party of "no." They will not success and, whats more, it isn't true. It is our responsibility to see that this doesn't happen and it is time to stop blaming liberals and Democrats, stop whining, and get in the game. It is morally imperative that conservatives do a better job articulating their vision. When properly conveyed, Americans will choose us on the strength of our arguments. Americans will believe.

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