In yesterday's NYTimes online there was an excellent summary of what the various aspects of health care reform would mean to everyone: The "bottom line" on the proposed legislation. As we apparently head into a summer of continuing intense debate over this issue -- as the Senate will apparently recess without passing a bill -- we will undoubtedly be bombarded with misinformation from the Right (I've already received dozens or hundreds of "facts" about how "Obama will ration health care" or "the Democrats will take away your insurance or doctor").

Just as we used truth, facts, and reason to get Obama into office and majorities into Congress, we can use the same "ammunition" in defense of and to advance this vital legislation in the tough weeks and months ahead. And the Right is probably right about one thing: If they do stop meaningful health care reform, it will deal a terrible blow to the new administration and the other important work we have to do (as in energy and the environment, education, civil rights, etc.).

So if you haven't yet read this great article, please do. Intelligence and reason are on trial. We've seen how ignorance can ruin the country. We need to convince everyday people, rightfully concerned, that given the circumstances as they are (certainly not as we would like them to be), we've got the best solutions and that we just cannot afford the status quo any longer. And we cannot forget how many lives are truly on the line.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/26/opinion/26sun1.html?emc=eta1