By Sue Ellen Miller Spaulding

Anderson resident

“The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling! “In this familiar children’s fable, Chicken Little, (who was hit on the head by an acorn) warned a few farm neighbors of imminent disaster! In our e-mail/media driven age, though, worst-scenario conclusions reach millions in an instant.

But many of the fears in circulation already exist.

Death panels? Insurance companies now have power to make life/ death decisions. Anyone rejected for insurance because of a pre-existing condition, or denied expensive treatment must feel they have received a death sentence.

Does the Constitution guarantee health care for every American? No, it does not, nor does it promise police and fire protection, access to libraries, interstate highways, Social Security, or Medicare; if we lost access to these services and benefits by being laid off, we would be outraged!

Do we really want the government running our health care? Since people could keep their plans, this persistent question is moot, but plays into the widely-held belief that, if the government runs it, it will be disastrous. Considering insurance giant AIG’s recent, disastrous mismanagement, which far exceeded that of any government program, perhaps we should ask, “Do we really want insurance companies managing our health care?”

Obama wants “ill health for America,” a socialist agenda, a Nazi plot! Such assumptions imply evil motives, but maybe the glass is half-full; why not believe the motives are out of concern for all Americans? Sen. Edward Kennedy, among the nation’s most privileged, received the best health care possible for his son, who survived leg amputation due to cancer. Kennedy wrote that “the cause of [his ]life” for all children to have access to quality health care, began with this personal crises and the realization that privilege set him apart. Why has this vision taken on such evil associations? Why can’t we believe the best, instead of assume the worst?

The barrage of negativity comes, in part, from radio hosts who seem addicted to their power to keep people stirred up. This negative image has a loud echo, heard around the world, which has tarnished our standing in the world. This was certainly the outcome for the barrage of criticism towards the previous administration. We should have prayed more and critiqued less, and apparently have learned nothing from that. The atmosphere of hatred and exaggerated accusations divides us, damages our reputation, silences meaningful conversation, and is more of a threat to our democracy than what kind of health care we adopt!

Lost in all the fuss is any sign of compassion for the uninsured. This very newspaper recently carried on its front page the announcement of layoffs from Anderson Community Schools. How many lost their insurance when they lost their jobs? Would we be so sure we were against universal health care the morning after WE became laid off, and found ourselves scrambling for health care? Do we care what happens to our neighbors?

We all recall the unspeakable tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. Out of the grief and devastation, rose unity. The world watched in admiration as we clasped hands across boundaries of politics, class, race: we prayed, volunteered, donated, wept, offered hope; we showed the world that we cannot and will not be destroyed. We found solidarity against a common, vicious enemy. Can we not muster that same spirit when the enemy is within?

We can choose our responses: We can jump to negative conclusions, or study the issues; resort to name-calling, or write to our elected officials with our concerns; circulate every angry message via e-mail, or pray for the uninsured, and for the elected officials who must find solutions; permeate our hours with angry radio voices that incite, or listen to voices that inspire. Maybe we could turn the radio off and, instead, take a walk on one of these gorgeous October days, focusing on positive images and gratitude.

We are a magnificent country, rich in resources. We can solve the health care dilemma by utilizing these creative resources, engaging in healthy debate, and working together. Let us show the world our best side!