Integrity, full transparency needed NOW in health care reform discussions and process

Can the theatrics! Kill the spin! Stop the cameras! Enough of health care "reform!"

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said President Obama is willing to "add various elements" to health care legislation suggested by Republican lawmakers during an upcoming bipartisan meeting on the topic. But he won't change the entire plan and he is "absolutely not" hitting the reset button on the legislative process.

The 2,000-plus page "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009" H.R. 3200 '' bill contained zingers: Government auditing of self-insured businesses, health care rationing, no choice in benefits, illegal immigrants covered, real-time access to Americans' personal finances; direct access to our bank accounts for elective funds transfer, subsidies for unions and community organizations like Acorn and on and on and on.



Talking heads will shift the debate to arguing whether these points are or are not included, or if they are valid points. The real focus must be on communication integrity and process transparency.

It's absolute negligence to throw any health care bill like this –- whatever its final number of pages or provisions -- before lawmakers for a vote without analysis, debate and total transparency on all its provisions.

Offering only 72 hours to examine this bill is a joke for legislation of this magnitude. The consequences of this government action are too consequential to politically ram down the throats of "We the People." The approach has been an absolute attack on the intent of our democracy, an assault on our freedoms and a blight on our political system.

Americans deserve better. Shine the light of transparency on the details and all the deals. "We the People" have the time. "We the People" can objectively judge if the detail is right and if this is sound public policy.

Kentucky is not on the list of states moving to enact language on States Freedom of Choice in Health Care initiatives. It should be, especially considering the Washington crowd has lost all integrity, credibility and trust on this issue.