When it comes to health care, the U.S. is 'double-think nation'

One of my favorite health reporters, Abigail Trafford, has written a cogent analysis of the health-reform debacle in The Washington Post.  She calls ours a "double-think nation" because of the public's ability to hold two contrary views at the same time, which is called cognitive dissonance.

She offers several examples: Rugged individuals who hate Big Brother telling them to wear motorcycle helmets still want government-paid paramedics to save them and government insurance programs to pay their bills when they crash.
 
Double-think is so pervasive in health care, she writes, "that constituents keep telling Congress: 'Don't let the government mess with my Medicare!'" 

Give it a read. Then send your letters to the editor to me at this e-mail.

--Carol Gentry, Editor