Posted by Kristie Arslan - The recent rancor at various district events has left Members of Congress asking for "a little respect, just a little bit, ooo, just a little bit." Where's Aretha when we need her?!
I am all for a hearty debate and an impassioned constituency, but ladies and gentlemen, I think we all need to stop, take a deep breath and count to ten. Call me crazy, but maybe our point of view would be taken a bit more seriously if we tried a different approach. One that did not include screaming, hurling insults and violence.
Yes, change is scary. Especially when that change can affect your health and the health care received by your family. However, there is one thing we can all agree on - the current health care system is broken. The high cost of coverage has left too many people without access to care and forced many to purchase bare bones insurance that still leaves them financially at risk.
If you have concerns, express them - respectfully. If you disagree with the position your legislator has taken on health reform, tell him or her - respectfully. If you think the President is going in the wrong direction on health reform, let him know - respectfully. Go ahead...organize, protest, attend events, let your voice be heard but please, do so respectfully. In my experience, it is better to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
If you are interested in reading about NASE's perspective on how health reform should look, visit NASE in Action.