I was at the forum described in the Tribune's Nov. 27 article, "Coleman hosts health care forum in Willmar." I was impressed by Sen. Norm Coleman's discussion of what's wrong with our health care system, and his proposals to cure what ails it.
His proposal to provide government grants to help get health care technology up to speed is excellent. When Rice Memorial Hospital and rural hospitals across the state can share information with physicians across the nation at the speed of DSL, patients will benefit.
Coleman also suggested that incentives such as tax credits be offered to level the playing field for those buying health insurance outside of their employment. This is an excellent way to make health care more affordable for middle-class families who are feeling the brunt of the health care crunch. This, coupled with preventative care, will help keep Americans healthier and out of the emergency room, driving down the price all of our citizens pay for health care.
The senator also pointed out that in solving these problems, the "devil is in the details," which the reporter who wrote this piece quickly demonstrated by quoting Brian Melendez, state DFL chair. Melendez's comments criticized the concrete proposals that were presented as mere "platitudes," while offering no solutions of his own.
I had to leave early, but I did not see Melendez in attendance so I am wondering two things. How did he know they were "just platitudes" and why is his opinion of any value if he was not there? To solve this and other problems, we cannot just be against whatever the other side proposes, but try to find common ground. While I disagree with Coleman on a number of issues, I believe he is sincere in his efforts to find a solution, as evidenced by specific proposals mentioned in the West Central Tribune.
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Roland A. Nissen
Willmar
