There has been a lot of flap this week in the various forms of media about a recent White House statement concerning healthcare reform. In reference to tracking potential disinformation and rumors about the developing plans to reform America’s health insurance system, the White House Blog writes, “Since we can’t keep track of all of [these rumors] here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.” (Source: www.whitehouse.gov/blog, August 4, 2009).
It seems innocent enough — or is it? Although it is always important to ensure that accurate information is being circulated out there for citizens to base their informed decisions on, the statement smacks of Big Brother — watch what you think, say, and write, or the secret police will come and get you. Perhaps the statement was just poorly worded … but is it no longer OK for patients and PTs to exercise their right to freedom of speech as they discuss the specifics of a plan yet to be fully developed? I think a spirited debate over the pros and cons of a healthcare plan that will affect more than 300 million people is just what we need right now, rather than blind assent.
What are your thoughts?
Anne Ahlman, MPT
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