Nebraska values, Nebraska manners

Some people have been very passionate and voiced their concerns in no uncertain terms, but judging by what I've seen elsewhere around the country Nebraskans set a good example by being polite and interested in having productive sessions, not shouting matches.

High Interest

As I noted to the overflow crowds, interest on this issue is high, judging by turnout and correspondence to my office. I've gone from receiving 43,000 letters the first half of last year to more than 100,000 during the same time period this year.

I understand anxieties and concerns can run high, but when all this is done we all want to make sure we are not worse off than we are now. I can tell you that much of the fear today is being driven by interest groups who are attempting to mislead by putting out myths and misinformation for various reasons. It's easier today than it's ever been because of an abundance of talk radio, blogs, and political commentators from the right or the left.

Nebraskans deserve to get the facts and the truth, not fiction and spin which is what my public meetings were designed to accomplish.

We Want the Same Thing

I have a lot in common with most of those who've come to the meetings, written or called. Most are interested in solving the systemic problems with the health care system as it exists today. They want to get the uninsured covered to eliminate uncompensated care and do it without disrupting their own insurance plans. They would like to slow the rise in their insurance premiums and reduce medical costs and do it without raising taxes or increasing the deficit. They want wellness programs and access to primary care to help Americans lead healthier lifestyles.

Bipartisan Ideas Important

Most Nebraskans at the meetings and those who have written me do not want a government takeover of the health care system. They do want a bipartisan health care reform bill, to make sure it includes the best of everyone's ideas, which in my eyes always produces a much better piece of legislation.

These are the same principles that are guiding me as Congress works toward a final bill this fall. These are principles I believe will improve the system for everyone and must be our approach to solving an issue that affects every American.