Health Care Reform

Back in March, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America passed a law that significantly changed our health care system. Leading up to this vote and leading up to President Barack Obama's signing of the bill, there was a great deal of controversy and debate on both sides. I realize that a lot of the changes outlined in the bill will not be taking place for awhile. I will admit that I have not really been thinking about the legislation recently.

I was reading an article in the Good News magazine that brought this topic back to my mind. Specifically it dealt with the issue of whether or not the United Methodist Church supported this piece of legislation. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said the following upon the passing of this legislation, "[M]ore than 350 organizations, representing Americans of every age, every background, every part of the country, who have endorsed this legislation. Our coalition ranges from the AARP...to the United Methodist Church."

Really? I realize that not everyone is familiar with our Book of Discipline. As far as I know, no one is allowed to speak on behalf of the United Methodist Church. The General Conference of the United Methodist Church did vote to say health reform was necessary. It did not advocate for any particular piece of legislation. The General Board of Church and Society seemed to phrasing things in a way that promoted the passing of this legislation. As a result this was interpreted by own own Speaker that we endorsed this legislation. Yikes.

It appears a lot of folks were angered by this result. I wish to keep to myself my own views on health care reform. Regardless of those views, I am disappointed that there is an appearance that our denomination took a stand on this issue. You risk alienating a part of your membership when you appear to be taking a stand on such a controversial issue. I hope the committees and agencies of the United Methodist Church are more careful in the future.

Town Hall Meeting - Sunday's Service.

I had every intention of attending the Oakfield Town Council meeting last night, but I was not able to go. I hope to be able to attend in September. I want to make an effort to be knowledgeable and aware of the affairs of this village. In Oshkosh trying to do that was intimidating...I think it will be more manageable on this level. I did notice earlier this week that Tom Petri would be visiting Oakfield for a Town Hall Meeting.

With all the hub bub over health care and some of the interesting occurrences that have happened at these meetings around the country, I wanted to check it out. I was curious to see how many people would show up. Walking down Main Street, I noticed a lot of cars parked. I could tell this one was going to be packed. That was the case. It was a standing room only crowd.

With one hour for the meeting, Petri fielded a variety of questions and allowed for people to comment. Much of the discussion revolved around concerns regarding health care. Other topics included illegal immigration, off-shore drilling, media bias, and the taking of God out of America.

It was neat to see democracy inaction and it was neat to see a Congressman talking to the people about the issues that concern them. But...I sensed a great deal of fear among the crowd. They were fearful of socialism creeping into America. They were fearful of losing benefits to illegal aliens. They were fearful for a secular United States that lost its religious roots. One man said he was mad at the state of the country, but he didn't know what to do.

* * * * * *

I wish I had an easy answer for that man. Politics aside, there are lots of issues that we are wrestling with. This Sunday, the theme of the worship services at Tabor and Oakfield is about wisdom.Specifically, we will be looking at Solomon's desire for wisdom above everything when God asks him what he wanted. Hopefully, we can learn more about how to proceed in times when we are uncertain, scared and overwhelmed. God bless.