Back Away from the Moment
When historians look back on our age, they will say two things. One, suburbia was a useless baby boomer conceit that society eventually eliminated. Two, the health care battle was an epic saga resulting in...a policy outcome and a changed political landscape. (OK, so maybe I'm being hopeful on the first one.)
At this point, it's uncertain what this health care battle will ultimately result in, and not just from a legislative point of view. Will all the principles being upheld by all sides lead to reform that impacts people's lives?
I say "all sides" because, frankly, the two party system has effectively come to an end. The Tea Party , netroots, the Supreme Court, and newly nascent corporate political entities have seen to that.
So when we look back on today, will we just see a health care reform bill that passed or failed? Will we see an America that coalesced and yet severed on the back of an overexposed public policy sausage making process?
Health care reform has provided everyday citizens with an uncommon peek behind the curtains, and they all reacted differently to the experience. So where does that leave us?
Back away from the moment. Take the long view... and recognize that bill or no bill, America has changed forever.
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