Pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will

“The challenge of modernity is to live without illusions and without becoming disillusioned.”

“I’m a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will”

Antonio Gramsci, 1891-1937

Every now and then I scatter the blogs with pessimistic words regarding our current representation in Washington and the prospects of health care reform. It can be no other way – Max Baucus is indeed a mediocre soul, devoid of vision or any other inspirational qualities. Dennis Rehberg is a creature of wealth, smart and quick with the rejoinder, but lacking a feel for the troubles of ordinary people. He lives in service of wealth, including his own. Jon Tester is an unfolding book, but the early chapters make me think that it’s pulp fiction, cheap and predictable.

We hiked with friends over the weekend, and saw before us the destruction done by pine beetles. It’s everywhere, and it’s serious. One consoling thought was that the forest lives on, that our lifetimes are short and we don’t see the forest in its longer setting. Over time, destruction is improving the forest. Those trees that survive are resistant, and their progeny will be more durable. But it’s a slow process, and so it is easy to be sad in the present.

In the health care debate, there is progress. Many have acknowledged the failings of our system who before thought us the best in the world. People are now intrinsically aware of the problem of insurers resistance to covering the poor, the old, and the already sick. There is even some progress in public awareness of how other countries have it better, do it better than us. The principle of universality seems to have grown deeper roots among us.

We have to accept small progress as the best progress we can have. And we have to acknowledge the law of unintended consequences – that massive changes in our current system might bring disaster, a return to the old ways, and in the end, a setback.

Single payer never had a chance, and a national public option will likely be perverted into service and subsidy for the insurance industry in some form.

So let’s look for progress where it exists:

1. San Francisco as instituted a true and strong public option, and it is working. People are saving thousands of dollars annually, and receiving the same level of care as those who have those gold-plated Blue Cross policies. That example is going to spread.
2. Massachusetts has taught us the foolishness of trying to build universal coverage with the private insurance model. It cannot work without massive subsidy, and in the current environment, we are tapped. Massachusetts serves as a bad example.
3. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) has introduced a bill that garnered support from both parties that would preserve the right of individual states to institute single payer if they so choose. This might be a good place to draw a line and stand and fight: States’ Rights. There will be small breakthroughs, as in San Francisco, and then, just as it played out in Canada, good example will spread.
4. I hear very little praise for Max Baucus anywhere – he is reviled nationally, and even here in his home state the scales seem to be falling from some eyes. Montana is best represented by a Republican, as that is the majority of our population. Perhaps the person who takes Max’s seat will be one of quality and compassion, with the ability to both listen and lead. We’ve not had decent representation for many a year. We’re due.

That’s all I got right now – pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the soul. I’ll do some ‘PS’s below as other reasons for encouragement occur to me, and ask I my seven readers to add to my list.

Have a good day.