Prof. Goodwin Participates in Panel about Health Care Reform

Professor Michele Bratcher Goodwin, Dr. Gene Farley, an internationally renowned family physician, and Mark Potok, Director of the Intelligence Project at the Southern Poverty Law Center were a featured panel on a nationally broadcast radio program to speak about health care reform and the growing concern about the tone and tenor of town hall meetings on the subject. Goodwin made clear that health care reform is not a partisan issue, but one that republicans and democrats both understand as a fiscally responsible issue to address. She explained that the growing tide of frustration revealed in the meetings can be attributed to a number of factors, including the fact that Americans remain confused about a health care reform plan, because there are several on the table. She said that Americans want to know how the plans will affect them, including costs. Some of these issues are difficult to work out as the various plans are being modified and members of Congress cannot yet confirm what will remain in the legislation. Goodwin said that members of Congress are doing a better job in recent days by reaching out to the public and personalizing the message of health care reform. She concluded her remarks by cautioning listeners to become better informed about the health care proposals being vetted by members of Congress.