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as we recently reported, nearly one in iour residents in Rappahannock County have no health insurance, an astounding 24.3 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau health insurance coverage statistics. Rappahannock is higher than any of its neighboring counties and the state average of 15.5 percent.
At the same time, it’s clear that we have to deliver this care in a fiscally responsible manner. We understand the concerns of the small-business people who wonder how they'll afford to cover the people they employ, and the residents who attend TEA 'Taxed Enough Already) Parties, demanding relief from taxes that are likely to increase. In the big picture, we worry7 about our nation’s debt and what it will mean for future generations.
These two realities must be reconciled in a meaningful way and, the truth is. the failure of our lawmakers — on both sides — to openly and honestly discuss these legitimate concerns is, perhaps, what frustrates us the most.
We have become so embroiled in partisan bickering that those on the right fail to acknowledge the real need for real help for real families, and those on the left are not being forthcoming about the real costs involved. What people hear instead are sound bites and catchphrases meant to incite anger or fear, which, predictably, gets us nowhere.
Unfortunately, many of the people who need this reform the most are overwhelmed with making ends meet, with raising children and canng for elderly parents, with keeping their heads above water.
We need to let our political representatives know that we need them to get real, that talking points and cheap shots are no longer acceptable. They must tell us what they think and listen to what we think, only then can a meaningful conversation begin.
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