The debate over health care reform is less about what is best for people's health or the economy and more to do with fundamentally differing views on what constitutes a strong, successful, and yes, a healthy nation.

On the right you have the argument that America is a strong, rich country because it has a large number of strong, rich individuals and corporations (albeit less of both lately). On the left, you have the view that a nation's overall success is best measured not by the wealth or well being of a few but rather the quality of life of the majority.

Besides the fact that the conservative position fosters inequality, I worry that such a world view--one that echos "every man for himself"--will lead to the creation of a society composed of people largely detached from those around them; individuals who, even if successful, are lonely, isolated, and pathetically, tragically selfish. Alas, such a condition would make for no real "society" at all. Moreover, we can be sure that the world would be a darker, more depressing place; where the misery of detachment is tempered only by the momentary thrills of consumption: more TV, more beer, a nicer car, a bigger house, a newer iPhone, more stuff, more things, more, more, more...

We must not fail to recognize that the underlying debate on health care reform is not just about health. It's about the health of a nation, one in which we either see ourselves as fundamentally linked by common hopes and dreams, shared histories and values, and a sense of community, or one where we do not. Which will you pick?

Thanks for commenting and recommending.