"Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform." -- Susan B. Anthony

Health insurance reform is certainly being given dramatic rhetorical play in the news these days. While it may be tough to analyze the details of the various bills now pending, it is not difficult at all to see and hear the kind of fear-mongering and terror tactics being visited in particular on senior citizens, while at the same time bemoaning the government provider component of the reform as "socialized medicine." President Obama points out that Federal Express and UPS both compete brilliantly against the government funded Post Office. And what in the world are Medicare and Medicaid if not government-administered programs that no senior wants to see go away? Let's get real!!

For those who have pre-existing conditions like cancer, there is no doubt that there is a need for reform. I had lunch yesterday with the woman who inspired me to begin walking three years ago. We talked about some of the hard costs of chemotherapy, radiation, and medications. How in the world can a poor person without health insurance get by when the cost of some of the prescriptions is, as Julie pointed out, more than a month's rent?

The bill I received from the Princeton Medical Center for treatment in their emergency room in May was over $3,000. I have terrific insurance, so I paid only a small percentage of that bill. Many people do not.

It would be worth it truly for everyone to settle down and actually try to inform themselves on the details of reform. It affects everyone, including many of our fellow walkers who are not able to get health insurance if they lose their jobs and have to pick up another plan.