Congratulations to Congress for taking a huge step on the way to a fairer, saner health care system.
The 219 House Democrats who voted in favor of reform fulfilled campaign promises to end an economically crippling system that makes insurance unavailable and unaffordable for far too many Americans. And they overcame odious political shenanigans by Republicans and tea party supporters to accomplish this deed.
Those who backed the bill have been accused of everything from promoting socialism to bankrupting the economy. The spitting, curses and insults moved the discourse well beyond rational debate into political hysteria.
What the Democrats passed is centrist legislation with great promise. It preserves the market-based insurance model while outlawing shameful abuses, including policy cancellations after illness strikes.
The House bill recognizes the right of all Americans to have affordable health care. If the Senate does its part, no citizen will have to fear a job loss leading to a loss of health insurance. No longer will Americans have to consider postponing needed medical care or fear crushing medical debt.
The flaw of the bill is that it demands that future Congresses show more fiscal courage than this one.
To read the complete editorial, visit www.kansascity.com.
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