When I hear claims that Democrats are trying to implement a complete takeover of the nation’s health care system I envision vast, evil conspiracies and the novels 1984 and A Brave New World. Something in the wording, “complete takeover of the nation’s…” or in the “Pelosi’s government takeover of health care,” sounds sinister and evil. So sinister and evil that even though I strongly oppose the Democrat’s health care proposals I can’t take Republican’s claims too seriously; they seem so over the top.
Up until now I viewed Democratic health care proposals as nothing more than a combination of a poor understanding of economics and a desire for a different sort of world.
It took an excellent column by the New York Times’ David Brooks (relatively conservative yet demonized by the far right) to make me finally realize, or ‘get’ what Republicans are attempting, albeit badly, to say.
“Humans are overconfident creatures,” Brooks explains. “Ninety-four percent of college professors believe they are above average teachers, and 90 percent of drivers believe they are above average behind the wheel.” (Please note that only 50%-1 can be “above average.” No more than that). I’ve seen similar statistics over the years and done my own qualitative research on drivers so I can confirm Brook’s statement; Humans truly are overconfident in many things.
Brooks points out that for several years, up until a year ago, people on Wall Street were the emblem of overconfidence. That hubris has shifted to Washington. “Since the masters of finance have been exposed as idiots, the masters of government have concluded (somewhat illogically) that they must be really smart,” according to Brooks.
Brooks applies his study of overconfidence to the government’s efforts at capping executive salaries, while pointing out that there are numerous other examples of overconfidence. One of his statements caused me to see, and understand, what Democrats are attempting to do with health care, and at the same time, what Republicans are attempting to warn Americans about. Brooks writes, “In moments of government overconfidence, officials come to see society not as a dynamic and complex organism, but as a machine, which can be rebuilt. In such moments, governance and engineering merge into one.”
That phrase, in the context of Brook’s column made me realize; Democrats do want to implement complete control of our nation’s health care system. What kept me from getting it; what is keeping many people from fully getting it, is the simple fact that stating that the Democratic intentions are a complete takeover of the nation’s health care system is simply lousy communications. Lousy communications at its finest, if there is such a thing. The Republicans would have you believe the Democrats are engaged in some great and evil attempt to control health care, the economy, our minds, and bodies. I have no doubt from my extensive reading that there are those extremists on the left that desire this. Both sides have their extremists. But the typical Democratic member of Congress means us no harm. They truly want to help people while also doing the things that will get them reelected. And as Brooks points out, they are overconfident enough to believe that if they, government, have full control of the nation’s health care system they can “manage” it to optimize the outcomes for all Americans.
My conclusions:
1. The term, ‘Republican,’ has come to stand for more than just a governing philosophy. In today’s world it stands for ‘lousy communicator’. The Democrats are not pursuing their policies out of some great evil conspiratorial desire. When Republicans come off sounding as though they are accusing Democrats of such intentions they alienate people they need to communicate with. That doesn’t work.
2. Republicans should spend time stating this more concisely; How about –The Democrats believe that they can solve the nation’s health care problems by establishing centralized control of the system. They believe that health care;
a. Will become more cost effective and higher quality if they manage it from Washington, or;
b. Democrats are unconcerned with the costs and quality of health care as long as every American has equal access.
3. Congress should commission a study of “Overconfidence,” before going further on efforts to control health care. The belief in the benefit of centralized control is ludicrous and dangerous and founded on overconfidence. Democrats need to understand overconfidence and the limits of their abilities.
Brooks concludes with a statement that fits perfectly with this blog’s principle that, “Separation of powers in the Constitution should be maintained vigorously when your party is “In power,” for the day when your party is out.” Brooks notes that Democrats, in their overconfidence, are greatly expanding the federal government’s powers, and as Brooks points out, “the Obama folks never seem to ask how Republicans will use this power when they regain the White House. The Democrats trust themselves to set private-sector salaries and use extralegal means to go after malefactors, but would they trust a future Dick Cheney?”
Brooks writes that he hopes Democrats know what they are doing. I believe Brooks has clearly articulated why neither Democrats nor Republicans know what they are doing and that in of itself is a case for implementing free market solutions.
