Policy Bombers

As the final days of the health care reform process wind down it seems that once again the desire to do good is being held hostage by those few who think one good triumphs over all others. I'm talking about the no-choice anti-abortion folks. These are the folks who think their particular view on abortion merits federal sanction. They are willing to let real and meaningful health care insurance reform go down the tubes if there's any chance that it might even indirectly make it easier for a woman to exercise a reproductive choice that runs counter to their particular viewpoint. Even the Catholic bishops support universal health care. Much has been said about how the no-choice crowd is willing to vote against their own self interests to elect no-choice legislators.

Faith and perserverance can be good things but this is a case where the dark side of faith comes into play. A basic attribute of a strong faith is that it, almost by definition, defies reason. It's the belief that's important and the facts just don't matter.

People who are unaffected by reason are as difficult to counter as a suicide bomber. There is no consequence that will dissuade them. Not their own self interest. Not even the prospect of a health care system that does a poor job for the most vulnerable and cost too much for us all. Nothing. Nada.

So what do we do? There may be other strategies but the one that comes to mind is to vigorously challenge any candidate or public official who professes an unreasoning faith. Make it clear that anyone who professes a level of faith on this issue or any other that is impervious to reason is unfit for public office. Real facts and real consequences just don't matter to these people and the coming disaster is certain.