<p>As entrepreneurs we are as focussed as any individual or organization on the bottom line. &nbsp;It's a pure and simple fact of survival as a businessperson that we must make money to stay alive. &nbsp;As President Obama presented his healthcare case to Congress and the American people, I had a sudden epiphany about the whole debate. &nbsp;And believe me, it is of major concern to all of us in terms of the United States remaining a leader in the world. &nbsp;As our politicians, media, and the general public spew more vitriolic and mean-spirited barbs because of their selfish positions on health care as a private vs. public matter, I sit dejectedly with my thoughts that we, as a nation, are too divided at this critical time.</p> <p>As a therapist who works with families and couples, I see the creases of concern on their faces when the mention of healthcare costs come up, including my fees. &nbsp;I'll work with all of my clients to meet their financial limitations just to do the work at this difficult time. &nbsp;While I'm not a complete soft-hearted mamby-pamby, I cannot turn away clients who are hurting and struggling financially because everyone deserves to have hope. &nbsp;If there were a true public healthcare option, similar to Medicaid or Medicare, my clients would get my counseling expertise, and the government would pay me. &nbsp;I would love to get a check from Old Uncle Sam, instead of paying one each April!</p> <p>A Public Option. &nbsp;What would that really look like? &nbsp;Well, for one thing, it would take the pressure off of entrepreneurs like us to have a "sick day" fund, or carry the ridiculously named "disaster" insurance policy. &nbsp;There would be a large pool of money from our taxes that would pay for medical care. &nbsp;Not insurance against getting sick or hurt. &nbsp;Imagine if you could apply all of your energies and talents doing what you love, without the health expense albatross around your neck? &nbsp;Why is that France, Germany, the UK, Australia, and many other developed countries have this figured out, and we're still fighting about it?</p> <p>I have a number of friends who are big fans of free enterprise. &nbsp;So am I. However, I argue that we have too many hard-nosed capitalists who think that the free market methodologies provide a platform for them to get as wealthy as possible, irrespective of the hurt they perpetrate on others (Bernie Madoff is the favorite whipping boy in this category, but the list is quite long). &nbsp;Now, here's the kicker. &nbsp;</p> <p>If you happened to be a titan of the health insurance industry in this country, your raison d'etre is to maximize shareholder value. &nbsp;To maximize shareholder value, you must maximize premiums, and minimize costs to make a healthy profit each quarter, and return shareholder value. &nbsp;As the President told us, that imperative drives insurance companies to deny coverage to the sicker persons in our society, while keeping as many healthy folks on their rolls. &nbsp;Drop coverage for the guy with lung cancer, and keep increasing the costs for those who stay healthy and vibrant.</p> <p>On the other side, Ted Kennedy stated the best reason to endorse a massive change in our health care system. &nbsp;"It's only fair to all Americans to have the kind of healthcare I have, especially if they cannot afford it." &nbsp;Kennedy was a wonderful man in terms of his generosity of spirit in recognizing his great fortune, while still championing the needs of the struggling. &nbsp;Well, it's a struggle for my family to pay insurance premiums of over $1,000 each month. &nbsp;We're not doing too badly either. &nbsp;Still, we're willing to do what it takes to cover the needs of the many who are one health emergency from personal disaster. &nbsp;It's just not right for hard-working entrepreneurs or others to face this dilemma.</p> <p>So, my friends, stay hungry for that big contract, order, or paycheck, but don't lose your humanity over the chase for riches. &nbsp;I cringe when I hear someone say at a Biznik function that making as much money as possible is objective #1. &nbsp;How about making enough for you and yours, while keeping a small slice for helping a friend, neighbor, or colleague? &nbsp;I believe that capitalism with compassion i more important now than ever. &nbsp;Let's show the way.</p> 2009-09-11T17:36:02Z 2009-09-14T05:15:17Z -2.22931 1942 6423 true 21 21165 capitalism-with-compassion 196 2009-09-14T07:14:56Z 2009-09-14T05:15:17Z

At a time when our lawmakers and president are struggling with healthcare reform, I had a great epiphany about what's truly at the root of the discord: Free enterprise and human weakness.

1 2009-09-14T05:15:17Z