We're holding a healthcare debate and need your help!

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Permalink Reply by Pat Coyle on August 9, 2009 at 9:11am

Mike. Nobody's making a dime. Any money goes to Indy Fringe. The only reason we're charging is to make sure people who reserve a seat actually attend. I'm willing to change, but thought I'd clarify for you the reason behind the charge. Let me know if you've got a better idea.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Seidle on August 9, 2009 at 4:38pm

Pat -

I will not participate if money is exchanged. I feel like the charge for admission culture has gone too far and this is an issue where everyone, weather they have money or not needs to understand. It's a fundamental change in our nation's direction.

Also, Steve Keltner is right - this debate will pull people away from the very real and necessary discussion that needs to be had with our elected officials. How about inviting a couple of US Reps and a Senator or two to present to us what the health plan does and does not? How about moderated Q&A (to avoid all the warrgharbl)? I'd be more than happy to help with this kind of thing. But, just another pay to get in meaningless social media meeting? We can do better, and should do better.

I'd be more interested in that because I'm making decisions about who I'm going to support or try to get fired in the next election cycle.

Oh, and I'd be more than happy to engage Linknig Indiana to promote the event.

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Permalink Reply by Pat Coyle on August 9, 2009 at 6:10pm

Mike,
Thanks for the note. I definitely understand your desire to get down to the brass tacks of the Bills being considered. I think an event like that would be great, but this debate isn't intended to be that forum. This is a debate is intended to be a forum where we wrestle with a higher level questions. It is intended to be a discussion in which we explore some of the fundamental philosophies we each espouse, and try to better understand each other and ourselves. I understand this might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I hope at least 80 people come out cuz that's what the room holds.
Pat

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Permalink Reply by Jake Stroup on August 9, 2009 at 10:21pm

I suggest those that want to ensure their seat pay the fee, and a press release be sent to local media advising of an open forum, first come, first seated.

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Permalink Reply by Pat Coyle on August 10, 2009 at 8:41am

Good suggestion...perhaps we could say that if you pay, you can arrive early to claim your seat...then it's general admission after that...what I'd hate to see if a bunch of folks left out in the cold (as it were) if we are full. I may just change it anyway...and not worry so much...my focus right now is getting the teams in place. Without that, we have no debate.

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Permalink Reply by Kirk Booher on August 9, 2009 at 8:44am

Will there be any cognitive thinkers to articulate the 'Right' side? Those who truly believe it is a 'right'.

Let me start by doing putting forth an addendum to our constitution (unless I missed it in my last reading):

We the people of the United States affirm each citizen shall have the right of government paid health insurance, a minimum 1,500 square foot air conditioned home with digital satellite or cable tv, a car with no dings - less than 2 years old and an e.p.a. olf no less than 30 mpg. Furthermore, there shall be a laptop in every home with wifi access.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Keltner on August 9, 2009 at 10:34am

I think a health care forum is a great idea, but I would submit the time for philosophical debate is over. With five short weeks of Congressional recess, it might be better to switch the topic to the reform proposals at hand--thus giving Hoosiers some information with which to call their Congressional leader to express what they would like that reform to accomplish. As an ER provider and educator, I'd be happy to participate is such a forum. Some of my thoughts can be found here:

http://www.votekeltner.com/uploads/Keltnerreform.pdf

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Permalink Reply by Pat Coyle on August 9, 2009 at 4:42pm

The teams are taking shape. There will be 4 or 5 members of each team, and at least 2 members of each team must be Smoosiers.

Ron Brumbarger is captaining the "Healthcare is a Privilege" team. He is in the process of recruiting is squad now.

The "Healtchare is a Right" side will be captained by, Eric Meslin, PhD, Director, IU Center for Bio Ethics. He will be joined by Eric Wright, Assoc. Dean of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI.

If you want to be considered for either team, please drop me a line at pat@smallerindiana.com or leave a note in this thread.

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Faith Wesstrom on August 9, 2009 at 7:00pm

I can't help but take a picture of this at the state fair yesterday.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Grice on August 10, 2009 at 12:49pm

Can't wait for this event, Pat! See you Friday evening!!

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Permalink Reply by Adam Cmejla on August 10, 2009 at 2:54pm

I just noticed that there is now a "free" option on the ticket registration screen? Is it going to be "first come first serve" after the paid members have taken their seats?

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Permalink Reply by Pat Coyle on August 10, 2009 at 3:37pm

I'm in the process of updating and I'm about to make the announcement, but yes...it will be first come first served...but reservations are required since there are only 80 seats in the entire place. It might get a bit messy...but I'm not going to worry about it :-) I'm planning to refund all tickets sold so far - and I'm still hoping people will donate money at the door to Indy Fringe.

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