Disillusioned Americans Weigh in on Health Care Stalemate

As President Obama and Congress remain deadlocked on health care reform, a group of everyday Americans who had once been enthusiastic about the process are now expressing growing frustration and disillusionment. These individuals, who had been invited to attend a White House summit on health care last year, had hoped to see significant progress on reform. However, they feel that the current impasse is a result of Republicans' intransigence and special deals made by Obama and Democratic leaders.

Key Takeaways:

• Seven "everyday Americans" who attended a White House summit on health care last year are now disillusioned with the current state of the reform process.
• These individuals, who had initially supported President Obama's efforts, are now critical of Republicans for not working with the president and of the special deals made by Obama and Democratic leaders.
• Many feel that the 2,000-page health care bill is too comprehensive and includes too many pet projects.
• Some want Obama to start over, while others want him to compromise with Republicans without resorting to their demands to start over.
• At least two individuals, Angela Diggs and Travis Ulerick, still support Obama's efforts, but are critical of the president's approach, urging him to be more humble and to consider some of the ideas proposed by Republicans.

Statistics:

• 7 everyday Americans attended the White House summit on health care last year.
• At least 6 of these individuals are now disillusioned with the current state of the reform process.
• 5 of the individuals have their own personal health care stories to tell, including a paramedic, a wellness center director, a mother caring for a son with disabilities, and a self-employed individual.
• The 2,000-page health care bill includes too many pet projects, according to at least 3 of the individuals.
• The president's decision to surprise Republicans by embracing some of their ideas, such as limits on medical malpractice awards and new efforts to combat fraud, has been met with mixed reviews.

Sources:

• "Byline: Richard Wolf"
• "WASHINGTON -- Travis Ulerick could see it coming a year ago."
• "A year ago, the seven shared a common bond: They wanted to change the nation's health care system..."