NY Times 8.21 Obama's Trust Problem, Paul Krugman

Dr.Phillips
Bloomington, L
August 21st, 2009
6:43 am

Paul Krugman's article Obama's Trust Problem identifies a major policy need in the President's leadership. Inconsistency coupled with lack of follow through on most any proposal does not contribute to building trust. Although I do not support a public option for healthcare, the President has been influenced by the noise and clamor from progressive and conservative voices. One of the principles which emerges from Paul's article is that trust is not automatically conferred, it must be earned.

Republicans in their platform have often taken this basic approach toward health care, As consumers of health care, individual Americans and their families, should be able to make their own choices about health care protection. We propose to assist them...through tax and financial incentives. ...We must maintain our commitment to the aged and the poor by providing quality care through Medicare and Medicaid.

There are elements of these Republican suggestions which need careful, detailed evaluation by the administration. Leadership takes action, reviews policy suggestions, discards, modifies, or improves ideas presented, sells them and moves on, Trust comes from any leader's action and resolve after gaining a measure of consensus from all parties. Why not pull in the leadership of the insurance industry and challenge them to provide the many facets which the administration states are included in a public program, like lowering costs, dropping pre existing conditions, and encompassing those without coverage.

If these goals can be reached with strong leadership, hard work and around the clock negotiation, why not undertake the mission. Results coming from this type of meeting would build trust whether or not the effort was entirely successful. Share the results of such a meeting by all parties with the American public through a prime time news conference. Action, substance, results from leadership and hard work will build trust in a healthcare program formulated in this way.

Trust must be earned from leader's leading others and producing measurable results, I believe healthcare issues can be solved to most everyone's satisfaction only with major effort. The concept being circulated, that Democrats can pass and institute this healthcare program on their own, does not mean it will ever work.

Finally, clear, succinct, communication with the public is essential in building trust. The President and his administration need to stay on message, modify the program when needed and speak to the American people with a simplicity that's easy to comprehend. Lack of two way communication, fuzzy presentations will continue to build frustration not trust. My thanks to Paul Krugman for an article which provokes thought and examination of "trust."