Dragging politics into the healthcare debate inflames all sides. This makes problem solving and cooperation impossible. The central issue is that over half of what we do is wasteful, ineffective, or harmful—this is our collective problem. Social support programs are also unrelated and are not addressed here.
I try to avoid political signaling, just as I avoid discussing religion or finances. Many of us have forgotten that polite company demands good manners, and some of us have become boors. Additionally, good doctors do not babble about these topics with patients because they are “boundary violations” that taint relationships and are prejudicial to proper care.