Democrat, Republican—Republican, Democrat, what difference does it make if you are lying sick in bed and can’t pay for your health care?

The current American health care plan that has been in use for years is now under reconstruction and people are beginning to see the dust the massive overhaul will create.

President Clinton’s national health care plan revealed last week marks the beginning of what is sure to be political pandemonium.

The plan states most citizens would pay the same or less for the insurance they are now receiving, and all people would have health coverage available always.

Obviously, there are several viewpoints on the effectiveness of this plan.

College Republican Chairman Eric Carter said, “The plan has good intentions,” he said. “But it’s in the wrong direction. Reform is needed, but it doesn’t need the government in there.”

Carter criticizes the plan for trying to put price regulations on the health care industry without looking at its economic needs. “Clinton has added some problems by doing this,” he said.

Although he finds some disagreeable points with the plan, Carter said he feels it is good that the plan involves state governments with the federal government. This way, as Carter sees it, it “keeps the base to smaller payer circles.”

Carter said he also sees hints of socialism in the plan. “It’s a move toward socialism,” he said. “It’s society trying to help out society.”

Young Democrats Vice President Tony Jacob said he sees it as being a positive move. “It’s a great plan,” he said. “It’s good because it covers things that current plans don’t.”

Jacob said he feels it will not be the overnight change that some people expect. “The plans will be phased in gradually,” he said.

“If it was implemented quickly it would have too much of an impact on the health care industry; that’s why it is a plan that will span over six to seven years,” he added.

Jacob said he also believes the plan will benefit those just graduating college the most. Right now, people in their mid-20s who are no longer living under their parents’ insurance policy are put into a risk pool by insurance companies,” he added. “The Clinton plan will divide the risk pool.”

Jacob said the plan does have a socialist view to it, but many people do not understand what the term “socialist” means.

“Socialism is not Communism,” he said. “Socialism means that it is a policy that affects the population nationally, and that it could be beneficial through implementation.”

Through this plan, Jacob said he feels it will begin to “heal the wounds of this country. It will give coverage to the unemployed, the sick and the poor.”

University Health Service Director Rosemary Lane said she agrees something needs to be done. “There are enormous problems with health care not being available for those who need it,” Lane said. “I guardedly accept Clinton’s view. I encourage any creative thought on the subject.”

“Right now, people in their mid-20s no longer living under their parents’ insurance policy are put into a risk pool by insurance companies. The Clinton plan will divide the risk pool.”