Health-care Reform Decisions Driven by Dollars. Let us know your opinion!

The world of politics is often a muddied and mysterious playing field that is further complicated by favoritism, donations, lobbying and many other political driving forces. Tipping the scales in favor of any cause, reform, legal issue or new laws is most often accomplished through money, plan and simple.

Here at AutismOne our main focus is obviously health-care related, especially as it relates to the autism spectrum. A recent article in The Washington Post once again highlights the ability of those with money driving their policies and best interests. In the article 'Industry Cash Flowed To Drafters of Reform' by Dan Eggen the main point is that health related companies and their employees can funnel monies to senators and other decision makers to drive health-care reform policies to favor their goals. On the flip side health-care activists and the people these reforms affect are often little represented and have little influence on how policies are set.

An example pointed out in the article it was stated "As his committee has taken center stage in the battle over health-care reform, Chairman Baucus (D-Mont.) has emerged as a leading recipient of Senate campaign contributions from the hospitals, insurers and other medical interest groups hoping to shape the legislation to their advantage.” relating to donation amounts received by Sen. Max Baucus of Montana the article states "Health-related companies and their employees gave Baucus's political committees nearly $1.5 million in 2007 and 2008, when he began holding hearings and making preparations for this year's reform debate."

AutismOne is here to help unify the movement to improve and eventually eradicate autism spectrum disorders. I recently read how the autism movement needs to grow in awareness and strength similar to the Civil-Rights Movement or Women's Right's Movements. We are continuing to gather momentum in affecting health-care reform on a national political level. We now need to unify and organize in such a way that allows us to use the same monetary and other political tools that are used by the companies that are against positive efforts in favor of their own profits.

A great point made in the article by a health-care activist was "Most people there had an agenda; they wanted the ear of a senator, and they got it," said Aaron Roland, a San Francisco health-care activist who paid half price to attend the gathering. "Money gets you in the door. The only thing the other side can do is march around and protest outside."

Read the article by clicking here and then come back here to offer you suggestions and comments on how AutismOne and its many partners can better influence health-care reform. United we stand, divided we fall or at least move slower.