A selection of today's opinions and editorials

The Health Bill Is Scary The Wall Street Journal
My 25 years as a practicing physician have shown me what happens when government attempts to practice medicine: Doctors respond to government coercion instead of patient cues, and patients die prematurely (Sen. Tom Coburn, 12/16).

That Health-Care Tax Pledge The Wall Street Journal
The health care bills are loaded with taxes on families earning less than $250,000 a year (12/17).

Losing The Real Health Care Debate Kaiser Health News
The fractious, divided nature of the Democrats' majority in Congress continues to extend the health care debate — and excite the press, who are enthralled by every "11th hour" compromise (Douglas Holtz-Eakin, 12/16).

Health-Care Bill Wouldn't Bring Real Reform The Washington Post
If I were a senator, I would not vote for the current health care bill (Howard Dean, 12/17).

Senate's Imperfect Healthcare Bill Deserves Support The Los Angeles Times
Despite concessions and flaws, the Senate and House bills retain the necessary elements of reform (12/17).

Get Lieberman The San Francisco Chronicle
The most endangered species in Washington may well be the moderate. Consider the long knives pointed at the heart of Sen. Joe Lieberman (Debra J. Saunders, 12/17).

For Rural Adults, Health Care Is Wishful Thinking NPR
When it comes to health care, I do have options — just not good ones. In the rural county where I grew up, it's not just youth who don't have insurance. Adults, unemployed or underemployed in minimum wage jobs, are also without coverage. You can get health care there if you're in a dire situation (Brittany Hunsaker, 12/17).