A selection of today's opinions and editorials

Health Reform Myths The New York Times
Health reform is back from the dead. ... But reform still has to run a gantlet of misinformation and outright lies. So let me address three big myths about the proposed reform, myths that are believed by many people who consider themselves well-informed, but who have actually fallen for deceptive spin (Paul Krugman, 3/11).

If Democrats Ignore Health-Care Polls, Midterms Will Be Costly The Washington Post
Bluntly put, this is the political reality: First, the battle for public opinion has been lost. Comprehensive health care has been lost. If it fails, as appears possible, Democrats will face the brunt of the electorate's reaction. If it passes, however, Democrats will face a far greater calamitous reaction at the polls. Wishing, praying or pretending will not change these outcomes (Patrick H. Caddell and Douglas E. Schoen, 3/12).

Government Or Private: Somebody's Going To Come Between You And Your Doctor The Seattle Times
Why has the idea of letting the government do what private insurers do to save taxpayers money become such a hysterical hot button? Because the medical industry can more easily bully politicians than they can insurance companies. They do this through campaign contributions and ads directed at an unsophisticated public (Froma Harrod, 3/11).

Does U.S. Have Free-Market Healthcare? Hardly The Christian Science Monitor
The American healthcare system does not represent a free market any more than the British one does, or the Cuban one for that matter. Firstly, out of every dollar spent on healthcare in the USA, 50 cents is spent by the government - The US government spends more on Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP than is spent on defence by The Pentagon (Nikhil Arora, 3/11).

Why Health Reform Is Bad Politics The Wall Street Journal
Another week, another episode of health-care drama, another round of headlines proving the end is not yet nigh. The polls are dismal, the Democratic caucus is in disarray, it is spring of 2010. Yet the ObamaCare dozer grinds on, and on, and on (Kimberley A. Strassel, 3/12).

Cost Control's The Key The Los Angeles Times
Lawmakers may very well find themselves having to do more in the future to restrain healthcare costs. But that task will be significantly easier if they pass a comprehensive bill now (3/12).