We the People:

As America grew from a series of independent stand alone city states into a republic and then into a democracy she matured and acted more responsibly in a world that was growing more complex by the decade and century. We changed because change was necessary. We remained the same in many ways most notably our Constitution. Changing the Constitution of the United States is difficult because Americans have over the years come to realize that most of what is written there needs no modification.

There have been threats to add amendments such as we did with the 18th amendment. This amendment forbids the manufacture and distribution of alcohol for the purpose of human consumption. The only way this foolish amendment could be undone was to write and amendment that amended the amendment. The 21st amendment repealed the 18th amendment. Hopefully America has learned something by this whole process. Texas was not so wise with the Texas Constitution of 1876 and this document now fills some 79 volumes. It is to say the least the most complex and cluttered of all state constitutions.

The above paragraphs serve to remind my readers of how foolish we Americans can at times act. In the past several decades I have witnessed proposed amendments to ban gay and lesbian marriage as well as to outlaw the burning of the American flag. Fortunately cooler heads prevailed and these silly amendments went nowhere. We are this fall of 2009 engaging in a discussion of health care that has become as heated and as silly as the amendment proposals. I am certain that all Americans know that health care delivery system is broken. All Americans want it fixed. Argument over details is preventing a working solution from being found. What can we Americans do about this?

We cannot make our congressional representative any smarter. We can take matters into our own hands and realize that a large part of the problem is that Americans are too fat and we smoke, drink and consume recreational drugs to excess. I am not trying to say all such action must cease. I am suggesting if we adopt a healthier life style maybe just maybe the load on the health care system would be lightened. A lighter load means lower costs. Lower costs might equate to increased numbers of citizens that could be covered. We the people must make these changes in our individual lives. Let us stop the bickering and do something constructive to increase the lifespan of the average American.