Gingrich and Dean

Of all the topics facing our nation, health care is one about which every legislator -- and every constituent -- needs to be fully informed. The effort to push through, at breakneck speed, a national health-care program is cause for concern. Whether government should be in the business of overhauling what is universally recognized as the best health-care system in the world is a question being pushed aside by the goal of providing universal health coverage by the end of the summer. Such a rush to establish programs that will cost taxpayers trillions of future dollars is irresponsible.

By the time the end of October rolls around, Congress may have already passed landmark legislation regarding the future of health care in America. That's what President Obama and some Democrats in Congress are pushing for. The status of national health-care reform will certainly frame the scheduled debate between Newt Gingrich and Howard Dean at Southeast Missouri State University.

The Oct. 28 debate on health care at the Show Me Center will feature two high-profile politicians. Their appearance in Cape Girardeau to discuss a topic of such national importance should guarantee a large crowd.

The university will announce ticketing plans for the event in the near future.