TONIGHT MARKS A RETURN TO SPIRIT OF TRUE DEBATE

The issue of health care reform has been long shrouded by posturing and politics. A lot of numbers and statistics have been tossed about, and the buzzwords -- such as choice, cost containments and affordability -- are rarely explained.

But tonight the curtain may be lifted during an experimental prime time debate hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives. The 90-minute forum on Clinton's health care plan will utilize Oxford University Political Union rules. It begins at 7 p.m. (CST) on C-Span, and promises to be well worth watching.

Congressmen will specifically debate this question: "(Be it) resolved that the Clinton health care plan best represents the elements that should be included in health care reform."

Representing the Democrats will be Missouri's own Richard Gephardt, who is House Majority Leader, and Reps. Pete Stark and Henry Waxman, both of California, and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut.

Leading the Republican perspective will be Reps. Newt Gingrich of Georgia, Nancy Johnson of Connecticut, Tom Bliley of Virginia and Bill Thomas of California.

The format will afford the opportunity for real debate -- something often lacking on the House floor. It provides time for give and take, and intelligent discourse. It's a far cry from the sound bites and canned speeches often associated with legislative dialogue.

This experimental series grew out of Congressional reform efforts. Typically, members of Congress request time to "explain" issues during special orders. But this process can become labored marathons where representatives speak to an empty house. Comments are, of course, entered into the Congressional Record. At other times, debate on particular pieces of legislation is squelched by rules of order. And what debate there is usually lacks any direct confrontation of the facts. Typically, everyone says their piece -- without having to back up their claims.

Enter the Oxford-style debate.

Team members can either defend or discredit the topic through statements and cross examination. Interrogation is an integral part of the format.

This is the first of three such debates in the next 90 days. The second will be April 20 -- probably on the issue of welfare or perhaps the economy. The final debate on May 11 will be bipartisan in nature -- combining Democrats and Republicans on each team to debate an issue of foreign policy.

Rep. Bob Walker of Pennsylvania -- the GOP team "coach" -- says this third debate will demonstrate that some issues are more "philosophical than partisan." Rep. Ben Cardin of Maryland is coordinating the Democratic team. If these debates are well received -- by the public and House members -- they may be incorporated into permanent House rules next year.

Gephardt and Gingrich deserve credit for initiating the concept. They spent a couple of hours on a plane together -- and discussed ways to raise the level of congressional debate. Gephardt had participated in an Oxford-style debate a few years back, and posed the suggestion. The idea was to return to the spirited debate that was legendary throughout the history of Congress.

Many people are disenchanted by politicians and the endless rhetoric. If this debate can transform speeches into a real dissection of the facts, everyone will benefit.

C-Span continues its record of unsurpassed public service by airing the debates live and in their entirety -- without all the tedious network commentary. It allows people to make up their own minds on these pressing issues. Through congressional hearings and other legislative proceedings, C-Span gives its 60 million viewers insight into the workings of our government.

Health care reform and its costs will affect each and every American. We encourage everyone to set VCRs for their regularly scheduled programming tonight, and turn to C-Span (Channel 13 in Cape and Jackson). Let the debate begin.