Citizens' Caucus Schedules Debate on Single Payer Health Care
Citizens' Caucus Schedules Debate on Single Payer Health Care
The public is invited to attend a political debate on health care sponsored by Citizens' Caucus, a non-partisan, non-sectarian issues study group located in Lebanon County. The debate, between William R. Davidson, Jr., M.D. and Joe Sterns is scheduled for 8:00 AM, November 01 at the Hometown Family Restaurant on Route 422 in Palmyra. A family style breakfast will be offered for a price of $10.00 for members and $12.50 for non-members.
The debate will be conducted utilizing modified Oxford debating rules, rules developed by Oxford University over 300 years ago. The debaters will examine the following proposition: "Resolved: That the United States convert the financing of all health care to a publicly financed, privately delivered, single payer insurance plan; that the benefits of the proposed plan include all necessary medical procedures and that coverage be universal for all people currently receiving health care in the U.S."
Debating for the Affirmative is William R. Davidson, M.D., a member of Lebanon Cardiology Associates from 1987 to present and President of Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Staff from 2006 to 2008. He is a member of Physicians for a National Health Program and has served overseas as a physician at Shirati Hospital Tanzania in East Africa from 1973 to 1976.
Debating for the Negative is Joe Sterns, Director of Policy and Communications in the office of Senator Mike Folmer (R-48). Mr. Sterns was formerly Press Secretary for former U.S. Congressman, Pat Toomey and is a veteran of service in the Pennsylvania National Guard.
In his public statement today announcing the debate, Herbert Braden, Chairman of Citizens' Caucus, advised: "We are fortunate to have two very capable and experienced local writers on this subject. For over two years, newspaper readers in the area have been informed on single payer health care insurance in newspaper editorials authored by Dr. Davidson. Health insurance is a timely issue, prominent in the current presidential election campaign. Senator Obama advocates single payer health insurance. Senator McCain supports improvements in private sector coverage with payment plans utilizing funding generated by proposed changes to the federal income tax system."
For reservations email contactus@citizenscaucus.org or telephone: 717.964.1802. Because seating is limited, it is suggested that those planning to attend make reservations early.
Direct Questions to Herb Braden: 717.964.1802