Commentary

The economy, at any time, shapes health care: insurance, care available and access to it.

A nation’s economy and the health of its citizens, collectively and individually, are intertwined.

For people who care about health issues, this is a fascinating debate to watch.

The Economist’s editors name it as one of America’s best friends but as any regular reader knows, they aren’t fools over us, either.

In the spring before last fall’s election, their sympathies appeared to be very much with McCain, although they are fastidious about keeping the news and commentary functions separate—-which American news organization used to do equally well and do not now.

Then The Economist created its own Electoral College, allocating votes to countries as if they were states. Reasoning that the American election had a great deal of importance to other countries, The Economist poll asked, which candidate should win?

Readers of this newspaper (a magazine format, delivered weekly) tend to be business-oriented but they also are interested in science and a wide range of public affairs issues. Their readership in the U.S. is small but influential the world over.

Obama won in a landslide.

The editors did not count countries in which there were not enough votes to represent a proportionate number.

To the surprise of many readers, the editorial board then endorsed Obama resoundingly.  Their brand of British business-conservatism would have made this seem all but impossible.

Now, the magazine is tackling another of the hottest issues now and, likely, for some years to come: The future of America. As in, does it have one?

They are calling this poll one on “Brand America.”

They also seek comments from voters who are registered. You can register whether you subscribe or not. The debate closes out on Wednesday, February 25, 2009.

Voters also are allowed to change their minds during the debate, which is briskly being held online (print) so that the reader can catch up and keep up.

The Economist

Source:  The Economist,  February 21, 2009