We're facing a moment of truth as Congress debates reshaping financial services and health care -- two huge segments of the economy that will impact all of us in a very personal way.

The coming weeks will be significant ones for the economy -- and our free enterprise system -- as Washington turns its attention from crisis control to problem solving.

It's so very tempting to close your eyes to the issue of health care reform, and let the "experts" decide what's best. I feel that temptation myself. But while we don't have to follow the details, we must focus on the direction and incentives that will be debated in the months ahead.

These important decisions will be made through the political process. And democracy only works well when we have an informed and involved population. So, no matter what side of the discussion you take, it's time for all of us to get involved.

That's why I've set up a special section on my blog at www.TerrySavage.com for your health care solution comments. And I've posted a link there to the e-mail address of your representatives and senators in Congress, so you can make your views known.

The great health care debate

There is only one area of total agreement: If health care costs keep rising at twice the rate of inflation, our financial future will be destroyed. Something must be done! But the "easy" solution also might be the most dangerous one to our future health care needs.

I was in Toronto two weeks ago, where the news headlines announced that the "average waiting time for surgery" for those who have just been diagnosed with cancer is now four weeks! And "elective" surgery such as hip or knee replacement can take months on a waiting list. Many Canadians cross the border to upstate New York, Minnesota or Seattle to receive care on a timely basis -- if they can afford it. Certainly, that government-managed health care system is not one we want to emulate.

But are we willing to make tough choices?

-- Will we ration health care, based on age, condition or ability to pay?

-- Will we strike a balance between diagnostic medicine and "lawsuit prevention" medicine?

-- Can we provide -- and price -- lifelong coverage, so there is no need to worry about "pre-existing" conditions?

-- Can we "charge extra" for those who incur "controllable" conditions, just as the airlines do when they demand obese travelers pay for two seats? And who would decide what's within our control? Continued...