In his classic comic strip "Pogo," artist Walt Kelly came up with a number of classic lines, but the most famous is this one:
In his classic comic strip "Pogo," artist Walt Kelly came up with a number of classic lines, but the most famous is this one:
"We have met the enemy and he is us."
That's the sentiment on display in a new website created by BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina to discuss the rising cost of healthcare, www.letstalkcost.com.
While some have pointed out that BCBS forgot one target -- politicians -- the site offers facts and encourages dialogue on the six scapegoats most often blamed for the economic impact of healthcare. They are: Attorneys, Doctors, Hospitals, Individuals, Insurers, and Pharmaceuticals. TV ads have been used to spread the compelling message as well.
It's hard to argue that all of us can share in the blame for the issues that face us in the healthcare industry. And while dialogue can be an important part of finding solutions, it could be argued that times like these cry out more for true leadership than a message board. Yes, we've all made things difficult. But who has the courage and the ideas to lead the way out of the thicket?
It will be interesting to see who emerges in the months and years to come. Which "scapegoat" are you part of? What kind of leaders do you think are needed for the task at hand?