4. DIALOGUE ON UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE

Caveats: The Example Dialogue below is an illustration, not a prescription. The dialogue is in skeletal form and missing after each thoughtful question is the implied admonition to listen to the other side's response, and if the response is not what you expect, to invite further explanation and discussion. To be thoroughly prepared, you should be ready to discuss in greater depth Jesus' teachings and facts presented in the Example Dialogue. Citations to supporting Biblical text and facts are provided. Also, there are more arguments presented here than can be discussed in a single conversation, and you may not feel that all the arguments are equally compelling. Use only the ones that you feel most confident in discussing and that you believe are the most compelling. In addition, consider reordering the Example Dialogue arguments in a manner that makes more sense to you. Of course be prepared to deviate from your plan depending on the other side's response.

Depending on the circumstances, you might consider deviating from the emphasis on thoughtful questions and using a different mix of assertions, explanations, and questions. Furthermore, your dialogue should be supplemented, where appropriate, with your own personal examples, anecdotes, and arguments not covered below. In sum, you will need to customize the Example Dialogue to your personal style and spontaneously adapt your dialogue to the situation.

EXAMPLE DIALOGUE

Active Listening

1. I understand you oppose universal health insurance coverage for all citizens. Is this correct?

2. Is this a subject you feel comfortable in talking about-sharing points of view?

65% Support Universal Health Insurance, Even If It Means Higher Taxes

3. Are you aware that a 2005 PEW Research Center poll found that 65% of Americans favor national health insurance, even if it means higher taxes? (Laura Ungar, Courier News, "Support swells for universal health care: Ky. Panel endorses plan for U.S. system," California Nurses Journal, January 2006, at:

http://www.calnurse.org/media-center/in-thenews/2006/
january/page.jsp?itemID= 27531870.

4. Also, a 2003 Indiana University poll found that 49% of doctors surveyed support government legislation to establish national health insurance-40% were opposed with the remaining 11% undecided. (Ibid.) Does it surprise you that so many doctors support universal health insurance?

5. Moreover, 55% of California's small business owners are willing to pay into a state fund to help their employees get affordable health coverage. (Ilana Debare, "New business coalition takes on health care," San Francisco Chronicle, August 24, 2007, p. C1.)

6. Let's examine why the overwhelming majority of Americans support universal health insurance, even if it means higher taxes, and why doctors and small business owners are also supportive.