And now playing, the health care dodge

Lee Memorial Health System President Jim Nathan doesn't usually avoid tough questions.

But at a Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce panel discussion on health care recently, Nathan dodged a question from moderator Cole Peacock who asked him whether the public health-insurance option presented in Congress is good or bad for the hospital.

“Nobody has any idea,” Nathan replied. “It could be the best thing or it could be the worst thing.”

You've got to wonder. If a seasoned hospital executive like Nathan isn't sure, who is? Our local Congressman?

Nathan complained that the health care debate was now a political issue that has little to do with resolving pressing issues. “This has nothing to do with health care. It has everything to do with the 2010 election.”

Maybe that's a good enough reason to keep the government out of health care.