I’ve noticed lately that when the subject of healthcare reform comes up, many people become uncomfortable and demur, usually with a statement like, “I hate talking about politics.” I don’t get this. Has the issue become politicized? Yes. Has the discourse degenerated to name-calling and stupidity? Certainly. But if ordinary citizens can’t talk rationally about something that affects their day-to-day life, something is very wrong.

It’s all too easy, especially for centrists with health insurance (who comprise the majority of Americans), to dismiss issues like this one as “political” and blithely disengage. But when people do that, it opens the door for the fringe to dominate the discussion. Think about that. Do you really want the far-right to determine the future of healthcare simply because they can shout louder? Or the far left, who seem hell-bent on getting their public option to the point where they would rather scuttle any reform that doesn’t include it, no matter how meaningful?

Life is busy. I get that. I’m sure most people would far rather relax with a book or TV program than think about this hydra-headed issue. It certainly makes my brain hurt. But to not think about it and discuss it, to dismiss it as “politics,” is to give over control of the process to people who don’t have the best interests of the majority at heart. There have been many tragic mistakes made over the course of history because the majority remained silent. Don’t let this become one of them.

This weekend, if you haven’t already done so, I’m asking you to find an hour to do a little research, think about what your concerns are, then share them with your Congressional Representative here and your Senator here.