The need for real leadership on health care reform

As I taught at the Springfield Police Academy, I noticed a sign labeled "The Leadership Test." Under it was the following: "Are we doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way and for the right reason?" [by the Gallagher-Westfall Group]. The Republican Party needs to step forward and provide real leadership on health care reform, for there is none now.
Contrary to his ad campaign and his statements, the President does not have a plan for healthcare reform. Even a Democratic senator has acknowledged as much. The President has offered a broad vision desiring reform but has not submitted a specific plan. Plus, his vision changes over time. Last year as a candidate he opposed a public or government option. Now he is allowing members of Congress to write his health care reform with the result that there are many different plans, which would all further bankrupt the government and include a public government option. We are being rushed into health care reform in the wrong way, at the wrong time and for the wrong reason (i.e., just to pass some form of health care reform this year so the Democrats can pat themselves on the back).
As Republicans, we should provide leadership on this issue by saying (1) there needs to be reform in health care but (2) now is not the time. We must first deal with bringing the federal budget under control. While we do that, (3) a bipartisan commission needs to be established to develop a comprehensive plan for health care reform that actually benefits people and pays for itself without increasing taxes, with no public or government option. Such a plan should offer people choice of a private plan that meets their needs and is portable. Such a plan should include integration of health care records and service with emphasis on primary care and prevention.
We should heed the advice from a British think tank: "Government control of health care is not a panacea The U.S. health system is a bit of a mess, but based on what's happened in some countries in Europe, I'd be nervous about recommending more government involvement." [AP storyJuly 4,2009, by Marcia Cheng, "Europe's free, state-run health care has drawbacks.")