For years, stories of health-care woes have circulated in American neighborhoods, workplaces and dinner tables. Chances are, you know someone who faces astronomical medical bills or has forgone proper care to avoid expenses they can't afford.While most Americans agree that the current system is flawed —and have been talking about it for years — coming together for a solution has become something of a fiasco in recent weeks.For some, it's become a political battle, akin to a heated campaign, rather than a constructive dialogue to improve health care.Yet those fighting fiercest against reform need to acknowledge a simple fact: Many hardworking Americans can no longer afford adequate health care. About one in five residents in Park County have no health insurance. In Powell, those without insurance are able to pay an average of only 6 percent of their medical bills. Small businesses struggle to find affordable plans, and 56 percent of local businesses cannot offer insurance for their employees.Thankfully, the Heart Mountain Volunteer Medical Clinic is reaching hundreds in Park County who lack insurance. But most towns across the United States are not fortunate enough to have a free medical clinic. Nationally, about 14,000 citizens lose their health insurance every day.Americans without coverage and nowhere to go often wait to see a doctor until it's absolutely necessary — sometimes when it's too late.In a country that prides itself on being the greatest, Americans need to put politics aside and realize that the current system needs remedied.Before President Barack Obama's town hall meeting Friday in Montana, Father Leo Proxell gave an invocation that asked for debate with honesty and respect as well as the passion of convictions. He added: “Grant us the hope of health care.”

For years, stories of health-care woes have circulated in American neighborhoods, workplaces and dinner tables. Chances are, you know someone who faces astronomical medical bills or has forgone proper care to avoid expenses they can't afford.

While most Americans agree that the current system is flawed —and have been talking about it for years — coming together for a solution has become something of a fiasco in recent weeks.

For some, it's become a political battle, akin to a heated campaign, rather than a constructive dialogue to improve health care.

Yet those fighting fiercest against reform need to acknowledge a simple fact: Many hardworking Americans can no longer afford adequate health care.

About one in five residents in Park County have no health insurance. In Powell, those without insurance are able to pay an average of only 6 percent of their medical bills. Small businesses struggle to find affordable plans, and 56 percent of local businesses cannot offer insurance for their employees.

Thankfully, the Heart Mountain Volunteer Medical Clinic is reaching hundreds in Park County who lack insurance.

But most towns across the United States are not fortunate enough to have a free medical clinic. Nationally, about 14,000 citizens lose their health insurance every day.

Americans without coverage and nowhere to go often wait to see a doctor until it's absolutely necessary — sometimes when it's too late.

In a country that prides itself on being the greatest, Americans need to put politics aside and realize that the current system needs remedied.

Before President Barack Obama's town hall meeting Friday in Montana, Father Leo Proxell gave an invocation that asked for debate with honesty and respect as well as the passion of convictions. He added: “Grant us the hope of health care.”