Trump promised law and order in his speech – but no health care

Donald J. Trump talked tough in accepting the Republican nomination for president. He promised "law and order" and stronger national defense. He used the words "safe" or "safety" 11 times and the words "terrorism", "terrorist" or "terror" nine times.

Trump declared at the beginning of the speech, "The most basic duty of government is to defend the lives of its own citizens. Any government that fails to do so is a government unworthy to lead."

But how do you defend the country's citizens and keep them safe without adequate health care? If a large number of Americans can't get needed care when they are sick or injured, how can they be truly "safe"?

By my count, Trump's speech was 4,350 words long. The number of words he devoted to discussing health care was 17. Here is what he said, "We will repeal and replace disastrous Obamacare. You will be able to choose your own doctor again."

That was all. Not a word of detail on how he would actually accomplish those goals.

It is not as if Trump thinks American health care is in fine shape. He has often discussed the need for major reform. He has even presented elements of a reform plan, saying he "will not let people die on the streets," and, "We gotta take care of people that can't take care of themselves."

So, why was there so little discussion of his health care plans, which are essential to keeping us safe from the disease and injury threats we face every day? That protection is an essential part of the "most basic duty of government to defend the lives of its own citizens."

Keeping Americans safe is a complex job with many different elements. An approach that ignores one of the most basic will accomplish very little.

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