There are two patterns that compete for the electorate’s attention when it comes to solving the problems that fester either in private health care or in the dreaded private sector in general. Liberals and conservatives can look at these aspects of national life and often agree that problems exist and that the problems consist of a certain bill of particulars. Then the two sides diverge onto separate and terribly predictable paths.

The left looks at the nation’s private health care structure and demonizes it all.

The right sees an imperfect system of great elegance which needs corrective attention.

The left looks at the nation’s ill and weakened economy, shudders in revulsion and turns from the patient.

The right looks at the ill economy and steels itself to fight for the patient.

The radical difference in the approaches of the right and left lie not in their diagnoses of the problems but in their prior relationships with the patient — private enterprise.

The left saw nothing but evil lurking in the under-regulated heart of private enterprise back when it was healthy. Now that it’s ill, private corporatism must be put down in favor of state corporatism. Call Dr. Kevorkian, quickly.

The right sees private enterprise as the most successful engine for human progress, ever. The right actually likes this patient. It wants private enterprise rescued from government subsidies, excess taxation and crippling regulations. Call Dr. Oz, quickly.

The electorate will soon decide who gets to play doctor.

Leonard Hoy, Greenwood