The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little. Franklin D. Roosevelt
I'm one of the fortunate ones. Professor X has a great employer who provides our family with wonderful health coverage. I don't live in fear of some illness or injury wiping out our savings. I'm able to take my children to the eye doctor and the dentist for a nominal co-pay. But so many of my friends don't have this "luxury." One, a mom of two young boys, is hesitant to let them play soccer in case they get hurt, because she and her husband can't afford health insurance.
Another is struggling with the prospect of expensive dental bills in order to assure her daughter a nice healthy smile. These friends have nice homes and decent paying jobs. If they and so many others like them, solid middle class to upper middle class citizens, are feeling swamped by health care costs, it must be a thousand times more frightening for poorer folks. I can't really imagine it, but I
can be grateful for our blessings.
And I can speak up to support health care reform. I may not be in trouble, but others are, and I believe that action by our government can make this situation better. I remember when the Clintons first tried to make a difference on this issue, back before I was a parent. I was so disappointed when their efforts were thwarted.
Now that
the Obama administration is endeavoring to lead on health care reform, there's a ton of misinformation and downright lies being spread against his proposals. Google "health care reform" and you'll see a zillion falsehoods - scare tactics by the bad guys.
There's a good website with information about the government's plan at
http://www.healthreform.gov/.I need to figure out what sorts of action I can take to support the reform effort. I'm open to suggestions!
This is what I just posted on my Facebook page, after seeing it on friends' status lines:
No one should die because they cannot afford health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick. If you agree, please post this as your status for the rest of the day. ALSO - if you agree your Representatives need to hear from you! They are hearing from Teabaggers every day. Please take a moment to call (202) 224-3121 and leave a message for your senators and representative.
Posts
7 comments:
I am so with you. I also posted this on my facebook.
Who are these people who are seemingly untouched by lack of healthcare? Seemingly everyone knows someone who lacks. Although I, like you, am in a fortunate position, I know the fear of living without insurance personally. My oldest son, who is now an adult and living on his own, can never get health insurance on his own because of a very minor pre-existing condition. My brother, who is laid off, is struggling to keep up with his COBRA payments.
My parents are elderly poor and thus fortunately qualify for Medicare, but what would they do without this govt safety net?
Why Why Why are there so many lies when we all know someone who could benefit from legislation of this type?
Anyway, glad you're back!
I've just put you in my spotlight post. Thanks for inviting people to participate and to seaparate the real from the lies.
As a Canadian I barely recognize how our health care system is being presented during this debate. When you are living daily with the truth it is astonishing and very sad to see patent falsehoods being entered into your considerations.
How can people be expected to make a rational choice when blatant misrepresentations are allowed to cloud this discussion?
I wish you well and hope America gets it right, for your sake.
Excellent post! I, too, am tired of the right-wing lies and fearmongering. I am sick to death of people who want to reject the whole concept of health care reform because of one minor problem they see in it. I am sure no system will be perfect, but changes can be made down the road, and surely something is better than nothing when you are struggling to pay the rent and afraid to let your kids play soccer because they might get hurt and you can't afford the medical bills.
Cashmere Librarian - I don't understand the lies either, but clearly someone profits from the current situation and doesn't want it changed. The liars succeed because people are filled with fear. I marvel that FDR succeeded in accomplishing all he did. Thanks for your welcome back!
The Grandpa - I'm truly honored to be mentioned in your blog. Thanks very much! :)
Barry - All the "patent falsehoods" make me feel like Alice down the rabbit hole sometimes. I'm so glad to hear from you, someone who can provide a reality check. I trust your assessment on issues like this.
LegalMist - thanks very much! I appreciate your comment, and have enjoyed checking out your blog.
I've covered with shame to be late to the Town Meeting.
With more than 45 million completely uninsured, and thousands losing their health coverage every month, this is a DIRE situation. Unless you work for a health insurance company, I can't imagine why you think that the status quo is worth saving.
Yes, sometimes the waiting time for surgeries or specialist appointments is longer with the NHS. But if you need a doctor, or have an emergency, you are seen that day. And you leave the clinic/hospital without paying a penny. And there isn't nearly the ridiculous WASTE that goes on in the U.S. system.
I work to provide healthcare for my family...and end up owing
Each payday I have to write a check for what my paycheck doesn't cover.
A recent layoff has put our family in this position.
I work hard as an aide in an elementary school.
To have to owe money is disheartening.
I am grateful for the healthcare coverage but would welcome a change.
Peace - Rene
Post a Comment