Respect Others, Respect Self

These days I try not to read disturbing news related to health care reform. It does not really matter in what particular program President Obama is involved he is going to be ripped apart by the right-wing conservatives of our country.

First he and his constituents are being lam-blasted because of health care reform. Then he is being assaulted for wanting to speak to and encourage the school children to make goals for bettering their education. What will be next?

It is immensely disturbing to me that at Town Hall Meetings some people try to shout down the speaker who is trying to answer questions about health care. It is frightening to me that conservatives are so seemingly hate filled that they cannot allow civil discourse to take place. It shows a disrespect for our system of government and for democracy itself.

It is even more disconcerting to me that some individuals attend these meetings with rifles or handguns. To me that does not just say I have a right to bear arms, it is saying I have a right to intimidate everyone around me into being quiet. Not only is it frightening to people who attend these meetings, but when this is done at an event where the president or vice president are present it makes the job protecting them even more difficult for the secret service and police officers.

Last night was a prime example of showing disrespect when a congressman yelled out during the presidents speech, "You lie!". Thankfully he was asked by members of his own party to apologize to the president for his outburst. He did apologize, but the damage was done. The entire country saw what a disrespectful person Representative Wilson is and I wonder how many people lost respect for the congressman because of his remark.

Perhaps the divide is too great, perhaps hope is waning for liberals, moderates, and conservatives of Congress come together in some bi-partisan fashion to reform health care in our country. We do not need scare tactics in the form of wrong information being put out to frighten citizens. We need honest answers to honest questions.

If Congress and Presidents past had not shown courage in the face of diversity we would still be a segregated country and many people (women and minorities alike) would not have the right to vote. Surely we can overcome this divide to discuss what we can do to provide health care for all Americans.

Change is difficult, but that does not mean it is a bad thing, is wrong, or will make us become a Fascist country. What it does mean is we as human beings care about our fellow man/woman and want to do what is necessary to improve the lives of us all. If we must debate these issues let us not partake in name-calling and intimidation. Rather let us debate the issues using civility and showing respect for one another.

On the Soap Box ~ Health Care Reform - Oh Yeah!

Click on the map to enlarge.
Legend for map:
Iraq & Afghanistan universal health coverage provided by United States war funding
Countries with no universal health care system
Countries with some type of universal health care
Countries attempting to implement universal health care

The recent blog at Robert Frost's Banjo titled Health Care & Two Bums caused me to want to put in my 2 cents about health care reform in our country. John has managed to put some levity into his blog about the subject, but I fear I have been more serious. After (or before) you read my blog take a look at John's (if you have not already read it) for a bit of insight, humor & entertainment. It's worth the trip!

For many years now I have believed that the health care system in our country needs reform. Many people who are employed are in need of health care and if a person does not work for a company that provides health care then he or she may find themselves in the precarious position of not being able to afford health care.

When I say a person may not be able to afford health care I do not mean people who are on welfare. I mean new college graduates, individuals who are self employed, people who hold down part-time jobs. There are many other examples of people who work but are not able to afford health insurance or work for companies who are too small to offer health care.

Then comes the question, why should companies be responsible for offering health care for its employees? Why should a company have to offer health care for its employees and risk damaging their profits and/or having to lay off workers or hire workers on a part-time basis to avoid health care insurance problems? Some large corporations are rethinking their attitude about universal health care.

This year health care will cost the typical family $15,000 including contributions to employers for our health insurance that comes out of our paychecks. That is twice as much as 2 decades ago and is about $6,500 more than other rich countries pay on the average. (New York Times - Economy Section)

We may not be aware of this stealth $6,500 health care tax, but if you take a moment to think, it makes sense. Over the last 20 years, health costs have soared, and incomes have grown painfully slowly. The two trends are directly connected: employers had to spend more money on benefits, leaving less for raises.

In my opinion our country should offer health care for all its citizens regardless of their economic status. Let’s make sure individuals, families, children are covered by a national health care program. Then if individuals or families wish to supplement their health care with insurance that would be a bonus for them. If you wish to know more or see information about countries who offer a national health care system please click on these links at the National Coalition on Health Care (Health Coverage) and (World Health Care Data) and (Economic Cost Fact Sheets).

In years past I found myself without the benefit of health insurance. In my early 40s this was a frightening situation. My husband (at that time) was a self-employed attorney trying to regroup after being laid-off by a large corporation while I worked for a small school that offered no health care. We endured this for a couple years before I landed a public education position and was able to get health care coverage for us.

Now he is able to get VA benefits (being a retired naval officer and over 60) so he has a form of government health care. He may have supplemental insurance, but I am not privy to that information. My current husband also is a veteran and has VA benefits along with Medicare as he is over 65. Both of them find this system of health care quite beneficial, more than adequate in care, never have to wait more than 10 minutes for an appointment, etc. As for me, I have health care through my retirement and at 65 will also have the benefit of Medicare; my insurance also supplements my husband’s needs and works along with VA and Medicare.

Please consider the information and don’t be swayed by people who say this is just for low income people who take advantage of their situation. Remember, indigent people fall into a different category and are able to receive some measure of care through Medicaid if they are eligible. This idea of universal health care should benefit our society as a whole and not just for a few individuals.