Health Care Reform

I’ve been shocked and amazed at the conflict with passing health care reform. Money from groups who have a vested interest in keeping the current system has poured into advertising and given to people who will rally for and support their cause.

What shocks me is that the people who often show up in town hall meetings vehemently support the current system probably could benefit from real change. Many of these individuals are fearful of socialism. If socialism means a basic level of care for all Americans, then I’m for it. I don’t think that in this great country, there should be homeless or children going hungry or people going bankrupt over needed health care. This shouldn’t be tolerated.

There needs to be a cap on greed in this country. It’s not okay for the wealthiest Americans to not give back and pay taxes on their millions of dollars in profit. Hiding assets is common and unfair when so many Americans are in great need. Medical costs are out of control and must be brought into line. All Americans deserve care. Priority should be placed on patient care.

The richest Americans feel they should get to keep all their pennies. I don’t agree. The wealth in this country is in the hands of 1% of the population. I agree with President Obama that those who make over $250,000 a year should pay their fair share of taxes. Tax loop holes need to be closed. It shouldn’t be okay to be able to take profits out of the country and hide money in Swiss banks or in a bank in the Caribbean. If you do business in the United States, you should pay to bring the standard of living up for all Americans.

I don’t have health care. My only choice is to eat healthy and exercise. I don’t have a doctor. If something happens to me, I’m done for. This shouldn’t be tolerated. Every human being is valuable and has the potential of being productive. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs shows how when one is hungry or isn’t given basic care, they aren’t able to be the best they can be and reach their highest potential. A basic level of care should be given to all Americans so everyone can reach their dreams.

I have my bachelor’s degree and I’d love to work on my master’s degree or go on to earn a Ph.D. There’s no way I can afford this. A university education should be free, in my opinion. I love to learn and I would love to go back to school but it’s impossible the way things are now.

I support single payer health care because I think that a basic level of care should be given to all Americans. So you might have to wait a little bit. I don't have care now. Waiting would be better than no care.

What's this about the death panels that they bring up in the news? Comfort care has been alive and strong in Oregon the last few years under President Bush and Republicans in power. My mother-in-law, Sadelle Haber was coded comfort care when there was nothing medically wrong. Family was not notified. Food and water was withdrawn and morphine given for the pain of dying. This is called comfort care in Oregon. We rescued her in time to save her but this can happen and has happened to many elderly in the last few years when their money runs out! This has nothing to do with health care reform and President Obama. This has been going on for years!