I understand that not everyone is a fan of the changes coming with the new health care reform legislation. However, I expect most can understand why at least the 32 million people anticipating having some kind of coverage would beg to differ.
This is not my issue. My beef is with the fear-mongering about the government takeover of health care. this is a broken system, and most of us simply find basic health care and insurance untenable. Its been a problem for decades and nothing substantial has been done, so kudos to those lawmakers who bucked up and spent some political capital to do SOMETHING. But in debating the laws implications, lets stick to logistics rather than capitalizing on fear of big government to polarize public opinion.
I would also suggest that such rhetoric is hypocritical for anyone benefiting from any of the following taxpayer-supported programs, which we have no choice but to support through our taxes:
Medicare
VA Benefits
Public Education (this includes state universities)
Social Security
Transportation systems (you drive on a road I/we paid for with our taxes)
I could go on, but the point is that ALL of us benefit from taxpayer-supported programs. Sure, health care is a huge portion of our national economy, but how about national defense? Ive yet to hear a tea party activist complain about their tax dollar going to missile systems or to fund internment camps for enemy combatants. Why is this? isnt the health of our citizenry at least as important?
For me, this is an issue of theological importance. If Jesus were here today, it would be hard to argue that he wouldnt chastise us for our treatment of the poor and less privileged, here in the wealthiest country in the world. And while Id love to see our communities address this and other issues without government intervention, how much longer do we wait? How many more thousands/millions should remain sick or die while we debate how to best reform a broken health care system? How many more decades should we say is acceptable until we say enough?
Its not a perfect bill, and no one is saying it is. But thank God something is changing. At least now were taking some responsibility for one of the most sorely neglected issues of social justice weve yet to content with as a nation.