I am of the opinion that we've tried to work toward a bi-partisan solution to health care reform. Perhaps that effort is only window dressing allowing the democratic majority to say they tried, and if so, what a real waste of time and money. But at least they went through the motions. It's time now for congress to listen to the majority, have some courage, and make public healthcare a reality. Good health care is a right. There are some things that don't belong in a free-market system and health care is one of them.
I read a comment a little while ago where the writer questioned whether taxes were something that you "give and give and get nothing back". I can understand their frustration -- realizing of course that we do get some of it back in government services, e.g., road maintenance, public and national parks, etc. But I empathize with the writer.
During the Bush administration, it was so frustrating to have to sit back and watch so many things get mismanaged, and to witness important regulation for businesses be undone as the republicans rammed their bills through. So I wouldn't want to see bills get rammed through in the same way by democrats. But enough is enough. We've had a long period of discussion. So much that it has denigrated to repetition of misinformation that must continually be debunked.
In my opinion, healthcare is the most important thing we need. Obviously we need food and shelter, but most of us with jobs can pretty much provide that for ourselves and family. I don't mean to make light of the plight of those who are homeless or jobless. For myself, good healthcare is one of the most stressing things that weighs on me. If I don't have access to it, the thought of it sits there in the background of my thoughts like a thorn in my side. I try to ignore it, but it is there. I remember countless times thinking and praying that I'd stay healthy. And even having to stop myself from thinking about it too much.
I'd been without healthcare for most of my adult life, simply because as a self-employed consultant, I couldn't afford it.
I watched a town hall meeting the other day where Congressman Barney Frank had to deal with opponents of the current health care bill. It was upsetting to watch and I commend Congressman Frank for limiting his frustration as well as he did. It was pretty clear that the people opposing this bill at the meeting that night were being fed ideas that are either not true, or tainted with misinformation because Mr. Frank kept quoting the facts from the bill and they wouldn't hear it. It was pretty clear that there was a lot of hatred behind the emotional arguments. Many people had the audacity to claim to be speaking for the American people. I suggest that it is better to speak from one's own experience. How is this bill going to affect you? What fears do you have about it? Those would be valid topics or questions to ask, in my opinion. Don't claim to be representing me, please.
For the record, I support Singlepayer Healthcare. As I said above, I think health care should not be a free-market commodity. Too many people fall through the cracks when profit is the motive. It's a right. Everyone ought to have it, from birth until death.