As sad as it may be to admit, Hillary was right. Single payer healthcare, or any other government run universal healthcare system is not going to happen in this country. But perhaps that’s not actually the end of it. I’m in no way an expert, but it seems that, were enough people to get involved, to participate, it may just be possible to start our own non-profit health insurance company. I’m not saying that it is in any way, shape or form an easily attainable goal, just something I’d been thinking about. And from where I sit at least, it seems to be the only way forward.
Perhaps of, by and for the people, in this day and age, can bypass the government entirely. Germany has its sickness funds, which are essentially what I’m proposing here. And if I recall, while France has a National Health Insurance system, their government established as a privately run non-profit. The only real difference is what I propose wouldn’t have the support of the government. On the other hand, it wouldn’t have the burdens either. No wrangling with Republicans over whether or not contraceptives or abortion are covered, for example.
The primary hurdles, as I see it, would be funding and participation. Obviously such an undertaking would require a hell of a lot of money, a lot more than a GoFundMe or Kickstarter could raise. But, getting certain organizations involved, such as large labor organizations, or some of these political groups like OFA, could be a starting point for both of those hurdles.
Maybe it’s just the misfiring neurons of my brain as it adjusts to life without nicotine, or maybe it’s a good idea. I don’t know, but I felt like sharing. I’m not saying it’s a good idea, or a bad one, or even remotely possible. It’s just an idea. Just feels like we’re not getting anywhere trying to get the government to do its fucking job, so maybe we need to just cut them out of the loop.
Oh, and just so this hasn’t been a total waste of time for you, here’s some music from Big Walnuts Yonder.