It's once again fall pledge time at our local public radio stations. I love NPR pledge drives! They're clever and homey and folksy, and it makes me all giggly inside when the hosts get punchy toward the end of the drive. They're so freaking adorable when they are sleep-deprived and cranked up on caffeine and juice boxes. Plus there's Ira Glass. Sigh. I have an intense case of Ira-tica. Sigh.
This year, I'm calling my local public radio station several times a day, because they're having their usual drawings for free trips. Many of the trips are to countries that have universal health care or public health-care coverage options. And there are many who need that right now.
So here's my plan: The next time you hear your local public radio station promote a trip giveaway during its fall pledge drive, tell them this:
I'm calling with my pledge/I've already made my pledge. I'd like to enter the drawing for the trip giveaway. But if my name is drawn, I'd like the trip to go to someone who needs health care. Many people cannot afford health care here in the U.S., but if they can get to France/Belgium/U.K./other-country-with-rational-health-care-system, they can get the care they need. If my name were drawn, would I be able to help someone?