I went to the rally for health care in Times Square today.
It felt really powerful to be out in action for a cause that I believe in and that affects me personally on a daily level. My biggest stressor over the past year has been my lack of health care. Yes, I care dearly about gay rights, and I march for gay rights, but I know that my marriage has already been sanctioned by the government and society at large. Yes, I oppose the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and have protested in opposition to the wars, but they are somewhat abstract for me even though they are painful realities for the people that live them, both here and abroad. Health care reform, and the lack thereof in these United States, is an issue that directly and explicitly affects me on a daily basis. I need health care. My husband needs health care. Neither of us have it.
The political is personal.
casperr has also published an amazing photodiary, so I will attempt to not duplicate too many of the same subjects already pictured in that entry. Even so, I met some amazing people today and I'd like to share their faces and their messages with you.
Me.
Another of the employed & uninsured.
Two women that volunteer for Planned Parenthood with me.
Many of the cabbies were really supportive, which was fantastic. This one led us in a cheer.
Emancipation from dependence on employer-provided healthcare.
New York Women's Liberation.
Fundamental right.
Thriving octogenarian.
Not a pre-existing condition.
Never too young to get involved.
Priorities.
Veronica Delacruz speaking about her brother Eric's recent death after a 5 year struggle to obtain health insurance for a heart transplant.
New York, are you listening?