I don't post here very often, but I came across this the other day and felt this would be the best place to share it. I found it on ComicMix, a site devoted to comic book related news and bits, and it's a little gem originally published in 1952 in which the Man of Steel talks about something relevant today.
Yes, Superman supports health care and welfare!
SUPERMAN says: "Hop on the WELFARE WAGON!" was the title of a Public Service Ad that ran in 1952. According to the page indica, the ad originally appeared in THE ADVENTURES OF BOB HOPE #15. Yes, fifty years ago Bob Hope had his own comic book.
The one page comic shows some people outside a hospital that is holding a fund drive. One man comments that Superman is expected to speak at the event. Another fellow replies "Bah! Who needs a hospital in this town? I can take care of myself! I'm not giving a red cent, Superman or no Superman!"
Naturally, Superman shows up next panel to take issue with the guy. "I think you have the wrong slant... And you're liable to give others the wrong one too!"
Supes goes on to observe that helping neighbors in need is an American tradition going back to the pioneer days and that these days we provide this help through health and welfare services that are supported by both our taxes and by our charitable donations. He also mentions specific types of agencies; not just hospitals, but Health Department Laboratories that help combat outbreaks of infectious diseases; visiting nurse services and family service agencies.
"All these public and private agencies help to protect the welfare of the community," Superman concludes, "And that means YOUR welfare too!"
Superman makes two important points in the ad. The first is that helping your neighbors isn't some Commie Socialist scheme to bring down society; it's the American Way. The second is that helping the community benefits everyone in the community, not just the immediate recipients of charity. Those are good points to remember and to bring up in the current debate.
There are several responses at the ComicMix site to the ad; and predictably some angry conservative comments. Interestingly enough, the anti-Obama comments seem to be nearly all "Anonymous", meaning that they were posted by first-time posters who have not established an identity at the site yet. Make of that what you will.
I will say, however, that the cranky old man in the Superman PSA is a lot more honest than the current day opponents of Health Care Reform. He doesn't bring up any bogus claims of Death Panels or Gov't Rationing. He's agin' it simply because he doesn't want to have to pay for someone else's health. It's the same attitude I hear from people who say they don't see why they should pay for Public Schools when they don't have any children themselves.
It all comes down to "I got mine; everyone else can go to hell!"
To which Superman politely but firmly says, "You've got the wrong slant on this."