The healthcare boogeyman.

 I’ve read countless articles on the healthcare debacle that is swarming the media, and I’m stunned.  Democracy at it’s finest is all about engaged debate and the opportunity to declare one’s opinion openly and freely.  Sadly, some of the most “powerful” among us have very strong opinions – ones rooted in such intentioned fabrication and distortion that throngs of the American populace believe blatantly erroneous suppositions, now detesting an idea they once strongly supported… an idea that became one of the key platforms for our current president’s groundbreaking campaign.  So now because of a few targeted attacks from the likes of Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh, making unfounded claims about death panels, the rationing of healthcare, and even likening Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler, we have decided to bastardize an important initiative founded on the basic human needs of us all?

 I still don’t quite understand the full details of the healthcare plan, but I’m reading, researching, and asking questions – an opportunity given to many during the August congressional recess.  The media tends to counter this opportunity, focusing on the protestors without giving precedent to hard factual information.  This, paired with the irresponsibility of some of our government representatives in fueling the overbearing noise and criticism, is incredibly damaging and belittling.

Our citizens are similarly at fault.  There are certain mob-like tendencies that arise whenever certain political figures create dilemmas to rile up its supporters.  It doesn’t matter how truthful the figure is, or how outlandish the accusation may be – as long as the right chords are struck, we will attack baselessly, boisterously, and even threateningly.  And for what exactly – to maintain a healthcare structure that is already flawed, where insurance companies support the cigarette industry, good healthcare is only available to a select lucky portion of the population, and decisions are made about who lives and who dies based on your coverage?  Is reform really that scary?  It’s not like that much would change.  The death panels and the rationing already exists in our current system, with different players in power… players who are throwing money at the political figures tactfully orchestrating this revolt.  This is really only about supporting all those without insurance, who technically have been deemed invaluable by the corporate heads who decide when to cut the cord on our lives.

With all that said, I am not 100% supportive of universal healthcare as it now stands.  In an attempt to be bipartisan and include everyone’s opinion, I think we’ve watered down the meaning of “universal” – everyone won’t be covered, and some key constituencies such as immigrants, the homeless, and individuals facing addiction likely won’t receive the benefits that they desperately need.  I’m also aware of the politicization and deal-making occurring in the planning of the reform, which will only make matters worse.  But at its core healthcare should not be tainted by a political agenda and corporate greed – access to healthcare is something that should be afforded to everyone.  So before rallying against something because of what you “heard,” do your research and determine the truth behind political scheming, and allow interested and engaged citizens the opportunity to do just that – engage in debate and discussion.  And even though the reform being planned may be far from ideal, it’s at least a step in a better direction.

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