Health care has certainly sparked quite a debate in our country these last several weeks. I used to think that health care was simply a political issue, and that universal health care is obviously socialism. Since I do not believe in socialism, I do not stand for universal health care. But my perspectives are changing.
One of the things that got me thinking was a question posed by T. R. Reid, author of The Healing of America in tv interview I saw recently. I’m sure he is not the only one to raise this question, but he was the first person I heard ask it. The question: is it okay for the child of a rich family to have access to better health care than the child of the poor person? This is not a question of politics or socialism; this is a moral question. Everyone should have access to the same health care regardless of their finances. Right?
Listen to T. R. Reid during a radio interview WNYC.
Let me hear your thoughts on this. Post a comment below.
Posted by Donn Coon on September 18, 2009 at 1:05 am
Great item for your blog, Chris. I also have it posted on my Facebook page.
Interestingly, Mr. Reid was also interviewed by Terry Gross (Fresh Air on NPR) a couple weeks back. I downloaded the entire half hour interview and learned so much from Mr. Reid.
While it is so true that Americans like to be viewed as generous beyond reality, it’s also true that we are blind to what health care has become for us, for our neighbors. Worse, and shameful for me, is that people of faith seem all the more blinded, believing that health care is a corporate matter. When, I ask myself, were we released from our divine commission to to feed, clothe and care for one another?
I must tread lightly — my family strongly opposes my ideas – as I currently harbor thoughts like — “Come On, Socialized Medicine”.