I hate that there are so many Americans in this country that need so much that is simply not available to them. Why? Because they don't make enough money to afford the things that I see as essential requirements. I am embarrassed that I live in a country that cannot selflessly take care of its own people. In a perfect world we would all give freely of ourselves and our money without government mandated requirements. But this is not a perfect world. Far from it. This is not a perfect country nor a perfect government. But isn't what we all want that it gets better?
I have a friend that I love dearly. She was recently very very ill but wouldn't call an ambulance because she couldn't afford it. And yet she "makes too much" (self employed) and has "too many assets" to qualify for government aid, but not enough to afford her own health coverage. What do you do when someone you care passionately about is that ill but can't get help? In my case, I look to health care reform. I think the health care is a right, not a luxury for those who can afford it.
Even in my own case, I pay over $500 per month for my medications. I was less than brilliant and didn't inform my husband's company that I left my job in a timely manner so our choices became, 1) go ahead and get on his coverage but not be covered for any pre-existing conditions for 18 months or 2) wait until the annual renewal time and get signed up then. That basically gives me a choice of paying for my $500 prescriptions for either the 8 months until I am able to be added at the renewal, or get added now and not get prescription coverage for 18 months. In my case, I am lucky to be able to sustain myself until time and make one of these choices. But I can clearly see how medications alone can sink the soul's ship.
My friend Harriett has no income and no insurance. She was finally able to get disability and hopefully she will qualify for med-assist. Stage 4 cancer is an ugly disease and I can't imagine her without us... she would be homeless and without any medical help. How can we as a nation turn out back on people like this? We have children and adults who live in the streets. We have children and adults without the medical assistance they need. This is not a third world country.
The American dream should be there for everyone, not just those that are physically, emotionally and academically able to achieve it. I'm not even talking a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage. I passionately believe that every American has the right to be sheltered, fed and healthy without the risk of losing one of those rights for another.
About that $5,000 tax credit for healthcare... How do you get the credit if you don't even have the income to qualify you to pay taxes?
Call me a socialist, communist, the dreaded bleeding heart liberal or whatever... I don't care about labels - I care about people. If I have to have a little less so others may have a little more, then so be it. I will be honored to go there!!
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