...to Lindsey Trella.
In the "town hall" format of this debate, audience member Lindsey Trella asked a question that I found to be the highest moment of this debate:
L. Trella: Senator, selling health care coverage in America as a marketable commodity has become a very profitable industry. Do you believe health care should be treated as a commodity?
I found this question to be framed in such a beautifully important way. It identifies the true challenge at the heart of this issue. It's not about government control. It's not about choice of providers. The issue at stake that needs to be discussed is the troubling fact that the current healthcare industry has found ways to profit off of the medical struggles of their neighbors.
I am not naive enough to think that healthcare-produced revenue is altogether wrong. Doctors, nurses and the people who clean the floor and cook the meals deserve to make a living from their lifesaving work. Piles of money is necessary to fund the research that will find treatments and cures for AIDS, cancer, autism, and the many other infirmities that impact lives every day.
What is not acceptable is any form of healthcare being operated from a profit motive. My wife's health is not yours to sell to her. My neighbor's health is not yours to sell to them. It is not your golden ticket. Refusing care is not a "cost saving measure". If we can't agree to the fundamental truth that a person who is sick or injured must be helped in every way possible, we are in trouble. If we can't accept the moral obligation to demand that every person's right to have their life saved or their illnesses and injuries treated, we have lost our morality.
During the debate, Senator McCain offerred a $5000 credit to pay for health insurance. We already have insurance and that is less than our out-of-pocket most years. My parents have to buy their own policy, and $5000 will get them from January to March. I was glad to hear Senator Obama identify healthcare as a "right" during the debate. It is time for leaders like Senator Obama to be bold and courageous on this issue for the sake of those who need an advocate.
It's time to put divisions aside and agree on the simple truth revealed by Lindsey Trella: the health of our neighbor is not a commodity to be bought and sold. Quality healthcare must not be reserved for the person who can afford it. And if you're making a good living off of the healthcare industry, it better be because you are treating the sick and saving lives...and not because you found a way to keep their money by doing the opposite.
2 comments:
Well said! Thanks.
I liked the way that was worded, too, although the candidates kind of took it as "Healthcare reform...go!"
Whatever does happen, though, I'm glad people are starting to realize that healthcare NEEDS to be reformed. I really like the AARP ads "Divided We Fail" --too true.
As for the candidates' specific plans...I was appalled at McCain's responses to Obama, more than anything. "He wants to fine you" --well DUH. If a parent isn't providing healthcare for their child, or a corporation isn't providing healthcare for their workers...this is *important*, that's what this whole question was about! ((And frankly, if a parent can't afford healthcare for their child it's because JOHN MCCAIN voted against S-CHIP.))
Agh. I hope the next President really can push this through, make it happen.
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