In a political frame of mind

My apologies to my a-political readers, but these are the things on the top of my mind recently so they need to come out. My political views have nearly 100% been driven by personal experiences. Recently, DS1’s lack of medical/dental insurance has been a huge issue. It has started him off completely in the hole financially and also contributed to my own financial stresses as I try to give him some sort of help and ensure that he is at least basically OK. Thankfully he found a job that is giving him access to benefits now, but in the past when we looked into individual coverage, we found it to be a Catch22. He had to continue making payments on those medical bills already incurred while uninsured, and therefore could not afford monthly payments on an insurance plan.

I know in the US there is this negative attitude towards socialized medicine. I used to have it too. However, the more I read, the more personal stories I hear from my friend’s and family around me about how we do things here – well, our way of doing things pretty much stinks too! While I certainly believe in personal responsibility in many many things, I do not believe that health care should be tied to how much money you have. This is one playing field that needs to be leveled. What has made me think of this today is this posting by a man I met in Las Vegas last year. A banker from France who takes a great interest in the US and was a key author of Energize America.
I will link to his entire rather long story, but here is an excerpt:

This is not to say that all is well in French healthcare. As in other countries, costs are barely under control, spending increases every year, and there are many ways the system could be improved for doctors, nurses and patients. But the fact remains that if you are badly ill, you will be taken care of; you will not need to give up your job (or if you do, you’re helped); you will not need to sell your house; and you will not be denied healthcare (see my second comment below).

It’s been tough enough to deal with a sick child; I simply do not want to imagine what it would have been like if I had to beg for care or to scurry around for money in addition. It’s just inconceivable. And thus, I was happy to pay taxes before, and I’m really, really happy to pay taxes now to provide that level of care for those that really need it.

Here is the full post: Socialist Health Care Horror Story (yes, the title is snark!)

My hope is that the U.S. can open it’s mind and allow a real health care debate. We need to not so quickly dismiss these systems that work in many many many countries. Systems which do not distinguish between the haves and have nots, and have mores when it comes to access to quality health care. Countries older than ours which perhaps we should look to for solutions as they may have already walked down these paths that our relatively young nation is just embarking upon. You know – respect and consider the experiences of your elders and all that 🙂