Health Care Reform

The tax on soda got a friend of mine talking on facebook. The comments that followed had remarks about the health care reform bill which made me want to scream. This anti-Obama attitude is making me crazy, yet I recognize that others are entitled to their opinion. I wanted to make a remark to the anti health care reform people, but I first decided to do some real research into what the health care reform bill means.

First, it takes the problems in health care and tries to address them. The biggest problems are: high cost, not all are covered, those with coverage get denied benefits when they become sick. I personally believe we can all agree that these are problems that need fixing. The trouble is, the Republican party doesn't want to pay for the fixing (or their campaigns are paid for by the insurance companies that over-charge for insurance). I understand that but I don't believe the majority of the people in this country don't want to fix the problems in health care.

The Obama bill calls for all to be insured. In essence, he will be forcing the American people to buy health care. The idea of forcing the population to do anything would make it bristle, but consider the fact that no one is complaining about having to have auto insurance or having to pay taxes for social security or medicare. What's the difference?

It is a slippery slope when you propose a bill that may cost taxpayers money. However, let's consider the costs we already carry due to an unhealthy body of people. Schools do not meet the standards because students are not healthy. When kids fail in school, they will become a burden on society down the road. They will be unable to find a meaningful job thus creating a scenario where a criminal life offers more for them. What we pay up front could really save us money down the road.

But I am an Obama supporter.

Really, though, can we not get together on this. Health care needs reform. Let's do it so we can be a better society. One worth fighting for.