Thursday, December 10, 2009

it's about people.

The health care bill has managed to get past the House of Representatives, and is slowly going over the bumps in the Senate. I've been having a few discussions with the other Political Science majors from both parties. Most seem to agree that the health care bill is a good thing, and will greatly benefit citizens of the US. But I have encountered a few conservative friends (such as my dear roommate emily). As I've discussed with them I've listened to their arguments, given it a fair chance, weighed it out, discussed it with others, researched it. And I have yet to agree with those people who are against the health care bill.
First of all, think of the health care reform as car insurance. Everyone must have car insurance to drive a vehicle, so shouldn't every man have health insurance in order to work? Or survive, for that matter? 
How much should a person with limited income have to pay for an emergency room visit? 
Or how long can a person go without going to the doctor for a medical condition, because they can't afford it?
These are questions that citizens of our country ask themselves on a daily basis. Are they going to get by? What if one of their children breaks their arm; how will they afford it?
Some people I have talked with have expressed that doctors will suffer a noticeable pay cut if this bill goes through. That would be stressful and hard, but seeing how most doctors make over 300K a year, a cut back to 100K still puts them in the "upper class" boat, and still far more wealthy than the people who can't afford health care.
Another argument, and so far the most valid, is that it creates the Robin Hood "socialism" effect; by the rich supplying the poor. However, I've already seen many changes in the health care bill. By the time it passes through it will be quite different from the original bill, and far more conservative than one might think. Thanks democracy!
If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, take an in-depth look at the health reform website here.
You can also check out this article and this if you want to know even  more.



Whether or not you have health insurance right now, the reforms we seek will bring stability and security that you don't have today.
This isn't about politics. This is about people's lives. This is about people's businesses. This is about our future. 
- President Barack Obama

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