I’ve been following the health-care debate as best I can… but a lot of the information I’ve come across is either too broad or too irrelevant or even contradictory. I really want to support a public plan — I know something needs to change and it sickens me that so many people don’t have any coverage.
I recently read many of the comments on my Christian friend Anne’s website when she asked her readers’ thoughts on health care. Many of them are opposed to Obama’s plan, but most of their reasons are ridiculous. (Things like it’ll determine whether old people should die, it’ll take away choice, it’ll lead to Communism, etc.)
A few years ago, I was in London and had to get something checked out. I was seen by a doctor and treated wonderfully, and all it cost me was a couple pounds worth of medicine from a drugstore. That’s it. Last year (in Chicago), I had to go to the hospital for a non-emergency situation, and it ended up costing me over $1,000; they didn’t even fix the problem. My anecdote is just that; it doesn’t prove anything one way or the other. But I know plenty of people who have similar stories.
What I would like to hear are some rational arguments for or against the Obama plan. Right now, I don’t know if I could hold my own in a conversation about this issue, and that bothers me. People I tend to listen to and read are going both ways on the issue (though leaning toward the Obama side).
I may be opening the floodgates here, but would you share your thoughts on health care and whether you support or oppose the current health care bill in Congress? What needs to be changed? Yes, that’s a very broad question. I know it.
Commenters on this site are usually clear and helpful with their words, so I’m hoping I can learn something from you all.