I knew the day would come when my coverage under my mother's health insurance would lapse. I could foresee it and I feared it. Today was the first day it happened and I actually realized it.
At some point Americans lost sight of what really matters, our people. There are four concepts I will cover to demonstrate this to you: (1) The American Tax Payer's Investment in its People, (2) Freedom from Fear, (3) Caring Pocketbooks for People, and (4) The Community Concept.
My intention is to give you a first hand account of what it is like to walk in the shoes of an uninsured, hardworking, taxes-paying, American citizen. I know a lot of people may disagree with me, so if this upsets you, stop reading.
The American Tax Payer's Investment in its People
I am an American citizen. I was born in the United States of America. I pay taxes. I went to public schools funded by American tax payer money. I went to a State University also funded by tax payer money. I am studying the laws of the United States of America, also in part funded by tax payer money in the form of subsidized government loans. Tax payer money has provided me with an excellent education.
However, tax payer money has failed to protect its greatest investment: me. I ask the tax payer: Why invest so much in me and then fail to protect me from disease, accidents and ailments beyond my control? Do most people invest the money in a home and then stop paying home owner's insurance? I doubt your financial adviser would recommend such foolishness. Why do we do it to our young people?
Did you know the majority of uninsured Americans range in age from 18-24 years old? In 2008, there were 8 million young adults between the ages of 18-24 uninsured. This number represents 28.1% of the population. Young adults make up the largest age segment of the uninsured, are the most likely to be uninsured, and are one of the fastest growing segments of the uninsured population.
Think about it this way readers, you bought a new home, invested a lot of money in fixing it up, bought home owner's insurance and the day after, your home floods. You opted out of the flood insurance on your policy. Bet you feel cheated.
That's how Americans should feel when they learn their young adults are uninsured. Americans have invested all the money in educating young adults, but then they opt out of one of the most important aspects of protecting their investment: Healthcare.
Freedom from Fear
We live in a great nation full of freedoms and made up of rights. I can write this blog post criticizing my government. I can vote for representatives, senate members and a president who I believe will represent my voice. I can make signs, I can protest, I can march on Washington D.C. I can lobby Congress. I can write my nations leaders. I will not face a retribution for voicing the ideals I am about to share with you, which is a freedom many do not have.
However, freedom fighters, I ask you: what good is freedom without one's health?
I walked across the street today and I was afraid that a car would hit me. I was afraid I would be in the hospital and I would be handed a $100,000 + bill at the end of it that I wouldn't be able to pay. I fear getting sick during the school year and not being able to see a doctor. I fear not being able to pay for my prescriptions that have already expired that I cannot afford without insurance.
Caring Pocketbooks for People
You wouldn't be reading this if you weren't someone I loved or cared about. Now, listen: I cannot afford to pay for my prescriptions and if I do not have my prescriptions, the likelihood my life expectancy will be shortened because I am not taking my prescriptions is high. Does that sink in for you? I will die sooner than I should if I don't have my prescriptions. Now are you understanding? I bet you want to hand over your checkbook and help me out now, don't you? I bet you do, because you are someone who cares about me and who loves me.
Why doesn't this same concept translate to our government?
If the my country cares for me, why isn't it having the same reaction to my lack of health care in my time of need? Why isn't it outraged that I am going without necessary prescriptions? In every other industrialized nation, their people do not have my worries because their country provides with its checkbook. They live with peace of mind that their country has provided for them in ways my country has failed to.
We are a strong people, fill with strong values. Capitalism is one of the founding concepts of this country. It's understood that money has power in this nation. However, this country is not founded solely on capitalism. We are a great nation that grew out of a Bill of Rights, a complex system of Checks and Balances and an idea that we are a government of the people, for the people. Right?
So, let me ask you this: What happened to the "for the people" part? I am worried for my country and it's people. I think we have lost sight of what really matters. Namely, our people.
The Community Concept
My grandma always used to tell me that times were different when she was young, communities came together for people when bad luck fell upon them. Our society is much more global and connected today. Now our communities are connected across borders and continents. Instead of thinking so locally, we should be thinking nationally and globally.
So, national community, I am telling you: I am a citizen, I pay my taxes, I have a job, I am a full time law student and I feel like the U.S. tax payer has invested a lot of money in me, but hasn't protected me from a threat that we cannot wage war on and that carries no weapons. Who will hear my voice now?
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