Health Care for ALL

I hosted a Community Health Care Discussion tonight, as prompted by the incoming Obama-Biden Transition Team. They are compiling the opinions of ordinary Americans like you and me as to what is broken, what needs fixing, and what we think they should do about our current health care system. I couldn't resist the opportunity to contribute to the larger conversation, as health care has risen to the surface as a personal top priority.

A whopping 7 adults and two toddlers gathered at the Community Center tonight to answer the questions, and to create a policy statement to submit to the team. We had a healthy critical discussion about lots of things that are wrong, and there was generally a consensus that everyone should be entitled to health care. Wouldn't it be fabulous if we could go to the doctor when we wanted, and not feel worried not only about our health, but about how are we gonna pay for it, or what if our insurance goes up, etc. We were all in favor of a single payer health care system. Even beyond that, what if our health system encouraged health, by supporting nutrition, education, preventative care, and alternative health modalities? I sure hope that the Obama administration can pull something together in this arena, for the benefit of all.

If you would like to host a discussion wherever you are, it's really easy. Go to change.gov, and click the link about signing up to host a Community Health Care Discussion. They provide all the necessary instructions. You can invite as many or as few people as you'd like.

The Statement we created is copied below:

"We believe the government should create a Health Care System, as opposed to the Sick Care System that we currently have. We believe insurance companies have no place in a Health Care System, and that the government should provide payment for medical services that people require as recommended by their doctors and other health care professionals. Health care professionals should receive a healthy living wage. Drugs should not be patentable, and should be available at low or no cost for all people who need them. Public policy should support public health, by encouraging wellness, nutrition, and preventative care. Alternative modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and others should be supported and encouraged in service of maintaining the HEALTH of our population."