My thoughts on Health Care Reform

I love how people throw around the word "freedom," i.e. "Universal health care is an imposition on freedom!"

Does this freedom refer to the freedom to choose whether or not to participate in the health care market? I'm pretty sure most uninsured people don't freely choose to not have insurance. Usually, they can't get approved for it or can't afford it.

Or does this "freedom" refer to the freedom to shop around for insurance? If so, what about those who aren't even able to shop around? What about the people who can barely afford basic necessities, like food, clothing, and housing? Does their health not matter?

I've heard the argument that it's unconstitutional to impose health care on the individual. However, I argue that requiring someone to take care of themselves isn't an imposition; rather, it is a right. Being healthy is a right, just as is life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. After all, how can you be happy if you're sick and nobody will take care of you? How can you be free if a chronic or untreated illness is holding you back? How can you fully live your life if all of your energy is put into trying to keep yourself well without any offer of assistance? Furthermore, how can you be alive if you are not approved for health care for an illness that, although it could have been prevented, kills you?

I like how Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina puts it: "This is not about health care. It's about trying to extend a basic fundamental right to people who are less powerful."

It really peeves me that people turn the debate about health care reform into one that's about money or complications between federal and state laws. To me, this is purely a moral issue. Is it ethical to require people to have health insurance? I say ABSOLUTELY. As human beings, we have the responsibility to preserve life in all forms. Offering health care to everybody, regardless of their cultural background, financial status, or medical history is an important step to fulfilling our responsibility.

I try my hardest to avoid identifying with a political party because honestly, I think political parties just make a huge mess out of everything. Too many people get wrapped up in being consistent with their fellow party members' views that they forget to fairly evaluate what's going on in Washington and form their own opinions.

So please, I beg you: forget all the bullshit your political party stands for. Do your own research and think for yourself. Hey, I'll even make it easy for you:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20000846-503544.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/22/health-reform-bill-summary_n_508315.html#s75147

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125030078&ps=cprs

Those links should get you started, but don't let that be the end of it. Think. Discuss. DON'T JUST SIT THERE AND SPIT OUT OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS.