Editor's Note: Lindsey de Stefan's article on the status of health care services in the United States demonstrates that the states are not-so-united. At Axis of Logic, we have consistently avoided the internicine battles among the Democrat and Republican parties which we view to be simply two faces of the same corrupt political system. But Lindsey writes about a different matter. Her story is about attitudes of the "Haves" toward the "Have Nots", exposing the class warfare that lies at the heart of capitalism. The U.S. government denies it exists and the corporate media is careful not to discuss it.

- Les Blough, Editor

Several days ago while I was at work, a middle-aged woman began ranting incessantly to me. Completely unprovoked, she began fuming that we needed to remove New Jersey’s Democratic senators from office in the next election because they are ruining our state. She explained heatedly and in much harsher terms, that she did not agree with the Democrats’ proposal for health insurance reform. “It’s socialism,” she said. “We need them out!” Utterly baffled, I could do nothing but stare at her.

This woman was carrying a Gucci bag. Her car key had the Lexus emblem on it and she was shopping in the high end supermarket that I work at in Bergen County, New Jersey. My logic and reasoning skills told me that she was wealthy and, therefore, likely had access to private health insurance.

It seems obvious to me at this point that many of the people so vehemently opposed to health care reform are the people who can afford private insurance. The dissenters are not among the 46 million Americans who are uninsured. They are not among the 46 million people who do not have access to the medical accommodations that many of us living in the affluent suburbs of Bergen County take for granted. The people opposed to the plan are the ones who are used to annual physicals, dental appointments every six months, and the ability to see a physician whenever they have the sniffles. They seem to completely ignore the fact that not everyone has these opportunities.

For the 46 million uninsured, the health care reform bill that passed through the House of Representatives November 7 offers a ray of hope and the possibility of relief. Certainly, it has a ways to go. It will have to make its way through the Senate, with the Republicans fighting it tooth and nail, before it reaches President Obama’s desk and we can reform our health care system. But there is hope nonetheless and that in itself is simply revolutionary.

Many may criticize the idea of socialized health care. The truth of the matter, however, is that our country needs this and has needed it for quite some time. There are far too many people suffering without it.

Two years ago my 11-year-old cousin had strep throat. Her mother was extremely hesitant to take her to see the pediatrician in order to obtain the antibiotics she needed to clear this very common childhood infection. The combination of the doctor visit and the medication was more than their family could afford without insurance. It wasn’t until her fever reached 104 degrees that my cousin was finally taken to the doctor.

Unfortunately, situations like these are not uncommon. And it is both bewildering and frustrating that so many people are against the legislation that would provide millions of our fellow Americans with relief. The health care bill passed by the House of Representatives includes myriad provisions to make health insurance a viable and affordable option for those currently living without it. There are plans to expand Medicaid, to improve Medicare, and to create a Health Insurance Exchange so individuals can comparison shop among private and public insurance plans. Measures would be taken to control the cost of medical insurance. And, of course, a public health option will become available. However, private insurance will still be possible for those who prefer it.

It is time that the people of this nation stop being so egocentric and learn to feel compassion for those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves. They need to stop fearing that public health insurance is a socialist ideal and embrace a plan that would benefit millions of our own people.

References

1. An American Solution: Quality, Affordable Health Care
   
   
2. HR3862: To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes.