In the early 1960's a former Baptist minister turned social activist, and eventually premier of Saskatchewan introduced a universal healthcare program to his province. We now give Tommy Douglas the distinction of a visionary, but it was a hard-fought battle to bring the program to fruition. Those opposed used scare tactics and misinformation to dissuade the public. Physicians were against it because of their fears of loss of income. Douglas was a visionary who was motivated by his gospel convictions about care for the poor.
Nearly fifty years later the United States has voted for a government healthcare program by a narrow margin. As you will know, this has been a "tough go" for President Obama and his Democratic government. He has been accused of being both a fascist and a communist -- no small feat! The fearmongering would be laughable if it hadn't been so hateful and destructive. Many people who were strongly opposed admitted that they really didn't understand thier own health coverage, and forty six million Americans had no health insurance. Members of his own party broke ranks and expressed their opposition. For all this, the bill has passed, albeit with concessions.
I should mention that while some conservative Christian groups have opposed the Obama plan because of their fears about support for abortion, many denominations and organizations have been strong advocates.
As a minister I am constantly aware of the strengths and weaknesses of our system as I offer pastoral support to our folk. I remain convinced that while it is flawed it beats the alternative. Thank God the United States is stepping in the right direction.
What are your thoughts about our system? Do you figure this will work in the States?
Being ill, or having a loved one that is sick is worrisome enough, can't imagine having to worry about the "Can I afford treatment?" on top of that...Being in the States last winter, as the economy was crumbling, I overheard many conversations about job loss, with one of the biggest concerns being the loss of health insurance benefits with those jobs. My prayer is that they can make it work, for the sake especially of those living on the margins.
ReplyDeleteI may have mentioned my surprise when talking to my aunt in Maryland during the summer. She has excellent health insurance -- and pays thousands of dollars to maintain it. As you point out, Laura, many can't afford it. The fact that so many are uninsured is staggering.
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