On Thursday, I hosted my MSNBC "Ed Show" from the Kansas City Convention Center. There have been few days in my thirty year broadcasting career that have moved me as much as this experience did. I saw the real America. In the middle of the country, two thousand miles from the beltway, I witnessed middle class Americans standing in line for hours waiting to see a doctor. Some had not seen a doctor in years. They have jobs, some working two jobs, but can't afford the cost of insurance and basically are on the GOP plan: pray you don't get sick.
The stories were gut wrenching. I couldn't help but think this is where the Senate needs to do their business. Do it right in front of the eyes of the people in their own country who are struggling to make ends meet and live in dignity. The Senate should do business in front of the families that have played by the rules and have been dealt a personal set back for one reason or another. Have the guts to tell these people to their face that they aren't worthy of health care because they don't have money. They may see these faces briefly on the campaign trail, but they make no decisions in front of them when they are standing in line in pain, in agony and in desperate need.
America has a heartless side to it as well. That is demonstrated when U.S. Senators put the God Almighty Dollar in front of people who put them in office. How any law maker could deny full access and full health care coverage is beyond me. Senators who put themselves ahead of the people and who have been spoiled by the Washington good life have lost their soul and what it means to be an American. We throw billions of dollars at wars, often without hesitation, but some in the Congress are willing to treat humans in their own country like a piece of machinery that can be left in a junk yard.
My God, what has happened to America ?
In the arena of despair and need, I saw first hand the best of America. Over 1600 volunteers and more than 600 medical personnel and fifty five doctors willing to take the personal time and care about this crisis. Care about their fellow countryman and neighbor. Heroes, that's what they are. Not selfish lawmakers who have best health care in the world. These were real heroes who hoped for a better America and were willing to take the time to do their part. The National Association of Free Clinics and the people who work in this organization are the best of the best. They should be doing the voting, making the policy and writing the rules. Not heartless self indulged Senators who we have been trusted to be the care takers of our country.
I beg the Senate: please make the correct decision for this country and pass the torch to a new generation with compassion and moral compass with a health care bill that never falls short of any need for any American.
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Sanders 2012
Why do our elected officials have the privilege of affordable healthcare if we the people don’t? How can they claim the government is not the answer when it is the government that answers their needs?
Is there any way to strip our elected officials from the privilege of affordable health care? They need to start passing laws and bills that they themselves are bound by.
If we are supposed to be the richest country in the world and the best innovators in the world, why are we behind the rest of the world when it comes to health care.
With health care that's basically a right, are we saying the institution could be run flawlessly with no chance of fraudulence or corruption? Is it then fair to punish the group at large for the inevitable mistakes of a few?
As an idealist, I say there's no reason we shouldn't make a push for making health care a right. In this day and age, it's ridiculous to be having such an argument. However as a realist, I have to acquiesce that I too have several fears over how exactly a public option or guaranteed health care option would be run without a hitch however, truth be told, I have no idea what the heck is even in the current bill and ever since I heard the public option was dead, I have no idea what the fuss is about.
Perhaps if the political will in the United States was actually the will of the people rather than the will of the big money, we could make care universal. Big Pharma, Big Insurance and other corporate fat cats feeding on the health care tit don't want to lose their exalted position.
Anybody want to hazard a guess as to how long it would take them to make a public statement about how we don't need reform because they just witnessed the citizens of this country actually getting health care?
Ignorance is bliss but stupidity is dangerous.
I'm not a Christian, but isn't there a passage in the Bibble about someone asking Christ how one gets into heaven and he answers: "when I was hungry, did you feed me? When I was cold, did you warm me?" Or some such? I don't understand the viciousness. Health care is a right not a privilage. Profit has no business being involved in health care. Yes, Virginia, there are limits to capitalsim.
You are right, if they left their bubbles in DC, the congress would act on behalf of the people and not just big pharma and big insurance. BUT, don't forget, there are so many good progressives in the house and the senate fighting for those with no health care. They are the ones that aren't owned and operated by the lobbyists. They are well aware of the urgent need and the suffering.
You and your show are national treasures. Thanks for all you do to stand up for America.
You put the P in patriot! Just like Alan Grayson!!!