Understanding The American Healthcare Debate
If you've been following the news in America, then you must be aware of the Health-care bill that just got signed into law. In the days leading to the legislative battle, emotions have been rising and they reached fever pitch on Sunday night when the Democrats got their way in the House of Representatives.
You would think that Sunday night would have been the end of it but it seems the dust is yet to settle and the political temperatures may remain elevated for a while.
So, why the opposition? Is the promise of Health-care not a basic right?
Well, there is no simple answer to these questions but the arguments against the bill can be divided into 2 or 3 parts.
The first one is the abortion debate. The Right does support abortion and they don't want public funds being used on the same. Which leads me to wonder, don't the pro-choice supporters also pay taxes?
Not that I am supporting them, as I'm actually pro-life (rather than anti-abortion) but you have to consider the fact that the government collects taxes from everyone and it has a duty to all. That is why I believe in the separation of the State and the Church.
The second argument is a complex one. Basically, it is all about 'small' government and the responsibilities of an individual. To best explain this point, I will leave you with excepts from a book I was given as a gift when I moved to America.
Americans believe that you're given one life to live, and it's up to you to get it right. You should use the time to maximize individual potential (get a college degree) so as to ensure the highest quality life possible.
Each individual has got duties and responsibilities. Your life is in your own hands ... and the quality of life as well. You owe it to yourself to be beautiful, clever, skinny, successful, and healthy. If you fail, it's because you're not trying hard enough ... (you don't jog regularly, you should've eaten more bran). Death (and failure) becomes your fault.
PS. For those Kenyans living in America, I would recommend reading Brit-Think, Ameri-Think A Transatlantic Survival Guide by Jane Walmsley. Having come from Kenya, once a British colony, you will better understand life in America.
*The words in italics are mine.
2 comments:
I'm actually anti-abortion. But I find the American Right-wingers a tad bit self-contradictory;if you insist that people bring children to America (trhough birth, not immigration) even when they can't afford to care for, then someone else better pay for it through their taxes.
OK, I believe in individual responisbility. I'm probably the stingiest person in my circle of friends.
But I have no qualms about paying taxes if they help pay for healthcare for those who can't afford it. It's a big, organized harambee system if you ask me, and fewer people take advantage of it.
I hear Europe has better mass transit systems (hence fewer people need cars, which is good for the environment) and better healthcare access by the masses than America, all atributable to the taxes they pay.
This win has given Ob legitimacy so its good from that pt of view, but I think the differences between US and Europe are quite huge going by the way this debate has gone.
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