Here is some light reading for everyone in the United States, regarding health care.

First, to those of you who are so loudly opposed to Obama’s health care plan, have you even read it? If not, go there now, and read it now.

Second, to all of you who keep saying, “But look how well the Gubment is running VA hospitals,” go read this article in Time.
Admittedly, VA hospitals are not immune to health care crisis in this country. I will also admit that I’ve known some people who have received substandard care in VA hospitals. However, at least they RECEIVED care, which is more than what a growing number of Americans get, because we’re all too scared to go get the medical help we need because of the expense involved!

Third, do you even have an understanding of the current system of health care? Please go read this paper from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, which outlines all the ways in which the US FAILS compared to most other developed countries, with regard to our health, health care, and quality of life. Oh, and conveniently, it also outlines how to a) get everyone the medical care they need, without b) increasing costs nationally. Fascinating.

Fourth, please spare me the “socialist” crap. Do you even know what socialism IS? Before you call the red police, please go read the wiki article on the topic before screaming “but it’s a SOCIALIST plan!” You might be surprised to find that YOU are actually more in line with socialist ideals than you thought. ::gasp:: (Then go read this article, which compares [in a fun way] health care in Canada and England.)

I’m sure you read all that.

I can say with absolute certainty that every single person who will read these words I’m typing now, knows someone who does not have any kind of health insurance. Nearly every person knows someone with some kind of chronic illness. Everyone has either chosen NOT to pick up a prescription once they saw how expensive it was, or has expressed concern over how expensive their medication was. Some have contemplated illegally importing medication from other countries just so they can even afford to use the medication they’ve been prescribed. Most people who DO have medical insurance are bothered by how expensive it is, how much it DOESN’T cover, and how much the costs increase with each passing year.

The health care industry is ridiculous. Drug companies, insurance companies and medical malpractice suits have completely trumped things that used to be important, like affordability and quality of care. Yet there are people who are violently opposed to universal health care. I don’t understand.

Yeah, you know what? I’m not for big government either. I mostly want the government to stay out of my affairs. However, there are occasional things that I think the government can do better than what we’ve done ourselves (and this health care crap is what We’ve Done Ourselves).

And really, you can’t tell me that it can be much worse than it is now. When it comes down to it, I will take the supposed longer wait times to see a quality doctor for free (or for much, much cheaper than now), over the current corrupt system ANY day.