Friday, September 4, 2009

Health Care

The quote going around on Facebook yesterday was, "No one should die because they don't have healthcare and no one should go broke because they get sick", and to each one of these quotes, I commented that I agreed but wasn't sure the plan before us was the right one.

Well, talk about being misconstrued! Apparently, my friends took that to mean that I wasn't concerned about those who are dying or suffering in other ways because they lack health care. As I lay awake last night pondering this situation, and licking my wounds, I decided to just let it go. But, I've been thinking about this for days, long before this quote began to circulate on FB.

As Christians, I think we need to be concerned about those around us who are hungry and hurting. I think we need to do whatever is at hand to alleviate the suffering we see on a daily basis. I met a woman this summer, a nurse, who had serious back surgery. The result was that she wasn't able to go back to nursing, she lost her job, she lost her health insurance and has been denied Social Security disability twice already. She has gone through most of her savings, had to sell her rental property (which was her retirement back up). She has very little. I stood and listened to her in awe. Was I concerned? Was my heart heavy for her? Absolutely.

I believe we need a plan. A workable, well-thought out plan. I don't, however, necessarily believe the one on the table is right. Does that make me a bad person? Does that mean that I don't care? I'm just saying, let's go back to the drawing board. I ask our legislators to cross the aisles. Let the smartest and best and most qualified of those we've elected forget their party affiliations and sit down and draft a plan that works.

And while I'm on this soap box let me say to those conservative Republicans who have been interrupting the Town Hall Meetings all across America, "Get over yourselves." So many of us (Republicans) claim to be Evangelical Christians. So, let me ask you this question. Are you praying for the right plan? Do you pray for our president? Do you pray for the Congress? Are you trying to be a part of the solution rather than part of the problem? I'm so very tired of the partisanism in this country.

In our little community here in New York, there is a huge to do going on between a citizen's group and the School Board. As I stand by and listen to both sides of this issue, I keep wanting to say, "Are you praying about this?" I truly don't know who is right and who is wrong. Probably the truth is somewhere in the middle, as is usually the case. What I do know is, that these people are angry and hurt and it's sad. Again, if we could just sit down and talk, disregarding the need to be right, we could accomplish so much.

So, in closing, I want to say to my Friends. I love you all or I wouldn't call you friends. Isn't it great that we can disagree and still love and respect one another.

~Hippo Hugs~

Help publicly. Help privately. Help in your actions
by recycling and conserving and protecting, but also in your
ATTITUDE. Help make sense where sense has gone missing.
Help bring REASON and RESPECT to discourse and debate.
Help science to SOLVE and faith to SOOTH. Help law bring justice,
until justice is commonplace. Help and you will abolish apathy--
the void that is so quickly filled by ignorance and evil.
~Tom Hanks

10 comments:

Cheryl Wray said...

I think this was a wonderful post! I know that health care needs to be reformed and I believe in helping everyone we can help, but I'm still not totally sure about what I believe will work. What I don't believe in is all the petty back-and-forth between people in this country. Since when can we not agree to disagree and respect each other's opinions?

hippo chick said...

Cheryl, Well said. I'm so tired of putting "the Party" before the people of this country. Lots of prayer is needed.

camport said...

As Glenn Beck says, "It's not about Republicans and Democrats."

I think most politicians are crooked and don't give a hoot about the people. In the end, it's all about the money and power. Those elected officials seem to forget who they're working for.

As someone from GenX who doesn't get their news from Conan O'Brien, I am completely sick over this debate.

It's disgusting to me that patriotism or voicing one's opinion is construed as "astroturf." Grandma's are portrayed as Nazis. I am sick and tired of the media. I am sick and tired of BOTH parties.

I think most Americans are.

This healthcare debate just seems to be bringing a LOT to the surface. Speak your piece and don't be ashamed! You are an AMERICAN! People have died for the right for you to say what you want to say. Don't let facebook "friends" take that from you.

And there's my soapbox. I hope you didn't lose much sleep over a few comments. Been there, done that and it wasn't worth the lost zzz's.

Signed,
Your friend.

:)

hippo chick said...

Chrissy, I do sooo love you.

Dana said...

Well said, Pam. Very well said!

Midlife Mom said...

Very well put Pam! I so agree with you! I'm just not sure the plan on the table is right for us and feel it is my right to say so without fear of backlash. Let's just step back and take another look before we jump into something. I'm not asking for the world, just some time to really investigate this health care issue and come up with the best plan. Much prayer is needed and there are lots of Repubicans (which I am) and Democrates that need to stop worrying about getting the upper hand and work for the best plan for us all.

Enjoyed your anniversary picture! We are a bit behind you at 38 years and I too believe I am married to the man that God chose for me. I also am glad that I was listening!! Happy Belated Anniversary!

Will be posting again when we get back from Dallas! xoxox

Lynilu said...

I had that posted on FB, as well. I agree that I'm not sure this is the right one, and I'm frustrated with legislators who are dragging their feet on development of a good plan. It is something that must be accomplished, but folding arms and puffing up doesn't help anyone, least of all those who really need it. I agree with Cheryl's statement .... since when is it not OK to have differing opinions? That is what usually, hopefully, gives the check and balance needed to make things work. My biggest concern is that many on the Hill are digging in their heels, rather than having open discussions and finding the best possible solution.

Monogram Queen said...

I completely understand where you are coming from Pam. I didn't join in that particular topic on F@cebook either and it doesn't mean that I don't care.
I respect everyone's right to their own opinion even when it is on direct opposition with mine and I think mature people who are truly friends can always agree to disagree.
Hugs my sweet, wise, wonderful friend!

hippo chick said...

Lynilu - I'm with you about digging in their heels. I'm not much of a political person. Then there is all the hoopla about the President's speech today. Ridiculous!

Patti - You and me Babe.

Dagmar said...

Hi Pam,
Love your new blog header, very cheerful and colorful!!