Universal Health Care

February 19, 2008  --  Got something to say?
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Head Strike By Rene C. CalandriaBy Rene C. Calandria
Whats wrong with universal health care for all Americans? The two health care programs proposed by U. S. Presidential candidates in the Democratic Party, Senator Hillary Clinton of New York and Senator Barack Obama of Illinios are both universal in concept. Although during the South Carolina debate it was argued that Mr. Obamas plan is not universal but in essence it is in as much as it will cover too a broader population. On the contrary, the proposed health care program by the Republican candidates is more private and less controlled by the government. While the Democrats idea is socialist in nature, that of the Republicans (or GOP - Grand Old Party) is capitalist. Almost all newspaper in the country and even Presidential candidates in both Parties agree that millions of Americans have no health insurance. It is not only alarming to public health but I should argue that such phenomenon is a threat to the economic competitiveness of this nation. A privatized health care program is not a good domestic policy because premiums and family health insurance will skyrocket hence, putting the public at risk. The Republicans idea of privatized health care is too narrow and ill advised both in idea and concept. While it is possible that the GOPs proposal will bring in competition in the market, there is no guarantee that it is towards lower prices of prescription drugs and cheaper premiums. It will leave behind million other Americans uninsured and unhealthy causing so much financial strain and stress on local county executives and State officials who will be dealing directly with the people.

The Democratic plan is universal and more encompassing. Both Democratic Presidential candidates, Senators Clinton and Obama have proposed a more comprehensive approach to health care. Senator Obamas plan is not mandated while that of Senator Clinton is mandated by the government. Although Hillarys plan is expensive and requires more federal funding but it will cover millions of Americans. The plan is mandated but it gives all Americans who are already in a particular health plan to make a choice, either to stay with their old plan or that of the government or to ask for subsidy since some individual health insurance are not enough to cover the cost of medicine and hospital bills. Where do we get the funding for this ambitious program? I find it offensive and despicable to even hear such question because America is spending hundreds of billions of dollars in Iraq yet millions of people in this country have no health insurance.

I find it hard to reconcile the concept of small government versus the spending spree that the Bush administration has been doing within the last seven years of his presidency. The Republicans have been bragging about the small government ideology of their Party while criticizing the Democrats for being the bearer of big government ideology but in truth and in fact Bushs record is a clear example of big government principle. When America spends billions of dollars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa that is big spending and big government. When America goes to Middle East and gives millions of dollars to Egypt, Pakistan and Israel that is big government. When America worries about the political problem of every nation on this planet (including the Philippines) that is big government. So where is the idea of small government embedded within the concept of Federalism? America should not worry about the problems of the world (there are too many of them) least the Federal treasury will end up in bankruptcy. Before America worries about AIDS and malnutrition in Africa and Asia, the government should fix first the malnutrition, obesity problem and homeless situation of the country. In the Metropolitan Washington, DC area alone, there are more than 2,000 homeless people so where is the Federal money to shelter them. Charity begins at home.

A healthy citizen is a clear indicator of a healthy government. There are two ways through which a universal health care will be made possible; first, a Democrat President in the White House and second, a Democratic Congress. As I write this article, Americans are on their way to vote for their Presidential nominee for the November 2008 election. While at the gym at 5:30 in the morning on Super Tuesday (February 5,2008), the national survey on all channels show that the Democratic candidates are in statistical deadlock while the Republicans have a clear front-runner. But there is something certain, whoever comes out, as the nominee for the Democratic Party is a sure winner in November. I have never been this active and excited about any election except this because I see hope and light in Pennsylvania Avenue when a newly elected Democratic President is sworn in at the steps of the Capitol.

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