This study module was very interesting an thought provoking. Although I came to know some time back that the United States is the only industrialized country to NOT have a national healthcare system in place to which all are entitled, this study module really brought that close to home. I have long felt that all U.S. citizens should have access to at least basic healthcare. As a caring nurse, I deplore the fact that it is not so in our country.
For many years we have enjoyed the highest standard of living in the world. How most other countries can see that healthcare should be a right and ours does not is beyond me. It seems quite inconsistent with our American way of life, values, and political beliefs. We send many billions of dollars overseas often, to help other countries, and yet there are so many citizens in within our shores that cannot access even basic healthcare.
Just think how one of us would feel if we were ill, chronically ill, had no way to provide for our families, and had no way to get better because we had no way to get the healthcare we desperately needed? We don't really think about it that much - until it happens to us. Then our world comes crashing in and the reality sets in on just how dependent we are on good health - after it is gone. We then wonder at the cold indifference of our society to our plight, and the country we call home that is famous around the world for championing human rights and freedom.
Part of our value system in the United States is to be "secure in our person". How secure can we be if we cannot depend on receiving basic care when we are ill, to restore us to health? It becomes an illusion, and the values that we champion as a people empty rhetoric! President Obama's new healthcare reform may not be everything it needs to be, but doggon it, at least it is a step in the right direction.
If you have thoughts to share on this subject, please feel free to jump in. I would love to hear what others also have to say.
Best regards,
Robin Martin, RN, BSN, LNCC
Enjoyed your posting Robin. I'm with you, at least someone is trying to address this issue. I can't imagine why so many people are opposed. I wonder if they would be if they lost their homes, jobs or lives because of chronic illness or injury they had no coverage for.
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