Contradictions

Your dad, your teacher, your professor, your religious father figure or your politician, what do they preach to you as you grow up till this day? Be compassionate, be innovative, help others, be true to yourself, don’t be ordinary and the list goes on…

But is that really where we are going as humans and as Americans?  Let’s look at healthcare, are we compassionate in how we deal with the problems we face as a nation?  Are we trying to be innovative in how we face the growing cost of healthcare or to address the problems that come with implementing any form of healthcare plan? Are we truly thinking of how to help others that may be less fortunate or do not have the resources that we have, financially, educationally or culturally? Are we true to ourselves, do we apply what our values call for?

Solving the healthcare problems is actually simpler than politicians want us to believe; there are a large number of systems out there that are very successful.  We should be able to adapt any number of these experiences to our needs and unique communities.  There are many expert opinions regarding how to go about reducing healthcare cost or developing a universal healthcare system that fits our society.  The reason it seems complex is that it has become a partisan issue rather than a human issue. 

This problem extends beyond healthcare.  We don’t value science as much as we did in the past, but talk about innovations and want the latest technology at the lowest price.  We will cut NASA’s budget and NIH funding, while increasing military budgets and provide tax cuts for those who really don’t need it and in some cases are opposed to it.  We used to be proud of landing on the moon or exploring what is beyond.  Now its seen by many as an unnecessary luxury.

More to come...Possibly.