We Can’t Afford to Wait

(10 am. – promoted by ek hornbeck)

We Can’t Afford to Wait

copyright © 2009 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Only today Cable News Network aired a report that suggests most of those who want a public option health care plan are African Americans,  Persons in this population are more likely to be uninsured.  Statistics show dark skinned individuals also seem  predisposed to poor health.  News broadcaster Kyra Phillips continues.  Black people, when surveyed, say they think Mister Obama has performed well in office.  In contrast, far fewer white Americans approve of what the Obama Administration has done on the job.  Subtly, Ms Phillips reminds the audience, the current President of the United States is the nation’s first Black Commander-In-Chief.  The implication is obvious.

Yet, the tale is not necessarily as told.  Witness the stories shared in a MoveOn.org video, study the faces, and consider the situation of those who say they cannot afford to wait for health care reform,  Mostly white faces fill the screen.  

Of course, someone may surmise, this presentation was staged.  It was not.  Days ago, this author received a request to do as these individuals have done.  An electronic message was sent to millions of Americans.  The appeal was, Please share your story on a sign.  Hold the poster up and photograph yourself for all to see.  Send the snapshoot to MoveOn.org, and our organization will compile what we collect.  

Common everyday citizens responded en mass.  The people, informed of the intent saw this venture as an avenue to further their personal cause.  Each considered what was a potential presentation, perhaps the most powerful means to give voice to their message.

Here they are; real persons who openly say they cannot afford to wait for a public health care coverage option.  Be they affluent, ill, an average American, or the strong who fear for family, the plea is palpable.

Caucasian small business propitiators offer the words, “We cannot wait for affordable medical insurance coverage.”

Pink persons who had policies that were canceled once they were diagnosed with a life threatening illness tell us as a country, we have delayed a public option plan for far too long.  

Fair-haired families, forced to spend a large portion of their income on medical insurance say the nation cannot continue to over any real choice.  Coverage too costly does no one any good.  Inevitably, someone pays for the burden others bear.  Only insurance offered at a reasonable rate or free access to treatment for those who , for a time, have no funds will benefit Americans from all walks of life.

Certainly, people of every color need adequate and affordable medical treatment plans.  Americans yearn for policies that do not bar people with a pre-existing condition.  Citizens, no matter the race crave for a program that will not be canceled if they find themselves in poor health. People of all creeds cannot postpone access to pragmatically priced medical coverage.

Please pass this message on.  Send the video and the text to any Anglo who believes only the poor or brownish purplish persons burden the “phenomenal,” private, American health care system.

Read the references . . .

• Transcripts. Cable News Network. September 8, 2009
• We Can’t Afford to Wait