two a day

thats how many in Michigan die from lack of health insurance. 650 people a year die because of late diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and inability to afford drugs. this doesnt even take into account those who suffer everything from colds to chronic conditions without medical help.

there are many on the right who oppose universal health care, mostly on the grounds that it is not the government's job. but the government's primary concern is the wellbeing of its citizens. people are dying and suffering every day because they dont have the means and access to good health care. this should be of utmost concern to our government.

some conservatives claim that the free market can handle health care better than the government. well the free market has dropped the ball. the government is responsible to ensure the right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. it has neglected the first. its time for a change.

i am thankful every day that i have always had good health insurance. if not for that i wouldnt be here rambling in this blog day after day. i have a condition called still's disease that can be life threatening. i was hospitalized for 10 days due to it about 5 years ago. that hospital bill came to over $60,000. i think its fair to say that the average American cannot afford that and quite a few, myself included, dont make that in a full year. not to mention that one of my perscriptions would cost close to $1500 a month if not for the generous medical benefits at my company.

many folks are not lucky enough to have had the high quality care that i have because i have been lucky enough to have very good health insurance my entire life. i would be one of those statistics of those folks suffering without insurance, if i had not succumbed to my illness years ago with treatment out of reach. i am fortunate again in that i grew up with hard working parents who provided everything for me. and fortunate that i was able to go to college and get a well paying job and insurance benefits to go with it. but many are not so fortunate. many need help. its time that we help them.

once again, thanks to the free press.