Is healthcare a right or privilege?

Meesterjojo · Jun 27, 2010

If it is a right, then we have some work to do. If a privelidge, you get what you can pay for, right? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

It's a right, or should be, as a U.S. citizen.

I believe that the very reason we form governments is for our mutual benefit and protection. Medical care seems like a basic right- something that benefits all citizens. A government that is formed for the benefit of the few at the top, while the masses toil to support is, is a feudalism.

One might also argue on the same lines that in a seemingly conservative society as ours, especially with religious rhetoric flying here/there/everywhere, how unseemly is it for us to turn a blind eye to the plight of those who suffer when treatment is available? How just is it in the eyes of whatever your G_d might be to wage war for any reason, and tax the citizens for it, but not offer them medical care?

I could elaborate on the falsehood of increased taxes to pay for national healthcare vs. establishing a federal law which forces citizens to purchase a private product, or else, at the same cost. But I won't- it's a much larger issue.

On a more personal/emotional note: I find the thought that we shouldn't help our neighbors despicable. That we should allow people to die and suffer without care horrible, and a stinging testament to how deplorable our country has become. I say these things as the 16th generation of my family in this land- with a family that has documented changes through the past 350 years. And yes, our country allows citizens to die and suffer needlessly without treatment.