I want the best for you!

My family and I lived in England for nearly 12 years. During those years we were kindly included in the National Health Service -- health care for all. And while we've heard stories of sadness and grief where the system failed, our experience was one of excellent care by dedicated medical personnel. That experience -- which included two surgeries for our son for a complicated broken elbow, plus lots of more routine, mundane needs -- helped change us.

We believe in universal health care for all. The UK experience provides something for everyone -- us, the local fruit/veg seller, secretaries, teachers, presidents of companies, and unemployed people alike! No one is left out.

I'm saddened by those who want for themselves what they don't want for others. In the scope of basic human kindness and decency, that kind of selfishness falls short.

Why did anyone think this unfolding program in America would be anything but complicated and difficult? Given the sheer number of people involved, it had to be hard! Some things just are. But we had to try to do something! If we waited for perfect solutions to every tough issue, we'd never get anywhere! The American fast-food mentality has spilled over into all that we are: the Queen song could be our national anthem -- "I want it all, and I want it now!"

But what about your struggling neighbors and fellow-citizens? Do you want "it" for them, too? And when do you want it for them?

This isn't a political issue -- or shouldn't be (though everything seems to be!) -- this is a people issue. That there are moms and dads, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives and partners and friends and colleagues laying in bed at night wondering how they can pay their mortgage and their medical bills and still have something left for food should break every heart! We need to share their ache and tears; we have to care beyond ourselves. When the bills arrive in the $10s of thousands and $100s of thousands, no one should have to bear that alone. And yet too many do.

The traumatic stories of lives burdened and families harmed financially because of health costs should cause a corporate sense of sadness and a dedication to a better way.

I don't know what the perfect -- or even best -- answer is to what universal health care should look like. But what I know I want more than anything is for everyone to want the best for everyone -- including the conviction that leaving anyone out is a serious failure and dereliction of duty of historic proportions! Here's our chance to prove what mind of country we intend to be!

So, go ahead -- listen to your heart, then say it out loud: "I want health care for all!"

Thanks...I agree! :-) xo