Here we go again.  What started out as a plan from the Obama Administration to cover all of our citizens with health care has been subverted again.

As you may know, about 25% of our population is not covered by health insurance and another 25% is under covered.  This is in the “leading” country in the world.  Check the statistics yourself – we are an embarrassment compared to the other industrialized countries.  Infant mortality, health care for the elderly etc., etc.. – it all lags behind.

When President Obama came into office, he proposed to fix this large matter.  However, it will be costly and there were many groups opposed – primarily our friends the Republicans.  Instead of working together to implement a program over time that meets our needs, the Republicans would rather fight the whole issue and leave those who are uncovered in the same perilous situation. 

But, as you probably already know, those who are uncovered or under covered do get sick (more frequently and more seriously because they do not have any preventive care or regular checkups.), and therefore someone has to pay the cost of this care.  It isn’t free for the docs and hospitals to provide.  The rest of us and our insurance plans, pay for these costs. 

A well thought out plan could meet our needs – a healthier population that help to keep this country strong – justice in the delivery of services in this country.  Not easy – some sacrifices necessary – would take a phase in period - everyone must be a part of the plan to keep the cost per person reasonable.

But now the nation’s businesses get a year deferment.  And the most recent transgression: our wonderful leaders in Congress – both parties, mind you – have asked for an exception for all the members of Congress and their staffers – about 10,000 strong – and they will remain under their very generous federal health insurance plan with its subsidies.  President Obama bowed to the complaints on Capitol Hill and agreed.  They should be under the exact plan that the rest of the country is under, with no special subsidies.

What an embarrassment!  But the Congress certainly isn’t embarrassed. They live in a different world and are a privileged class.  They certainly won’t talk about this when they go home for the late summer break.  We look foolish to the rest of the world, again.  And we are creating a class system in this country – the haves and have not’s.

Think about it.  Talk to your congress members.  We need an equitable plan, not more of the same with the lack of health care and health insurance.

Take care.