Journal of Sacred Work

It’s important to make a little effort once in awhile.    -Woody Allen

   For the most part, the Journal is dedicated to reflections that are focused on bringing peace to harried caregivers. Every so often, as yesterday, we offer opinions on how healthcare may be changed for the better. Sometimes, the subject of healthcare change can be very upsetting. But we all need to use a little effort to bring about improvements.
   Every caregiver is intimately familiar with the challenges the American system presents to patients. On the one hand, we have available the finest technology and medicine in the world. On the other hand, we live in with a system that can impose enormous hardships on the poor and vulnerable…

   When I offered my comments on Michael Moore’s powerful film, "Sicko,"(Journal 7/02/07) I was seeking to draw further attention to the plight of America’s fifty million uninsured people. Revolutions often occur because of the sharp disparity between rich and poor. When the CEO of an HMO, United Healthcare, makes $1.7 billion dollars in a single year while tens of millions can’t afford to pay for coverage with his insurance company, we can only wonder when change will come.
   The stage is set for revolution. Americans are not likely to tolerate this kind of injustice and disparity much longer.
   Overworked caregivers may well wonder what they are supposed to do about all this. The time has come for all of us to that extra effort. We need to let our elected officials know of our desire for change.
   You may not think that universal coverage is exactly the right answer. But you probably agree that every American is entitled to healthcare coverage. Let your congressional representative know how you feel.
   Across America, millions of uninsured Americans are facing troubling healthcare choices.  It doesn’t seem fair that anyone should have to risk bankruptcy in order to receive needed medical care. Fortunately, this dilemma can be resolved with a change in America’s system of payment.
   The HMO was a good idea in theory. In practice, it has been a disaster for the well being of millions of innocent patients.

-Erie Chapman
*The opinions expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the Baptist Healing Trust.