Journal of Sacred Work

   As one commenter wrote in yesterday’s Journal. It’s painful to think how long it will be until change finally comes to American healthcare. The subject we write about so often in this space, radical loving care, cannot be legislated. But universal healthcare coverage can, of course, be passed into law. (click on cartoon to enlarge)
   It’s taken a long time for the majority of Americans to understand the severity of the problem. And the long wait is not a positive commentary on the generosity of most Americans. The majority who carry health insurance have been reluctant to recognize the suffering of the minority that has no coverage. Finally, the problem has become acute enough for public opinion to change…

   Polls consistently show a majority of Americans support some form of universal coverage. As far back
as October, 2003, an ABC News poll showed Americans favor universal health care by a margin of 2-1 (62% to 32%). Other recent polls (left) show the same approximate margin of support for universal coverage.
   Why, then, has congress been so slow to act. The answer isn’t hard to guess. Some of the most powerful lobbyists in Washington are retained by the insurance and drug companies.
   Still, if the outcry in the wake of the movie "Sicko" is loud enough, elected officials will respond. All of the major Democratic candidates for President now support universal coverage. I am unaware of any Republican candidate that does. But that may change.
   
Ultimately, this issue should not be about partisan politics. Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. And it’s up to Americans to raise their voices and cast their votes in support of health care for the poor and nearly poor. What major faith traditions and the voice of history tell us is that our society will be judged on how we care for the "least of these" in our society. By this measure, our current society earns low marks. Isn’t it time to change that?

-Erie Chapman

*The opinions expressed in the above essay are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Baptist Healing Trust.

Erie’s Current Movie Recommendations:

• Sicko
• Waitress
• Away From Her
• La Vie En Rose (the Edith Piaf story)