I went to a rally for Health Insurance Reform in San Diego earlier this month. The organizers did a great job with the event – it was high energy and between 100 and 200 people showed up. We sent a strong message that San Diegans want Health Insurance Reform NOW!
But, I left with one question: Where are the young people?
The crowd was overwhelmingly middle-aged and elderly. Make no mistake about it, it was a badass crowd. I was close to tears several times as cancer survivors, grandparents and parents of ailing children told their stories of tragedy and perseverance in the face of insurance company malice and unbridled greed.
But I was struck by how much larger the crowd could have been if we had been joined by the usual suspects at anti-war or pro-gay marriage rallies.
Health Insurance Reform is a youth issue. Its a Queer and Trans issue. An issue for folks of color. An issue for the poor. It should be a cause championed by each and every person concerned about social justice and the corporate takeover of some of our most fundamental institutions.
If health reform fails, the number of uninsured Americans could grow by 10 million people in just two years. Each year, we lose 45,000 people to deaths that could have been prevented with proper health coverage and care. Today’s young people will inherit this legacy tomorrow and suffer greatly if it is not addressed.
In short, Health Insurance Reform is an issue for everyone.
This bill is by no means perfect. In fact, its a far cry from the changes we need in order to create the type of system that is truly in the interests of the people. But it establishes the principle that health care is a right, not a privilege, and once that is established, its not easy to take it back.
We do not have the luxury of choosing between perfection and imperfection. True and complete justice is not (and never was) in our grasp this go around. If Health Insurance Reform gets the votes to pass, more people will be able to qualify for and afford health care, meaning that at least some people will receive treatment when they otherwise would not have and lives will be saved. If it doesn’t get the votes, we’re stuck with exactly what we have, which is unacceptable and unsustainable. These are the only two options on the table at this point in the game.
So, even if you have never gotten involved in or even cared about this issue, please take 2 minutes to call or email your Representative and let them know why Health Insurance Reform is important to you.
(And then check out these Immigrant Solidarity links to take action on behalf of our undocumented brothers and sisters, people who will likely be unjustly excluded from this reform to the extent that they will be barred from purchasing insurance even with their own money.)
