Watching part of the debate in Congress about the Health Care Bill, I have one question for all Americans. Should health care accessibility be market-driven or a constitutional right guaranteed by law?
In Canada, Tommy Douglas is commonly known as the father of "medicare", and was instrumental in its first implementation in the province of Saskatchewan. His groundwork, along with the future aid of Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson helped to make "medicare" a national entity, beginning in 1966.
Having had a medical doctor as my father and the experience of Canadian health care delivery for over 40 years, I conclude that Canada made the right decision. The system has served Canadians well since the Medical Care Act of 1966 was passed under the Pearson government: Medical Care Act.
Yes, it will cost the taxpayers, but isn't that the purpose of taxation, to equalize services to all citizens regardless of income? We cannot judge a man by the color of his skin, or by the size of his savings account, but by the content of his character. Didn't I hear that somewhere before? ...and health must not stand in the way of the productivity of citizens, regardless of income.
Canada had this debate long ago, to resolve the health care issue, for all Canadians, and the time is right for America to follow with its own brand of universality, which allows health to be a right, not a privilege.
