Friday, August 21, 2009

Basic Human Empathy

I have been kicking the around the idea of writing a health care post for a couple of days. Wondering how, if not why I should cover it. Should I write a comprehensive, stat heavy opus that lays out the for and against evidence in support of both the public and the private systems? How many of those pieces have already been written, and read? Oh and really, why should I give a shit about how my American cousins go about caring for their own? Really? Then it hit me. It's empathy, I want those same American cousins to not have to worry about anything when they are sick or injured other than receiving adequate medical attention. It all amounts to basic human empathy. We have to take care of each other, if not then yes, we are really all in this thing alone, every man for themselves. Yikes! I see it like this: If your friend or even a stranger has fallen and scraped their knee, or twisted an ankle, would you demand they give you a $100 before you help pick them up? I wouldn't, but maybe that's just me.

6 comments:

  1. Oh, I don't know about that. I think I'd at least front for a $20. I mean, why not make a little profit? hah

    No, you're right. As much as I hate to admit it, there's something to be said for empathy, and it's what we need to make our country stronger. Too bad we all hate each other because we're all so greedy and stuck up.

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  2. Hate and greed are not a solely an American traits. That shit is a global pandemic. Profit and competition are not always evil things. But in the case of health care, it will always be my view that empathy trumps profit.

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  3. Well, you are an extremely rare individual. I, sadly, am too jaded to make such a 100% comment, and my parents are in health care (my dad's a surgeon, and my mom is a nurse practitioner)!

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  4. You can't be blamed. We grew up in two very different systems. Again I don't claim to speak the truth, just the truth as I see it.

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  5. Joe! Wonderful idea--like Peace. Impossible to realize. So if Rocco has a plan for Peace in every Household, you say no fing way! Cause he is promising something only One dude ever delivered. And they Crucified that guy! (Name of Maximus HealthCaricus, 43 BCE) Cool to see you in more than 140 characters...

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  6. Hey Lee! Thanks for coming out to play. The whole basis of my argument for universal health care is based on personal experience, and socialization. I was born, grew up and still live in a country where basic health care is seen as a human right, and as such is offered to ALL of its citizens free of charge. I am aware of the expense that such a system would cost the American gov't and through extension the American people. This is not as easy as walking into a room and switching a switch. True reform will be a huge undertaking. One that I, a causal observer, and as a friend, think is worth taking.

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