This article written by David Montgomery of the Washington Post outlines a “big sticking point” for healthcare reform; illegal immigrants, and their coverage within the proposed bill.
The big problem with both debates (immigration and healthcare reform) is that so many people in the United States have a huge problem with helping out their fellow neighbors. I hate to say it, but we’re all just a little too selfish, and it’s beginning to become ridiculous. Individuals don’t choose where they’re born, and in most cases don’t choose to be poor and unable to afford outrageous health insurance premiums. In this way, the two issues most definitely coincide. I understand that limits are necessary, that without them our would would be chaos, but shouldn’t there be a line drawn in the sand somewhere? Is it really that horrible to pay a few extra dollars in order so that someone (whether here legally or not) can receive the medical attention they need, and as a human being deserve?
Personally, even though I’ve been through some rough times in my life, I still consider myself to be blessed. I think its time that we as a community of Americans step up to the plate and think about the world around us. Life isn’t about what kind of car we drive, or how big our flat screen television is, it’s about who we are and what we do with our lives.
If we can put a few dollars in a tip jar every now and then, we can most certainly put a few dollars toward helping those in need, because illegal or not, everyone is human and everyone deserves to be treated as such.
- Austin Ellington
