As everyone knows, Obama recently passed a healthcare bill that has caused a lot of discontent as well as happiness throughout the country. There are many opposing arguments to the bill but I believe that Obama has taken a courageous step in the right direction. With this bill, many more people will get the opportunity to live a longer and healthier life and I think that is one of the most basic necessities a person can have.
The point of a healthcare system is to help people stay healthy and avoid pain or illness. Currently, there are many people who cannot afford to see doctors or pay for medications or necessary procedures and, as a result, are suffering from chronic as well as fatal conditions. I do not think that people who want cosmetic surgeries (unless it affects their overall health) should be covered because that has never been the point of healthcare. But other than that, there are still many people cannot function to their best potential without care. In fact, providing everyone with healthcare could strengthen the economy and the country as a whole because people would be in better shape to work and help society.
In America, we place priority on things such as profits and losses rather than the amount of people we can help and lives we can save, and that is one of the biggest faults in our current system. With universal health coverage, all citizens would be granted equal access to healthcare, which would save many lives that are currently being lost because of an inability to pay for medications and procedures. Without healthcare, many people lose the ability to live their lives the way they want and it detracts from their chance to try to live the American Dream.
Another thing that I think our society needs to work on is how we handle the unfamiliar things in life. Americans tend to be very afraid of change and while keeping everything the same is comforting, progress cannot be made without some kind of change, and sometimes that change needs to be dramatic. While America has some of the best medical technology and physicians, we have not been able keep the same level of quality or access to healthcare as many countries around the world. Countries with universal coverage (such as Denmark or France) have lower infant mortality rates and higher life expectancies when compared to America. This shows that we have not even been able to achieve the true goal of a healthcare system, which is to prevent, treat, and cure disease. And although many people are afraid of changing the way we run our system, providing universal coverage may be one of our best options to help our country move forward.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Illegal Aliens? That's Weird, I Could've Sworn We Were All Human...
A few weeks ago I had to read a healthcare article for my health policy administration class. The article was about a girl (an illegal immigrant) who was in Duke's hospital and ended up dying from an organ transplant because the doctors got her blood type wrong. The article was mainly about the mix up of communication between doctors at the hospital and the donor organizations and how that was the main cause of her death. The article also talked about how to reduce such preventable errors. The fact that she died because of a communication problem was saddening but there was one particular part of the article made me really angry. The author mentioned that after hearing about this incident in the news, many organ donors around America started cutting up their donor cards because the doctors had the audacity to use American organs to save the life of a non-citizen.
Excuse my language but my first thought after reading that....what the fuck? The whole point of being an organ donor is to save someone's life and not being a citizen of America does not make one's life any less worth saving. It seems are though these people were organ donors just to show they were generous and cared about life...unless that life wasn't an American's.... I mean she was just a child and she would have died without the transplants (the doctors' mistakes are another story). Also, doctors take oaths to save any person's life if they have the ability to, so these Americans should not have blamed the doctors because they were just doing their duty.
The fact that her “nationality” was even an issue in the case shows how far we have deviated from the true idea of the American Dream, which is that everyone (not just American citizens) should have equal opportunity. This opportunity normally refers to moving up on the socioeconomic ladder, religious and other freedoms, etc. However, I think having the opportunity to live might just be a little more important.
And who are we to call anyone an illegal alien? Every single person's family was originally an immigrant to this land. The only true Americans are the Native Americans and, well, everyone knows what us illegal aliens did to them. Racism has decreased to a certain extent but there is no doubt that it is still part of America. It just seems as though the only immigrants that people blame for their problems (loss of jobs, for example) are the Hispanics. If this girl had been European and still not an American citizen, I feel as though it wouldn't have angered Americans as much. I could definitely be wrong about this but just from what I have heard and seen, that seems to be the case. If this case had been about not giving an illegal alien a house to live or something like that I could have understood the opposing view, but when it comes to someone's life, I firmly believe that every life is worth saving. ...unless that person is a mass murderer or something....
Excuse my language but my first thought after reading that....what the fuck? The whole point of being an organ donor is to save someone's life and not being a citizen of America does not make one's life any less worth saving. It seems are though these people were organ donors just to show they were generous and cared about life...unless that life wasn't an American's.... I mean she was just a child and she would have died without the transplants (the doctors' mistakes are another story). Also, doctors take oaths to save any person's life if they have the ability to, so these Americans should not have blamed the doctors because they were just doing their duty.
The fact that her “nationality” was even an issue in the case shows how far we have deviated from the true idea of the American Dream, which is that everyone (not just American citizens) should have equal opportunity. This opportunity normally refers to moving up on the socioeconomic ladder, religious and other freedoms, etc. However, I think having the opportunity to live might just be a little more important.
And who are we to call anyone an illegal alien? Every single person's family was originally an immigrant to this land. The only true Americans are the Native Americans and, well, everyone knows what us illegal aliens did to them. Racism has decreased to a certain extent but there is no doubt that it is still part of America. It just seems as though the only immigrants that people blame for their problems (loss of jobs, for example) are the Hispanics. If this girl had been European and still not an American citizen, I feel as though it wouldn't have angered Americans as much. I could definitely be wrong about this but just from what I have heard and seen, that seems to be the case. If this case had been about not giving an illegal alien a house to live or something like that I could have understood the opposing view, but when it comes to someone's life, I firmly believe that every life is worth saving. ...unless that person is a mass murderer or something....
Sports in American Culture
Whether it be football, basketball, tennis, soccer, or anything else, sports have always brought Americans together. Anywhere you go, you can almost always strike up a conversation about some kind of sport with someone and create friendships or just joke around if you have differing viewpoints. It has always been an huge part of American culture as well as the American Dream.
Sports represent an important part of the American Dream. So many athletes have come from underprivileged households and have had to work long and hard to get to where they are today. These athletes show the determination and dedication that Americans strive for in many aspects of their lives.
Sports also unite Americans in ways that no other events can. It brings people together before the games (such as tailgating), during the game (team cheers, chants, etc), and of course the celebrations after the game. There are rivalries between states, schools, and universities but I think the overall effect of sports on our society is mostly positive. It teaches sportsmanship, teamwork, and it proves that hard work almost always pays off. It also provides a way to keep a healthy body and to de-stress yourself, as well as create close friendships and networking opportunities. It also helps the economy because it provides many jobs, revenue for citizens and even the government, as well a means of attending college for many students.
In a way I feel like sports provide a source of hope for Americans. There is always the chance that the underdog will win or that a team will make a comeback. Those ideas translate into the lives of Americans as well. There is always the hope that we can pick ourselves up during the tough times and make it through if we have the will power and determination. Athletes have provided much inspiration to many children, as well as adults throughout American history.
Sports represent an important part of the American Dream. So many athletes have come from underprivileged households and have had to work long and hard to get to where they are today. These athletes show the determination and dedication that Americans strive for in many aspects of their lives.
Sports also unite Americans in ways that no other events can. It brings people together before the games (such as tailgating), during the game (team cheers, chants, etc), and of course the celebrations after the game. There are rivalries between states, schools, and universities but I think the overall effect of sports on our society is mostly positive. It teaches sportsmanship, teamwork, and it proves that hard work almost always pays off. It also provides a way to keep a healthy body and to de-stress yourself, as well as create close friendships and networking opportunities. It also helps the economy because it provides many jobs, revenue for citizens and even the government, as well a means of attending college for many students.
In a way I feel like sports provide a source of hope for Americans. There is always the chance that the underdog will win or that a team will make a comeback. Those ideas translate into the lives of Americans as well. There is always the hope that we can pick ourselves up during the tough times and make it through if we have the will power and determination. Athletes have provided much inspiration to many children, as well as adults throughout American history.
Full House
Almost anyone who lived through the 90s has heard of Full House, an American family TV show that follows the lives of the Tanner family from San Francisco. I think Full House is a very good example of what most Americans think of when they think of the American Dream. It has a family that works hard and reaps rewards for their efforts, which is what every person thinks of and hopes to achieve when thinking of the American Dream.
It is even better than other family shows because the family itself if not typical. It consists of a father (Danny), three daughters (DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle), an uncle (Jesse), and a family friend (Joey), all living under one roof. The three men raise the children by themselves and I like it because it proves that you do not need the stereotypical two parents, two children, and one dog to have a successful and happy family life.
The show depicts the events of their lives throughout a span of almost ten years. Nothing amazing or unbelievable happens to them, they just deal with the common everyday problems that many families go through. It started with the tragedy of Danny's wife's death but the family pulled through it with each other's help and support and they came out strong in the end.
I believe that is the appeal of the show – many people can relate to it and I think it kind of brings hope to it's viewers that if you stick it out, things will inevitably get better. Eventually, everyone on the show seems to be content with their lives and thankful for what they have. They do not have any extravagant possessions and, as cliché as it sounds, it is the love and the closeness of the family that is the root of their happiness. I find that this is one of the more meaningful aspects of the American Dream that leads to true happiness compared to the materialistic side of the American Dream and this is also probably why this show was so popular.
It is even better than other family shows because the family itself if not typical. It consists of a father (Danny), three daughters (DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle), an uncle (Jesse), and a family friend (Joey), all living under one roof. The three men raise the children by themselves and I like it because it proves that you do not need the stereotypical two parents, two children, and one dog to have a successful and happy family life.
The show depicts the events of their lives throughout a span of almost ten years. Nothing amazing or unbelievable happens to them, they just deal with the common everyday problems that many families go through. It started with the tragedy of Danny's wife's death but the family pulled through it with each other's help and support and they came out strong in the end.
I believe that is the appeal of the show – many people can relate to it and I think it kind of brings hope to it's viewers that if you stick it out, things will inevitably get better. Eventually, everyone on the show seems to be content with their lives and thankful for what they have. They do not have any extravagant possessions and, as cliché as it sounds, it is the love and the closeness of the family that is the root of their happiness. I find that this is one of the more meaningful aspects of the American Dream that leads to true happiness compared to the materialistic side of the American Dream and this is also probably why this show was so popular.
McDonalds = The American Dream?
There was an article I read about Americans getting skinnier and I thought it was great that people are starting to lead healthier lives, but no.....it is because other countries are becoming fatter. I am not saying that there are not people trying to become healthier, because there definitely are. I just find it very ironic and funny that the reason we are becoming thinner is because the obesity epidemic is spreading to other countries. The reason other countries are becoming fatter? They are following in America's footsteps. McDonald's, Burger King's, Wendy's, and other fast food chains are now being established in many countries, leading to higher rates of junk food consumption and obesity. Of all the things to learn from America, other countries chose our way of eating. Our eating habits is one of the worst aspects of America and is one of the last things other countries need.
Many people from other countries want to have something resembling the American Dream where they live and it seems as though they think having these “cool” places to eat will eventually help them achieve the American Dream. And I am saying this from experience. I have been to other countries where going to a place like McDonald's is a treat and they think it makes them more American to go to such places and they do not understand that fast food is one of the worst aspects of American life. They do not seem to realize that the American Dream is about much more than that. It is about having opportunity to change your life and control your destiny (to whatever extent you can).
If anything, other countries should take and learn from the ideals that our government was built on. There are definitely countries who do not need to change their government and are doing fine. I am obviously referring to countries such as those in the Middle East and Africa when speaking of places that need change. America is a much more peaceful place to live in compared to many of these other countries (I am not saying we don't have flaws as well) and our government is one of the major reasons for that. Turmoil in other countries usually stems from an unstable government and fear the government instills in its people, both of which prevent them from achieving the true American Dream. Building fast food restaurants is not going to improve the state of these places because their problems run much deeper than that. Until they realize this and act upon it, it will be hard for them to achieve the opportunities they are longing for.
Many people from other countries want to have something resembling the American Dream where they live and it seems as though they think having these “cool” places to eat will eventually help them achieve the American Dream. And I am saying this from experience. I have been to other countries where going to a place like McDonald's is a treat and they think it makes them more American to go to such places and they do not understand that fast food is one of the worst aspects of American life. They do not seem to realize that the American Dream is about much more than that. It is about having opportunity to change your life and control your destiny (to whatever extent you can).
If anything, other countries should take and learn from the ideals that our government was built on. There are definitely countries who do not need to change their government and are doing fine. I am obviously referring to countries such as those in the Middle East and Africa when speaking of places that need change. America is a much more peaceful place to live in compared to many of these other countries (I am not saying we don't have flaws as well) and our government is one of the major reasons for that. Turmoil in other countries usually stems from an unstable government and fear the government instills in its people, both of which prevent them from achieving the true American Dream. Building fast food restaurants is not going to improve the state of these places because their problems run much deeper than that. Until they realize this and act upon it, it will be hard for them to achieve the opportunities they are longing for.
All Men Are Still Not Created Equal
My friend recently showed me an article about an elderly gay couple, Harold and Clay, who were separated and their possessions were auctioned off. And that's putting it lightly. When I was reading the article, I could hardly believe it was happening in America - it sounded like something from a fascist nation. Not only that, it took place in California which most people seem to believe is one of the more liberal states.
While at home, Harold fell down the the steps and had to be taken to the hospital. “Based on their medical directives alone, Clay should have been consulted in Harold's care from the first moment,” which was definitely not the case. Instead, the healthcare and Sonoma county workers refused to let Clay see Harold and even placed them in different nursing homes to separate them. The county treated Harold like he had no family and the court allowed the county limited access to Harold's bank account to pay for his healthcare. Then, without authority and without determining what belonged to whom, the county took everything Harold and Clay owned and auctioned it all off (after Harold's death). Furthermore, when they placed Clay in a nursing home (against his will), the county terminated his and Harold's lease gave their home to the landlord.
After three months of hospitalization, Harold died in the nursing home, without seeing Clay in his last months of life. Currently, Clay has nothing left because he has not been able to recover any of his property and he was just released from the nursing home with the help of his lawyers. They are going to trial to pursue a lawsuit against the county, auction company, and nursing home around July.
I feel like this entire story completely defies American values as well as the personal rights of Harold and Clay. I understand that some people just can't handle the idea of homosexuals but the way the government handled this situation was despicable. Neither of them got a fair opportunity to defend themselves (which they shouldn't have had to do in the first place) and their needs and personal rights were completely ignored.
Another thing that bothers me is that even if you don't agree with the idea of two men being together, it is none of your business what they do as long as they aren't hurting you. Also, the whole separation of church and state that our founding fathers tried to establish is not exactly working out since most people's hatred of homosexuals stems from religion. And because they believe their religion tells them it's wrong, they think it should also become law that two people of the same gender shouldn't be allowed together. This whole situation (which, thankfully, is rare) shows the American government in a really bad light and shows how much work still needs to be done to make sure people don't have their rights taken from them.
While at home, Harold fell down the the steps and had to be taken to the hospital. “Based on their medical directives alone, Clay should have been consulted in Harold's care from the first moment,” which was definitely not the case. Instead, the healthcare and Sonoma county workers refused to let Clay see Harold and even placed them in different nursing homes to separate them. The county treated Harold like he had no family and the court allowed the county limited access to Harold's bank account to pay for his healthcare. Then, without authority and without determining what belonged to whom, the county took everything Harold and Clay owned and auctioned it all off (after Harold's death). Furthermore, when they placed Clay in a nursing home (against his will), the county terminated his and Harold's lease gave their home to the landlord.
After three months of hospitalization, Harold died in the nursing home, without seeing Clay in his last months of life. Currently, Clay has nothing left because he has not been able to recover any of his property and he was just released from the nursing home with the help of his lawyers. They are going to trial to pursue a lawsuit against the county, auction company, and nursing home around July.
I feel like this entire story completely defies American values as well as the personal rights of Harold and Clay. I understand that some people just can't handle the idea of homosexuals but the way the government handled this situation was despicable. Neither of them got a fair opportunity to defend themselves (which they shouldn't have had to do in the first place) and their needs and personal rights were completely ignored.
Another thing that bothers me is that even if you don't agree with the idea of two men being together, it is none of your business what they do as long as they aren't hurting you. Also, the whole separation of church and state that our founding fathers tried to establish is not exactly working out since most people's hatred of homosexuals stems from religion. And because they believe their religion tells them it's wrong, they think it should also become law that two people of the same gender shouldn't be allowed together. This whole situation (which, thankfully, is rare) shows the American government in a really bad light and shows how much work still needs to be done to make sure people don't have their rights taken from them.
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