OWENS CALLS SCHIAVO
CASE AS HE SEES IT
We have just
set a frightening precedent in the halls of congress by interfering in the
life of an individual. Yet we show little compassion for the scores of
families who do not have the financial means or insurance to cover the
expenses of individuals on life support or individuals who are sick in
general.
The arguments surrounding Teri Schiavo that led the U.S.Congress in an
unprecedented move to override the Florida courts will live on in
statehouses and the courts as we grapple with how our lives come to an
end. For me the Schaivo case brings to mind the 960,000 people “on
hospice” support throughout the country, and the thousands more dying
because our health care system has failed us. This failure is even more
pronounced among the poor and people of color. My priorities are clear in
that as a nation we need health care insurance and that Congress must act
NOW.
If we continue on this path, The President of the United States should be
made guardian of all people on life support. Then perhaps we can then find
an amicable solution to the sadness that is the state of healthcare for
Americans.
What are our priorities? If we care about saving lives, we should address
the problem of 40 million Americans who do not have health care insurance.
11 million children do not have basic health insurance. New York State
ranked 33rd out of 50 states in quality of hospital care. And, 57,000
Americans die needlessly each year because the health care system failed
to provide adequate care.
Congress must stand up and do what the voters elected them to do -- focus
on the critical issues facing everyone in this country.
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