Health Care

Written by: David Stablein on May 6, 2008 11:45 AM EDT

    "I can lift up my shirt and show you the scars I have on my stomach" was how I began the topic of Health Care with the Webster Democratic Committee in New York's 54th District last week.  I continued by telling them I could show them the scars in my wallet and bank account from having to pay the hospital bills that came with an emergency appendectomy. 

    In October of 2007 I had to undergo an emergency appendectomy to remove my appendix that decided in a matter of three hours that it had tired of my body and wanted to be removed.  I was scared  even though an appendectomy is the most common surgery there is always a risk involved with surgery, but it wasn't the actual procedure that scared me.  Fresh out of college and ready to tackle the promises of the American dream, I had this surgery that was sure to sidetrack me.  I'm not considering the weeks that it would take me to recover, but the recovery from the lack of health insurance that would take years.

"Get an education, go to college, work hard, pay your taxes, help others, love your country,  stand for liberty, justice, and the American way" is what we're told once we have our social security card.  In response of holding up these values, we look to our government to protect us where needed.  We look to elected officials to tackle the problems facing the American people so when we pay their taxes it will be used wisely.  We look to our elected officials to represent us, and do their job. 

    I did my part.  I went to college and got an education.  I work hard, I pay my taxes, I help others, and I love my country.  The burden of paying back health bills will prevent me from really taking on that American dream as I try to figure out ways to pay these health bills.  Like I said, fresh out of college, and fresh out of health insurance.  Luckily for me, it was only an appendectomy.  I don't have children.  I'm not a single parent with a sick child.  I can't imagine living under circumstances with children, without proper health care, and one of them gets sick.  I suppose I could look at myself and realize that I'm being selfish for feeling that I got a raw deal on Health Insurance when I don't have to worry about anyone else relying on me.  I can't help but feel we all got a raw deal. 

     This country needs Universal Health Care, and New York can be the leader in developing a Health Care system that works.  That's why I look to Paloma Capanna, candidate for NYS Senate 54th District, and her plan for Universal New York which is a comprehensive plan to cover the people of New York.  Health Care is just a part of the reorganization New York and the country needs, but it's a great place to start.  It's a great place to start in case another fresh graduate's appendix decides its time to leave.  We need elected officials that will stand up and pave the way for us to achieve the American dream, however we may define it.  We need Paloma Capanna in the NYS Senate to be a voice of change, and strength.  I urge you to visit her website www.capannaforsenate.com to learn more.  With Paloma Capanna in office, I know the scars on my stomach will continue to heal, but with much more ease knowing that there is someone fighting for Health Care in Albany.  It is time for us all to expose the scars we have, and demand the best for our state.

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Location: NY