Health care is actually a clearly defined constitutional right

To The Daily Sun,

There are interesting variable points of view presented to this paper. Many propose that Trump is a saint, others do not support him at all. Reading a recent article in The New York Times, to agree to disagree is as American as apple pie. It is less patriotic we agree on everything. One of the underlying themes of ACLU is that dissent is patriotic. Disagreements pave the way to protecting all levels of discussion, from choice of religion, speech, letters to the paper, etc. There is something to be learned from everyone, including Trump. Not that this writer supports Trump, I do not. But when put all together, there is a great deal of discussion that these various writers promote.

That being said, let's take a look at some of these discussions. Planned Parenthood is facing significant cutbacks to funding for their cause in promoting women's health. There are two points of view. One is that of pro-life, the other is pro-choice. This writer supports the cause for pro-choice. It is not a statement to support abortion, rather it is a woman's choice to carry that fetus to full-term, or not. She can choose to carry that life, as most women do. However, it is my contention and hope a woman chooses life. Being a male, it is not appropriate to tell that woman what to do or not to do. Choice is individualized, and no one should interfere with her decision. It is her body, not the government's, not the religion's, not the male's. Being pro-choice in a way is actually pro-life in that this woman feels her life is better not to continue being a mother. It is a quality of life decision making process for her.

Border wall: There are multiple opinions on this. Such a wall defies what this country's history has been. It also promotes hatred, bigotry, and destroys multiple human souls. The most important contention is such a wall will not work. It is inefficient, costly, and destructive. While the technology is there to guard against illegal movements, immigration is the backbone of American history, starting with the original immigrants such as Pilgrims, Spanish, French, and other nationalities represented.

There is only one group of real American citizens, the American Indians of all tribes. The assault on the American Indian is brutal, sad, and in a way, true racial profiling. In addition, the assault on their tribal lands, already theirs by reservations, is offensive as the big oil continues to drill for oil to decimate our air with polluted chemicals, which in turn attack our climate. The wall does not offer hope for those afflicted from other countries at war within themselves. By the same token, effective immigration reform that develops will still have those discontented with this process. We must not deny the innocents who are legal and without criminal backgrounds.

Health care: This is a major sticking point. It has become cumbersome, expensive, and promotes inequality in care based on one's ability to pay. In other words, to have life has a price. You have the money, you live; you don't you die. Now let's look at the Constitution. Health care is actually a right. It is clearly defined under the government's responsibility to protect the general welfare of the citizens. Everyone has a right to health care, regardless of ability to pay. Insurance companies deny this protection as profit is their motive, not a public service from the goodness of their heart. A Medicare for all program would ensure that this protection is afforded to everyone.

One may say, keep the government out of it. Yes, this is certainly a valid point of view. However, tell that to parents of a child who is sick with a life threatening illness, or children whose parents require the most advance care in their aging years; or someone looking far advance care for their cancers, neurological disorders, cardiac issues, and so forth. In addition, such a program would actually enhance the economy providing citizens with more cash flow, and reduction of expenses for business regarding employee benefits.

These are but some of the discussions we all write about. There are those who may disagree with the above, and some may agree. This does not mean they are any less patriotic, rather their points of view are equally valid as above. The need to respect opinions is essential. Contempt is worse that disagreement. Disrespect comes from contempt. We need these disagreements in order to develop common bonds to help us move forward. No one opinion alone is the correct one. Keeping an open mind, and the willingness to listen is what makes a liberal; being a member of the Democratic Party is not. We are patriotic when we make our opinions known, it helps us all as we seek common ground. This provides a smoother way for us to live in harmony.

Robert T. Joseph, Jr.

New Hampton