The Lion has Fallen

The Liberal Lion is dead at 77. Ted Kennedy died at his home in Massachusetts shortly before midnight Tuesday after a year of battling brain cancer. The staunchly liberal senator served four decades in the Senate, beginning in 1962. Though he led a tumultuous life filled with both personal and family tragedies, he remained a strong advocate for liberal ideals and bi-partisan relations. Through the loss of his brothers, sisters, sister-in-law, son, all his alleged indiscretions and the fatal 1969 car crash he endured as the center of the family affectionally known as America's Royalty. He will be missed.
This does however beg the question of what Obama will do in the absence of this fervent and popular supporter for healthcare reform. It does take some of the wind out of his sails, hypothetically speaking. It may not though, depending on how he plays the issue. It all depends on the spin the White House will inevitably exert on the story. Using the famous senators constituents as a rallying point to rebuild the crumbling reform proposal, Obama may be able to use this tragedy as a catalyst. Not that any event of this gravity should be used as leverage, but the silver lining on this American rain cloud could be renewed interest and support for healthcare reform in the Lions memory. Time will tell.
May the youngest Kennedy finally find peace at rest with his family.

Senator Ted Kennedy Dies of Brain Cancer at 77 - ABC News

Health Cared

I remember a time when my doctor cared. Her name was Doctor Morales. She was the most engaged and caring person I had ever been treated by. Since the beginning she remembered everything about my health problems, my family, even my birthday. Whether she briefed herself on it before every appointment or not, it made me feel important. Like I mattered. Like this person would actually take care of me. I have since relocated and had to move doctors and change hospitals, but I have never forgotten that most compassionate woman.

These days medical life is much different. Granted I am one of the lucky few to actually have health insurance and access to a trained professional, my doctor is cold. He is a somewhat grumpy Iranian man with a thick accent and clumsy hands. Any time I go to him it is as if I am imposing. A quick few questions and he checks me out, prescribes some meds, and sends me on my way. There is no care given. Just drugs. This is not the type of healthcare I want. I am not asking for a cheery Mary Poppins with a stethoscope, just some compassion and a job done correctly.

People already pay companies for insurance, yet get dropped when they get sick? We have plans that pay for the doctor, but when we need medicine we go broke? This is not right. It is one group taking advantage of another. Healthcare is not something to be feared. Regulation will make things better for the people, even if it doesn't buy a few CEOs new jets. It is not socialism. It is just prudent thinking. Healthcare is essential to a country based on the pursuit of happiness. Money makes some happy, but good health benefits everyone.

It is a terrible truth that big pharmaceutical companies essentially run healthcare. With the new plans proposed, I think the possibility for improvement is great. Especially with so many uninsured Americans now out of work. If we can give trillions of dollars to finance companies and banks that deceived the public for their own gain, we can spend a little money revamping our system so doctors get paid, patience get better and our country gets healthier.