I happen to think that it's fundamentally wrong that quality, affordable healthcare is not available to all Americans. Our healthcare systems is not only confusing and ineffective, but corrupt. Change is long over due!
Selfishly I feel this way because of personal experience. When my ex husband and I separated I was left not only as a single mother, but with sole responsibility for a mortgage and car payment that tapped all my financial resources. He then maliciously cut me off of his health insurance coverage. Because of the nonsensical health insurance system, I was left unable to purchase health insurance for over a year. I prayed daily for my health, knowing that I would be unable to afford care should I get sick. The one time I did, a simple sinus infection cost me well over $400. While $400 in the larger scheme of things isn't bank breaking, to a struggling single mother it nearly put me over the edge. Humbly, I applied for the social aid programs I had been told were available. I qualified for nothing on the grounds I made too much. I really had to just keep a good sense of humor through the whole ordeal. How they thought I made too much was nothing short of comical!
My situation was unfortunate, but I know others that are not as fortunate as I have been. Healthcare is not a luxury. It is a necessity. All Americans deserve access to quality healthcare regardless of their income level or ability to pay. I realize this borders on socialized medicine. Heck, I happen to think socialized medicine is a fabulous idea! I also realize that increased taxes would be the only effective way to supplement a more socialized healthcare system. I would happily accept higher taxes in exchange for better healthcare. As it is, I pay and arm and a leg for a health insurance plan that is substandard at it's best. I'd rather see my hard earned money fund a healthcare plan that supplies quality care. Quality care for not only myself and my daughter, but for all Americans. If I deserve the right to be healthy, so do all my less fortunate friends, neighbors and Americans.
"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die" - addressing the Democratic National Convention after pulling out of the presidential race, August 1980. 
