An Immoral Veto

Statement

An Immoral Veto
by Mark Lawrence

Yesterday was a doctor day at our house. My daughter Céline had her 6-year-old annual check-up. Tina and I have always tried to schedule our daughters' appointments so that we both can be there. It makes being healthy a family matter and gives our girls a message for their lifetimes about the importance of taking care of their health. Also, it is wonderful to see them interact with Dr. Westinghouse. They respond to her questions with quiet smiles - loving the attention she gives to them.

Céline came through with flying colors. She got her chickenpox booster and both she and her three year old sister Hayley got their flu shots. Neither of them cried. We have been very lucky with them. We have good health insurance and we have had to go to the emergency room once. (Hayley tried to put a tic-tac in Céline's mouth, missed and lodged it in Céline's nose!)

Yesterday was also the day that George Bush vetoed health care coverage for over 3 million children whose parents earn too much to qualify for Medicaid and too little to afford private insurance. It is outrageous that we are even debating providing health care insurance for children in this, the wealthiest country on earth. One only needs to look to Canada and to Europe to find systems where healthcare is available for everyone at a fraction of the cost compared to what we pay as a nation for healthcare. It is immoral that there are families in this country that are one healthcare disaster away from poverty, and President Bush's action has pushed them closer to the brink.

We can no longer try to provide coverage one increment at a time. It is time for a national solution that covers everyone.

Source