Governor's stance on universal care unethical
Toolbox
Published: April 10, 2005
I read in the news that Gov. James Douglas is concerned that establishing a universal health care system in Vermont would result in having to "wait in line."
He and I both have medical insurance, so right now our "wait" for medical care is pleasantly short. But, this is due in part because too many of our neighbors do not have access to affordable medical treatment at all. They are forced to use their limited funds for food or the mortgage or heating fuel, so they are not clogging up "our" waiting rooms making "our" doctors too busy to see us immediately. They do not have to worry about "waiting lines." They can choose (?) to go bankrupt, or become ill or die. Perhaps the governor feels (as many do in Washington) that the most fortunate among us should not be kept waiting. Heaven forbid that one should stand in line behind a "regular" citizen who needs medical attention. While this is the all-too-familiar Washington philosophy, "I got mine, too bad for you," it does not reflect the sense of community we have here in Vermont.
Washington is putting on the squeeze. Medicaid is under fire. Employers are dropping their health care coverage in increasing numbers, putting more and more people involuntarily into the "medically unprivileged" category. All of this severely reduces access to medical care for middle-class and poor citizens. Our neighbors who might have their lives improved, extended or even saved with timely or preventive medical treatment are out of luck under our current medical system. But, the governor and I get fast medical service. Somehow, I find little comfort in this fact.
I will gladly stand in line and take my turn if it ensures that all of my neighbors are provided for. Other industrialized nations have managed this. As a community we have a responsibility to accept nothing less for all of us. I do not want unnecessary illness, pain or death to befall another Vermonter because I feel I am too "elevated" to wait in line.
The governor's comment conveys a philosophy that only the privileged few deserve comprehensive medical treatment with no waiting lines. His instant access is contingent on excluding other deserving Vermonters. I wonder which Vermont child he would choose to supersede in his haste to get his own exclusive medical treatment? Frankly Gov. Douglas needs to examine his priorities and his conscience. His responsibility lies in fostering the health and well-being of all Vermonters. On moral and ethical grounds, I cannot agree with his exclusionary stance on universal health care.
Deb Baker
Chester
37