I find it amusing that the citizens of this nation rely on our so-called leaders to make decisions for us, yet those leaders appear lost and confused on matters that should take precedence. Take health care reform as an example. It is ironic that we have 535 members of Congress, who all have health care, debating reform, while millions don’t even have coverage. Interesting! Add the constant crying by Republicans who say that reform is “Socialism” and “big government” trying to run your health. Funny, they have no problem accepting the Congressional Healthcare plan, which is paid by taxpayers! Funny, they had no problem passing the Patriot Act allowing “big government” to see what books I take out of the library, but God forbid that “big government” is involved in our health care and well being.

Health care is not a privilege, it is a right! Government has a responsibility to tend to the general welfare of the nation’s citizens.

While I favor as small a government with as little tax burden as possible, that is just unrealistic in the 21st century. The days of small federal governments are behind us. Americans need to realize that there are more than 300 million people in this country, an estimated 45 million of whom do not have health care. Whether Republicans like it or not, if any of those people get sick and go to the hospital without coverage, the taxpayer ends up paying for it. Sounds like “socialism” to me – how awful.

With a failing system, including millions of uninsured, many whom are HIV-positive or have cancer, we can no longer be “nice” about the health care reform debate. The time for debate is over! Congress, especially Republican members, need to get off the soap box and form a coherent, common sense bill for health care. We have run out of time to discuss this matter. Stop crying “Socialism” and calling the political leadership names. If we are to have real health care reform, we must reduce frivolous malpractice lawsuits. There is also the need to reform the insurance and allow for much more market competition by reducing certain regulations. Those who can afford insurance can go buy it themselves, but will not be allowed to participate in government health care plans if they do.

The Germans have something similar, but that may be just too “Socialist” for some people. Those who cannot afford independent health insurance are covered but must pay a nominal monthly fee based on their income.

The new reform should: Allow for the creation of co-ops; make sure that HIV prevention and care/maintenance is a major priority; ensure that every child is covered; and that the elderly are not susceptible to Draconian statutes that prevent coverage because of age. And just as importantly, mental health must be included.

Americans need to start accepting that we all live in a community, and that we have certain responsibilities to our fellow humans, because, after all, sickness knows no boundaries. When one becomes ill, we all become ill. I am willing to pay higher taxes to make sure my neighbor is taken care of, and to prevent me from getting sick. It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes all the villagers to support each other.

I thus close with telling Congress and Republicans alike: Shut up; sit down, and pass a comprehensive, revolutionary health plan that works for all Americans. Because even if it looks like Socialism, it will still be better than the health care system we have today.