The Need for Healthcare for All: A day at the Fair for Peace and Justice.

On Saturday the 15th I womanend a table for the local group of "Medicare for All" We were active throughout the campaign for Health Care Reform and were deeply saddened by the failure of our country to pass this much needed legislation. We decided that like other states-CA, IN, PA-we would pursue the possibility of Medicare for All at the State level.

I was able to attend our monthly meeting this past Monday and offered to be at the fair from its hours of noon to 5PM. I took my bowl of free candy-thought that might bring folks to the table, handouts, and a sign up sheet to be notified of events, meetings, etc. I was actually fairly busy throughout the afternoon, sitting in the shade on a very warm day with my table before me.

I was shocked by the number of folks who came to the table and told me their stories of horror at the failings of our "health care system"

1. One gentleman could not even tell me his story as he has "a pre-existing condition" and is so depressed and angry over not being able to get health care.

2. A mother, in business for herself, had to pay $1200 for a colonoscopy. She is paying a large premium and her insurance carrier paid a small amount of the cost. She said her son had to move out of state for insurance as she could not afford to put him on her account.

3. A young man in his 20's had to declare bankruptcy after his surgery for Crone's disease. He works in a restaurant part-time; is going to school and could not afford health care insurance. I assume his employer does not offer to staff.

These are only some of the stories I heard.

When I got home after this exhausting day of hearing the suffering of others, I felt a priest offering a listening heart and my prayers for their care and good health.
While I slept I had the following nightmare:

I was in a garage, it was day and the garage was huge.
A crisis was happening and police and firemen arrived.
I was afraid as they were "bad guys" and began to chase me.
I ran throughout the building.
I thought I could get away but each time they caught up with me again.

I woke up full of terror.
Those who should help-the health care system are now the bad guys.
As the system is we cannot "get a way" to receive health care.
The garage "where things are repaired" is my metaphor for the present health care system.

I pray that each of us has health care and we realize that Jesus spent his ministry healing mind, body and souls. May we be compassionate healers. May we work for health care for all and to take the 30% profit out of each health care dollar and use it for health care services. Health care is not a for-profit industry, it is a human right.