Reformation

I will never understand people who are all "America! Fuck yeah!" but against giving the government any money for anything.

I know I'm oversimplifying, but this is basically how I see it: I don't attend public schools or drive a car anymore, but schools and roads are essential to the functioning of this country, and I live in this country, and I want it to be a good one, so if my contribution helps, I don't mind supporting these things. You can't get all patriotically outraged that we're falling behind in the education rankings of the world and then complain that your school taxes are too high. As far as using the money properly, that's a different story. That's where voting and, you know, democracy, comes in. Get involved — do some research and let your representatives know how you want your money spent, instead of just robotically repeating that teachers get paid too much. Just remember that you can't please everybody, and the funding has to come from somewhere. Bake sales and car washes only cover so much.

So...healthcare. I admit up front that I am no expert on the particulars of this reform, but I don't understand how people could possibly be against the concept. Perhaps this is biased of me, but based on my own personal example, again, here's how I see it: The retail cost of my medication is approximately $500/month. Do I need this medication to save my life? No, it's not that drastic. Do I need this medication to have any sort of a life? Yes. If I am to remain a mentally healthy, functioning member of society, you want me on my meds. You need me on my meds. Can I afford this medication on my own without insurance? Not even close, and for that, I am grateful to have a job that gives me coverage. But if it didn't and I wasn't on the medication? Well, I could get a higher-paying job, but that's kind of hard in this economy, especially when your concentration is perpetually clouded and you're also suicidal. I could keep this job and get a second one to supplement my income, but that's also kind of rough when you find it hard enough to get out of bed for the one you already have due to dizzying headaches and crushing depression. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it would be more of a drain on society if I were unemployed and catatonic, being completely supported by others, than if everyone chipped in a few extra bucks to help keep me and people like me medicated. I mean, I didn't ask for this to happen, and I didn't bring it on myself. I was born this way. I'm not asking for a handout — I want to work and support myself and contribute to society, but I can't...unless I'm taking these drugs.

I know it sounds a lot like welfare, another divisive issue. I realize the system is flawed and abused, but don't spite those who truly need it for the misdeeds of those who don't. At the very least, there needs to be some sort of interim program in place while working to improve and perfect the process. And to do that improving and perfecting? You need to get informed and involved.

If you want our country to be great, you have to make it so. We need to help each other out. Freedom isn't free.