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What I would have said had I been called upon (and why you should always speak up when given the chance)
by Jenni Prokopy, the Editrix
I've been a reporter for 20 years. I've probably interviewed at least 500 people so far, possibly many more; I've been known to write 1,000-word pieces for which I interviewed more than 20 people, and I've written countless pieces.
Never more in my life have I understood what it feels like to be interviewed for a piece and then not be quoted.
This evening I had the privilege of being in the audience for a health care reform forum on WTTW's Chicago Tonight, but I wasn't given the opportunity to speak. I don't want to be a sour grape, but I could barely contain my frustration and anger at not being called upon...despite making it known how much I wanted to respond to certain points. I felt like Hermione Granger with my hand in the air (the cameras never showed it, according to my husband, who watched the episode at home).
Because many of you, dear readers, didn't see the show, I won't do a blow-by-blow analysis. That would be boring even for those who DID see it.
But because I got no air time, I am compelled to speak to two points made by fellow audience members:
1. There are no "death panels." Senator Durbin made this perfectly clear (as have countless other legislators, health care experts and journalists) and if you examine the proposed legislation and other options being discussed with a clear eye, you'll see that's the truth. If you live your life in such fear that you can imagine a United States of America wherein we execute senior citizens who cease to work and still need health care, then I feel sorry for you. But not enough to bite my tongue. Stop wasting the time and energy of hard-working people with your needless terror.
2. To the gentleman who survived cancer treatment without health insurance: I wish for you only the best of health. But I also wish you would shut your mouth, because your ignorance is harmful to the vital process of health care debate. (Normally I would never call out an individual in this way, but you inserted yourself into the public conversation, so you're fair game.)
If you didn't watch the show, this particular person told us he chose NOT to opt in to the health insurance his employer offered, and so had to rely on (as he explained) the kindness of friends, family, fellow churchgoers and his hospital to pay for his health care during cancer treatment. How awesome is it that he had such a support system? That warmed my heart.
But he went on to say he is against a public health care option because it is "unconstitutional." And he implied that "responsible citizens" can take care of themselves.
Excuse me, sir, but you don't get more responsible than I am. I have voted since I was of age. I spend endless hours researching public policy issues so I can discuss them intelligently and vote in good conscience. I pay taxes and I am self-employed, which means I likely pay MORE taxes than YOU do as an employee. As a person with multiple chronic illnesses, I could whine about how lame my life is. Instead I spend every day of my life being a responsible patient, following the instructions of my physicians, paying my portion of medical bills (I'm lucky to be insured through my spouse's employer), and making responsible lifestyle choices like exercising, watching what I eat, drinking in moderation, taking medications as directed, keeping my support system strong and much more. I volunteer in my community and I devote my life's work to helping people. I leave big tips at restaurants and I donate to charities even during these tough economic times. I just might be the most responsible person you know.
So maybe you'll understand why I am OUTRAGED to hear you don't support a public health option. Do you really believe your cancer care bills were paid for entirely out of your personal support network's pockets? Because odds are EXTREMELY GOOD that a significant portion of your health care was subsidized by public funds. You know where that money comes from? ME. And my friends. Taxpayers. The "irresponsible citizens" who apparently are demanding something "unconstitutional" when we ask for a public health care option. If I lose my insurance tomorrow, I am "uninsurable" under the current system; would you deprive me of the care I need to remain a contributor to our shared society? Because if you oppose a public option, that's exactly the position you're taking.
A public option is just that: an OPTION. We're not talking about "ramming it down your throats" as one audience member said (quick, call the rhetoric police!). We're talking about giving those without insurance the chance to be insured, and those with sub-par insurance the chance to upgrade. Even with a public option you can still opt out, sir, just like the "dumb" choice you made when you opted out of your employer's health care option (that word in quotes is yours, not mine).
In the years since I founded ChronicBabe.com, I've made a point of remaining politically neutral on this site; I felt it was important that I make all feel welcome, and I knew my political views would alienate some readers.
But I simply can't keep quiet on this issue. I am open to civil conversation about health care reform (I would have LOVED to participate tonight on the show); friends and colleagues know I will hear them with compassion even if I disagree, and I am not immovable in my position if I hear a reasonable argument. It's my responsibility as an American to participate in this process. So today I'm standing up, putting myself out there in the most public way. I know some of you will disagree, but I hope you won't feel the need to stop visiting my site; instead, I hope you will feel comfortable sharing your opinions with me.
It takes a lot of courage to speak publicly about your views and put your name behind them. And it takes a lot of energy, compassion and love to work for the common good. I'm proud to say I do both of those things every single day of my life.
I work for you, dear readers. I put my heart and soul out there to teach people, to help them live better lives. Those people tonight who talked about death panels and put down public health care options as unconstitutional—I would love to know what work they do every day that helps their community. I would love to hear how they are lending a hand, how they're spending their free time helping others. Seriously. Tell me. I want to know. If I'm wrong in thinking you're lazy about fact-finding and ignorant about the truth when it comes to proposed health care legislation, please—school me.
Thanks for listening. Even if I HAD been called upon tonight, there's no way I could have said all this, so I am thankful that I have the chance to speak my peace. And I am honored if even a single person would read this far.
With love and respect, Jenni
P.S. WTTW just posted the show on their site.
P.P.S. If you want to join the conversation, head over to the forum.
P.P.P.S.: Shopping? Use our Amazon links and help us earn commissions that fund this site. Thanks!
Posted: 9/1/2009 in Venting
