I received in the mail recently my first health insurance card. Because I obtained a job at a public school this year, individuals are provided with free (is it called premiums?) plans, minus the copays.
I don't like doctors and I must admit I haven't visited one in about maybe 10 years, minus the dentist and the optometrist. I don't get sick very often either, if I do, then it doesn't last very long. I attribute this health to being aware of the things that make people ill these days, living a Christian lifestyle, and good genes. I feel this allows me a certain perspective in the health care proposals set forth.
Though I am happy to have the option now to go to a doctor, I am closely following the current debate. I recognize today, that yes, of course my money pays for illegal immigrant care. I recognize that tomorrow, no matter what the outcome of the current reform, I will probably be paying for health care for immigrants and poverty stricken peoples who don't pay taxes. Capitalism demands I fight to get ahead, or at least I have that choice to protect my wealth. Whereas, social justice within our church doctrine calls communities to fend for those who do not have means and cannot find the means on their own.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church sums up the argument in one sentence in regard to the freedoms of a capitalistic society where it states, "Regulating the economy solely by centralized planning perverts the basis of social bonds; regulating it solely by the law of the marketplace fails social justice, for there are many human needs which cannot be satisfied by the market."(CCC2425)
There are gray areas in this debate if we are to follow the same guidance from Faith in God that the American fore fathers believed in. My opinion is that I agree whole heartedly with the teaching of the Catholic Church, but that I do not want to pay taxes for services that I do not use now. I am not naive about health care, I know I may need it soon, but I'd rather pay out of pocket.
1 day ago
