Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Week Two (SOC 490)


While taking SOC 490, I’ve come to realize that there are two sides to every argument.  Within those two sides are also varied opinions.  But with all that complicated opinion is your own.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion, just as I am entitled to mine.  But do you know all the facts?  If you aren’t taking the other side of the argument into consideration, you sadly do not.  This is a challenge I have accepted this week; try to look at and understand the other sides’ opinion. 

Universal Healthcare is a book of opposing viewpoints.  You get to see the artfully crafted argument of universal healthcare from varied points of view.  Helen Redmond, one of the contributing authors of this book, believes that universal healthcare should be a right.  She brings up the point of those addicted to drugs.  People who are addicted to drugs should be able to have healthcare in order to get help for their persisting problems.  Without this healthcare system in place there are long lines for doctors who have to rush patients through treatment processes, not giving them enough time to heal completely.  These people need and deserve to have healthcare as a right for all people. 

Take into consideration also, everyone affected by the lack of universal healthcare.  If there is a child of say, 12 whose parents do not have a job or do not have a job that provides healthcare, the child is in turn not covered.  If this child were to come down with something even as minor as an hear infection, the parents would have to pay completely out of pocket for the doctor, the medicine and any additional visits to the doctor’s office.  But should the child be punished for something he/she has no control over?  Gary Dorrien, another contributing author, says that no one should have it held against them that they cannot afford healthcare.  The child is helpless, not of working age, and relies solely on his parents. 

With all of this information however, I still believe that healthcare is a privilege, something that must be worked for and earned.   

4 comments:

  1. Katie, I also think that healthcare is a privilege. When you gave the example of the child, I understand why healthcare in that case should be a right because it is not the child's fault that they come down with something. On the other hand with the drug addicts, I don't think that they should get the healthcare because they did that to themselves.

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  2. Katie I too agree healthcare is a privilege but just like Aubree mentioned in her comment you were exactly right with the example of the 12 year child. A child shouldn't need to worry about healthcare, he/she is a child the only thing they need to worry about is having fun. Children really are the only ones who recieve my sympathy in this healthcare debate. I think for children it's perfectly fine for healthcare to be a right.

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  3. Hi Katie,
    Good work integrating the readings. Be sure to also integrate Gaudium. Thanks.

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  4. I agree with both Aubree and Gabby. I believe healthcare is a privilege but a 12 year old should not be held accountable for something out of their control. I think a universal healthcare system for children ages 0-18 or throughout college would be just fine.

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