By Donavan Wheatfall – Dallas South News Contributor


Health care is one of the most divisive issues to face America in recent years; despite our status as the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world.  Pack into it, the tenants of our democracy. Our founding principles proclaim every American citizen has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Health care is intricately entwined with these core beliefs.

The lives of many in America are shortened through lack of access to preventative health care and adequate treatment following diagnosis. For many, their health has imprisoned them on a lonely island of suffering in the midst of a vast ocean of medical advances.  How can Americans be satisfied knowing everyday thousands across the country file for bankruptcy because of soaring health care costs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics since the recession began in December 2007, the number of unemployed persons has increased by 7.2 million, and the unemployment rate has risen by 4.6 percent. What do these numbers mean? They represent more and more people losing their tether to health care: employment.  As unemployment rises, so does the cost to insure those out of work. Who bears this cost? We all do.

We all suffer. How, you might ask? Well, even the wealthiest among us are concerned as we watch premiums rise while costs inflate. In an effort to recoup the cost of uninsured patients requiring treatment during long hospital stays, doctors and hospitals charge insured or self-pay patients more for services.  Two groups: the uninsured and underinsured – suffer in this broken system.

The party who does not lose in this equation are insurance companies.  They are posting obese quarterly profits.The AFL-CIO reported profits of the largest publicly traded health insurance companies in America have skyrocketed 428 percent from 2000 to 2007.  Meanwhile, consumers are left debating if health care reform should include a public option. We sound like Oliver Twist begging, “Please, sir, I want some more.”

How easily we are distracted as a nation. Distracted by tomfoolery such as the foolish debate regarding if President Barack Obama, who is leading the fight for health care reform, was actually born in a hospital within the United States. Confirmation by State of Hawaii officials and a newspaper birth announcement published in 1961 has done little to remove this distraction. Keep your eyes on the ball my fellow citizens, health care for us all.

On November 4, 2008 voters reflected back on eight years of hypocritical policies touting so called fiscal responsibility and family values, while shoveling billions of dollars to no-bid contractors and declared ENOUGH!

So now what?  Do we fight those who would deny the right to a life enriched through access to health care while reigning in inflated costs? Are going to fight for liberty through the freedom to choose a public option?  Will you pursue the happiness and peace of mind of knowing you cannot be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions?

This ultimately comes down to whom do you trust?

All chips are on the table. As they would say where I’m from, “Who you with?”  Congress must act and it must act now. Our current system of health care is on its death bed. The only thing uncertain is how costly we are going to make the funeral.

Donavan Wheatfall is a managing partner of Computer Innovation Services and a former member of the Ft. Worth City Council.  He can be reached at dwheatfall@cisorg.com.

Edited by R. Ferguson and Shawn Williams