Can we "Jesus Up" the Healthcare Debate -- Just a Little Bit?
M. Ramsdell
August 2009
aloosecannon@fuse.net
Originally posted at Daily Kos on Sat Aug 15, 2009 at 11:09:09 PM EDT
This is meant with all due respect to both sides of the argument and with sincere respect to those in the healthcare industry desperately striving to help serve the greater good ...
Politics is like sausage -- it is best not to see it being made. ~ Otto von Bismarck 1869
I don't know that I often agree with Bismarck, but it is usually really terrible watching American politics even when it's at its least contentious. The American political system usually either gives me a rash or leaves me needing a hug. Lately as a nation we are taking it to all new levels of insanity. The tone of American politics has devolved to a new low as terribly angry outbursts erupt in town halls across America not just over the usual budget battles or defense spending or even on whether to have a moment of silence for Michael Jackson. Now it's gotten serious because we are going to decide how best to care for our sick our injured and diseased.
No better time for intolerance and hatred, and maybe just maybe even some good old American violence. It hasn't been this exciting since the old civil rights days. Nothing screams let's take a gun to a town hall meeting more than a discussion on how to care for our nation's sick people. Am I right?
No, this is not right -- yet somehow it seems this is exactly where we find ourselves as a nation.
I suspect the current arguments are being driven more by the fears, needs, and greed of humans than by the hand of the holy sprit. At the risk of being insensitive towards other religions that I have a tremendous amount of respect for, I am going to focus on the Christians in the audience some of whom seem to be the most upset on how the government might address this issue. At the risk of being cliché I wonder what would Jesus do, or at least I wonder what would Jesus think?
It is time for us all to find the higher ground, let me remind you of the scripture, from the New Testament.
Bartimae'us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae'us, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 49 And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; rise, he is calling you." 50 And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Master, let me receive my sight." 52 And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. (Mark 10 46-52)
The amazing thing about Jesus, that there was no co-pay, no out of network costs or no forms to fill out, just pure holy healthcare for this just a blind beggar. While we grapple on what we should do with our current system, with the battle of private healthcare insurance versus Obama-care, maybe we can remember this shining example of how it works under Jesus-care. I suspect on any compromise that we as Americans come up with, whether it be in any private system or any public option, the new system will likely be inferior to any care that Christ himself might set up. Just maybe we can try to aspire to the benefits of the Jesus-care system.
Here is another reminder of the word of Christ... If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? (1 John 3:17)
Much of the hostility in the debate it seems revolves around money, mostly over who is going to pay for healthcare reform and who is going to lose money when the reform passes. Insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, doctors and many citizens could realize a real financial loss if real reform is passed. It seems many in each of the different groups are willing to throw the other to the lions to avoid any real sacrifice of there interests. By almost all estimates roughly 47 million Americans have no access to health insurance and it is a number that is expected to continue to grow under the current conditions.
Yet many remain unconcerned about this because it does not directly affect them yet. I really don't believe this thinking is in line with the teachings of Jesus. When someone without insurance has a serious medical condition and they have no medical insurance or means to pay they may go bankrupt, and their house could go into foreclosure. They cease to have disposable income and stop becoming effective consumers. After this happens to enough people this causes the plant or business you work at may shut down or cut back and then you may find you have no insurance. (See the economic meltdown of 2008.) To fix this problem it will likely require compromise and sacrifice of all of us.
We are all interconnected whether we realize it or not.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (Timothy 6:9-11)
The statement above from the bible that is attributed to Jesus just might have a huge relevance on the current debate on healthcare. Just how much of the argument in this arena is being driven my self interest or ambition? Fear of losing my benefits fear or that it will somehow cost me more? If this individual greed was the only greed related to this subject it would be easier perhaps. There is a huge amount of money at stake here healthcare by some estimates accounts for as much one sixth of the total economy. There are huge players who have huge stakes in this game. None are about to see there piece of the pie diminished without a fight. Money isn't a part of the issue here for many it is the issue here. Affordable healthcare is secondary to many in this arena. Don't believe it; take a look at some information what the top insurance executives by clicking here for 2004 to 2007 or here for 2008. Legislation in this arena will affect a huge part of our economy. There are millions spent by the health care lobbyists to defend their company's ability to make the most profit as possible. If real reform costs them as much as one dollar they are going to fight it. I cannot help but wonder what Jesus would say about profiting off of another's sickness. I can not help but wonder what he would say about reducing or denying coverage based on payment available. Somehow I doubt he would be for this.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. (James 3:14)
I can not even guess how many of the assertions made by either side are outright falsehoods misrepresentations or purposeful omissions but even if it is just one it is too many. It seems argument from either side has been defined by bitterness, ambitions and falsehoods. While I certainly don't speak for him, I doubt Jesus Christ would approve of how many are behaving in displaying their anger on this issue. Here are a few things I think to keep in mind when protesting healthcare.
1. Jesus endured great suffering for you and died for your sins - It is doubtful he would like it if you are wishing great suffering or death on others.
2. Nazis killed millions in concentration camps - There is no provision for this in any of the health care reform proposed by either side. Leave the swastika's at home.
3. If you think you need to bring firearm to a protest either to protect yourself or teach the other side a lesson, you probably shouldn't go.
We should be adult enough to have peaceful protests. The only way we will do better as a country and improve this system is if we begin to find ways to have a rational truthful discussion and if we are open to possible compromise and sacrifice. We need to be respectful both for the ideas and the needs of others. For instance I agree with opponents of the public system when they say Jesus likely would not support federally funded abortions, and even though I am pro-choice I believe this would be a point I could concede. Compromise is part of the higher calling, provided we are looking to help care for those in need.
Remember our country exists perhaps at least as an indirect consequence of the life of Christ, after all many of the European earliest settlers came here to find freedom in how to worship him. Perhaps we are a part of his greater plan and this is part of a greater test. We have advantages as we are Americans and we have freedoms and opportunities that were not available in previous eras. From our drive for independence basic rights and freedom our founders created an imperfect nation that established a system with the means to improve itself as time went on. Our constitution is not carved in stone rather it is written on paper created with the unique ability to be amended and improved. This nation has withstood world war, civil war, the battle for civil rights, Pearl Harbor and September 11th. Often only after great compromises and sacrifice by our citizens, has it progressed and improved through each challenge it has faced.
Our nation certainly can withstand a spirited healthcare debate and certainly can improve and advance the system we have. Whether we can do this in a civilized manner working towards a system that will serve a greater good of the people, versus divisive special interests and the greed of various individuals' corporations and lobbing groups remains a whole other question.
Let's go make Jesus proud of our nation.
Comments?
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I have reposted this here because I feel the audience is a bit different than the Daily Kos crowd and because I believe the idea is still relevant.
Many of the folks who are against Health-Care reform claim to be good Christians but they would resort to potential violence to stop a plan that would care for less fortunate people.
This is troubling to me and why I wrote this.
September 13, 2009 11:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Can you find a place to post this where more of them will read it?
September 13, 2009 10:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think the greed/love of money aspect plays a bigger and deeper role in the healthcare debate than has been explored. Specifically I would like to see more analysis of how the vast pools of revenue that the insurance industry necessarily has on hand tie into the financial sector. The financial sector in turn donates more money to political campaigns than any other sector of our economy. There is a huge inertia with the size of the funds at stake, to preserve the status quo from both the insurance industry and the financial sector. And yes, a little religion may help at the grass roots level, although I suspect its' impact in the boardrooms of insurance cos and Wall Street would be nil.
September 13, 2009 1:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
You would think the "Christian Right" would embrace healthcare reform. As you point out, WWJD?
Jesus would be embarrassed by what has become of his followers. Makes you wonder...how many of them will actually be "raptured?"
September 13, 2009 1:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
How do the health insurers tie in to the financial sector? Well, for one thing, most insurance companies, health or otherwise, invest their reserves. That's where they had been making money hand over fist. Plus, if they deal with annuities, they're investing huge chunks of money.
In fact at one point in the 90s when I was working for a multiline company, the regulators warned insurance companies they needed to enlarge their reserves, because they were relying too much on their investments for their profitability.
So yeah, health insurance and the financial sector are heavility tied together.
And as far as the hypocrisy of Christians being unconcerned about their fellow humans, Jesus battled it from the beginning. That's why living one's faith is difficult. Unfortunately, there are a whole lot of "false prophets" out there whose real goal is the same as the financial sector -- enriching themselves. How many big churches use their tax status to protect what is really a business? And witness the "Prosperity Gospel" of Joel Osteen, who preaches be faithful (and give until it hurts) and you will receive your rewards in this life.
Just tell people what they want to hear . . .
September 13, 2009 5:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'd like to see that interdependence of Finance and Insurance quantified. I haven't read anything about the degree to which finance depends on those Insurance reserves, and vice versa.
September 13, 2009 6:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
This Christian says Amen.
"Perhaps we are a part of his greater plan and this is part of a greater test." Yes.
Thanks for the breath of fresh air, Loose Cannon.
September 13, 2009 7:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Although I'm not a Christian, the spiritual dimensions reflected in these excerpts from the sayings of Jesus resonate with me, as I expect they might with others who share a sense of spirituality.
In this vein, I find it enlightening to juxtapose below two quotations. The first is from a participant, The Clever Bulldog, expressing a conservative viewpoint on whether there is a right to health care in the recent post by Aunt Sam entitled "Simple Question".
The second is a quotation from the New Testament, cited in the above post by Loose Cannon.
1 (from Clever Bulldog). "A right is something that cannot be denied. How can I have a right to something that someone else must provide? How do I have the right to demand that others must work to produce goods and services for me in exchange for nothing? So, while these things are necessities, they are not rights, and our society provides them as charity, out of compassion, not because we must."
2 (from 1 John 3:17. "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? (1 John 3:17)"
I will leave it to others to judge whether these quotations can be reconciled in terms of the concept of "rights". To me, however, there is no question, based on the second excerpt, that regardless of what rights those in need may or may not possess, those of us with the material resources to relieve their needs have obligations that we cannot shirk.
I, for one, choose to see the road we should travel on healthcare less in terms of what rights others can demand of us, and more in terms of what obligations we must demand of ourselves.
September 13, 2009 10:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
We the People in order to form a more perfect Union decided we would collectively promote a Government to carry out our will. We decided to forego individualism.
If the Supreme Court can insist on the meaning OF THE RIGHT to Vote it should clearly insist that Universal Healthcare is a Right of ALL of our citizens.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
A “Establish Justice” People to be treated equally and fairly.
How can it be said that All citizens are treated equally; if a Conscientious objector is denied the same healthcare, a member of the Armed services or a Senator receives?
B “ Insure domestic Tranquility” To keep the citizens of our country from fighting one another.
Why are the Teabaggers allowed to disturb the tranquility? If Universal Healthcare was the Norm there would be know disturbance. As long as some individuals are not “TREATED EQUALLY or fairly” then there will be no TRANQUILITY
C “Provide for the common defense” To protect our Nation from enemies.
Any number of dreaded diseases that would attack or harm our citizenry, is a power delegated or granted by WE THE PEOPLE. Preemption is a responsibility.
D. “Promote the general Welfare” To protect our health and happiness.
General welfare protecting our health, as the reasons explained in C, happiness being to broad, but clearly health more easily addressed
WE THE PEOPLE, through off the yoke and hardship of the King of England; although we recognized the unlawfulness of rebellion against the Government.
WE invoked the Righteousness of that action. We as a Nation were determined that the wicked would not prevail against the righteous desires of its citizens.
Do not the poor love life and its blessings?
Why then do we not observe the words found at
(Proverbs 29:7) "The righteous one is knowing the legal claim of the lowly ones. He that is wicked does not consider such knowledge."
A righteous Nation knows the condition and the afflictions against the poor, and addresses those problems, the Wicked don’t care.
Will this Nation be known for its Goodness or it’s wickedness?
WE THE PEOPLE weren’t seeking mercy when we designed our Constitution. We determined in order to form a MORE PERFECT UNION, we would provide for the needs, common to ALL men, we would never again, have to go before a King or his court, with a cup in hand and beg for relief.
UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE IS A RIGHT!
September 14, 2009 12:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
I posted about this twice awhile back. The second included links to religious organizations, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant, actively promoting health care reform. For anyone who might like to see who's involved, here's the link.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/amike/2009/08/thirty-one-mainstream-to-left-.php
(Skip the Don Cornell song unless you're very, very brave.)
September 14, 2009 9:38 AM | Reply | Permalink