so, what’s wrong with publicly-funded healthcare?

I read the other day that Clark Howard is throwing his hat in the ring for President in 2012. Apparently he thinks publicly-funded healthcare is a bad idea. I’m not sure I understand why so many people are vehemently against it. I will admit I haven’t done a thorough investigation into all of the arguments, but conceptually, I just don’t get it.

I guess I’m used to the concept of paying for things I may or may not need. As a condo owner, I’ve spent years paying association fees towards a swimming pool and fitness center that I may or may not use. I have a treadmill in my condo, and I’m just not the hang-out-by-the-pool type. But still…I pay my share every month so that my neighbors can enjoy those amenities.

So why would I be against pitching in to make sure that my neighbors—and my friends and family…and someday, maybe, me—have access to healthcare, whether or not they are employed by a company who provides it or can otherwise afford to pay for it themselves? Healthcare premiums, even subsidized premiums, are not inexpensive. I think about my friends who are one-person businesses, and my mom who is on Social Security, and it makes me sick to think that someday they may not be able to get the health coverage they need. And as someone who personally is incredibly thankful to have good medical coverage, it scares me to think that I could be just a layoff away from being unable to get affordable medical attention and medications.

I know there are many arguments against publicly-funded healthcare. And I know that lots of people call the concept socialist (in a bad way). I guess I just can’t get past the Sicko examples and the lives I am connected to that could be shattered without decent healthcare. Would the people who are so against it feel the same way if they suddenly lost their access to affordable coverage? And then had a serious illness or accident? I have to wonder.

Look at me, getting all political again! Sorry to disappoint you, but I’ve been spending more time on wedding blogs than political blogs lately. (Um, maybe that’s because the total number of political blogs I read is 0. Nada. Zilch.)

On another note, tonight I spent some time with the always lovely and loving JR and her fabulous pooch Fabio. (And he knows he’s fabulous…that’s what makes him even more adorable.) JR had some good advice for me on how to approach my allergies and my overall well-being. I should listen to her…she knows what she’s talking about!