Debra Ness
Here at the National Partnership, we are grieving the loss of our good friend and supporter Ted Kennedy.
Tomorrow, we join you in celebrating his life and legacy.
I had the privilege of working closely with Senator Kennedy for many years, and feel his absence keenly. The public outcry of grief and remembrance is both touching and fitting for his incredible service to our nation.
Senator Kennedy’s legislative legacy will never be rivaled, and yet it saddens me that the public policy closest to his heart, which he called the ‘cause of his life,’ was not finished before he left us.
So in this time of sadness and reflection, I encourage you to take a moment and recommit yourself to fighting for meaningful health insurance reform, one of the most important legislative challenges of our time.
You can start by sharing your story. We all have one.
Do you think we need health insurance reform, or is the status quo okay? What changes are needed to help you or your family? Are you happy with your existing insurance plan? Do you know friends or neighbors without coverage? Has the health care system failed you or a loved one?
Senator Kennedy shared his story with us during decades of public service, and I believe the greatest tribute we can pay him is to redouble our efforts to see his vision for universal health care become reality.
It’s a worthy ambition, so roll up your sleeves. You won’t regret it.
MY SON HAS NO INSURANCE AND HAS ONE LEG SHORTER THAN THE OTHER WHICH CAUSES MUCH PAIN. WHEN HE HAS TRIED IN THE PAST TO GET HELP, THE COUNTY HOSPITALS JUST TRY TO PUSH PAIN MEDICATIONS ON HIM. HE CANT EVEN GET THEM TO GIVE HIM AN XRAY. HE IS ONLY 29 AND FEELS HOPELESS. I ALSO HAVE FRIENDS WHO DON’T HAVE INSURANCE WHO ARE APROCHING THERE SR YEARS AND WORRIED ABOUT WHAT THEY WILL DO IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN.A HOSPITALIZATION WOULD DESTROY THEM FINANCIALLY.
Ted Kennedy would have pushed for UNIVERSAL SINGLE PAYER had he not become ill, at least I believe this. We need health care reform not health insurance reform. At the funeral mass Ted’s relatives talked about his being for health care reform not health insurance reform. Access to basic health care should be considered a human right not a commodity to be bought and sold. Better to pay taxes so that all can be covered than paying insurance premiums to fatten the wallets of insurance company executives. There will still be a role for insurance companies to sell supplemental packages for such things as cosmetic surgery or things not provided in basic care. Basic care should include dental, eye and alternative medicine. Wellness and preventive care should be stressed. It is a shame that in the supposed richest country in the world that people go without health care or go bankrupt paying medical bills even if they have insurance. People are dying daily because they can’t afford to pay for their meds or lacked access to preventive care such as mammograms, etc.
We cannot afford not to pass health care reform. Millions are without protection, including children. Thousands are going bankrupt because of excessive health care costs.
I remember when he started in the late ’60s. It was slow but he gained speed rapidly. He continued plowing through aggressively & learned to effectively work the Senate like no one else. His like will not be seen again anytime soon. His accomplishments are legion and a fitting legacy. He will be sorely missed by all of us!
He was my model for paying tributes to our loved ones. I studied his eulogies and used them as a guide to write eulogies for family members. I now pay tributes to our fallen soldiers through video. This week I included a special tribute to EMK.
He has paved the way now it is up to us to make it happen. Even if it takes the rest of our lives to provide basic heath care for all Americans we owe it to future generations.
Jerry Castillo
Producer
US Military Fallen
as seen on YouTube
I haven’t had insurance most of my adult life and I have been a part of the community health care system. It’s one that is based off of income and reflective to what you can afford. This system has helped me many times, but as far as preventative care it is almost impossible. The needs are large, the lines are long, and the waiting list is months out. This is for a doctor or dental visit, small stuff. It makes me sad watching our generations waste away due to the lack of health care. We should take care of each other and as one of the “leading” countries we should improve the quality of life of America and invest in a National health care plan… heck, it should even be free! Yes free health care like Canada or Europe. It works in these places and people are happier, healthier, and more free to experience a high quality of life. Lets put our money and values back in the people and create a National Health Care Plan. Health care should be about taking care of people, not about money! If you would like to really learn more and open your eyes, check out the documentary SICKO, it’s quite interesting. This is our country and our tax dollars, lets invest in that which makes us strong, American citizens!
I agree with Doris V. Sen. Kennedy would have worked for univeral healthcare for all.
Sen. Kennedy’s grandson, Ted Kennedy III, said it straight in the prayers for our nation at his grandfathers’ funeral mass. We need “health care for all with a public option.” I respect Sen Kennedy for his work for all people. I thank him for his tireless efforts to pass meaningful bills that improved conditions for all Americans.
Senator Kennedy will be sadly missed. I hope in his honor that we pass Universal Health care I can’t afford to pay for my health care. I need a mammogram.
Sincerely, Rita E. Bina