A Fine Whine

2010 has already proven to be a vintage year for complaints, backlash, and general malcontent in the political process. In an average year, we can depend on bottled frustration from the party out of power quickly decanted for mass consumption, but this year has seen a truly spectacular outpouring of grievances. Opponents to the health care bill fermenting slowly through the legislative process have argued against the initiative for every reason from cost to coverage. These nay-sayers have uncorked a red river of complaints centered around the need for a balanced budget and the cost associated with providing health care for all. Of course, the bouquet of fiscally sound budget evaporates quickly when challenged by cutting some pork or military spending. The glass half-empty adage applies.

Those in opposition to the president's plan to guarantee health care for all Americans are not standing on firm terroir. Health care should not be a business or an industry. No company should profit from the illness or death of a human being. Yet, for decades Americans, half drunk with the notion that their insurance companies act in their best interest, have felt costs rise and coverage decline. The obvious solution? Flood the electorate with guaranteed health care that covers everyone and follows an enlightened path to the shared benefits of our pluralist society.

Whining is cheap, available for a few dollars and a paper bag at the corner store. Reliable, broad health care coverage is expensive, but the liquidity of any nation should not be measured in just dollars and cents but by how well it cares for the least of its citizens. Everyone should have access to the loving cup, not just those who can afford it or those who have the good fortune of generous employers.

Humans, unlike fine wine, do not improve with age. As time passes, we lose the full-bodied robustness of our younger selves. The physical body weakens, break-downs, and evinces a tartness like vinegar. In short, we need help to function, to be palatable. We need doctors, tests, treatments, therapies, and medicines. Universal health care can provide safe homogenization for all members of society, regardless of income. This blend of resources for a common good is an essential part of the future and of our success as a society.

Will it be costly? Sure, but proportionally not as expensive as an 18th century Chateau Lafite, which at the rate current health costs are escalating, will seem like a bargain.

Of course, what is the time-honored cure for any hangover?

A good, strong, civil cup of coffee.

Copyright 2010 by Karen Napolitano