The important issue of health care has been a source of fear for some, and for others, hope. With all the devisiveness, political posturing and partisanship from all corners, there are certain fundamentals that should be apparent.

Health care is not a choice, it is a necessity. It does not equate with big government as some choose to believe. It is the issue primarily of who should live and who should die. Those who have health care have nothing to fear. They are covered. Those who do not have it are without the chance to have a healthy and secure future.

Currently, medical costs have escalated, drug costs continue to rise at an exorbitant rate, leaving some people deeply in debt and without a reliable or adequate system of care. Everyone suffers.

Why should we deny any person health care? It should be a fundamental right of all Americans. Medicare was set up for seniors who worked all their lives and needed medical care in their later years. Why shouldn’t children, teens, the disabled and yes, even the healthy, be covered?

What basic health care means is that every person, not just those who can afford it, are taken care of. It is, at this time in our nation, a decidedly moral issue. It is a life or death situation. We cannot ignore the depth of the need or the consequences. Let’s put aside our fears and stand up for a chance at a healthy living for everyone.

Karen McMillan

Suquamish