Conflicting Views on Health Care Reform

The recent passage of health care has stirred up controversy among progressives and conservatives, in some cases leading to threats and attempts of violence. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) voiced their support for the bill after its narrow passage in the House. They believe that this reform will offer many advantages to middle class Americans, making health care more affordable and accessible to everyone. The NAACP says that this bill, which has been at the top of Obama's agenda since inauguration, will help more suffering people, "avoid prolonged sickness, injury or death from lack of insurance." It will be achieved by forbidding companies to deny people with "preexisting conditions insurance, reducing costs for people who already have insurance, and making insurance more affordable who do not have it". In doing so premiums will go down and the deficit will be closed. The NAACP successfully convinces me in their statement that health care will help cover middle class Americans, while only raising taxes for the upper class.

In opposition of Health Care reform are such people as Rick Crawford, candidate for Congress in 2010. Crawford's primary argument is against the plan economically. He holds that is is unwise to tax the American people during the time of a burdened economy. Despite progressive's view that Health Care reform will make insurance more affordable to the middle class, Crawford points out that if we extend coverage to 31 million Americans, taxes will have to be raised to cover the cost. Crawford simply thinks the Democrats have disillusioned the public into believing that the bill will cut costs for middle class Americans. If coverage is extended, someone must pay.

Both articles are effective in conveying their point. Being very progressive in my political views though, I tend to side with the NAACP. Although Crawford may be right about rising taxes he does not recognize the fact that this burden will mostly fall upon the upper class who can afford it. Even if taxes do get raised though, I am willing to have my taxes raised in order to provide coverage for those who suffer but can not afford coverage or are refused it all together.