Issue must be kept at the forefront

The North County Unit of the League of Women Voters, Snohomish County, met recently and our task was to focus on the education of a topic of major concern that affects people locally. Topics suggested: getting people to vote; health care for all; publicly financed campaigns; health care for all; local airport study; health care for all; more parks in Arlington; health care for all.

“Health Care for All” was the winner! Why does the U.S. rank 37th of 190 countries for providing health care? (World Health Organization.) The U.S. trails Chile and Costa Rica. Why do over 49 million people in America have no health care? Is this OK for the U.S.?

We all know people in our community who worked hard but couldn’t afford health care. One friend with no health care died from diabetes. Another friend cut his arm during construction and used super glue to repair the cut. Another died of a stroke because he wasn’t having his blood pressure monitored.

How do we educate people of the importance of health care for all? We can become informed, talk, write letters and vote for candidates who are passionate about the issue. Our youngest member at the league’s meeting suggested we unceasingly continue the conversation with friends and acquaintances. She had a friend who wanted to discuss the fear that pervades the U.S. today of terrorists and security issues. Our young friend’s response: Our biggest threat to America is the lack of health care for over 49 million Americans.

One member of the league wondered how the women activists in the 1920s finally had legislation passed that allowed women to vote. The answer was passion, information and exposure. Checkout www: healthcareforallwa.org on the Internet and continue the dialogue!

Peggy James

Arlington