Working Poor Deserve Health Care

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." -- Psalms 31:8-9

The working poor have long been silent minority. I guess it comes from working six to seven days each week, sometimes knitting together two or three jobs in an effort to pay the bills. And by bills, I mean food and shelter. Nothing extra. Like health care. That's a luxury.

The debate over health care reform bothers me a great deal. Obviously, the system is broken. We pay way too much for far too little. We can't seem to stop fighting and playing politics long enough to actually work together and fix the problems. The Republicans are determined not to pay for health care, claiming we can't afford the tax increases. The Democrats are determined to provide health care for everyone and force the insurance companies to compete with the government.

So often, Christians side with Republicans. As someone who likely will face an increased financial burden for less coverage if a bill passes, I understand that. But I keep thinking about Jesus. Somehow I don't think He would say the current system is okay. I think He would tell those of us who have plenty to make do with a little less so that everyone can have health care.

It's not a popular stance. We want to put our opinions out there and insist that the Bible backs that up. Not this time. Jesus said to take care of the poor. He said to take care of others. Failure to provide health insurance for everyone -- even if it means we must make sacrifices we'd rather not make -- isn't what the Bible says at all.