I wish Obamacare could work, I really do.
I can’t help it. The dream, as lofty as it is, that everyone could have low-cost medical care really does sound appealing.
I am saying this as a middle-class, registered Republican who also is responsible for over 30 employees through a church and two childcares.
I also represent a family that has been blindsided by the reality of the Affordable Care Act. We lost the coverage we had and wanted to keep. We were also the family who was offered a much more expensive “comparative” plan.
When I looked at the ridiculous price increase, I honestly thought if I knew the money really would directly help poor, destitute families, I would give it! I love the concept; I just don’t trust the system. Taking care of the poor should never be used as political propaganda, yet that’s exactly what has happened.
Here is the huge danger we face: In our frustration with a struggling political system, we may unintentionally hurt real people. People who really do need support, encouragement and even their physical (medical included) needs met. I want to give educational opportunities and medical care to children who have very little hope and resources. I don’t want to enable generational poverty; I want to empower people to really break free from it. I fully believe it is wrong to turn our backs on those who are truly destitute. This is what may happen if we become myopic because of the politics.
Yes, I get it. The Affordable Care Act is flawed, but the desire to help those in true need should never be abandoned. If you find yourself like me, torn between good principles and bad politics, let me offer a suggestion.
Don’t let political frustration stop you from loving real people! Be the tangible example of what love should look like. Proactively seek out local organizations that really do help those in need. Why local? Because you can go see for yourself exactly how your money is being spent. Accountability is much higher.
I pray somebody, someday, can create plans for the health care and immigration problems that actually work economically, but I refuse to turn my back on the hurting in the middle of this season of political insanity.
Pull out the old dusty Bible and read James 1:27 and Matthew 25:40.