Praying for Universal Health Care, the Sarah Palin Chronicles

Sarah Palin is a Pentecostal Christian who attended the Assembly of God church in Wasilla, Alaska, for more than 20 years. One of the cardinal doctrines of the Assemblies of God organization is Divine Healing. Yes, that's right. Pray to God for healing and if you believe hard enough, God will heal you.

Does this mean we must pray for healing instead of universal health care?

Alaska Health Care Transparency Act

As governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin enacted the Alaska Health Care Transparency Act, which increases the health care competition, thereby lowering the cost of health care. This is a flawed plan, as it does nothing to increase or maintain the quality of health care. In fact, it decreases the quality, as each health care competitor will have to slash their costs to compete with the next provider.

Competition is good when it comes to retail outlets, but not for health care providers. Can you imagine the advertisements? 'This week only! 50% off all prostate gland examinations with the purchase of a colonoscopy! That's right folks! Hurry in!'

Sarah Palin's Health Care Stance - Personal Responsibility

According to ontheissues.org, Sarah Palin also believes in personal responsibility for personal health. In Palin's State of the State Address to the 25th Alaskan Legislature in January 2008, Palin said, "Let's remember that Alaskans are capable and created to work. So when government provides education and job training, every able-bodied Alaskan is expected to work and not simply rely on government to provide."

As a Medicaid qualifier, I take extreme offense to Palin's statement. The current health care system sucks, as evidenced by the millions of Americans who are without health care coverage. I work full-time and support two children on less than $15,000 a year. What does the government provide me? A Medicaid system in which I have to pay $250 out of pocket each month because of a recipient liability.

Americans without Health Insurance - Staggering Statistics

Nearly 46 million Americans (or 15.3 percent of the U.S. population) were without health insurance in 2007, according to the United States Census Bureau press release dated August 26, 2008. National poverty rates are at 12.5 percent, which equals 37.3 million people. According to the Office of Management and Budget, the weighted average poverty threshold for a family of four in 2007 was $21,203.

Barack Obama's Universal Health Care Plan

One of Barack Obama's first presidential campaign promises was to sign a universal health care plan into law by the end of his first term in office. According to Obama's response to a candidate survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians, Obama's plan would guarantee health care coverage to every American and make health care coverage mandatory for children. Obama also supports extensive coverage on preventative measures. The cost of this universal health care plan, according to Obama's reply, would be offset by the expiration of tax cuts for those who make more than $250,000 annually.

John McCain did not respond to the AAFP Candidate Survey.

Atone for Your Sins and Let God Heal You

Is divine healing Sarah Palin's answer to the health care crisis in America? Will Palin heal the sick as is happening at stops along the Obama campaign trail? Where does that leave the unbelievers?

Sources:

"Palin's Beliefs Draw Closer Scrutiny", CBSnews.com
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/09/politics/animal/main4429553.shtml

"U.S. Census Bureau News", U.S. Census Bureau
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/income_wealth/012528.html

"Sarah Palin on the Issues", OnTheIssues.org
http://www.ontheissues.org/Sarah_Palin.htm

"Obama Responses to AAFP Survey", AAFP.org
http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/federal/presidentialrace/positions/obama.html

"Fainting on the Barack Obama Campaign Trail Increasing. Miraculous Healing Wonders Now Reported." AssociatedContent.com
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/619501/fainting_on_the_barack_obama_campaign.html

"Sarah Palin's Pentecostal Ties: Should They Adversely Affect the Election?", AssociatedContent.com
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1021424/sarah_palins_pentecostal_ties_should.html