Isaac, John, and Zach for the Archimedes Movement by Isaac Holeman.
Our society needs a comprehensive health service that does not leave anyone behind. To do this for a feasible cost, we also need to rethink what we are purchasing, and recommit ourselves to a health service that prioritizes and produces health, not money. We will need to stop making profits by excluding the costly, and start (re)creating business models for the primary care doctors, public health professionals, auxiliary care workers, and supporting organizations who have the greatest impact on our population’s health.
The Archimedes Movement is an Oregon based effort that was formed to create real opportunities for us to take part in public dialogue, discussion and decision making about issues that will shape the future of our communities, state, and nation. We believe that we - the people - can do better. The movement is grass-roots and participatory, so it is better at engaging diverse people than at being exactly consistent with all of my opinions.
Our public health care system was created by three acts of congress over 40 years ago. Almost everything about America is different than it was 40 years ago, but it’s difficult for states to change systems with so many vested personal and fiscal interests. They have had to tinker around the edges of federal legislation and we’ve wound up with a clumsy patchwork of rules and regulations that costs us more while giving us less. Our dated system just won’t cut it anymore. Only substantial reform will allow us to move forward.
I have been involved with the Archimedes Movement since its early stages, attending its kick off event during spring break of my freshman year of college. Since then I have attended meetings and rallies, testified before the Oregon legislature, and worked to define the movement’s mission, values, and legislative agenda while siting on a committee of representatives of health care consumers. I also act as the leader of the movement’s Young & Healthy special interest group. I do this because health is a prerequisite to all other opportunities. I am a proud citizen and I recognize that health is the corner stone of the American Dream. I want that dream to be within reach for all of us. No one should have to say “I am going to pay with my life because I can’t pay with dollars.”
Current tax expenditures are enough to pay for the system we need.
Demand we have it now.
We Can Do Better.
It would be great if you read more about The Archimedes Movement at their site or in the other posts I’ve written about them.
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