Letter to the President

Dear President Bush,

I need your help understanding something, and as you are currently the Commander-In-Chief, I wanted to go to the top. It's just one question.


Why Sir, can I not go to the Doctor's to make sure I get a refill for medication I need everyday?


I am a 23 year-old member of the workforce. I've been working since I was 16, but right now I'm without a job. I understand the job market is a murky place, and that I have to work to find a job. I quit my job because it was, simply, a bad job. However, now I am without medical insurance, as the only likely way for an average adult to have medical insurance is through the workplace.


I have asthma, a fairly severe case. I take my Albuterol everyday, and I still try new medications when I can. I have problems sleeping because of my breathing, I wake up unable to breathe. I promise you Sir, it's a scary thing. I hope you never experience it.


I am an adult, with my own expenses, and I do my absolute best to pay them. My debt is low compared to some of my peers, and I have a good credit history. I am a good person that pays attention to the news, writes to my congressmen, pays taxes and votes. I am also too old for my Mother to pay for me to go to the doctor. And seeing as how I have that decent credit history, I'd rather not put a doctor's visit on my credit card. Perhaps you don't understand the credit system. The card companies rely on failure to survive. The interest rates make big money. Especially with young people who are still relatively inexperienced with it. They rely on other people's debts. I'd rather not do damage to my future with added, and unnecessary, charges. Any program my credit card has for job loss does not cover me, as I wasn't fired or laid off and left of my own accord.


I know, you must be thinking I'm cheap. That of course a person should find the money for their own health. That Sir, hinges on whether I have it. I have roughly 300 dollars to my name. I also have regular bills. The only reason I'm not homeless and hungry is because my Mother is letting me live rent-free. I'm lucky. I have a home, shelter and support in my life. I like living with her, but my body is my responsibility. I pay for my medications, so I should be the one worried about getting to see my Doctor. By the way, I only need a check-up, and likely a personal exam (I'll be vague on that, men are a bit squeamish.) I have a history of cancer in my family, check-ups are vital to me not going through what trauma other women in my family have.


Sir, I know I said I only had one question, but it seems now that I have two. Should not the national government have an interest in the health of it's citizens? All of them, not just the people with a decent credit card history. All of them, not just children, but especially children. All of them, no matter what race, age or sex. All of them, not just those that can afford it.

Actually, just one more question. How much damage would it do to the coffers of our great nation to have one check-up a year for every American? I know it would be expensive, but aren't our elected officials at least a bit concerned about the health of the people? If the nation pays no attention to the health of the average American that just needs a little help, it can't bode well for the future. With so many diseases and conditions that need to be caught early, it could do nothing but good to help your citizens.


President Bush, thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
W.B.