As the holiday season approaches, Americans might consider what truly matters. Below are suggestions that could improve life for most people.
Universal medical coverage represents a critical need. Lawmakers must break away from pharmaceutical and insurance lobbyists to serve ordinary citizens instead. Drug prices remain excessive, and government expenditures for medications benefit corporations rather than patients. Every American deserves physician access and affordable treatment. Those working should have reasonable medical options. The elderly, disabled, and uninsurable populations require robust Medicare and Medicaid systems. Military personnel and veterans deserve the right to seek care elsewhere when VA facilities prove distant or inadequate.
My own insurance carrier recently imposed a requirement: doctors cannot prescribe without their authorization. These gatekeepers not only withhold approval but frequently force cheaper alternatives regardless of medical judgment. I believe physicians should select medications based on effectiveness, not cost. Should I accept my doctor’s recommendation while the insurer refuses to pay, I face complete out-of-pocket expenses for prescriptions.
During a trip to France with my wife, she required medical attention. Paris offered abundant medical offices throughout the city. A doctor visit plus two prescriptions totaled under $35, required no insurance card, and took less than 90 minutes combined. France maintains market-driven healthcare, not socialized medicine, yet controls pharmaceutical costs effectively. French life expectancy exceeds American rates. While imperfect, France’s system warrants our study.
A prosperous Christmas requires job availability nationwide. Major metropolitan areas attract employment, yet rural regions lack comparable prospects. Not everyone can relocate to Provo, Utah, Austin, Texas or Nashville, Tennessee. My acquaintance recently moved to Indianapolis and discovered abundant career possibilities. Federal resources currently directed toward the Middle East should redirect toward rural America. Infrastructure development, parks, and investment in small enterprises willing to establish operations in rural communities must become priorities. Years of international nation-building have left Appalachia and similar areas neglected.
Space limitations prevent full elaboration, so here are essential Christmas wishes for Americans:
Low-interest loans enabling young people to pursue college education affordably.
Preservation of Social Security and guarantee of promised retirement security for aging Americans.
Support for corporations maintaining American operations while penalizing those abandoning the country.
National security through strong borders and military capacity, with proper support for current and former service members.
Protection of citizens’ constitutional rights, including the ability to keep a Colt-45 revolver secured beside their beds at night.
Finally, Americans might emulate former President George H.W. Bush, who extended gracious welcome to his successor. Upon Bill Clinton’s election to the presidency, Bush composed a respectful note assuring support and writing that “fblikebutton_button”…that you will be ‘our’ President when you read this note.”fblikebutton_button” His leadership demonstrated that decency, respect, and encouragement toward others strengthen us all.
Wishing all Americans a joyful Christmas season!