Socialized medicine.

Considered a dirty economic policy by the right and still a shaky topic for the left. We continue to listen to anti-socialized medicine politicians who make the same outlandish claims. Such accusations include how this policy is “one step closer to complete socialism,” famously quoted by Ronald Reagan in a 1960s speech. The right wing keeps rejecting this theory, regardless of the fact that many countries such as France, Sweden, and Canada have single-payer healthcare systems that are arguably better than ours.

If the American government implements a single-payer healthcare system, many people will not have to pay the insurmountable amounts of money, as Americans will be insured as long as they pay a minimal, mandatory fee. With the extra money in their pockets, they will be able to invest in education for themselves and also spend more money, thereby boosting the economy. Not only that, but much less will be spent on healthcare, since Medicaid and Medicare will be eliminated as both welfare programs will be deemed unnecessary. This elimination will decrease spending and thus, paying back the government’s debt will be much more bearable. This is exactly what the United States needs during these precarious economic times. The fight for socialized medicine does not have to be a “bleeding heart” liberal one; it is a logical and fair policy that will benefit everyone.

Every social program ever introduced by the left has been highly criticized by the right wing. This is necessary as we cannot push too far left; however, look at F.D.R.’s “alphabet soup” programs or Lyndon B. Johnson’s introduction of Medicare– even the Republican Richard Nixon’s economic redistribution and increased business regulation. All these initiatives were condemned by angry right wing protestors; however, modern society cannot imagine living without them. These programs improved quality of life and overall, improved the wage gap and socio-economic hierarchical challenges faced by our nation despite the rigors they initially faced.

Many will say that enacting a single-payer healthcare system facilitates the rise of socialism. This is not true. Social Security is a socialist idea that did not turn the United States into a socialist state. In fact, it improved the quality of life and standards of living. It gave hope to those who did not make much money that they too could retire one day like the wealthy. By espousing a single payer healthcare, the government can increase individuality in the free market. Employees can focus on acquiring jobs solely based off pay, not the benefits of a specific healthcare plan. Also, unlike the case under Obamacare, businesses won’t have to fire many workers because they won’t be responsible for healthcare, thus allowing businesses to contribute more money into the economy.

Regardless of the facts previously stated, advocates of a single-payer healthcare system will still be regarded as“socialists” or an “illogical liberals”. Just as many people before had to endure the same beratings by enraged political opponents, those on the left are here to take the censure. America needs the moderate left to begin advocating a single-payer healthcare system, and forgo passive compliance. The left wing must be ready to endure the challenges faced by critics. This is the only way the American government will once again adhere to its obligation to fulfill the needs of its constituents. We must be ready to continue our progressive movement despite imminent opposition. .