A May 29 Reader Opinion letter and I seem to agree on one thing: the Bible is a foundational book for moral guidance on faith and life. However, it should be recognized that I have disagreements on many of the major moral issues of our time. A recent case in point is a letter criticizing a May 14 Reader Opinion's support for universal health care.
Anyone who opposes universal/single payer health coverage should disclose whether or not he or she utilizes Medicare. Medicare is single-payer universal coverage for essentially all U.S. citizens over age 65. However, our U.S. system denies health coverage to millions of adults and children that it grants to all its elderly. This moral inequity is rare in other advanced nations, and could be rectified in two ways: stop Medicare, or extend it to all. It is unbiblical to deny others a basic right that one enjoys.
Recent statistics show that Canada's universal coverage costs 60 percent less per capita than that of the U.S., with average life expectancy three years longer, and infant mortality twenty percent less.
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, "And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick..." This is one of almost forty occasions in the gospels that Jesus healed someone or instructed his disciples to do. Today, not everyone can heal the sick. But everyone, and especially Christians, should declare their stand on what societal option best reflects their moral values. Paul described Jesus as "taking the form of a servant" in sacrificing self for others. In Jesus' call to do likewise, shouldn't Christians be willing to sacrifice some convenience for elective procedures if it would mean care for all children?
I recommend Medicare for all.
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Dick Peterson
Bloomington
