Notable Quotable: Sick in a Hospital Town

“The United States is blessed with one of the most scientifically and technologically advanced health care systems in the world, a sprawling industry so vast and lucrative that it is now one of the largest drivers of the economy, accounting for more jobs and revenue than manufacturing. But for all the money flowing in and out, Americans have more chronic illnesses and shorter lifespans than people in other wealthy nations. When it comes to health outcomes among those countries, the United States ranks last.”

—Ginger Thompson, from Sick in a Hospital Town published in ProPublica

What is life if it isn’t about caring for our loved ones and expecting the best outcomes for them when faced with an injury or health crisis? How can anyone agree that putting profits over anyone’s well-being is sensible or morally correct?

How do we make sense of the idea that life is only sacred prior to birth as evidenced by the overturning of Roe v. Wade? How do we continue to accept leaders who offer us no assurances of life beyond birth, especially to those who can’t afford health insurance?

America’s business model is inhumane. It screams “do harm if it creates more profit.” How have we come to accept this?

The news media across the political spectrum keeps its eye on one outrageous, temporary leader. But what’s missing is any outcry against a hopeless economic system that extols the virtues of greed and corruption—without naming them such—submits to it without regard for who or what it destroys, justifies it with “winning” economic numbers, and perpetuates it as the greatest economy in all of history.

Are we saying we can’t do better? Or are we saying we don’t care?