Blog Stage 8

   On August 3, 2017, Kelly La posted an article titled "Nothing Trumps Obamacare," where she argued that the government should not put in place any reformations to Obamacare because it would be taking away healthcare for those with pre-existing conditions. I completely agree with this. It is insane to think that our government wants to take away something that helps so many people in need. La states, "1.7 million Americans are cancer patients. 3 kids a day are diagnosed with cancer. 5.4 million live with Alzheimer's. And 24 million will be uninsured if the ACA is repealed. Who will insurance companies serve if not for the sick?"  24 million people, uninsured just because Republicans are not happy with something the past president (who was a Democrat) helped establish. 
   Repealing the ACA/reforming Obamacare would cause so much more harm than good. Who will help people who relied solely on Obamacare with their illnesses if it is taken away? Isn't healthcare there to help the sick? Are they saying that those suffering from something as terrible as cancer don't deserve the right to affordable healthcare? This is a prime example of politicians thinking about what's in it for them rather than what will help the citizens of this country. La's article is a great read for anyone who wants to learn more about how the ACA/ Obamacare helps those in need. 

Until next time.
-Mandi

Blog Stage 7

   As I stated in Blog Stage 5, the government should continue funding Planned Parenthood. Now the question is, how do we convince the other side? If you don't support what Planned Parenthood does, this is for you. Planned Parenthood and its affiliates provide about 10 million services a year: 4.4 million tests and treatments related to sexually transmitted diseases, 3.5 million birth-control services, 1 million pregnancy tests, 500,000 breast exams, 378,000 pap tests, and 327,000 abortions. This makes abortion roughly 3% of their services. Without PP, that would be 4.4 million people not able to get treated for diseases, 3.5 million people not able to get the protection they need, and 878,000 women not getting the annual health exams they need. Most people who rely on PP are lower-income women. 
   This in turn would lead to a huge increase in unhealthy people and unprepared mothers in need, likely needing the help of welfare. The federal government spends $668 billion dollars per year on 126 different welfare programs. The Federal Government relies mainly on income taxes for its revenue (that's right-your money). If you believe that Planned Parenthood should be defunded, you likely don't realize the chain reaction happening. This goes way deeper than most realize. This isn't just about abortion, this is about the health of our citizens and the stability of our taxes. You might not want to pay for PP, but in the end, it's better than paying more to support the more people that would end up relying on government money. 

Until next time.
-Mandi