When I was in high school, a close family member had a scare with a possible lump in her breast. She did not know if her health insurance would cover all of the treatment. I remember thinking, how is this right? How can we have a system in which someone can get a deadly disease and have to worry about how to afford needed care? But in the United States, unlike the rest of the developed world, we haven’t been able to make universal health care happen.
Probably the biggest reason is because our political leaders receive money from pharmaceutical companies and the private insurance lobby. They want to see health care remain a for-profit system. They want to continue to drive up prescription drug prices. They want to keep premiums high. They want our system to remain immoral.
Some argue that a single-payer system would cost too much. I did research for an essay in college and found the United States spends twice as much per capita on health care than countries that provide health care to all. We also have an uninsured rate of approximately 15 percent, and many who do have coverage pay high premiums and high drug prices. We need a “Medicare for All” system that ensures that all people get coverage no matter what.
My family member was lucky. But people die in this country because they are unable to get the care they need. This needs to change.
Please join me in getting out the word about Medicare for All. The grassroots group Rights & Democracy is leading a growing movement to solve this crisis. Visit radnh.org/med4all or radvt.org/our-work/health-care-justice-voter to get involved.
It is not about giving people “free stuff.” It is about acknowledging that we are all human beings, we all have the same needs, and we are all on the same team. If people who are sick are unable to get the care they need, it affects all of us.
MATT BEAN
Claremont
Here’s a shout-out to the community-supported Mascoma Film Society. This relatively new organization presents a broad range of films that cover a variety of styles and subjects, from old classics like Rebecca and All About Eve to the latest, such as Green Book and Mary Poppins Returns. A summer mystery series is being planned.
In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, showings are twice monthly on Wednesday evenings in the auditorium at Mascoma Valley Regional High School. Doors open at 6 p.m., and films end in time for folks with early bedtimes or those who want to stay a bit to chat with neighbors and friends.
With the support of the Mascoma Bank Foundation and Jake’s Market & Deli, and the work of dedicated volunteers, admission is free. Please note that donations are gratefully accepted for the continuation of the program.
MARTHA SOLOW
Lebanon
For those who love the music of J.S. Bach, last weekend offered a remarkable experience.
First, there was the Bach Marathon, held every year on or near the date of Bach’s birthday, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hanover. The marathon was founded several years ago by the noted cellist Margaret Gilmore. This year’s festivity, joyously directed by Mark Nelson, featured works for many instruments during the all-day celebration.
We heard several of the Brandenburg concertos, Cantata No. 21 for chorus and orchestra, and many selections for piano, organ and voice with various accompaniments, as well as spontaneous chorale singing during this long, happy day.
Then on Sunday, the Church of Christ at Dartmouth College offered a free concert featuring the virtuoso Dutch organist Adriaan Hoek, who played an amazing all-Bach recital (12 selections from the Clavier-Übung III collection), delighting the large audience.
In short, it was surely a weekend to remember and rejoice in.
SYLVIA FIELD
Hanover
I find myself eager to respond in support of two recent op-ed pieces. First, Ann McFeatters wants us to think about “what kind of country we want the United States to be” (“America, it’s time to correct our mistakes,” March 25).
I believe I can roughly restate a main point this way: If we are worried and outraged by division, public misfeasance and lies, inequities of privilege, power and life circumstances, then we need to think about the causes and act to help make the world better rather than worse. To me this means inclusion, not keeping “those people” (whoever they may be) out. It means trying hard to understand, not just reacting. It means examining the news and our beliefs, not just accepting what we already believe. Maybe we all need to ask both how we are part of the problem, and how we can really help make it better.
I find a good example in the other op-ed, Gina Barreca’s “Wanted: More funny (and disruptive) women.” My quick takeaway: If you think it’s fine, even desirable, when a man does it (such as public humor or disruptive outspokenness), then it’s equally fine and desirable when a woman does it. Women and men are not the same in every way, but we are all entitled to be seen and treated as equals in public discourse and power structures. The closer we can come to treating one another that way — as equals — regardless of any kind of differences (gender, race, social status, religion) the better we can make our future, working together.
Yes, I am talking to myself, too, not just “you other folks”!
A. RICHARD HUNTER
North Springfield, Vt.