To those who believe the Constitution does not include health care reform, I suggest that they re-read the preamble to the Constitution, which says that in order to form a more perfect union we must, “…insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense,” and “promote the general welfare…”

Access to affordable health care will help insure domestic tranquility, it will provide a common defense against illness and the exorbitant cost of health care, and it will indeed promote the general welfare. Nothing is more crucial to the general welfare of American citizens than their health and that requires access to affordable health care.

In the midst of all the misinformation and street theater surrounding the issue, Americans who recognize the need for health care legislation need to speak to their extended families and neighbors about what the legislation will do for them. Clarity is of the essence.

Health care legislation accomplishes three essential objectives:

It will ensure that Americans have health insurance even when they lose their jobs or are between jobs.

It will ensure that Americans who suffer catastrophic illnesses will not have to lose their homes or go bankrupt in order to pay for treatment and hospitalization.

It will cover children who are out of college, but have not yet found jobs.

The legislation won’t satisfy everyone, but it includes all of the above and is a major step forward. Considering the well-financed campaign by powerful interests to defeat health care legislation–passing it was a real victory or as Vice President Biden so eloquently put it, “This is a big f***ing deal.”

This is the United States of America–surely we can promote the general welfare–the good health–of our citizens.

Parts of this Article are from: … Health Care Legislation – The Huffington Post