If Not Now . . . When?

Everyone is concerned about health care in America. It is not about the President of the United States, it is not about being a Democrat. It is not about being a Republican. It is about being an American and doing the right thing for all Americans (i.e., rich or poor, young or old, black or white).

During any campaign there are words we hear repeatedly. The new code words this time are “common sense.”

With all due respect, common sense will tell every elected representative that America will not survive if we allow the tobacco and alcohol industries to bankrupt this health care reform initiative, by simply ignoring the tobacco and alcohol- related diseases which affects this society in more ways then one (i.e. our children, domestic violence, health care coverage, insurance premiums, productivity, life expectancy, etc.).

Common sense will tell every elected representative if you are trying to keep the insurance companies from raising their premiums with people who have pre-existing conditions or canceling their coverage because of the expense, if it is tobacco or alcohol related; you must include the tobacco and alcohol industries.

Common sense will tell every elected representative for companies who still have illegal immigrants working for them; they must provide health care benefits to their undocumented employees.

Otherwise, the common sense that some like to speak about is irrelevant. With all due respect, we have 43.3 million smokers and 10.9 million illegal aliens. How many have tobacco-related diseases? How much will this cost their families, their employers, their insurance companies and the States who are trying to balance their budgets annually? How is this calculated in this bill? Or will this be something the American public will have to take care of down the road?

At the end of the day, somebody is going to have to pay for this health care reform initiative, if we do not take everything into consideration now.

That being said, we can make a difference in this health care reform initiative by helping anyone who has tobacco-related diseases this year.

How?

By asking our elected representatives to support and pass . . .

The Tobacco Accountability Act stated purpose, “the tobacco industry must be held accountable for the tobacco-related diseases, provide early screening, a health insurance benefits program and supplemental premium assistance for every smoker (man, woman, boy or girl) afflicted with a tobacco-related disease. They must subsidize all educational programs from elementary to college on the harmful effects of their products through smoking firsthand or from secondhand smoke.”

Why?

This is the only known legal product on the market that causes medical problems for Americans, which ultimately kills. Do you know any other product that does this?

Health care is not a privilege but a right for every American.

Lest we forget; each and every one will have to answer this one question for such a time as this – why not?


I am only a voice in the wilderness for The Tobacco Accountability Act.

For His Glory,

Valerie Foy

Email: speakingthetruth@yahoo.com


A seed for America.