"No one should die because they cannot afford health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick. If you agree, please post this as your status for the rest of the day."
The latest grassroots Facebook Status Meme addresses the bitter debate over healthcare in Obama's United States.
Anyone who has spent any time on American internet fora knows how nasty this stuff can get. Something that's taken for granted in the rest of the civilized world — publicly funded basic healthcare — in the U.S. has become the most divisive issue since teaching science in schools.
But why are Canadians getting involved? I got two updates this morning from fellow hosers, good and smart people who I assume did so as a show of support for the American movement. When whoever started this chain-letter tallies up the hits, I doubt they'll differentiate between Canadian and U.S. buzz.
As I snarked to another Facebook friend, "I guess Canadians see themselves as secret agents of change"...
That said, I think the only thing it will accomplish is to further enrage conservative social networking pundits in the U.S. (They're now trying to work up a counter-status update.) Oh well, at least it has them talking.
I've been thinking about making this my status for 24 hours or so, Tom. Yes, I'm Canadian, and yes, my opinion counts for naught when it comes to American political 'stuff', but I do hold an opinion, and I do have American friends who might appreciate the supportive gesture even though that is all it could ever hope to be.
ReplyDeleteThink I'll do it. Talking/typing 'to' you about this has helped to clarify my thoughts. Thanks!
~ Liana
That's what I do it for, Liana!
ReplyDelete