If You are Surprised, You are Out of Touch with the People

America is 15^th out of the group of 15 developed nations. Our country is near the bottom in healthcare, and education, but in the most important category, quality of life, our nation is at the very bottom.

Most American workers struggle to maintain an acceptable quality of life for themselves and their families. Hanging over their heads is fear: fear that a health emergency will destroy the lifestyle they have worked so hard and long for their family.

After United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson was murdered, a poll taken of young voters, age 30 and under, described his killing as “acceptable” by a whopping 41 percent.

If you’re surprised, you are old and out of touch with most of our country’s people. A large percentage of all Americans have been forced to battle with an insurance company which denied a claim, directly, or indirectly. Even a larger percentage experienced a lower level of care than expected, depending upon the insurance agency which represents them.

A few facts: the United States is the only nation in the world without universal healthcare. America’s healthcare “system” is the most expensive in the world. The average person’s quality of healthcare remains at the lowest standard possible.

“While there isn't a single definitive statistic on the exact percentage of homeless families directly caused by a health emergency, research indicates that a significant portion of individuals experiencing homelessness attribute their situation to a major health issue, often leading to job loss and financial instability, which then contributes to housing insecurity; however, this is usually considered one factor within a complex web of causes including poverty, lack of affordable housing, and mental health issues.”

When Thompson was murdered, his company was in the highest percentage of healthcare companies which attempt to deny claims.

Most working-class Americans are fully aware that corporations are the enemy. Their greed is responsible for escalating prices on everything, most significantly in the area of necessities: food, shelter, and clothing.

I am 78 years of age, and from the age of about 15, years before I could drive, I was aware that the petroleum industry literally ripped people off constantly. In the early 1970’s they faked a shortage of gasoline. Their real intent was to force a price increase.

In the 21^st century corporations are more transparent about their greed. Inflation was not a reality. What really happened was “Greedflation.”

Like the oil companies, insurance agencies are composed of con men and criminals who gladly take your monthly payments but fight to deny claims. I had a personal experience just eight years ago. When I reached my 70^th birthday, my life insurance company increased my premiums and lowered the benefit. Later in the year my automobile insurance company acted in a similar manner.

Regardless of current law, agism is a serious problem in America when the government or corporations are involved. Just ask anyone who relies on Social Security for their entire income.

I live in one country, and the super-rich live in another.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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