Crisis proves value of health care for all

Two vastly different messages appear in the March 11 edition of the Daily Herald. One is a letter to the editor by Don Kellen that points out the dire implications of having non-insured Americans among us during this current health threat and the other is by columnist Walter E. Williams.

Mr. Williams' piece, titled "The rights of some should not have to be paid by others," states that the notion of a right to health care is morally wrong in that no American should live "at the expense of others." He likens that to stealing.

I would make an alternative case for morality that is much different from Mr. Williams'. I instead side here with Mr. Kellen, who seems much more in touch with reality.

If the current rapid spread of a deadly virus halfway around the world to virtually every other corner of it is not proof enough that health care for all protects me as well as the other, I don't know what will.

It benefits all of us to have everyone insured and able to go to the doctor when sick and to take time off work instead of infecting others. How can this society not see, from a self-interested as well as a compassionate place, that the "right" of health care is a right that protects me as well as them.

Alan Heigert

Lake Villa