How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?

Today, Senate finally approved President Obama's national health care package -- a bill that is going to revolutionize the American health care industry. This reform is going to make health care much more affordable for the uninsured and will, in the long run, save lives.

As much as this is a major victory and a big step towards universal health care, America is still far and away from providing the same kind of affordable health care as... the rest of the world. And while this is discouraging, what's even more discouraging is the fact that there wasn't a single Republican in Senate that voted in favor of the bill -- every single one of them voted against it!

Q: WTF?

A: $

Yes, it's true -- good ol' American greed and the Almighty Dollar, once again, prevailed in the hearts of the Republican party; the supposedly God-fearing, conservative Christians. These party members turned away from their Bibles, from the story of the Good Samaritan, the stories in Acts that told of church members never being in want because other members provided for them, just long enough to say, "Fuck you, underpaid and unemployed poor people." Then, of course, they lifted their hands and proclaimed, "Hallelujah, for the Almighty Dollar shall save us all!"

I was watching the news and they were playing clips of Republicans bashing the bill and referring to it as "a job killer." Obviously, their main concern is that a bill that would make health care more affordable would put jobs in danger. Of course it is! They're not at all worried about the 1% tax increase on homes making more than $300,000 per year!

So, Republicans say that affordable health care is a job killer. But, on the other hand, unaffordable health care is a people killer. I suppose the silver lining to this debate is that more dead people means more job opportunities for the unemployed!

I think the only person that can offer commentary on this matter is The Boss, Bruce Springsteen:

Well the doctor comes 'round here with his face all bright
And he says "in a little while you'll be alright"
All he gives is a humbug pill, a dose of dope and a great big bill
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

"Me and my old school pals had some mighty high times down here
And what happened to you poor black folks, well it just ain't fair"
He took a look around, gave a little pep talk, said "I'm with you" then he took a little walk
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

There's bodies floatin' on Canal and the levees gone to Hell
Martha, get me my sixteen gauge and some dry shells
Them who's got got out of town and them who ain't got left to drown
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

Got family scattered from Texas all the way to Baltimore
Yeah and I ain't got no home in this world no more
Gonna be a judgment that's a fact, a righteous train rollin' down this track
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live