SCHIP: A sad comment on our leaders’ conscience and lack thereof


It is indeed a sad day when the profits of tobacco companies are deemed more important than the health of our nation’s children.

Overstated?

Not really.

Two weeks ago the President refused to okay a Congress-approved expansion of SCHIP, and in doing so, made a statement about the value he places on the health of our nation’s most vulnerable children. Unfortunately, when Congress was given the chance to correct his "slip of the pen," they also failed to muster the ethical resolve to vote "yes" for children's health.

Interesting, coming from leaders whose presidential/congressional families benefit from the finest socialized healthcare that money can buy, funded by our tax dollars.

Also interesting coming from a person like Bush who will fight to the end for fetus’ right to be born, yet will show crass indifference to these same children once they are born.

A Congressional office I spoke with was even more blatant, telling me that the tobacco interests in their district were simply too important for them to vote for SCHIP expansion. In fact, they told me "Whatever you may think of the tobacco companies, we deem them important constituencies." As a physician in training, I told them that I had no choice but to see the tobacco companies as producers of WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction), and that, no, I didn't see their point that tobacco profits should trump children's right to health.

You would think that maybe, just out of guilt that we are already sending our children to fight a pawns in a war for oil, that we would do the right thing when it comes to the children here at home.

My friends, please do not lose faith - yes, our leaders have failed millions of children on this one.

But no, they do not have the final word, not when it comes to the babies of our nation. If they won't put children first, then in the name of mighty Homeland Security, I call on us to secure a place for children's health in our states, in our coutnties, and in our commmunities.