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Obamacare Battles, a Report from Chamberlain High School in Tampa. What do Teenagers think?

Posted Sep 22, 2009 by Al Mccray

Updated Sep 22, 2009 at 11:20 AM

Chamberlain High School opened its doors in 1956. The school is located at the intersection of West Busch Blvd and North Blvd, in North Tampa. The Principal is Mr. Jeff Boldt and the school member for the district is Susan Valdes.

The student body of Chamberlain High School is very diverse. The student count is around 1996. It’s make up is as follows;
Whites 764, African Americans 528, Hispanics 643, Asians 32, Indians 7 and multi cultures is 22. ( gee, I hope those numbers add up to 1996?)

So what do the six of Chamberlain students think about ObamaCare and Healthcare? Let’s find out.

(L-R) Roberson Myron 19, Mary Tomaino 17, Joanne Santiago 17,  Nzhada Harris 15, Andres Rivera 15, and Zachary Kustin 16

( The adults in the middle are teachers Julie Owens and Brian Hoover )

Roberson Myrons 19, says, ” President Barack Obama’s proposed healthcare reform bill could be the beginning of a much needed equalization of the American system of health care which has been in existence since the country’s inception. Consequently, has been said that it will also serve to spur the stabilization of the American economy. It may be a breath of fresh air for some and a source of heartache for others.  Some believe it is time for a massive change is the U.S. health care system.

According to a report from the U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention over 40 million Americans did not have health care in 2005. Although the U.S. spent an enormous amount totaling approximately 2 trillion dollars in 2005, there were still more than 40 million adults who did not receive needed health care. These statistics show that something must be done to address to this fix dilemma in America today. Truly, I believe that if our government can spend a record breaking 2.2 trillion dollars on health care in 2007, that there should not be Americans who go without adequate care.

In addition, a report from the NCHC (National Coalition for Health Care) reported that nearly 90 million people, approximately one-third of the population did not have health care.

In conclusion, the alarming numbers of Americans without health benefits and the current economy are in themselves motivating factors for Americans of all socio-economic levels to understand why America desperately needs a face lift on health care. President Obama’s healthcare plan is not designed to be intentionally detrimental towards those in higher tax brackets.  However, but more so, as a relief for those who work hard and yet cannot afford adequate health coverage.  The American Health care system and economy can and will not change by themselves. Therefore, there must be an agent who will stand and fight for equality of services for every American citizen and the revitalization of the American economy.

When President Barack Obama was voted in to office he spoke about change in this nation. I believe that change is exactly what this plan will bring about. “
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Mary Tomaino 17, says,  ” I think healthcare in America is perfectly fine the way that it is. The lines are never long in the hospitals or in the doctor’s offices. Why should we fix something that isn’t broken? People who are sick are getting healed when needed, and I do not believe that tax money should go towards healthcare. People work hard for what they have, in America, and should not have to give money to people who did not work to earn health care.”
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Joanne Santiago 17, says,  “My opinion on healthcare in the United States is that it needs improvement.  Instead of only certain jobs providing health care, all employers should have some type of health care support for their employees. Also, make health care more affordable so all people have access to some sort of health care. It is unfortunate that not everyone can provide healthcare for themselves or their family. I believe that providing health care should become some sort of requirement in the Unites States. We should do more to help those people in need. And I do not believe people, who have been paying health care for many years, happen to not be able to pay, due to the economy, should have to forfeit healthcare because of a situation out of his or her control.”
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Nzhada Harris 15, says, ” I believe that Heath Care Reform is a wonderful idea for Americans, however you often hear about the negatives more than the positives. One negative thought is that the government will choose your coverage, but in actuality the government wants certain “qualified” insurance policies to cover the people of America. Pursuing qualified policies should not be considered bad; most Americans don’t understand what is going on, therefore, they judge before they investigate. Other governments in the world have central health care programs, so why can’t America? Imagine being able to go to the doctor and not having to worry about the cost. Some citizens already have this privilege, but not Americans. Many people fail to realize that not everyone has the same income or opportunities as they do. Moreover, it’s difficult to afford insurance and still have a place to sleep at night, thus the reform is making America healthier.”
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Andres Rivera 15 says,  ” Health care in America is not adequate. Health care in America is one of America’s economic problems. In America, we have cards that enable people to be covered in certain medical situations, but more “major” medical issues are not covered, minor surgeries and certain preexisting ailments are not covered. These cards have many different names like Medicare, Medicaid etc. Medical issues like surgery and dental issues are not covered under these programs and have astronomical prices which many Americans cannot afford in these rough economic times. To make matters worse, the prices for medical and dental treatments are rising steadily. Many people need surgeries, but are unable to afford them which causes thousands of people to live with serious medical conditions, they cannot afford to fix.”
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Zachary Kustin 16, says,  ”  A flawed system comes to mind when I think of America’s present health care system.  I believe that health care should be universal; it is not fair to lower income families to live without coverage. It is also clear that tax payer’s money is being wasted on stupid projects that don’t accomplish anything. Why do we not spend the money to insure our people’s finances in times of medical trauma and need? The system would take time to perfect but if we work at the system, and people are patient, the system will come with reward and equality within the health care system.”
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These students certainly are keeping up with current affairs. With this habit, they will certainly be well informed adults and will take an active participation in the affairs of neighborhoods and their country.

In the next article I write the comments of the district’s school board member, Ms. Susan Valdes and the school’s principal Mr. Jeff Boldt.

Write comments below.  almccray @aol.com