About a dozen Seattle Democratic Socialists of America members turned out on Sunday, August 14, 2018 to talk to their South Seattle neighbors about healthcare. Afterwards, they headed to a panel discussion at a nearby library to hear about how and why the American healthcare system is so broken, and most importantly, how we can organize to change it.
Seattle's efforts were their part of the Weekend of Action, a national effort organized by the Democratic Socialists for Medicare for All campaign. The campaign seeks to bring a universal, single-payer healthcare program to the United States, which would provide comprehensive healthcare to all American residents free at the point of service. DSA’s Democratic Socialists for Medicare for All is an ongoing campaign to make single-payer healthcare a reality.
"A universal program like Medicare for All means no gaps, no loopholes...no wedge where people can be left out." -Andrej Markovčič of Seattle DSA.
More than 30 DSA chapters held events across the country for August’s Weekend of Action. Some, like Seattle, held town halls and discussion panels, while others, like DSA Long Beach, knocked on doors and talked to their community members about their healthcare concerns and how things could be different.
"I think a campaign like Medicare for All crosses political viewpoints. It's the one issue where you might be able to get people to talk to each other across political lines." - Jim Squire
Healthcare affects all people, no matter their political opinions or party affiliations. As socialists, we believe the path to more fulfilling and dignified lives for all people, especially the working class, includes a universal and comprehensive healthcare program.
"It's so laughable, saying we can't afford [Medicare for All.] We're already paying for it! We could almost cover everyone with what the government is spending if we just eliminated the middlemen." - Jim Squire
Medicare for All means people have the freedom to make the best healthcare choices for themselves and their families, without the fear that medical debt could bankrupt them or that our current byzantine system could keep them from seeing a necessary doctor or specialist. Seattle DSA will continue to hold canvassing events every other weekend. You can get in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook or via email at [email protected].
