So I just came back from the doctors office. It turns out that I have strep throat. Not a big deal. I was prescribed a pill everyday for the week, and will return to work on Tuesday.
So why does that matter? Because I did this with almost zero hassle. You see, I am one of the privileged ones. No, not rich. I think I am considered lower middle class. But I do have a job that provides both sick leave and medical care. Yup, I am one lucky bastard.
I’m not saying this to rub it in the face of those that do not have medical care. In fact, my point is just the opposite. I want everyone to have this. I at least want everyone in my country to have this.
Why? Some reasons are selfish. When I order food, i want to know that the person preparing my food is healthy. How do we go about that? Well, for starters let’s make it mandatory that people who prepare food receive a minimum of two weeks sick leave per year. Also, let’s make sure they have basic medical care. It is for this reason I call that ‘Papa’ pizza place ‘Snot Pizza.’
“Would you like extra phlegm on that pepperoni pizza sir? No charge!”
I also want people to be able to work for a living instead of sitting on their butts collecting welfare! Getting them healthy enough to work is a big part of that. I also want them to be paid a living wage if they work 40 hours, but that’s another rant.
The most important reason is because I’ve been there! I was once working three jobs trying to make ends meet. I peddled my bike from one end of town to the next. One day while rushing home from one graveyard job to take a shower, I hit a pebble with my front tire. My bike and me went flying. I had ‘road rash’ all over my legs, face, and the palms of my hands. I wasn’t able to work any job for about two weeks. No sick leave. Lucky for me, my landlord loved me. So I was able to be late on rent, fall behind on a few bills, and eat tons of unhealthy starches to get through.
But those hard times make me feel like I should do what I can to help others. I may not be well to do, but I can go to a doctor when I’m sick, take time off work, and heal. I want to do what I can to get all my fellow American’s that peace of mind. So it’s time for the NEXT UPRISING!