Last Wednesday, Bill O’Reilly stated, “50% of the people want stuff.” That statement infuriated me at the time, but as I’ve reflected on it, I agree with the statement. I do want stuff. I want good roads and a safe place to live. I want a strong educational system and access to great healthcare. I want a fair legal system, and I want the US to lead in research and innovation. I also want a clean environment, and I want a system that takes care of those who can’t take care of themselves. And I am happy and willing to pay more for these services.
I didn’t always feel this way. In my early voting years, I would have told you that I was fiscally conservative and socially liberal. But after living outside of the US for three years, I realize the important part that government must play in our daily lives. Why? I’ll be happy to tell you, but I have to give you some background first.
I had the pleasure of spending three years living on the island of Grenada. Grenada is a gorgeous country – white sandy beaches, bright blue water, and an island-paced lifestyle that starkly contrasts with my current fast-paced New York City life. I loved every moment (well, almost every moment) and cried for several days upon leaving. I loved the country, the people, the weather, and the culture – but I didn’t love the infrastructure.
Grenada is an independent country and does not have the tax base for most government services.
1) Potholes, narrow roads, deep ditches, and very few roads in general make travel across the country quite an experience. Though the island is a maximum of 21 miles across in the longest direction, it takes a good full day to travel from one end to the other and back.
2) Healthcare is free in Grenada, but there are not many services available. MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, EKG machines, and pacemakers have limited access and availability. New medications and, in particular, pain medications are unavailable. Physicians and staff do the best they can with what they have, but what they can do is severely limited.
3) Teachers, as well, do the best they can with their limited resources. Textbooks are decades old, in poor condition, and have to be shared amongst the students. Students who have difficulty with a particular subject or topic are simply left behind. Computers are not available in most schools. And with no bus system, many children can only afford to travel to school a few days per week.
4) The Grenada Coast Guard has one boat. The army is small, and there is no navy or air force. If Grenada had to protect itself, it would need help from other nations to do so.
5) Grenada has trouble with dying coral due to the lack of regulations on dumping. Trash is burned all over the island which can make the air difficult to breathe at times. The rivers have had problems with pollution as well.
6) With unemployment at 30%+, there is not a system to help the desperately poor and elderly. The homeless and destitute are malnourished and are stick thin. Many children have only one meal per day.
So yes, Bill, I do want stuff, and believe it or not, you do too.
