Once upon a time, there was a health insurance company named Goldilocks. Goldilocks was a rich, petulant, spoiled little insurance company who stamped her feet and threw a fit anytime that she didn't get her way. She even used her millions to bribe Congress to do whatever she wanted whenever she wanted it.
Goldilocks had a gift for healing people and could ensure that anyone would be safe and sound, even if they got sick or hurt. But because she was so spoiled, she didn't want to use her gift. It was easier and more profitable for her to spend her time playing.
One day, she went for a walk in Colorado, and she came upon a pleasantly plump, adorable little baby boy named Alex. She took one look at Alex and said, "Get away from me! You are TOO FAT!"
Then, a bit further down the path, she came across a beautiful, petite little girl named Aislin. She looked at the little girl and said, "No! You cannot have any of my gift! You are TOO THIN!"
She walked and walked for many days, but could not find anyone who was JUST RIGHT to bestow her gift of health and safety upon. Everyone she saw was too poor or too sick or too female or too old. She sat down on the path and cried because she was all alone and would never find anyone, anywhere who was JUST RIGHT.
Because fairy tales must have a happy ending, let's say that Goldilocks decides that she'd rather use her gift wisely on those who needed it most. Let's say that she goes back and finds the plump little boy and the petite little girl and makes them safe and sound.
Sadly this health care debate is not a fairy tale, and it's unlikely to have this kind of a happy ending. Health insurance companies will geedily hoard their services and heartlessly revoke policies and deny procedures all the way to the bank. That's why we have to keep up the pressure for strong health care reform.
