What Do You Want?

I want to go to a doctor when I am sick. I want to pay the doctor a fair price for care, with the help of health insurance, for which I pay a fair price. I want my husband, my children, and any future grandchildren to have affordable health insurance so they may see a doctor if they become ill. I do not want them denied health insurance because they are unemployed, in school, or have a pre-existing condition. I want to have money left over from my paycheck, after the deduction for my health insurance, with which to pay other monthly expenses. I want to pay a fair price for my prescription medication. I don't want to choose between taking a prescribed medication or paying a utility bill. If I should ever have to go to the hospital, I want good care at a fair, affordable price. I do not want to be forced to file bankruptcy because of an illness which required hospitalization.

I want to live in a world that is free of war. If that is not possible, I want to live in a country which is respected as a fair and just peace-maker. I want to live in a country where more money is spent on education than military. I want to live in a country where our young people are valued and well educated. I want to live in a country where our teachers are well educated, valued, and well paid. I want to live in a country where college is not cost-prohibitive.

I want to live in a country where everyone has access to good food. I do not want to be fed pesticides and hormones and genetically modified food. I want healthy, clean, pure food. I don't want my food grown in questionable conditions in another part of the world or country and shipped to me at a great cost, when the farmer down the road could grow it. I want the farmers and laborers paid fairly for the food they grow. I want animals raised for my food to be treated humanely. I want to pay a fair, affordable price for my food. I do not want to choose between adequate, clean food and medical care.

I want to live in a country where my fellow citizens are responsible for themselves. I want to live in a country with compassion for those who cannot be responsible for themselves. I want to live in a country which seeks to solve the core problems of irresponsibility - lack of education and skills, mental illness, drug abuse, hunger, poor parenting, aging, homelessness, to name a few. I want to live in a country which values its elders. I want to live in a country where senior citizens are respected and cared for.

I want to live in a country not divided by political or religious affiliation. I want to be free to hold my own opinions and religious views without fear of persecution or ridicule. I want to live in a country which is tolerant and open-minded. If you do not like or agree with my politics or with my God, at least concede that I may vote and worship however I choose.

I want to live in a country which is respected and respectful. In world politics and in our communities and in our homes I want to remember that respect is earned. I want to lead by example and I want our leaders and my neighbors to do the same.

I want to live in a country which values the earth and seeks to sustain our planet and our universe. I want future generations to have clean water, fresh air, trees, and mountains, and oceans. I want the beauty and sanctity of our world preserved.

I want to be happy. I want others to be happy.

I want to assume we all want the same things.