7 msfocusmagazine.org Fast-forward to the present, and the public’s perception and attitudes appearto be changing about the government’s role in healthcare. Interestingly, a poll conducted last year by YouGov revealed 60 percent of those questionedfeltfavorableabout“Medicareforall” (a topic promoted during the last presidential campaign). Yet, when questioned again a few months later about “single-payer” healthcare, only 44 percent were positive. Interestingly, it appears the latter poll indicates some of those attitudes of years past linger, even though the respondents were essentially questioned about the same thing. One does not have to be an expert to realize that there is a progressivelyworsening healthcare crisis in America. This will be exacerbated when Medicare’s funds are depleted in the not-too-distant future. A healthcare program like Medicare intended for our aged and some of those chronically ill is simply not sustainable long-term. That and the rising cost of healthcare coverage for the rest of the country will continue to impede the financial stability of the middle class. With conditions remaining as they are, the federal government projects healthcare spending will be almost one-fifth of the U.S. economy in less than ten years. If that doesn’t warrant a major bipartisan government intervention, we don’t know what does. This is no time for name-calling, industry- sponsored public relations campaigns, or political slogans. This nation requires fresh ideas and new attitudes, without disregarding the limited buying power of working class families, the elderly, and the chronically ill. We would all do well to examine what works for other democratic, highly industrialized nations (some of which boast a higher standard of living than we do). The long-term strength of our economy (the one on Main Street, that is), and the financial security and well-being of theAmerican people are at stake. Making affordable, comprehensive healthcare available in this country is a cause that is sorely in need of activism on a major scale. Let’s take the issue of gun control as an example. Regardless of where your position takes you across its highly politically-charged spectrum, it’s difficult not to take notice of the incredible surge of activism among young Americans across the country. They took a page from the babyboomers’ protest playbook, and they appear undaunted in their efforts to achieve their goals. These young people were thrust into this situation because of their fear, concern, anger, and frustration.When it comes to our healthcare, are we not fearful and concerned about the future personal financial effect of healthcare? Are we not angry and frustrated about the lack of progress and bipartisanship of our elected representatives? There appears to be a lesson for us all to learn here. Perhaps a broad national outcry about healthcare is in order to ensure we really get Capitol Hill’s attention. The clock is ticking.