What we have in the United States is not so much a health-care system as a disease-care system.
Interpretation
The quote criticizes the focus of the U.S. health care system on treating diseases rather than promoting overall health.
Edward Kennedy's quote suggests that the United States' approach to health care emphasizes responding to illnesses after they occur, rather than implementing preventative measures or promoting wellness. This perspective highlights a systemic issue where resources are allocated to treating diseases instead of fostering a health-centric culture that prioritizes prevention and holistic well-being.
In practice
In a discussion about health reform, this quote can highlight the need for a shift towards preventative care.
Immigrant families have integrated themselves into our communities, establishing deep roots. Whenever they have settled, they have made lasting contributions to the economic vitality and diversity of our communities and our nation. Our economy depends on these hard-working, taxpaying workers. They have assisted America in its economic boom.
We know the future will outlast all of us, but I believe that all of us will live on in the future we made.
With Barack Obama, we will turn the page on the old politics of misrepresentation and distortion. With Barack Obama we will close the book on the old politics of race against race.
Regulation has gone astray. . . . Either because they have become captives of regulated industries or captains of outmoded administrative agencies, regulators all too often encourage or approve unreasonably high prices, inadequate service, and anticompetitive behavior. The cost of this regulation is always passed on to the consumer. And that cost is astronomical.
We want to support our troops because they didn't make the decision to go there... but I don't think it should be open-ended. We ought to have a benchmark where the administration has to come back and give us a report.
Individual faults and frailties are no excuse to give in - and no exemption from the common obligation to give of ourselves.
Drugs and alcohol are not my problem, reality is my problem, drugs and alcohol are my solution.
Your body has a remarkable capacity to begin healing itself, and much more quickly than people had once realized, if you simply stop doing what's causing the problem.
The awareness that health is dependent upon habits that we control makes us the first generation in history that to a large extent determines its own destiny.
If you would seek health, look first to the spine.
We should resolve now that the health of this nation is a national concern; that financial barriers in the way of attaining health shall be removed; that the health of all it's citizens deserves the help of all the nation.
Good health and good sense are two of life's greatest blessings.
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