Vanessa Davis
Advanced Topics in Composition
Argumentative Essay
American Healthcare: Vision or Mirage?
America has been accurately given the title “The Land of Opportunity,” a land consisting of people of different nationalities and origins here for the purpose of experiencing a more progressive life, economically and financially. To argue that America is a land that does not offer the privileges of freedom of speech, religion, liberty, and justice would be a gross inaccuracy. Further, to find a country more advanced in areas such as: medicine, technology, and military capabilities would be a most difficult task. In all of these areas, America outshines other countries. Indeed, if faced with having to choose what country to live in, America would be my first choice. But there are certain issues about America I find disturbing, even frightening when I think about them: crime, pollution, terrorism, race relations, and the cost of education, to name a few. These issues have been discussed among family and friends, teachers and students, and debated between political parties since the birth of this country. George Washington, before leaving the office of the Presidency, warned his successors about the dangers of dividing into political parties. He held the vision of national unity, a vision of Americans depending on each other for the purpose of security and prosperity. Mark Carnes, author of The American Nation stated “Washington was less brilliant than either Hamilton or Jefferson but wiser. He appreciated how important it was that the new nation should remain at peace-with the rest of the world and with itself. In his farewell he deplored the baneful effects of the spirit of party that led honest people to use unscrupulous means to win a mean advantage over fellow Americans” (162). His vision of national unity should include a vision of universal health care. For if a country is willing to unify for the purpose of safeguarding citizens from...