Our nation cannot afford to wait on health care reformOur health care system is broken; there is no doubting that. American families urgently need a solution. When there are 46 million uninsured Americans having to decide whether to put food on the table so they can take their children to the doctor, it is shameful to make the claim that health care can wait, or that health care “must be defeated.”Premiums are growing four times faster than wages. Half of all personal bankruptcies stem from medical expenses. We have all heard these facts time and time again. Yet some people in this nation chose to deter any progress in respect to universal health care coverage. That, of course, is their right. But to spread fear and false claims in hopes of thwarting any success in a plan that would cover all Americans is not only irresponsible, it is ignorant.Our nation’s health care infrastructure is severely undeveloped. With that said, our national government has the duty and responsibility to provide for its citizens — for their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness or property.Government should take steps to reduce costs by improving efficiency and investing in preventative care. Government must guarantee every American the right to choose his plan and doctor — including a public insurance option — while at the same time ensuring quality, affordable care for every American.Health care reform cannot wait. The health and well-being of American citizens cannot wait. Our nation’s politicians cannot wait in passing health care reform. Our leaders must not hesitate in providing for their citizens in protecting their health and their future.Judson Watkinspolitical science freshman