With the Obama administration still trying to pass health care reform, one Moorpark College lecture explored why America has never had true universal health care.

“Why the U.S. Doesn’t Have a Universal Health Care System,” presented by Linda Loiselle of the nursing department on Oct. 13, gave students a broader view on health care in America.

Loiselle provided information on how much we spend on health care compared to other countries.

Kathryn Adams, an English tutor in the Library Learning Resources building as well as one of the organizers for Moorpark’s Year of Service events, tied America’s health care system in with the Year of Service.

“Speaking up to your senators whether you’re for or against it is important and it is an act of service,” Adams said in regards to students not speaking up towards the changes they wish to see in our health care system.

Loiselle stated that many students and even graduates are not aware that about 20,000 people in America die each year because they cannot afford health care. She also spoke of the American Medical Association, using a quote directly from the company, “Health care is a privilege, not a right.”

Despite this remark, there are many countries that do have universal health care. Switzerland, Canada and Thailand all have universal health care.

Although in America some people believe that a universal health care system would force our country towards socialism or even communism, Ebony Taylor, a 22-year-old Philosophy major pointed out that we do not label other countries with solid health care plans as socialists or communists.

“There’s a lot of people, especially in this country, who feel that people who don’t have health care don’t deserve it,” Taylor said. “It’s a sad day in America when people are scared to report conditions because they think they’re going to be denied care. I think everybody deserves health care.”

Today there is an estimated 47 million American citizens who do not have health insurance. Loiselle stresses the fact that although many students are under their parents’ health care, when one graduates college they will be responsible for their own health care. It is important to stay informed on issues concerning health care because it may not affect you right now, but it will affect you later in life and to future generations.

“It is not right to let people die because they don’t have money to buy health insurance…to me it’s a moral issue,” Loiselle said.