Look, I'm not a political discussion expert; I write about Flo Rida and the Black Eyed Peas on a regular basis. I don't even know that much about health insurance; my health care plan involves planning to eventually care about my health. But I do know one thing: If we start taking our notes on health care reform from Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, we are seriously fucked.
In a recent post on his blog, Hoppus was inspired to write a lengthy post about how one of his caterer's was rushed into debt by health care costs after her appendix ruptured.
When a person's best option to pay for health care is to take to the Internet and ask for small donations from strangers, bold changes need to be made," Hoppus wrote. "Every day, while our elected officials and corporations argue over the best way to fix the problem of health care in America, more people like Ali are falling through the cracks, into bankruptcy and inadequate care. Mr. President, members of Congress, hospitals, doctors and insurance companies, there has to be a better way."
"About two months into the tour, at a show in Florida , she took ill and was rushed to the hospital," Hoppus added. "There the doctors determined she required emergency surgery to remove her appendix. Three days later, Ali walked out of the hospital and rejoined the tour. Out on the road, Ali and I discussed her surgery, and she informed me she was uninsured. My initial reaction was disbelief. Why would you not have insurance? Especially while on tour? Turns out I was asking the wrong question. The real question is: Why are you unable to get insurance?"
"Ali's situation is a small portrait of a much larger issue being debated in national headlines and the hallways of Washington DC right now," he said. "Health care in America. The question is systemic in nature and problem: How do we as a nation provide quality health care to all of our citizens? It seems like a simple enough question. But yet, every day too many Americans go about their lives without proper coverage, with the risk of serious injury and financial ruin looming over their head if they fall ill or require surgery. This past month, I have seen the effect of unavailable and inadequate health insurance firsthand. Does anyone believe that the current system still works effectively? How and in what way do we change our current structure?"
I mean, I guess it's noble that Hoppus cares about his caterers, but seriously, you just recently figured out that it's not cool to charge people into bankruptcy for emergency procedures? Sicko came out like three years ago. I guess it's cool that you want to inform your fans that you are on the side of health care reform, but what can the guy that wrote "All the Small Things" do that Barack Obama has clearly failed at? [Spinner]
ok, i'm totally not gunna share my political views with anyone, but Mark Hoppus (possible the best bassist EVER) is just reiterating the point that whether health care is done through the gov't or a private provider, the system is corrupt and i for one am glad to see a celebrity bring up the point. like Mark said, you don't realize it until it happens to you. so just chill out man, it;s good that celebrities are actually informed and give a s**t. and brandon, you need to listen to some blink-182, because you will realize that he is amazing, and that you're the COCK-atoo
October 28, 2009 at 3:14 p.m.
matt182
brandon ur corny. that picture of mark is from like 1998
October 28, 2009 at 5:08 p.m.
1824evr
Actually it's from 2004. I love that picture. Sorry Andrew, but Mark is just trying to make a point. Why are we f**ked if we listen to him. He knows something is wrong and something needs to be done.
November 2, 2009 at 2:45 p.m.
b182
Not only is this article poorly written, but it has no point. Mark is just trying to help out a friend. This is a total thumbs down. And Mark Hoppus is probably the best bassist/ funniest man alive(besides tom) 1824evr and blink4life I totally agree. And he doesn't look like a cockatoo.
He looks like a cockatoo.