The United States is long overdue for universal health care as one of the few industrialized nations lacking nationalized health care.

As college students, it is easy to take health for granted. Only when one is sick do they realize what horrors loom in the way of bills piling up during a costly hospital stay.

California’s famous governor told his constituents universal healthcare is a priority for his administration this term. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he wants his state to be the health care example for the country. He is one of several governors across the country leading this initiative.

The federal government is not going to provide a solution to the health care crisis anytime soon, so the states have stepped up.

It is easy to support national health care, but the question lies in whether it is financially feasible.

Illinois is a state in financial trouble. Taking on more responsibility does not make sense right now.

Last year Gov. Rod Blagojevich expanded Illinois’ health care program to include all children. The success or failure of that program remains to be seen, but either way, it has made a substantial difference in peoples’ lives.

Money should not dictate what anyone does in reference to basic personal health. People should not have to choose between remaining sick or going broke.

Instead of yearly proactive check-ups, emergency room visits become commonplace for the under- or uninsured. Periodic doctor visits help detect major health issues before they are life threatening.

We need to have our priorities set straight so that we can focus on what is most important, our well-being.