Go ahead — call me a crazy, left-wing, granola-eating liberal, but Obama’s health care plan is exactly what the United States needs.

Obama’s health care plan isn’t about those who can afford the ritzy hospital rooms that are more like spas. It’s not about you or me who are fortunate enough to attend a university that makes sure you’re healthy and cared for. It’s about the people that who need affordable health care.

Millions of Americans do not have health insurance. Some people cannot find providers willing to give coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions. If they do happen to find a provider, the rates are astronomically high. If you’re a cancer survivor, you probably don’t know the meaning of the phrase “affordable healthcare.” And if you have Hepatitis or AIDS, say, “Hello bankruptcy!”

Others cannot afford the expensive prices of private health care because they have to provide for themselves and their families. I think we can all agree that food and shelter should never be optional, nor should anyone have to choose between that and medication.

Those of us who do have health insurance need to understand that health care is a luxury. It is a right that almost 46 million Americans do not get to experience. Because life has not given these people as many opportunities as the rest of our country, they are left sick and injured without a place to turn.

Under Obama’s plan, health care providers will no longer be allowed to discriminate against people because of their medical history, nor will they be able to drop coverage because of an illness.

Federal programs will be made more efficient to reduce the amount of wasted dollars that are given to large for-profit insurance companies. Instead of lining the pockets of some corrupt providers, health care will be made available to all people at an affordable rate.

Some of the money used to fund these government programs will be taken from the elimination of the waste of current health care policies and programs.

As for the rest of the money for the program, Obama has kept true to his campaign promises to not raise taxes for anyone who makes below $250,000 a year.

For those who do make more than that, I’m going to bet they can and probably will not miss a small tax hike.

But for those who are going to mumble and grumble about the tax increase because they won’t be able to afford their cruise to the Bahamas, take a look at any city in America.

Look at the children running with runny noses and thick coughs who have never seen a doctor’s office.

Look at the men and women who walk the streets day and night without a place to call home.

Look at the Siena Francis House.

Look at the cemeteries.

How many of these people could have been saved by affordable health care?

In the end, it’s not about being a hippie or a staunch conservative. It’s about allowing all people affordable health care. Universal health care is not a privilege but a human right.

Go enjoy your island vacation, but don’t forget your sunscreen. You could lose your health care coverage.