NYSUT's recent embrace of social justice has elated and been a source of inspiration for many of us. To work to stop oppression, whether social or economic, has often been a secondary aspect of our jobs. The union's recognition and support of many people's dire needs has been a shot in the arm to those of us who believe the raising up of the oppressed and the total inclusion of the marginalized is part and parcel of our vocation as teachers.

It is with this in mind that I "speak up, speak out" about NYSUT's stand on a national health plan, a stand I would like to see our union strengthen. As President Iannuzzi pointed out in his editorial in the April 10 edition of New York Teacher, "Nearly 47 million Americans have no health insurance coverage, including 8.7 million children."

This is an issue of such import that to not take a strong stand is to belie our commitment to social justice. To imagine a minimum of 47 million people without health care (a misleading number, as on any given day it can reach 89 million) is something that none of us should be able to do without deep sadness and extreme anger.

We cannot allow the sadness to immobilize us; we must, instead, allow our anger to be used constructively as an agent of change.

The only plan that is socially fair and will help restore this country to one of both physical and fiscal health is Rep. John Conyers' Single Payer Plan HR 676, Medicare for all.

Lest we hear that whisper of dreaded "socialism," let me clarify. HR 676 is not socialized medicine as in England. The doctors remain private and the patients maintain their options. Competition for quality service will increase as you, not your insurance carrier, decide which doctor to see.

While some may ask "Who's going to pay for it?" let me respond: "Who do you think is paying for all this now?" We are — and with HR 676 we will be paying far less, and social/economic justice will be served to no small degree.

The Single-Payer Not-for-Profit National Health Plan is endorsed by more than 500 unions, including the NEA and the AFT. Go to www.unionsforsinglepayer.org for a list of union endorsers.

A majority of doctors and nurses, including many NYSUT members, endorse HR 676; PEF and other service unions endorse HR 676; a majority of industrial unions endorse HR 676.

A critical point regarding why NYSUT should back HR 676 is the savings to school districts for health costs. These savings will be reflected in lower property and school taxes.

Also, having health plans taken off the negotiating table will allow other issues, like work conditions, schedules and pay to take precedence. When locals like the Elmira Teachers Association have to settle for 15 percent on their insurance premiums, the writing is on the wall. We need to endorse a not-for-profit plan now.

In closing, I would like all here to consider whether we can afford the incremental changes being suggested by Obama. Lee Cutler, who heads social justice issues for NYSUT, states in a very recent New York Teacher article, "We realize that a temporary fix, while essential and important, does not fundamentally change the system that oppresses."

Can we really withstand a temporary fix to the health crisis? Do we really want to see further oppressive hardships, indigence and deaths occur due to this crisis? Or do we truly want to take up the social justice standard to put "social justice front and center" — as Cutler said — and join the effort to see true health care for all and an end to profit based on our healthiness or lack of it.

I know my choice: I "speak up, speak out" for a healthy America via the Single-Payer Not-for-Profit National Health Plan. I fervently hope my union brothers and sisters will join me.

Mary T. Finneran is a member of the Coxsackie-Athens Teachers Association.