USARiseUp

Sarah Palin is not one to shirk from an opportunity to improve America. She has stepped to a podium to champion her thoughts on what America needs time and time again. And her ability to draw a crowd and the media continues.

Why not include among her topics to champion: How can we as Americans improve race relations? What a coup and opportunity that would be to improve the political platform of both her parties, the Republican and Tea Party, alike.

Anyone who believes race is irrelevant when it comes to America’s healthcare system, must stop, and take the time to examine the cold grave facts.

Minorities, in the United States, are dying at higher rates from nearly every known disease when compared to Whites. They also suffer disproportionately from otherwise treatable illnesses. More often than not, this is a direct result of inadequate or non-existent access to healthcare.

Lamenting the dysfunctional state of many of our nation's public schools has been a perennial refrain for decades. However, to fix what is wrong will require courageous decisions implemented by communities across the country, despite strong resistance.

Fortunately, some public schools are producing students who demonstrate high academic achievement, and can compete not only with peers here in America but with those across the globe. However, those schools that demonstrate consistent academic excellence, unfortunately, are not the norm.

Laura Almonte doesn’t know what she’s going to do if her wheelchair breaks.

The 26-year-old Miami resident doesn’t have health insurance. So paying for any needed repairs or replacing the chair would be a great burden. The cost of maintaining or replacing her wheelchair would be covered only if she had a health insurance provider willing to give her coverage, despite her pre-existing condition.