According to Mullaly (2007), “Society is viewed as a complex whole or organism consisting of individuals interacting within numerous interdependent social systems such as the family, the workplace, and the school”(p. 101). This liberalism view explains how important society is viewed, also as all the individuals in it. Liberalism sees society at equilibrium, and when social systems “get out of tune with one another …. It can cause disorganization”(p.101). One of the results from this disorganization is that illnesses, abuse, family problems, community problems, etc. can occur. As a result, the liberalism ideology is always trying to get back to equilibrium.
In an article posted in June 2010 by the Liberal Party of Canada, Liberal MP’s address the growing problem with the disease multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects many Canadians, as a matter of fact “Canada has one of the highest rates of the disease in the world, with 55,000 to 75,000 people" (Liberal Political Party. Liberals join MS patients on the Hill in call for government action, June 1 2010). The Liberal Party is recognizing this disease that is causing many Canadians harm and offering their help to find a cure. As stated in the article, “Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system, which can range from relatively benign to somewhat disabling to devastating, as communication between the brain and other parts of the body is disrupted”. There are many physical disabilities involved with this disease, such as a person having problems walking because of muscle problems, balance issues, paralysis and many more.
As the article states the Liberals have proposed a new study for people who are struggling with MS , based on the effiecency of “liberation therapy”. Many other countries around the world have already begun this plan, which is a minor surgery that unblocks blood vessels that are thought to have an impact on some people. Liberals keep forcing this growing issue to have the study done, as the sooner it is done, the sooner people with MS can perhaps have another option to help with their disease.
What the Liberal party is noticing is a disorganization that has occurred, and now it is their duty to get society back at equilibrium. Since there is such a big portion of people affected by this illness there is now an off balance in society. Liberal views don’t have a problem with intervening in society, as they are more likely to promote it. They’re noticing that the individuals with MS are having a negative effect on the community as a whole. As Mullaly (2007) also says “liberals include in their value the freedom from such social evils as unemployment, disease, and squalor.” (p.98)
What the Liberal party is noticing is a disorganization that has occurred, and now it is their duty to get society back at equilibrium. Since there is such a big portion of people affected by this illness there is now an off balance in society. Liberal views don’t have a problem with intervening in society, as they are more likely to promote it. They’re noticing that the individuals with MS are having a negative effect on the community as a whole. As Mullaly (2007) also says “liberals include in their value the freedom from such social evils as unemployment, disease, and squalor.” (p.98)
Liberals feel that in society there is need for government intervention for people who are ill and need help. As a result of this they insist on helping the people who struggle with these day to day problems that one would encounter. Not only is it difficult for the person struggling with the disability, it also affects people who now have to care for the ill person (which could be a relative, doctor, or any person they may need assistance from in society).
However, there is the problem that liberals fail to recognize is that some people are better off than others (not as equal as others), or ahead of the race. People with MS are one of the many people in society who are behind in the race. This makes it more difficult for them to keep up with society's demands because they have their own problems to deal with. Cost of medical bills, time taken off work and even time taken away from the joy of life from being in pain are all sad side effects from MS. A person who is not dealing with an illness would not likely have these problems in their lifetime. As much as liberalism believes in having an equal society where everyone can succeed, this is not the case for people with MS.
In this case, I feel like the Liberals are stepping up and pushing an issue towards the Conservative government that displays the inequality for people with MS. Even if the conservatives feel this is more money Canadian tax payers will have to pay, the “liberation” project is worth looking into as MS can quickly take over any person’s life.
- Jessica VL
References:
Mullaly, B. (2007). The New Structural Social Work (3rd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada
Liberal Party of Canada. Liberals join MS patients on the Hill in call for government action. 01 June, 2010.<http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/liberals-join-ms-patients-on-the-hill-in-call-for-government-action/>
Mullaly, B. (2007). The New Structural Social Work (3rd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada
Liberal Party of Canada. Liberals join MS patients on the Hill in call for government action. 01 June, 2010.<http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/liberals-join-ms-patients-on-the-hill-in-call-for-government-action/>
The liberals feel as though disorganization in society is caused from “illnesses, abuse, family problems, community problems, etc.” I think if the government spent more money on insuring that these causes were ‘controlled’ society could be more equal. People who experience illnesses, abuse, family problems, and community problems deserve to have adequate care, which satisfies them. After all, their life is more challenging than the average persons; and they deserve to feel special.
ReplyDeleteSince Canada has such a high rate of people with Multiple Sclerosis, I am glad to hear that the liberals of Canada are finally taking an initiative to help find a cure through the liberation plan.
It would be nice for people whether they have a physically disability or not to be treated equally in society.
Ashley R.