Comedian George Carlin once quipped "I don't believe there's any problem in this country, no matter how tough it is, that Ameri-cans, when they roll up their sleeves, can't completely ignore." Funny? True? Ouch!

Many of us may be frustrated, discouraged, angry and/or sad at what we see happening in our world on many levels, but what is it that moves us to be involved in the change we wish to see? I suspect that I am like many out there. It took a very personal situation my life to motivate me to become involved...

I know, we are all very busy. It is unfortunate that we have collectively created our world that involves over inflated mortgages, gas prices, global warming, environmental degradation and have sleepily accepted a health care system that is run by profit driven private insurance companies. It makes me want to weep thinking of the worry, stress, pain, financial ruin and yes, death they have been responsible for. This is simply intolerable to me.

I served the medical system for 25 years working as an registered nurse, and I am appalled at what my professional colleagues have had to endure over this. This need not be. The insurance companies have us all tethered by their leash. I say it is time to use our gnashing teeth and break loose.

What is going to motivate us to step up and say no to "Big Daddy?"

This healthcare system I speak of is outdated, ineffective, costly and downright inhumane. It should have never come into existence in the first place. It serves no purpose other than to control, manipulate and cause the masses great suffering while serving themselves multimillions of our dollars.

It takes many hands, minds and hearts to make light work and expanded change. Change is possible and inevitable. The choice is, do we make it through suffering or through awareness, understanding and proactive decisions? There are many brave souls out there trying to make a positive difference in many arenas. Would you like to be one?

Please join our efforts to initiate the change that is needed in our current healthcare system by joining our monthly meeting of Health Care For All, which starts at 7 p.m., Thursday in Classroom A at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital.

We would like to have all who feel this pressing need for fundamental change to be there.

The answer to our current crisis is already here. It is now time to educate the public and move forward with what is going to serve us all. Your presence is both needed and will be greatly valued.

Lynn Ely, RN, is a member of Nevada County Health Care For All and lives in Nevada City.