 Essay Contest | |
 New Dependents' Ward Naval Hospital San Diego, California
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“Of course, we don’t want socialized medicine. But certainly our Government can’t sit back and do nothing because of
opposition of the medical profession. Our Government must do those things which the medical profession is either not
equipped to do or does not have the disposition to do in order to protect the health of our country on a national level
rather than on an individual level.” --Margaret Chase Smith, 1949 National health care has been part of public policy considerations since the end of World War II. In light of the current debate, students are invited to offer their opinions on what they think ought to be done to reform and improve the American medical system. Is health care a right or a responsibility? Do the young, the elderly, the poor, and the infirm have an entitlement to medical services? How should we pay for subsidized care? Do we need public option health insurance? If so, who should bear the cost? The rules of the essay contest are minimal. The competition is limited to Maine high school seniors. Essays must be typed and double-spaced. Contestants must provide contact information and name of school so they can be notified of the results. There is no minimum or maximum length requirement -- quality of evidence, argumentation, and writing is more important than quantity of words. The best essays support personal opinions with historical context and cited facts. The Library will award $500 for first place, $250 for second place, $125 for third place, and five $25 honorable mention prizes. Essays are due by April 1, 2010. Prizes will be announced on May 3rd. For sample essays and a list of past contest winners, click here. For more information, please contact David Richards.
Margaret Chase Smith Library
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