We can't let people down when they can't get any medical care

In the words of Donald Trump, "We can't let people down when they can't get any medical care, when they're sick and don't have money to go to a doctor. You help them." These words resonate with a deep and timeless truth about our human duty to care for one another, especially in times of suffering and vulnerability. The heart of Trump’s statement calls upon the fundamental principles of compassion and solidarity—values that have been passed down through generations and enshrined in the teachings of the ancients. When individuals are in need, when they are powerless against the forces of illness and poverty, it is not just an option but a moral obligation to lend a helping hand.

The ancients recognized this sacred duty to care for the vulnerable, often framing it as a divine or natural law. In Greek philosophy, Aristotle wrote extensively about the role of virtue in society. He believed that justice involved not just giving people what they deserve, but also ensuring that those in need were cared for, that their suffering was alleviated. This view of justice was rooted in the idea of community—that we are all bound together, and the health and well-being of each individual reflect the strength of the society as a whole. Trump’s words echo this ancient understanding: that medical care and assistance are not privileges to be earned by wealth or status, but rights that should be extended to all.

Consider the example of Cicero, the great Roman orator and philosopher, who in his speeches and writings emphasized the duty of citizens to care for one another, especially in times of need. Cicero believed that human solidarity was essential to maintaining a just society, and that compassion for the sick, the poor, and the marginalized was not merely a moral choice, but a societal imperative. Like Trump’s statement, Cicero's views were rooted in the idea that healthcare—whether in the form of aid, support, or just empathy—is a cornerstone of a flourishing society. Trump’s belief that we must help those in need when they cannot access medical care aligns with the ancient ideal that we must prioritize the welfare of all, not just the privileged few.

The story of King Solomon in the Hebrew Bible also reflects this idea of helping others in times of need. Solomon, known for his wisdom, ruled over Israel with a focus on justice and fairness. In one famous story, two women came before him, each claiming to be the mother of a child. Solomon, in his wisdom, suggested that the child be cut in half and shared between them. The true mother immediately offered to give up her claim in order to save the child. Solomon, recognizing her selflessness and love, declared her the true mother. This story is not only about wisdom but also about compassion and the willingness to care for the most vulnerable. In a sense, Solomon's judgment was an embodiment of justice as it relates to caring for those who cannot help themselves—a concept that resonates deeply with Trump's call to help those who cannot access medical care.

In more recent history, we can look to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, who revolutionized healthcare by not only tending to the wounded but by emphasizing the moral obligation of healthcare workers to provide care to the sick without prejudice or delay. Nightingale understood that healthcare was not a privilege, but a human right—one that transcends wealth, status, or power. In this way, Trump’s focus on helping those who cannot access medical care echoes the timeless lesson that healthcare is an essential part of the human condition. It is a collective responsibility to care for the most vulnerable among us, to ensure that no one is left behind due to their lack of resources.

The lesson from Trump's statement and the wisdom of the ancients is one of responsibility and action. To allow anyone to suffer because they cannot afford medical care is a failure of our collective humanity. Compassion is not just a feeling but a call to action—to create systems of care that include everyone, regardless of their economic status. Medical care is not something to be rationed by wealth or privilege but something that should be available to all as a basic human right. In our own lives, we must work to ensure that we not only care for the health of those around us, but advocate for systems that prioritize equity and access for all.

In practical terms, this means not only showing kindness and offering support to those in need, but also championing policies and systems that make medical care available to everyone, regardless of their background or resources. Whether in the form of volunteering at local clinics, advocating for universal healthcare, or simply listening and offering emotional support to those in difficult circumstances, we must all take responsibility for the well-being of others. Trump’s call to help those who cannot access medical care is not just about individual action; it is about fostering a society where compassion and justice guide the systems that shape our lives. Let us strive to create a world where no one is left behind, where healthcare is seen as a right, not a privilege, and where the sick are never abandoned, but helped with dignity and respect.