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Readers' forum: Care not a right
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Robert Oh | 1:22 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Ted, I bet you have health insurance, right?
John C. | 2:45 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
The plain truth of the matter is this…Slavery… pure and simple,
though those who want this only see it as a way out, a step ladder out of the
mess they feel they are in and who can blame them. Up until 7 years ago I
couldn’t afford insurance for my family. But the state has a great
program through chip that helps kids and pregnant women. We where grateful for
them.
People keep miss quoting the constitution not understanding the term general welfare. But it is precisely because of the constitution that in the past, law makers have followed to prevent government health care. Because they simply don’t have the authority to do it. So when they do pass this legislation (which I’m afraid they will) they will have officially overstepped their bounds set by the constitution, and thus destroying it and putting the citizens of this country into socialist slavery. I fear our country is so fare gone that most of the citizens know longer no right from wrong. They call evil good and good evil.
People keep miss quoting the constitution not understanding the term general welfare. But it is precisely because of the constitution that in the past, law makers have followed to prevent government health care. Because they simply don’t have the authority to do it. So when they do pass this legislation (which I’m afraid they will) they will have officially overstepped their bounds set by the constitution, and thus destroying it and putting the citizens of this country into socialist slavery. I fear our country is so fare gone that most of the citizens know longer no right from wrong. They call evil good and good evil.
Comments continue below
Timj | 3:00 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Think about it this way, then. An unhealthy population will eventually end up
in an emergency room. Is it cheaper for us to help them out when their problem
is small and relatively cheap to fix, or when it gets bad enough for them to go
to the emergency room, where costs are high? Because we all end up paying for
their emergency room bill if they can't pay it. Is it cheaper for us to
help them out when their problem is small, or pay out of our own pockets when
they end up going bankrupt (as most bankruptcies are at least partially due to
medical bills)?
Most Europeans end up getting quality healthcare at about half the price using some sort of a universal healthcare system. We're getting ripped off here in the US.
Most Europeans end up getting quality healthcare at about half the price using some sort of a universal healthcare system. We're getting ripped off here in the US.
Yes, it's a right | 3:45 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
The only way the "it's not a right" argument makes sense is if
you also believe that clean drinkable water is not a right, or basic education
is not a right, or police & fire protection is not a right.
All of these things are necessary to ensure a functional economy and a functional democracy.
If health care is not a right then we as a society are somehow OK with telling a diabetic child of a poor family not to bother getting an education because they won't live long enough to use it.
All of these things are necessary to ensure a functional economy and a functional democracy.
If health care is not a right then we as a society are somehow OK with telling a diabetic child of a poor family not to bother getting an education because they won't live long enough to use it.
Utahn in CT | 4:51 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
There are a lot of ways that government is already involved in our lives, and we
don't object. Would the letter writer take an analogous position on public
schooling? Maintenance of roads? Regulation of drugs? The list could go on.
There is a political philosophy that posits that the state's governing
role is unnecessary, and even harmful: it's called _anarchism_. Myself, I
would prefer to avoid it.
Must accept patients | 5:03 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Funny, I thought hospitals have to take patients in emergencies, regardless of
that patient's ability to pay or financial need. This isn't so if
someone shows up to a Jazz game without tickets and is "dying" to see
the game. The generosity of hospitals has made healthcare a right. The
challenge now is how to pay for that.
lovely Christian attitude! | 5:05 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
I'm not surprised though.
Cougar Blue | 5:55 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Is getting cancer a right? Is a costly unavoidable accident a right? Quit
teasing with words. The Lord charged us with seeing that all are taken care of,
so quit your bellyaching.
JR | 6:18 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Are you collecting Medicare/Medicaid, then you better stop it as it is not your
right. Utah has so many selfish people
Cheech | 6:22 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
A home?
A boat?
Jazz season tickets?
These are the best examples you can come up with?None of these is necessary to sustain your life.
Health care IS something that everyone will need at least one time in their life.
I live in a country where it is considered a right, and we take care of our citizens. It's not a burden, it's called being a member of society.
A boat?
Jazz season tickets?
These are the best examples you can come up with?None of these is necessary to sustain your life.
Health care IS something that everyone will need at least one time in their life.
I live in a country where it is considered a right, and we take care of our citizens. It's not a burden, it's called being a member of society.
Ultra Bob | 6:33 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Many people think that “life” is a right, along with “liberty
and the pursuit of happiness“. Just what is it that makes these things
“rights” and how did they get that way?
Is it just because that some guys a long time ago used them in their argument in their political battle with their government at the time?
Some people believe that God gave us these rights. Just how do we know that? And if God gave out rights, would he not do it in a fair and equal manner?
I still think that rights are what we give each other in order to make our society a good place to live. And that rights come and go as our needs change.
If health care was a right that we give to our fellow society members, our world would be a better place for all of us.
Health care could be a right if we made it so. All it takes is for people to say it is a right. If necessary we could even print it on a piece of paper.
Is it just because that some guys a long time ago used them in their argument in their political battle with their government at the time?
Some people believe that God gave us these rights. Just how do we know that? And if God gave out rights, would he not do it in a fair and equal manner?
I still think that rights are what we give each other in order to make our society a good place to live. And that rights come and go as our needs change.
If health care was a right that we give to our fellow society members, our world would be a better place for all of us.
Health care could be a right if we made it so. All it takes is for people to say it is a right. If necessary we could even print it on a piece of paper.
Doug G | 7:03 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
It's not a right any more than police protection or public education.
Still, we've determined these things to be for the good of society and they
should be provided by and for all. Health care is such a concept.
Anonymous | 7:12 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Ted, you can't see the difference between health care and ownership of
possessions? I just wonder how you would feel if your health insurance was not
subsidized by your employer. I wonder how you would feel if you had health
issues and no means to pay of get treated because of a lack of coverage. I
wonder what our country could be like if there was more compassion over basic
human needs rather than the "I've got mine" attitude that is so
pervasive. If we want people to succeed, make a stronger contribution and help
the economy grow, their health will be at the top of the list. Assuring
coverage for all is in the interest of all - including you Ted, with your
coverage that millions don't have.
Roland Kayser | 7:14 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
In our country someone who is 65 has a right to healthcare,someone who is 64
does not. Does this make sense to anyone?
Progressive | 7:26 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Ted, if it's our responsibility to avail ourselves of health care why
isn't access to health care a right?
john | 7:26 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
The right to life,liberty, and happiness. Healthcare does effect,life,liberty
and happiness.
Insurance companies may by their actions take away life, your liberty(bankrupting people,companies and country),and happiness is definetly taken away by worry,stress,aggravation,and the constant calls needed to straighten out payments due to either insurance or health provider foul ups.
Insurance companies may by their actions take away life, your liberty(bankrupting people,companies and country),and happiness is definetly taken away by worry,stress,aggravation,and the constant calls needed to straighten out payments due to either insurance or health provider foul ups.
about the same time as | 7:36 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
education became a mandatory "common public good" subsidized by the
many paid via property taxes, as with water, roads, police etc -- so why not
health care? the humane thing to do
ARJ | 7:41 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
"Most Europeans end up getting quality healthcare at about half the price
using some sort of a universal healthcare system. We're getting ripped off
here in the US. "
They also pay a 22% VAT that we don't have on everything they buy. They also pay triple or more what we do for gas. I am sick of hearing about what other europeans have. I like the free market system we have and do not want to be like Europe. All of you that want to compare us to Europe why is it that you don't go there?
I will pay your one way ticket. I have been there, and there are great places to visit, but I would not want to live there.
They also pay a 22% VAT that we don't have on everything they buy. They also pay triple or more what we do for gas. I am sick of hearing about what other europeans have. I like the free market system we have and do not want to be like Europe. All of you that want to compare us to Europe why is it that you don't go there?
I will pay your one way ticket. I have been there, and there are great places to visit, but I would not want to live there.
jackhp | 7:54 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
"All of these things make our lives more enjoyable ..."
Ahhh, isn't that special? Health care simply makes our lives more "enjoyable". It has nothing at all to do with, say, keeping us ALIVE.
What a waste of a human soul . . .
Ahhh, isn't that special? Health care simply makes our lives more "enjoyable". It has nothing at all to do with, say, keeping us ALIVE.
What a waste of a human soul . . .
Right Rights | 7:57 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
The current system forces hospitals to provide ER services to people who
can't force them. They finance this by passing the higher costs onto the
rest of us. Aren’t we already “enslaved” by the current
system? Yet the letter-writer isn’t complaining about the status quo.
It seems if we as a society are willing to provide ER services to poor people who get the flu, we should be willing to provide vaccines to them so they don’t get it in the first place.
It seems if we as a society are willing to provide ER services to poor people who get the flu, we should be willing to provide vaccines to them so they don’t get it in the first place.
RedShirt | 7:59 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
To those who think healthcare is a right. If it is a right, then I also have a
right to the following:
Food
Clothing
Housing
Cleaning supplies/serices
Personal hygene items
Electricity
Transportation
Exercise equipment
Trainers
Job
Who is for giving up a significant portion of their income to supply me with the necessities of life so that their investment in my health won't be wasted. Did I mention that my career choice is professional computer gamer, and that means that I will sit around for hours on end drinking Mt. Dew and eating pizza? Still want to pay for my healthcare? Be honest!!
Food
Clothing
Housing
Cleaning supplies/serices
Personal hygene items
Electricity
Transportation
Exercise equipment
Trainers
Job
Who is for giving up a significant portion of their income to supply me with the necessities of life so that their investment in my health won't be wasted. Did I mention that my career choice is professional computer gamer, and that means that I will sit around for hours on end drinking Mt. Dew and eating pizza? Still want to pay for my healthcare? Be honest!!
Grover | 8:08 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
"Might as well sign over everthing our children and children's
children to the State." Is this not the perfect definition of black and
white thinking? Ted here is some good news for you: if it comes to that there
won't be a "State".
No | 8:13 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
its not a right and those accusing anyone who disagrees with the assuption that
it is as being "unchristian" are incredibly intolerant
GOP platform | 8:26 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Double-dog dare the Republicans to run on the "Health Care is not a
right" platform.
Maybe something like
Health Care is not a right. And yes, grandma, we intend on taking away your medicare.
Maybe something like
Health Care is not a right. And yes, grandma, we intend on taking away your medicare.
Roosevelt's new bill of rights | 8:30 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms
or mines of the nation;
The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;
The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;
The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad;
The right of every family to a decent home;
The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;
The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;
The right to a good education.
All of these rights spell security. And after this war is won we must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being.
America’s own rightful place in the world depends in large part upon how fully these and similar rights have been carried into practice for our citizens.
The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;
The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;
The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad;
The right of every family to a decent home;
The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;
The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;
The right to a good education.
All of these rights spell security. And after this war is won we must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being.
America’s own rightful place in the world depends in large part upon how fully these and similar rights have been carried into practice for our citizens.
Whine on you malcontents | 8:32 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
As a veteran, states with the lowest enlistment rates don't deserved to be
defended. If a state's citizens do care to serve they shouldn't be
defensed.
People with kids should pay the same taxes as those without kids to keep people without kids from paying to rise children that are not theirs. Where in our constitution does it say, others must pay for another man's kids?
I am being tongue and cheek her. Liberals have higher expectations for our selves. We correlate taxes with having good societies. If you pay third world taxes, you will live with third world roads and public services. We liberal have pride in our nation.
Many conservative who lay awake whining about their lots in life have improve the fact that others are paying to educate their kids and paying part of their taxes.
Conservatives are so selfish they never are thankful for what others contribute to their lives. Your kid isn't being drafted because another American's kid is walking point for him in Afghanistan.
In the military, we had ways of dealing with whiners to make them see things could be worst.
People with kids should pay the same taxes as those without kids to keep people without kids from paying to rise children that are not theirs. Where in our constitution does it say, others must pay for another man's kids?
I am being tongue and cheek her. Liberals have higher expectations for our selves. We correlate taxes with having good societies. If you pay third world taxes, you will live with third world roads and public services. We liberal have pride in our nation.
Many conservative who lay awake whining about their lots in life have improve the fact that others are paying to educate their kids and paying part of their taxes.
Conservatives are so selfish they never are thankful for what others contribute to their lives. Your kid isn't being drafted because another American's kid is walking point for him in Afghanistan.
In the military, we had ways of dealing with whiners to make them see things could be worst.
Oh Please | 8:35 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
This is the dumbest argument in history. When your child wakes you up with a
103-degree fever, you don't care about anybody's rights. All you care
about is your child. Unless you're some kind of Republican from Orem, and
then you go through all this pseudo-philosophical agonizing about whether or not
your child has the "right" to medical help. It's tough to be a
Republican from Orem.
@Ted | 8:37 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Make sure those premiums are paid up, Ted. We wouldn't you clogging the ER
with your next heart attack and UNABLE TO PAY the $65,000 it will cost the rest
of us!
Die quickly and quietly | 8:42 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
What a pathetic letter. What a pathetic position it must be to say 'Ive got
mine, you die quickly' just so you can hold onto a few more pieces of
silver. I hope you get to find out just how much your health insurer wants to
pay for your care.
Abe Lincoln | 8:46 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
as has been mentioned and is undisputed, no one is turning people down for
treatment. no one is saying keep everything the same way, we are just saying
that we don't want this bill they have up in dc. there are many things in
there that have nothing to do with healthcare at all. everything that the pro
heakthcare bill people are saying needs to changed can be acheived without the
public option. want to cover people with pre existing conditions? fine, make it
illegal to turn down people when getting insured based on the condition, but
don't make illegal to not have healthcare. this is just one of many
examples of the healthcare bill that is wrong. there is no justifcation for the
public option other then the fact that the government wants more control over
our lives. and unfortunatly, the democrats have already said they won't
pass a bill without the option. it is evil and it is wrong, no matter what they
want to call it.
RedShirt | 8:47 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
To "Cougar Blue | 5:55 a.m." you should read the talk that Ezra Taft
Benson gave to BYU in 1977 titled "A Vision and a Hope for the Youth of
Zion". It was given when a government health care plan was proposed. In
there, a Prophet (a.k.a. the mouthpice of God) said "Today the party now in
power is advocating and has support, apparently in both major parties, for a
comprehensive national health insurance program--a euphemism for socialized
medicine. Our major danger is that we are currently (and have been for forty
years) transferring responsibility from the individual, local, and state
governments to the federal government--precisely the same course that led to the
economic collapse in Great Britain and New York City. We cannot long pursue the
present trend without its bringing us to national insolvency."
Seems that we, the individuals should take care of our fellow man. We should not be forcing people to take care of their fellow man through the arm of the government.
Seems that we, the individuals should take care of our fellow man. We should not be forcing people to take care of their fellow man through the arm of the government.
ghost33 | 8:48 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Every year over 65% of my property taxes go to the local school district which
would be fine, except for the fact that I have no children. All of you Glenn
Beck listeners who are parroting his lame arguments about health care being
unconstitutional, should put your money your mouth is, and take your children
out of school. I shouldn't have to subsidize your kids because you
can't pull yourself up by your boot straps and get another job so that you
can make enough money to send your kid to private school. Remember, there is no
constitutional right to an education.
@Timj | 8:48 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Let's see if you are so enthusiastic about socialism in 20 years from now.
Not a right | 9:05 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
No one has a right to health care. It is not a right if you have to step on the
rights of others (in this case property rights) to achieve it. How can it be a
right if you have to enslave one portion of society to give something to
another. Free speech is a right. Freedom to assemble is a right. Government
health care, education, clean drinking water, etc., etc., etc., are all
entitlements.
The question of whether health care welfare is good for society is a whole other argument.
The question of whether health care welfare is good for society is a whole other argument.
KM | 9:16 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
All the self righteous lefties seem to forget that health care and any social
programs come at a cost. What can we afford? and what do we want to burden our
childrens, children with? It seems to me that we are throwing away a perfectly
good system, one that needs some repair, but a good one non-the-less, for a
system that has been tried in other countries and found to be wanting. Why
can't we fix the corruption in the already existing programs and continue
to have the best health care in the world? Why are we so bent on
"fundamentally transforming" the U.S.A.?
too bad | 9:20 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
The debate has been formed to battle over whether or not all these entitlement
programs are deserved or not. Insted we should be debating whether they are
constitutional or financially feasable. Insted, insted we are debating that
which we cannot afford. Stay tuned to the new marxist president and see what
our country looks like in another year. Maybe Venezuela?
To must accept patients | 9:22 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
you said "The generosity of hospitals has made healthcare a right. The
challenge now is how to pay for that. "
What a silly statement. It is not due to generosity that hospitals must treat every person that walks through their doors. It is due to government meddling where they should not.
And even if it was their "generosity" that still does not change the constitution. We as a society in general need to stop looking for handouts from the government. We need to take responsibility for our own lives and help those people in our own communities.
What a silly statement. It is not due to generosity that hospitals must treat every person that walks through their doors. It is due to government meddling where they should not.
And even if it was their "generosity" that still does not change the constitution. We as a society in general need to stop looking for handouts from the government. We need to take responsibility for our own lives and help those people in our own communities.
RedShirt | 9:27 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
To "ghost33 | 8:48 a.m. " but public schools are constitutional, just
not the way you think they are.
The 10th ammendment statest taht if the power is not granted to the federal government, it falls to the states or the people.
The Utah constitution says that a public school system will be available.
Sorry, apparently public education is a right, at least in utah.
The 10th ammendment statest taht if the power is not granted to the federal government, it falls to the states or the people.
The Utah constitution says that a public school system will be available.
Sorry, apparently public education is a right, at least in utah.
to: Ted Hansgen | 9:38 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
a house?
a boat??
Jazz tickets???!!
What a pathetic, shallow material world you live it.
I'll pray for you.
Peace
jackhp | 9:46 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
ghost33,
While I sympathize with your argument you should realize that there is a constitutional right to an education. It's in the Utah State Constitution:
"Utah Const. Art. X, § 1
The Legislature shall provide for the establishment and maintenance of the state's education systems including: (a) a public education system, which shall be open to all children of the state; and (b) a higher education system. Both systems shall be free from sectarian control."
While I sympathize with your argument you should realize that there is a constitutional right to an education. It's in the Utah State Constitution:
"Utah Const. Art. X, § 1
The Legislature shall provide for the establishment and maintenance of the state's education systems including: (a) a public education system, which shall be open to all children of the state; and (b) a higher education system. Both systems shall be free from sectarian control."
jackhp | 9:49 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
@ @Timj,
Yes, it's obvious after 20 years people hate socialism. Just look at how reviled Medicare is. I mean, it's clear, people HATE socialism.
*BIG eye roll*
Yes, it's obvious after 20 years people hate socialism. Just look at how reviled Medicare is. I mean, it's clear, people HATE socialism.
*BIG eye roll*
Get off of MY lawn!!! | 9:51 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
RedShirt
Mike Richards
Charles
S2
All Knowing
The Grinch
Ebenezer Scrooge
and please welcome the newest member to the Greedy Grumpy Old Man's club:
Ted Hansgen
or Orem Utah
Mike Richards
Charles
S2
All Knowing
The Grinch
Ebenezer Scrooge
and please welcome the newest member to the Greedy Grumpy Old Man's club:
Ted Hansgen
or Orem Utah
Jorge Garcia | 9:53 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
This letter is right on. Enough said.
Abe Lincoln | 9:56 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
to: ultra bob
yes health care could be a right if the people saiud so, but the people are not saying so, therefore it is not a right. at least that's what your argument is. i beleive healthcare is a right in the senses that everyone should be able to have it, but not that it needs to be forced down everybody's throats. as for your comment on where rights come from, i can tell you this: if it is we the people who give rights, we are in the full authority to take them away as well. is that what you truly beleive? i don't beleive that, and neither did the founding fathers and neither should any true american. these rights which many say cannot be denied are given by God, or at least beleived to be. it is because of the beleif that god gave us rights that the founders claimed that they could not be removed by man. if man gives man can take, but if god gives, no one but god can remove. that is the principle of rights and it is why tyranny is considered evil.
yes health care could be a right if the people saiud so, but the people are not saying so, therefore it is not a right. at least that's what your argument is. i beleive healthcare is a right in the senses that everyone should be able to have it, but not that it needs to be forced down everybody's throats. as for your comment on where rights come from, i can tell you this: if it is we the people who give rights, we are in the full authority to take them away as well. is that what you truly beleive? i don't beleive that, and neither did the founding fathers and neither should any true american. these rights which many say cannot be denied are given by God, or at least beleived to be. it is because of the beleif that god gave us rights that the founders claimed that they could not be removed by man. if man gives man can take, but if god gives, no one but god can remove. that is the principle of rights and it is why tyranny is considered evil.
Rockman | 9:57 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
The question is asked, when did healthcare become a right? Well, the perception
for our current "rights" (I call them entitlements!) began with the
concept of Soc.Sec & Medicare. We as a society seem to think that the
responsibility has been taken over by the Gov't to provide our needs. This
way of thought is dragging our country down.
We are only as strong as when we provide for ourselves.
Many will scream, what about compassion?
That again is an individual choice, not something that should be thrust or forced upon others. We(society) used to take care of ourselves and our families and viewed handouts as something to be shunned, not any more! It's now give me, give me, give me!
This current issue of Gov't healthcare is nothing but a power grab by our corrupt leaders. The real objective is to get 17% of our nations wealth to pass through the hands of Gov't and THEY will decide what we get back, and eventually how we live. They lie to us, I don't trust them.
They dress this pig nice, but it's still a PIG!
We are only as strong as when we provide for ourselves.
Many will scream, what about compassion?
That again is an individual choice, not something that should be thrust or forced upon others. We(society) used to take care of ourselves and our families and viewed handouts as something to be shunned, not any more! It's now give me, give me, give me!
This current issue of Gov't healthcare is nothing but a power grab by our corrupt leaders. The real objective is to get 17% of our nations wealth to pass through the hands of Gov't and THEY will decide what we get back, and eventually how we live. They lie to us, I don't trust them.
They dress this pig nice, but it's still a PIG!
@Ghost 33 | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
In fact I did take my children out of the public school system and paid for
their far superior education AND I continued to pay the taxes for the poor
public education system. Guess many of conservatives do put their money where
their mouth is. How about you bud, what have you done for your country lately?
Exept be a misanthropic malcontent. Did you learn that in the public school
system. Get a wife and kids, you will feel better.
jim | 10:27 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
Spoken like a guy who has great health care from his job and is probably on
social medicare
G | 10:45 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
If by “healthcare” you mean “wiping noses, etc.”, the
commentator makes some sense. But the current healthcare debate is not about
runny noses. It’s about saving lives and helping people who will
otherwise live with suffering.
It is unjust to take from the rich and give their property to other people. But it is also wrong to mercilessly allow people to suffer or die when we could help them. We have to decide which is the lesser of these two evils.
If we take from the rich, they’ll be displeased and less powerful. But they’ll continue to live long, prosperous, privileged lives. If we neglect those who are suffering or dying however, we go contrary to everything of value in a human being.
I’m as conservative as it gets. But the argument should NOT be about rights, justice, or the true interpretation of the constitution (all of which do not seem to favor healthcare legislation. The debate should be about human suffering (regardless of race, wealth, or legal status) and what we can do as a nation to minimize it.
All other arguments expose a callousness and hypocrisy of which no American should be proud.
It is unjust to take from the rich and give their property to other people. But it is also wrong to mercilessly allow people to suffer or die when we could help them. We have to decide which is the lesser of these two evils.
If we take from the rich, they’ll be displeased and less powerful. But they’ll continue to live long, prosperous, privileged lives. If we neglect those who are suffering or dying however, we go contrary to everything of value in a human being.
I’m as conservative as it gets. But the argument should NOT be about rights, justice, or the true interpretation of the constitution (all of which do not seem to favor healthcare legislation. The debate should be about human suffering (regardless of race, wealth, or legal status) and what we can do as a nation to minimize it.
All other arguments expose a callousness and hypocrisy of which no American should be proud.
to: Rockman | 9:57 a.m. | 10:59 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009
You conservatives crack me up.
You keep treating the issue of healthcare like it was the 1700's, women delivered babies at home, with no doctors or medications,
Heart-attacks were God's punishment for sin or a "calling" to go home,
Lameness guaranteed a life of begging.
Lepersy meant moving into a colony.
Cleft-palets were caused by the parent's sins.
A doctor used butcher's knives, alcohol and leeches for treatment.
Our Founding Fathers cared about PEOPLE, period.
The Constitution was just a piece of paper,
to and for THE PEOPLE.
If they could have seen the miracles of modern medicine -- I have no doubt they would have penned is a common and equal right for ALL people, not a bunch of haves and have nots.
You keep treating the issue of healthcare like it was the 1700's, women delivered babies at home, with no doctors or medications,
Heart-attacks were God's punishment for sin or a "calling" to go home,
Lameness guaranteed a life of begging.
Lepersy meant moving into a colony.
Cleft-palets were caused by the parent's sins.
A doctor used butcher's knives, alcohol and leeches for treatment.
Our Founding Fathers cared about PEOPLE, period.
The Constitution was just a piece of paper,
to and for THE PEOPLE.
If they could have seen the miracles of modern medicine -- I have no doubt they would have penned is a common and equal right for ALL people, not a bunch of haves and have nots.
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Ted, you are wrong. Health care is not at all like owning a boat or Jazz season tickets. Not at all.