If you want me to pay for your healthcare, show me some respect and break in and steal it yourself. Don't send the government to do it for you.

(The following is an exchange between a friend and myself regarding the upcoming healthcare legislation. Names have been changed.)


[Greta] Because if it weren't for Hansel, I couldn't get insurance. I've tried in the past and been rejected for a couple minor issues. I have no faith in private insurers who are in business for profit, not for people's well being. something needs to change and at least the possibility for some change -- even if not perfect -- is going to be lost here shortly. I have skin in this game. I don't see it as a political issue for politician's political gains, politicians -- who by the way -- are covered by govt. insurance. so are vets, elderly and others who wouldn't want to lose it.

[Darren] I do not disagree with you in principle. Those who are legislating do not have skin in the game, so the policies they are attempting to enact they will not have to live with. Keep in mind, these same individuals do not have to contribute to Social Security, as they are exempt.

But I do not think Government should become the end-all/be-all of our healthcare. Not only do we have the examples from the U.K. and Canada, but I have first-hand experience with Government controlled insurance when I lived in Germany.

[Greta] I don't believe anyone is suggested that. they're just proposing an option to private health care to cover those who fall through the cracks. they've already said, if you like your health care (and you have it), by golly keep it

[Darren] I experienced a back strain that woke me up and brought me to tears. I could no longer resist going to the ER. Where in a US hospital I would have received pain meds, X-rays, and treatment, in Germany they rubbed capsacin on me and said there was nothing else they could do.

If the healthcare bill only provided an option for uninsured, a quasi-private system in the vein of the USPS, I would not be opposed. Unfortunately, the bill is not completely written. It is up in the air. They are asking Congress and the Senate to vote upon an incomplete bill. Some versions have contained a provision to make private insurance illegal. It still contains a fine or jail time for those who chose not to purchase insurance.

[Greta] I'm sorry for your experience. I too was injured in Europe, in France. tore ligaments in my leg. they took care of me w/o a problem. I thought it was amazing. but again, that's socialized care, and that's not what's being proposed here, tho I'd personally would be open to it. BTW, in this country, ER's are only obligated to stabilize you. if you're w/o insurance, private hospitals can then turn you away. I've heard stories about this from the persons it's occured to. most recently, a friend shared a U of U hospital room with someone shuttled from Idaho because they didn't have insurance

[Greta] Darren, that's not true about insurance being illegal. that was a twisted spin

[Darren] No, I read the page myself.The government already has health insurance systems in place. If they want to correct the problem of those unable to obtain insurance, allow them to buy into the same insurance provided to Congress and the Senate. If they can't afford it, allow those who are not already on Medicaid to join. The problem does not require 1300+ pages of legislation.

[Greta] why is everyone unnerved by the quantity of pages?

[Darren] Because more pages allow for more hidden agendas. Most members of Congress and the Senate have admitted they have not read the bill. To vote upon something without looking at it is insane. Would you have purchased your home if you had to review 1300+ pages from your mortgage company?

[Greta] because they're intimated by the number of pages?

not a relevant comparison [mortgage example] ...have to rely on that fact that there are consumer protection laws in place that ultimately minimize the number of pages involved in a home purchase

[Darren] And, I understand pre-existing situations. I am diabetic and had over 14 surgeries from birth to age 19.

[Darren] Not relevant?! You rely upon consumer protection laws?! When the government enacts broad legislation you DO NOT have any consumer protection laws. You are at the mercy of the law.

[Darren] It is our right, nay, our obligation, to question government. To allow unbridled legislation is to give up our liberty. Whether couched under "it will save lives" or "it's for the children", we are at risk of losing liberty every time new legislation is enacted.