If one were to read the Constitution one would realize that the Constitution does not grant anyone freedoms, liberties, or rights. The Constitution only protects freedoms, liberties, and rights from transgressions on part of the government. A right is something that is inherent to the individual, comes from that individual, and is maintained by the individual. You are born with such rights like the right to speak freely, the only thing that can be done to that right is to have it infringed. No one can grant a right to another, only limit or impede the exercise of that right.
Healthcare is a human invention that does not exist in the natural environment. Only through the work of others and through the taking of resources from one party and giving to another does healthcare exist. You cannot force someone to give effort and resources to another and call that a right. In the absence of human intervention the individual would live their lives and succumb to the natural forces which would act upon their bodies.
Do I think we should provide preventative care and basic primary care? Sure. Do I think that we can? Maybe. Do I think that healthcare is a basic human right? Absolutely not.
I suggest you argue with the five Supreme Court justices who, rather than using auto insurance metaphors, actually consulted the Constitution, precedents, and case law. I invite you to read their opinion and then comment.
I also invite you to see the results of Romney's universal health care in Massachusetts, where practically everyone is now insured, and virtually no child is without coverage. See how many people are being dinged by the mandate. It's a non-issue. In any case, you should thank the Heritage Foundation for coming up with the health insurance mandate in the first place, after which it was a "well, of course!" idea among Republicans.
The problem for your perspective is that health care is a de facto right already. It may not have been true in the "good old days," but now it is considered unacceptable to leave someone to die by the side of the road. They will be brought to an emergency room and they will be treated. Who do you think pays for that? A magic fairy?
People not having health insurance is an expensive burden on our society that no other industrialized nation is saddled with.
I met a Canadian student a while ago who explained it thus: "Americans focus on 'me.' Canadians focus on 'we.' " Ironic given our great religiosity here, eh?
"Magic fairy", argue, Republicans, ... having a bad day? I didn't say I wasn't in favor of universal healthcare. You need to take time to read the posts before you attempt to wow us with your...wit.
For someone who writes well, you make far too many assumptions.
The Constitution allows individuals the right to choose "to" or "not to". BUT if those choices compromise the safety of others, then laws are written to protect others and even protect people from themselves. There are consequences to choices, but the freedom to make those choices, for each of us to live and pursue life liberty and happiness remain. If you choose not to go to the dentist, then your teeth will rot, does that impair my safety? No. It's a personal thing. If I choose not to seek help for TB, does that effect others? Yes-then the law is followed. The Constitution doesn't prevent stupid-that's our own judgement on others and projected our opinion on how to live on another.
What if you aren't a supporter of the UN. I have been reading through this thread and I agree with Asystole. The way I've read this thread is, what is in our USA constitution. I do not believe creating one world class system is healthy. Innovention. In medicine has always came from a personal incentive. I do not know many people and even less companies willing to risk their time, money, and reputation without it. By all means there are countless Countries who have bought into this mind-frame and people are "free" to join countries that have adopted these policies. As a American, who has grown up proud of the fact that I had the possability to excel without infractions from the government, am truly scared that all Americans arr going to be worse off, as seen in the many other countries who are already failing!!!
Certainly, you are entitled to your opinion. I would hope that you continue to remain in good health and have the income to pay for the services you need. I've read through most of this thread, and it amazes me how some people seem to think that universal health care is somehow ugly....we aren't talking communism here, people. It's about ensuring that all citizens have access to basic health care. That's all.
I respect your opinion and understand where you are coming from. However, I have insurance and a decent job and so does my husband. We live in a modest home with 6 acres. In my extended family I have 3 siblings with insurance and 3 without. My mother is on medicare with a supplement. My husband's family has nine siblings and again it is about half and half. Guess what the siblings without insurance most of their adult children also do not have insurance and again the same is true of the one's with insurance their adult children have it. A couple of issues I see is if the government would get out of healthcare and balance the budget I may have enough money to assist my extended family that are less fortunate. In addition, it is a well known statement. If you want to feed a people don't give them a fish instead teach them to fish. When a society embraces entitlements more of the population will succumb to the imposed dependancy thus leading to a lesser pool of revenue and resources (due to less workforce and definitely less skilled labor).
Whew, so many posts and so many opinions. What the heck, here's mine:
We NEED universal healthcare coverage for every citizen of the USA. We need to MONITOR and ENFORCE such a system so that it is paid for through taxes for public insurance as well as continuing a private insurance option.
Our current system is not working. People who can afford minimal, basic coverage (the middle class) are paying for those who are not paying a dime into any insurance plan (either because of inability or refusal). How can this be a good thing, or anything we'd like to maintain? The well is running dry.
I already pay for the tests, treatments, medications, food, shelter, etc etc etc for everyone who does not or cannot pay; once they are seen for treatment in the ER, the expenses begin. I have no choice in this matter: I simply continue to pay taxes that get used inefficiently. If I or my husband or children were to require any lengthy hospital stay or chronic treatments, it would break me financially. How is that a good thing?
What is derisively known as "Obamacare" does not take away anyone's private insurance options. It does not say anyone must wait umpteen years to be seen by a doctor. It DOES say that those who CAN afford to kick in a few bucks WILL, or they'll be fined--which, of course, goes towards paying for care anyway. It means that those who absolutely CANNOT pay will not drain the system; funds are reserved for them and their care. It would be available because others HAVE paid, and in an efficient manner where $$ is set aside for such care, something we don't have now.
As I see it, I'm already paying for so many people's healthcare and yet have access to comparatively little. I work for a small corporation which offers its employees basic medical coverage (and forget about dental or vision) at a significant cost. And I'm a nurse manager, so I actually have it BETTER than lower-level employees! The deductibles are high and the caps are low. And if I "choose" not to have any coverage at all for my family, one good injury or illness would ruin us: goodbye house, car, my kids' futures. How can this be a good thing?
I make too much money to be considered "in need" of affordable dental and vision care for my children....so they get only what I can pay for. By comparison, other children whose parents can demonstrate a greater need get free glasses and free dental care...which of course increases the amount of available funds THAT family gets to hold onto, which I am required to spend. My taxes didn't go down because I laid out even more money on dental and vision expenses. How is that a good thing?
People in the united states are given basic and stabilizing healthcare by walking into any hospital that accepts federal funds! Universal healthcare is not about BASIC healthcare it is about the whole gammut of medical services available. People who work hard are tired of seeing the gross amount of people who abuse the generousity of their fellow citizens. I am specifically talking about the multitude that have SSI and either work under the table or do extreme sports etc. have a mortgage that is way out of their league, have every electronic convenience and yet still can't seem to feed themselves, or obtain their insurance. It is a very sad statistic that there are some in this country that truly do need assistance but the reality is the government cannot manage it correctly and if they would step back the non profit orgs take pretty good care of things.
Well based on the scenario you have described, this is why universal health care is sometimes a better alternative. Now, Obama care may not be the answer, but I think the idea is to have more American citizens ensured. And yes, you will pay higher taxes than someone who makes a lot less. I do as well. They have to fund the system somehow.
as long as there is a capitalism based society those with money will always be better off and have better choices. there will be better drs, hospitals and meds for them . here or else where. just like the free lunch or free section 8 apartments do not hold a candle in equality to what others have. it will mever be the same care for all. even in communist countries there will be underground systems and capitalism is what drives progress and what motivates those "evil selfish pharm companies and hotel hospitals". how is the end of life approached in countries with gov administered health care? or when there is a grim prognosis? not sure.
I agree, and by having the elite it encourages the "underlings" to aspire to greater things!! If all are truly equal, "all living in little pink houses all in a row...." Their is no incentive to progress. Why would a young adult choose to go to college for 10 plus years if the government dictates their salaries or even worse let's them appear to make their income only to tax it beyond a "reasonable and customary" amount.
But, can't there at least BE healthcare? And, I don't mean the ER for everything. An actual ability to go to the appropriate doctor for your problem? No elective surgeries, or all the other things that more well off people can afford. But, the ability to get treated for an illness or injury and the ability to do preventative medicine?
WHY IS THIS SO HARD PEOPLE?
I don't know if they are available everywhere in the US however inn every county I've ever lived we had a public health ofc. that gave vaccines and for people to go and get basic care or be refered to other sources and even assisted with getting assistance if they qualify.
People will never be truly equal, and that isn't the basis of universal health care, at least where I live. You will always have the "haves" and "have nots" in society. To answer your question regarding end-of-life-care, patients are treated according to their advance directives, either in our hospitals or various clinics, probably very similar to the US.
tyvin, BSN, RN
1,620 Posts
"Magic fairy", argue, Republicans, ... having a bad day? I didn't say I wasn't in favor of universal healthcare. You need to take time to read the posts before you attempt to wow us with your...wit.
For someone who writes well, you make far too many assumptions.