August 30, 2009 at 10:32:35

Universal Healthcare Is Un-American

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By Bob Tracey (about the author) Page 1 of 2 page(s)

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For OpEdNews: Bob Tracey - Writer

The health care debate is a wonderful opportunity to re-assess exactly what it is that America stands for.

Do we stand for equality? Hell no, we never have, and as near as I can determine it has never really been a part of the plan. Nor is it the reason our nation has stood out as a beacon for the downtrodden of mankind.

What is it about America that has had people from all the other nations on earth doing everything they can, risking their very lives, to come here? Is it equality?

No. It is EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY. and in spite of all of the excesses and abuses of our government, this is still true.

Our ancestors didn't flee the feudalism of 18th century Europe for the guarantee of freedom, they came for the CHANCE to be free.

Now allow me to digress for a moment. What is health insurance? It is a pool of people who make payments into a system that makes mathematically and statistically opportunistic bets on the probable outcomes of a persons health, and then pays for what is needed.

It requires infrastructure, administration and expense to manage, so it must somehow also show a profit to pay for all of that. It is then by its very definition, driven by profit. Without profit, health insurance would cease to exist. Makes sense, right?

I do not smoke, drink to excess, or do recreational drugs. Nor do I take prescription drugs. I exercise regularly, eat organic as much as possible, and drink purified water.

I have, in short, done what every American needs to do: accepted responsibility for my body.

My health is NOT EQUAL to the same 55 year old guy who smokes, drinks, does drugs, doesn't exercise, and runs to the doctor for poisonous antibiotics every time he gets a sniffle. My health is BETTER, and defies my age, because of the choices I have made.

I had to take the time to LEARN how to truly care for my body, because our school system, designed to turn out mindless drones for our elite masters to order around, doesn't teach us that. No matter, it is my body, and I am responsible for it. My government is not.

Somebody please explain to me WHY, in a country based on the principle of equality of opportunity, that I should pay for the ignorant dumbass who refuses to take responsibility for his life, has made terrible lifestyle choices, and gets sick all the time? Why?

What exactly is it that we stand for?

This is what Americans need to be thinking about as we debate who is going to pay for all this.

One thing I can promise you. It is not going to be me.

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Former apathetic anarchist who's directly responsible for the sorry state of affairs in our great country, by virtue of doing nothing. Until now. Screenwriter, author, poet and poker player.

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