While listening to much of this health care debate, something has dawned on me that no one appears to be addressing. If some form of government "run" health care legislation is passed, who will set the standards for various components of health care. For instance, most people say that the government will determine "how much/what type" of health care is good for you and your family. Much like the current auto insurance, there will be minimum levels of acceptable insurance. And if you don't want to carry that much, you will be fined by the government (much like receiving a ticket for not having appropriate car insurance).
But who will determine appropriate fitness levels for Americans? And who will determine if you don't measure up to these levels, what your "fine"will be (extra taxes, less health care, fewer options, etc.). This type of decision is very subjective and open to massive abuse. For instance, those that know me would not say that I am skinny, but I don't think any would label me as overly obese. Yet by many of the current height/weight standards published by various governmental/insurance groups, that is exactly what I am. Even though my cholesterol, blood pressure, pulse, sugars, etc, are fine, the so-called experts say I am unhealthy.
And last week the paper carried an article about the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. According to the article, a healthy 40-year-old should be able to 40 push ups, 65 "half sit-ups" in 1 minute, and run 1.5 miles in under 10 minutes!! (That is under a 7 minute mile.) By comparison, 20 year olds in the Air Force Para Rescue forces have an easier physical test!! Now I believe that I am in better shape than the majority of 40 year olds, but theses are pretty tough standards. Who will decide that if I can't measure up, then maybe I don't deserve to get medical treatment since I am "unfit".
We need to stop our government from taking even more of our freedoms and imposing some "Brave New World" requirements on us. For those pressuring us to adopt and expansion of government control in health care, can you please name me one government run program that has accomplished what it started out to do and came in close to on par with their projected expenses?
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2 comments:
I had never thought of that aspect Scott. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Wow, the entire thing scares the bejabbers out of me.
Who will determine if my dad will get helath care
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