“Loss of Freedom”
Dear Editor,
Congress first passed a federal health care bill in 1854, to benefit the indigent insane; it was vetoed by President Pierce because he didn’t believe the government should concern itself with social welfare. From Teddy Roosevelt in 1912; during the depression along with Social Security; Truman following WWII: all failed attempts at universal coverage. Johnson gave us the Medicare part but though Ted Kennedy and President Nixon tried, they couldn’t get together; Carter couldn’t do it nor could Clinton.
Finally, though, America takes its place as the last holdout among all industrialized nations to have a comprehensive health care plan. As it all kicks in over the next few years, we will finally be able to say our quality of life has slipped back a lot, but we’re trying to catch up with the world. We will say we are a country that cares about one another; that has a sense of community, we’re not just a community after a Pearl Harbor or 9/11.
Perfect? Of course not, but few things are when crafted by a committee as large as Congress. Expensive? Absolutely! In fact, the health care plan will cost 2/3 as much as President Bush’s tax cuts (try that for perspective!), but will benefit all, not just the wealthy. And, according to the best economists, will end up a net gain for the government and a savings for the overall economy. Even the AMA and AARP backed the plan.
“Loss of Freedom” has been an issue but we’re not free to choose whether we have auto insurance and most states don’t allow a freedom of choice for wearing motorcycle helmets, either; because these bring costs to society as a whole; some freedom must be sacrificed. It’s amazing how willing we are to sacrifice rights and freedoms for “national security” against “terrorist threats”, when that actually threat is really very small. Most Americans are anxious to give up freedoms so long as they don’t think someone less affluent will get something out of it or they don’t have to give up a gun and they think it convenient.
Like it or not, we should admire the fact that there were those who would take a strong leadership position and do something major in our government. We do elect these people to lead, after all. Sadly, the Republicans played a transparent game. I do understand political differences and different philosophies but when 100 percent of a party votes the same way, you know they are united only in wanting to make political gains by following a directive from the higher ups; no thought of leadership or independence, just play it safe, follow the leader, and scare the public.
Louisiana has a long, proud history of providing health care for all of its citizens, even though it has been scaled WAY back over the years. Ultimately this should help our state do a lot better, again, for our citizens.
Frank Dutton
Many, LA
