From the AP:

Sen. John Kerry on Monday proposed requiring all Americans to have health insurance by 2012, “with the federal government guaranteeing that they have the means to afford it.”

So what if I don’t want health insurance? It won’t matter, as Kerry is proposing health care at the point of a gun:

The senator said his plan will lead to universal coverage by 2012, “but if we’re not there by 2012, we will require that all Americans have health insurance, with the federal government guaranteeing they have the means to afford it.”

So what if I don’t wish to pay for other people’s poor health choices?

Kerry proposes to pay for the program by repealing tax cuts enacted during the Bush administration that benefit those earning over $200,000 annually.

So what if soaking the professionals, small business owners and others who hire people rich doesn’t generate enough income to pay for Kerry’s ludicrous program?

He did not immediately elaborate on how he would enact his insurance mandate, but one aid said he would do so with a requirement written into the legislation spelling out that the government covers anyone who is uninsured.

The way I see it, there would be one of two choices to pay for the proposed socialized system if the “rich” can’t cover the entire tab: tax everyone or decrease (ration) services.

Do the Republicans have a better idea?

The Republican National Committee, which typically responds to political criticism of the president, said Kerry’s critique ignored the prescription drug program enacted by the Bush administration.

“It’s unfortunate that John Kerry’s bitterness over losing the election clouds his ability to recognize the president’s prescription drug plan is providing millions of seniors with more affordable medicine,” said RNC spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt.

Whatever his criticism, Kerry faces the reality that the governor of his home state - Republican Mitt Romney, himself a potential 2008 presidential candidate - has not only talked about but enacted a sweeping health care overhaul designed to bring universal coverage to Massachusetts. Last week, Michael Leavitt, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, called the program “a model” for the nation.

So the choices the two parties provide are Democrat socialized healthcare or Republican socialized healthcare. Frankly, I’d prefer to pass - but what they’re offering is “The Healthcare Plan You Can’t Refuse.”

From US Libertarian Party

Tags: Libertarian, Politics, Liberty, Freedom