The US Shouldn’t Be In

The Health Care Business

To the Editor:

Further federal involvement in health care is wrong in principle because the government of the US was formed in a very deliberate fashion; one that was intended to cede enough power to the central government for it to be effective in its enumerated powers, but no more. In this we are unique among the nations of the world, and unique in world history. This was not by accident: it was an intentional restriction of power. Our founders knew exactly what they were doing and have bequeathed to us a tremendous gift of freedom which we must jealously guard from those, within and without, who would restrict it. For this reason, further federal involvement in health care is wrong in principle.

There is no authorization in the US Constitution for the government to intercede in the provision of health care, just as there is no basis for it to nationalize car companies. Unfortunately, the prevailing ethos of those in power at the moment is “because I can” rather than “because the Constitution authorizes it.” For this reason, “No” is a perfectly honorable position for us citizens to take: No, we do not cede this power to the federal government.

I presume that those in favor have the right motivations, but, for the reasons noted above, they have the wrong solution. We have many options available before we get to the point of relinquishing our freedom, because the government always enforces its powers under penalty of law: that’s why they are the government. It’s not like they are just another private institution.

The proximate cause of the so-called crisis is that 47 million Americans have no health insurance. The implication is that they have no health care, which of course is not true. The 47 million is comprised of a) 32 percent who choose not to purchase insurance and pay for their medical expenses directly (that’s their prerogative), b) 20 percent who are eligible for existing government programs but are not participating for whatever reason, c) 22 percent who are not American citizens, and d) of the remaining 26 percent, half are without insurance for less than four months. This is hardly a crisis, and clearly not justification to seize further power.

The best solution is in granting more freedom, not less. Changes in tax law, tort reform, regulation relief, and allowing increased competition among states will further unleash the native ingenuity of the American people to arrange their affairs as they see best and care for their communities as they have for well over 200 years. These are areas where the federal government can provide assistance.

If these actions by the federal government concern you, you need to let your senators and representative know now, before they are back in session on September 8. Some, such as Senator Dodd and Representative Murphy, will be asking you for your vote a year from now. You need to let them know that your answer will be No, and that you have a long memory.

Scott Reiss

42 Obtuse Road, Newtown                                     September 1, 2009