This post is in response to the op-ed piece Las Vegas Sun's editor, Brian Greenspun in the July 12th Las Vegas Sun. I find it funny and controlling/restrictive that he comments on the 'comments' posted in response to articles all over the internet yet, Brian Greenspun does not allow readers to comment online to his opinion(s). Mr. Greenspun, please explain. Thomas Mitchell at the RJ allows comments.
1) This country was founded on FREEDOM. Most importantly, freedom of choice: where to live, which religion to follow (if any at all), which to car drive, where to work, who to work for, who date/marry, where to educate your kids, whether or not to live a healthy lifestyle, and the list goes on. By taxing the citizens to pay for something that is a choice (method, amount and quality of health care) is akin to taking from the citizens(see ‘takings clause’ of the 5th Amendment); it also reeks of Socialism/Communism. I choose to live a healthy lifestyle, to only bring those into the world which I can support, avoid danger, etc. If I make a poor choice, I pay the price, not you. I don’t expect you to pay for my bad choices.
2) What you are saying is that we have a moral obligation to help our neighbor, our fellow man. Is it an obligation? Maybe. But it is my choice to complete my obligation(s). If I choose an immoral path, my God will deal with me accordingly. But what about those who do not share in your beliefs? If they do not believe in your God, or any other, are they immoral? By taxing the citizens to pay for example, health care, you are forcing your morals on the citizens. Those who society deem as immoral will pay the price, the cosmos will be sure of that. The universe we live in is precariously balanced: the universe has a way of taking care of those who attempt to change that balance.
3) If it is my moral duty to behave a certain way and take of my fellow man, it is MY MORAL DUTY, not yours. It is in fact your duty to espouse the virtues/benefits of your beliefs, and why I should want to share those beliefs. It is not, however your duty to force your beliefs upon me (i.e. Stalin, King George, fanatical Islam, etc.). Again, the universe has a way of taking care of those who force anything upon another.
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2 comments:
What about those of us who didn't have a choice?
I have a friend who got cancer at age 3. I have kidney disease caused by genetics, not by bad lifestyle choices.
We can't get insurance in the current system - we're marked forever because of things beyond our control.
I lost my insurance when I lost my job because I couldn't afford the COBRA payments on top of all the other bills for medical treatment. I have Medicare now, but it terminates soon. Then I have nothing.
What should we do? Beg in the street for the money we need to pay for the treatments we need so we don't die?
Anonymous-
Thank you for being anonymous; that is your choice.
Please read, and understand, my original blog post in response to Brian Greenspun. No doubts your need for health. And those who are unable to pay their way need other viable options. But to force me to pay for your services is ludicrous. I choose where to direct my available money, time and resources. If it is directed at helping people who need health care, it is my choice. If it is directed at saving the Rain forest, that too is my choice. There are plenty of organizations that help those in need with health care; these organizations are supported with money and time by those who choose to help that particular cause.
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