Much of the arguments, that I hear, in favor of socialism, whether it's in medicine, housing, education, or employment all have the common thread of being for people's own good. I, like many of my friends, believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the principles he exemplified have the power to change lives for the better, to be a GREAT blessing in the lives of those who live it. Living the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has proven to be effective for improving the quality of life of people all over the world. However, I, nor any of my friends would try to force this on people, even for their own good.
I don't know anyone who would think it right or fair to force another person to worship according to the dictates of their personal beliefs. So, why do so many think that agency matters less when it comes to people's lives, their health care? While my husband and I choose to purchase health insurance, there are those who choose not to. Some could not afford it, others could afford it if they gave up cable TV, smoking, drinking, and/or eating out. Giving up any of these things would not hurt them, but it would inconvenience them. The truth about the situations of many people is that they want to have everything without inconveniencing themselves.
While good health care can certainly change lives and improve the quality of life for many people, it is not a right. Nor is it a federal responsibility. When it comes to things as personal as a person's health care needs can best be served by local churches and communities. Hospitals like St. Jude's have successfully cared for the needy for many years, supported by voluntary financial contributions. This is proof that private funding for those who need medical care but cannot afford it can work. Perhaps there are many others that have gone under. However there are others that have prospered. God sent us to this earth in families, not in governments. Parents, not society, have been given the responsibility to care for each other and their children.
We have created a government, through the inspired constitution, for the protection of our rights. Government changes from protector to jailer when given too much power. History has proven this time and again. When people cease to take care of their responsibilities and pass the buck to governments the price is their freedom.
We are selling off our freedoms chunks at a time in exchange for convenience and guarantees. What has happened to the strength and independence upon which this nation was founded? Have we become complacent in our abundance and forgotten not only what history taught us about putting our trust and power in government, but also the blood and sacrifices made to bring about this nation? I think we have. You cannot completely prevent failure without limiting success. The great achievements of this nation were largely facilitated by the freedoms guaranteed to us in the constitution. The freedom to fail is inseparable connected to the freedom to succeed. The constitution is the law of this nation, laws enacted which are in violation of the powers granted in it are illegal.
The Constitution states that powers not given to the federal government (as outlined in the constitution) are to remain with the states. The Constitution says nothing about health care, therefore if any government is to be involved with health care it is limited to the states. However, even a state level is too impersonal for health care. Health care is the responsibility of individuals, families, and communities. Those who believe it is a right can pitch in their own money to guarantee it for those who they feel need it, but it cannot be mandated. I know people who would give of their abundance, and still others who would give of their "penury". Their are good people in communities everywhere who would contribute to the welfare of their fellow citizens if they knew the needs.
As we all decry the injustice of those denied care due to poverty, or those brought to poverty due to the high price of necessary care, let's turn to our own pocket books and to our city and county government to figure out solutions. Let's work toward repealing regulations, now in place, that limit our freedom to chose with regard to health care. Instead of adding regulations and limiting freedom, let's take responsibility personally for the solutions. If we think somebody should pay for the health care of the needy, let's be that somebody. If not, we should not be forced to.
I think more people would be moved to compassion if less of their hard-earned money was being automatically taken from them in the form of high taxes. I think more people would WANT to help if they weren't being FORCED to help. The outrageous prices of health care being paid for by the government will not lighten the burden to the people of this country. It will simply be shifted from being care you can choose to pay for to care you are forced to pay for through taxation.
No comments:
Post a Comment