I take exception to most of Roger Adhikari’s article (“Ridiculous arguments against health care reform,” Dec. 2 Tracy Press) — especially the parts where he writes that Republicans are incorrect to state the U.S. Constitution doesn’t allow for the federal government to pass a national health care reform bill.
Mr. Adhikari is probably correct to state that Congress can pass any law it wants. But that doesn’t mean those in Congress have law on their side when they do it.
Laws and constitutions are very different devices. In the case of the federal Constitution, it clearly states that the federal government can only do those things clearly enumerated as federal responsibilities. And if you try to quote the Commerce Clause, that clause has been used too broadly to try to justify whatever anyone wanted to do something not clearly enumerated elsewhere. If the Commerce Clause was intended for that purpose, you wouldn’t have needed the other enumerated items.
The federal government does not have the right to pass national health care reform. The states would, however, if their state constitutions allow for it.
What people forget is that the federal government really doesn’t have the right to pass national laws in most instances.
As for some of the other issues relating to what is and what isn’t in the health care bills: the devil in this mess is in the details. And yes, passing these bills is taking away personal freedom.
You don’t have to look in the Constitution to find where it says you “lose” something. It isn’t that kind of document. The Constitution just states what the federal government is allowed to do. If the federal government does anything else, chances are someone somewhere is losing something.
I agree something needs to be done about health care. It isn’t fair that people opt out of buying insurance during their statistically safe healthy years, then buy in to the system later. It’s not right. Kind of like placing your bet at roulette wheel after the ball has stopped moving.
I think people ought to choose. And they can choose to opt out. But if they opt out, they stay out — no treatment at all until they pay up and become current on their premiums as if they hadn’t opted out. That makes it rough to take the free ride. That is fair. Harsh, but fair.
It might not be very politically correct. But history — even liberal, biased, dumbed-down history — will probably reach the conclusion that the U.S. fell in part because it wouldn’t undo the damage done by being “PC.”
I would like to respond but you do not deserve a response. Your personal attacks against anyone who does not have your world view is disgusting.
If you are unable to put forth your ideas without degrading those who put forth theirs stay out of the newpaper until you learn to debate without the poison.
DH
Title: Anti-Health Care Claims;
Dear Editor:
The recent letters from Charles Norton & Doug Martin are typical of people here in Tracy. (Where do we live, small town and smaller minds). Typical response from people like these two that lack compassion, care and mercy for their fellow Americans. They come up with the lies, half-truths, and scare tactics about health care reform. Typical of individual people that want health insurance and medical care only reserved for the rich, powerful and stupid like themselves.
The estimate is we have over 50 million Americans with no medical coverage at all, another 45 million that are under insured, 70% of all personal bankruptcies Chapter 7 are caused from the ability not to pay outrages medical bills that are way over-priced. Millions have to chose between medicine and food, because they in economic straits. How can they both support a current system that leaves you bankrupt, and destitute? Then say tough, get out of way and go off and die.
The problem with Mr. Norton and Mr. Martin, either they have worked jobs in their lives where they never have to pay a medical bill. Both never got sick or ill, or the fact they lack any brains or a soul more likely both. Many they have a financial reason to oppose the current change. How can they stand by and look people in the eye and declare the current health care bill is great, this is like a death sentence to millions of Americans. Both these individuals are like our local hospital, they want to continue a system where they cannot quote you a price up front, want to be over paid before you even check in, the liability is all on your shoulders and they be held blameless when they make mistakes, cannot guarantee their work, and want to hurt you when you compliant about the high prices and lousy and incompetent service.
Then refuse to threat you because you spoke up about them and told the truth they area lousy organization.
Mr. Martin and Mr. Norton should crawl back under rock they came from, and for Mr. Roger Adhikari, you are an American hero, speaking up for many who’s voice was silence by morons and evil minded people as Mr. Martin and Mr. Norton
Al Galaviz
If you read my comment regarding Congress’s right to pass a bill; any bill passed by the Congress and signed into the law by President can be challenged in the court of law.
But the law is constitutional until stricken down by the court.
The healthcare bill is no exception.
When a company, registered in Delware, office holders (Company) in San Francisco, providing services almost in every States - what do you think that is going to fall under? State law? I think not!
If your answer is still yes, I must say, you have not been paying too much attention to the legal precedents on such cases.
Finally, I wish I could think like you and say those who opted out get no treatment even when they are dying. But I can’t.
Because, I sincerely believe, except for some anomalies, most people want to live a life of dignity; meaning, they want to work hard, raise their family and give respect to others and expect the same in return.
I sincerely believe, most people would pay for their fair share, if they could.
Although, I am fortunate not have to worry about the healthcare insurance in twenty years.
However, I know many people personally, who would go to the poor house, if they get seriously ill, even once.
I admit, I have a strong believe dictated by the democratic value. But, healthcare is beyond that. It’s all about humanity and human dignity.
I hope, you can see the same in the spirit of the Christmas and look the issue beyond political rhetoric.