Why support F22s over health care?

The great debate on a national health plan has been joined. The Republican Party, allied with wealthy and powerful insurance, pharmaceutical and medical interests seek passage of a weak bill that leaves things as they are. They loudly complain that this plan will drive the country into bankruptcy debt. They speak out of both sides of their mouths.

For instance, Senator Chambliss of Georgia opposes any national health plan that increases the national debt. The country, he says, cannot afford to go deeper into debt. Yet Senator Chambliss, like many who oppose this Plan, has no qualms about increasing the military budget by adding seven F22 fighters to the 186 that are on order. Defense Secretary Gates emphatically has said that the planes are not wanted.

The President is threatening to veto this appropriation when it reaches his desk. Why? The planes have never been used in combat. Several have already crashed. They are too expensive. They are superfluous with a better model in the wings to take its place. A waste of money.

But Senator Chambliss wants to increase the nation's debt because Georgia helps build and assemble this plane. But he will not back a health plan that will help all the states in the Union.

What is the function of government? Is it to feed the needs of the military-industrial complex that wants to produce seven unneeded and obsolete aircraft, or is it to carefully seek the common good of all its citizens in their health needs? Is it to cave in to special interests and let others worry about the common good of its citizens? Government is called to seek the common good and necessary needs of the many and not the few.

Thomas Power

Wheaton