There's no right to free health care

Affordable health insurance for all is a noble social goal, not a right. A right is the freedom to take an action as long as it does not harm others.

It is up to you to use your freedoms to provide insurance for yourself and your family. There is no right to force others to pay for your health care.

The constitution is there to protect your freedom to choose your products and services, not to actually provide them. There is no enumerated federal power in the constitution that authorizes a government-run insurance program, or a right to health insurance.

High medical insurance costs are partly caused by the federal government.

That is the part that health care reform should address. What the government can reform to make insurance more affordable is enact reasonable tort limits, promote price transparency and fight insurance fraud, allow more drugs over the counter and reduce coverage mandates.

Those who want the "right" to health care can have it without resorting to government force against their neighbors.

They are free to join or form a nonprofit insurance company, drug company, hospital, or clinic to provide whatever benefits and costs they can afford to whomever they wish.

Tim Costin

Elk Grove Village