Vote yes if you favor fines and prison

Every day we read about people writing on the health care bill who attempt to get their point across by attacking the Republican or Democrat Party, whichever one they are not affiliated with.

Over the course of the debates these past months, the truth is, both parties believe health care reform is needed in the general sense. Both parties' believe individuals currently insured should not lose it because they lost their job or got sick and needed to use it. Both parties believe the pre-existing condition clause should go away. Both parties believe the costs need to come down. Both parties believe every legal citizen should have access to health care with options that make it possible for every budget.

The difference is, the parties disagree on how it should be done. The Republicans want to address these issues without the government takeover. The Democrats, with a 1,990-page document want the government to take full control. In fact, in the Democrat bill, if an American citizen does not pay for health insurance, he will be fined 2.5 percent of his annual income. If he refuses to pay the fine, he will be subject to prison. Many constitutional experts believe this is unconstitutional. If not, it is surely unprecedented.

So, next time you want to write about health care reform and how someone voted, here is the bottom line: If you are OK with being charged a fine or going to prison because you do not want to purchase health care insurance, vote "yes" with your fellow Democrats.

If you feel the Constitution is in place for a reason and believe the government should not take over our choices and are against fines or prison, vote "no" with your fellow Republicans.

Carl Palash

Carol Stream