Careful what you wish for
Frankly, I have no idea whether the just-passed bill on health care reform is a good one or bad one. It seems to have a mix of worthwhile and awful parts to it. However, I am intrigued by the position put forth by many, many people that this is yet another government entitlement program that is driving us one step closer to socialism. This point of view seems particularly popular in my age group - those over 60.
So I agree with those in my age group. Let's get rid of all those government-run entitlement programs that are driving us closer to socialism. All of them without exception - today.
Let's start with Social Security. "Wait a minute," you say. "You can't do that. Social Security is an example of a good and necessary government-run entitlement program, even if does drive us closer to socialism."
OK. So let's keep it but instead take another program,
Medicare, medical care for the aged, those over 65. Another definite government-run entitlement program that is moving us closer to socialism. Let's get rid of that one, wipe it out today. "Whoa," you say, "you can't do that. Medicare is another example of a government-run entitlement program that is clearly moving us closer to socialism, but it is a valuable program that provides necessary medical care to those over 65 and must be kept," you say.
How about Medicaid, a state-run government entitlement program that provides financial assistance for those who need nursing-home and related care? Wait a minute - we are all going to need something like that, so that government-run entitlement program must also be kept intact and even expanded.
So where do we draw the line? The problem with all of these government-run entitlement programs that are driving us closer to socialism is that we want to keep intact and even expand the programs that affect us, whoever the "us" is, and we want to get rid of these government-run entitlement programs that affect them, whoever the "them" is.
What's that old saying about being careful about what you wish for. Looks like it might apply here.
Gary Koca
Pingree Grove