The Libertarian Leadership Institute is asking all attendees to read Joe Trippi's book, The Revolution will not be Televised as an example of successful grassroots campaigns that utilizes the Internet. Along with personal grooming and other erstwhile pursuits, we'll see if they produce a leader in this cycle. Having read the book and the recent announcement that Mr. Trippi will be in our backyard this season to help rocker John Hall take on Sue Kelly in the 19th, we must take Mr. Trippi to task about his view on healthcare.
Before the hordes of college students descend into the Hudson Valley with their orange knit hats, we could point out that Mr. Trippi doesn't get much sleep during Congressional campaigns. He doesn't eat well or exercise enough. His diabetes and eventual collapse into a deli counter during the Dean thing make me think he doesn't 'get it'. I wonder if he supports the mandatory health care plan in Mitt Romney's world. I'm that thirty something computer programmer who refuses to get healthcare. The baby wakes me up all the time.
The prescription drug care plan is not proving successful. We are asked to support the last two generations who grew up on fried food and cigarettes. Certainly some where mindful of their health and others had no control over an afflicting presence. But given that fact that many health conditions are a result of poor health habits, what moral responsibility do we have for these self-inflicted behaviors ? Indeed, if the portion of my income and thus my life's time on this planet is somehow diminished because of the poor habits of others who are now protected by the force of the sovereign, liberty hath indeed suffered.
Uncompensated healthcare only represents 3-5% of the total amount done in this country. It's not mean Libertarians that would allow some to suffer, it is government protected HMO's. History suggests that HMO's would have probably failed had it not been for the HMO Act of 1973. At that time employers could at least opt for indemnity policies which covered catastrophic care and little more. That option was eliminated in 1995 and now full coverage is expected and demanded.
On April 23rd I'll be entering in Sean's Run in Chatham, NY. I run to stay healthful and to be active with my young children. It is a habit driven by the days when I had no insurance. Eating right and exercising is not demanded by the state, yet. It could be though if society comes to terms with this aspect of the world and realizes that care is important the whole way through, not just the last six months of life.
No one wants to see loved ones suffer or not get the care that they need. All of us should be thankful for whatever good health we have. We also need to be mindful of the future and where we stand in it. We urge everybody to get out and enjoy the world as we know it this Spring in upstate NY, especially you Mr. Trippi.
Comments (1)
We understand that health insurance can be very confusing; the terms can be difficult to understand and the forms intimidating.
Posted by Leo | January 20, 2007 5:42 PM
Posted on January 20, 2007 17:42