Health Care Wrap (Eric Sundwall)

Given no news about the Saratoga event within 24 hours . . .
we'll still hope Maury comes through. He was there.

Kirsten Gillibrand is indeed a bright and very nice person.
She has a genuine desire to discuss issues.
I wish her the same success as I would Mr. Guller or Mr. Pell.

I will say that the organizers did not have a balanced panel.
There are certainly free market medical advocates.

I found the need for signing a pledge not to attack candidates personally
and to stay on topic a bit much. Considering the ad hominem effort by the
moderator against the absent Congressman, a slight disingenuous. That being enough said
here's the text of my closing statement per request;

Closing Statement:

While my candidacy is indeed associated with the Libertarian Party, I consider myself an independent thinker and problem solver. In my capacity as a small business owner and Information Technology specialist, I do in fact solve practical problems without the burden of ideology. Having the analytical tools to approach public policy without the blinders of special interests or political allegiance is important.

I would also thank the LPNY for being the independent voice in the herd that is politics. I cannot in good conscience advocate a new plan or program without considering the nation as a prime debtor in the world. We cannot ask future generations to bear a burden that they did not create or deserve. The day may come when the US dollar is no longer the stabilizing force of global monetary or fiscal policy.

While a libertarian is often given credit for tolerant social values in terms of human norms and deviations, they are often criticized for not supporting state sponsored healthcare or education. The reason for this is not some reflex of the Social Darwinist, but a deep seated belief that freedom and liberty lie outside the realm of government coercion. Choice is our goal. I can think of nothing more antithetical to that end then a government program itself.

It is also my belief that the quality and consistency that the market offers as inherent mechanisms, is the more equal force in the world. Compassion, empathy and caring are not left behind; but are elevated in a more efficient and ultimately just system.