Universal Health Care

Its all the rage. Every American, covered by government sponsored health care. The democratic candidates are touting it as a moral necessity (see John Edwards especially) and those who would oppose such a thing are easily cast as rich, uncompassionate heals. How could anyone be opposed to universal health care?

Well, here are a few concerns. #1: Quality of care. Sure, Great Britain, Canada, etc. have free medical care available to all citizens. But I've heard that often they have to wait months to get that care, even when their health depends on its speedy application. Is this true? This would concern me. #2: My understanding is that doctor's salaries go way down under government sponsored health care. Won't this negatively effect motivation (they do work rediculous hours to earn those big checks) and even the number of college students heading for the medical field. Increased financial gain for increased ability and work load is kind of why capitalism works. Moderate financial gain for the same sacrifices will surely turn capable young people to other more lucrative professions. #3: If the government is paying for nationwide health care, that means that I'm paying for it because they will be using my tax dollars. While I'm not necessarily opposed to helping out a fifty year old man with a cleft palatte (see John Edwards YouTube debate), I do have a problem paying for a unrepentant six pack a day smoker whose having lung problems or an alcoholic whose liver is finally calling it quits. I do have a problem paying for maternity care for a single mother of five who wants more children for the welfare it brings in. These may be extreme cases, though certainly realistic, but it comes down to our government using my money to accomplish things I might not agree with (for the record, I have the same problem in other areas).

There seem to be other solutions. Let's bring the cost of health care down, and with it insurance rates, by targeting rediculous lawsuits that drive malpractice insurance through the stratosphere. Let's promote generic drugs and other alternative that might introduce competition into the marketplace. And let's face it: we need to start teaching people that the American dream isn't to have the luxuries of life handed to you on a platter. Its opportunity. Opportunity to get an education, work hard, and be responsible. Sure there will be cases of disadvantage outside a person's control and we should jump as compassionate human beings to help from our abundance. But individuals still must take responsibility.