11 June 2009 Honorable Senator Warner: Honorable Senator Webb: Honorable Congressman Wittman: I am writing in response to an article posted today by FoxNews (Obama Pushes for Public Insurance Option in Health Care Reform, 11 June 2009) that captured some of President Obama’s comments on the subject of “a public health insurance option.” What concerns me is that you may be pushed to accept his arguments for this plan without taking the time to fully evaluate the long-term impact upon the American people. It is my hope that you will recognize some of the same concerns that I have about his effort even at this early stage of the discussion. President Obama is quoted in the article as saying that “… Americans who can’t afford health care insurance need to be provided with more affordable options – provided by the government if not private insurers.” In either case I am the person targeted to pay for their insurance… both as a taxpayer and as someone that has private insurance coverage. That means that President Obama has made the decision – for me – that it is my moral obligation to furnish health insurance to someone else. In a capitalistic society that is not his prerogative. President Obama further went on to say that he wants to ensure that an option exists for people “… where the free market fails. And we have to admit that the free market has not worked perfectly when it comes to health care.” I strongly disagree with this statement and hope that these polite phrases do not blind you to the reality experienced in countries such as Canada and Great Britain. The essence of capitalism is that nothing is “perfect” for everyone – there will always be those that refuse to care for themselves and selfishly expect others to provide for them – but such is the reality of life. If one were to objectively look at current “experiments” in socialized medicine one would also have to admit that they have been abject failures. I therefore implore you to reject any attempt by the current administration to force the American people into a socialized healthcare system. Further I ask that you take extreme care when reviewing the impact of any proposal and do not allow yourself to be bullied into accepting anything. The long-term health of this country – and her people – depends upon it. Sincerely, James Hull |