2010 Candidates
| Health Care Debate Offers Big Opportunity for GOP |
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| Written by TC |
| Thursday, 06 August 2009 19:39 |
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by Ken Spitz - August 3, 2009 The effort by Democrats to radically alter the American heath care system has filled hours of time on news and talk programs.  Millions of our fellow citizens are now focused on the issue.  Republicans must use this opportunity to sharpen the contrasts between the parties. Republicans are the party of individual freedom.  This includes the freedom to choose our own doctor, identify our family’s insurance needs and make health care decisions.  This is in direct opposition to the Democrat view that bureaucrats should choose for us. Nothing could be more personal than health care.  Yet, the Democrat response is to nationalize health care by making it another function of an already bloated federal government which is neither trusted nor efficient. Our seniors are the most at risk in the Democratic proposal.  The emphasis on a “cost-benefit” rationale of medical treatment removes the human being from the equation.  The reason life expectancy has risen so dramatically over the decades is because medical technology is available to all regardless of age.  The young of today should keep this in mind for one day they too will join the ranks of “seniors”. Will vital medical care be withheld from seniors and provided to the younger patient solely based on age?  Why must one person be denied when adequate care for both is readily available?  We don’t have a crisis in medical care; we have an issue with the cost of that care. Ironically, when Democrats justify elective abortion, they use the argument that legislators shouldn’t interfere in the doctor/patient relationship.  How many times have Democrats made the “it’s between a woman and her doctor” argument?  Yet through current proposals, Democrats want to make all medical issues the subject of government intervention. Republicans should focus on the very personal nature of the issue.  Every American family has experience with the health care system.  If we focus on the tremendous cost or the growth of government, Republicans will lose the debate.  No doubt, these are significant issues, but they just don’t resonate with the public. Everyone agrees that our health care system is expensive – and that cost is growing fast.  But, we have this system because as patients – and consumers -- we expect to have as many choices as possible available to us.  Now, the Democrats want to take those choices away. Lest you think is just an issue to win elections, you’re wrong.  This debate lies at the heart of what differentiates Republicans from Democrats.  It’s about personal freedom.  Yes, let’s find a way to reduce health care costs.  But, we don’t have to give up our freedom to find those savings. What could be a more fundamental right than the freedom to choose your own medical care? Republicans need to make that argument as clearly and simply as possible. ************************************************************************************************************* Ken Spitz is Chairman of the Wayne Township Republican Organization (WTRO) and the third-term Wayne Township Highway Commissioner. |
