Beware Both Parties
By Paul Hsieh, MD @ 8:30 AM   
In the March 11, 2010 Investor's Business Daily, Larry Elder reminds us that "Collectivists Come With Both D's And R's".
Here's an excerpt:The most disturbing part of the Obama-Care debate is not about where Republicans and Democrats disagree, but where they agree.
Take this issue of those with pre-existing illnesses. Many Republicans actually support government action to prevent insurance companies from refusing to insure them. Ignoring the benefits of cost-lowering free market competition and the role of charity, many Republicans believe it acceptable to force an insurance company — in business to insure against unknown risks -- to "insure" someone currently experiencing a known risk.
Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., supports legislation to "eliminate pre-existing conditions" as a reason for a carrier to deny coverage. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., says government needs "to take care of things like pre-existing conditions so that that doesn't stop (people) from getting insurance."
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, supports prohibiting "insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing medical conditions or charging higher premiums to people who are sick."
But this should not surprise anyone who observes the allegedly "fiscally conservative," "pro-free market," "limited government" party in action. From the acceptance of the New Deal to government bailouts of private industry, Republicans — sooner or later -- go along.
Republican President George W. Bush, for a time, worked with a Republican House and Senate. Bush promised and delivered a prescription benefits bill for seniors. It expanded Medicare, the popular underfunded entitlement program passed — with Republican support, by the way -- in 1965. We like seniors. Seniors vote. So if they struggle with their drug bills, why, by all means make someone else help pay them.
On the 10th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law by his father, Bush bragged about the law's importance and effectiveness. That such an assault on private employers engenders praise says much about the GOP's acceptance of federal government's command and control. Elder also reminds us that government policies such as medical licensing requirements and insurance controls drive up costs and are supported by members of both parties.
(For the record, I oppose medical licensing requirements as a violation of the rights of patients and providers to voluntarily contract to their mutual benefit. I agree with Alex Epstein's reasons.)
So as the health care debate rages, let us remember that "Collectivists Come With Both D's And R's".Labels: Free Market, OpEd
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