“The passage of this legislation late last night constitutes a government takeover of 17 percent of our economy and directly contradicts the principles of individual liberty, free enterprise, and self-reliance upon which our exceptional nation was founded. If this bill becomes law, it will be the greatest government debacle ever visited upon the American people, who in retribution will once again consign the Democratic Party to the minority in Congress.
“Our current health care system is certainly not perfect, but it is far better than this socialist-inspired prescription. This bill will increase the cost of health care and decrease its quality. The high cost of health insurance is due in large measure to government interference in the free market. Government often does not allow the sale of high deductible, catastrophic insurance, for example; nor does it allow the sale of insurance across state lines. The Republican alternative would fix what’s broken by introducing more competition and giving patients more control over their health care purchases.
“The American people are just beginning to realize what’s in this legislation. Among its most ridiculous proposals is prison time for individuals who don’t sign up for health insurance – an egregious example that more government can literally mean less freedom.”
Michael Wardell is a medically retired 17-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving in Japan and Africa with the Department of State. Wardell is married with two children.
