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Today I had an epiphany. It was as if the sky opened up and revealed to me the basic fundamental universal truth of humanity, responsibility and our relationship with our Government. The debate over Government controlled health insurance reform has presented to me a matrix by which we can structure our society now and for the future. It all comes down to one simple concept, that of "God given rights".
While listening to a radio call in program, I heard someone make an impassioned case that quality health care is a God given right to everyone regardless of their socio-economic standing or ability to pay. He totally rejected the concept of for profit business with regard to doctors, hospitals or insurance companies. In his world, some high moral authority is charged with deciding what is right and fair for American citizens and
business. Strangely, it is all starting to make sense to me.
I'm so on board with this guy, that I would like to add a few suggestions for other areas of human need that could be interpreted as "God given rights".
I believe that access to food and shelter is a "GGR". We can't allow fellow citizens to starve or live under the stars just because they aren't gainfully employed. Let's mandate that grocery stores must give free food to anyone who's family is living under four times the poverty level. There are also plenty vacant houses and apartments around. Why doesn't our Government just buy them up and give them to people who have no place to live? In addition, since we don't want them to lose their homes because they can't pay property taxes, we should waive, subsidize or just cover the cost of taxes related to shelter.
In addition, all Americans have a right to be comfortable and safe in their homes. That is why Government should make electricity and gas free to all who can't afford it. Phone service should be a right as well, you know for safety and security. I'm only suggesting land lines, not cell service...that would be crazy.
The right to work is important. Everyone who wants a job, should get one. If work is not available, or the worker is unqualified, the Federal Government could set up "job banks" just like Detroit. Job bank participants can earn a wage while sitting in large Government cafeterias and doing cross word puzzles all day, just like Detroit.
The ability to travel freely is a "GGR". Everyone needs a vehicle and fuel to run it. How about a "clunkers for the poor" program and gas vouchers or Government paid credit cards? Better yet, we could provide hybrid vehicles for the poor. Social justice and green too!
It is a "GGR" for every citizen to be informed. For that reason, the Government should cover the costs of not just the converters, but also cable television and Internet access for all Americans who can't afford it.
Everyone has a right to look good. How about covering the costs of make up and tattoos? Maybe cosmetic surgery?
Shoes, nobody should have to go barefoot in this Country.
Wow! I'm feeling so good about myself helping all these downtrodden citizens. Power to the people! Stick it to the Man!
Silly, I know, but it brings us to an interesting point. Who presumes to determine what is a right for Americans and how it will be paid for. What happened to the virtues of hard work, education, innovation and paying your own way? As has been the case time and again with this administration, those virtues are becoming irrelevant. This invasive Government and Liberal administration insists on choosing winners and losers, and in doing so destroys our free market and blurs the line between right and wrong. We do have "God given rights" to be sure, but they have nothing to do with forcing others to pick up the check for goods or services we desire.
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