Honest, I Tried to Let it Go

Honest. I tried to let it go.

It is spring break. But, old habits die hard. Coming into my craft room with that first cup of coffee, I switched on my computer and flipped the TV over to Fox news. The first news was of the "yes" votes that have switched to "no" votes and the "no" votes who have switched to "yes" votes on the health care bill. The hair on the back of my neck began to tickle. Call me a cynic, but at this point in the game, if you are changing your vote short of a visitation from an angel of the Lord, I have to question what is in it for you.

But, having written about health care several times, I let it pass.

Then, President Obama came on giving a speech to George Mason University. Initially, I muted the TV, not wishing to raise my blood pressure. My desire is to respect the office of the presidency and the person who holds it, so I generally attempt to avoid those situations where I know that my respect is likely to be undermined. But, the speech continued for an extended period of time, so I began to listen.

For those of you who are not involved in public policy, let me tell you a secret. You do not have to understand legislation, the legislative process or politics to understand what is being proposed in the health care bill. All you have to know is a little bit about money and government.

1. There is very little that government can do better than the free market (think national defense).
2. When government is responsible for paying, they then have a reason to regulate EVERYTHING that is covered by those payments.
3. Health care is a commodity - the services you receive costs money.

So, here is what the proponents of the health care reform before them would have you believe.

1. Mandating insurance companies to provide free preventive care will lower your insurance costs. (They actually tried that once before - remember HMO's?)
2. Increasing the number of people on Medicaid (socialized system) will lower the cost of health care. (The bill for the State of Texas will be about $2 billion a year. They get that money out of your pocket.)
3. Increasing the number of people on government programs will lower the deficit. (Deserves no explanation. If you believe that, I have ocean front property in Arizona for you.)
4. You will be able to keep your current insurance. (Of course, that doesn't take into account the fact that your insurance company is likely to go out of business.)
5. You can keep your own doctor. (Unless they are one of the 30 percent of doctors who say they will retire immediately or early if the health care reform passes.

Perhaps the most interesting thing to watch has been the switch in the debate from the merits (or lack thereof) of the bill to the politics of it. In my 18 years at the Texas Capitol, "it's for the little, sick children" has always been a trump argument. We are now hearing that the reason for passing the legislation is because it is critical for President Obama's presidency. If the legislation fails, there is a fear that the liberal arm of the party will be alienated. Well, isn't that a special reason to take control of 1/6 of the nation's economy.

It is not political rhetoric to believe that the outcome of this particular debate is going to leave a mark on our history that will be discussed for years. This week will be remembered as the time when our nation tottered on a precipice. Will we slide into the abyss of socialism and the resulting slavery? Or, will peeking over the edge and just seeing the abyss, shock us into pulling back?

Only God knows. And my prayer goes out to Him to hear our cry and save our land.

Blessed be the Lord , who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. Psalm 68:19