Written by Frank Li
Beyond “fake newsâ€, the biggest topic in America today is definitely healthcare, from Congress to many homes. Here is my take: Obamacare must not be repealed without a better replacement in place. Two main reasons:
- No matter how bad Obamacare was ill-conceived initially and how poorly it has been implemented since then, it is a part of America already. Therefore, it would be too destructive to repeal it without a better replacement.
- Healthcare is very complex. Let’s take the time to get it right this time, if we did not do it last time. In other words, two wrongs do not make one right.
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1. President Obama and Obamacare
President Obama’s legacy is defined by Obamacare. Specifically, two points:
- Good: Having healthcare coverage for all Americans is a good idea. President Obama finally made it happen – a good thing, conceptually at least!
- Bad: Obamacare has turned out to be just yet another huge give-away and financial sinkhole, taxing Mary to subsidize John, while further adding to the enormous national debt!
For more, read: Correctly Assessing President Obama.
2. Is healthcare a right?
Yes and no!
Yes, I believe “basic healthcare” is not only a human right, but also a good economic policy. Note that I emphasize “basic healthcare”, which is a safety net rather than a robust coverage of everything for everybody! One main reason: in a free society like ours, we revere all forms of freedom, including the freedom of being alcoholic and obese (America’s Obesity Epidemic Hits a New High). But nobody else should pay for your illness as a result of some bad personal choices!
No, I believe “robust healthcare” is not a right! In analogy, like the food-stamp program which was designed to prevent mal-nutrition, basic healthcare should cover the basic needs (e.g. yearly check-up and immunization). However, if you want robust healthcare (or fancy food), pay extra for it!
3. Why do some Americans keep demanding more and more rights?
Thanks to democracy, as we practice it today! Specifically, two main reasons:
- We, as a country, have failed to adapt over time. For more, read: Not All Men Are Created Equal!
- Democratic Socialism. Here is an extreme example: Thanks to Federal Assistance, Low-Income Americans Live in Luxury Apartments in Chicago. Below is an excerpt.
One luxury building used by voucher holders, 500 North Lake Shore Drive, qualifies as the most expensive apartment building in downtown Chicago, according to Chicago Real Estate Daily. Rents for a one-bedroom approach $3,000 … The units subsidized by federal Section 8 vouchers in this building and others are unaffordable for the vast majority of U.S. taxpayers.
What a great life of “pay without work” for some in America!
4. Why do some Americans keep getting more and more rights?
Thanks to democracy, as we practice it today!
Simply put, our politicians are using the money of the rich (and unwitting middle class) to buy the votes of the poor! Healthcare is merely a recent example.
5. Discussion
America is being destroyed by Democratic Socialism (as well as Democratic Imperialism), of which healthcare is just a recent example: we no longer can get anything big done. Worse yet, when we do, it’s often the wrong thing, either a wrong problem or a wrong solution, or both!
The challenge for the Republicans: having bitterly complained about Obamacare for seven long years, you now have a chance to repeal and replace it – Can you really do it?
The mime below illustrates one perspective of the current GOP plan in Congress.
Will we eventually have a good healthcare bill? Unlikely – More likely we will get yet another, perhaps worse abomination!
The video below explains it very well.
More profoundly, why can some other countries handle healthcare well (e.g. Norway, Singapore, and Japan), but we just can’t?
“It’s the political system, stupid!â€
For more, read my book: American Democracy.
6. Closing
Do not repeal Obamacare without a better replacement! Because we have no replacement yet, do not repeal Obamacare!
Now, please sit back and enjoy the short video below.
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