By Bob McClure, JMI President & CEO
. . . when asking questions or understanding the issue of healthcare reform:
1) Everyone believes the system is in need of reform. Simply because one opposes government controlled healthcare does not mean one opposes reform- And don’t let those who say otherwise get away with that. One does not make a weak man strong by making a strong man weak.
2) The people who have given us the IRS, who have bankrupted Medicare/Social Security, who have given us Amtrak and the USPS and their billion dollar black hole budgets, who have given us Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac- are now asking us to forget all of that history, and are saying now they really can get healthcare right.
3) Those who support the so-called “public option” are trying to co-opt the language as another form for choice and competition. A referee (the government) that can make the rules and play the game at the same time always wins, and eventually no one else will even want to play.
4) If these are great ideas why has every bill in Congress so far exempted Congress from being required to participate in whatever is passed.
I am optimistic- these town hall meetings, tea parties and numerous other civic gatherings are the greatness that is America. We don’t kiss the ring of the ruler-our elected officials work for us- understand that you are making a difference. You don’t have to be rich, powerful, or beautiful- you just have to care.For answers on true healthcare reform, read our September 2009 study and talking points on “The Prognosis for National Health Insurance: A Florida Perspective” prepared for JMI by Arduin, Laffer & Moore Econometrics.
2010
