And the parting on the left
Is now parting on the right
And their beards have all grown longer overnight
Won’t Get Fooled Again
– The Who
By Randall Grantham
Community Columnist
I’m from the government and I’m here to help.
According to Ronald Reagan, and many of you out there, those are the nine most terrifying words in the English language.
I can’t say, for the most part, that I disagree with those sentiments and in the feedback that I got from you regarding the piece on Obamacare that seems to be the biggest fear about the Healthcare legislation that was recently signed into law.
Using a corollary to Reagan’s theorem, USN John pointed out that, besides the Marines, the IRS is the most dangerous arm of our government and they’ll be in charge of enforcing the fines on people who refuse to get the now-mandated health insurance policies.
Although he admits to harboring a liberal belief that all American citizens should have the right to quality and affordable health care, he just doesn’t believe the government can provide it.
He’s got a point.
Challenging the conventional wisdom that says Medicare and the VA are shining examples of successful government health programs he writes, “Medicare has the highest rate for rejecting claims, not to mention being ripped off by fraud to the tune of millions each year. The VA? Guess what, I am a Viet Nam Veteran with a honorable discharge. When I went to the VA for benefits, I was politely told Sorry, but we don’t have enough money to give you benefits, because you have too much in assets to qualify!’ Much different story then what I was told sitting in a class room in Navy boot camp in Great Lakes some 48 years ago!”
Well said, John.
Now for a letter from one of my supporters. PhD Bob said in his email, “Thank you for bringing a real world view to the new health care law.”
Short, sweet and to the point.
Another cheerleader, Jim, said, “I expect I will be in the minority but, I was impressed with how succinct, personal, and realistic your comments were. Thank you for giving voice to what so many of us think.”
What a way with words you have, Jim. But the “agin” crowd is more fun. Or is it?
“Funisnofun” writes in totally bashing the law. He says, “Thanks to Obamacare, my
premium is going up a nice round 25% from already unaffordable levels.”
He also bashes lawyers in general for causing the outrageous costs and me, in particular. “You liberal lawyers can pay for your own hip replacements…or else go on a diet.”
Dude, have you even seen me? While I could be in better physical condition, I don’t think I need to go on a diet. Besides, me and my PPK say I’m a Libertarian.
Running out of space, we have room for a final word on the subject from a reader who is neither “fer nor agin” my article.
Part-time insurance broker Ron says that “the existing laws/rules re: Health Savings Accounts were perfect, but few people utilized them because they didn’t understand them.” When the law was expanded to allow participation by more people in these HSA’s, he says, insurance companies responded by doubling the premium on high deductible plans that usually went along with the HSA, negating any savings.
According to Ron, “Here is what we need to do – everyone in the United States of America needs to cancel their health insurance coverage on the same, predetermined date and change to a guaranteed issue limited benefit plan (like CORE Benefits). That will get their attention in a hurry….screw the insurance companies.”
That’s from a man who knows both sides of the debate.
Randall C. Grantham is a lifelong resident of Lutz who practices law from his offices on Dale Mabry Highway. He can be reached at . Copyright 2010 RCG
