On Monday, September 12, 2011, CNN hosted what is being called a “Tea Party debate”. A specific question that was asked regarding health insurance unexpectedly revealed a truly disturbing viewpoint from the crowd, as well as the politicians. It seems they prefer to let the uninsured die, rather than to have society pay for the health care needs of the sick and uninsured.
Wolf Blitzer was the host of this debate between GOP politicians who are contending for the nomination that would allow them to compete against President Obama in the 2012 election. One of the most important topics that will be discussed and debated about in the time between now, and the next Presidential election in 2012 is health care.
To summarize, the Republicans (otherwise known as the GOP) are vehemently opposed to the health care reform that comes from President Obama’s health insurance overhaul. The Republicans do not want the government to become involved in health care, and health insurance, and certainly do not want the federal government to start providing health insurance plans to people.
Given this, it seems logical that Wolf Blitzer would be asking the candidates questions that relate to health care, and health insurance. He posed a hypothetical question to Ron Paul. Perhaps Ron Paul was selected to be asked this question because in addition to being a politician, he has a background as a physician. Wolf Blitzer asked:
“A healthy, 30-year-old young man has a good job, makes a good living, but decides: “You know what? I’m not going to spend 200 or 300 dollars a month for health insurance, because I’m healthy; I don’t need it.” But, you know, something terrible happens; all of a sudden, he needs it. Who’s going to pay for it, if he goes into a coma, for example? Who pays for that?”
Ron Paul answered by saying: “In a society that you accept welfarism and socialism, he expects the government to take care of him”. Wolf Blitzer went on to ask what Ron Paul would prefer instead. At first, Ron Paul advised that the man should have a major medical policy. Wolf Blitzer reiterated that the man didn’t have one. Ron Paul then went on to say:
“That’s what freedom is all about: taking your own risks”.
This brought a cheer from the audience. Wolf Blitzer responded with:
“But congressman, are you saying that society should just let him die?”
Here is where things get even more disturbing. The question by Wolf Blitzer was immediately followed by a response by someone in the audience, who yelled “Yeah”. This was repeated by more people in the audience.
People who came to watch the GOP debate truly feel that it is better to let people die than to have society pay for the health care the person desperately needs. None of the candidates on the stage said anything at all to say, which strongly implies that they, too, feel the way the audience did.
Do you have health insurance? If you are getting it through your employer, then you could lose it in the blink of an eye. Thousands of people lost their health insurance when they lost their jobs. Many more are unable to find jobs that offer health insurance. Do you really want a President who would prefer to just let you die rather than spend money on the health care that you, or your family member, needs in order to live?
Image by cliff1066 on Flickr