MWR : Health care reform

Last updated November 24.

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Sept. 21, 2009 issue

Health care reform

By David L. Weldy Monclova, Ohio

None of the articles I have seen on health care reform have given an honest, objective evaluation of the underlying principles and ramifications of different payment reforms. Here are several essential questions.

Should there be individual freedom and self-determination? Does an individual have a right to the fruits of one’s own labor? Is there any freedom at all if there is no freedom to fail?

Is it right to forcibly take someone’s property and give it to someone else? Taxes are exactly that process, but traditionally benefit society as a whole (roads, defense, etc.) and not individuals. Although society may benefit from healthier individuals, it is primarily the individual who benefits, and monies are paid directly on their behalf. It is my understanding that the “government” is us; therefore, I as an individual am responsible for taking another person’s property and giving it to someone else “more deserving.” Who am I to think I know better how to manage someone else’s property (money) than they do? I’m not sure I can think of anything more presumptuous or self-righteous than that.

Christ told the rich young man to personally give to the poor (Matt. 19:16-26). He doesn’t say to take someone else’s property and give it to the poor. Ananias and Sapphira were punished not for keeping their money but for lying about it (Acts 5:1-11).

The answers to the above must be consistent with all 10 of the Ten Commandments. I pray that each of us will step back from our own desires and biases, refrain from impugning the intelligence of others and look again at Scripture as well as the ideals on which this country was created in addressing this problem.

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