Posted on 09/08/2009 12:53:29 PM PDT by AJKauf
A popular but flawed argument is that “health care is a right, not a privilege.” Health care is neither a right nor a privilege. Rather, we all have the right to seek medical treatment through voluntary trade or charity.
Ironically, those who claim health care is “a right and not a privilege” support policies that make it a privilege. When government enforces an alleged “right” to health care, the political class decides what health care is and when it’s appropriate for people to get it. That is, health care becomes a privilege granted by those in charge.
For example, Canadian authorities deemed Bill Murray of Alberta “too old” for a hip procedure — and prohibited him from paying for it himself.
Health care is not a right. Rights are freedoms of action, not entitlements to what others produce. A “right” to health care violates the rights of those who produce it.
“Health care” consists of diagnoses and treatments by highly-trained medical professionals. It involves sophisticated products, instruments, and tests designed and developed at great investment, effort, and cost by scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. That is, people produce health care....
(Excerpt) Read more at pajamasmedia.com ...
Ron Paul put it succinctly:
“Health care isn’t a right, it’s a good.”
In the sense of “goods for sale”.
Don’t agree with everything Rep. Paul has to offer, but he nailed that one.
Ping for later.
“Rights are freedoms of action, not entitlements to what others produce”
Another salient point. And to put it another way, you have no “rights” that impose an involuntary burden on another person.
It is a gift when not paid for.
LLS
Agreed!
It's a personal responsibility....PERIOD.
>> “Rights are freedoms of action, not entitlements to what others produce”
Yeah. I like that one.
Another thing that might soon need protecting with items from the “bullet” box...
Glad to see people picking upper what I have been saying for years. You have no right to what must be produced by the labors of another.
The fight for Obamacare is only about control/power...not about care.
Any man who votes to have aborted babies born alive tossed in the linen cabinet to die doesn't give a sh!t about anyone's health.
Health care is not a right as in freedom or a privilege as in bestowed. Health care is a necessity. If there is any government roll in it at all, it is to ensure that the means are in place to see that it is delivered as efficiently and safely as possible to those who need it. Whether government is capable of this is the question.
First, this is not about health care - it is already provided.
This is a about health insurance. We have care - for free if you cannot afford it.
This is about creating a new taxing authority to tax and regulate what they currently do not. It is simply about money, power and control.
Another salient point. And to put it another way, you have no “rights” that impose an involuntary burden on another person.
Well put. I will add that anything mandated or pushed by law is not a right. Some think everyone has a right to a driver's liscense. Wrong. The state gives you the priviledge after you pass a test, pay your fees, get insurance, etc.
Ironically, the enaliable rights enumerated in the constitution are those most regulated if you think about it.
This is a about health insurance. We have care - for free if you cannot afford it.
EXACTLY! That is what I have been preaching. America's "health care system" is second to none. You go in for shortness of breath, need bypass surgery and you are in within a couple of days. You cannot be denied service for the ability to pay.
It is not about care and there are programs in place for the money. They suck because the government manages them but they are there.
A “right” to health care violates the rights of those who produce it.
So if you are a ‘producer’ of anything, be prepared to give freely of your private property and talents.
All hail the Barbarians inside DC!
Health care is a commodity - just like cars, food, oil, you name it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.