[mnehring]

This act was specifically for those who had served the country in a military fashion and in no way resembles Obamacare for any and every citizen.

[BelegStrongbow]

So what it really justifies is the existence of Walter Reed Military Hospital.

Gee, I wonder if that’s controversial..?

[xkaydet65]

These were not military hospitals. They were meant for the merchant mariners who hired on to cargo ships and whalers. These hospitals were the forerunner of the he US Public Health Service. We can recognoze this by the naval type uniforms worh by the Surgeon General and USPHS doctors when working.

The similarity to the mandate is superficial. Think of it like charging a fee for using a national park. Any sailor who didn't wish to pay could leave his job, once ashore. There were opportunities to sign on with foreign flag vessels or leave the profession.

The govt's idea was to attract and keep as many able seamen as possible for the Republic's commerical wellbeing.Hospital care was beyond the reach of most in the early 19th century, and giving those in a dangerous but vital occupation a chance at obtaining itat reasonable expense was in the national interest of the Republic.