sds:
It seem there are three questions to answer, two are philosophical and one pragmatic.
1. Does the government have a moral obligation to provide healthcare and/or insurance to all Americans (or ensure that all have care and coverage)?
2. Does the Constitution allow for the federal government to provide healchare and/or insurance to all Americans (or ensure that all have care and coverage)?
3. Assuming #1 and #2 and true, would it even work?
I do not have solid answers to any of these questions, but I lean toward “no” for all three.
I most definitely believe it is the government’s responsibility to keep their citizens healthy. That includes making sure that the health care can be afforded. How often would you hear about bankruptcy from medical expenses 50 or more years ago. Our system is blatantly broken.
I’m not convinced that a single payer system is the best way for the government to ensure the health of its people but the government has to be involved. It’s clear to me though that regulation is required.
I will agree that some of the current problems with health care is due to government intervention. But given the nature of health issues a free-market will not create a reasonable solution. There is no economic incentive for any insurance company to provide insurance to someone with a chronic condition. People don’t plan for that huge surgery they don’t see coming and the insurance companies will screw them on coverage.
As to whether this is constitutional or not it is. There’s argument as to whether the Constitution would mandate it, and most would probably agree that there is no mandate in the wording of the constitution. That’s the beauty of the Constitution though, it’s a living document. What’s true in it today isn’t tomorrow.
Question #3 is the one I’m in most agreement with you on. The Congress has given no indication of competency and I’m not one to expect it right now. Current incompetency is no reason to say that it can’t work with quality writing.
