Change of opinion over health care reform

My knee-jerk reaction was outrage over the health care reform legislation's insurance mandate. How can the government force me to buy anything?

As long as the government has the power to tax our income, they can control citizens to buy certain things by offering tax breaks. Case-in-point: I can make the same claim the government is “forcing” (incentivizing) me to buy a house or a hybrid “green” car because they offer me tax credits if I do. I don't get a tax credit and I pay higher taxes if I don't buy them (which could reasonably be described as a “fine”).

Now, if I don't buy insurance, I'm “fined” (i.e., don't get a tax credit) but it all boils down to me paying higher taxes for not buying something. It is established law that the government has the power to tax.

On these grounds, the lawsuit brought by Republicans is a political stunt and a frivolous waste of taxpayer money. Remember tort reform and the principle of eliminating frivolous lawsuits clogging up our courts?

I don't want to pay for the care of “freeloaders.” By incentivizing citizens to purchase insurance on their own or pay higher taxes, fewer people will go uninsured. The more citizens who take personal responsibility and buy insurance, the fewer uninsured people will clog up emergency rooms and get free care on my dime.

When I relaxed and actually thought about it, my knee-jerk reaction was wrong.

Airian Gregory

Cedar Rapids