Stefanie wrote:
You assume that there are no other options in your scenario. What about the possibility of fixing one's own boat? Rather than asking what government (society) is going to do about the boats, why can't the people at least attempt address their own problems themselves? Have American citizens really become that helpless, incompetent, lazy, and/or irresponsible?

My scenario is not intended to eliminate that possibility. However, inevitably, and very realistically, some problems will be beyond the means of the individuals who incur them to manage, and that is really what is at issue when you talk about healthcare. You're talking about people who have critical illnesses and can not access care. (You are also talking about the overall cost of care, but that is not a "rights" issue so I'll leave it aside in this discussion.)

You also suggest that no one is willing to help anyone else. Is that how you would expect Americans to react?

Of course not. My scenario is not intended to eliminate the possibility of charity. However, inevitably, and very realistically, some problems will be beyond the reach of available charity. Some people will not find neighbors willing to offer them a ride. Certainly, there is a real problem with uninsured people in this country and charity is not bridging the gap. To see what they have been able to do, note the links below.

If so, you and I are experiencing different Americas, and I would go so far as to call that scenario unrealistically pessimistic.

Is it? See also this.

As for the former category, I believe that they can receive the help they need without us plunging the country into socialism.

Why is it that people insist on equating a national healthcare system with "plunging the country into socialism." Oh, please. Most western countries have a national healthcare system, including Hong Kong, which the Heritage Foundation calls the world's freest economy! The choices are not as black and white as freedom or despotism.

Why does the phrase "give me convenience, or give me death" come to mind? Yes, I know you're discussing life and health, not consumerism, but I can't imagine wanting to give up control over my own life for more life. I'm sure you've heard this before, but why not make water, food, and shelter rights, while you're at it? Those are all much more important and fundamental than healthcare.

And generally speaking, people have access to them. If there were 50 million homeless people in America it would be a bigger issue than it is, I think.

But lets focus on where you took this... Are there any tax supported government services that you support. What makes them different than tax supported government services that inevitably lead us to despotism? What are you willing to "give up control over you life" for?

RE: FIVE CONSERVATIVE MYTHS