Recently posted by the Associated Press and Yahoo! News was an article titled “Edwards backs mandatory preventive care” (Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007).
Talk about scary !! This article scares me to death. John Edwards’ universal health care proposal would REQUIRE that Americans go to the doctor for preventive care. It would REQUIRE that everyone be covered.
What happened to freedom of choice? What happened to alternative medicine (home remedies, chiropractic treatments, those recommended by a nutritional therapist, or otherwise)? What happened to the American Dream (remember that is where a person can forge their own way in life, make their own decisions, choose their future, etc.).
Yes, I know this is only talking about preventative care, and not the whole ball of wax. But it seems to me that one thing would lead to another, and before long, this would bring about socialized medicine. And I don’t like to be forced to do things.
I do not want Government telling me what to do as far as healthcare goes. I am not in favor of many of the things I see in the medical and healthcare field. I go to my doctor for check ups and diagnoses. But I might not choose to follow the regimen or procedures recommended by my doctor. I’m glad to have knowledge of health issues that concern me, but it should be my own personal decision and choice how I handle the situation. I should be able to 1) seek a second opinion on health issues, 2) take home remedies if they are suitable and worthwhile, 3) look at alternative medicines (whether they are in the U.S. or not).
The same holds true for preventive care. I choose not to go to the doctor every single year. What is wrong with every other year? (I might end up going every year, but I don’t necessarily plan to.) If there was something wrong with my body, I think I would know it. And as far as cancer or some other hidden problem, I’m willing to take any consequences. 1) I have a Father in heaven who knows my situation and needs, and I trust him, and 2) If cancer or something similar should be my lot, I’m willing to accept it — and I may or may not decide to take radiation, chemo, or some other prescribed treatment — the choice should be mine (I would much rather try some herbal or natural means along with prayer to bring healing if the need should arise).
Yes, everyone needs some form of healthcare, it seems, but they already receive it. There are Medicare, Medicaid and other programs that regularly cover those who cannot afford the standard healthcare insurance. Yes, there are a few people who fall in between the cracks (those unemployed or whose income is border line as far as the income cutoffs go, etc.) But if those people should have an emergency of some type, the government programs would kick in (or else donations from private individuals). I doubt there is anyone in the U.S. who is totally without healthcare in some form or fashion. A friend of mine had a job, got cancer, and had no insurance. He eventually was going to be put on disability and various government assistance programs, but he died before that came about. Still, his hospital bills were all paid for – even without being on Medicare and other programs.
One other thought to ponder. If more preventative care is desired, then who is going to pay for it? Especially if it is mandatory in some way? That will mean more people in the doctor’s offices and more “extra” treatments and procedures as I call them. And much more money spent on healthcare. That money will have to come out of the taxpayers’ pockets. That is all there is to it. Money does not grow on trees. Somewhere down the line, this will all catch up to the individual. Nothing is free. And if you get more of an expensive thing like medical treatment (even preventative treatment — whatever that entails), then it will cost money. With the government assistance programs currently in effect, the taxpayers already do cover the medical expenses of those deemed less fortunate. I am definitely NOT in favor of John Edwards’ proposal regarding mandatory preventative medicine in the U.S. That is socialized medicine, and I am NOT in favor of it.
Here are some related articles and websites:
Edwards on health care: “You MUST be monitored”
Edwards proposal for universal health care has jarring mandatory tone
John Edwards: “you can’t choose not to go to the doctor for 20 years.”
John Edwards wants to force people to go to the doctor
Edwards plan forces doctor visits
A Hard Lesson About Socialized Medicine
Socialized Medicine: The Canadian Experience
Problems with Socialized Health Care
Socialized medicine: A bad bargain
Why Socialized Medicine Is Bad
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