The United States already has a universal health care program in place. It is called Medicare. Every single working individual and his or her employer together contribute to the program for their entire working life, 2.9% of all wages. Unlike Social Security there is no limit on the amount of wages subject to the Medicare contribution (tax)and applies to anyone making more than $1,700 a year (not exactly rich). It is suppose to be the health insurance policy for the elderly. It is bankrupt. It can only provide coverage by paying below the market rate for health care as well as ration what care is provided. Doctors and patients both hate it. And now they want to have a mandated program for everyone else?? Yeah, right.

One other thing. The VA Hospitals. You know, the ones that are suppose to take care of the miltary vets. And they are run by the federal government. They are a disgrace. My grandfather (WWI navy vet) cried when he was taken to one near the end of his life. His health and spirit went straight into the toilet. We ended up moving him to private care, and surprise, surprise he got better and lived for another two years. A promise made by our nation to take care of those who served and placed their lives on the line not kept. The anger I felt that day watching my grandfather cry because he was being taken to a VA Hospital is still with me, and will be to the day I die. Maybe when liberals can point to the VA Hospitals as an shiny example of what the federal government can do, then maybe we’ll let them touch our health care. Until then, forget about it.