Real Reform?

For those who have not been glued to CSPAN or the news, the House version of healthcare reform passed last night, 220-215. This was another step toward a government-run healthcase system (aka. the public option). Just before this vote, the House also approved the Stupak-Pitts Amendment ensuring that abortion would not be covered by this House version of healthcare reform. At the very least, I hope this Amendment stays in the Healthcare bill, if it gets to President Obama's desk. There is still a long way to go and those with practical, deficit decreasing, and common sense reforms can still work to stop a bill that increases government's power. This leads me to my next point that some wonder: why do I oppose the House version of healthcare reform?

There are a few reasons:

- The essense of the bill: The Government gaining even more power than it already has after bailouts, a stimulus package, and the takeover of automobile companies and banks.
- Its Cost - how much will it really cost (1.2 Trillion? 1.5 Trillion? 2 Trillion or more?) and who will have to pay for it. Is it just a tax on the rich? Or will the middle class inevitably have to pay for it? Remember, the basic economic principle: there is no such thing as a free lunch.
- Will Abortions be covered? I know the Stupak-Pitts Amendment seeks to block federal funding for abortions but will this amendment be stripped when the Senate bill (if it makes it to Reconcilation) and House bill are reconcilied?
- Will there be any kind of Tort Reform?
- Will Illegal Immigrants be covered?
- How many government agencies will be created for support this bill?

These are the questions which makes me disapprove of the House version. There are others but these are the main ones. The fact is I have not read the 2,000+ page bill. Who has? Seriously. I am really concerned that whatever final version of Healthcare reform that gets to President Obama's desk will not be deficit neutral but a massive increase of our national debt over the next few years and beyond.

Yes, there are problems will our current healthcare system. It would be ideal for every legal American citizen to have healthcare. Yet, I know two things for sure: 1. The Government is never the solution, and 2. there is no such thing as a free lunch.
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