Coverage of Michael Tanner Speech at Northwood
A speech on health care reform at Northwood University last night sponsored by Students for a Free Economy was covered by WEYI-TV25 and the Midland Daily News.
SFE hosted Michael Tanner, senior fellow at the Cato Institute, who discussed "The Obamacare to Come." Tanner, a nationally known author and speaker, will discuss the same topic tonight in East Lansing.
Tag: Media Coverage
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Paul
I was in attendance last evening at Northwood to hear Michael Tanner's presentation. Thank you for the opportunity to gain insight on this highly debated subject.
It is an erroneous fundamental assumption that what might be good for the estimated twelve to fifteen million of our uninsured population desiring health care coverage, will also be beneficial to our entire nation. Supporters of the liberal lead plan clearly have not considered the secondary effects of socialized medicine.
Health care reform is one of the major issues being addressed currently in America today. In researching this topic for a government class I recently took, I was somewhat ambivalent because I knew so little except what I had heard on the news. As a compassionate person, I support the notion that all people, if desirable, should have access to some health insurance. However, it appears government is merely trying to put a bandage on a gaping wound and not trying to solve the core issues in our health care system. The issue is not the the quality of care, but the lack of innovation and choice options not available due to regulations.
I don't necessarily think it is desirable for "everyone to have health insurance." Some people don't want or need it. Some people can self-insure. Some people may not even want what we would consider adequate medical care, and that's their right.
The cost of the socialized health care program has been severely underestimated. The Congressional Budget Office estimated an increase of $2.7 trillion in federal spending over the next decade to implement and carry out this plan. If anything, this would surely add to the deficit and dig an even deeper hole for this nation to get out of. As a practical human being, I do not want to foot the bill for everyone or have my health care regulated by government as private health care agencies are forced out of business.
This is why I appreciated the comments and solutions Mr. Tanner eluded to. Free market competition is key. A public option will drive up debt, taxes, and inflation as shortfalls would be made up by monetizing the debt.