Ryan ChartrandTaxpayers aren’t responsible for your health and happiness
Dustin Stone, did you read what the definition of a right is in the article you cited? The right to life means that nobody can take someone’s life away! That in no way means that the government (read: taxpayers) are responsible for paying for the health care of others.
I am saying you are wrong for thinking that health care falls under the right to life. For example, your right to life means that it is illegal for someone to kill you, but I have no obligation to pay for your health care. Your health care is your responsibility, not mine.
Universal child health care was already tried in Hawaii. It lasted seven months, after which it ended because people who could afford health care for their children took advantage of the “free” (paid for by taxpayers) health care from the state. I’d imagine that the entitlement mentality of this country would lead to a similar situation on a federal level if universal health care were available nationwide.
Oh, I’m glad you didn’t get started on the “pursuit of happiness,” because it seems to me that by your definition of a right, the government should buy me a nice house, a Ferrari, a ski boat and a motorcycle so that I can be happy! You and I both know that such an idea is absurd, so take some responsibility and work hard to take care of yourself and live a happy life. The government will protect your life, not make it more comfortable!
David Lewis
mechanical engineering junior