Quote:
Copyright (C) 2010 by F. Scott Sinclair. All Rights Reserved.
Op-Ed by Novelist F. Scott Sinclair.
Mandates must be altruistic not punitive in nature
in order to maintain the appearance of a traditional
American value. By applying punitive measures--
fines, etc. for failing to buy mandated health care--America
will be showing the world its baser side. Yes, America's
darker side, i.e. like water boarding, extraordinary
renditions, or for being the champion (number #1)
for having the largest prison population in the so-called
free world, etc. But to make a long story short: individual
American citizens will be the target, and the impact
of mandates will fall directly upon the shoulders of
all Americans, living or yet to be born. Let's not
create another crime against humanity because this
time we're the victims (targets), not the criminals or
terrorists. They (criminals, etc.) get free health care:
we don't and won't.
Hence, that's why I've proposed a humane way to
address the mandated provisions of the health
care bill legislation being considered by Congress.
What do I mean by having mandates that are altruistic,
and not punitive? Well, if a mandate is punitive, the
violator is fined in monetary damages, and/or by
incarcerating the violator for a specific period of time.
Altruistic mandates would assess monetary fines only,
but the violator would receive a very basic health care
package in return. Yes, perhaps a catastrophic policy
that pays for all medical expenses after, say..., a $3,000
(+ or -) deductible; that way everyone gets something:
the violator gets insured, and the insurance companies
receive every one's premiums in order to make the
system work. Such levied fines must also be fair, and
monetarily as low as possible, but sufficient enough
to contrubute to the overall health care plan, besides
being sufficient in order to pay for the very basic
catastrophic plan provided the violators of such mandated
health care.
This is just one (& I hope it's a helpful) idea for smoothing
over one contentious portion of the proposed health care
legislation now pending before Congress. Nuff said. Thank
you for your time.
Best regards,
Novelist
F. Scott Sinclair
