Free Republic founder Jim Robinson is never happy, but right now he’s particularly pissed off that Obamacare was not repealed. He took to the pages of Free Republic to post a missive. It starts with short rant, then includes an open letter to congress and then a call to action from Freepers. In response, here’s an open letter to Jim.
Dear Jim:
I hope you’re sitting down for this. Oh, right, you have to be sitting down because both of your legs were amputated. Diabetes, wasn’t it? That sucks, but as you posted, you were very pleased that the government provided you top-notch surgeons for the procedure.
Now, before you get all red-faced screaming about how you “earned” that VA healthcare by being a veteran, let me just say that I completely agree. I, however, am not the person insisting that the government has no business providing health care to anyone, and, in fact, is barred from doing so by the Constitution itself. You are saying that.
Now, before you attempt to point out that the VA is part of our national defense, just don’t. It isn’t. The Veterans Administration is a civilian agency lead by a cabinet-level secretary and has nothing whatsoever to do with the Department of Defense. The only connection it has is that it is meant to serve those who served in the armed services. It is not part of the national defense and it is not mentioned in the Constitution — a document you cite fifteen times in a short post. Bottom line: you are a huge hypocrite.
You know what is in the Constitution? The Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the final arbiter of what is Constitutional — not you and your fevered horde of bigots and morons. And all these things you insist are unconstitutional? Well, you lost that fight. What is that phrase you love these days? Oh yeah, “You lost, get over it.”
Repeal 100% of Obamacare and replace with free enterprise/free market solutions per the U.S. Constitution!
Since I know you’re sitting down I have to let you in on something that might shock you: the U.S. Constitution doesn’t mandate “free market” anything. In fact, it give Congress a great deal of control over the economy and a mandate to promote “the general welfare,” of which health care is an obvious part. The Constitution is not a magic spell that makes things work out according to your world view just by shouting its title.
Nothing else is acceptable or workable.
You’re half right. Nothing else acceptable to you. We know that, and we don’t care what’s acceptable to you. Workable? Well, let’s dig into that. Name one — just one — example of a “free market” health care system that works as well as Canadian single payer or the British NHS. Just one example would be nice. If “workability” is a criterion — and I completely agree that it should be— then you need to demonstrate the workability of this “free market” idea. Just once. Ever.
We rebelled against a tyrannical king for a lot less than this!
No, you idiot, it wasn’t for “a lot less.” Read the fucking Declaration of Independence. You know, the document which says that “life” is a God-given right? That would be the kind of life that requires healthcare, you dipshit.
The government does not owe us health care or health care insurance. It’s NOT a God-given right! Nor is it a constitutional power for the federal government. It's reserved to the states and the people!
Oh, OK. Providing healthcare is a power that “the people” have. And if a majority of “the people” think that providing health care is an activity best orchestrated by an organization they have empowered to represent them at the federal level, then is it OK? No? Oh, sorry people, Jim Robinson wasn’t talking to you. When he said, “the people,” he was talking about “certain people.” His people. Not you filthy Americans.
Our constitutionally limited government was not intended to take care of us from cradle to grave.
Well, yes and no. It was intended to manage the country for the benefit of “the people” whatever “the people” decided that means. In the 21st century, that means providing access to basic healthcare to everyone. Yes, we know that just infuriates you. So many “undeserving” people might not die. That makes you sad. Have one of your neo-Nazi pals give you a hug to make you feel better. We know it would make you feel better if the world were reshaped to follow your small-minded, vicious world-view, but request denied, Mr. Robinson.
Do cheer up, though. You are much prettier when you smile.