Free Health Care

   Was it a slip, or an example of things to come, the latest line of attack by opponents of President Obama and everything he does?
   On CNN, an interview subject used the term "free health care," and while the news anchor noted the phrase, the exigencies of broadcasting demanded a break for commercials. There was no followup.
   Nevertheless, the phrase is now out. What does it mean? It could portend a new line of attack by conservatives, who have been been fond of mocking what they call "takers" -- read moochers -- and "makers" -- upstanding citizens who are the backbone support of the American way. And Republican conservatives, at that.
   Reality: Health care is not free. Someone pays for it, either directly in cash or through insurance plans, or indirectly through taxpayer support of hospital emergency departments, where the indigent go, and where hospitals are required by law to care for patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

   The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is a law that requires all Americans to buy health insurance, and for those few with little or no money, there are government subsidies. And yes, for some that means a policy acquired from a private company will be free, after government subsidies.
   But to imply that such a situation will be widespread and a rampant erosion of the resources of the wealthy is disingenuous at least and a flat-out lie at worst.
   However, fact and reality have never interfered with political objectives, especially when it comes to bad-mouthing or destroying the opposition.
   So we can expect a new effort by the radical righteous, this time claiming a horde of moochers will descend on the system and drain the public trough through their reliance on "free health care."
   The fact is that insurance of any kind doesn't work unless many folks sign up, contribute to the pools and thus spread the risk.

   Consider these objections:

   "I'm young and healthy, so I don't need health insurance."
   "I drive carefully, so I don't need auto insurance."
   "I live in a new house, so I don't need fire insurance."
   "Floods, hurricanes and earthquakes never hit this area, so I don't need property damage insurance."
   "I have a good job and I'll never be out of work, so I shouldn't have to contribute to unemployment insurance."
   "I lead a charmed life. Lightning will never strike me."

   Dream on. Deniers are those most in need of help.