Genesis of the "NO" Logo
In history there have been two basic forms of social organization: collectivism and individualism. In the 20th and 21st century, collective variations have included socialism, fascism, Nazism, and communism. Under collectivism, a ruling class of “intellectuals”, bureaucrats, politicians and/or social planners decides what people want or what is “good” for society and then uses the coercive power of the State to regulate, tax and redistribute wealth in an attempt to achieve their desired objectives. Individualism is a political and social philosophy that emphasizes individual liberty, belief in the primary importance of the individual and in the virtues of self-reliance and personal independence and responsibility. It embraces opposition to controls over the individual when exercised by the state. The Preamble to our Constitution makes it plain that all power rests originally with the people, as individuals.
The “O” within the circle represents collectivism in its various forms. The “N” represents an emphatic repudiation of collectivism. The red, white and blue circles encompassing the “NO” are emblematic of our Republic. It is the responsibility of the individuals in an engaged and enlightened republic to limit the influence of the government, especially one that attempts to wield power outside the boundaries delineated by the Constitution.
- There isn't a single government agency or division that runs efficiently; do we really want an organization that developed the U.S. Tax Code handling something as complex as health care? Do we really want politicians and bureaucrats controlling such an important aspect of our lives?
- "Free" health care isn't really free since we must pay for it with taxes; expenses for health care would have to be paid for with higher taxes or spending cuts in other areas such as defense, education, etc.
- Profit motives, competition, and individual ingenuity have always led to greater cost savings and effectiveness. Government controlled health care would stifle this.
- Government-controlled health care would lead to a decrease in patient flexibility.
- Patients aren't likely to have their drug costs and doctor visits decreased if health care is free; When utilization go up, rationing will eventually have to occur.
- Just because Americans are uninsured doesn't mean they can't receive health care; nonprofits and government-run hospitals provide services to those who don't have insurance, and it is illegal to refuse emergency medical service because of a lack of insurance. Even individuals who are in this country illegally can not be refused care. Just ask many of the health care providers that worked in hospitals in southern California that are now closed!
- Government-mandated procedures will likely reduce doctor flexibility and lead to suboptimal patient care.
- Healthy people who take care of themselves will have to pay for the burden of those who smoke, are obese, etc.
- A long, painful transition will have to take place involving lost insurance industry jobs, business closures, and new patient record creation.
- Loss of private practice options and autonomy, along with reduced pay, may dissuade many would-be doctors from pursuing the profession. It currently takes a minimum of 12 years of post-high school education (college, medical school and residency training) before physicians start their careers. Many physicians begin their practicing years hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, which they incurred in order to finance their educations.
- Malpractice lawsuit costs, which are already sky-high, could further explode since universal care may expose the government to legal liability, and the possibility to sue someone with deep pockets usually invites more lawsuits.
- Government is more likely to pass additional restrictions or increase taxes on smoking, fast food, etc., leading to a further loss of personal freedoms.
- Patient confidentiality is likely to be compromised since centralized health information will likely be maintained by the government. This will result in "Big Brother" on steroids.
- Like social security, any government benefit eventually is taken as a "right" by the public, meaning that it's politically near impossible to remove or curtail it later on when costs get out of control.
- A recent study by David Green and Laura Casper, "Delay, Denial and Dilution,"written for the London-based Institute of Economic Affairs, concludes that the British health care services are just about the worst in the developed world. Do we need to experience this for the next 30-40 years before we draw the same conclusions?
- Government controlled health care already exists in the U.S.. Perhaps you have friends or family members who have received care through the Veterans Administration or the Indian Health Service. Walk through those facilities and visit with some patients, then walk through a privately-run health care facility and do the same. Tell me that you can't see and smell the difference!
Ask yourself this question: How many Americans seek health care abroad? On the other hand, how many foreigners come to America to seek health services not provided in their countries or not provided in a timely manner? Our system has it's flaws, but it remains the best in the world. I would never dream of going to Canada or Britain for my health care and neither would you!
