Every now and then I like to take back my old blog and share my thoughts. If you remember, this blog used to be named "Deep Thoughts by Eric" before it was "redesigned". I know a few people who will just boil over what I say below and some of them are my own family. But, that's what makes blogs so great. It's all mine and I can say whatever I want. So, here goes my post for 2010...
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The idea that health care is a basic human right was partially the result of President Roosevelt’s State of the Union message to the Congress in 1944. Among a number of other rights he mentioned was “the right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health”. The context of his speech became known as “The Second Bill of Rights”. Even though nothing came from his proposal, many still refer to the “Second Bill of Rights” as if it were law. This “bill” was filled with similar “rights” such as the right to a decent home, a good education, protection from sickness, and even the right to a job. Only a politician could guarantee rights such as these with a straight face.
There is a big difference between the actual “United States Bill of Rights” and President Roosevelt’s proposed additions. The original rights could be guaranteed regardless of the economic condition of the country. For example, the right to free speech can persist even in an economic collapse. The right to bear arms could be maintained during a depression. In contrast, the “Second Bill of Rights” was filled with items that could never be guaranteed during a long term downturn.
How can something be a right if it can only be guaranteed during optimal economic conditions in wealthy countries? How can you guarantee a job when no companies are hiring? How can you guarantee an education when colleges shutdown due to lack of funding? How can you guarantee medical care when there is no money pay for the equipment and doctors?
Anyone who argues for rights such as these assumes that the government will always be able to fund these services. What they forget is that the government is not a bank or a company. The government is funded solely from taxpayers, businesses, and issued bonds. Our government has never been profitable. If the government was a company, it would have gone out of business long ago. The point is that without the constant influx of taxes into the government, all government services would cease within a short time.
What does it mean to have a right to something if it can no longer be provided? It means nothing. It’s a lie. It’s false hope. It’s a political tactic. Healthcare, jobs, education are not rights because they can never be guaranteed. Even in socialism, these things can never be guaranteed.
Before anyone considers me evil, let me be clear that I think we should do all can to help others in need. Matthew 25 says that when Jesus returns, He will say to His sheep “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” The Bible never says that there is a God given right to healthcare, housing or even happiness on the earth. Instead, it says that we should do everything can to help others who are in need of some of these things.
Does this mean that we should abandon our capitalistic society and switch to socialism so that everyone is equal? No, because the reason this country is able to provide all we can around the world is precisely because of our wealth. That’s why it’s confusing to me why so many seem to be embarrassed about our standing in the world. Also, how much more could we help others if every family in America were not saddled with so much debt?
The next time that you hear someone say that health care, housing, education, or anything else is a right, ask yourself if that right can be guaranteed and who can guarantee it. If it cannot be guaranteed, who cares if it’s a right? It means absolutely nothing.
Roosevelt's Second Bill of Rights
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Bill_of_Rights
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