One-Minute
Liberty Tip

The "Public Option" is Neither Public Nor Optional

by Sharon Harris

Proponents of a government health insurance plan have won a major rhetorical victory by having it commonly referred to as the "public option."
 
No defender of freedom should ever use that term. It is sheer propaganda, and highly misleading.
 
When you hear it used, consider politely responding that it is actually "the so-called public option."
 
Point out that this term is deceptive. Just as "public schools" are really "government schools, funded by taxpayers," the "public option" is really a "government health care plan, to be paid for by your tax dollars." It's actually the "government option."
 
Further, should it become law, it will likely quickly become not just an "option" but a mandatory plan. Health insurance companies must make a profit or go out of business. The government, of course, does not. It can offer insurance policies at below-market prices and operate at a loss for decades (like the Post Office, Amtrak, and endless other examples). Government can also burden and harass private sector insurance companies with ever-more-expensive mandates and requirements that will drive them out of business.
 
Soon enough, the "public option" may well become the only choice for the great majority of Americans, just as high taxes and regulations have made today's disastrous public -- excuse me, government -- schools the only practical choice for many Americans today, even those who would greatly prefer private alternatives.
 
The so-called "public option" is also not "optional" in the sense that taxpayers will have to fund it, regardless of whether or not they want to, and even if they find some aspects of it offensive to their moral views.
 
So don't let Big Government advocates get away with language like "public option."
 
Of course, virtually everyone realizes our current system is badly in need of bold change to help consumers. So let your listeners know that libertarians see this, sympathize with those suffering under our current system, and support strong reforms to dramatically increase consumer choice, lower health care costs, and help the needy. Be ready to offer alternatives to the radical takeover of our health care system being promoted today.
 
Here are some excellent resources to learn about common-sense market reforms that would improve, not destroy, our health care system:
 
* The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare: Eight things we can do to improve health care without adding to the deficit, by John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market Inc.

* Six Simple Ways to Dramatically Cut Medical Costs -- at Zero Expense to Taxpayers, by Liberator Online columnist Michael Cloud.
 
* The Top Ten Myths of American Health Care: A Citizen's Guide is by health care expert Sally C. Pipes. This is the FREE online short book I discussed in my President's Corner last issue. Click on the link at that page that says "Read PDF Study."
 
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Sharon Harris is president of the Advocates for Self-Government. See more One Minute Liberty tips.