Federal Health Care vs. Charity

Imagine, for a moment, if some of the untold millions of dollars and countless hours being spent on the behalf of the federal health care proposals were spent instead on some of the many charities and private foundations that exist to help the poor and those in need of medical care. Imagine what the Shriners or Habitat for Humanity could do with only a fraction of the money being spent to lobby the government on health care, let alone the money that would be spent should a federal health care plan be passed. Why are so many concerned by the state of health care and the plight of the poor willing to overlook what could be achieved by supporting private charities and foundations with the same zeal that they support federal health care? No doubt for the same reason politicians are.

My guess is that the those involved in lobbying for health care reform are strongly disinclined to support any plan that might deny them the influence and control over policy they seek. Meeting a need is not enough for those "concerned" over health care in the U.S. They demand influence as well. And, why spend millions if one cannot get the credit, not to mention the thanks of a grateful public?

The great advantage of shifting the responsibility for the poor, the suffering, and the ill to the government is that it allows the rest of us to go on about our lives without the burden of having to do anything ourselves other than pay our taxes.