Posted by
Daniel Webb on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 1:06:01 PM
I recently saw a clip of John Edwards calling the issue of owning a handgun a privilege and saying things like health care is a right. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQFhdFfl6rM) So I have to wonder, what is a right? Obviously Mr. Edwards does not consider the Constitution the basis for rights. So what is he thinking?
Is health care a right?
I also believe health care is a right in that I have the right to go out, choose a plan for myself and family, and decide for myself whether I will pay for it or not. I also have the right to say no and not pay anything into health care and simply pray for the best.
Senator Edwards’ idea of a “right” to health care, and the one held by most liberals, is that the government will sponsor health care for us and we will pay for it through our taxes. So I cannot help but wonder, “Is this really a right?” In Mr. Edwards’ view, I will pay it no matter what and I have no say in the matter whatsoever. This is not a right. This is tyranny and a breakdown of liberty.
When you have the right to something you also have the right to say “no” to something. Just because you have the right to own a firearm does not mean that you are required to own one. This is the difference between Edwards’ belief in the right to health care and my belief in the right to health care. I believe in individual liberty and freedom of choice. Edwards and liberals believe in compulsion.