Three Cheers: Herger's efforts appreciated

Recently, I attended a town hall meeting held by Congressman Wally Herger on the proposed health care reform. Congressman Herger extended the meeting until all had a chance to speak. This included a physician, still in surgical attire, who attempted to shout down the congressman and disrupt the meeting. 

Afterward, I downloaded the bill off the Internet to determine why it generated so much divisiveness and, frankly, I was shocked. 

H.R. 3200 is described as a bill to “provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes.” 

The other purposes include developing a new Health Choices Commissioner, appointed by the White House, who has the power to access our bank accounts, electronically transfer funds and build a national database of our individual medical records.

To make the plan “affordable,” new taxes will be imposed upon individuals as well as small and large businesses. Exempted from these taxes are non-resident aliens. In addition, government will determine fees paid to physicians. What isn’t mentioned is tort reform and runaway litigation that is driving medical costs out of sight.

Finally, this bill encourages “home visitation” by trained social workers to participate in family issues from child rearing to senior care and all phases in between.

I urge everyone to read at least parts of H.R. 3200. It is less about health care and more about forcing government into our personal lives. I commend Congressman Herger for his efforts to enlighten us all.

 
Rick Libby
Live Oak