All of the candidates are offering up some form of government provided health care. Everything from self-directed Health Savings plans to full-blown coverage that will be brought to you by the people that brought you the Postal Service, the IRS and Iraq War. We keep creeping sheepishly up to the counter, and just like little Oliver Twist, begging;“Please sir, may I have some more?” Like Oliver, we’re asking for more gruel when what the public really needs is Food Glorious Food! Yes, food that is readily available in a free market society with competition all vying for that all important shelf space to catch the consumer’s eye. Prices become lower,service becomes better or the server is no more. The difference is, that when all you know is gruel, you’ll keep asking for more and just like so many government programs, will receive it in triplicate…provided you fill out the proper forms. Anybody remember 1980’s government cheese? Its motto was; “it slices and melts well.”

In buying into any federally based health system we will be creating a nation even more dependent on the government, asking “mother may I?”every time we need anything. Doesn’t anyone remember that feeling you had when you didn’t have to ask your parents for money anymore because you had your own,or when you suddenly realized you were an adult and made the choice to stay up late, because you could? Ah, but these things require self discipline, personal pride and responsibility.

 So, when Oliver’s Mr. Bumble says no to your liver transplant, beats you, and throws you in a dark cellar, also known as a waiting list, don’t go trying to get your money back on your “Sicko” DVD. You can always glue it to a stick and use it as a paddle on your trip to Cuba.