Back in 1961, a private citizen named Ronald Reagan spoke eloquently about the dangers of socialized medicine, and the threat it posed to our freedoms. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRdLpem-AAs
We don't need to hear what actors think about politics. Conservatives have been telling us that for years. Kevin Bacon, Ronald Reagan, Susan Sarandon...shut up and stick to acting. Thanks.
So I take it Shooter is against medicare now? Seems kind of a stupid statement to make by anyone. Unless you're against social security and medicare.
Listen to the speech. Reagan clearly states he favored Social Security and even Medicare. He basically saved Social Security from going broke during his presidency, extending the life of the program for decades at a time when it was near bankrupt. What he said, that still rings true, is that socialized medicine would mean a blow for Liberty.
This tactic is among my favorites. When you can't debate the specific merits of a specific point, you choose something that appears similar, but isn't at all. I'd like to play, too. hasoos, are you in favor of nationalized auto care? How about nationlized home repair? homeowners insurance? Renters insurance? Auto insurance? Why is there no public option for these? This is fun!
To be fair, he asks a valid question, and it looks to me like he did listen to Reagan's speech. If you want to be a fireman or police officer, you have to qualify by taking written and physical tests. Not everyone who wants to be a fireman can be a fireman. Being a doctor is similar in that you require training, but once you have your M.D., you can hang up a shingle and start soliciting patients. Free-ish market thing at work. This is not true for firemen.
Nice leap there. The police and fire departments provide safety to the public. Similarly, nationalized health care would provide medical services to the public. Your examples provide services to private goods. Not quite the same concept.
Reminds me of a funny anecdote. The ancient Romans had private fire departments. If you paid them your monthly fee, they'd come put out a fire at your place. If you didn't, they'd come and stand around and watch it burn to the ground. More importantly, if you didn't pay and they needed revenues, they'd come to your place and set fire to it.
Shooter and maxiep apparently have no valid arguement here, or maybe like all right-wingers they just don't like to share.
