One of the problems with publicly funded health care is that the overseers get to tell us what we can and cannot do. This obviously limits our freedom of choice, but more prominently, forces each taxpayer to pay into a massive national program.
Quebec’s recent decision to ban tanning beds to minors is an example of a freedom that individuals must give up because lawmakers think they know what’s best. Since the government pays the healthcare bill and will ultimately foot the bill for the kid’s choices, they feel obliged to decide on their behalf. Ironically the most vocal proponents of “woman’s control over their body” on the abortion debate hop the fence on tanning beds pronouncing that a woman shall have no control over their body when it comes to tanning, least they face a $100 fine.
If a government passes a law, there is a presumption the law is on the right side of the moral fence. Now that minors do not tan in Quebec, we can all take a deep breath of relief and think; “It’s the right thing to do”.
“Free healthcare” comes at a significant cost to our freedoms by allowing the government to impose morality on the population through the creation of healthcare specific laws: consequence free to the patient, consequence filled to the taxpayer.
Governments will continue to envelope the population with requirements on how we ought to live our lives until there is a collective voice that pushes back towards a more private healthcare system that imposes costs on individuals (with a support system for those who lack…I am not calling for a “crash and burn--you’re on your own” system).
Perhaps if people see the consequences of their poor choices then coughed up the money to get better, we would see a healthier Canada. As we know, a significant portion of North America’s sickness is brought on by poor choices (again, some sickness/diseases are 100% no fault of an individual).
Before the cat-calls of ‘cruel’ and ‘heartless’ are tabled, consider a compassionate position:
Imagine a society in which people who choose to ruin their bodies are able to do so, but then pay the cost themselves. Perhaps this individual will turn to family, friends and loved ones in a time of need and we can see real change: from the inside out. Imagine those who made good choices now have much more dispensable cash because the government is not taxing them for a national healthcare system. Furthermore, their premiums are so low because they make good, healthy choices.
The key to a healthier Canada is not government imposed laws through micro-control of each choice we make. Freedom to choose, then pay for mistakes is a great way to learn. It’s cheap, harsh, humbling and effective; especially when we can turn to those who love us for help. If we want to see change in others, influence and mercy is a more powerful agent then law. Parents, until we see an overhaul with Canada’s healthcare system, let’s lead by example.
*In another blog entry, I will tackle what I propose is a compassionate position with respect to low income families. Also, what about disease/sickness that is no fault of an individual? Neither case do I propose, “let them suffer” followed up with devilish laughs.