I get what you’re saying about the state issue, but obviously I’m not getting across what I’m trying to say. I’ll give it one last (& brief) shot. We both agree DC’s responsibility is to make sure all citizens are treated equally. Being that healthcare is a national issue and affects all cititzens, letting individual States decide their involvement in it is a breach of responsibility by DC to ensure equality. It leaves those citizens without any opportunity for healthcare. If insurance were only a topic among certain states, it would those States’ responsibility to handle it. But the healthcare on the table right now is being decided by national representatives making it a national program for all citizens, not a State program. National policy is exactly that — national policy, not partial national policy. It’s DC’s responsibility to make sure all states follow a national policy.
The fact that healthcare is a reality at the moment and a topic currently being discussed and not flat out eliminated by DC points to the fact there is a huge underlying problem with the healthcare/insurance system that hasn’t existed before. Some kind of tipping point must been reached that is outweighing public opinion. Both Nixon and Clinton wanted national healthcare, but it never even saw the light of day back then. It’s a touchy subject to be sure and there are no easy answers. While alot of the blame will indeed land on the Progressives, it really lands on all lawmakers to come together with a workable solution. While we both agree the ACA is not perfect, the building blocks are in place and should act as stepping stones to a better and more fair system.
True, the government does not exist to make its citizens comfortable. But it does have a responsibility for their general well-being and health is at the top of that list. Too many people who are too ill or incapacitated are a strain on society as a whole. When ability to work, to contribute to the economy and to be useful citizens is affected, opportunity is compromised and something needs to be done to change that trend. And I do understand your point regarding the unfair burdening of the larger segment of the population for the benefit of the few. All I can guess is that these “few” most likely are going to continue growing in number or DC wouldn’t be having the problem they’re having resolving this issue.
As to prisoners getting healthcare, I only made that point to show the moral obligation to even those citizens who break the law. We don’t live in the Dark Ages anymore where we toss people in a dungeon without thought until they die. So I doubt their healthcare was prompted only by Progressive-types.