The House passes health care bill and robs us of freedom

Well, it looks like I was wrong. The House of Representatives has passed the health care bill by a vote of 220 to 215. I think my mistake was under-estimating the stupidity of some of our representatives. If you doubt their lack of common sense, just consider the Stupak Amendment.

The Amendment would restrict the federal government from spending tax payer dollars on abortion, essentially duplicating the Hyde Amendment. I’m prochoice, but I don’t want my tax dollars paying for abortions, except in the cases of rape, incest, or saving the life of the mother. Yet, I hear democratic opponents criticize this attack on women’s health. Maybe I’m wrong, but can’t women eliminate the need for an abortion by using birth control? If they don’t, they can pay for it out of their own pocket. I know personal responsibility isn’t popular in the Democratic caucus, but this is ridiculous.

As for the rest of the bill, take a look at some of these facts:

-There will be a tax of 5.4% on people making $500,000 or more, and the number of people affected will rise each year since it isn’t indexed to inflation. I know how much Democrats love taking money from people who earn it, but they really out-did themselves this time. Health insurance is important, but Americans should pay for it themselves.

-Adult children under the age of 27 couldn’t be removed from their parent’s policies. I thought people were considered an adult at 18?

-Companies with payrolls greater than $500,000 will have to pay an 8% penalty if they don’t offer health insurance. Couldn’t you just picture companies with payrolls over $500,000 firing one or two workers in order to get below the $500,000 level? I can, and it will become a reality if it ends up becoming law.

-Workers will have to pay a fine equal to 2.5% of their income if they refuse health insurance through their employer. Last time I checked, personal decisions of this nature were none of the government’s business.

The health care bill does include some excellent ideas. It will prevent people from losing their insurance due to preexisting conditions, will allow workers to keep COBRA benefits, or place life-time limits on the insured. These are great ideas, but unfortunately, they are over-shadowed by an expensive, heavy-handed bill that will expand the size of government, reduce personal liberty, raise expenses, and penalize Americans.