Long-term Care Plan is Like Quicksand

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“Dick Rowland Image”

The lead editorial position in the Honolulu Advertiser on April 13, 2003, “Hawaii long-term care must start somewhere” concluded that the proposed horrible $20 per month per couple tax to provide a government-run long-term care “insurance” plan was something to build on.

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Wrong.

First, it is not insurance any more than is Social Security. Both are Ponzi schemes, immoral and legal only by government fiat.

Second, it is a denial of personal choice, by government force or threat of force.

Third, it is a denial of humanness.

If, as the editorial says, it is “our obligation to make old age more comfortable for those who cannot afford private health insurance” then it actually means that we are to handle human beings who decide not to protect themselves as we would animals in a zoo. We (society) will ration their care and feeding and make sure their keepers are inspected.

It reminds me of the “proles” in Orwell’s “1984” who, not being members of the ruling party, were kept for menial work and tolerated like household pets (minus any love and affection).

Finally, the economic shock of a $240 per year, per couple loss of income will further cripple an already struggling economy.

Where to start? Treat humans as humans. Expect them to be responsible for themselves and most will do so. Those that do not will suffer consequences. Many of us will help those unfortunate ones out of human compassion.

This start point can be expressed in three words: Individual self-government which is an ability open only to human beings as we “pursue happiness.”

To expect less is to get less — much less. Thus, it is quicksand; never a prudent choice for a foundation which is to carry a heavy load.

”’Richard O. Rowland is president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. He can be reached via email at:”’ mailto:grassroot@hawaii.rr.com

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