Healthcare for me but not for thee

[ksmith]

Courtesy of Steve Benen at The Washington Monthly

A newly-elected Republican congressman wants his healthcare, dammit. An excerpt:

Harris spent months condemning the idea of Americans being entitled to taxpayer-subsidized health care coverage. Now that the election's over, Harris suddenly feels entitled to taxpayer-subsidized health care coverage -- and wants it immediately. (For the record, Harris and his family will probably rely on COBRA to stay insured until his coverage kicks in. COBRA, of course, is another government program that the right opposed.)

That Harris apparently sought a public option for him and his family just makes the whole story that much more hilarious.

Just to clarify, I don't actually blame the far-right congressman-elect. He wants coverage for him and his family, and doesn't want to have to worry about a 28-day gap in which he, his wife, and his kids would have no protections if they get sick.

I do, however, blame the far-right congressman-elect for failing to realize that millions of American families want the same peace of mind he's seeking.

Harris wants to know "what he would do without 28 days of health care"? I don't know, Andy, what have tens of millions of Americans, including millions of children, done without access to quality health care for years? Why are you entitled to government-subsidized health care, but they're not? What will those families do after you repeal the Affordable Care Act? Wait for tort reform to magically cover everyone?

Comments

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

You'd like to think that Harris would experience a flash of insight during this eminently teachable moment. "Wow, look how upset I am that I and my family may lack insurance for 28 days. What about all those fellow citizens who have lacked insurance for 28 days? 28 weeks? 28 months? How can I help solve this problem? Of course I need to pursue free market solutions, but if I need to compromise to some small extent with those commies across the aisle, I will do so in order that my fellow citizens--"

And at this point, the Faux News Thought Police intervened and he was drummed out of the Republican Party.