Thursday, August 13, 2009

These Townhall Protests Are Not Productive.

I am a registered Republican, though I vote Libertarian for the most part. I live in one of the most important conservative congressional districts, the Ohio 8th District, which is represented by House Minority Leader John Boehner. I voted for Barack Obama in the last election. Here is why:

I knew that John McCain would not sign a universal health care bill into law, I think everyone else knew that as well. This was one of the major deciding factors for me because, for me, health care is a morality issue. I believe it is immoral to have health care as a commodity that is available only to those who can afford the enormous costs. It doesn't have anything to do with any socialist agenda on my part, personally I believe in a free market for most areas. However, there are certain areas where the free market should not be allowed to operate. For me, these areas include the military, which is why I am against mercenary organizations like Blackwater, and health care. Somethings are just so important that they must be provided to the public, even the poorest amongst us.

Now, I know these things must be paid for and difficult decisions must be made. For these reasons, a civilized public debate must take place.

This is not a civilized public debate.

If these protesters cannot sit down and engage their representatives in a calm manner, regardless of their opinions on the matter, then they are doing themselves and everyone else a disservice by denying the public an opportunity to discuss the future of health care in the United States.