“The nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I'm from the government, and I'm here to help.’” Ronald Reagan
I write horror novels. Based on the moderate success of those books, I think I know a little about terrifying words. Let me tell you right now, the former President’s warning scares me. There’s nothing new under the sun and let me add there’s nothing free either. I include eternal salvation in that statement.
No debt is forgiven without repayment and no help is given without cost. That the beneficiary may not bear the cost directly—somewhere, in some fashion, someone is paying the price. Let me illustrate Reagan’s words with a recent example of how government helps in real life.
Kamala Harris is proud of her tie-breaking Senate vote to cap the cost of insulin for Medicare recipients at $35. Sounds good for seniors, doesn’t it? In response to the new Medicare rule, the large chain pharmacy where I buy insulin raised their price for a vial of insulin from $28 to $60. Medicare recipients now pay $35 for the insulin that a month before only cost $28. Non-Medicare and private pay customers pay $60 for their insulin for the privilege of holding the raise for Medicare patients to $7. This is how government help works.
The question is who did they help? Not people on Medicare, they are paying more for the same product. Not people paying out of their own pocket, their cost more than doubled. So, who was helped? Not diabetics.
On the other hand (the one that contributes to politicians), insulin producers, assuming their production costs went up (a dubious proposition at best) had the cost increase covered by customers. Pharmacy profits went up—they can sell that $28 drug for $60. A prescription is not required to buy insulin. However, to claim the $35 cost cap, Medicare customers must have a prescription where none is required. Doctors gain visits from people (like me) who pay their own way looking to obtain the now valuable prescription. Drug companies, pharmacies, and doctors all get help.
Politicians like the current Vice President are helped too. They get to show the common folks how much they feel our pain. They can proclaim to be controlling healthcare costs while at the same time bashing the greed of big pharma and mega-retailers. The public will be so glad to have them guardians that they will cheer for higher taxes on big business—which they will pay for in yet higher costs.
Thomas Paine said, “Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.” In its best state, the government provides for defense from dangers arising within and beyond our borders, establishes justice, and secures liberty for its citizens. Yes, I know about the “General Welfare” cause. To which I say, the government does not promote anyone’s welfare, least of all an entire country’s, by creating a culture of dependency on government “help”.
Maranatha
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