The winds of an Obama White House change are blowing across this great country of ours. Fortunately, many are standing resolute against policies that seem to toss America's freedoms into a socialist toilet. Presently, it appears the Health Care Reform Bill is causing the greatest concern. Even those who have been content to sit on the sidelines in years past, are vigorously jumping into this debate. The question remains, should there be concern over the new health care strategy? I believe the answer is a resounding yes.

The real issue at hand is semantics. Semantics, by definition, is the "study of the meaning." The liberal camp touts reform and smears those who vehemently disagree. Even the most ardent opponents to the health reform bill would agree that there need to be some changes to our health care system; but those same people argue that the government should refrain from implementing a strategy controlled by those in Washington D.C. Most who fear the new reform, point to the bill itself and its vague wording. Once again, the problem is semantics or interpretation. Some proponents of the new health strategy scream that the "right" are lying about the bill's contents. However, the bill is worded in such a way, varying interpretations could be given by differing people seated in our nation's Congress. Vagary frightens those who feel America's freedoms are slipping away.

Some of the uncertainties in the following sections of HR 3200:

1. Section 123, a. (1) Seems to read that a Government Committee will be responsible for deciding what treatments and benefits a patient will receive.

2. Section 1145, Pg 272 Could this mean cancer treatments are open to rationing?

3. Section 1233. This section could possibly be interpreted that the Government will have the right to dictate the following:

a. End of life counseling

b. Mandatory end of live planning

c. The Government has a say in how your life will end

d. Advanced Care Consultation may include an ORDER for end-of -plans

e. The Government can decide what level of treatment you will have at the end of your life

4. Section 1751. The Government will decide which health care conditions will be paid. This leads some to believe that health care is heading down the path of rationing.

5. Section 1713, Pg 768, Lines 3-5 discusses "Nurse Home Visits." Service #1 reads, "Improving maternal or child health and pregnancy outcomes or increasing the birth intervals between pregnancies," This section alone should terrify Americans. The interpretation could be easily made that the government will begin to regulate a woman's reproductive rights. Are we heading towards the slippery slope of a "two kids and done" policy? Would an abortion be required for those who have a "Government's decided" too many children?

It is imperative that we as American people diligently research HR 3200. Find reputable websites that break down the bill into simpler components and be willing to question terminology whose interpretations are open to debate. America may need a health care overhaul, but it does not need a headfirst dive into socialism. Take time to do something that many of our Congressmen have failed to do. Read the entire bill, and then let your voice be heard.

Learn more about this author, Bryan Ridenour.
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