This page was last updated on May 5, 2017.
Where is Rothfus on issue of health care?; Dr. Jonathan Douds (JD); Beaver County Times; May 2. According to JD, he lives in Nashville, TN. A BCT editor’s note asserts “The writer is a 2004 graduate of Hopewell High School.”
My review of a previous JD letter is here.
Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.
“Where is U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus?
“Last month, congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump attempted to strip health care from nearly 24 million Americans, many of whom are our nation’s most vulnerable citizens. Congressman Rothfus failed to publicly state his position on the bill, yet his office currently states he would have supported the legislation.”
[RWC] Though it’s probably not what Mr. Douds (JD) wanted, Rep. Rothfus [KR (R-PA12)] issued a statement. As JD, I would like more detail. My concern is Obamacare will not be completely repealed and, like an infection not completely killed off, will come roaring back faster and more difficult to kill.
JD got his answer two days after the BCT published his letter. KR voted for the 126-page H.R. 1628 (AHCA) but, as I suspected, it doesn’t repeal Obamacare.
Though House Republicans are taking what they appear to think is a victory lap, it appears they blew the last chance to keep us away from a government-run, taxpayer-funded healthcare monopoly like “Medicare for All.”
“Furthermore, he has neglected to hold a public town hall to discuss the future of health care in America and has instead chosen to evade the same citizens who elected him to office.”
[RWC] Lefty activists have been using these meetings to ambush reps/sens with opposition mobs.
“Over 7,000 Beaver County residents have received access to basic health care through the Gov. Tom Wolf’s Medicaid expansion -- the same expansion Rothfus wants to dismantle. The 12th District needs a congressman who will communicate regularly with citizens through public forums and who will not deprive indigent residents of healthcare. Therefore, I repeat my question: Where is Rep. Rothfus?”
[RWC] Did you notice JD never addressed who would pay for his generosity?
I took a quick look at the AHCA as passed. The word “repeal” is used a lot, but I can’t find the one line that should read something like “This act repeals Public Law 111-148 (aka ‘Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’ and Obamacare) and all actions taken via its authority.”
As far as I can tell, Republicancare (AHCA) is Obamacare with a bunch of amendments.
A free market represents the best approach to providing the best combination of healthcare accessibility, choice, price, quality, timeliness of treatment, et cetera. I also believe citizens cannot be dependent on their government for medical needs and remain free. No approach – either private or public – is perfect and some people won’t be able to afford healthcare or healthcare insurance no matter how inexpensive it is. Do I believe people who need help because of unforeseen circumstances should get it? Of course, but via private charities funded by voluntary contributions.
Please read my paper “Healthcare.”
To all reps/sens in Congress who truly want to do what’s right, just pull the frickin’ band-aid and get the pain over with.
© 2004-2017 Robert W. Cox, all rights reserved.