I love being a "Fringer"

The current health care debate is full of fireworks. Many Americans have strong views on both sides of the issues. I happen to believe that the current reform would be very bad for the country.

Let's look at some facts:

• Medicare is financially unstable
• Medicaid is financially unstable and destroying state budgets
• Social Security in not sustainable. I believe the federal government has raided it and left IOU's
• The Post Office is in shambles
• Few people like to receive a letter from the IRS
• Few people enjoy calling any government agency looking for a quick accurate answer. Call the Department of Motor Vehicles or the IRS sometime.

In fact, I can't think of one major entitlement program during my lifetime that the government has run effectively. All these plans are not financially viable and end up being a future drain on the country.

I could have a little more confidence in the government, if they would first correct the programs it now has under its' control. If the government can save $100 billion per year on Medicare fraud, then do it. Do it for two years, and then we can talk.

I have no confidence that the government will not take more control of our economy and then it will be an open-ended drain on the taxpayers and our children's futures. I won't even go into rationing now.

My biggest problem with the current health reform plan is that it is being rushed and crammed down our throats. Before I buy insurance, I would like to see:

1. The benefits
2. The costs
3. The exclusions or limitations

How can our government expect us to buy an imaginary product? Why can't we take our time? Why can't the Congress get the final plan ready and all the regulations necessary to implement it, first? Then give the country 90 days to review the program before voting on it.

Remember, they are only rushing us because we won't buy the final product if we get to see it first. If this is rushed through, it cannot be removed if it is a mistake. Ask citizens of England or Canada.

Oh yeah, why do I love being a "Fringer?" I called my representative's office on August 4 th. I asked Toby, scheduler, in Rep. Vic Snyder's(D-AR) office where town hall meetings would be held. I was told that a schedule wasn't really set. Rep. Snyder was going to have some private group meetings. Of course, given the current dissent demonstrated in the meetings, I guess I would be scared of my constituency, as well.

During our conversation, I asked Toby, the scheduler, what kind of responses they were receiving on health care reform. It was then that Toby told me that citizens that did not agree with the current reform package were "fringers." After about 10 minutes and with Toby unable to answer any of my concerns about the program, he hung up on me.

So, I am a "fringer." I thought I was an American. But if recent polls are correct, there is a big fringe in America. As "fringers" seem to be in the majority now.

I'm still trying to figure out if my beard looks like Astroturf.

This is America. Stand up for liberty and freedom and the Constitution.