WEST COAST TRY
I was rather surprised to find that “Measure No. 23” which appeared on ballots in the State of Oregon attracted so little attention in the rest of the nation. The title for No. 23 was “Comprehensive Health Plan” and it is all that proponents of socialized medicine could have hoped for in the United States.
It failed to pass at the polls, but I have strong feeling it will be used as a handy, ballot-tested model for future health plan suggestions in other states from time-to-time. Much concern was expressed during the early days of the Clinton administration about what seemed to be a headlong rush into such a nationwide health care system. You certainly recall the intensity of opposition to even proposed items which might be included in such a plan if it ever materialized which it did not do.
Those who prepared the Oregon proposal made it long enough so that few people will read it all, but accept, rather, the judgment of people who have read specific portions of it. I, personally, have not read it all and don't intend to do so. I have read enough of it to be convinced I have seen he raw template for future health plan urging to be put before voters in other states.
I have no intention of going into details of the plan herein. That would be like opening a flood gate or breaking a levee. Think of any and all medical situations you can dream up from the cradle to the grave and rest assured that every penny of whatever they cost will be paid for with you reaching into your pocket. It offers all that's good for anyone who signs a form attesting to the fact that he or she wishes to reside in such-and-such a state. The state was Oregon last week. Who know what state might be so designated in the future?.
When something like this reaches referendum status, even in one state, it is time for the rest of us to start paying attention to what is happening... going on... or coming off.
If you value our future. Read it. “Measure 23” Don't just take anyone's word for it... including mine. Read it for yourself.
A.L.M. November 6. 2002 [c383wds]
