I think the focus of our discussion, at least could be about Federalism. Not necessarily health care, but States Rights and such. I’m thinking the Federal government is trying to kill states rights, or at least run roughshod over them. As a matter of fact, I’d probably go so far as to say the ends justify the means. States are getting in the way.

That said, power was separated for a reason. The argument for limited government is rock solid, and people are certainly in their rights to support that idea.

Why do we even have a national government then? I mean, there’s a ton of U.S. History about states joining and leaving the Union that at least proves that opinions vary. I guess it comes back to balance. We don’t want states running rampant either.

Citizenship really ought to be earned, as you have earned it. Not like I earned it. There are so many of us who don’t get it, and aren’t required to get it in order to benefit. I’m not much for required military service, but I don’t think I’d dodge if it were required. Basically, since my parents were here when I was born, I get citizenship for “free”. Then I spout off about how Iv’ve been enslaved. What gall!

I think separation of church and state was also a founding concept of the constitution. I’m certainly no expert, but while I have witnessed the “removal” of God from schools and work. I have *not* felt like the government has told me that my religious believes are invalid, but that’s just me.

“There’s good ideas in there, but they keep masking them with the idea that those that are opposed to them are… bad people, rather than people with different ideas.”

You mean like Olbermann calling me a “right-wing, birther, deather, terrorist”?

As far as Joe Wilson goes, why was it fine for the Dems to shout out and call Bush a loser/liar during his SOTU speech in 2005, but now they want to punish Joe?. Sure, Obama can say that “illegal wont have access”, but who’s going to check?

Back to the issue, the 10th Amendment is VERY clear at what the Fed can or can’t do…. collect taxes, pay the bill, build the roads, run Post Office, provide for common defense and general welfare of the country.

But the Founders also ratified the Constitution’s 10th Amendment, affirming, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.” Thus, the general welfare cannot reasonably be stretched to allow the national level of government to perform functions and exercise powers beyond those specifically and explicitly listed in the Constitution. As James Madison described the limitations on interpretation of the general welfare clause, “If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the general welfare, the government is no longer a limited one….”

The States are responsible in issues like this. The Hoosier Healthwise Program is a health care program for low income families, pregnant women, and children. It is sponsored by the state of Indiana through Family and Social Services Administration. The program covers such medical care as doctor visits, prescription drugs, mental health care, dental care, hospitalizations, surgeries, and family planning at little or no cost.

There is also Learning Well, Inc., a non-profit organization whose Mission is to improve the health, well-being and school performance of students in Marion County, Indiana through improved access to integrated preventative and primary health care services provided by collaborative partnerships. These services are provided in our school-based health clinics.

I know about these programs as my brother’s family is on Hoosier Healthwise and my wife worked in Learning Well clinics in IPS.

I grew up in Japan, Germany, Alabama, Washington, Virginia, Maryland and went to HS in Indiana. As an adult, I’ve lived in Germany, Atlanta, San Antonio and Dallas, before moving back to Indy. I’m not some farm boy who’s knowledge is limited to the cornfield and cattle barn.

I took an oath for ten years to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United State of America. I wrote several papers in college on that obligation and completely understand what it means.

As a man of faith, how can you sit idly by while God is removed from every facet of our society? Yes, there are those in our country that need help because they cannot provide for themselves. I am for supporting them, but there are MORE who are abusing the system than not.

We are teaching our citizens to be dependent on the government… is that freedom?

I think I’ve already written a book, but have barely scratched the surface of this debate.

PS: the motorola s9 works great with my iPhone and bluetooth stereo transmitter! I recommend it!!

Good luck with your garage buddy!