LATEST LETTERS

Health care for children

Thursday, September 6 at 12:15 PM

George E. Heyliger of Golden writes:

SIPping at the Federal/State Trough
The current promotion of S-CHIP is basically dishonest. Who can object to proper health care for our children? But, since when do “children” acquire health care for themselves? A more honest label for the bill derives from simply dropping a few letters from S-CHIP yielding SIP ( Subsidies for Irresponsible Parents). Children in their most vulnerable age span need much more than basic vaccines and treatment for a sore throat. They need the nurture and example of a two parent family to attend their social, educational, moral, and yes, health needs. Accumulating research supports the merits of the two parent family from virtually every aspect of producing a well rounded, productive, adult member of society.
Currently approximately half of the children enrolled in CHIP are from single parent families. With relaxed eligibility, this ratio will certainly increase.
Enabling parents of children born out of wedlock to acquire a basic family responsibility for their children does not strengthen the the fundamental need for encouraging two parent families. Quite obviously, it does the opposite. The missing -in-action father will probably rest more easily knowing that his child’s health needs will be taken care of by someone else, but what of all the other aspects of raising a child?. Do we as a society really want to systematically undermine the basic family institution known to produce superior results in terms of child development? Certainly we cannot turn back the clock. Single parent ( and grandparent ) “families” exist, and need help. But a multi billion dollar program enabling dysfunctional families and irresponsible parents is insane! Let’s change the incentives.

This letter has not been edited.

READER COMMENTS

The problem is not the program but the expansion of it and the ease with which illegal aliens can obtain the benefits. Limit the program to children who are legal residents or citizens. Put a realistic age cap on it like 18 and few will object. We have our grand daughter covered under our insurance but we get a weekly call from one agency or another telling us she qualifies. How about we stop the promotions and put that money back into checking to make certain illegals are not feeding off of the system and then maybe we can actually save a bit of money as well.

Posted by momma y on September 6, 2007 01:44 PM

THOSE DAMN CHILDREN!!! BEING BORN WITHOUT TWO PARENTS!

HOW DARE THEY! THEY SHOULD SHOW MORE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!

HOW DARE THEY BE BORN WITH A CHRONIC DISEASE!!

GMAFB.

Posted by Tbone on September 6, 2007 02:17 PM

While I am for less government, and not more government, unless and until we can address the issue of the parents, we must not punish the most vulnerable among us, their children.

The kids need health care to, hopefully, stop the drain their irresponsible parents are on society, with the hope that at least healthy, they have a better chance to contribute to society, than not.

It is a gamble, but one we probably should take.

Now, the bigger issue is what to do with those parents? How do we educate and promote responsibility, PRIOR to them having children? My opinion is there should be no more cash rewards. If you are going to live off the state, you be restricted by the state. No more debit cards, no more "food stamps." Here is a list of healthy, approved foods that you may purchase with your id. Nothing more. For housing, here is where you must live, and your rent will be paid directly to your land lord. Personal liberty will be granted, when you demonstrate personal responsibility. (I liken it to children living under their parents rule: While you are in my house, you follow my rules.)

Posted by Dan2 on September 6, 2007 02:31 PM

since I smoke I can say with knowledge that the taxes on my cigars keeps going up to fund insurance for the children. the tobacco settlement provided insureance for the children and now we are talking of another program to fund insurance for children. what kind of insurance are they getting?
sorry the insurance for the children line is wore out and only used by the left in promoting their socialist health care program.

Posted by on September 7, 2007 05:47 AM

George E. Heyliger's solution: well, shucks, he doesn't get into solutions.

05:47AM's solution: well, shucks, he doesn't get into solutions.

Have you noticed how a lot of people just want to bitch?

Posted by Truth on September 10, 2007 08:12 AM