ObamaCare Opposition Rising
One of the most profound comments about the health care and other major policy debates now taking place was voiced in Arthur Brooks’ recent editorial in the Wall Street Journal:
“The choices will ultimately always come down to competing visions of America’s future. Will we strengthen freedom, individual opportunity and enterprise? Or will we expand the role of the state and its power?”
Brooks emphasizes that regardless of how President Barack Obama’s health-care agenda plays out in Congress, it has not been a success in public opinion. Opposition to ObamaCare has risen all year.
According to the Gallup polling organization, the percentage of Americans who believe the cost of health care for their families will “get worse” under the proposed reforms rose to 49% from 42% in just the past month. The percentage saying it would “get better” stayed at 22%.
Brooks cites a recent survey conducted by the polling firm Ayers, McHenry & Associates. The survey asked respondents which of the following statements about the role of government came closer to their view: (a) “Government policies should promote fairness by narrowing the gap between rich and poor, spreading the wealth, and making sure that economic outcomes are more equal”; or (b) “Government policies should promote opportunity by fostering job growth, encouraging entrepreneurs, and allowing people to keep more of what they earn.” Sixty-three percent chose the second option; just 31% chose the first.
This is reinforced by the September 2009 Gallup Poll which found that 57% believe the government is “doing too much”—the highest percentage in more than a decade. Just 38% said it “should do more.”
The Brooks piece is worth reading in full – Read more. . .
His summary bears repeating:
“The choices will ultimately always come down to competing visions of America’s future. Will we strengthen freedom, individual opportunity and enterprise? Or will we expand the role of the state and its power?”
