Finally...the $64,000 question was asked...

[A.W. Bowman]

I want to thank everyone - on several threads - for taking the time to express their views, ideas, concepts, and what facts thay have (both real and imagined). I too have learned a few things and had t make a few corrections in my thinking.

The one thing that seems to be the underlying foundation of all of the debates, discussions and exchanges of opinions is trust. It would appear that what we have are actually two camps, those who trust the federal government and those who do not trust that government. I freely admit that I fall into the latter group.

For example, I hold in my had a card that when authorized by congress back in the 30's, after a great deal of controversy (such as the medical coverage plans of today) was finally passed - with the assurance that it would NEVER be used as federal registration and identification.

Even as late as the 50's my Social Security Identification card [Form OA-702 Rev. (2-54)] still has the following statement printed on the bottom (in caps):

FOR SOCIAL SECURITY PURPOSES * NOT FOR IDENTIFICATION

Well, we all know what happened to that government promise. The "not for identification" statement has been dropped from the cards. You cannot open (conduct) a business, including opening a checking or savings account, you cannot buy insurance or make any kind of claim, get married or divorced, obtain a passport or driver's license, or enter into any other kind of legal relationship (federal, state, local, or business).

The big move to make the Social Security number the national registration number was in the 60's when all military I.D. numbers were changed over from service issued numbers to Social Security numbers.

No, I remain in the "I don't trust my own government" group.

For me there is really one question left:

Is congress going to exempt themselves (or any federal employee) from any of the provisions in the proposed law? If the answer is yes, then I remain absolutely apposed to the government getting any further involved in this health system scheme.

I continue to maintain - let them clean up the federal health care mess they currently have on their hands (government created) before taking on the entire health syetem.