The audience Monday nights CNN Tea Party Express Republican primary debate was eager to see the death of a hypothetical man who was in a coma and also did not have health care insurance.
CNNs Wolf Blitzer posed this question to Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul: A healthy young, 30-year-old man has a good job, makes a good living but decides, You know what? Im not going to spend $200 or $300 a month on health insurance because Im healthy, I dont need it. But something terrible happens, all the sudden he needs it. Whats going to happen if he goes into a coma? Who pays for that?
What he should do is whatever he wants to do, Paul replied. Thats what freedom is all about, taking your own risks. This whole idea that you have to prepare to take care of everybody
Are you saying society should just let him die? Blitzer asked.
The audience responded with shouts of Yes!
Weve given up on this concept that we might take care of ourselves, assume responsibility for ourselves, our neighbors, our friends, our churches would do it, Paul explained. This is the reason the cost is so high
We have lack of competition. Theres no competition in medicine. Everybodys protected by licensing
Watch this video from CNNs Tea Party Debate, broadcast Sept. 12, 2011.