THE BONEHEADS LIKE THE INSURANCE COMPANIES

A couple of nights ago, I heard Mike Malloy claim the Pres. Fredo opposes the Democrats' proposed expansion of the SCHIP program because it will hurt private insurance companies. While I was looking for a source for that claim, I came across a press release by one of the stalwart half-wits of the GOP: Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester), aka BONEHEAD. Here are the relevant excerpts:

Additionally, studies and surveys have shown that an expansion in those eligible to participate in government-run health programs like SCHIP leads to a decline in those utilizing private insurance despite a proven preference for private insurance.

"Congress should not encourage individuals to drop private insurance in favor of government-run health care, and that's exactly what the Democrats' plan does," Boehner said.

Another moron, House Republican Whip Roy Blunt, complained about how the proposed bill will "crowd-out the market-based forces proven to drive down the costs and improve the delivery of health care." Currently, Americans pay twice as much as Germans for health care and receive less than the Germans do. The difference? Germany has socialized health care!

Michael Levitt, the hack in charge of Health and Human Services, echoes Blunt and Bonehead, responding on the White House site: "But that would mean higher taxes, fewer choices, less innovation, longer waits, and worse care."

Finally, here's what Pres. Fredo said on July 18, 2007:

I believe the best way to deal with the frustrations of the high cost of health care and uninsured is to change the tax code, is to make health care in the private sector more affordable and more available.

I believe government cannot provide affordable health care. I believe it would cause -- it would cause the quality of care to diminish. I believe there would be lines and rationing over time

And I really do believe that government involvement in health care will lead to less quality care and rationing over time.