For Immediate Release Monday, March 29, 2010
New York Libertarians Call for State to Nullify New Federal Health Care Law Albany, NY --- Supporters of free markets and choice in medical care across New York and the nation strongly seek to reverse any implementation of the health care reform bill, also called "Obamacare" just signed by the President this week. Among the common objections to the top-down, Washington-mandated control of health insurance and health care, is it denies choice to those not desiring to participate in the national system, and so is an infringement on the free association liberty rights of Americans. Many Libertarians specifically urge New York State to join Virginia, Idaho, and Utah in passing and signing a "Health Care Freedom Act" into law, that would effectively nullify the national scheme. Such a law requires the state "to opt out of federal reform when the state determines that opting out is in the best interest of the citizens of the state." The number of states working on bills to block implementation of the healthcare law has now reached 38, and many of them have also initiated lawsuits to fight the new and unconstitutional tax fines to be issued against persons opting not to buy health insurance. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey, conducted on the first two nights after the president signed the bill, shows that "55% favor repealing the legislation. Forty-two percent (42%) oppose repeal. Those figures include 46% who Strongly Favor repeal and 35% who Strongly Oppose it. In terms of Election 2010, 52% say they'd vote for a candidate who favors repeal over one who does not." As National Libertarian Party Chairman William Redpath commented last week, "We oppose this horrible federal government expansion into health care, just as we have consistently opposed all the increased government intrusion into health care proposed by Republicans and Democrats over the years. For example, we vocally opposed the huge Medicare expansion pushed through Congress by Republicans in 2003." Other free market solutions exist that would do a much better job at reducing medical costs. Dr. Stephen Finger, a Brooklyn ear, nose and throat specialist who also ran for Congress in 2006, suggests a moderate but constitutional approach to re-introducing liberty to health care. "I propose that we make the District of Columbia into a health insurance free trade zone, supervised by the Department of Health and Human Services." Finger's plan would allow any insurance company operating within the District to offer for sale any type of health insurance offering any benefits, subject only to it demonstrating sufficient reserves to pay claims, and clearly spelling out restrictions in the policy. He says "not only will this make insurance more affordable, it will also serve as a non-compulsory 'laboratory' for any insurance company with a good idea about how to offer a better product at a more affordable price." John Clifton, LPNY Political Director and one of its prospective candidate for US Senate this year, urges a more comprehensive menu of tactics to repeal Obamacare, on both the personal and political levels. "Just say no to this whole thing. Don't buy insurance. Don't go to a doctor who accepts insurance. Don't pay the fines. Fight the law on all fronts---support all state lawsuits and nullification efforts." "Support private suits brought by individuals, or class action suits by employers. Support amendment efforts to reverse the bill. Oppose court nominations if the nominated judge views the healthcare law as constitutional. Vote out or recall politicians who voted for the law. Vote ONLY for state legislators who will fight the law on the state level. Vote OUT Obama, and bring back liberty to New York and America." The Libertarian Party stands for free markets and civil liberties. The Libertarian Party of New York will hold its annual convention at the Hilton Garden Inn in Albany, New York on April 24. LPNY may be contacted at (518) 595-4282.
