Healthcare is a Good, Not a Right - by U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, M.D.
Powell GammillIt might seem harmless to decide people have a right to education, employment, housing or healthcare. But if we look at the consequences, we see the workings of the community and economy are thrown wildly off balance when people accept those ideas.
When did the word 'right' get switched with the word 'entitlement'? What this article seems to be referring to is 'entitlements', not 'rights'.
A right, simply put, is that which cannot be denied to you. An entitlement is something that is owed or granted to you.
When asking if we have a right to health care, or education, or anything else, you must ask yourself ; Can it be denied?
An education, for example cannot be denied, as no-one has the right to tell you are not allowed to pursue knowledge. That does not mean that you are entitled to an education. The same can be said for health care, you have a right to have health care, as no-one has the right to tell you that you cannot try to purchase it, but that does not mean you are entitled to health care.
It seems we have boxed ourselves into the Bill of Rights being our only rights.The ninth amendment states: "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."