The definition of extortion is as follows: criminal law obtaining something by illegal threats: the obtaining something such as money or information from somebody by using force, threats, or other unacceptable methods

2. charging of unfairly high prices: the charging of an excessive amount of money for something ( informal )

3. getting something by force: the acquisition of something through the use of force or threats

This aptly describes the present "health care bill" that Obama and his syncophants in Congress are trying to ram down our throats. The Bill cotains provissions for fines and jail for those who do not buy into this travesty!

It's refreshing to hear someone come right out and say it, but most Americans still want to believe in the free lunch. I've read a lot of comments from Canadians on various websites claiming that they have the best health care. But I wonder, if they could take back the tax dollars they involuntarily give the government to run said healthcare, would they? Without that almighty tax dollar, government is helpless. That's the problem with a system funded by tax dollars: the true cost is hidden.

Regarding Canada's health care, remember the Prime Minister leaving Canada to get his heart operated on in Miami? The promotion of "Welfare" Healthcare NEVER will it ever create the best system NOR the best doctors. Heck, if we listen to the people listening to our "president", they would would be quoting some of the same rhetoric that the U.S. is ranked #37 in the world -- heck we are behind Costa Rica. Canada's Prime Minister should've gone to Costa Rica. It's a bunch of lies from the Democrats to include Global Warming and the Internet created by El Gordo (Al Gore full of hot air).

Brilliant, high-precision work, Mr Williams! In one bold column you have concisely defined the health care debate in terms of reality, instead of the dishonest euphemisms that have framed the argument on the Left thus far.

Anyone who reads this column and still thinks Obamacare should be passed just isn't being honest. The whole debate is predicated upon a lie, and so is the bill.

One good definition of a natural right (or human right) is the right to do as you please without impinging on someone else's similar right.

Most of what you wrote is right on. Only 1 mistake! For every 1 dollor they give out they have to take 2 dollors. One for the people and one for them.

As usual, Mr. Williams is spot on.

Here's an interesting thought. Nowhere in the Constitution and Bill of Rights does it guarantee these sorts of "Rights" which obligate others to pay for a good or service enjoyed by another. Most of the True Rights in the Constitution concern actions by citizens which do not infringe upon the rights of others, and which are not to be abridged by government.

There is one good - an object of monetary value - that the Bill of Rights DOES guarantee a citizen has a Right to: the Right to bear arms. However, I have never heard either anyone from the right (NRA) or from the left (progressives) argue that, if someone (to use Mr. Williams' word) "wishes" to own a gun but cannot afford one, the government has to buy a gun for that person with another citizen's money. The Second Amendment always been interpreted to mean that the government simply cannot deny a citizen the right to firearms.

When progressives start to argue that guns are in the same category as health care and other such goods they claim Americans have a "right" to at others' expense, they'll still be Constitutionally incorrect, but at least they'll be internally consistent in their arguments.

Walter,

I agree with your comments in terms of how you characterized them, but that's not the complete story. By the way, I STRONGLY disagree with forcing everyone to "have" health insurance - whether wholly purchased or subsidized. I think Obama should have focused on making affordable health insurance "available" to all, by trying to get insurance companies to provide affordable coverage and not use a dime of public money period.

First, all insurance is based on the "rule of large numbers", meaning that all insurance is predicated on there being a majority in the group who pay in and don't require benefits within a particular period. Lets say only 5% of the members consume benefits. So all insurance is in fact using other's money to benefit a few. You don't mention that insurance really works that way.

Second, there is considerable waste, fraud, and errors in the health care system, which ends up as benefits that are billed and payed inappropriately. From fraudulent medicare payments to incorrect medical code submissions to duplicate billings and more. This amounts to billions of dollars a year. Why aren't you speaking to this very sizable resource (that's already being paid every year by premium holders) that could be used differently to cover more services?

None of these items alone cover the costs of a comprehensive plan, but you are improperly presenting a slanted view just to instill greater objection to the Obama health insurance reforms overall. Oh, and it's not a "health care plan" as many try to claim, and say that the government will now be deciding your treatment etc. Again, why don't you explain how today all health insurance plans are defined by the insurance company and the employer, to decide what gets covered and how much? All the things you complain about are already being done today and that's how all health insurance works. But you also have additional negatives such as being dropped for no reason, having your rates go up unconstrained, and more. Why don't you express objection to those practices that drive hard working middle-class people to no longer be able to afford health care.

The real "problem" is that there are factual examples out there to support any political argument. Until someone personally experiences a major health care calamity, they won't necessarily have a personally formed opinion but rather will accept whatever their favored editorial sources project. It's up to those who write opinions to be responsible and ethical and not mislead the reading public.

Oh, and I'm a staunch defender of the second amemdment, grew up in very conservative southern Midwest, worked for the auto industry in Detroit, hold patents on American technology advances, believe in free enterprise, small businesses and buy American. But I also had a parent suffer with and die of cancer, paid Cobra for the maximum length of time even while unemployed, and actually have a letter from an esteemed organization recinding an offer because as it say's "We're sorry. We didn't realize your ethnic background and this is restricted to people of a majority ethnicity." A big problem in America is that many people do not have equal and fair opportunity.

Thank you, Mr. GRAHAM. You saved me a lot of time clarifying and providing some truth behind this attempt to cleverly build on one's established opinion as though it was a real question. Talk about a bait and switch. I feel dumber having read this closed-minded nonsense.

Mr. Williams, I couldn't have said it better. I agree totally with your reasoning. Have you ever considered running for President?

I agree with your difference between rights and wishes. And support your resistance to government funded anything in the services category.

What do the health providors find difficult to rate? They, through many health plans, take good and bad health risks every day and do what insurers do: balance risk for high-end users against the continued good health of the rest of us.

Methinks that the problem will arise when government bureaucrats attempt to reduce the appropriate financial contributions warranted by the experience of time and actual results. We must only hope that we do not contract a less regular ailment that would require special (expensive) treatment. It's not the Amerian way, but it is a way.

One of the most concise and compelling arguments I have seen. Indicative of a fine mind.

Thank You for another clear argument against this infringement on my freedom which the administration is trying very hard to ram down our throats.

Thank you, Mr. Williams, for a very concise and accurate picture of the healthcare debate. In response to Mr. Graham; sir, you seem to not see the difference between citizens acting in their own interest and government coercion. Further, we understand how insurance works and can choose the company and policy that provides the coverage we seek. When you discuss fraud you should compare private versus government (Medicare/Medicaid). Big difference. There is much the government can do as regulator (proper Constitutional role) to insure greater competition and fair marketing practices without taking over the market. Finally, it is the free market, with citizens seeking value and providers seeking a profit, that will eventually deliver the world's finest health care to the most people.

The only thing he let out was the truth. I guess that it’s ok for insurance companies to rake in huge profits, 12 billion just this quarter, and raise rates, and drop people that have paid in for years and then got sick. This is acceptable to people that have money to burn and don’t have to worry about insurance. A lot of cost comes from the un-insured seeking care in our system, and then you and me paying for them anyway. Open your eyes people, put down the Kool-Aid, and for god’s sake use your brain for just once. You might find it kind of orgasmic to actual have a thought of your own for once.

Mr. Williams is so "on the money" and articulate. I wish Mr. Williams was sriting text books for our schools! This is what our children need to learn.

So well said, Walter. As always, you get to the heart of the matter in a hurry. Why have you not run for office???

Sir - your column is an excellent digestion of the situation to its essence. Sadly, our government has decided to equalize the world where all of us will be raised up or brought low to stand on the bread lines with all of our eyes cast down together.

United we stand dvided we fall.I believe that we need to show this administration that the American people are not going to just roll over and take this abuse anymore.We need to show that the power still remains with the people. For the and people and by the people.Our power is in numbers. So let our voices be heard!I Myself will do whatever it takes,to assure what America real stands for,for this generation and all future generations.I love my country,and would glagly DIE for my country.And I know in my heart I'am not alone.IN GOD WE TRUST!!!!!! MY ANCESTORS HELPED FEED AND BUILD THIS NATION.So you can depend on me to do my part.Just call on me I'am ready. A TRUE AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To read these words of Professor Williams, helps to validate that how I think and feel about what is going on with this health care bill is correct. I cannot articulate what I what to say for the most part and having material such as this to relate to family and friends, is such a great help to me. Thank you Professor Williams for taking the time to share your thoughts on this.

At last! I couldn't have said it better myself, though I've tried.

What Congress is in the process of 'deeming' is, at its core, unethical.

Outstanding, concise summation and articulate in presentation.

If both Democrats and Republicans were to read the constitution, recall their oath, and listen to their constituents this issue would not have come this far.

Thank you Professer Williams,For your words.You made it clear for more people to understand that have NO clue as to what is about to happen to the hard earned dollars that they have worked for.We are still AMERICANS and our voices can be heard if we all pull together butt I am sure it is way to late.Thank You for helping.

One of the big problems is that the people who should be reading posts like this are instead watching "Dancing With the Stars and "American Idol". America is being 'dumbed down' and I'm not sure there is anything we can do to stop it.

We do understand how easy it is to write and enact laws by Congress and the Government when absolutely none of the Laws pertain to or affect themselves. How many of them will be on any mandated insurance program. I think theirs is paid for life. Do they worry about Social Security costs of living benefits going up? No, I don't think so, why should they government pensions for life. Paid for by whom?

I agree Professor Williams, oh how I agree. God forgive our leaders.

Thank you Walter for putting into concise words what I have been trying to tell my liberal counterparts.

This is a great article to pass on to them. I too said, "What about my rights?" There is nothing in our constitution that guarantees people anything above, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Thanks for making my day with this article.

Sincerely,

Ava L. Ashendorff

Patriot, Chestertown, NY.

Wow, someone who understands exactly what is happening to the overtaxed working class. Yes, what about OUR rights. Paying for someone else's "rights". Please, go to your family for assistance: oh, wait a minute they are all being funded by the rest of us too.

A great summary of our rights going out the window as others "rights" are being met. I get more disgusted each day by our government. What happened to the "will" of the people. I will be voting out every single incumbent that I see on my next ballot.

Insurance company profits are minimal compared to the rape of the American taxpayers by our own government! Would have saved a few trees if this bill listed only three items:

1. Tort reform or get the lawyers out of the medical suit business.

2. Eliminate fraud, waste and abuse.

3. Immigration reform = No Amnesty.

Simple to understand and would have been a much better alternative.

I am tired of having my pocket picked!

Thanks for this great piece.

There is a fundamental problem with the notion that people "deserve" things. I've always told my children that they don't deserve anything and that they should earn things if they want them. Money, respect and good health, among other things, must be earned.

If health care is some kind of right, then don't I deserve auto care and home maintenance as well? Why limit it to my own body? I think all my "stuff" should be cared for as well.

Mr. Williams has it right. I have listened to him on the radio for years and he is a brilliant "explainer" of which should be the obvious to Americans. Our problem today is a biased media, ignorance, and laziness, on the part of the electorate and the politians. This whole "health care" nightmare has been building for years through the guise of political correctness and now our "chickens have come home to roost". Wake up, get informed and vote the incumbents out of office.