The whole topic was brought on by a questionable conservative premise:
the remarks came after a caller asserted that health care isn't a basic right. Perry responded by asking about treatable diseases that a person can live with for a long time "if you just get some basic drugs."
America has 47 million people with no health insurance, and the conservatives ("intelligent ones" included) seem to disagree with what Obama stated in the last debate -- that health insurance is a basic right. Oh it isn't? That's the kind of rhetoric that deteriorates into foolish examples like the Magic Johnson accusation on the conservative side.
Do people have a "right" to basic fire protection when their house is burning down? Or do they need to submit an insurance policy number before the fire department turns on the hoses?
Do people have a "right" to police services when they're in danger? Or is that only for those who can "afford" it?
Do people have a "right" to basic health protection when their body is breaking down? Do we turn people down at the ER? Or would that be heartless? In an America where health costs are rising and employers are balking (understandably) at funding large premium increases, we now have the situation where the ER is the primary source of medical care -- not just for the 12% of those in poverty but also for millions of hardworking Americans.
It's a damn shame. And those conservatives who believe the status quo is okay (apparently they've got their health care -- they're fine) are dodging the issue and creating false controversies like this Magic Johnson one to divert attention from the major health-care-coverage problem.
