It took some work for me to find a video of the question posed by Katy Abrams to Senator Arlen Specter which included his response, but the reward was well worth the effort.  Katy’s question is interesting not only for its power (which is obvious enough from the response she got), but because it is the most crystal clear delivery to date of the question Americans should be asking.

At so many of these town halls, citizens are standing up and asking tough questions to their politicians about the proposed health care reforms.  Many come prepared with questions about the House bill, some speak more in general.  There are questions of taxes, of who pays, of what will happen to private insurance, and all of the other details.  These are important questions which must be asked.

What Ms. Abrams asks, though, is a question which is far more important.  She says it herself, that what she wants to know is not just about this, or that, or the other thing.  Her question — the one all of us need to ask — is what any of these things mean for the foundation of the country.  Even if the health care plan was perfect, as Americans and proud believers in constitutional government, we cannot neglect to ask ourselves if the government is acting within its constitutional authority.  As believers in liberty, we must not neglect to ask ourselves if the government is acting within its appropriate role.  If either of those two questions are answered in the negative, then none of the rest even matters.

Senator Specter’s response is telling in a number of ways.

After stammering around for a bit, he offers a platitude about his work defending the Constitution, then instantly changes the subject completely away from health care.  I do not believe, Senator, that however zealously you may have defended the Constitution in the past, that you or any other government official may be excused from defending the Constitution now or in the future, as long as you continue to serve.  The oath you swear is always and everywhere; it has no provision for “I did good last time,” or “I’ll get the next one.”

From there, Senator Specter proceeds to talk about how our “social compact” has a “provision to take care of people who need some help.”  Whatever his “social compact” may be, I guarantee that it is not the Constitution.  Nowhere can I find in the Articles or Amendments a “help those in need” clause.  Not that they needs one, of course.  The Founders knew what history has shown time and again: The best way for a government to help those in need is to stand back and get out of their way.  The people themselves can — should — take care of their own, and that’s what a “social compact” is all about.  It is an agreement of and among the people, far different from a constitution which is a contract between the people and their government.

Our Constitution, of course, is not one that is admitting of government operated health care.  The power to provide health care is certainly not “delegated to the United States by the Constitution,” which means that it must be “reserved to the States … or to the People.” (US Constitution, Amendment 10)  As that language makes clear, it is impossible to uphold and defend the Constitution and support government health care at the same time.

When the government has no authority to do something, the vote should be simple and  clear.  “No.”  The people understand this, and they proclaim it proud and true from every side of the aisle.  But to get the answer, we must do as Ms. Abrams and ask the question.  Defending our freedom is at the pinnacle America’s “social compact.”

Tags: constitution