Occasionally I run into people who express concern that our public health care system is unsustainable. They are fond of arguing that there is no such thing as “free” health care ... that public health care has to be paid for with taxes.
These persons should know that there are many public services that are paid for with taxes. The streets and bridges we drive on are free, though they were paid for with taxes. If our home catches on fire, the fire will be put out for free by the fire department, the cost of which is paid for with taxes. Any police services we need are free, paid for by taxes. The teachers and schools, paid for with taxes, provide our students with free basic education. Many libraries and parks, paid for with taxes, are free for the enjoyment of all.
I fail to understand why anyone would consider health care, a life and death issue in many instances, to be separate from other public services.
