Common Census

I, like most Americans, completed my 2010 census. As I checked off the two major elements of the census, gender and nationality (for me, male and white), I thought about the roots of the census, how it started, why we have it, etc. Many are not aware of the fact that the United States Constitution calls for the census every 10 years. It is heartening to know that there are still aspects of the United States Constitution that are actually still followed and respected.

On this monumental weekend, on which our country will in all likelihood have a newly approved Health Care bill and further violate the United States Constitution by mandating that all people buy something, I thought I would take some points under consideration, and think about other common sense approaches to Constitution violation.

First off all, did everyone enjoy seeing the entire cast of the movies "Best In Show" and "Waiting for Guffman" in Super Bowl ads for the census? Yep. Super Bowl ads. The most expensive 30-second spots per year, and the CENSUS spent our tax dollars using one of the most famous ensemble casts in Hollywood to produce them.

Another good one is embedded in the new Health Care bill. As mentioned above, the new bill includes a mandate that all individuals must purchase health insurance. I do have to say, it is a noble idea, a goal that everyone would have access to quality care and the means to pay for it. But let me ask this, why would Warren Buffett need health insurance? He is one of the most wealthy people in our country. He already has access to quality care and the means to pay for it. So, we are going to take it a step further and REQUIRE that he pay for insurance? Bill Gates? "Sorry sir, even though you are worth umpteen billion dollars, we are requiring that you buy health insurance." Another common sense approach to violating the Constitution.

I don't have dental insurance, because I don't think it's worth it to pay the premiums, given that I have the means to pay for dental emergencies out of pocket if they happen. I'm no Warren Buffet and I'm no Bill Gates. I want (and am happy I have) health insurance. But in their income bracket, isn't it likely that it's not worth it to them to have health insurance? Sorry gentlemen, sign here and buy something you don't need.

When 95% of our population pays for 100% of all entitlement programs, it may be sustainable. When 90% of our population pays for them, it becomes less sustainable. I think all would agree that there will be a point in time when the lower end of that 90% will become less motivated to pay for the 91st percent. When will it end? When 85% pay for all of them? 60% paying for them? When will the people who work, earn and have their taxes increase to pay for the entitlement programs they don't intend to use decide to stop working? We'll see.

I know I'm less motivated today. I will have bad news to deliver at work this Monday. Our medical expenses will be increasing. For those that don't have strong math skills, that means that salaries will have to decrease OR our workforce will need to shrink. What do we get? Voila! More people on entitlement programs. And these were people who were gainfully employed, paying taxes and contributing positively to our country's GDP. Not anymore.

Given the abject failures of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, it's common sense to create yet another government entitlement, right? So all kidding aside, what is the motivation? Is it the altruistic "get coverage for everybody" concern? I hope that's the case. Unfortunately, I am jaded. It is my belief that if one of the parties can successfully increase the number of people on entitlement programs that the party supports to a majority, then they've created a monarchy. Handcuff people to the entitlement and say "vote for me, I'll keep your entitlement".

Gone are the days of motivating people to earn what they get. Here to stay are the days of motivating people to take what they give you.