...of idiotic members of the GOP submitting watered-down version of socialized medicine. Yes, Republican members of congress have a plan for healthcare reform, but it still results in government takeover of the healthcare system.

My dad recently moved to Ireland where they have socialized medicine. Since he had lived here in Houston for 40 years he has enjoyed the benefits of using the VA Hospital as he earned that right. I assumed that when he visited us here in the states he would extol the wonders of Ireland’s socialized medicine.

I was pleasantly surprised when upon his visit he and my step-mom Maureen gave me their take on their healthcare system, which included warnings from their new Irish friends and neighbors about hospitals and clinics to avoid. They heard, ‘don’t go here’ or ‘don’t go there’, etc. because the hospital is dirty and patients contract and/or die from secondary infections.

I got the feeling that the average citizen thought the care they received was inadequate or below par. I have NEVER heard any of these complaints from dissatisfied citizens in these socialized countries in the liberal news media. In fact, all I have ever heard are interviews with cheerleaders of their country’s socialized medicine.

My plan for healthcare reform will ensure everyone that WANTS healthcare can afford it. Make health insurance 100% tax-deductible. Individual plans, family plans including dependents, any and all plans deductible and if you are one of the 40%+ federal income tax filers that don’t even pay income taxes, give them a refund.

Health insurance companies can send a tax form at the end of the year, just like your mortgage company does, that indicates how much you paid. You would have to fill out the long tax form so I’m sure CPA’s and tax preparation companies would like this too.

You see, ALL the pinheads in Washington want power and control. That translates into your loss of freedom. Republicans and Democrats alike will not allow this type of plan because it empowers you, the citizen and very few politicians, except for the few Libertarian leaning politicians, REALLY want to be controlled by the electorate.

This would just be the start of my healthcare reform plan. The complete plan would include things like tort reform that protects doctors from frivolous lawsuits and deregulating health insurance.