MOUNT VERNON — A frequent hot topic with regular attendees to Up for Discussion continued to talk about the federal government’s ability to force residents of Ohio to purchase health care insurance.
“Something should be done so health care costs are brought down to a reasonable price,” one person said.
“People shouldn’t be forced to buy healthcare — its outside the realm of the Constitution,” another said.
“It’s a forced tax. I ought to be able to make that decision,” a group member said.
The idea that the entire health care system needs an overhaul was something the entire group could agree on.
“We need to reform the whole system, not just half of it.”
“Health care is an emotional issue,” said a local small-business owner. “There is a disconnect between what the services cost and what we have to pay. No body cares what it costs. Somehow we have to get people’s minds associated with what services and tests actually cost.”
National accusations that the Tea Party is a racist organization was talked about by local members of the party and those outside the group.
“It sounds like the NAACP is racist and not the Tea Party,” one Up for Discussion attendee said.
“I think there are elements there. When a group starts growing you have all different kinds of people; I think you will find this in any group,” another said.
One man argued that the length we take politically correctness has gone too far.
“Racism is promoted by what we say. I believe in the freedom of speech — that’s what makes America great,” he said. “Being politically correct takes away that freedom.”
Another gentlemen expressed his opinion that because the Tea Party wants to return America back to its constitutional principles, others could interpret that as wanting to return to all the principles found in our country at that time.
“Yes, we did have slavery when the Constitution was written … But we do not want to bring back slavery,” he said.
Up for Discussion meeting the third Monday of every month from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at Sips, 101 S. Main St. The next gathering will be Aug. 16.
