I never said Lorie didn't deserve health insurance. But, just because you are an American citizen doesn't mean you are entitled to whatever it is you want, be it a house, a car or insurance. Go earn it or buy it. If you don't have the ability or the income to do that, then in the case of health insurance there are programs for you, just as there are programs for housing. Using your example of Lorie's child injuring himself - if they have or don't have insurance they go to the emergency room. If you have insurance, good. If not, either you pay the fees (did you ever notice that the fees are higher if you have insurance than if you don't??) If you are unable to pay they must treat the patient by law and you will probably qualify for low-cost or free care, based upon your personal financial situation. And yes, I'm against the entitlement mentality. I'm opposed to people who didn't earn it reaching into my wallet and taking (through taxes) and giving the money to others who have not earned it and in effect telling me I am too stupid to pick the charity of my choice. That is re-distribution of wealth. I'm all in favor of society caring for the infirm, or mentally disabled or everyone who cannot take care of themselves. If I were in charge they would be cared for better then we currently do, that is how the future will judge our society. All able bodied would be working to care for themselves. A lending hand is one thing, a lifetime of handouts is something all together different. I don't believe government is the answer - all they do is screw things up and raise costs - look at medicaid. Now Cass - answer some of the points I made in my previous post instead of changing the subject.