People of this nation have slowly ceded control of their lives to the government, in return for the illusion of protection from the unfairness of life. When health care reform passes, government will nose into private lives on a scale as yet unseen in this country.

I have a vision of government-sponsored health insurance officials who will come into private kitchens and living rooms to monitor eating and physical activity habits. If people don’t measure up, they will be punished with fines. Of course, they won’t be called “fines,” because that would require allowing people to exercise the Fourth Amendment right to due process. Instead, they will be called “incentives” so people will do what is for their own good. The Washington Post quoted one health insurer, saying, “If [people] don’t comply, they end up being penalized … but we refer to it as a Healthy Rewards program.”

Since health insurance will be mandatory for all, no one will be able to opt out. People will either eat what the insurers want and get as much approved exercise as the bureaucrats demand, or be fined until compliance.

To those who say, “Good, serves them right,” well, once the door is opened, their time will come. The bedroom will remain inviolate only so long, and a woman’s right to choose will itself be subject to the same kinds of incentives.

The concept of a society based on individual freedom moves a step closer to its final burial.

Andrew J. Hall, Lewiston