Our View

H.R. 3962, otherwise known as Affordable Health Care for America Act, is worse than anything a freedom-loving American can imagine.

See for yourself. To read this 2,000-page monstrosity, take the time to go online to:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3962:

Just read a few selections from the bill. You will not believe you are still living in America.

In a letter released Nov. 6 by the non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation, U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich., ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, reported “the failure to comply with the individual mandate to buy health insurance contained in the Pelosi health-care bill could land people in jail.”

The letter from the Joint Committee on Taxation says that “Americans who do not maintain acceptable health insurance coverage and who choose not to pay the bill’s new individual mandate tax (generally 2.5% of income), are subject to numerous civil and criminal penalties, including criminal fines of up to $250,000 and imprisonment of up to five years.

“H.R. 3962 provides that an individual (or a husband and wife in the case of a joint return) who does not, at any time during the taxable year, maintain acceptable health insurance coverage for himself or herself and each of his or her qualifying children is subject to an additional tax.”

There’s no way the members of Congress knew on what they were voting last week. Nor is it likely U.S. senators will know the details — or especially the consequences of this Socialistic Epic.

Read the bill. And once you’ve recovered from that, write U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and let him know: If he votes to support this economic and social catastrophe, you will fire him.

To contact Sen. Nelson
Address: 716 Senate Hart Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510
E-mail: http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

+ Good news, good person
Seldom does this page acknowledge good works, in part because our friends in government too often are up to little good and need to be challenged to think about preserving everyone’s freedom.

But let’s not dwell on that now.

Instead, we’ll help recognize a Sarasotan who on Tuesday was recognized for her volunteer efforts on behalf of abused children.

Senate President Jeff Atwater came to Sarasota to present Graci McGillicuddy with the Florida Senate Medallion Award of Excellence, the highest honor bestowed on Floridians by the Senate. Just as significant, Atwater noted that McGillicuddy became only the 15th Floridian to receive the award.

Florida Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, nominated McGillicuddy. Explaining why she nominated McGillicuddy, Detert said the award goes to Florida’s unsung heroes, an individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership and a dedication to the betterment of Florida’s future.

“I have to tell you Graci came immediately to mind,” Detert said. She described McGillicuddy as “a screamingly passionate advocate” for abused children, in particular for Sarasota’s Child Protection Center.

After Atwater placed the medallion around her neck, McGillicuddy told those in attendance, “This is the most meaningful piece of jewelry I’ve ever had.” She also noted: She’s not finished; there’s more work to be done.