Republican Party Ninth District
Tom Graves

It's been a long time coming for President Bush to stand up and say "no more." To say "no more" to the expansion of government. And to say "no more" to the expansion of our dependence on government. And last week, he did it. He finally did it through his prompt veto of the so-called health insurance program for children by stopping the ever increasing tsunami of subsidies that come rolling out of Washington.

He was joined by a majority of Georgia's congressmen, who also voted against the $35 billion expansion of the State Children Health Insurance Program or SCHIP. While this was initiated as a simple renewal of the existing program that was established over a decade ago, the Democratled Congress decided to take it a step further.

Under this proposal, the Democrats would offer insurance to middle class families earning up to $80,000 annually. Currently, over 70% of these children are already covered through private insurance. They're doing this with the hope of wooing them over from the private sector insurance and getting their hooks in.

In addition, here in Georgia confidence is lacking when it comes to determining whether illegal aliens are already signing up or not. Yet, this new proposal encourages illegal immigrant participation. And lastly, while this is a program with the word "children" in it, it would also grant eligibility to many single adults up to the age of 25.

They're masters in the philosophy of "incrementalism" - and in this case, a step closer to a government-run health care system, which is their ultimate goal. Can you imagine a system of health care run by government? The same government that takes 8 weeks to process your passport application or the one that spends years studying the migratory habits of the Bog turtle before life saving road improvements can occur? Are you ready to turn over all your health records, personal information, and medical history and then wait for permission to have your procedure?

time for the American people to take another stand for independence - a stand for independence from the sparkling lure of government charity with your money. It was over 230 years ago that the first chapter of America was written on the foundation of unalienable rights granted by God; those of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. For if we are not careful, the final chapter of America may close as to reflect a nation whose rights were granted by the Washington elite; those of convenient life, limited liberty and government provided happiness.

Only in America can we over regulate, limit access and discourage competition to the point that we have to then subsidize it so that the average American family can afford it. And whenever government decides to enter the marketplace and compete with the private sector, America loses.

While we all are feeling the higher costs of health care at home, the answer is not government intervention. Rather it's just the opposite. It's time for Washington to put a little confidence in the American people and let them take care of themselves.

Tom Graves, Ranger, is a husband and father of three, businessman, and represents the 12th House District in Georgia which includes Gordon, Pickens and north Bartow counties, and is a member of the Ninth District Republican Party.