Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - Different Types of Rights

I'm thinking out loud here, so if this sounds clumsy - that's why.

I am thinking of two different GROUPS or TYPES of "rights." One set could be described as the "Let me be" set of rights - i.e., the right to live, the right to liberty, and the right to pursue happiness. I see those rights as the basis of the American Republic.

The other set of "rights" could be described as "Entitlement" or "Give me that!" kind of rights. I frankly see health care in that set. Why?

Because, unlike the "Let me be" set of rights, when one claims the right of health care - they are obligating SOMEONE ELSE to provide it to them. Does that make sense?

With respect to freedom of speech, for instance, I'm only demanding that other people back off and let me speak my mind. Same with the freedom to worship. Same with the freedom of the press.

But with the "Right to Health Care," I'm saying -- "Hey, I'm entitled to have YOU take care of me."

Obviously, I mean "you" in the generic sense. But it would have to be someone - some "you" out there. Know what I mean?

At some point, my demand for universal health care begins to impact those rights in the first category - when it comes to other people. Do you see that?