Health Care Reform - John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Marketplace

This article by the CEO of Whole Foods hits on almost every important point that would help solve a major portion of the healthcare problem in this country. It would certainly get the free market back into operation, which would automatically lower the cost of healthcare significantly.

But, one thing he did not mention is the necessity for a gradual phaseout of Medicare and Medicaid, socialist programs which are not only actuarily unsound but also are off-loading costs into the rest of the healthcare system. Healthcare reform in this country will not work properly or be complete until we also deal with these huge socialist programs. They tilt the scales too much otherwise.

One other subject that he highlighted - and I appreciate his analysis of this point - is the erroneous notion that we have a presumptive and intrinsic right to healthcare - "to universal and equal access to doctors, medicines, and hospitals. " He cogently points out that even in countries like Great Britain and Canada, such a right does not exist. He says: "A careful reading of both The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution will not reveal any intrinsic right to health care, food or shelter, because there isn’t any. This “right” has never existed in America."

Finally, he brings the healthcare issue back to each of us by reminding the reader that we are responsible for our own health first. We have an obligation to take care of our bodies and not abuse them with junk food, and lack of exercise; and with obesity.
Mr. Mackey has done us a service in publishing his eight points and the example that Whole Foods sets for their own employees.