The Healthcare Revolution: More Choices, Not More Taxes.

• Author: Singleton, Marilyn M.

Paris is in flames over a fuel tax increase that would pile 30 cents onto the $7.06 per gallon price paid by citizens whose average monthly salary is $2,753. This burdensome "carbon tax" on the middle class is intended to help meet Europe's commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and thereby halt global warming or climate change. It appears that the 21st century French Revolution has begun. This time, Brussels is sending in tanks to protect the new elite and its agenda.

Back in the states, some well-heeled, presumably well-intentioned Medicare-for-All advocates from California, New York, and New Jersey are grousing about how "Trump took away my homeowners tax deduction!" The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act now caps the previously unlimited federal tax itemized deductions for the combined state, local and property taxes at $10,000. The portion of a mortgage on which interest can be deducted is limited to $750,000, down from the current limit of $1 million.

Folks with million-dollar homes who continue to vote for legislators who impose high state taxes to finance their pet social programs are less sympathetic than the French Yellow Vests--especially when these same elitists want to take away the "crumbs" from the 80 percent of taxpayers who are receiving some relief from the near doubling of the standard deduction.

But everyone will face still more taxes to fund Medicare-for-All. Bernie Sanders's financing plan would "limit tax deductions for the wealthy;' defined as $250,000 per household. Sanders also proposes eliminating health savings accounts (HSAs), which allow patients to take charge of their own care. And it won't stop there--or at the equivalent of 30 cents per gallon.

It's not just the taxes: it's the loss of the freedom to choose. The M4A bills prohibit virtually all private health insurance. M4A promises "free" access to "willing healthcare providers"--but robs us of choice. Even existing Medicare offers 11 supplemental insurance programs with options for different premium structures. Purchasers can decide to pay a little more now for a stable premium price as they age, or pay quite a bit less and anticipate the age-related increase over the years. But, you say there would be no premiums with M4A. Wrong. The "premiums" are increased taxes. And taxes are not optional. You must obey.

We should take a cue from the French (minus the fires and looting). We need a middle-class medical care revolt against the elitists and politicians who...