Free Health Care Is Not Free

10:08 am, 11/16/09

Gallup notes an interesting shift in public opinion:

More Americans now say it is not the federal government's responsibility to make sure all Americans have healthcare coverage (50%) than say it is (47%). This is a first since Gallup began tracking this question [in 2001], and a significant shift from as recently as three years ago, when two-thirds said ensuring healthcare coverage was the government's responsibility.

I could burn up a page citing Democratic betrayals of voter trust as possible causes or I could join some conservative bloggers in citing this as proof that the Tea Parties are "working" and that American voters understand federalism, but the bottom line is that government-mandated health care can sound great until people find out what it's going to cost and how much harder it's actually going to make many people's lives. Just three years ago, the number who wanted federal intervention peaked at 69%, but the public debate over the issue has separated the ideological theory from the economic reality. Many voters signed on with the Democrats for unicorn-fueled hope and change that would deliver these services for free, and are now realizing that even on the liberal left's flagship issue, that will not be forthcoming.