Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce

For immediate release -- August 21, 2009

Where does government control end and Socialism begin?

Socialism is defined by Webster as a "system based on government control of the production and distribution of goods and services."  For the last eight months we have seen the federal government move toward control of the banking, automotive, and healthcare industries.

We have seen some banks "bailed-out" and others “fail.” Still, the federal government has not given any clear explanation that most of us can understand.  We have seen an automotive executive fired and government intervention into production and distribution through the "cash- for-clunkers" bail-out.

Now we have healthcare reform (HR 3200) with article after article either for or against it with only bits and pieces being discussed.  In fact, it seems that controversial portions change from day-to-day, e.g., the "government option" and the "end of life guidance."  Last week I heard Lou Dobbs (CNN) state that it looked like the President wanted Congress to pass a blank bill "to be filled in later."

While I personally don't believe in bail-outs, I find the cash-for-clunkers more satisfying than the bail-outs of the banks.  That is "bottom-up" with its economic multiplication factor that I don't see with the "top-down" expected from the banks.  At least with the clunkers off the roads, some people will be getting better gas mileage, the automotive industry will recall workers and up their production, and even the banks will benefit from the required loans.

Sounds good doesn't it?  Don't be misled.  Last week I talked with several dealers, including John Megel, and I want to thank him for providing me with the opportunity to research cash-for-clunkers.  I also want to thank Senator Johnny Isakson's and Congressman Nathan Deal's offices for providing information and agreeing to contact the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) about our problem.

What problem?  "Clunkers" started in July with the understanding that dealers would be reimbursed within 10 days of a sale.  It is now a month later and 80 percent of Georgia dealers have not seen any federal money.  It seems that DOT changed the rules for reimbursement at least twice since the initiation of the program and they are using the requirement for additional information as an excuse to delay payment.

In the meantime dealers have to get bank loans to cover their shortfall while waiting for DOT reimbursement.  Who is paying the interest on these loans?  It certainly isn't the DOT.  When I called Washington, I learned that the "administration" had expected sales to be 2 to 3 thousand per week.  The sales have been 10 times that number in just this first month and DOT was not prepared.  One person laughed and said, "This is the Federal Government, what did you expect?"  The good news is that DOT is increasing their "clunkers" processing group from 350 workers to 1100 and hopes to catch up by next week.

Do we really want the Federal Government running our healthcare system?  Two weeks ago I listened to Congressmen Deal and Gingrey speak in Gainesville on Healthcare Reform (HR 3200).  The bottom line is we can't afford it.  The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that enacting HR 3200 would cause 4.7 million people to lose jobs, including non-tech workers and those near minimum wage.

The federal government would define "adequate medical coverage" and require all employers with a payroll of $500K or more to insure all employees.  We are talking about small businesses.  Persons who file as individuals will pay a surtax.  Every American will be forced to purchase insurance or pay a tax.  Mr. President, I have a question.  If you can't afford the insurance, how can you afford the tax?

The "government option" will be government subsidized insurance similar to Medicare or Medicaid.  Think about it.  If you can get cheaper insurance from the government, why would you pay a private insurer?  Doctors will tell you that reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid is below the real cost of service.  If government becomes the single payer for services, it won't be long before the brightest and best quit going to medical school.

The "end of life guidance", or "death committee" as some have called it, stems from 80 percent of the lifetime cost of healthcare occurring in the last six months of life.  If some government panel (not a personal doctor) can convince people that they are terminal and should not waste the taxpayers’ money, the government can save a lot of dollars.

HR 3200 calls for savings of $500 billion from Medicare/Medicaid.  This will directly impact seniors and invalids. "End of life guidance" may start off as voluntary, but I'm sure you can see that it would not be long before voluntary turns to mandatory.  I would hate to live the rest of my life as an invalid.  I definitely do not want a government panel making my medical decisions.  Do you want them to make yours?

What do you think?  I can be reached at 689 N. Chestatee Street, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533; 706/864-6589; e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Or you can contact Gerald Lewy, my Communications Director, at 706/344-7788.  He’ll know how to get your message to me.  Remember, the secret of good government is a well-informed electorate.

For more information contact:      
Gerald Lewy         
Communications Director
House District 9 – Amerson
471 Cloudland Road
Dahlonega, Georgia 30533
Phone/fax: 706/864-4613
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it