On the Senate floor, Judd Gregg compared health care reform to not only a “huge asteroid,” but a huge asteroid that will “land on our children’s heads.”

“Tyranny” and “socialism” are the buzz words of the day.   States are filing lawsuits because they believe the requirement that individuals carry health insurance infringes on constitutionally guaranteed liberties.

These are emotional arguments.  They inflame the already throbbing belief systems of some of our fellow citizens. 

If our friends and neighbors had the patience to reflect on these claims—that our children will be squashed by debt, and that our political freedoms have been curtailed—they might think twice before putting on their hats and coats and going out for tea.

Yes, we are in debt.  What portion of it comes from health care?   And what portion of it comes from razing and rebuilding a nation in Mesopotamia? Does health care reform add to our debt or reduce it in the long term? 

Can we do the research and get the answers to these questions before we start shooting life-threatening emails and bullets into the offices of elected representatives?

Is the requirement to carry health insurance worthy of the label, “tyranny?”   What about the requirement to carry automobile insurance? Is that tyranny? Or the requirements that we drive on the right side of the road, or obey the speed limits?  

No, these don’t amount to tyranny.  While these laws do limit our freedom of choice, we give up these lesser freedoms to preserve our own safety, and the safety of others.

And living without health insurance?  Is that such a great freedom?  If it is, it’s a freedom we should agree to give up for the same reason—the safety, security and well being of our American society.

Sims Wyeth is a speech coach in Montclair, NJ specializing in presentation skills and public speaking training in order to give accomplished people the knowledge and skill they need to become accomplished speakers. Learn more public speaking tips at www.SimsWyeth.com.