"You have been diagnosed with a medical problem. You have a right to a doctor. If you can't afford

[librechik]

a doctor, one will be appointed for you."

Why not? Seems an almost direct parallel--if the Huttari can demand a free lawyer, why can't the sick demand free healthcare? Just like Miranda. You have a right to a defense to save your life--you also have a right to medical care, to save your life.

(not "free" of course--we all chip in, just like with public defenders.)

Why not?

[eleny]

1. The "right to counsel" is specifically in the Constitution

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_counsel

"6th and 14th Amendments"

[valerief]

2. So isn't the right to the pursuit of happiness. Can't pursue it if you're sick. But you're right.

We need another amendment.

[Zynx]

3. It's only in the Declaration of Independence, which is not a legal document.

[eleny]

5. I'm with you on your interpretation

I'd say "life" covers it, too. :hi:

[valerief]

7. Groovy!

:hi:

[Winterblues]

8. So is the obligation to maintain the General Welfare of the nation.

:shrug: I see absolutely no difference..

[eleny]

10. Agreed

[valerief]

11. Yes. Why have a nation if it's welfare isn't maintained? nt

[Cleita]

4. Actually, that was the principle about ERs being required to treat

everyone regardless of whether they can pay or not. However, the reason behind it was because it involved life, liberty and pursuit of happiness which in theory you can't achieve if you have an untreated illness. They didn't go far enough. It should be required for all medical needs not just emergencies. However, forcing medical professionals to eat the cost would drive them to leave the profession, which is why it hasn't been implemented beyond that. This is why we really need a real national, universal health plan, not a mandate to buy a faulty product that has been proven not to work.

[Newest Reality]

6. Ah, maybe because

law enforcement is punitive and health care is not?

These are two different sectors of life and a health care Miranda just doesn't apply.

Universal health care would negate the need for what you are considering, as it would be implicit.

[damntexdem]

9. Any thing you do say will be written down and ...

used in diagnosis of you.

;-)