The FD threads remind me of the health care debate & why there can't be an opt out of public service

[howard112211]

The way such systems are supposed to work is that everyone pays their share into them so that the system can provide service for all, and that what is a "fair share" gets determined by household income, so that people who can afford less pay less. Pretty simple equation actually.

When we were discussing the health care reform (which was botched in my opinion but that is another topic) there was a number of people arguing that any system, be it public or carried by private companies, needs to contain an "opt-out" clause such that people can choose not to buy health insurance at all, because anything less would be a reduction of freedom etc.

I think there should be no way to opt out of something that is considered a public service. Otherwise, pretty soon there will be situations like the Fire Department example in the health care field: People choose to opt out and then get denied service based on that choice, and then blame the system for not being there for them.

Yes, one can argue back and forth that basic compassion should motivate someone into helping a person in need. On an individual level, that is certainly true. But when talking about policy, one cannot have it both ways. Either a system is in place that gets funded and serves everyone, or it isn't. If one chooses a policy where such a system is not in place, this choice will have consequences. The way to prevent these consequences is to make a different choice, and impose a system without and "opt out" clause.