Joseph Knollenberg: “many of my colleagues would have the American people believe that a government-run, Big Brother-like health care…”

“many of my colleagues would have the American people believe that a government-run, Big Brother-like health care delivery system is not only necessary, but rather a must. This ill-informed argument is almost always supported by the word ``crisis.'' In my estimation of this appraisal, crisis implies panic and bigger government--a lack of faith in the individual. I believe that the United States has the finest health care in the world. Our employer-based system covers between 85 to 87 percent of all Americans, and in my home State of Michigan over 90 percent are covered. As a former small business owner, I understood all too well the state of our Nation's health care delivery system. Day-in and day-out, I had the opportunity to help my employees and clients deal with the crush of burdensome paperwork, interpreting confusing policy language, and making sure that their health dollars were not wasted. Now as a Member of Congress who campaigned on reform, specifically health care reform, I am still wrestling with these and other equally difficult health issues.”