"I am adamantly opposed to 'Obama care,'" stated 10th District Congressman Paul Broun in a telephone interview with The News- Reporter on Monday, August 31.

The congressman was in Canada on a fact-finding tour at the time.

"We have to decrease the cost of healthcare, but the government option is not the solution," stated Broun. "According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), President Obama's plan will not serve to decrease the cost of healthcare. Instead, the cost will increase.

"Eventually, a government-run program will lead to the rationing of healthcare - services will be delayed and in some cases, denied. In essence, people will not have a choice."

Concerning the National Health System in Canada, Congressman Broun indicated that no one in that country supports the initiative except those who are healthy and just need a doctor to write a prescription for a cold or some other minor ailment.

"Doctors spend five minutes with patients - there is no counseling about their disease," said the congressman, who is also a physician.

"Moreover, most Canadian women will get into their 40s or 50s before having their first Pap smear. Doctors don't take the time to tell them this is something they need to do. The death rate from cancer is higher in Canada because of the delay in diagnosis and treatment."

He went on to add, "While the Canadians don't spend a lot out of pocket for health insurance, their income taxes are high and they have a high national sales tax just to pay for the healthcare system. In Canada, there is no other option."

In further comments, Congressman Broun said, "President Obama wants to take us where a government run healthcare program is the only option, like in Canada and Great Britain, which is socialized medicine.

"Everybody will pay - they will pay through the nose and receive poor care. Research and development will cease, and eventually, the quality of care will deteriorate."

In closing, Broun, who has been discussing the proposed healthcare program at town hall meetings throughout his district, said, "Hopefully, there will be enough of a public outcry to keep the president's plan from ever coming to a vote."