Burris Bungles Basic Constitutional Question

This clip was posted on CNS NEWS.com back on Wednesday, November 04 of 2009, so you may have already seen it. But I had to share it here as it is a perfect example of the caliber of individual who is currently trying to turn our Free Republic into a government controlled socialist cesspool. As you watch, you will see Senator Roland Burris of Illinois fumble what should be a very simple question, that is, if there was a legitimate answer. I will give Senator Burris this much, at least he makes an effort to answer the question, though his answer demonstrate that he has only the most distorted concept of what the Constitution of the United States of America actually says, whereas Nancy Pelosi ducked the question entirely; by acting as if she was surprised to have even been asked.

I have included a transcript of this video interview below; so that you can confirm that you actually heard and saw what you thought you heard and saw. Senator Burris' ignorance is so sad that it almost makes me wish that I had never seen the video. If this was the best person that the democrats could find to fill the position left open when B.O. was selected to take up space in the White House, than GOD help us all.

Sen. Burris Cites Unwritten Constitutional 'Health' Provision to Justify Forcing Americans to Buy Health Insurance



Transcript:

CNSNews.com: “Do you support Congress mandating the public, the American public, to get health insurance?

Senator Burris: “The Congress mandating the public to get health insurance?”

CNSNews.com: “Through the Baucus bill right now. Also, the House bill has the mandate.”

Senator Burris: “No. What is happening is is that the public will still have the options of going to an insurance company and what we’re saying is that we want the public to have a choice to get health insurance. So, in terms of what we have now, if you’ve got your insurance with a private provider--a private doctor--you can keep your private provider. We’re dealing with those persons who are either not able to get employment--insurance through their employer--or who can’t get insurance through, or if their small business, they can get insurance through their small business through an option arrangement. But there wouldn’t be any type of a--Well, in terms of a requirement for individuals, we’re hoping that every one within--will receive insurance. We’ve got the 48 million people who are without it.”

CNSNews.com: “In the Baucus bill--the provision that says if you don’t get health insurance there’s a penalty on your taxes. You’re penalized; I believe it’s up to $1,500 if you don’t actually get insurance--the actual mandate in the bill. Are you familiar with that at all?”

Senator Burris: “Well, that piece I may not have covered, but the other piece in terms of requiring who pays for what, if the employer pays for an excess of $8,000 in that bill, then, of course, I’ve got problems with that type of a mandate for insurance companies to pay a tax on the excess over the [inaudible] because all they’re going to do is pass it on in premiums charged to the employer or to the insurer, so, I certainly would not support that type of legislation.”

CNSNews.com: “So, in general, if a person doesn’t want health insurance, do you think they should be required by the government to actually have to get it?”

Senator Burris: “Under state law, we have every one required to have automobile insurance. Now, think about that. And so under this here, we’re providing in the legislation where every one would be able to acquire health insurance. If they don’t get it, then that would--certainly they’re trying to provide some type of a provision for them in case they're sick so that they will be covered and they won’t be a burden on the system. So, that’s the same thing proportionally to automobile insurance. I mean, it’s comparable.”

CNSNews.com: “Federally, if you look at it from a federal standpoint, what area specifically of the Constitution would give Congress the power to mandate an individual to have health insurance?”

Senator Burris: “Well, that’s under certainly the laws of the--protect the health, welfare of the country. That’s under the Constitution. We’re not even dealing with any constitutionality here. Should we move in that direction? What does the Constitution say? To provide for the health, welfare and the defense of the country.”

CNSNews.com: “Do you think there’s any limit to that? Congressionally, is there any limit to what Congress can require someone, an individual to do?”

Senator Burris: “Before we get into all of that, just rest assured, we need health insurance for every one that’s insured. We need health insurance where it’s affordable. We need health insurance that can be--that can cost affordable for all the insured and that the insurance companies will not be making excessive profits. That’s what we’re talking about. Okay? All right?”

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