Declaration of Health Care Independence

"All the beautiful celebrations of of our nation's Independence Day, yesterday July 4th, 2009, inspired me to begin writing The Declaration of Health Care Reform Independence. All the quotes are from the original Declaration of Independence.

I see all these meetings on health care reform. I see all the "suits" and lobbyists meeting. I don't see anyone in a hospital gown at these meetings.

The Declaration of Health Care Reform Independence

We the people of the United States of America shall have the best health care in the world. Health care reform shall put patients first and patients shall be the most powerful people in the health care system. Patients shall control spending the money.

Health care shall be simple.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Thus, we deserve the best health care in the world. Happiness cannot exist without good health.

"...Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed ... whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter ... it, and to institute ... such principles ... as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety .... "

There is nothing more important to our health and safety than a health care system that puts patients first, rewards prevention, and is based on medical science.

We the people are not going to allow a transfer of power in health care from patients to third parties. Instead, we the patients, are going to take the power back during health care reform.

"We ... solemnly publish and declare," that the patient shall be the most powerful person in the health care system.

"And for the support of this Declaration ... we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

Bradley R. Hennenfent, M.D.
patient, physician, and economist
retired due to injury and illness