Opinion

Why people should fear government-run health care

Henry Kelley
Published: September 22, 2012

I am a frequent critic of the government running too many things the private sector can run better.

I am a designated caregiver for my retired military father. Here is my story of trying to obtain an ID card to get my father's medications.

My father is 100 percent disabled from Vietnam, is on oxygen, has skin cancers from Agent Orange and is generally unable to walk more than 100 feet due to a parachute accident.

We went to Hurlburt Air Force Base near Fort Walton Beach.

Once I reach the ID desk, I give the desk sergeant the documentation needed to obtain a caregiver's pass. Once I get my special ID, I am allowed unescorted privileges on base.

Well, sort of. While I am allowed unescorted access, I'm not allowed to pick up my dad's prescriptions without him present.

The desk sergeant also tells me, "Your father's ID has a Social Security number on it. That's not allowed anymore." After also learning that dad's prescription is not available at Hurlburt, we head to Eglin AFB about 10 miles away. I dutifully present my father's ID, doctor's note and driver's license, and I'm told, "Your father's ID is invalid. We can't issue your pass."

I protest. "But they did it at Hurlburt."

"THEY are on a different system. Your dad needs a new ID, and you can't get one until his is fixed."

"He's waiting in the car. Let me wheel him in," I said.

"Well," the new desk sergeant replies. "We can't issue his ID here. That's at a different building, inside the base. You need to go there, get his ID, and then return here. … "

"But you should call ahead. They are always busy," she says ominously.

So I call. And I'm told that yes, I need to make an appointment, but I can only do so online.

Fortunately, there is a third Air Force base nearby — Duke Field, where the legendary Doolittle Raiders of World War II trained in 1941-42. We approach the guard station and naturally, I need another pass to get on this base. Once through, we appear to see our luck changing. This is a small base, the line is short and we are out in 30 minutes with brand new ID cards.

Back to Eglin, where I am issued a new caregiver ID. Now, I have unescorted privileges and the ability to pick up my father's prescriptions without my dad present. And you wonder why those of us closest to the government dread more government?

Henry Kelley, a Fort Walton Beach business owner, is a leader of the Florida tea party movement and a columnist for Florida Voices.