September 4, 2007 12:31PM 

# National Health Care and the Nanny State 

By [Michael D. Tanner](https://www.cato.org/people/michael-d-tanner) 

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As if John Edwards proposal for [mandatory preventive care ](http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070902/ap_on_el_pr/edwards_2)wasn’t proof enough that national health care means less freedom, the Tories have [now proposed ](http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23410977-details/'NHS+should+not+treat+those+with+unhealthy+lifestyles'+say+Tories/article.do)that the UK’s National Health Service monitor Britons to ensure they are living “healthy lifestyles.” Those who don’t measure up could be denied treatment under the NHS (which could be a blessing in disguise). Those who lose weight, give up smoking, and make other healthy changes can have the government pay for their gym memberships and even buy them fresh fruit and vegetables.

Sometimes politics is beyond parody.

##### Related Tags 

[General](https://www.cato.org/general), [Health Care](https://www.cato.org/health-care) 

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