Socialized Flu Shots -- Whither the Republic?

And in more news on the socialist front, South Dakota is offering (gasp!) free flu shots for children. What is the state thinking? Don't they know that giving out free medical services will only lead to overutilization of services, irresponsible behavior, and rationing of care? Even good Republicans can't resist the evil seduction of socialized medicine: Governor Rounds will be sneaking in to a free flu clinic at a Sioux Falls grade school next week [AP, "Children's Flu Shot Initiative," KELOLand.com, 2007.10.23].

Seriously, it appears that the state of South Dakota does recognize that health care is a matter of both personal and social responsibility. Sure, we have an obligation to take care of ourselves -- eat right, exercise, go easy on the booze and stogies. But we also have an obligation (Christian, democratic, utilitarian... pick your favorite worldview) to take care of each other. The flu bug is a perfect example of a malady that can lay low even the most responsible person, not to mention innocent kids. This small form of socialized medicine -- no profit, no private insurance, less bureaucracy -- won't lead to folks quitting their jobs and living on the dole; it'll just keep kids healthy, schools functioning, and the economy toodling along as workers take less sick leave and save money for better purposes.

So it looks like everyone, from the kids at Roosevelt to the folks in Pierre, recognizes that socialism has its place in our great state. That's Governor Rounds for you: working to make South Dakota even Redder.