But his adamant insistence that health care “by definition” means, “we must, must redistribute wealth!” has obfuscated his three other extraordinarily extremist statements — no easy feat in a sound bite a little more than two minutes long:

1. “tough choices and planning supply” (a government planning supply = rationing); 

2. “darkness of private enterprise” (a definitive condemnation of free markets and choice, and an embrace of government control over commerce); and

3. “single route of finance” (an unapologetic plea for “single payer” or government-run health care).

Combined with the president’s own words (“spread the wealth around” and “I do think at some point you’ve made enough money,” among an inexhaustibly list), it no longer is a question of the president’s philosophy, and not even of whether what to expect of him (he told us he wanted to “fundamentally transform America,” while giving lip service to centrism).

Rather, it’s a matter of himself and his government, admitting it clearly and plainly, and why he thinks government control of industry is preferable to the system of free commerce that created the highest standard of living and largest economy known to man. (Nancy Pelosi’s lame rationalization is a symptom, not a cause, so to speak, and doesn’t come close.) After all, the Soviet Union would be thriving still today if the government-run system was equal or superior to the “darkness of private enterprise” (a shameful remark that slaps at the core of American ingenuity that has given so much to the world).

Not that the president is alone in this. Even Republicans, with the rare exception of some such as Newt Gingrich, won’t call it what it is (see Bobby Eberle). But, in the meantime, here is Mr. Berwick, praising socialist Britain and slamming America for the evil that it is.

Donald Berwick at home in England while hammering America the awful.

Furthermore, if this law is sound constitutionally, why is there such a huff by the left — by lefty netroots types (blogs, Facebook, etc.) and by publicity seeking liberal pols (many who held a news conference at the capitol yesterday) — so upset at the legal challenges filed against the law by 14 attorneys general? (See the hysteria in the comments at the T-D article link.) If, as Delegate Jennifer McClellen (D-71, Richmond) says, that the Virginia Health Care Freedom Act (Richmond Times-Dispatch) is akin to Massive Resistance (New York Times); or, as Senator Donald McEachin (D-9, Henrico) says, not engaging in economic activity is actual commerce; or, as Delegate David Englin (D-45, Alexandria) says, the law suits are frivolous, then why all the angst, consternation and worry?

(Make no mistake: The opposition to the Virginia Health Care Freedom Act is a fringe minority — at least five Democrat senators voted for it, more after amendments; and 55 percent of House Democrats voted for it, including several in the Legislative Black Caucus.) 

Apparently, American leftists, from the president on down, are a little nervous. In reality, for good reason. They are not accustomed to principled people fighting with vigor for the constitution, as sworn to do. Their response is a frenzy of complaint and falsity. Their actions belie their recent in-your-face celebratory confidence and giddiness.