We can all be grateful that the Rev. Jesse Jackson has taken time away from his primary job of extorting money from corporate America fearful of his histrionic accusations of racism to cut through the rhetorical clutter and get to the bottom of the health care debate in a recent column in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Unfortunately, just like the president, Jackson is misrepresenting facts across the board and, also like the president, possesses little grasp of the fundamentals of health care economics.

Before itemizing the good Reverend’s errors and outright fabrications, it bears noting that, along with every other Obamacare apologist, Jackson starts by launching ad hominem attacks on those who have contrary opinions about the best way to reform health care.  He praises the president for calling opponents “fear-mongers” but asserts that daring to call Obamacare a “government takeover of health care” reduces the debate to childishness.  As countless commentators have noted, and as the American people are realizing, this administration and its allies couch no dissent and will vilify and personally denigrate anyone who opposes its policies.  This arrogance has been the most effective weapon available to slow the descent towards socialized health care.

Rev. Jackson says it is a “stark reality” that we already have “a government-run, single payer health care plan,” known as Medicare.  This is flat out incorrect.  A single payer system means that all, or nearly all, care is paid for by a government entity.  It is also known as a “universal” system, meaning it covers everyone.  Medicare covers only those over 65 and with permanent disability.  It also does not preclude beneficiaries from purchasing care outside of the Medicare system.  One fact that has been little mentioned by liberal champions of the Medicare model is that millions of seniors dig into their pockets each month to pay premiums for Medicare supplemental insurance that covers additional services and out-of-pocket costs that Medicare does not cover.  As it exists, Medicare is far short of a single payer system since beneficiaries can and do contract for additional coverage and can also go outside the Medicare system at any time and pay cash for any service they desire.

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