I first saw the headline to this story yesterday, and it made my stomach hurt. After reading the article, “Audience at Tea Party Debate Cheers Leaving Uninsured to Die” seemed a little over the top, given the context, but not much.

In the debate, Ron Paul was asked by Wolf Blitzer what should happen to a healthy 30-year-old who decided against purchasing health insurance, but suddenly goes into a coma requiring intensive care for six months. Paul said that it shouldn’t be the government’s responsibility.

“That’s what freedom is all about, taking your own risks,” Paul said and was drowned out by audience applause as he added, “this whole idea that you have to prepare to take care of everybody …”

“Are you saying that society should just let him die?” Blitzer pressed Paul. And that’s when the audience got involved.

Several loud cheers of “yeah!” followed by laughter could be heard in the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds in response to Blitzer’s question.

Paul, to his credit, disagreed with the audience and said that when he was a practicing doctor, no one was ever turned away from the hospital.

What if the 30-year-old were a fierce libertarian who rejected purchasing health insurance on principle? Or what if the 30-year-old simply couldn’t afford health insurance. Would you change your reaction depending on the situation? Would Jesus’ reaction change?