I had a lot of people ask me if I was upset after President Barack Obama's first mid-term elections. For those who are curious: no, I'm not mad. I'm not even irritated. Why should I be? I mean, look, the one piece of legislation that the Republicans wanted to defeat (so they say) is health care. Well, the Republicans didn't win back Congress to even attempt to make it happen. The Democrats still control the Senate and they aren't going to vote to defeat a bill they voted to create. It makes no sense.
Still, the Republican pundits continue to beat the drum of repeal in hopes it will raise money heading into 2012. Think about it logically. They would need a majority of the votes in the Senate to even push it through. Then, they would need 2/3's of Congress to override it when Obama vetoes it. I'm telling you, it's not there. Health care is here to stay. Deal with it. It's a wonderful piece of legislation that is about 55 years too late (if not longer).
I wasn't surprised by the election for a couple of reasons. First, it's called history. When Democrats took over control of the country I said the next election will even out Congress. How did I know this? History. Since WWII the party who takes control of Congress when a new president enters office always loses some of it during the first mid-terms. The history rule USED to pertain to the president's first and second mid-terms, but President Clinton changed all that when he kicked Republican ass all over the country back in 1998.
The second reason (and I believe this is the reason for the first point) is people like to see their Congress work together. Will this happen? Probably not with the "Just Say No" Republicans controlling their end of the deal. They have to want to be teachable and get things done. Even when Bush and the Republicans had total control of Congress, there were several moments where Democrats sat down and hammered out legislation. Republicans have to be willing.
Let's face it, we all know Republicans and Democrats in our life. We have family members from both parties and we work with members of both parties. Every single day we get things done even though we don't agree.
Another thing pundits seem to be beating these days is the idea of repealing health care. After this supposed "uprising of the right" the second thing nobody gets right is health care itself. I met a newspaper reporter the other day who has written 25 columns about the health care debate and he admitted to me he hasn't actually read the bill that was passed into law. "Who has time?" was his little tag line. Um...I did. I know several people who are way busier than this guy who did. It doesn't take that long if you know how to read. Maybe that's his problem. Maybe I shouldn't judge him.
Here's my question back to the pundits. If Americans overwhelmingly felt the health care bill was bad, then why did Democrats keep control of Congress? This is all I heard for the past year is how bad this bill is (when half of the people saying it either haven't read it or can't interpret it correctly)and how much people hate it. Well if Americans hate it so much, why did they not put people in office who could repeal it? Has anybody bothered asking that question?
Here's what happened. While Democrats were busy shaping a historic piece of legislation, the Republican political machine was busy winning the public debate. I remember the day the vote happened I had several friends post "pages" of the health care bill that didn't exist. They literally said this and that is on page 53. When I looked at that page, there was nothing like it on the page. This means they were simply soldiers for the Republican Machine (knowingly or unknowingly) and spreading the hate and anger. It was the Karl Rove Fear Factor all over again. Republicans still want us to be afraid...of everything.
I have news for the Republicans, I voted for change and for hope. I still haven't lost sight of either. I applaud the president and Congress for rising above all the rhetoric and passing such a piece of legislation. Already we can see the benefits of it. You can no longer be turned down for coverage because of a pre-existing condition. Children can stay on their parents insurance plans until they are 25. Plenty of time for them to graduate college. You're right, these things are HORRIBLE!
What will 2012 hold? I have no idea. I do have theories. Right now, if the economy stays like it is heading into 2012, it will likely be a white wash for Republicans. If the economy gets better, then Obama and Company have a real fighting chance to keep their jobs. I still think Obama will get re-elected. Why? Because I've never seen a president keep his campaign promises as much as this one has and lose the next election. Think about it. When he said he was going to change the health care system, thousands of people applauded. So, he changed it. When he said he was going to push bank reform through, thousands of people screamed "Yes, We Can." And he did it.
In fact, he's done such a great job the Republicans are still talking about things they have been talking about (and doing nothing about) for the last 20 years. They say he is raising taxes. Yes, he is, on the rich. You know what I've learned about the really wealthy in this country? They don't care about taxes. They honestly don't care. Why do they not care? Because they know how to make more. They simply use it as a tool to get the people they want elected. That's the truth. Nothing will hold a true blue rich person back. Absolutely nothing. Not you, not me, not even a President of the United States.
So the next time you see/read one of these pundits talk about how bad things are, just remember, hope is still alive. You have the power to change your life today. You have the power to make a difference. You just have to act instead of bitch!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Those Annoying Brown People
It's been a while since you've heard from me. I apologize. My life has been time-consuming lately. I had to take two college algebra classes and a statistics class. Needless to say I had to focus on them in order to keep my GPA high. I'm going to try to get back into the fray.
I've sat by and watched as Arizona passed an Anti-Immigration Law. Here's an interesting fact about Republicans. They have introduced and passed more bills in this country (70%) with the word "anti" in the title. This is very telling to me. When they don't like something they just create laws against it instead of figuring out a way of working with the change that is happening. This doesn't surprise me.
I understand the frustration of anyone who works and lives in this country illegally. They avoid taxes, they live under the radar, and they don't tend to do much mingling. In short, they keep to themselves and we have no idea how they think or feel. To that I say big deal. They do what we all want to do and we hate them for it?
Still, this blog isn't going to be about why it's OK to be illegal in this country. Instead, I'm going to show another alternative to deal with this "problem." It's pretty simple. It shows compassion, and it allows this country to grow.
1. The thing that bothers me the most in this discussion is the law was originally created to go after "illegal" immigrants. It never once said anything about the people who bring the illegals into the country or the people who employ them. In fact, when the rumors of racism were flying, many Arizonians pointed this out and they went back and added the law to punish those who employ or bring in illegals. That was a very telling sign of who they are targeting. It wasn't about illegal or legal. It was about the people with brown skin. They don't like them, so they are going after them. When faced with the logic that white people are hiring them, they go back and change it so critics can't play the racism card. It's ridiculous and very see-through.
2. What is it about immigrants in Arizona Americas hates anyway? Is it their hard work ethic? Is it the fact they are very family-oriented? Is it the fact they will work their ass off to do anything possible to provide for their loved ones? Is it because they don't speak English? I thought Republicans were all about hard work and providing for your family? Don't they trumpet both causes on a regular basis? And please don't get me started on Americans who can't speak English properly. If that truly was a pre-requisite for living here, our population would be cut in half overnight.
3. America was built through immigration--even illegal immigration! I love it when people tell me they are tired of hearing this argument. Are you tired of hearing the truth? That's like saying you are tired of breathing air. My relatives came over on a boat and, let me spare you the research, chances are your relatives came over on a boat or some other form of migration. Many ideas shaped this country. Many different cultures shaped this country. I refuse to run from it now.
4. If this is about the legality of these people and not about race or culture, then I ask why are they currently trying to target their children who were born here and are legal? That is the next step in Arizona. They want to make the children of illegal immigrants illegal as well, despite the fact they were born on American soil. I believe this is in blatant disregard of the United States Constitution, but why let that stop a bunch of people trying to flush out "the element?" Trust me, this is not about legality. It is about race and culture.
So what is the answer? What would I do if I were in charge of solving this problem? Instead of shipping illegal immigrants back to wherever, why not work harder to make them all legal? Think about it. When we opened Ellis Island to immigrants we gave them a time period to become an American citizen. They were given a card and an opportunity to find work. In essence, they were given a chance. Look what they did with it!
I have zero problem with hard-working people entering this country. I have zero problem with people trying to escape horrible conditions in order to make a better life for their family. If the issue truly is the illegal part of the equation, then the solution is simple--allow them to become legal. The problem is, many of us suspect it has nothing to do with the illegal part, but the immigrant part. More importantly the color or culture of the immigrants. Instead of being against a group of people, why not stand up and allow them a chance to continue building this country? It worked for our families, let it work for others.
I've sat by and watched as Arizona passed an Anti-Immigration Law. Here's an interesting fact about Republicans. They have introduced and passed more bills in this country (70%) with the word "anti" in the title. This is very telling to me. When they don't like something they just create laws against it instead of figuring out a way of working with the change that is happening. This doesn't surprise me.
I understand the frustration of anyone who works and lives in this country illegally. They avoid taxes, they live under the radar, and they don't tend to do much mingling. In short, they keep to themselves and we have no idea how they think or feel. To that I say big deal. They do what we all want to do and we hate them for it?
Still, this blog isn't going to be about why it's OK to be illegal in this country. Instead, I'm going to show another alternative to deal with this "problem." It's pretty simple. It shows compassion, and it allows this country to grow.
1. The thing that bothers me the most in this discussion is the law was originally created to go after "illegal" immigrants. It never once said anything about the people who bring the illegals into the country or the people who employ them. In fact, when the rumors of racism were flying, many Arizonians pointed this out and they went back and added the law to punish those who employ or bring in illegals. That was a very telling sign of who they are targeting. It wasn't about illegal or legal. It was about the people with brown skin. They don't like them, so they are going after them. When faced with the logic that white people are hiring them, they go back and change it so critics can't play the racism card. It's ridiculous and very see-through.
2. What is it about immigrants in Arizona Americas hates anyway? Is it their hard work ethic? Is it the fact they are very family-oriented? Is it the fact they will work their ass off to do anything possible to provide for their loved ones? Is it because they don't speak English? I thought Republicans were all about hard work and providing for your family? Don't they trumpet both causes on a regular basis? And please don't get me started on Americans who can't speak English properly. If that truly was a pre-requisite for living here, our population would be cut in half overnight.
3. America was built through immigration--even illegal immigration! I love it when people tell me they are tired of hearing this argument. Are you tired of hearing the truth? That's like saying you are tired of breathing air. My relatives came over on a boat and, let me spare you the research, chances are your relatives came over on a boat or some other form of migration. Many ideas shaped this country. Many different cultures shaped this country. I refuse to run from it now.
4. If this is about the legality of these people and not about race or culture, then I ask why are they currently trying to target their children who were born here and are legal? That is the next step in Arizona. They want to make the children of illegal immigrants illegal as well, despite the fact they were born on American soil. I believe this is in blatant disregard of the United States Constitution, but why let that stop a bunch of people trying to flush out "the element?" Trust me, this is not about legality. It is about race and culture.
So what is the answer? What would I do if I were in charge of solving this problem? Instead of shipping illegal immigrants back to wherever, why not work harder to make them all legal? Think about it. When we opened Ellis Island to immigrants we gave them a time period to become an American citizen. They were given a card and an opportunity to find work. In essence, they were given a chance. Look what they did with it!
I have zero problem with hard-working people entering this country. I have zero problem with people trying to escape horrible conditions in order to make a better life for their family. If the issue truly is the illegal part of the equation, then the solution is simple--allow them to become legal. The problem is, many of us suspect it has nothing to do with the illegal part, but the immigrant part. More importantly the color or culture of the immigrants. Instead of being against a group of people, why not stand up and allow them a chance to continue building this country? It worked for our families, let it work for others.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
One Simple Message of Hope
It's been a while since I've posted anything. I apologize. I've been a bit busy. I started going back to college, which includes studying, reading, and proving to myself I'm smarter than I think. Still, I haven't strayed from my liberal roots one bit. This blog is a message to those who are doubting the president.
To The Republicans
I get it. I really do. You watched as your last president was crucified in the press, public opinion, and around the world. You found no solace. You had to live with what was being said because everybody agreed he was the worst two-term president in history.
It festered. You had to put up with it for eight years. Eight, long, grueling years. Now there's a Democratic president and the Dems control Congress. You've taken shots for eight years and you are unleashing your frustration. I can see through it very clearly. You're petrified that these semi-godless thinkers are ruining your country.
I've asked many Republicans why they hate Obama. They usually respond with the usual Fox News verbiage: "He's a tax and spend liberal." Let's analyze this for a second.
Fact: He did sign into law a stimulus bill to help save jobs. This is spending of taxpayer dollars. Other than that, what else you got?
This is what cracks me up about Republicans. They LOVE to point a finger and yell "tax and spend" as if they have NEVER in the history of mankind EVER taxed and spent anything! It makes me laugh out loud. Republicans controlled the Congress and the White House for six out of the eight years Bush was in office. What was the result? Anyone? Anyone? Taxes went up (especially for the middle and lower classes) and they spent over $10 TRILLION dollars. Oh yeah, but Repubs overlook that little indiscretion. The only taxes that went down were for the top one percent of Americans. These were the actual results of the Bush Tax Cuts which were trumpeted all over Fox News as being the Ronald Reagan move of the new century. What did it do? The same exact thing Reagan's economy did. It sent us spiraling downward into a recession. In fact, the last three Republican presidents have left office with a recession on their hands. The last Dem left with a SURPLUS! Yet, all Dems do is tax and spend? Sigh. It gets old. And it's not factual.
To The Progressives
I get it. I really do. You're frustrated. You spent money, time, energy, and a TON of talking to help get Obama elected. You thought you finally had a true Progressive thinker in office. In turn, you feel he has let you down. He is committing to a war in Afghanistan, the public option did not make it through Congress, and you want him to end the assault on gay marriage bans.
My friends, I feel the same way about all of these issues. I am frustrated the public option died a quick death. I think it is the only way to protect Americans from the greedy slime that is the health care industry.
I have mixed feelings about the war in Afghanistan. I felt very strongly it was where we should've been all along instead of wasting our time in Iraq. Now that we have committed fully to the region, I wonder if it is too late to find the bastard Bin Laden and bring him out of his rat hole. Sorry, friends, but I still believe in justice and that asshole needs to be found. It's why I will never be a true Progressive. I do see a purpose for war or war-like actions.
As for the rest of the complaints, all I will say is the man has been in office for one year. He still has time. Relax.
To The Conservatives
I get it. I really do. You're scared shitless of a black guy in office. Do you ever notice conservatives call every Democrat in office the "number one liberal in America?" Can they all really be number one? They called Obama this when he entered office even though NOBODY had ever heard of the guy. Can you be anonymous AND the number one liberal? Is that even possible?
I will congratulate the conservatives on killing the public option. I realize your goal was to kill the health care reform bill, but I still think you can take credit for whittling down a bill that was very strong in the beginning. You were organized, focused, and ran the best smear campaign I've seen since Dukakis ran for president in the 80s. So what if death panels aren't true? What's a little lie between constituents when it comes to killing health care reform?
You filled town meeting after town meeting in an effort to smear the "Communist Obama" and his "Socialist agenda." I even asked a few of you why Socialism was bad. I have to admit your answers killed me. Most of you said because it will kill democracy. Really? Socialism is an economic system, you morons. It has nothing to do with voting. This is why more money on education is needed.
I also want to thank you for all the entertaining bumper stickers and shirts you guys wear. It feeds into your paranoia perfectly. I asked one guy why he hated Obama. His answer: "He's taking away my guns and my money." I then asked which law he signed that took away his guns. His answer: "I don't know. I just know he's going to." PERFECT! Let's hate a guy for something you think he might possibly do at some point in time. That makes total sense! I bet this same guy has an autographed copy of Sarah Palin's book.
For the record, the only bill Obama has signed into law involving guns was one expanding the rights of federal and state agencies to use guns in public parks. That's right, the evil, gun-taking, Negro EXPANDED the use of guns! Sigh. Get a life, conservatives. You still have so much to learn.
Final Thoughts
To my fellow Democrats, Independents, and Progressives, I say you are missing the point if you think Obama is doing a bad job. Again I will say I am not in love with the man as much as I thought I would be, but I can't deny he has done some really fantastic things while in office. First, the health care reform bill did pass Congress. This is NOT a small feat. So it didn't have a public option. Big deal. It doesn't go into effect until 2013. There is still time to reform the reform bill.
Look at it this way. This bill overhauls one-sixth of our national economy. Do you seriously think this was easy? Besides, it still covers over 30 million more Americans who have been refused coverage or can't afford coverage. It also tells the health care industry they can't refuse anybody based on pre-existing conditions. ALL OF THESE ARE GREAT THINGS!!!
I also want to take a minute to tell my fellow Dems and Progressive friends you should look in the mirror a bit when you talk about the public option dying. How many rallies on health care reform did you attend? How many groups did you organize to attend rallies in favor of the public option at town hall meetings? If your answer is zero, then you are just as guilty for it failing. I attended three. I spoke up. I stated my position. I can tell you, without a doubt. I was in the minority at every one of them. The conservatives won the argument because they showed up. Can you say the same?
Here is the message of hope I was referring to in the blog title. Obama is one person. One human being. He stood in front of you and demanded a call for action. What did you do? Me? I acted. I made calls, I attended rallies, I went to town hall meetings. In short, I heard the call. He can't do it by himself. He was asking for your help even after he was elected. This, my friends, is the greatest message I have heard from a president since I've been alive. Why? He knows he can't do it without you. He's all but admitting it. It's incredibly humble!!
I remember watching history unfold on my TV screen as Obama won the presidency. I remember him saying over and over again, "Yes We Can." Have we already, as a country, forgotten the "we" part of his slogan? One person can't do it for you. You have to want it as bad as you say you do! Get off your asses and act or stop complaining. Those are your options as I see them.
To The Republicans
I get it. I really do. You watched as your last president was crucified in the press, public opinion, and around the world. You found no solace. You had to live with what was being said because everybody agreed he was the worst two-term president in history.
It festered. You had to put up with it for eight years. Eight, long, grueling years. Now there's a Democratic president and the Dems control Congress. You've taken shots for eight years and you are unleashing your frustration. I can see through it very clearly. You're petrified that these semi-godless thinkers are ruining your country.
I've asked many Republicans why they hate Obama. They usually respond with the usual Fox News verbiage: "He's a tax and spend liberal." Let's analyze this for a second.
Fact: He did sign into law a stimulus bill to help save jobs. This is spending of taxpayer dollars. Other than that, what else you got?
This is what cracks me up about Republicans. They LOVE to point a finger and yell "tax and spend" as if they have NEVER in the history of mankind EVER taxed and spent anything! It makes me laugh out loud. Republicans controlled the Congress and the White House for six out of the eight years Bush was in office. What was the result? Anyone? Anyone? Taxes went up (especially for the middle and lower classes) and they spent over $10 TRILLION dollars. Oh yeah, but Repubs overlook that little indiscretion. The only taxes that went down were for the top one percent of Americans. These were the actual results of the Bush Tax Cuts which were trumpeted all over Fox News as being the Ronald Reagan move of the new century. What did it do? The same exact thing Reagan's economy did. It sent us spiraling downward into a recession. In fact, the last three Republican presidents have left office with a recession on their hands. The last Dem left with a SURPLUS! Yet, all Dems do is tax and spend? Sigh. It gets old. And it's not factual.
To The Progressives
I get it. I really do. You're frustrated. You spent money, time, energy, and a TON of talking to help get Obama elected. You thought you finally had a true Progressive thinker in office. In turn, you feel he has let you down. He is committing to a war in Afghanistan, the public option did not make it through Congress, and you want him to end the assault on gay marriage bans.
My friends, I feel the same way about all of these issues. I am frustrated the public option died a quick death. I think it is the only way to protect Americans from the greedy slime that is the health care industry.
I have mixed feelings about the war in Afghanistan. I felt very strongly it was where we should've been all along instead of wasting our time in Iraq. Now that we have committed fully to the region, I wonder if it is too late to find the bastard Bin Laden and bring him out of his rat hole. Sorry, friends, but I still believe in justice and that asshole needs to be found. It's why I will never be a true Progressive. I do see a purpose for war or war-like actions.
As for the rest of the complaints, all I will say is the man has been in office for one year. He still has time. Relax.
To The Conservatives
I get it. I really do. You're scared shitless of a black guy in office. Do you ever notice conservatives call every Democrat in office the "number one liberal in America?" Can they all really be number one? They called Obama this when he entered office even though NOBODY had ever heard of the guy. Can you be anonymous AND the number one liberal? Is that even possible?
I will congratulate the conservatives on killing the public option. I realize your goal was to kill the health care reform bill, but I still think you can take credit for whittling down a bill that was very strong in the beginning. You were organized, focused, and ran the best smear campaign I've seen since Dukakis ran for president in the 80s. So what if death panels aren't true? What's a little lie between constituents when it comes to killing health care reform?
You filled town meeting after town meeting in an effort to smear the "Communist Obama" and his "Socialist agenda." I even asked a few of you why Socialism was bad. I have to admit your answers killed me. Most of you said because it will kill democracy. Really? Socialism is an economic system, you morons. It has nothing to do with voting. This is why more money on education is needed.
I also want to thank you for all the entertaining bumper stickers and shirts you guys wear. It feeds into your paranoia perfectly. I asked one guy why he hated Obama. His answer: "He's taking away my guns and my money." I then asked which law he signed that took away his guns. His answer: "I don't know. I just know he's going to." PERFECT! Let's hate a guy for something you think he might possibly do at some point in time. That makes total sense! I bet this same guy has an autographed copy of Sarah Palin's book.
For the record, the only bill Obama has signed into law involving guns was one expanding the rights of federal and state agencies to use guns in public parks. That's right, the evil, gun-taking, Negro EXPANDED the use of guns! Sigh. Get a life, conservatives. You still have so much to learn.
Final Thoughts
To my fellow Democrats, Independents, and Progressives, I say you are missing the point if you think Obama is doing a bad job. Again I will say I am not in love with the man as much as I thought I would be, but I can't deny he has done some really fantastic things while in office. First, the health care reform bill did pass Congress. This is NOT a small feat. So it didn't have a public option. Big deal. It doesn't go into effect until 2013. There is still time to reform the reform bill.
Look at it this way. This bill overhauls one-sixth of our national economy. Do you seriously think this was easy? Besides, it still covers over 30 million more Americans who have been refused coverage or can't afford coverage. It also tells the health care industry they can't refuse anybody based on pre-existing conditions. ALL OF THESE ARE GREAT THINGS!!!
I also want to take a minute to tell my fellow Dems and Progressive friends you should look in the mirror a bit when you talk about the public option dying. How many rallies on health care reform did you attend? How many groups did you organize to attend rallies in favor of the public option at town hall meetings? If your answer is zero, then you are just as guilty for it failing. I attended three. I spoke up. I stated my position. I can tell you, without a doubt. I was in the minority at every one of them. The conservatives won the argument because they showed up. Can you say the same?
Here is the message of hope I was referring to in the blog title. Obama is one person. One human being. He stood in front of you and demanded a call for action. What did you do? Me? I acted. I made calls, I attended rallies, I went to town hall meetings. In short, I heard the call. He can't do it by himself. He was asking for your help even after he was elected. This, my friends, is the greatest message I have heard from a president since I've been alive. Why? He knows he can't do it without you. He's all but admitting it. It's incredibly humble!!
I remember watching history unfold on my TV screen as Obama won the presidency. I remember him saying over and over again, "Yes We Can." Have we already, as a country, forgotten the "we" part of his slogan? One person can't do it for you. You have to want it as bad as you say you do! Get off your asses and act or stop complaining. Those are your options as I see them.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Time For Action
It is with a heavy heart that I write this today. Senator Ted Kennedy died early this morning. When I first got into politics I started reading a lot about the top politicians of my childhood. When I started asking questions about Kennedy my parents told me he was too liberal. When I asked about Ronald Reagan my father told me to read more on Kennedy.
The one thing I have always admired about Kennedy was his capacity to help people. He didn’t let others deter him from what he believed to his core was a necessary obligation of a politician to help those in need. I see the world the same way.
I’ve been trumpeting the health care reform bill for several months now. I’ve listened to many concerns and they still sound like an excuse not to help those in need. This is what I’ve learned this week from people.
1. We can’t afford a trillion dollars for health care reform.
2. Medicare is a mess.
3. The government shouldn’t compete with businesses.
Here is my response to each of these.
1. We spent three trillion to go to war that proved to be an unjust cause. We killed people, had our own brought home in body bags, and tanked an economy so a president could avenge his father. Yet, we don’t want to spend money to help people?
2. Medicare is a mess? Really? Ask any senior citizen who uses it how much it helps them. In fact, take it a step farther and try and take it away from them. You will have the biggest fight on your hands. It helps people. Plain and simple.
3. The government isn’t competing with the health care industry! They are not going to build hospitals and hire doctors and pay for your insurance. Instead, they will set up a policy to help pay for care. You will still have a choice as to which doctor you visit. Why is this so hard for people to understand?
Here is a number that is staggering to me. I always heard the health care industry was the largest special interest group in Washington. Would you like to know how large? For every single elected politician in Congress there are six health care industry representatives. That’s right. They outnumber our politicians 6 to 1!! This is how serious the health care industry wants to keep things the way they are. They don’t want change.
Now, here’s where it gets a little interesting for me. As much as the health care industry, especially the insurance companies, doesn’t want things to change, they are also gearing up for the change if it occurs. This is a three-pronged attack. They have their representatives on the frontlines protesting every town hall meeting. They also have their number crunchers and top execs working hard to figure out a way to make money off the plan if it is passed. At the same time they are also paying lawyers to file lawsuit after lawsuit as to the validity of this law.
I’m asking you right now. Is anything the health care industry is doing helping you? Do you honestly care if they are inconvenienced by a reform bill? I sure as hell don’t. I’m sick and tired of them hurting people with their greed. They don’t care about you!! They simply don’t care. They care about lining their pockets and if that means dropping you off your insurance because you’re a liability they will do it and not lose sleep over it. It’s wrong! Plain and simple. No rhetoric can mask what they’ve done.
So, in the spirit of Ted Kennedy, I continue to trumpet the cause of health care reform. This needs to happen now. Too many lives have been shattered and others have died because of the decisions of somebody in a board room who doesn’t care about people. It needs to stop!
I strongly encourage you to call your Senators and let them know there are others who also have a voice. We know the crazy people at the rally have their facts all screwed up and we know the bill will help us! If you don’t make it known they will only hear one side. Please call them and let your voice be heard.
Kit Bond: (202) 224-5721
Claire McCaskill: (202) 224-6154
And for those who live outside Missouri, please call your Senators. You can find them at the Senate directory. Here is the link:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
The one thing I have always admired about Kennedy was his capacity to help people. He didn’t let others deter him from what he believed to his core was a necessary obligation of a politician to help those in need. I see the world the same way.
I’ve been trumpeting the health care reform bill for several months now. I’ve listened to many concerns and they still sound like an excuse not to help those in need. This is what I’ve learned this week from people.
1. We can’t afford a trillion dollars for health care reform.
2. Medicare is a mess.
3. The government shouldn’t compete with businesses.
Here is my response to each of these.
1. We spent three trillion to go to war that proved to be an unjust cause. We killed people, had our own brought home in body bags, and tanked an economy so a president could avenge his father. Yet, we don’t want to spend money to help people?
2. Medicare is a mess? Really? Ask any senior citizen who uses it how much it helps them. In fact, take it a step farther and try and take it away from them. You will have the biggest fight on your hands. It helps people. Plain and simple.
3. The government isn’t competing with the health care industry! They are not going to build hospitals and hire doctors and pay for your insurance. Instead, they will set up a policy to help pay for care. You will still have a choice as to which doctor you visit. Why is this so hard for people to understand?
Here is a number that is staggering to me. I always heard the health care industry was the largest special interest group in Washington. Would you like to know how large? For every single elected politician in Congress there are six health care industry representatives. That’s right. They outnumber our politicians 6 to 1!! This is how serious the health care industry wants to keep things the way they are. They don’t want change.
Now, here’s where it gets a little interesting for me. As much as the health care industry, especially the insurance companies, doesn’t want things to change, they are also gearing up for the change if it occurs. This is a three-pronged attack. They have their representatives on the frontlines protesting every town hall meeting. They also have their number crunchers and top execs working hard to figure out a way to make money off the plan if it is passed. At the same time they are also paying lawyers to file lawsuit after lawsuit as to the validity of this law.
I’m asking you right now. Is anything the health care industry is doing helping you? Do you honestly care if they are inconvenienced by a reform bill? I sure as hell don’t. I’m sick and tired of them hurting people with their greed. They don’t care about you!! They simply don’t care. They care about lining their pockets and if that means dropping you off your insurance because you’re a liability they will do it and not lose sleep over it. It’s wrong! Plain and simple. No rhetoric can mask what they’ve done.
So, in the spirit of Ted Kennedy, I continue to trumpet the cause of health care reform. This needs to happen now. Too many lives have been shattered and others have died because of the decisions of somebody in a board room who doesn’t care about people. It needs to stop!
I strongly encourage you to call your Senators and let them know there are others who also have a voice. We know the crazy people at the rally have their facts all screwed up and we know the bill will help us! If you don’t make it known they will only hear one side. Please call them and let your voice be heard.
Kit Bond: (202) 224-5721
Claire McCaskill: (202) 224-6154
And for those who live outside Missouri, please call your Senators. You can find them at the Senate directory. Here is the link:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Those Damn Canadians!!
I’m exhausted. I really am. I have been trumpeting the sounds and needs of health care reform in this country for the past month. I’ve argued, talked, debated, laughed, loved, and even socialized about it. Wait, I better not say “socialized.” I might get protestors at my door.
I’ve heard a lot of arguments about this proposed reformed. All of them are concerned about how we will pay for the program. It’s a legitimate question. All of them have also expressed concern for Obama raising our taxes in order to pay for it. Quite simply, the president has said he will not raise taxes on the middle class in order to pay for health care reform. Those who believe him might be put at ease. Those who don’t probably have a Sarah Palin For President 2012 button pinned to their lapel already. There’s no convincing them.
Another argument I’ve heard is the fear of socialistic medicine. This one is fun to me. I’ve heard from Americans far and near about how bad Canadians have it. They wait an average of 20 hours to see a doctor. They have to wait months to see a specialist. They die before they get the help they need. Really? Is that why there is a mass exodus from Canada into the United States?
I decided to do something different. I have friends and family members who live in Canada. I asked them about their health care and gave them all a chance to blast it out of the water as one of the worst they had ever seen. Here’s how it went.
I first asked my aunt about it. She and her husband have lived in Toronto for 30 years. I e-mailed her my questions and here is what she said:
“Hey Kurt, glad to hear from you. I hope all is well. To answer your question, yes I love my socialized health care. I have been blessed with three children and we have been through a lot medically. Bill had his heart attack four years ago and Julie was diagnosed with type I diabetes.
The longest we ever waited in a waiting room was about two hours. The longest we ever waited to see a specialist was about a week to 10 days. When Bill needed surgery following his heart attack he had it done within 48 hours. Since Julie is still a minor she doesn’t wait at all. Our system puts the elderly and children first. They usually don’t wait very long to see anyone.
I still laugh at Americans who look at our system and make fun of it. Americans spend WAY more than we do for health care and it’s still crappy. My taxes haven’t gone up for health care in five years and it’s still very manageable. Besides, doesn’t every American want to move to Canada whenever they elect a president they don’t like? Lol.”
Ok, so maybe you think, “She’s your aunt. You guys think alike. Of course she’s for socialism you commie, pinko bastard family.” That’s a bit harsh, but I hear it a lot. Well then how about trying this one from my friend Jason. He grew up in America and moved to Toronto last October for a new job. Here’s what he had to say.
“Dude you know me. I hate politics. Why you ask me this shit? To answer your questions yes I think it works fine. I haven’t lived here very long but I was surprised by my employer explaining the system to me. I always heard Canada hated their health care system. I’ve met one person who hates it out of the hundreds I’ve met.
I remember asking my employer about health insurance. They laughed at me and told me it comes out of my taxes. I didn’t quite understand. Last winter I got the flu and went to a doctor. I waited until payday so I could afford to pay for it. This is where my stupidity kicked in. I didn’t really understand what socialized medicine was about until they told me I didn’t have to pay for anything. I waited two extra days to see the doctor because I wanted to make sure I could pay for it. Dumb me. I could’ve just walked right in the day I wanted to see him.
I didn’t wait very long. I think maybe 10 minutes to see him.
When are you going to move here? I miss you man.”
I can hear my critics now, “But Kurt, you still hang around liberal people and influence them with your questions.”
Sigh. Ok, how about an Internet friend I’ve never met who just had a baby? I will post this verbatim so you can see my questions and answers during a chat session I had on Facebook. I’ll even leave the misspelled words in for authenticity.
Kurt
Can I ask you a quick question?
Besides that one?
9:51pmChristine
sure
9:52pmKurt
Do you absolutely 110% hate your health care system in Canada?
9:53pmChristine
no i love it, what would i do without it, would of cost me at least 40 grand to have my baby as i had a high risk pregnancy and had 5x the normal amount of checkups
i have surgery once a year...all covered
9:53pmKurt
Sigh.
Thanks.
9:53pmChristine
doctors appointments for myself and my son all the time, all covered
9:54pmKurt
I know. It's great. Do you wait 20 hours in a waiting room?
9:55pmChristine
no, the longest i wait is a couple hours
and when pregnant i went right in
and babies go right in
the only people that wait long are ones that go up with something common and not that important, like colds or flu-unless they are kids pr elders
9:56pmKurt
I have relatives who live in Toronto and they love hearing about Americans argue Canada's health care system. To quote my aunt: "They act like they know what we are all about and they have no idea."
9:57pmChristine
ya i dont understand whats bad about free?
9:57pmKurt
Because it makes us (gasp) a SOCIALIST country.
9:57pmChristine
you can pick your doctors, your specialists..whats the problem? you have to wait a bit longer? but you save soo mcuh, its a good trade.
9:57pmKurt
Which it doesn't, that's what the lunatics think.
I agree with you 110%.
Thank you for helping me prove my point.
9:58pmChristine
lol no proble, ttul
Then we had this little exchange when she commented on my status message.
Christine Marie Pullen
You Americans are whack! Sorry but most of you are.
There is nothing wrong with having universal health care. It would do nothing but benefit your country as a whole. You are only as strong as your weakest citzens. You guys are all so PROUD and STRONG. But your sicker...you die younger...your POOR!
Yesterday at 10:04pm • Delete
Kurt Jarvis
Oh yeah, well, we stole hockey from you guys! Take that!
Yesterday at 10:09pm • Delete
Christine Marie Pullen
Ya, but we can afford to go to hockey games here.
Yesterday at 10:10pm • Delete
She really got me on that last statement. Maybe they can afford it because they are not pumping money into a health care system they can’t afford. Hmmmm…
So there you have it. Three different perspectives on the God awful Canadian health care. I only hope we don’t become one of these countries. It would just be horrendous.
I’ve heard a lot of arguments about this proposed reformed. All of them are concerned about how we will pay for the program. It’s a legitimate question. All of them have also expressed concern for Obama raising our taxes in order to pay for it. Quite simply, the president has said he will not raise taxes on the middle class in order to pay for health care reform. Those who believe him might be put at ease. Those who don’t probably have a Sarah Palin For President 2012 button pinned to their lapel already. There’s no convincing them.
Another argument I’ve heard is the fear of socialistic medicine. This one is fun to me. I’ve heard from Americans far and near about how bad Canadians have it. They wait an average of 20 hours to see a doctor. They have to wait months to see a specialist. They die before they get the help they need. Really? Is that why there is a mass exodus from Canada into the United States?
I decided to do something different. I have friends and family members who live in Canada. I asked them about their health care and gave them all a chance to blast it out of the water as one of the worst they had ever seen. Here’s how it went.
I first asked my aunt about it. She and her husband have lived in Toronto for 30 years. I e-mailed her my questions and here is what she said:
“Hey Kurt, glad to hear from you. I hope all is well. To answer your question, yes I love my socialized health care. I have been blessed with three children and we have been through a lot medically. Bill had his heart attack four years ago and Julie was diagnosed with type I diabetes.
The longest we ever waited in a waiting room was about two hours. The longest we ever waited to see a specialist was about a week to 10 days. When Bill needed surgery following his heart attack he had it done within 48 hours. Since Julie is still a minor she doesn’t wait at all. Our system puts the elderly and children first. They usually don’t wait very long to see anyone.
I still laugh at Americans who look at our system and make fun of it. Americans spend WAY more than we do for health care and it’s still crappy. My taxes haven’t gone up for health care in five years and it’s still very manageable. Besides, doesn’t every American want to move to Canada whenever they elect a president they don’t like? Lol.”
Ok, so maybe you think, “She’s your aunt. You guys think alike. Of course she’s for socialism you commie, pinko bastard family.” That’s a bit harsh, but I hear it a lot. Well then how about trying this one from my friend Jason. He grew up in America and moved to Toronto last October for a new job. Here’s what he had to say.
“Dude you know me. I hate politics. Why you ask me this shit? To answer your questions yes I think it works fine. I haven’t lived here very long but I was surprised by my employer explaining the system to me. I always heard Canada hated their health care system. I’ve met one person who hates it out of the hundreds I’ve met.
I remember asking my employer about health insurance. They laughed at me and told me it comes out of my taxes. I didn’t quite understand. Last winter I got the flu and went to a doctor. I waited until payday so I could afford to pay for it. This is where my stupidity kicked in. I didn’t really understand what socialized medicine was about until they told me I didn’t have to pay for anything. I waited two extra days to see the doctor because I wanted to make sure I could pay for it. Dumb me. I could’ve just walked right in the day I wanted to see him.
I didn’t wait very long. I think maybe 10 minutes to see him.
When are you going to move here? I miss you man.”
I can hear my critics now, “But Kurt, you still hang around liberal people and influence them with your questions.”
Sigh. Ok, how about an Internet friend I’ve never met who just had a baby? I will post this verbatim so you can see my questions and answers during a chat session I had on Facebook. I’ll even leave the misspelled words in for authenticity.
Kurt
Can I ask you a quick question?
Besides that one?
9:51pmChristine
sure
9:52pmKurt
Do you absolutely 110% hate your health care system in Canada?
9:53pmChristine
no i love it, what would i do without it, would of cost me at least 40 grand to have my baby as i had a high risk pregnancy and had 5x the normal amount of checkups
i have surgery once a year...all covered
9:53pmKurt
Sigh.
Thanks.
9:53pmChristine
doctors appointments for myself and my son all the time, all covered
9:54pmKurt
I know. It's great. Do you wait 20 hours in a waiting room?
9:55pmChristine
no, the longest i wait is a couple hours
and when pregnant i went right in
and babies go right in
the only people that wait long are ones that go up with something common and not that important, like colds or flu-unless they are kids pr elders
9:56pmKurt
I have relatives who live in Toronto and they love hearing about Americans argue Canada's health care system. To quote my aunt: "They act like they know what we are all about and they have no idea."
9:57pmChristine
ya i dont understand whats bad about free?
9:57pmKurt
Because it makes us (gasp) a SOCIALIST country.
9:57pmChristine
you can pick your doctors, your specialists..whats the problem? you have to wait a bit longer? but you save soo mcuh, its a good trade.
9:57pmKurt
Which it doesn't, that's what the lunatics think.
I agree with you 110%.
Thank you for helping me prove my point.
9:58pmChristine
lol no proble, ttul
Then we had this little exchange when she commented on my status message.
Christine Marie Pullen
You Americans are whack! Sorry but most of you are.
There is nothing wrong with having universal health care. It would do nothing but benefit your country as a whole. You are only as strong as your weakest citzens. You guys are all so PROUD and STRONG. But your sicker...you die younger...your POOR!
Yesterday at 10:04pm • Delete
Kurt Jarvis
Oh yeah, well, we stole hockey from you guys! Take that!
Yesterday at 10:09pm • Delete
Christine Marie Pullen
Ya, but we can afford to go to hockey games here.
Yesterday at 10:10pm • Delete
She really got me on that last statement. Maybe they can afford it because they are not pumping money into a health care system they can’t afford. Hmmmm…
So there you have it. Three different perspectives on the God awful Canadian health care. I only hope we don’t become one of these countries. It would just be horrendous.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Drowning Out Freedom of Speech is NOT American
I was a newspaper reporter once upon a time. I used to sit in on many meetings with many different opinions in the same room. We had nut jobs speak about things they didn’t know anything about and we had genuine people debate the facts at hand.
I didn’t always agree with everybody, but I learned quickly that those who had a point would wait to speak then make their point. Those who didn’t have a point would simply make noise and try to disrupt. It reminds me of a saying: when you have your facts you pound the facts. When you don’t have the facts you pound the table.
There’s a lot of table pounding going on in this country over health care reform. These mobs (and I will call you mobs until you act otherwise) gather at town hall meeting after town hall meeting with the sole purpose of not allowing the meeting to happen. Then they say we are under a Hitler-like regime because Obama wants to reform health care. Well, folks, I have a new term for you idiots. You’re Corporate Nazis!! And I will stand by it.
Here are some bullet points I don’t understand or want to bring to light about these groups:
1. These groups are being stirred by the pharmaceutical companies pretending to be community organizers. They have websites, money, and busses to help prove their point. They claim it’s all a grassroots effort. Really? I know tons of people like you and me who can afford big busses to roll into these gatherings and hand out literature.
The truth is it is corporate funded. Insurance and drug companies did this 15 years ago when Hillary Clinton tried to reform health care. They succeeded. What makes me laugh is these people bring up our forefathers who gathered at meetings and liken their cause to those who founded this country. Funny, I don’t see Patrick Henry being bought!
2. Patients United Now is one of these groups. They also led the charge back when Hillary tried to reform back in 1994. Here’s what they say on their own website:
“We are Americans just like you. We believe patients and doctors should make health care choices, not Washington bureaucrats.”
They are NOT just like us. They are a Republican and corporate-backed organization whose sole purpose is to fan the flames. The main organizer of this group worked for Coke Industries (the number one private energy company in the country) for almost 10 years. He is high up in the Republican Party.
3. These mobs are only going to get worse. We’ve already seen an incident in St. Louis where the two sides clashed, several people were arrested, and a couple of people got hurt. When you try to bar them from attending the meeting they cry foul saying it is a violation of their Constitutional rights. I say once you show hostility and try to disrupt the actual meeting, you should be escorted out promptly. A second thing you can do at these meetings is have an agenda and stick to it. Allow a section for public comment and limit their time to speak. There’s no law against any of these and those who are there for purposes of gathering information should be allowed to be heard just as much as these ranting nut jobs.
4. Calling Obama Hitler has been the last straw for me. As much as I hated Bush’s decisions I never compared him to Hitler. I called him A LOT of names, but I would never disrespect the office of the presidency enough to compare someone occupying that office with the worst killer in modern history. Again, it shows how childish these people are and how much they need to grow in the debate of the ISSUES!!!
5. I want the Republican Party to declare these mobs to be hazardous and demand they stop as they stand now. I think it would be fine to encourage those with passion on both sides of the issue to attend these meetings and be heard. I am not trying to stop anyone from talking, but there is no reason why we can’t have a spirited, civil debate. This is the America I know and love. Mob violence has no place here.
6. I admire any American who stands up for what they believe in and takes it to the level of becoming active. These people are disrupting meetings from being heard. This is NOT American. I find it ironic they talk of Communism yet they don’t want anyone but themselves to speak at these meetings. Hypocrisy anyone?
7. I do understand that health care reform is a big issue. People should care about it. However, they deserve to get their facts straight and let others be heard without intimidation. This can’t happen when they continue to pound the table and not listen to real information.
I'm going to end this with an actual debate using the words of the group I'm criticizing.
"We know America needs real health care reform focused on delivering affordable, quality choices to all Americans"
They said the same thing in 1994. Has it changed for the better since then? Nope. It's gotten worse. It's your call America. Allow the corporate world to continue controlling the costs of your health or do something about it!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
It's Time For Health Care Instead of Health Talk
It's a funny country we live in sometimes. I talk to a lot of people about a lot of subjects and believe me, health care almost always comes up. People hate our current system. I think I know two people who are happy with it and neither of them have ever had major health problems. Maybe that's the key. Stay healthy and avoid this mess.
I wish it were that easy. I wish people didn't get sick. I wish people could afford to take care of themselves and their loved ones. How about basic living? I know a ton of people who will insure their children, but not themselves because they can't afford it. This is becoming more and more common.
It shouldn't be this way. Our health should not be determined by Corporate America. When they feel like making more money, they up the premiums and we pay more. When a person becomes too expensive for them to pay for necessary health items, they drop them from their policy. They don't care about health care. They care about making money.
I've been talking a lot about President Obama's health care reform package (the one he wrote, not the one plastered all over the Internet that has been beaten up and stretched.) I have to tell you I like it. Why do I like it? It makes sense.
I was waiting for and received the rhetoric machine bill of denial soon after he announced his intentions. Almost immediately critics were on the airwaves talking this thing down. Big surprise, right? Not really. I remember one pundit saying this bill was going to raise taxes and not cover anybody under the plan. You know what? He didn't read it. He said he did, but he didn't.
It doesn't talk about raising taxes on average, working Americans. It talks about covering working Americans who can't afford coverage. It talks about making sure insurance companies can't drop a client just because they become sick. It talks about making sure there is a checks and balance system in place for companies in the health care industries who have been making billions (not millions) of dollars off the backs of working America.
Now here's what I find funny. Everybody hates the current health care system, but they also hate the current proposed change? Why? Various reasons. Most of them say they don't like socialism. What the hell does socialism have to do with anything? If you set forth a policy that helps people in your country that's socialism? Since when?
Others say they can't afford the tax hike. What tax hike? If Obama has his way the only people getting taxed are people who make over a million dollars a year. Maybe I shouldn't be so crass, but I'm not going to lose sleep over those people having to pay more in taxes. They've tried their best for years setting up laws to avoid paying them altogether and pointing fingers at needy, poor people for our country's ills.
And others say they don't want inadequate care. Ok, so stick with your current insurance plan and don't worry about it. I think people are honestly starting to believe the rhetoric machine. They feel they are going to have to pay a large amount every paycheck for socialized medicine and be forced to accept that program as their own. It's not even close to what is being proposed by Obama. In fact, he says you even (gasp) have a CHOICE of accepting the government-run program or keeping your own. A CHOICE!!!
Look, I realize the health care program in Great Britian isn't perfect, but Canada adopted a better program and it works better. All Obama is trying to do is adopt one of his own and evolve it from the Canadian ideal. Hence, it's evolving, not stagnating.
Let me speak to the money issue for a second. Can you afford health care now? Do you go to the doctor and never pay a co-pay? No, we pay for insurance out of our checks, then pay a co-pay, then pay whatever bill we receive that the insurance company doesn't want to pay. You're right, this is a much better system. I'll take this over the Canadian ideal anyday where you don't pay for hospitalization because it is government-run health care. I'd rather not know how much I'm going to end up paying and not be able to budget appropriately. It's a much better plan.
I am one of millions of Americans without health insurance. I can't afford it. My children are covered, but I am not. I have never been able to afford it. I am a healthy human being who gets sick about once a year when the flu comes around, yet I can't find coverage adequate or affordbale enough. This is America, right?
There are thousands of people EVERY DAY who lose their health care coverage for whatever reason. Over 400 people die EVERY DAY who couldn't afford health care for themselves. You're right, this is a much better system. Who needs these people anyway?
I still believe in my government. I still believe in helping people. I still believe a government can reach out and help when the current system of Corporate America has failed. We are at this point NOW! If Corporate America wins this round of the health care debate, we will not see an end to their current ways. They will continue to funnel money to the rhetoric machine and buy off every politician they can to keep their cash cow alive. They did it with Hillary and they will do it again if given the chance.
This is it, people. You can either stand up and say enough is enough to the health care industry or you can keep on living with their policies and rolling the dice. Which do you prefer?
I wish it were that easy. I wish people didn't get sick. I wish people could afford to take care of themselves and their loved ones. How about basic living? I know a ton of people who will insure their children, but not themselves because they can't afford it. This is becoming more and more common.
It shouldn't be this way. Our health should not be determined by Corporate America. When they feel like making more money, they up the premiums and we pay more. When a person becomes too expensive for them to pay for necessary health items, they drop them from their policy. They don't care about health care. They care about making money.
I've been talking a lot about President Obama's health care reform package (the one he wrote, not the one plastered all over the Internet that has been beaten up and stretched.) I have to tell you I like it. Why do I like it? It makes sense.
I was waiting for and received the rhetoric machine bill of denial soon after he announced his intentions. Almost immediately critics were on the airwaves talking this thing down. Big surprise, right? Not really. I remember one pundit saying this bill was going to raise taxes and not cover anybody under the plan. You know what? He didn't read it. He said he did, but he didn't.
It doesn't talk about raising taxes on average, working Americans. It talks about covering working Americans who can't afford coverage. It talks about making sure insurance companies can't drop a client just because they become sick. It talks about making sure there is a checks and balance system in place for companies in the health care industries who have been making billions (not millions) of dollars off the backs of working America.
Now here's what I find funny. Everybody hates the current health care system, but they also hate the current proposed change? Why? Various reasons. Most of them say they don't like socialism. What the hell does socialism have to do with anything? If you set forth a policy that helps people in your country that's socialism? Since when?
Others say they can't afford the tax hike. What tax hike? If Obama has his way the only people getting taxed are people who make over a million dollars a year. Maybe I shouldn't be so crass, but I'm not going to lose sleep over those people having to pay more in taxes. They've tried their best for years setting up laws to avoid paying them altogether and pointing fingers at needy, poor people for our country's ills.
And others say they don't want inadequate care. Ok, so stick with your current insurance plan and don't worry about it. I think people are honestly starting to believe the rhetoric machine. They feel they are going to have to pay a large amount every paycheck for socialized medicine and be forced to accept that program as their own. It's not even close to what is being proposed by Obama. In fact, he says you even (gasp) have a CHOICE of accepting the government-run program or keeping your own. A CHOICE!!!
Look, I realize the health care program in Great Britian isn't perfect, but Canada adopted a better program and it works better. All Obama is trying to do is adopt one of his own and evolve it from the Canadian ideal. Hence, it's evolving, not stagnating.
Let me speak to the money issue for a second. Can you afford health care now? Do you go to the doctor and never pay a co-pay? No, we pay for insurance out of our checks, then pay a co-pay, then pay whatever bill we receive that the insurance company doesn't want to pay. You're right, this is a much better system. I'll take this over the Canadian ideal anyday where you don't pay for hospitalization because it is government-run health care. I'd rather not know how much I'm going to end up paying and not be able to budget appropriately. It's a much better plan.
I am one of millions of Americans without health insurance. I can't afford it. My children are covered, but I am not. I have never been able to afford it. I am a healthy human being who gets sick about once a year when the flu comes around, yet I can't find coverage adequate or affordbale enough. This is America, right?
There are thousands of people EVERY DAY who lose their health care coverage for whatever reason. Over 400 people die EVERY DAY who couldn't afford health care for themselves. You're right, this is a much better system. Who needs these people anyway?
I still believe in my government. I still believe in helping people. I still believe a government can reach out and help when the current system of Corporate America has failed. We are at this point NOW! If Corporate America wins this round of the health care debate, we will not see an end to their current ways. They will continue to funnel money to the rhetoric machine and buy off every politician they can to keep their cash cow alive. They did it with Hillary and they will do it again if given the chance.
This is it, people. You can either stand up and say enough is enough to the health care industry or you can keep on living with their policies and rolling the dice. Which do you prefer?
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