Waited long enough, now I have to say a few words on the Health Care Reform Bill, promise to be brief. No surprise, I was very happy to see it passed.
I have always been a proponent of universal health care. My first professional project out of college was in GM health benefits and at that time we were discussing rising costs, standardization of administration and complete coverage. As unpopular as it was, I even supported Hillary Clinton in her early efforts towards reform.
I did not read the entire bill and frankly some of what I have read is confusing. I am constantly looking for some scaled down, synopsis of the bill. But all such briefs have been slanted or too incomplete or even off point. So I like these two points the most:
- everyone will be covered. A friend insists that this was already true. Well now everyone knows they will be covered and we have a starting process to account for the funds.
- you won't be dropped if you use your coverage. I always hated this about car insurance. I was a member of Travelers for over 20 years with very minimum use. Had two under $2k claims in one year and they dropped me.
What I hate about the bill? The cost. But I am a believer that it will lower health care costs in the future.
What I hate most though about this bill, is the horrible way we have seen our elected officials and the general public behave. I am sickened by property destruction and personal threats towards our politicians. I am dismayed by slanderous remarks, lies and fear promotion. It is disgusting to see adults act like toddlers who cannot get their way or to hear about the unbelievable anger over this. I can't help thinking that our very governmental foundation is cracked.
This bill is a start, it is not all encompassing and I don't believe the situation will ever be 100%. But it has started some of the greatest debates I have been aware of and people are interested. I thought Hillary started the topic years ago, but that concern died with her proposal. Let's hope the debate (orderly and professional) continues and that we are all better off for it.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Friday, March 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Senator Shelby - A stubborn child
I am not a political science master and I certainly do not know how to traverse the difficult senate terrain, but as I citizen I am outraged by the actions of Senator Shelby. Whether Republican or Democrat, he is asking like a spoiled, stubborn child.
Shelby's blanket hold is considered an aggressive use of this power and is holding back about 70 nominations from the president. This is how an elected official makes a point? He claims it is to get the attention of the president. I liken it to the temper tantrum thrown by a 2 year old whose mom won't buy him candy at the grocery store...or in this case whose "mom" may take away his lucrative defense contract.
Let's give this Alabama genius the benefit of the doubt. After all he is getting the press that he wanted; maybe ethics isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's not easy to find compromises and work through both sides of an issue. You might as well just take the easy way our, forget negotiations skills and debating issues. This takes less effort and practically no brain power.
I would like to believe that our elected officials are above these games (ok I have my rose colored glasses on this morning). It seems our political system has become a "who can make the other look worse" game rather than a process to do what is best for the whole.
It doesn't matter which side of the aisle you favor. These tactics are obvious on both sides. I know that I am not equipped with the knowledge or skill set to do the job many of our elected officials can do. But that's why we vote for those who are supposed to have these skill sets. Is it just a popularity contest?
Grow up Mr. Shelby and bring your playground buddies with you.
Shelby's blanket hold is considered an aggressive use of this power and is holding back about 70 nominations from the president. This is how an elected official makes a point? He claims it is to get the attention of the president. I liken it to the temper tantrum thrown by a 2 year old whose mom won't buy him candy at the grocery store...or in this case whose "mom" may take away his lucrative defense contract.
Let's give this Alabama genius the benefit of the doubt. After all he is getting the press that he wanted; maybe ethics isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's not easy to find compromises and work through both sides of an issue. You might as well just take the easy way our, forget negotiations skills and debating issues. This takes less effort and practically no brain power.
I would like to believe that our elected officials are above these games (ok I have my rose colored glasses on this morning). It seems our political system has become a "who can make the other look worse" game rather than a process to do what is best for the whole.
It doesn't matter which side of the aisle you favor. These tactics are obvious on both sides. I know that I am not equipped with the knowledge or skill set to do the job many of our elected officials can do. But that's why we vote for those who are supposed to have these skill sets. Is it just a popularity contest?
Grow up Mr. Shelby and bring your playground buddies with you.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Kennedy Legacy Gone
Look out friends, I am getting a little political here.
Can someone tell me how the Republicans won the Massachusetts seat? For the first time in about a bizillion years the Democrats have a majority and supposedly some real power. And the for the first time about a bizillion years this state will be represented by a Republican.
Yes, i consider myself a liberal and yes I am a registered Democrat. But I do vote according to issues, or at least I like to think i do. It wouldn't bother me that a Republican won this seat if I could tell what platform he won it promoting.
Granted I am embarrassed that the democrat candidate (and a female) made some campaigning gaffes. Not quite Palin level but still. However I did not see any debates, I did not hear an issue banter. Obama goes up to bat for her and still she loses. Will healthcare reform ever happen? I am depressingly starting to believe it won't. But Mass. won't be as affected as NY, so do they care as much?
Have we all given up? Seems like there is so much that needs to be fixed that the only thing we can focus on is the nebulas CHANGE. I never liked that concept - change for change purposes. I prefer planning, compromise and realism over fear, politicking and secrecy.
Can someone tell me how the Republicans won the Massachusetts seat? For the first time in about a bizillion years the Democrats have a majority and supposedly some real power. And the for the first time about a bizillion years this state will be represented by a Republican.
Yes, i consider myself a liberal and yes I am a registered Democrat. But I do vote according to issues, or at least I like to think i do. It wouldn't bother me that a Republican won this seat if I could tell what platform he won it promoting.
Granted I am embarrassed that the democrat candidate (and a female) made some campaigning gaffes. Not quite Palin level but still. However I did not see any debates, I did not hear an issue banter. Obama goes up to bat for her and still she loses. Will healthcare reform ever happen? I am depressingly starting to believe it won't. But Mass. won't be as affected as NY, so do they care as much?
Have we all given up? Seems like there is so much that needs to be fixed that the only thing we can focus on is the nebulas CHANGE. I never liked that concept - change for change purposes. I prefer planning, compromise and realism over fear, politicking and secrecy.
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