Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Reform Facts and Ignorance

The truth of the matter is most of us are ignorant of the facts concerning health care reform. Just admit it. Don’t get pissed off because I told you! I don't blame us for being in the dark. This is the way our elected officials want it to be when they are pushing agendas that they say are what we want. So, no smack down from me. We are just the ignorant in this political gaming process.


We can always pull up bits and pieces of the health care reform legislation on the internet - and actually learn something if you are open to that. But, I must admit that too is a convoluted attempt to understand.

We can listen to the Glen Beck mouth off figures and scream out doom analogies. We can read an opt-ed from a liberal Huffington Post columnist. Or, we can sit in our living rooms and pray for the best to materialize from the pending passing of a drastic change that will not take affect until 2014. Not too long from now...Just don’t develop a pre-existing condition in the meantime.

The Right side continues to whine about the future like they really care about what America will 'look' like 20 years from now.

When did the average American start to give a damn about tomorrow? Seriously, what have we done as a collective group of people to protect our children from debt? Our government has bankrupted social security. The People have allowed this. Our lives have no 'security' - and our children's lives are completely susceptible to the policies and procedures we have enacted via a vote for Mr. or Mrs. Congress person.

The Left side is just happy to final stand behind a new initiative. They are too weak to even put up a legitimate challenge to any legislation the White House proposes. They too concern about appeasing the President.

One weakling gets a ride on Air Force One and his allegiance to health care for ALL gets suddenly forgotten. Wow! A plane ride - and a lifetime of work on health care reform for the poor in his Cleveland district gets scrapped. Democratic Representative Dennis Kucinich has displayed a respectable and hard line position regarding countless issues over the years. But, Wednesday, no matter what type of spin we put on it, he turned his back on his principles. He has wagered his legacy on the 'hopes' a universal option is some how forced upon a most likely Republican controlled congress after November.

My guess the bill will pass.

Those who favor the passing cannot communicate why they care other than: "I believe the President cares."

Those who do not favor the passing are in disagreement just to be in the No Zone.

Leaving all of us ignorants on the side lines ready to cheer or boo when the vote results are announced by Nancy Pelosi.

Until then - take a look at some more "facts" I found (below).

Facts...Yeah, right. I am drowning in “facts”.

http://www.aolnews.com/healthcare/article/the-facts-on-health-reform/19401753

http://www.aolnews.com/healthcare/article/health-reform-whats-in-whats-out-and-whats-changed/19402011
Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by the excitement I have to complete my census form.

15 comments:

MUATA NOWE said...

Reader Response:

Brian,

your adjectives of others most times are quite comical (i.e. weakling,ignoramus, "the President cares"). Weakling perhaps (lol)!! Nevertheless, I am disappointed in Rep. Kucinich for planning to cast a Yea vote on this bill. I am a proponent of Universal health-care. I am sure Brian you remember our chat in relation to my friend from UK and my support for their system here. That said, I am certain you, others and I have jeopardized our principals, a time or two. Lord, do not let it be a flight aboard Air Force One!!

Now, according to your opinion those who do not favor the bill are in the "No Zone"(that's me) . Well, I will try to communicate my view.

I believe it's virtually impossible for one to get adequate service (especially health-care) when profit drives the service. It perpetuates human greed, deception, manipulation and or corruption. Next, the bill does not address the exemption insurance companies have in relation to federal antitrust law. Also, one true reform ( "pre-existing conditions")would not kick in until 2014 for adults and within six months for children. This provisions alone affects millions today. Joke...! I went home (Philly) recently and paid eight percent sales tax, at a local Dept store. I was informed the changed from seven percent was enacted into law days after the Mayor signed it. Another point, the proposed fines for companies who may still drop your policy do to pre-existing conditions (a whopping $100 per day). S##T, some people pay this in co-pays for check ups,referrals and medicine. Oh yeah, what about the proposal of mandating coverage? I remember distinctly President Obama criticizing Hillary's plan (debate) of mandating citizens to get covered or face fines.

I agree the bill will pass and the Dems maybe in trouble this Nov.

You guys tell me..........!

-AC

MUATA NOWE said...

Reader responds to AC:

AC, I totally agree. I keep advising others to not be blinded by the "science." Well said!

-Nandi

MUATA NOWE said...

Muata shares:

The details/facts at the link below does it for me. Summed everything right on up. We cannot say we are not ‘in the know’. Please click on the link. Share. Encourage all to read. If you are concerned about the time it takes to read: I read and understood every detail after reading twice. Took me 9 minutes and 23 seconds. You HAVE 10 minutes?



http://www.aolnews.com/healthcare/article/health-reform-whats-in-whats-out-and-whats-changed/19402011?icid=main|main|dl1|link1|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fhealthcare%2Farticle%2Fhealth-reform-whats-in-whats-out-and-whats-changed%2F19402011

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

AC ask Muata:

So, what's your stance on the bill, thumbs up or down?

-AC

MUATA NOWE said...

Muata responds to AC:

Thumbs up. At least it starts to cover those who need to be covered. I don’t care about all this cost shyt. America is already in debt with no evidence of EVER coming out of it. Just print more money!!! LOL!

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

AC responds to Muata:

LOL, right!! Hence me not even discussing cost in my commentary, your right!!

-AC

MUATA NOWE said...

Reader Response:

Okay, I have to admit, as Brian pointed out, that on some level I am ignorant to many of the facts surrounding this bill. But as I read some responses, I see that we are pretty much in agreement that something needs to occur on the healthcare front, some are not sure Universal healthcare is the answer but we agree that there needs to be reform. We also recognize the many flaws in the current plan, so rather than to continue to state what is wrong with the plan and how it will not work, what are some of the solutions or alternatives that can help to make the plan better?



As a side note, with all the opposition, I opine that Obama will likely be a one term president. To that regard, I feel that healthcare is being pushed so forcefully so as Obama will leave a much more significant mark on government more so just than being the first black president. I’ve read and agree that if this bill passes the likelihood that it will be repealed is slim, because the incoming party does not want to be seen as the party that strips citizens of programs they have come to depend on. So, if the bill passes its law and the changes that will occur will be considered fixes to making the plan better. I also feel that this level of opposition only exists because it is Obama pushing it.

-EFJ

MUATA NOWE said...

Reader Response:

Obama will be a one term president if he doesn't quickly grow a pair. I'll explain more later. I oppose the bill because fundamentally it's not even close to what was promised or close to what we need. 22 million still uninsured, higher premiums, and alo of bs thrown on the end that we will all find out only after reading the bill.

This bill is a failure to the American people and the US congress should b ashamed.

-LS

MUATA NOWE said...

Reader responds to LS:

LS that was FUNNY!............................. Being a one term President is not as bad as it may sounds. Truth is it's not as powerful as a position long term as we may think. Health care is a long term issue that has been put on short term status for far too long. I say this as a Health and Physical Education Teacher that may not have a postion soon because of thes financial crisis ( How embarrassing is that?). The important thing is that we UNDERSTAND that Health Care in the states needs to be addressed. Obama was very productive before he became President of the DIVIDED STATES and will probably do better when this nightmare of a term is finished. The stress in of itself is not Healthy.

-PM

MUATA NOWE said...

Muata shares again:

What’s surprising is that for most health care is NOT a major issue for us until we do not have it. I will be honest and admit that I was not as interested as I am now until I lost my nice federal coverage. Unemployment shocked me back to reality. I could not afford my medication. Could not see a doctor. I was lucky: the Indian doctor I was seeing prior to unemployment allowed for me to see him at no cost and he eventually gave me loads of samples from the crooked pharmaceutical companies. I only mention this because Americans as a whole are not viewing this pending reform on how it will affect their lives particularly if they are covered now. The fuss is over who is spearheading the reform. Cost 10-20 years from now is not a factor for most. Whether or not Pookie is covered is not a factor. The factor: Right wants to be right and Left wants to be ‘effective’ at something. I am convinced the ONLY one who genuinely cares is President Obama. Does not mean his plan is the best – but his heart is in the right place. I just pray he does not have to utilize the deem and pass legislation. If he does he will be further demonized. He must stick to the rules and procedures that FULLY support a democratic process. I say that and I don’t have many issues with RIGHTEOUS dictatorships…

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

EFJ responds to Muata:

Yeah, I agree those that have coverage are more concerned about the cost of the bill rather than the millions of people that don’t have coverage but let them lose their coverage, they’ll be signing another tune.



I lost my coverage after losing a job I held for 8 years. I was able to get coverage for my son through Peachcare for Kids, but coverage for myself NONE! I was routed to a clinic by my physician of 14 years, unlike Brian she wouldn’t even give me samples and for that I’ve got mixed emotions about going back to her. Anyway, in trying to see a doctor, I contacted many clinics and was told on many occasions “we are not seeing new patients” I’m like WHAT! this is a clinic you are suppose to see anyone, you’re federally funded, but I guess not in GA. All people should have access to healthcare. Luckily I went the doctor on the regular so I was alright for the year and a half I was out of work. But what about the many that do need coverage and can’t get it or can’t afford it. there must be something done to help them.

-EFJ

MUATA NOWE said...

Reader Response:

I've been doing a lot of reading, albeit mostly editorials, on the healthcare issue, and listening to radio talk shows discussing the issue. It does seem that everyone has an opinion, and everyone thinks something different. How can so many people have so many different views on something that is in black and white. If the link that you sent Brian is right, then it looks like all of the fuss about the cost of this bill is a moot point. The article states that, "According to Hoyer, the CBO has estimated that despite a 10-year cost of some $940 billion over 10 years, the bill would actually cut the deficit by $130 billion in the first 10 years and more than $1 trillion in the next 10 years." So it is actually saving us money in the long run?? Isn't that was President Obama has been saying all along? And, honestly, to be fair, every President in recent years has increased the deficit to some degree. I know we wanted to change - but change is hard to do - especially when things are this rough economically. But he is trying.

I'm gonna keep reading, and listening. Trying to figure out the pros and the cons, and then make a decision. But heck, I am not voting anyway. I'll just have to live with it.

-MJ

MUATA NOWE said...

Muata responds to MJ:

Please keep in mind that the CBO's results are based on what is given to them. The Obama administration and Democrats have been accused of altering the numbers in such a way to get the 'positive' results from the CBO. I would not put this past the Democrats. They are just as dirty as the Republicans. Obama is among wolves on both sides.

-Muata

MUATA NOWE said...

MJ responds to Muata:

I might have to bed to differ on that. I don't know 100%, but from my research, the CBO is nonpartisan - a bunch of government workers - many with advance economic degrees crunching numbers from various sources - not just from the administration. I know several economists - and they generally pride themselves on their complex algorithms and formulas, and try to ensure the accuracy of their data. Also, in the past - their forecasts have both helped and gone against both parties - so I'm not sure how much they are influenced. You might have some different information - but I can't see how Obama, or any other administration can sway their reports. I might be naive, though.

-MJ

MUATA NOWE said...

Muata responds to MJ:

The CBO officials are nonpartisan. However, they were given numbers by the White House/Democrats too. The meeting was made public just today. It is on record. I sat and watched it being revealed today on CNN. They can be swayed just like any other politician: money, jobs, handouts. This is happening. Even in the era of Obama. America and the dirty ways remain. Does not matter if an upstanding man lives in the White House.

Some believe the change the president wanted would occur without getting rid of the manure. The manure stinks. It ain't going anywhere. America has to be uprooted. Burned to be pure.

Being 'bipartisan' is almost like believing a juror only bases their decision on the facts presented in the case. Does not happen. People have opinions and lean in directions. Neutrality in government...that's a fallacy.

-Muata