Just some random thoughts. I've been thinking. I wonder how many people in America support the men who showed up at President Obama's town hall meeting carrying guns. All the guns were worn in the open, as the state law stipulates. One guy even had an AK 47 or something similar. Now, even if you were worried solely about gun rights, would you think it was right, and that you have the right, to openly wear guns at a presidential appearance? Sorry, I don't, not with our history. I think this is a symptom of something scary that is happening in America. We are always divided about issues. Blue states and red, and so on. But, there's something happening here, to quote a famous song.
Another thought, how happy do you think the insurance and pharmaceutical companies are with the way the health care debate is turning out? The insurance companies love it just the way it is but if they can get away without a public option, and then get all those young people, who don't get sick yet, and who will be required to sign up for insurance, it would more than make up for the money they lose on the people they used to deny because of a "pre-existing" condition. Could you imagine what the profits really are if Big Pharma, the pharmaceutical industry, is willing to put up 80 billion dollars over ten years. Well I will tell you, 300 billion a year. That's right 300 a year.
And then there's us. For some reason the country is deluded. People shouting the stupidest things you can imagine. Sarah Palin almost sounds smart in comparison. Cheered on and, in fact, lead, by the right wing mercenaries. Beck, Limbaugh, and the like. They're happy too. Pandering to the lunatic fridge really boosts ratings. Racist, hates white people, kill grandma, Nazi , socialist, like Russia. I say nuts! Read a little, and pay a little less attention to the people on TV, on both sides of the issue. They don't have your or the country's best interests at heart. Their agenda is ratings. Nothing else. To clearly help the public examine and discuss an issue would be hard work. That would be Walter Cronkite time. It is easier to publicize the debate about the debate, than to help us understand the issues in the debate. People yelling at congress is so easy. The audience loves it.
One more thing, is there any doubt that without Obama, we would not be having this conversation about health care? Some people think that's what's wrong with him. I think the time has come to fix the system, together. So does the president but the Dems have no stomach for it, and the Republicans are so happy with the way it is. Money talks. The status quo is one of the toughest things to beat in the world. So what to think? I get it that we are mixed up about health care. It is a complex issue and we don't really do complex" anymore. I don't know about you but whenever one side of an issue tries to scare me, I figure I go the other way. I am with the President. We need to rein in the corporations that profit so lucratively treating our symptoms. If we agree that there should be profit in the health system, then I don't begrudge corporations making money. That is the American way. The problem is when, like in seemingly many areas of our economy, they make extraordinary money. Let's be fair. Discuss calmly, and finally, get something done. Oh, and let's leave the guns home.
T
Just a couple of quick points. Firstly, you mentioned something to the affect of that given the racial history of America, bring an automatic rifle to a presidential event, when the president is the first African American President, is not a really good idea. I only want to point out that they guy that brought this automatic rifle was an African American, so knowing that, one can focus only on whether it is a good idea to bring an automatic rifle there, and that's a no brainer -- it ain't a good idea.
Secondly, finally, and very quickly: yes, insurance companies will put profits before our country or any country, because they have a responsiblity to their shareholders. The idea of profit-taking should not be bastardized, for it is an essential reason that has made America's economy the number one economy in the world. However, I will say that I would not be shocked if their was price collusion within the insurance industry, and that's something I would blame the government for, because it would mean that the government failed to regulate the industry properly.
P.S. - I grew up on your work, and I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do.
Tony, I can see your concern for this Country, and I think most of us no matter which direction we think we should take, are like yourself, deeply concerned and well intentioned.
I know how it looks on the right, I consider myself Conservative. I also see other points of view get just as out of hand with the accusations. I dont fall for any of it.
Even though I didn't vote for Obama, I'm old fashioned and always feel a duty to respect Our President and I did enjoy the thought that things might change in Washington. I haven't read the Health package but being a friendly sort I talk to all kinds of people, more then once I've met with people from different countries who really gave me pause about whats going on. One Lady from Poland sent shivers down my spine with her comparisons she sees today.
I took it with a grain of salt, reminded "every hammer sees a nail" So her experience might make her more wary then needed, but she wasn't the only one saying we have to move carefully, that our liberties can be taken little by little,
even here.
The gun thing was shocking to be sure, and though I understood his point, my concern for the President was greater. The laws in place do say the Gun holder would not be free to carry where the President arrived. It did little to help the discussion but was meant to show people how unaware they are of their rights and how we need to pay attention. Another road paved with good intentions...
Tony, I don't claim to understand any of the issues surrounding health care. My trust is in Obama...maybe a little too much, but still in him just the same. However, it seems to me that a new trend may start, and I'm hoping some of your followers will let us know if they have experienced something similar recently. Read on please.
My 24 year old son has been working for the same company for the last six years...he started in his senior year of high school. He has fully paid medical insurance through the union with just a small co-pay whenever he needs to go to the doctor. On rare occasions, the insurance company for the union has always notified him if there was something that wasn't covered so that my son would be able to pay it himself. Never a problem for him, but at least he was notified promptly. So imagine his surprise when he received an overdue notice from his physician on a bill that is now 4 years old!!!!!!! It stated on the bill that it was for a service that was not covered by the union's insurance company. And it was for stitches he needed in his left hand.
FOUR YEARS AGO?????? AND THEY WAITED THIS LONG TO NOTIFY HIM????????? He did call the union to find out what's going on, and is waiting for a call back. But if you ask me, it's just a little too coincidental that he should get something like this NOW when all this debate is going on over health reform. Is the doctor's office so backed up on paperwork that it took them this long to let my son know he owes them money? I THINK NOT!!!!!!!! (and if they are, I told my son he better change doctors quick). In my opinion, I think we are about to see some kind of trend happening here where patients whose insurance didn't cover a service are about to get slammed with overdue notices from services rendered years ago. My advice to my son? Let the union, the insurance company, and the doctor's office all fight it out amongst themselves as they are all in the wrong...not him as this was the first he was hearing about it!
Tony - I think you are right about a lot of what you stated. And just maybe the root of this great division in America, this Red State vs. Blue State nonsense, is Congress itself. There is no sense of open, honest, productive debate and compromise anymore. The voice of hatred is the loudest voice in Congress. Everything is divided along party line. The Democrats want to rubberstamp anything Obama wants and the Republicans want to oppose any of his proposals without giving them the least bit of consideration. Perhaps we need to oust all members of Congress in 2010 and start all over. Or institute term limits for Congress so we can get some fresh blood there from time to time.