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Health care reform: Can we send this gift back?
Published Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Taxpayers got a Christmas present courtesy of the U.S. Senate that, unfortunately, we can’t return.
On Christmas Eve, the Senate voted along party lines to pass the most sweeping social reform since Social Security, approving the massive health care legislation that guarantees almost universal medical coverage for the first time to all Americans.
The problem, of course, lies in the cost. And in the hidden costs.
The package, which was pushed through by Democrats anxious to make something happen by a randomly chosen Christmas deadline, is cumbersome, chaotic and costly. It lacks the support and confidence of most Americans who support the concept of expanding medical coverage but question the reality of the cost of this plan outlined in this package.
The package will likely increase taxes on those President Obama promised would not see tax increases during his candidacy just a year ago. It will undoubtedly raise the national debt by millions of dollars each year. And it will pass along even more debt to states, who already are struggling under the burdens of operating within a balanced budget each year.
Ultimately, that means all Americans are going to feel the pinch – the pain – of this package through additional state taxes; direct health care costs; and federal taxes – all for a flawed package that was driven by a need for a political victory by the Democratic Party.
It’s gifts like this we wish we could refuse.
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Comments
Posted by BeachGirl (anonymous) on December 30, 2009 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
im in total agreement with you..i dont want this 'change'...its costing too much in the longrun...our kids and grandkids are going to be paying too much for it...if someone doesnt have insurance why should I have to pay for theirs?? i work for mine...
Posted by Virtuous (anonymous) on December 30, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know...
I'm all for helping out those who are in need because there have been times (and there may be more times in the future)that I have needed help. I'm all for helping out those who are less fortunate than myself. But I would rather do it on my terms because I know how much I can spare and when I can spare it. There may be times when I can give more. There may be times when I can only give less. Then, there are other times when I don't have it to give (honestly). So I should be able to do it when I can and how much I can because I don't want to put myself in the position where I will end up needing more help than giving help when it's needed.
Posted by henrimasters (anonymous) on December 30, 2009 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What this editorial fails to recognize is that we are already paying for health care for all people. I do not agree with the bill as written because it does not go far enough to reform healthcare in this country. Bottom line is that we have millions not getting routine health care but when those people show up in the emergency room we pay for that premium and pay for thier care from then on. Social reform is what we need but most people are not willing to face the hard reality of what that means. The right wingers say, oh no, abortion can't be funded because my religion says it is wrong. Where are those people when it is time for adoption? Still running their collective mouths. Pay for thr abortion or pay to care for the child for a lifetime whether in the prison system or in the welfare system.
Social change is the soultion but it means that the extremeists on both sides have to give in. For sure, those in the upper income brackets are not for that and those on the lower end of the socio-ecomomic scale are not willing to give either. In the end all will.
When this country truly removes religion and other special interests from the country's governance we will see change that matters!
Posted by Virtuous (anonymous) on December 31, 2009 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
henrimasters,
Responding to the example you gave concerning abortion which lead up to this statement..."When this country truly removes religion and other special interests from the country's governance we will see change that matters!"
Do you not think if we lived by the principles of the bible concerning sex, there would be no need for abortion?
Posted by BeachGirl (anonymous) on December 31, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
well said virtuous..i too dont mind helping somtimes...but when i look at my check adn see about 400 a month disappearing it ticks me off...then it seems im inevitbly behind a lady in the grocery story buying food with food stamps yet driving off in an escalade...some people dont want insurance...so we shouldnt have to pay for it..i hate to say it but we all the same opportunites in this life. i went to school then work to support my life...why cant some people even try?
Posted by Virtuous (anonymous) on December 31, 2009 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BeachGirl,
Let's not assume the vehicle is hers. Even if it is, standing on the outside looking in, we don't know what she or a family member had to go through or didn't make it through for her to even be driving it.
Posted by Redhill (anonymous) on December 31, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Bible says you shall earn your living by the sweat of your brow. Christians will take money out of their pockets to help get you back to work. The socialist (Democrats) will take money out of workers pockets for those that won't work. Religion has mostly been taken out of government and school for the last 50 years. If you bow your head and say a silent prayer on school or government property someone will be hauling you to court.
Posted by elvis2 (anonymous) on December 31, 2009 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Elections are coming up in the coming year so please let us remember all this and vote a new set of crooks into office . The only welfare their interested in is their own .
Posted by TheDude (anonymous) on January 30, 2010 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, how about we just abolish all forms of taxes and allow each individual to pay taxes on their terms. I'm sure that would work out well. After all, I don't agree with the war in Iraq and Afghanistan so why should I have to pay taxes to fund it right? It's just not fair. Boo-freaking-hoo.
As for the abortion comments, I do think it is funny that the people who are against abortion are a lot of the same people who would be crying if abortion was banned and taxes went up to care for the millions of unwanted children in the US and the medical bills associated with the birth, and child care for the next eighteen years.
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