As the years pass, memories fade, hearts and minds heal, and America, once again, becomes complacent. It is with this in mind, that it behooves all citizens of this great nation, to take a moment and remember that we are not infallible, nor are our borders secured, and the change we all hope for, in regards to peace within and without our borders is fragile at best. With this in mind, a moment of silence, a prayer, to remember those who lost their lives, innocent women, children and men who were merely going to work, and those who risked and lost their lives to save them. It should also be noted, that the City of New York, represented, historically, the Capitol of our Great Nation. The video below depicts news coverage of the days events.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Obama - Over-exposed and Partisan in Prime Time Health Care Reform Pitch
The President made yet another prime-time appearance in support of national health care reform, and a weary public was treated to more rhetoric, specifically aimed at those who disagree with the current form of the legislation. In stating that the problem with health care reform lay in partisanship, the president display partisanship as he should know full well that the backlash to the current health care reform in congress is coming from the populace. (The current legislation has caused the general public great angst, and as a result, the general public has voiced (loudly) their opposition to certain aspects of this reform to their representatives – of which, Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats who want to maintain their position, have taken note.)
Those that actually tuned in were treated of more of the same finger pointing and soaring, well-delivered, rhetoric that has become part and parcel of the administrations playbook. To be fair, the President and his advisers, have been listening, as suddenly, the number of uninsured’s dropped from 47 Million to 30 Million apparently overnight (Text of speech), and there appeared to be a bit of dancing with, no direct mention, of a public option.
That said, the public is not buying, even in Massachusetts. An internet poll (accuracy can be suspect) on NBC Affiliate WWLP, Springfield, MA reported (after the President’s address) that 63% of those responding did not approve of the way the President was handling the issue (screen shot below)
In addition, the problem with passing the current legislation is more bi-partisan than partisan, a fact that should not have escaped the President, it is either that he is as out of touch with the Congress as he is with the general public, or he was stating an untruth. From the Drudge Report: :
Note: the complete list and statements by those members are featured in that developing article.
Therefore, it goes without saying that some sort of reform is necessary, but the partisanship displayed by this administration and its like minded Congress is responsible. Suggestions, sensible and cost savings have been offered by those same Republican representatives the President disdains in his remarks, yet they are repeatedly rejected by the Democrat majority. As the public has become more selective and more adept at researching major issues, such as the health care reform act, they know when someone is crying wolf, too often, and additionally where the “blame”, to be fair, in part, lays.
Regarding the outburst of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), who reacted to a portion of the President’s address (coverage for illegal immigrants), by loudly calling out “Liar” - one must be sure that the time and place were not correct, given the established protocol of the setting. However, one must also realize, that on an emotional level, Representative Wilson was basically echoing the sentiments of, at the very least, 50% of the populace, regarding this particular issue. Understanding the differences between the general populace and a Representative of Congress; Rep. Wilson should have apologized, which he did, that said, one can expect reprimands, investigations, et al, in regards to his actions. The polls will be indicative of the actual percentage of the general public is in sync with Rep. Wilson.
Additionally, these polls, within the next week, will indicate how well this latest address was received by the general public (those who vote). As of this morning, Rasmussen’s Daily Tracking Poll, suggests the President’s approval has, overall, remained at or below 50% since August. Also, 68% now believe that the current legislation would result in larger deficits.
Those that actually tuned in were treated of more of the same finger pointing and soaring, well-delivered, rhetoric that has become part and parcel of the administrations playbook. To be fair, the President and his advisers, have been listening, as suddenly, the number of uninsured’s dropped from 47 Million to 30 Million apparently overnight (Text of speech), and there appeared to be a bit of dancing with, no direct mention, of a public option.
That said, the public is not buying, even in Massachusetts. An internet poll (accuracy can be suspect) on NBC Affiliate WWLP, Springfield, MA reported (after the President’s address) that 63% of those responding did not approve of the way the President was handling the issue (screen shot below)
In addition, the problem with passing the current legislation is more bi-partisan than partisan, a fact that should not have escaped the President, it is either that he is as out of touch with the Congress as he is with the general public, or he was stating an untruth. From the Drudge Report: :
“WHIP COUNT: DEMS LACK THE VOTES
Wed Sep 09 2009 17:03:37 ET
At least 44 more moderate Members of the Democrat Caucus have gone on the record in opposition to the current health care bill in the House, a Hill source claims. Likewise, at least 57 liberal Members of the Democrat Caucus have gone on the record saying they will vote against a health care bill without a strong public option.
Unless multiple Democrats flip on their stated position on health care, Speaker Pelosi lacks the votes to pass a bill through the House on the strength of Democrat votes alone.”
Note: the complete list and statements by those members are featured in that developing article.
Therefore, it goes without saying that some sort of reform is necessary, but the partisanship displayed by this administration and its like minded Congress is responsible. Suggestions, sensible and cost savings have been offered by those same Republican representatives the President disdains in his remarks, yet they are repeatedly rejected by the Democrat majority. As the public has become more selective and more adept at researching major issues, such as the health care reform act, they know when someone is crying wolf, too often, and additionally where the “blame”, to be fair, in part, lays.
Regarding the outburst of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), who reacted to a portion of the President’s address (coverage for illegal immigrants), by loudly calling out “Liar” - one must be sure that the time and place were not correct, given the established protocol of the setting. However, one must also realize, that on an emotional level, Representative Wilson was basically echoing the sentiments of, at the very least, 50% of the populace, regarding this particular issue. Understanding the differences between the general populace and a Representative of Congress; Rep. Wilson should have apologized, which he did, that said, one can expect reprimands, investigations, et al, in regards to his actions. The polls will be indicative of the actual percentage of the general public is in sync with Rep. Wilson.
Additionally, these polls, within the next week, will indicate how well this latest address was received by the general public (those who vote). As of this morning, Rasmussen’s Daily Tracking Poll, suggests the President’s approval has, overall, remained at or below 50% since August. Also, 68% now believe that the current legislation would result in larger deficits.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Congress - Fees Proposed for Those Who Do Not Carry Health Insurance - Welcome to Massachusetts Style Health Care Reform
One of the latest propositionson Health Care Reform to come out of the U.S. Congress is a fine for those who fail to comply with Government Mandated Health Insurance coverage. Max Baucus (D-MT), working with the so-called bi-partisan “Gang of Six” to form a bi-partisan compromise on Health Care Reform, came up with a proposal that mirrors one currently in place in Massachusetts: (From AP News:)
Currently, Massachusetts’ version of Universal Health Care, which makes up the majority of the Commonwealth’s budget and is repeatedly driving the State into the Red (25% tax increase included), includes a “fee” assessed for those who do not carry some form of coverage under the Commonwealth’s guidelines. These “fees” are paid directly to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (i.e. a tax). Those who fail to pay the “fees” are assessed a penalty on their income tax, which can include garnishment of wages. In addition, citizens of the Commonwealth, their Employers and insurance companies are subject to filing additional forms (bureaucracy in action), with the State – proof of insurance must be attached to one’s tax returns – proof of compliance with a State Mandated program. One must understand that anytime additional forms are required, be it for a health care provider, an insurer or an employer, costs are increased and those costs are passed onto the consumer. Additionally, government mandated benefits (such as coverage for Transgender Surgery and Infertility Benefits – high price tag items – there are 26 State Mandated Benefits, only some of which appear to be non-elective procedures in the real world (elective procedures – those that are not necessary to sustain life or prevent a serious illness) - further drive up the cost of health-care.
Should the Federal Government’s plan come close to what Massachusetts has in place, expect an increase in premiums, an increase in forms, and an increase in intrusion from the Internal Revenue Service, specifically if one cannot afford to carry any one of the versions offered by the particular state in which one resides.
The Massachusetts model could work, without breaking the bank and driving up the costs for consumers if the following we’re implemented: mandatory benefits reviewed to include only those wellness benefits and certain tests (mammograms, etc.) that are proven to save lives, and reduce the cost of healthcare. Allow citizens to purchase coverage across state-lines, which would not only increase the competitive pool, but spread the risks incurred by insurers, thereby reducing costs. Riders could be attached (at an additional cost) to plans, allowing individuals to cherry-pick high priced item coverage. Finally, allow for catastrophic coverage only; a plan that would allow participants to pay a high, yet affordable, out-of-pocket deductible (routine wellness benefits would not be covered – these often cost less annualized than the premium) providing hospitalization and surgical benefits and treatments.
Massachusetts has a public option in place, it would behoove those lawmakers who are so keen on pushing through legislation to investigate the Commonwealth’s programs and its impact on the State’s economy and specifically the impact on the middle class (increased premiums, increased taxes, increased “fees”) prior to writing any legislation that includes a hint of a public option.
References:
Massachusetts Sales Tax
Penalities for Uninsured’s to Rise in 2009
Feeding the Beast, Massachusetts Health Reform Act
"Just as auto coverage is now mandatory in most states, Baucus would require that all Americans get health insurance once the system is overhauled. Penalties for failing to get insurance would start at $750 a year for individuals and $1,500 for families. Households making more than three times the federal poverty level - about $66,000 for a family of four - would face the maximum fines. For families, it would be $3,800, and for individuals, $950."
Currently, Massachusetts’ version of Universal Health Care, which makes up the majority of the Commonwealth’s budget and is repeatedly driving the State into the Red (25% tax increase included), includes a “fee” assessed for those who do not carry some form of coverage under the Commonwealth’s guidelines. These “fees” are paid directly to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (i.e. a tax). Those who fail to pay the “fees” are assessed a penalty on their income tax, which can include garnishment of wages. In addition, citizens of the Commonwealth, their Employers and insurance companies are subject to filing additional forms (bureaucracy in action), with the State – proof of insurance must be attached to one’s tax returns – proof of compliance with a State Mandated program. One must understand that anytime additional forms are required, be it for a health care provider, an insurer or an employer, costs are increased and those costs are passed onto the consumer. Additionally, government mandated benefits (such as coverage for Transgender Surgery and Infertility Benefits – high price tag items – there are 26 State Mandated Benefits, only some of which appear to be non-elective procedures in the real world (elective procedures – those that are not necessary to sustain life or prevent a serious illness) - further drive up the cost of health-care.
Should the Federal Government’s plan come close to what Massachusetts has in place, expect an increase in premiums, an increase in forms, and an increase in intrusion from the Internal Revenue Service, specifically if one cannot afford to carry any one of the versions offered by the particular state in which one resides.
The Massachusetts model could work, without breaking the bank and driving up the costs for consumers if the following we’re implemented: mandatory benefits reviewed to include only those wellness benefits and certain tests (mammograms, etc.) that are proven to save lives, and reduce the cost of healthcare. Allow citizens to purchase coverage across state-lines, which would not only increase the competitive pool, but spread the risks incurred by insurers, thereby reducing costs. Riders could be attached (at an additional cost) to plans, allowing individuals to cherry-pick high priced item coverage. Finally, allow for catastrophic coverage only; a plan that would allow participants to pay a high, yet affordable, out-of-pocket deductible (routine wellness benefits would not be covered – these often cost less annualized than the premium) providing hospitalization and surgical benefits and treatments.
Massachusetts has a public option in place, it would behoove those lawmakers who are so keen on pushing through legislation to investigate the Commonwealth’s programs and its impact on the State’s economy and specifically the impact on the middle class (increased premiums, increased taxes, increased “fees”) prior to writing any legislation that includes a hint of a public option.
References:
Massachusetts Sales Tax
Penalities for Uninsured’s to Rise in 2009
Feeding the Beast, Massachusetts Health Reform Act
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