My cousins from out of state visited this past weekend. In her words, she is against socialism. She says that other countries that are more socialist are having more and more problems. I wanted to really understand how they thought. They can read and she works as a medical secretary, he is a chemist. What are they thinking? I wanted to know. So I just listened, saying little. Democratic leaders should take note.
Poll included.
They don't like Obama, and they don't like socialism. They think that the government should not run health care. They are against all types of health care reform Obama and congress is considering. They don't want it. They feel strongly. Here is the kicker: I specifically asked, "what if instead of the government taking over health care, people who are having trouble getting health insurance could buy into medicare? that is they would pay a premium but then get health care via the medicare system."
That they think is very reasonable. In fact, he said "I have wondered why no one proposes something like this, it would make a lot of sense." She said, that would work well. They think that people who are not dirt poor should be able to get "help" with premiums. They think that the cost of health care makes people quit their jobs to get medicaid for their kids. They want that to be different. They favor a sliding scale for premiums.
They watch FOX for news. (cue ominous music)
Do not tell Samza that FOX is in the business of informing people. They are disinformers, for a purpose. This is the threat to our democracy. To get the average American to vote and work against their own best interest in favor of big profits of big business (in this case big Health Insurance). Brilliant, but very dangerous. The president is 100% correct in calling FOX out. 101% correct.
True story, the converstation exactly as is unfolded this past Sunday.