That is what the current health care bill really is.
At least, that is the analogy I came up with today. Please suspend your virulent, froth-at-the-mouth-and-roll-yer-eyes-attack/response-instinct and hear me out below.
then feel free to fire away if you don't agree.
With regard to rising health care costs and the bankrupting of America:
The current health care reform bill is analogous to someone waking up in the middle of the night to find their romantic candles they (stupidly) left burning had caught the drapes on fire, the fire is spreading to the ceiling.
They slowly roll out of bed, argue with their bedmate over it, come to a "compromise solution", get out of bed and walk into the far corner of the bedroom and piss on the wall.
Note: this analogy does not address other necessary reforms in the bill, such as recission and pre-existing conditions, this is an economic assessment ONLY.
-----------------------------
This is why we are in serious trouble
note: we go to the doctor to get an MRI we spend $1,500 for the procedure, the rest of the world goes to get an MRI and they spend $200-$450 for the same procedure.
note: In Japan, they spend on average less than 1/3 what we spend per person, yet the average citizen goes to the doctor 3 times more often.
I know that some would say,
Yes, but this is just the start, we will begin to reign in costs based on the framework of this bill.
-------------------------------
What you forget (or choose not) to realize is:
The people (Rahm I am looking at you here!) responsible for this bill made a negotiated agreement between the Obama Administration and those medical industries responsible for the excessive costs in the U.S. medical system.
In exchange for allowing insurance industry reform to go through, they were guaranteed future revenues. This is the guarantee that they were given.
The rate at which we are going to be paying is 35% more than what it is now, this is a hoax!
-------------------------------
This is, very basically, what is wrong with today's Washington. As wonderfully intended that the administration fights to make toe-holds against the corporate dominance of our politics, they cannot do much to overturn the 25+ year war on functional government perpetuated by the Corporate interests who have (nearly) successfully coopted government to the degree that they no longer have to drown it in a bathtub.
-------------------------------
In the next few weeks, financial reforms will passed that do not actually do anything to return our financial system to a truly regulated entity. The practices being perpetuated by the 13 bankers will continue and lead to the next financial catastrophe
There is no political will to return to Glass-Steagall or anything like it.
-------------------------------
The term "corporate citizen" has been shifted away from serving the needs of the state. The term "corporate citizen" has now become a term describing a ruling body of individuals within the u.s. corporate structure that dictate policy and terms to the government, for their own benefit.
this statement above, is the fire from the drapes catching into the attic. Until real regulatory reform is in place, I mean publically funded campaigns this problem will not be solved.
ok, flame away, enjoy!!!