This is a disjointed article, linking to one or two things, that simply expresses some of my thoughts and observations about what I have seen and heard over the past few days.
On healthcare--the debate is not about healthcare--everyone in the US gets healthcare--the question is who pays for it and how much is available. I think it's interesting that some of my liberal friends who have been screaming for years that the government lies to us are so anxious to put the government in charge of their healthcare. I have read 'translations' of the bill and have a lot of questions. If we cut the amount of money going to medicare at a time that the baby boomers are reaching medicare age, how are we going to avoid rationing care? A news story broke this week in the UK Telegraph about the care that elderly patients receive in the United Kingdom. Being forced to die does not fit my definition of healthcare. It is also noteworthy that assisted suicide is legal in two of the United States. This may be a trend. Do we want to put the people who have totally botched paying car dealers in 'cash for clunkers' in charge of our healthcare?
The following is quoted from "Your Social Security Statement" published by our government:
"Social Security is a compact between generations. For decades, America has kept the promise of security for its workers and their families. Now, however, the Social Security system is facing serious financial problems, and action is needed soon to make sure the system will be sound when today's younger workers are ready for retirement.
"In 2017 we will begin paying more in (Social Security) benefits than we collect in taxes. Without changes, by 2014 the Social Security Trust Fund (which does not exist) will be exhausted and there will be enough money to pay only about 78 cents for each dollar of scheduled benefits. We need to resolve these issues soon to make sure Social Security continues to provide a foundation of protection for future generations."
I believe George Bush tried to fix this problem and was blocked by the Democrat Congress. Congress has been taking money out of the Social Security Trust Fund since the 1960's and putting in worthless IOU's. Congress opted out of Social Security about the same time they started robbing the trust fund. I suspect we shouldn't hold our breath waiting for them to sign on to the 'public option' in healthcare.
In relation to the President addressing all schoolchildren next week. This just seems odd to me. The children are a captive audience--they are in school because the law requires them to be there. I would much rather the President address them on a weekend when they can (or not) watch the address with their parents. Parents have the responsibility of raising their children--not schools. Will there be a chance for equal time? Will there be fact checking? Will children be asked to report 'fishy' behavior on the part of their parents? This is just too weird for me!
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