There are some more or less accepted truths in the Heath Care debate south of the border:
1) 45-50 million people do not have insurance so they must rely on personal resources, bankruptcy or covered by hospitals (who must raise their costs which are passed on to insurance companies who in turn pass it on as higher premiums to their customers);
2) One 6th of the US economy is spent on health care which is expected to rise substantially (inflation and the graying of the population);
3) Small businesses, who provide most of the jobs, are squeezed by the recession and are dropping employee coverage as a cost cutting measure;
4) Insurance company's are continuously looking for savings to increase their profit margin - pre-existing conditions are the most noteworthy;
5) Government already provides health care thru VA, Medicaid and Medicare.
6) No final health care bill has been developed... proposals are in various stages in committee on both sides of Capital Hill.
My Observations:
This is more about power and control than it is about what benefits the people - especially the middle class;
Polarization of the US has reached new highs (or lows)... its downright nasty out there between the left and the right;
The special interests, supported by the far right of the GOP and cheered by the wingnuts - Beck, Limbaugh, FOX News talking heads - are spreading such misinformation that the public is confused, bewildered and somewhat upset;
Giving the legislation to Congress was a an opportunity for bipartisan input but its turned into a minefield/graveyard for uniform thought - its like 535 shades of gray with House members considering re-election chances next year and undoubtedly several who have campaign financing courtesy of the insurance industry;
Anyone who thinks that the disruptions ongoing at town hall meetings are anything but an organized attempt to thwart change and public opinion needs their eyeballs checked. For a revealing look at this dark side, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy8i8FbVFyU
It will be interesting theater for those who watch this story - the unfortunate aspect is peoples lives are at risk
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