America

America
Showing posts with label health care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health care. Show all posts

Monday, April 5, 2010

Real Change you can Believe In.



Real Change you can Believe In.

True Political Reform - Hold the RNC and DNC to the same law 3rd parties are held to. Allow 3rd parties into the debates to show real choice. Term limits. Force Congress to read ALL bills before voting. Limit bills to 1 item, no riders.



True Health Reform - Require hospitals to reimburse 10x the overage on incorrect bills. Cap markups and cut back on high waste in treatment. Require drug companies to sell at a fair rate. If they can sell it for 5c in Africa, they can do so here.



True Social Services - Scrap Welfare. Return to Workfare type programs. Bring back the CC camps of old. Require the unemployed to show up for work doing needed tasks such as grass cutting, garbage collection, public land landscaping, etc. in return for money. There are a number of pluses to this. They perform vital services. They continue to "show up for work". They appreciate it more. There's no reason any city should be going bankrupt when they have unemployed people there who could work offseting maintenance costs.



True retirement planning - Scrap Social Security. Phase it out over a decade allowing people to convert to private programs that can be customized, transfered etc like a 401k. Mandate participation, but allow choice of certified providers. Also, get the Gov to pay back the $3T they "borrowed".



True Medical Reform - Establish a Federal Hospital System with salaried doctors who sign up for 10 yr hitches in exchange for their education. Tests at cost. Everyone under $40k welcome for affordable copays, paid for through a 1% annual tax on everyone. Verification by existing services such as Medicaid.

Quote:
In NY (I'm assuming this is true in other states) one needs to qualify for Medicaid and Medicare based on income level. The same ID card issued for that, can be used to verify eligibility for treatment through this Federal program. If Bill Gates shows up, he'd be treated too, but he gets the full bill...while if an unemployed mother of 3 shows up with a sick baby, she might only pay $10, or even nothing.

You can tie this into nursing and other medical practices and offer similar deals. Paid training in exchange for a 10 year hitch. ... Read More

After 10 years you can stay, or you can seek higher pay in the private sector.

This will cut costs across the board since private hospitals will no longer be forced to absorb the costs of the poor (resulting in less of a markup), and through the buying power of this system costs can drop.

A 1% tax on a person making $30k is only $300. That's a bargin for a years worth of health care. 1% on 1 Mill is $10k. Add on a 1% Federal Sales tax and you can fund the whole system.

This proposal is legal, and will pass the Constitutionallity test (since if this isn't legal it dismantles most of the Fed Gov) lol.

It needs to be funded. I think there is enough ... Read Moresurplus hospital space right now that the system can be jump started through buy outs of closed hospitals (though updating them might be too much), combining with the existing services (such as the VA), and renting the surplus space while dedicated facilities are built (adding in jobs, redevelopment and otherwise stimulating the economy)


I can't imagine why this isn't the one on the table right now. Other than, it makes sense.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

What I believe - Part 2


What I believe - Part 2

A statement of facts on positions taken.

Through out years of debate comments have been made that misstate, misinterpret or misunderstand my views and positions. This is an attempt to set the record straight. Do not expect to find solutions to stated issues as this is not a solution statement, but a belief statement. You may find you disagree with my position on a particular item. That is fine. I believe you have the right to disagree with me.

Religion
I believe all religions are incorrect, that all have part of the whole but lack a full understanding. I have studied over a dozen faiths over 30+ years, and found them to often say the same thing, in slightly different ways, for slightly different reasons. I have seen errors and misunderstandings in translations, and personal and cultural bias listed as the "Word". I find them all lacking.

I believe that a deep understanding of faith, not religious dogma is the key to happiness, and I believe that happiness is here for me in this world, not waiting in another world or another life.

I believe that the reason for religion is to explain that which is unexplainable, and to give reason to insanity, and comfort us when our need is most dire.

I believe if it doesn't, that one should seek the answers, not accept blindly.

I believe that despite my belief that I might be wrong, that others have a right to believe what they will and disbelieve my beliefs.

I believe that everyone has the right to worship and believe as they will, or to do neither if they so choose.

Equality, Racism and Gender Bias
I do not accept the idea that "Everyone is Equal". I believe that while no one is my inferior and no one is my superior, that does not somehow make us "equals". Every one of us is unique, with our own strengths, our own weaknesses. I do not believe that somehow everyone's plusses and minuses = "0".

I believe that we should not be judged based on our skin color, or our social level, or our gender, but by our actions, by our deeds, by our contributions to society. I respect those who strive to improve their lot in life, those who work to rise above their level. The amount of that rise may be infinitesimal, the attempt equally so, but it was made.

I believe that judging by color or gender is wrong.

I have no respect for those who sit by idle and wait for life to give them a handout. I have no respect and I believe they are owed none for those who could do better yet who remain slack full, who live off the system without contributing to it, who cheat the system and deprive those who truly could use aid of it. I do not extend this contempt to those who are truly in need, who life has dealt a temporary bad hand. However I have more respect for those who take the bad hand and strive to rise above it, than I do for those who surrender to it.

Homosexuality
I believe that this is both a matter of hard wiring and personal choice. You are attracted to who you are attracted to. I believe that you can control this, that you can choose to ignore this, but I also believe that it is wrong to ignore who you truly are. I do not believe that one should be punished, restricted or killed over this, unless ones actions are truly deviant in nature.

Politics
I believe that democracy is wrong, that any system that allows any majority to subjugate a minority is one that authorizes abuse. A majority of racist whites should not subdue a group of upward seeking blacks. A group of sexist males should not hold down mobile women. A majority faith should not execute a minority one for not believing as they do. These are examples of what I believe.

I believe that sometimes one must sacrifice ones future political career for the true greater good, and that means taking unpopular stands, protecting and defending unpopular views and groups, even when at times you yourself disagree with that group. I believe the KKK is wrong, however I believe they have the same right to their beliefs and I do to mine. I believe I am backed up by the US Constitution in this belief.

Food
I believe that everyone should have access to food. I do not believe that access should be unlimited, without cost, or uncontrolled. One has a right to basic sustenance, but one does not necessarily have a right to steak or lobster. Food to me also includes clean safe water to drink, but not juice or booze.

Shelter
I believe everyone deserves a warm, dry and safe place to stay and sleep. I don't believe this means I should pay your rent or mortgage. Barracks with a dry warm bunk, a community bathroom and toilet area meets the needs for this. A private apartment is more than basic. Shelter to me includes clean water and a shower stall to bath in, and a working toilet.

Health Care
Everyone should be able to receive care in emergencies. By law in the US you are granted that. But beyond emergency care, it is your responsibility to evaluate options and pursue them. You do not have a right to elective surgery. You do not have a right to cosmetic surgery. You do not have a right to free drugs, free condoms or free band aids. It is your responsibility to take care of yourself, and do the things needed to cover those non-emergency costs. Should you engage in unsafe activities such as smoking, I believe you should pay a premium both for the added costs of your own care, but that of those who must suffer from your habits.

I believe that it is the individuals responsibility, not the governments to obtain food, shelter and health care, through any legal means they can. That means applying for and complying with any government aid programs available, changing jobs, seeking higher education to improve job options, and just showing up and doing your work to keep the job you have. I do not believe it is wrong to impose standards on those we will aid, that they must meet. I also believe that those who willingly ignore those standards deserve but the bare minimum to survive. A fluffy pillow is not a right.

Employment
I believe that anyone willing to show up, and do the work, deserves a job, doing something. I do not believe that you are guaranteed you will like it, that it will be fun, that it will be fulfilling. But I believe that an honest days work deserves an honest and fair wage. I believe that no one owes you a living, that you must seek that out yourself.

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
You are guaranteed these, until you give up those rights. You give them up by your actions or inactions. You are not guaranteed happiness, only the chance to seek it on your own. No one owes you happiness. You choose to give up your Liberty when you violate others rights. You choose to give up your life as well in some cases. Note I see a difference between the nobel sacrifice a cop or a soldier makes and the despicable ones a criminal makes.

Pets and Children
If you choose to have either, you choose the responsibilities that go with having dependents. That means it is your responsibility to ensure they have food, medical care, shelter, clean water, and such basics. It is your responsibility to maintain a safe environment for them, to care for them. If you are unable to do so, then you should not have either and should take all safe and legal options necessary to ensure you do not reproduce or adopt as the case may be. A dog does not have a life trapped in a cage, a child does not have a life kept in a pen. I believe it is selfish to take on more than you can handle, especially if you expect the government to "help" you out. Children and pets are blessings, they shouldn't be income generators. Both however should be leashed when out, and muzzled when appropriate. Those who say "I didn't choose to have kids", I ask, did you choose to have sex? If so then you choose to accept the possible consequences of that action. Both pets and Children, especially children are a great responsibility.

Government Handouts
I believe that in the majority of cases these are wrong. Handouts only encourage dependence, remove initiative and reward sloth. They should be given out rarely, in limited amount and for limited time. Those accepting them should be tested for drugs, and forced to look for work and assist in workfare programs, not just handed a debit card. The small amount of people truly in need long term are being short changed by the abuser to the system, and those abusers should be caught, tried and punished.

I believe you can have everything you want in life.
But not if you sit on your ass and wait for it to be handed to you, and not if you take what you don't deserve.

This has been a statement of belief. An absence of citation, lack of solution or even a proposed solution does not negate nor validate any comment. If you wish to change my mind on these matters you must first open yours to change as well. I reserve the right to change my mind at a later date, and I warn that this list while a list is far from a complete one, that any omission should not indicate I do not have a belief in a particular matter, nor should it indicate I do.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

FBI Investigates Possible Threats Directed at House Democrats


FBI Investigates Possible Threats Directed at House Democrats

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010...use-democrats/

Quote:
More than 10 lawmakers have complained they've received threats since the run-up to Sunday's House vote on a health insurance overhaul, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Wednesday, and law enforcement officials are taking the allegations seriously.
Federal law enforcement officials are investigating at least two possible threats directed at members of Congress and their families that Democrats suggest are related to their vote for health care reform. Plus the office of Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich. -- who initially opposed the Senate's health bill over concerns about abortion funding but switched to support the plan following assurance from the White House -- has received several threatening messages, recordings of which have been obtained by Fox News.
First, let me be very specific in my words here. I do not approve of violence, vandalism or threats. Directed at congress, the President, or their families.

That said, I can understand the frustration many feel as of late, a frustration that is growing as the divide between government and the people widens.

Understand, if you threaten these people, you -will- be investigated. Understand that the Secret Service, the FBI and the Capital Police are not slouches when it comes to their jobs, and they will put maximum effort into these investigations.

With all that said however, I feel that I must say, if any lawmaker is currently a little afraid, then Good.
When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.
Thomas Jefferson
They should fear for their jobs, their elite status, their special privilege, and their perks. It's not the time for them to fear for their lives. As I've said before, bombard them with letters, emails, phone calls. Protest, peacefully, outside their offices. Show up at their rally's and peacefully protest. Support their opponents who hold your views as important, who will need your time, your money, your efforts and your votes. Government in the US changes at the voting booth, not the battle field.
__________________

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Dem Health Plan Proposal has some Issues....

 
 
Dem Health Plan Proposal has some Issues....

Lets see, some problems....

# Riddled with Taxes: This legislation is riddled with tax hikes. They start by taxing those earning over $10,831 year who don’t buy health insurance $750—a tax that escalates to $3,800 as income rises. Health insurance, health care devices and drugs are also taxed, adding to the cost of health care, and decreasing the competitiveness of these businesses.

# Medicare Cuts: The bill cuts $500 billion in Medicare spending, including over $130 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage and nearly $120 billion in Medicare cuts for hospitals that care for seniors. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says they “expected the Medicare Advantage plans to lose 2.7 million enrollees over the next decade” as a result.... See More

# Raises Insurance Prices: CBO also finds “premiums in the new insurance exchanges would tend to be higher than the average premiums in the current-law individual market…”

# Force, Not Choice: This legislation includes an “individual mandate” forcing all Americans to purchase health insurance, like the Massachusetts law. Taxpayer subsidies will be given to those earning up to three times the federal poverty level. Those not qualifying for subsides will be taxed up to $3,800 if they do not buy insurance, and the Joint Tax Committee has confirmed failure to pay your fine could result in jail time. The experience in Massachusetts has left those caught in between unable to afford insurance and having to pay the tax.

# Big Insurance Boondoggle: Forcing all the uninsured into insurance could bring as much as $200 billion a year in new premiums to insurance companies, including $465 billion in subsidies over 10 years.

# Privacy Violation: This legislation would allow law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and the Department of Justice unprecedented unfettered access to medical records.

Could a Liberal who supports this Bill please refute these talking points?

If this goes through:
- Your taxes WILL go up.
- Your insurance premiums WILL go up.
- The Deficit WILL go up.
- Small Businesses WILL close.

With more people impoverished, more people unemployed, and more people dependent on the Government for their existence....how is this an improvement? 
 
More at http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85339

Monday, March 15, 2010

What I believe



What I believe

A statement of facts on positions taken.


Through out years of debate comments have been made that misstate, misinterpret or misunderstand my views and positions. This is an attempt to set the record straight. Do not expect to find solutions to stated issues as this is not a solution statement, but a belief statement.


Taxes.
Taxes are a fee accessed by a government on various activities. Without taxes government is incapable of functioning. Tariffs are a form of tax. My view is that business oriented taxes such as taxes on sales of items, as well as importation fees are acceptable as part of the responsibility of members of a higher society. These are optional "dues" if you will and I can opt out by not purchasing those items. I object to taxes on property and income and associate them to theft at gun point for if you refuse to hand them over you suffer. I am non-committed on such things as school taxes. While I recognize the need to fund education, it seems unfair that people without children are forced to pay, however that is balanced by the idea that they may have benefited from the same public education so I can see it as your parents paid some for you and you pay some for you and yours. Registration and Licensing fees are simply an income stream for government and I'm against those. While I am against certain things, unlike some I pay my fair share regardless. I do it because it is the law, but I do so under objection.

Voting
I believe it is the duty of every citizen to educate themselves on the issues and make an informed decision at the voting booth. I believe that if you didn't vote, you don't have the right to complain as you chose to accept whatever result by your inaction. I believe that the duty of the citizen is to elect educated individuals who will do what is right for the people, and be open to listening to the people. I believe it is wrong to vote on party lines, or for the lesser of evils, but that you should vote for the candidate who represents you best. Not the one most likely to win. I believe voting should be mandatory, even if all the person does is show up and check the "refused" box.

Role of Federal Government.
I believe in a strict interpretation of the US Constitution, similar to that of President Jefferson's. I believe the Federal government should not be involved in the day to day lives of the people, that it should be greatly downsized back into part time status. I believe that it should do little more than guard the borders and deliver the mail.

Role of Local Government.
I believe the State to be the dominant government level, with a strict belief in States Rights as put forth through the US Constitution. The good of the State, not the Nation is key. Social services if any should work from this level, not the Federal.

Social Services.
I do not believe in them. Given the 60%+ fraud rate I believe the existing systems should be scrapped and a new one that actively fights fraud instituted. Too much money is wasted on overhead and corruption resulting in those most in need not receiving what they could. This is wrong. I do not believe in welfare, but workfare. A system where unemployed are put to work in exchange for a warm bed and square meals and some cash is better than handing someone a debit card of other people money. I have refused to accept government money for gas, electric or food despite at times qualifying for it. I accepted a state issued voluntary health insurance plan as I am a tax payer and it helped. If it was not available, I would have funded my care out of pocket as needed through shopping around for the best affordable care as I did before.

Health Reform.
The current system does little but drive prices up, while diluting quality of service. A new system that resolves the problem of high prices, high cost to taxpayers and increasing need for services in a fiscally responsible and humane manner needs to be created. I believe this is possible. I believe we can provide the best quality health care to the poor and lower income levels without putting people out of work, creating shortages or bankrupting the nation. I believe it is crucial that people realize that, that Congress consider it, and that to do neither is criminal.

Direction of country
I do not believe the nation is heading in the right direction, but is instead as a ship locked on course for the rocks. The government has become deaf, and refuses to listen to the people. Instead they pass unreadable and often unread bills in the tens of thousands of pages, robbing from the people to fund feel good projects that only shore p future campaign contributions for themselves. I do not believe the United States should be involved in waging foreign wars, aiding other nations especially the ones who hate us, or acting as World Policeman. I believe it's time to come home, bring our troops back, and fortify our own borders against the enemy. I believe rather than building new homes in Iraq that we should be building those homes here, for our people.

Gay Marriage / Marriage
I believe than any 2 adults who are of sound mind who wish to commit, should be allowed to. I believe that short of a Constitutional amendment however the Federal government should stay out of the marriage defining business. States can make their own laws, however they need to recognize their obligations under the US Constitution and I believe the USSC needs to remind them of that fact. I believe that any group of like minded adults who wish to enter a partnership should be allowed to do so, with rights and responsibilities. I don't believe the Federal government should decide that matter however.

Police Misbehavior
I believe that the majority of cops are honest, hard working individuals who do an often thankless job and see the worst of people too often. Those who violate their oaths and disgrace their uniforms should be prosecuted and punished under the law without exception.

The Concept and Institute of "Slavery"
I am opposed to the concept of slavery. I believe to hold people in bondage is wrong. I also believe however that some people are incapable of handling freedom and are better kept as slaves. Most enter this state willingly and become slaves to addictions, or give control over to others freely. I pity them and believe that only by education and love can they eventually be freed. Regarding the system as practiced in the United States prior to it's end under President Johnson in December 1865 I find that system abhorrent and deserving of end. I believe however that such an end could have come peacefully without the illusion of a war fought over it.

US Civil War
I believe that war was illegal, that under the law and the Constitution that States can exit the Union as they entered it, in peace, by vote. That the difference between a rebellion and a secession is that a rebellion seeks to over throw the government, while the succeeding states wanted to be left along and NOT change the Federal government by force of arms. I believe that those who state the war was a forgone conclusion from the start are correct. I believe that the popular myth of the war being fought over slavery to be a discredit to history and fact, and that the lead up and reasons are much more complicated than those presented in popular official history. I believe that as more facts emerge that the views will change.

American Dream
I believe in this. That through hard work, good character and providing value in service that one can get ahead and win the game. I believe that one can work for themselves and get ahead. I believe that there is plenty of wealth available, that we live in a world of abundance, that it is ours for the asking, if we simply do what we have to do to obtain it. I believe you can have everything you ask for in life, if you just help enough other people get there too. I do not believe there is a vast conspiracy to keep me poor, that the deck is stacked against me, that I cannot win.

Responsibility
I believe one must accept the responsibility for their actions and non actions. I do not believe I am responsible for anyone else, unless I accept that responsibility (ie kids, pets, marriage, be an employer) You made the decisions that brought you to where ever it is you are. You should accept that fact, then make more decisions to change that place if it's not acceptable to you. Life is a journey through the unknown, you picked and planned the route, even if that plan was to wander aimlessly around. Accept responsibility for that, and change your plan if you do not like where it got you.

Respect
Respect is earned, not freely given. All beings deserve the opportunity for basic respect, however not all beings keep it. I will hold a door open, but do not make me wait forever while you gab. Respect at it's basics is courtesy. Respect is not free handouts, free food and free housing.

Winning the Game
I believe that people rise or sink on their efforts, merits and self images. That one strong in all three will rise farther than one lacking all three. I do not believe that one lacking ambition, drive, determination and dedication should be given a hand out or a boost above those who have them. I believe that those who do have them, deserve to keep what they earn and do with the fruits of their labors as they see fit. I do not believe that if I grow 2 apples and you have none that I should be forced to give you any apples.

Differences of Opinion/Fact
I respect others difference of opinion or fact in controversial matters. Everyone has the right to disagree with me. I have more respect for those who can validate their positions with fact. I am open to changing my positions and views based on new facts and information. My position is rarely solidly fixed, but will evolve over time based on the input and advice of others and the influx of new data from reputable sources.


This has been a statement of belief. An absence of citation, lack of solution or even a proposed solution does not negate nor validate any comment. If you wish to change my mind on these matters you must first open yours to change as well. I reserve the right to change my mind at a later date, and I warn that this list while a list is far from a complete one, that any omission should not indicate I do not have a belief in a particular matter, nor should it indicate I do.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Virginia passes bill banning mandated health care.


Virginia passes bill banning mandated health care.

March 13, 2010
State Stands Up Against Obama-Care

Virginia OKs first bill banning mandated health care


http://video.foxnews.com/v/4104280/s...nst-obama-care

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...031003908.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35801644...more_politics/


Nice to see Virginia finding a pair again.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

A Letter to NY Senators Gillibrand & Schumer and NY Rep. Brian Higgins.



Senator,
  I am writing in opposition to the unconstitutional health care bill and the attempt by this Congress to force this unwanted legislation on the American People.  As a small business owner I am against this. As an American I am against this.

This act is little more than an unethical cash cow for the insurance industry who continues to raise premiums and subsidize insane gouging by the drug companies.

I oppose the increase in taxes this will bring.

I oppose the invasion of my privacy that this will result in.

I resent being forced to purchase something I can not afford or face jail time.

I resent the fact that should this happen, members of my family will see their benefits through Medicare cut.

Rather than force a subsidy out of already cash strapped Americans to aid the insurance lobby, you need to do something that will actually help the American People.

- Support educational aid to aspiring doctors and nurses and other medical specialists so that we can put more qualified Americans into the medical field.
- Support the creation of clinics and other medical support in poor neighborhoods so that people have care close at hand.
- Deal with the gouging of drug companies who charge $100 for a pill that cost them .01 to make.

Consider a program for providing aspiring medical professionals with tuition and a paycheck in exchange for a 10 year hitch in a Federal Hospital system, similar to civil service programs of the past.

The people of this country do not want this disaster that is being proposed. This is too important to push through and try to "fix" later.  Do it right the first time.

I will not support, nor will my friends or family support any Senator or Representative who votes for this current bill, or who pushes it through by the reconciliation process.

Vote NO on the current health care bill.

Push for real reform.

Thank you.

Bob Hubbard.

====

NY Senators
Gillibrand, Kirsten E. - (D - NY) Class I
478 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-4451
Web Form: gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/
horizontal line
Schumer, Charles E. - (D - NY) Class III
313 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-6542
Web Form: schumer.senate.gov/new_website/contact.cfm
NY Representatives

New York

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Health Plan? Naw, just more stroking off by Congress rather than a real fix.



How about a system that pushes for individual responsibility, doesn't subsidize mediocrity nor create an ineffective and bloated bureaucracy, and actually solves problems? I've yet to see that one on the table.

The "Uh, lets create some offices, raise some taxes, and work in some rewards for our buddies" answer is what got the US where it's at now, in deep ****.

Current plan:
- Everyone must BUY a policy.
- If you make under X, we will give you free cash to do so.
- If you make more than Y, or have a health plan that really works, you will pay extra to cover the poor people.
- If you do not buy a plan or otherwise prove you have a plan, you will pay a fine and face jail time.
- We get lots of free money tacked on in exchange for our votes.

That's the current plan in a nut shell.

Here's a real plan
- If you make less than X, you get free care
- From X to Y you get graduated care
- Over Y you're on your own.
- 1-2% tax increase on everyone making more than X to cover costs.
- drugs and tests and hospital bills carefully controled.
- doctors allowed to opt out of program.

There's a plan. Not as sexy, wouldn't take 6,000 pages, and not much room for self rewarding pork.

But, it would actually provide care, and not a feel good. That's the problem, we stopped living in the United States, and all somehow moved to the United Strokes. I for one am tired of being stroked off by the government.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Constitutionality of Federal Health Plan in Doubt



Despite the Democrats ignorance of the Constitution, and refusal to answer questions concerning their invasive pork and graft filled "Health" plan's Constitutionality and even legality, others are questioning it and some are preparing to take this matter to court and fight it.

Constitutionality of Federal Health Plan.
When Asked Where the Constitution Authorizes Congress to Order Americans To Buy Health Insurance, Pelosi Says: 'Are You Serious?'
Friday, October 23, 2009

Rep. Hoyer Says Constitution’s ‘General Welfare’ Clause Empowers Congress to Order Americans to Buy Health Insurance
Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Senate Judiciary Chairman Unable to Say Where Constitution Authorizes Congress to Order Americans to Buy Health Insurance
Thursday, October 22, 2009

Sen. Akaka Says ‘I’m Not Aware’ of Constitution Giving Congress Authority to Make Individuals Buy Health Insurance
Thursday, November 26, 2009

Sen. Landrieu Declines to Say Where Constitution Authorizes Congress to Force Americans to Buy Health Insurance, Saying She'll Let 'Constitutional Lawyers on Our Staff' Handle That
Friday, December 11, 2009

Democrats’ Health Care Plan Will ‘Shred Constitution,’ Hoekstra Says
Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Sen. Burris Cites Unwritten Constitutional 'Health' Provision to Justify Forcing Americans to Buy Health Insurance
Thursday, November 26, 2009

Sen. Mark Warner: ‘No Place In Constitution That Says Health Care’
Friday, September 04, 2009

Sen. Merkley: Authority to Force People to Buy Health Insurance is Part of Congress's 'Very First Enumerated Power'
Thursday, November 26, 2009

Sen. Hatch Questions Constitutionality of Obamacare: If Feds Can Force Us to Buy Health Insurance ‘Then There’s Literally Nothing the Federal Government Can’t Force Us to Do’
Thursday, November 26, 2009

Sen. Lincoln: Congress Can Force Americans to Buy Health Insurance Because Constitution ‘Charges Congress With the Health’ of the People
Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Sen. Ben Nelson: ‘I’m Not Going to Be Able to Answer That Question’ of Where Constitution Authorizes Congress to Force Americans to Buy Health Insurance
Wednesday, November 11, 2009

McCain Says Health Care Bill Would Face Constitutional Challenge
Friday, November 06, 2009

Sen. Reed: Forcing People to Buy Health Insurance is Constitutionally Justified Because It’s Like Making People ‘Sign Up for the Draft’
Thursday, November 26, 2009

Sen. Warner: 'No Place in Constitution Says Health Care'
Friday, September 04, 2009 EST

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Who's Poor?


Who's Poor?
So, a discussion I had got me thinking. I, and all of us are rich.

I just came back from a Walmart that is the size of a 70's era mall. It had the -best- selection of videos, tvs, groceries and more than I've seen in ages.

I'm seeing new construction all around me.

I'm surrounded by an over abundance of stuff, food, clothes, toys, stuff I need and stuff I don't. Surrounded!

We (my wife and I) own over 1,000 dvd's. Have 5 working computers in my house, have high speed internet, 6 phones, a car, dvd players, tvs, vcrs, several printers, scanners and terrabytes of storage. We dine out regularly, eat shrimp, crab and lobster regularly. We do not lack for good nourishing healthy food. We care for our cats and lizard.

By comparison, my grandfather wore hand me downs, ate lard sandwiches, had no tv, no phone, and scraped by as a kid. 20 years ago a treat for the family was to buy a pizza.

Today we enjoy that a few times a month.

Shrimp was rare, and lobster was reserved for New Years, every other year.

Shrimp's a staple in my household.

No, I don't currently own a house, no I don't own either a mansion or a yacht, and no I don't jet set around the world.

But I can usually come and go as I please, can travel as needed, and know I'll be eating dinner tomorrow.

Compared to so many, in so many places, I am wealthy beyond their dreams.

Too often we get hung up on all stuff we don't have, that we forget how truly blessed we are, and how fortunate we are to live in a time and a place where we are surrounded by so much, and have so many choices.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Fat Tax



Fat Tax.
We keep hearing how it's ok to take money from people who worked for it and earned it and give it to people who didn't and who can't manage to work for a living.

It's ok to further tax them on having health insurance to pay for those who don't.

I say, since the US is the fattest nation on the planet, we need to put in a fat tax.

Here's how it would work.

April 15th, you would attach form 1040-FAT which would be a certified copy of your most recent physical, which should be no more than 6 months old (we can pass a law or tack this onto something else to make it required). You would then look up your weight, compare it to the Federal Accepted Weight Level (or FAWL). For each pound you are over the FAWL you receive a tax credit. For each pound you are under it, you would then pay a penalty. Yes, under this system if you take care of your self, watch what you eat, exercise and manage to stay in shape you will be required to pay for the guy who has 22 twinkies for breakfast, and that woman with the 5 quad whopper lunch. As they are unfortunately unable to do so, it is your American Duty to do it for them.

I can see this being tacked on as a rider this November, along with $100,000 to study the mating habits of the narcaleptic Oswegan Lemming.

This way, the few of us who take care of themselves, who plan ahead, who produce and who succeed can be the FAWL guys for us all.

Thank God I'm a certified member of Team Fat Guy. LOL!

C-H-A-N-G-E!

What would a Real Universal Health Plan look like?



What would a Real Universal Health Plan look like?
11-08-2009, 05:13 PM

The current plans being tossed around fall far short of what would really help America. It creates a huge bloated bureaucracy and does little to solve the real problems with health care in America today.

Here are my thoughts on what a real system might look like.

First, it would cover all American's, not just some.

Costs would be done through a separate tax.
Those under 18, and those earning less than $15,000 would pay nothing.
Those who choose to have private insurance receive a fair tax credit.
Cost is deducted via payroll tax like FICA/SSI/etc.
FICA taxes are collected at a rate of 7.65% on gross earnings - earnings before any deductions. The breakdown of FICA is 6.2% for Social Security (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance or OASDI) and 1.45% for Medicare. There are upper limits to what is taxed. This system can be used here.
Using a 2% rate, someone grossing $20k would pay about $34/month in costs.

The plan would cover:
1 eye exam and 1 pair of glasses every 2 years.
Basic Dental Care
Basic Drug Care
Recommended Primary visits
Basic tests
Emergency Services.

Depending on your plan level, a copay may apply.

Some drugs, treatments and services may not be covered.
Cosmetic treatments, as well as vanity services would not be covered.

This is much like any other policy.

Doctors may choose to opt-out of accepting the insurance.

Your Social Security number could (though shouldn't be) all you need to access for treatment. As long as you file a tax return, you are covered.



I still dispute the constitutionality of a forced health plan, and I dispute the constitutionality of a forced retirement plan, however, if we are to be forced to have something, this seems at the moment the less intrusive manner. It retains choice, it allows for the purchasing of superior coverage through a private firm, and it allows for the ones most in need to get the basics needed.



Thoughts?
Copyright © 2009 Bob Hubbard. All rights reserved.