I don't know how you feel about the hulabaloo that's going on in Congress these days about the need or lack thereof for reform in our health care system, especially as regards health insurance companies. Heck, I'm not even sure how I feel about the whole thing.
I know that it would cost money, lots of money, to make sure that everyone in the richest country on earth is able to afford quality health care. And I hate excessive taxes as much as the next guy--probably more than some of your more liberal guys. See, I'm sort of a liberal conservative--or maybe a conservative liberal. Or maybe I'm just confused.
In the past year I have definitely leaned to the side of fixing our health care system, but I haven't really leaned far enough to fall completely into the fray. But a couple of things have happened in the past few days that have pushed me over into frayville. If you disagree, that's all right. That's why God made lots of opinions--so everyone could have one. Here's mine.
Health care costs lots of money. So does war, and we never have this kind of ruckus going on when there's a war to be financed. Damn the costs; drop the bombs. Now that's sort of a simplification, maybe. But not much. When do you remember a year-long battle in Congress over financing a war? Well, war is necessary, you might say, to protect us. I won't comment on that, but isn't health care necessary to protect us as well?
Here's what has brought me to this lowly state of dipping into politics here at Blackberry Creek. I'm very upset over two things. First, a friend of mine had her insurance company refuse to pay for her antibiotic that her doctor says she needs. Second, my daughter has had to drop her health insurance. She is a single mom who has a job, works hard, pays her bills, and votes. But the insurance company has raised her premiums and lowered her benefits to the point that she can no longer afford the coverage. The premiums are now sky-high, but she has to pay for her own doctor visits and prescriptions--and there are huge deductibles and co-pays on everything else. So it's either pay the rent or pay the insurance premiums. Which would you do?
I've heard it said: "I don't want the government deciding health care issues for me." Well, me neither. And I also don't want Blue Cross-Blue Shield deciding health care issues for me. I think that's the domain of me and my doctor. My friend whose insurance company refused to pay for her antibiotic will either have to suffer with her infection and perhaps have permanent damage, or she can fork over a big chunk of money herself, after paying her premiums and expecting coverage in return. I have another friend who lay in bed once for a week, vomiting and having severe stomach cramps and weakness, while taking a drug that was not going to help and might possible do more harm because her insurance company said she had to take that one before they would pay for the one that the doctor said she needed.
Well, I would never say that I'm positive I have the right answers about everything in this confusing world of ours. But I have made a decision and I'm sticking with it. I will not ever again vote for anyone for any office who has taken a stand against repairing this broken system--it doesn't have to be President Obama's plan. But anybody I vote for from now on has to be for fixing this. I know our health care is one of the best in the world, maybe even THE best. But I have friends in Canada and England and other countries who have public health options; and they think their systems are just as good, and in some ways better, than ours. That's from the people who use them, not the politicians.
I hope I don't lose any of my treasured readers because of my opinions. I surely don't mean to imply that you have to agree with me. And if you can give me a logical reason, even one, why I should not feel this way, I might change my mind. But don't give no stories about fictitious death panels or stipulations that would insure the family dog or standing in long lines to get an MRI. Real stuff, please. Facts as to why the richest, most privileged country in the world can't afford to see that its citizens have access to health care and why their doctors can't be the ones who decide what treatment they need. Thank you.
Addendum: And I failed to note that my other child, who also works hard and is an accomplished craftsman in her field, has not been able to afford health care coverage in her adult life.
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 01/27/2010, Andy said ...
Thanks Mama.
On 01/27/2010, Loribelle said ...
The difference between single and family insurance premiums at some companies (that shall remain nameless) is over $650.00. That, to me, is ridiculous! Personally, if I had to pay $700/mo in premiums I would expect there to be $0 out of pocket expenses, period. I currently have and am very greatful for an HSA plan. This is my third year in this plan and it has worked out very well for me. There has to be a better way...for all who are eligible...and I pray somebody figures it out. Just my two cents!! Love to you, A & J.
On 01/27/2010, Wendy said ...
Amen to everything you wrote on health care. We gotta get this done. Coffee makers--my next one (when this one gives up the ghost) will be a Cuisinart DCC 2000. Check it out...cuppa coffee on demand, no glass carafe. With a Bed-Bath-and-Beyond coupon, could run about $85. (No, I don't work for BBB!!!). Enjoy your day.
On 01/27/2010, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...
Vann was paying over $800 a month for his insurance when he died. I was already on Medicare. Since going on Medicare, I have had zero problems. No treatment has been refused, no drugs, I haven't had to wait any unusual length of time for treatment or appointments. And it's a hell of a lot cheaper than $800 a month. (And no death panels have convened that I'm aware of.)
On 01/27/2010, Sandy said ...
My husband has been out of work for over 13 months. His unemployment earnings are $290 a week. His insurance is $400 and mine is $329 a month. You can do the math! I don't know what the solution is but I do know somebody has to do something! Anything!! Guess we could all just become wards of the state or maybe use the ER as our doctor's office like some do. I just don't know.
On 01/27/2010, joyce said ...
Here's my input, for what it's worth, to your question "...why the richest, most privileged country in the world can't afford to see that its citizens have access to health care and why their doctors can't be the ones who decide what treatment they need." The answer to that on, as I see it, is GREED!!!!! And who was it that said the love of money is the root of all evil? I doubt this problem will ever be fixed as long as money is one of America's gods. We are in a sad state of affairs, and I feel lots of compassion for the victims of our system.
On 01/27/2010, molly said ...
Mark and I can't afford insurance and his company doesn't offer it. I've not had a pap test in 11 years and I do have "issues". We pay @ $130 every 3 months for my regular blood pressure check-up/rx renewal appointments and Mark pays @ $200/yr for his asthma doctor to write him new scrpts. I pay $30/mo for my meds, Mark's are about $150/mo. Our kids are on the state's program, thank God. My last hospital stay was close to $10K(which we'll make pmts on til the cows come home). Can't imagine if we had something "really bad" happen. I'm ALL for health care/insurance reform!! Bring it!!
On 01/27/2010, Debbie Price said ...
I can't complain too much about the health care my husband and I have...we are retired military. But where we live no one knows how to file properly or will listen about how to file. Needless to say, many hours on the phone for the last 11 years. Anyway, I think the only thing I have to say about the health care bill, is I want to make sure all of the people that need care, get care. I am afraid that the people on Medicare and the people that are already having stuggles to pay for health care will have a bigger problem than they have now. And I am not to sure that we as reitired military will not lose our care. Kinda scary...Anyway, sorry to hear about your coffee maker. We have the WORST time with them in our house! I do know that I will NOT recommend a Mr. Coffee to anyone! Just got one for Christmas and have already wrote the company complaining! They are sending a new one, free of charge, but that is NOT the point! I really think I am going to find a percolator and use it...hubby is not to happy about that, but I am really losing my patience with coffee makers! Now that I have had my fit, I will sign off!! Hope you are feeling better today..
Hugs from a cold,but not snowy Indiana
On 01/27/2010, Marla said ...
Amen, Sister, to Health Care Reform. Like you, I don't know the
best way to achieve it, but both myself and Jerry have had issues
with our "Cadillac" plans. He was advised that one of his medi-
cations would no longer be covered and sent a $10.00 coupon
for an over-the-counter substitute; and I was told that if I wanted
the MRI my Dr. requested, I would have to pay for it myself, and
up front. Both were BCBS plans, and as union workers, we bought
and paid for our plans with union dues and wage concessions.
I, also intend to research my vote to make my little voice heard.
Altogether, our little voices can drown out the hired lobbyists.
Remember, the only things politicians want more than money is
the chance to stay in office.
I'll get off my soap box now-and send you my sympathy on the
loss of your coffee maker.
On 01/27/2010, Nicole said ...
Great post Susan. I went back to Urgent Care yesterday about my eye, and the doctor was hopping mad that I had not been able to start taking the antibiotics I needed. He started up an IV right there in the office and gave me the meds I needed. He tweaked the prescriptions a bit, and had me fill them there at the clinic. It cost $7 instead of the $289 the pharmacy wanted for the pills the insurance wouldn't cover. Believe me, the doctors do not like the insurance company drones throwing up roadblocks that prevent their patients from getting the treatments they prescribe.
On 01/27/2010, Jan said ...
You are definitely right Susan ... the powers to be need to resolve the health care situation once and for all and soon. Premiums are sky rocketing and too many necessary procedures and medications are not being covered ... then, of course, there's all the folks who don't have coverage; and I'm so sorry your Daughter is one of them. These are some worrisome days for so many folks; and along with the ever so important health care, there's a lot of things that need fixing in this great Nation we live in. I'm glad you're feeling a bit better :) Your blocks below are wonderful and I adore the quilt you'll be making for the Nursery :)
On 01/27/2010, Jocey said ...
Hi. Lurker here. I am from Canada and I read these stories and shake my head. I don't get it. In Canada we do not have "options". Everyone is covered and some have benefits from their employers that cover extras like drugs, eye exams. I end up paying 495.00 per year on my taxes for health care in ontario. I have an awesome family doctor and when I have surgery, mri's, ct scans, xrays I don't pay. And if you cannot afford your medication there are places that you can apply for help to. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Would I want the system the States have? Absolutely not.
On 01/27/2010, Courtney Short-Prudhomme said ...
you already know I agree with you.. we may be in the same boat before long - a trend going on in the local refineries is when renewing contracts - getting rid of medical coverage. So far we still have coverage, but the premiums go up and up and so do our copays and deductibles.. I don't know what we would do.. ppl don't realize that aetna being in charge of your medical care is no worse than the government.. and medicade and medicare is government run.. and honestly - when I was a single pregnant mom with Jas - and on medicade - that was easy and trouble free.. with some of the BEST doctors.. I went to the same medical clinics with medicade that I went to once I had private insurance.
Coffee Makers.. mom got me this one I really like.. It's a hamilton beach brew station... no caraffe - it brews in the maker and you can dispense it the same way water dispensers work in the fridge.. I am really pleased with mine.. it' brews up to 6 cups at a time.
On 01/27/2010, margot said ...
I wish I knew what the answer to more equitable healthcare in America was. Our personal coverage is with BCBS and we have never had an issue with them - but others have. I hear tons of complaints about Medicare (our nation's original government funded insurance plan) but other people love it. Many people want government run healthcare much like Canada's - again there are good points and bad points. It seems like we should be able to take the positive things from these plans and come up with an incredible alternative that would satisfy the needs of the majority of the populace - but that isn't what is happening. I'm not sure how the problem was created - greedy doctors?, greedy lawyers?, greedy patients? fraud?- but, with our aging population, a solution is going to have to be found.
On 01/27/2010, Rachel said ...
Susan, I'm right with you. Your analogy about war and how we don't discuss that for a year (or for fifty years or more that's been going on) is SO true.
Glad to read your friend's dr got her antibiotic situation taken care of. Go Doctors!
On 01/27/2010, Teresa/MarieSews said ...
Susan, I'm standing with you. DH & I are self-employed. A third of our income pays for our health care. Some months it is a long stretch to pay that premium. If we don't make that stretch each and every month, we lose our coverage despite having paid it for years. Thankfully our co-pays for doctor visits are reasonable but heaven forbid we have a serious medical issue requiring hospitalization. Then we will be drowning in medical bills. I, personally, wouldn't mind some government involvement in my health care. Better than the insurance company making the decisions. Thanks for allowing us all to speak up.
On 01/27/2010, Teresa/MarieSews said ...
OH...yeah. My sympathies on the coffee maker. Don't have any suggestions as I drink tea. Good luck finding a great replacement. GREAT post. I think you should send it along with the comments to your congressional representatives.
On 01/27/2010, CarlaH said ...
As a Canadian, I read your post and the comments and shake my head. What in the world is it with politicians - do they forget that they were voted in by the people they so obviously care little about. Our system isn't perfect, I feel that the problem lies in the lack of professionals rather than cost - we are fortunate enough to have a great family doctor but dread the day that he decides to retire as there just aren't enough replacements out there to fill the need. As a resident of Quebec you are required to have either private insurance or participate in the Provincial drug insurance plan (I think the cost is about $450 per year)and most prescriptions are covered. To date all of the tests our doctor has ordered have either been covered by our Quebec Health Insurance plan or by my private insurance (provided through my ex employer for less than $50 per month for both of us).
On the subject of coffee makers - have you tried a French Press? Makes a good cup of coffee in 4 minutes after the water boils and I use a thermos to keep the rest of the pot warm.
On another note - thank you Susan - your parcel was at my door when I got back from the Gym this afternoon - WOW 100 cookie cutters take up a lot of space. I'm going to use the numbers to make cookies to take to my Quilt Club meeting to celebrate one of the members birthday (I hope she'll forgive me for revealing her age). I enjoyed a first peek at the cookbook and magazine with a cup of tea. The accompanying card is lovely (even my not so observant husband commented on it) and the heart is hanging beside my desk.
On 01/27/2010, Molly in Sumner, WA said ...
I completely and totally agree about the need for health care reform! It's about darn time we do this.
On 01/27/2010, Kai said ...
My crummy insurance refused to pay for my last pap smear. They said it was - get this - COSMETIC. Uhhhhh - I was FURIOUS! They ALSO didn't pay for my mammogram because I didn't show any history of breast cancer. WHAT? Guess who no longer HAS that insurance? Or, for THAT matter, ANY insurance? It was all I could afford. I paid CASH for all my medical bills (and you KNOW what I went through last year) AND for a ridiculous ER visit in August. THAT one cost over $11,000 to tell me I have Benign Positional Vertigo. THAT'S why I have to work so many, many hours. Does our health system need fixing? YOU BET! I am SO with YOU! Now! In the past I've had a Gevalia, a Hamilton Beach Brew Station (which I loved but which wore out too quickly for the price) and a Black & Decker which I LOATHED. I now have a Mr. Coffee for which I paid a mere $20 and it's lasted me 3 years already & makes good coffee. Hope you get a coffeemaker SOON! I love you, and I CANNOT imagine anyone turning away from you because you expressed your opinions. If they DO, we should look into getting them some MENTAL health care insurance. Ooops. Naughty Kai.
On 01/27/2010, Linda said ...
I completely agree that our health care system needs reform but I haven't heard anyone say what I think needs to be done. They need to keep doctors from charging so blooming much. Tests costs are skyrocketing. When are they going to investigate why costs are going up and services are not up to the standards they should be.
We give way too much money away in this country. Look at the presidential palace in Haiti. Who do you think paid for that. I'm sure us taxpayers did. The money we sent surely hasn't been used to help the people there.
Before long we'll probably see a new palace and people still living on the streets. I always heard charity begins at home. Let's fix this country so we will be able to help other countries.
On 01/27/2010, Ruth Landon said ...
Another Canadian here. If an outsider can comment, I'm in total agreement with you Susan. I can't imagine having no coverage or having to shop around for it . My husband has had 2 sugeries , Chemo and radiation in the last 12 months all at no direct cost to us and with no hassle.
Even if you are out of work your healthcare costs are covered. We're alright as long as the Government doesn't go broke.
Ruth
On 01/27/2010, Alathia said ...
Our health insurance (me & DH)is more than our house payment per month. That doesn't include our prescriptions and we're both under the age of 40. I think "affordable healthcare coverage" is an oxymoron. I have a problem with government interference, but I can also see how one serious illness/accident could bankrupt a family. I don't know what the answer is.
On 01/27/2010, siobhan toner said ...
Hi, lurker from England - I am totally horrified when I read some of the experiences and the costs you have to pay. We are always whinging about the care we get with the NHS but yet we don't ever really think about the costs.
The normal rate of income tax we pay is 20% and it is 40% for income over £37000. This is going to cover all goverment expenses including the social system as well as health care. There are other local taxes and on certain goods eg cigarettes.
There have been some instances of issues where some expenses drugs have not been approved of the costs and people do sometimes have to wait months for non critical operations. Smear tests are offered for all woman over 25 every 3 years. A prescription costs £7 (maybe 2 or 3 weeks worth of drugs) but for lower incomes theses will be free.
I have never ever heard about anyone not going to a doctor because they worried about costs.
I think the profits and salaries that are being extracted from your system is the root cause of why it is so expensive. Our doctors I am sure are not paid as much but they are on a good salary reqardless.
On 01/27/2010, Joanne said ...
I don't think we'll ever get an effective national health-care plan. It would take an administration that would not bend to the lobbyists and drug companies. Instead of starting all over, we should use the system we already have, which is Medicare. If everyone were on Medicare, and everyone paid a moderate income-based premium, everything would work and everyone would be happy except the drug companies and their lobbyists. But as long as we have that greed factor, I don't think anything affordable will work.
On 01/27/2010, Jane McCarthy said ...
Susan, I am completely with you on this issue! Good for you to put it on the table on THIS day! It is so important that we don't lose sight of the big picture and what reform will do for all of us. Every family has pre-existing conditions of some kind and, as we age and as our families grow the conditions keep developing! Think of how many people don't dare to change jobs for fear that their pre-existing conditions won't be covered under their next insurance plan. It's the insurance companies who are the problem, in my opinion. Profit, profit, profit is their mantra. Health reform will help protect us from their greed. Let's not throw out the baby with the bath water---there is still much in the health care proposal that is worth saving and fighting for!
On 01/27/2010, Kim said ...
Susan you know I am applauding and right there with you on this!
On 01/27/2010, hunnybunny said ...
Susan as you know I live in MA, we have to have health care. You get penalized on your taxes if you can't provide proof of insurance, the state has options to buy insurance through them. The cost is determined by your income, we bought their insurance before my husband took this job. Mr. Bunny also has insurance through the VA. We are fortunate, and I think the way our state is doing it works. They need to tweek it more to have the numbers work better. That's fine that's how it is with everything new. I agree with you though, and I am surrounded by people that don't. It boggles my mind, but the reasons I've heard are selfish and don't even make sense. I'm sure that some people have good reasons, but I haven't heard one yet.
On 01/27/2010, sherry said ...
Hi Susan. Sorry it's been awhile since I dropped by to say "hello". I'm so far behind on reading my fav blogs. I agree with you 100% on the healthcare issues and for all the reasons you stated!
On 01/27/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
Haven't read any of the posts above but ....
As a nurse for 30+ years, I'm really upset about having no insurance since I can no longer work due to lupus. I had insurance while I worked but it ended on the last day of my employment. No fair! Now I cannot meet an employer's attendance policy. I cannot help it. I have a chronic illness but I don't look very sick. I want some health care that isn't linked to one job. I worked at 5 hospitals and day surgeries in those years, but now have no insurance and have had none for 7 years. Stinks, doesn't it? It's scary, too.
And now for something completely different ...
I suggest a Filtron Cold Water coffee system. It makes concentrated coffee from whatever kind of coffee you put into it. The coffee concentrate is kept in the refrigerator and one ounce (more or less to taste) is put in a cup or mug and hot or boiling water is added for a fresh cup of coffee every time. The coffee concentrate keeps in a non-metal container in the 'fridge for a month or so. We've had ours for more than 30 years and buy filters for it occasionally. The kit comes with a carafe and everything else you need - except the coffee. We buy Folger's French Roast or Columbian but are just finishing Godiva Creme Brulee that we got for Christmas. The coffee this system makes is smooth, non-acidic, and delicious. AMIL has used it for 30 years and we gave a set to my parents because they reheated the morning coffee for lunch and for dinner. Yuck! They enjoyed the fresh coffee at every meal so very much. I don't sell this product but am a very satisfied user!
Hugs!
On 01/27/2010, Linda said ...
Teresa's suggestion of sending your blog along with all the comments to your congressman is an excellent idea. I agree... it is not just the price of insurance. It is the skyrocketing costs for the meds, labs, docs. But what makes my blood really boil is that the insurance companies are allowed to intrude into/control the medical care provided by the physician. And we pay the insurance companies to do it!!! How stupid is that?!!
We raised 4 children with only sporadic health care coverage on a missionary budget --but the medical costs in those days were much more affordable. Not like today.
On 01/28/2010, Beverly said ...
Susan, I completely agree that we need to fix health care. I don't know a solution either, but I do know we spend a lot of money paying people that should be able to come up with good ideas. And, I work in the health care industry, so I know the impact of this from more than one side.
One of the things that bothers me is that Congress can vote in a plan without our buy in. I know they were each elected by us, but this is a big thing we are talking about here. I think several plans need to be put up for the popular vote, and really let the people decide.
On another note - about a coffee maker. Keurig - hands down. I have had mine more than five years, and I would purchase it again and again and again. I LOVE it.♥♥♥♥♥
On 01/28/2010, Julia Wood said ...
I so agree that our health care system needs some attention. But I don't believe Obama's plan is the answer. There's too much fine print and crap in it. No, I don't have facts for you. But I've talked to my doctor and my brother (who is a surgeon) about it. It seems to me that some doctors need to be involved in trying to fix the system, instead of just politicians. We need a solution, but this is not it, and I'm glad certain politicians don't vote for it if they believe it's not the right solution either.
By the way, my brother has never turned down a patient. He's a colon rectal surgeon who routinely treats colon cancer. He doesn't charge those who have no insurance. And he even forgoes copays for those in need. He is divorced and has full custody of his three kids. He and the kids moved to another house 4 years ago and his other house has still not sold. So he struggles with two mortgages, He must have an almost full time nanny to help with the kids since he is often "on call." The oldest child will be going to college in two years. So he could use the money he turns down. Too bad there aren't more doctors like this.
On 01/28/2010, Pam said ...
I really like your comparison to the money spent on war - too true and so tragic.
It makes me so sad to read about all the problems people have because they don't have adequate health care. In Canada we don't even really give it much of a second thought on most days. Sometimes it takes a little longer than it should to see specialist - but that is mostly because our population is so small -- just 10% of the population of the U.S at 31 million - that we don't have the number of specialist available. And with more women becoming Family doctors there is a decrease in the number of hours that Family doctors are working. But I think that Health Care in the U.S. is such a big and profitable business -- most insurance companies are listed on the stock exchange -- I think it is going to be a difficult change to make. The insurance companies must think of their stock holders first and they will not be open to any changes that affect their bottom line profits. I hope the President is able to make some movement to help the people who need help.
On 01/28/2010, melzie said ...
did you try running vinegar thru the coffee pot?
:)
xoxo melzie
On 01/28/2010, Pat said ...
I worked in benefits/insurance for many years and before HIPAA saw all the claims with PPO discounted amounts; and most recently claims on myself with the huge discounts. I'm thankful for a great insurance with the ability to make this possible. But those discounts - what about the medical providers who don't discount? The premiums are even higher, the providers absorb the costs and/or bill for the balances, which is like not having coverage. We pay high premiums to cover the cost of others who are sometimes less fortunate and don't have coverage, or take advantage of emergency rooms that can't refuse treatment. Therein lies the root of the problem - the medical industry, for which I am thankful, don't get me wrong - has to recover costs and way too often they are looking at profit. Prescription drug costs are outrageous. It's the Dollar. How can government "fix" it when many of those in office don't have the same worries about paying high premiums, co-pays, or take only half their medications because they can't afford to take the full dose? Health insurance used to be for catastrophic reasons; I have had such a good plan and am thankful; and I think those without coverage either suffer or depend on the mercy of high premiums paid by others, so that providers can recover costs. The answer isn't easy... Do hope your ortho visit went well. And your coffee maker recovered with maybe vinegar treatment?
On 01/28/2010, Anna said ...
Susan,
Here is yet another Canadian viewpoint. I just don't understand how people can be without health coverage( well I do when I read some of the previous responses and shake my head at the costs) I live in Western Canada and sometimes it is difficult to find a new doctor here. Sometimes you do have to wait for services but the government does not tell me who is going to be my doctor. A couple of years ago, my son's then girlfriend slipped on a piece of black ice and broke her ankle badly. She was in the hospital for 10 days and had almost no out of pocket expenses. She had just moved to our province and would not have health coverage from her former province. It was all covered including visits to the physio therapist for 10 visits . I would hate to see what the bill would have been if she would have had the same accident in the States.
There are no perfect systems but I know that I don't pay the equivalent of a mortgage payment each month in order to make sure that my health needs are met- I hope that someone is able to come up with a solution so that your fellow countrymen and women's health needs do not bankrupt them should they find themselves with a serious illness.
Regards,
Anna
On 01/28/2010, Laurie said ...
Susan, I just bought a new coffee maker and we love it. I did a lot of research on it and it's gotten very good reviews. We love it because the coffee comes out HOT. I also love the gold filter so you don't have to buy paper ones. Here are the details: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N22JPE/ref=ox_ya_oh_product
On 01/29/2010, Beverly Sheehan said ...
Hi there. I am Beverly from Whidbey Island, Washington. I to have become very frustrated with the healthcare systen in the U.S. Am I asking too much to have the same coverage as congress or the senate? Big business owns both houses. They don't care about us. Unless the Baby Boomers are willing to unite and vote these people out, nothing is going to change. I consider myself an independent. The republicians will NEVER agree with our president. It is no longer WE THE PEOPLE. WE are stuck in between the right and left. Thanks for listening. You have gained a reader (me) not lost one.
On 01/31/2010, Karyl said ...
Looking at Spiritual Sundays and went looking at whats new on your blog. Healthcare needs something I agree-- But what the Government wants to do from What I Have Heard (and I could have it wrong) is to "make" people pay a penalty for not having medical insurance and if you do not pay the penalty fee you would go to jail. WEll if people had the money in the first place they could afford the insurance coverage so I do not agree with our Government trying to put fees on what they cannot afford in the first place. I do not have any answers and am without coverage for sometime now-- have went the free clinic route and that is not the answer either because only one symptom at a time gets treated. Yes our system needs the insurance companies held responsible but our Government is not the answer. Socialism is not the answer. History does not need to repeat itself. Could go on but will stop on that note.
On 02/01/2010, Jen in NY said ...
Please don't blame the doctors. Most of them got into medicine to help people, and they have to battle insurance companies every day in order for their patients to afford the treatments they need. I hate when people blame "greedy" doctors. Not that you said that, but others have. That is just so not the case. We live in a fabulous country, one that is so generous...look at all we're doing for Haiti, and rightly so. I for one recognize that there are problems but there is no way that I want socialized medicine. I know people who live in England and have to wait for treatments and have many other limits. So I'm glad to be here.
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The Bloomsbury Review called this book, Three Cups of Tea, "A template for peace."
