Random Rant (unedited)

Republicans are always screaming about accountability in the government - and a certain amount of checks and balances are definitely needed.  But why do we not make a law that places responsibility on stockholders as well as company CEOs.  Is this not similar to the governmental oversight conservatives want?  

This kind of business regulation sounds harmless enough, but in fact would send shock waves through our capitalistic economy.  People considering investing in a particular company would examine more than just the bottom line. They would (at least I would hope so) look at the companies employee safety record, what sorts of resources are used and how the company is perceived in the surrounding community.  

If I were going to invest in a company knowing that I could be held responsible, at least in part, for the company’s failure to comply with certain regulations or laws, you had better believe I would do my homework!

At this point however, If a company inappropriately dumps toxic waste, for example, and then goes out of business the American people are the ones footing the bill for the clean up! 

Who Needs Healthcare Reform?

Major Preface:  I'm going to try and put myself in the head-space of a political conservative. Like an actor trying a difficult role, I will attempt to play a part that is challenging for me to understand.  But understanding is the first step to compromise.  Should anyone with a conservative frame-of-mind read this, please tell me how I did!  I won't be offended if you run my attempt into the ground - in fact I expect it!

Here goes...

We have a perfectly good healthcare system right now!  Why does it need so-called reform?  If someone is sick or hurt they can go to any American hospital and get the best care in the world.  So what's the problem?

I hear about how expensive healthcare is in this country.  Well if you want the best you've got to be willing to pay.  American doctors get the best training at our universities and spend 8 - 10 years at school.  They should be able charge whatever they can get.  And let's face it, our healthcare insurance covers the doctors' visit anyhow, so who cares what he charges?

When I look at my pay stub every two weeks it irks me off to know that some of the money taken from my check goes to pay for some single welfare mom with six kids and no job in the slums of Los Angeles.  You wonder why our taxes are so high? Every time those slum-living welfare bums go to the doctor it's on our dime!  We need to cut those welfare leeches from the government payroll so we can begin seeing less taxes taken out good hard working Americans.

Well that's it for now.  Thanks for reading and understanding...or not :)

Next time:  The Truth is Somewhere in Between

Health Care for People? Only if you have the cash!

Craziness!  Why is it that only (ok maybe not ONLY) in the United States, the preeminent country of the "Free World", is obtaining basic healthcare so expensive?

I never used to think about this kind of stuff before, I just wandered through life knowing that if I got sick or injured I could go to the doctor.  After two years of unemployment, and now back to school, I am keenly aware that i'm screwed if I get sick or injured.

In fact, I recently called my family doctor, of whom I have been a patient for 14 years, to see what it would cost for a basic examination.  Just to say hello to the doctor costs $106.  Now if I were to have any blood work, x-rays, or in-office surgery I could expect the the price to go up significantly -- like in the range of $400 - 600!  Where in hell am I supposed to get that kind of money?

Fortunately, I'm generally healthy.  I have slightly high cholesterol levels (as of 3 years ago), slightly high blood pressure (as of 1year ago), 15 pounds over normal (as of now), and an inguinal hernia.  I work out 3-5 times a week and generally keep an eye on my diet.  Not perfect but pretty good.

As for the hernia, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed it does not worsen. . . a $20,000 surgery!  But not all is lost, a friend made an off-hand comment about going to Mexico for the procedure. I laughed heartily at that, but later looked into it.  He was completely right!  I can go down to there and get the same care at a quarter of the cost! Still $5000 is a lot of money, but a heck of lot better than 20K!


More on this later... Thanks for reading and understanding... or not :)

Next:  The other side of the coin.