Once again, Republican does not equal evil.
A friend posted some random blog to his Facebook notes in which the writer claims there is something wrong with Americans because many of us support private sector healthcare (like, companies, OMG! T3h 3vi1z0r!!!). His thesis was basically that people who do not support government controlled univsersal healthcare (generally Republicans) are uncaring/mean/mentally deficient/the devil, etc. I assume he thinks this because the idea of "universal" healthcare, healthcare run by a government that covers all citizens/people within that country's borders, does sound better/nicer than a system in which not all people are guaranteed coverage. In other words, if it sounds nice, it must be best!
This, of course, proves he is an idiot. Or at least uninformed.
The idea put forth by proponents of private healthcare can be broken down like so:
1) KEEP Medicare/Medicaid to help the needy.
2) Work to reduce the number of people who need Medicare/Medicaid via some kind of tax break or credit system, something that will make it easier for individuals/families to purchase healthcare outside on their own, instead of relying on their employer.
The "something" mentioned above varies depending on who you ask.
The effects of a sound plan based on the above ideas would be:
1) It would not be necessary to tax people exorbinantly to pay for government run healthcare for everyone.
2) In keeping with the principles of capitalism (competition), people could choose the health plan that's best for them, instead of their representatives deciding for them.
So, less taxation, more choice. And guaranteed coverage for the disadvantaged. Damn, there MUST be something wrong with me for liking this.
In short, the universal health care concept comes from the erroneous idea that government's responsibility is to "take care" of us. It is not. Sorry. Government's job is to ensure that we don't get killed by invading armies (military's role) or random scary people (police's role) or infringe on each other's rights. I absolutely support helping the poor and sick and old and injured, but it is preferable to allow those who can take care of themselves, or could with a little assistance when they go through rough times, to do so.
Labels: politics
From the above link:
"His [Obama's] supreme self-belief has also been the target of late-night comedians. 'With just 19 days left until the election, Barack Obama warned supporters today to guard against overconfidence,' Tina fey of Saturday Night Live reported.
'Then he boarded Air Force One, blasted 'We Are The Champions' and shouted 'I'm King of the World'.'"
So it's out there. But does this worry any of his supporters? Or are most of them the "OMG! I heart you much!" type?
Yeah, he'll change the world. By what, making the US more socialist and more dependent on the politicians to take care of us? Faaabulous.
"'McCain has lost,' said Deborah Barnhart, 48, who runs a landscaping business.
'He's lost because the Messiah has spoken and we're going to change the world. That's all people want to hear after eight years of Bush. Obama thinks he's won. Everyone here thinks he's won.'"
Hey Cheney - remember when people told you you should stop eating babies? This is the other reason why: people will vote for Barack.
Labels: politics
I remember back when I thought that no guys would ever like me. If only this post had been there!
How Was I Supposed to Know She Was a Mannequin?
Bro #1: I mean, you can't turn that down.
Bro #2: Right, you can't turn that down! I mean, she had boobs!
--University Place & North Washington Square
Overheard by: Anna P.
Labels: random
Back in the "burbs"
I work in a new city now, but it's small and surrounded by suburbs, like the one I live in. I don't have to sit on my butt all day and I get to do things my hands other than type (assemble folder things) and the streets aren't crowded and it doesn't STINK! And I can get home by 5:30. And I don't have to get up before 8 if I really don't want to, because I can still make it to work on time (barely, but hey).
I feel like even though I'm back to part time at a job I left, I'm moving forward. I don't feel STUCK anymore! This guy I worked with in the city who lives near me and quit a month before I did called the office today and we compared notes.
Zach: I'm like such a happier person now!
Me: OMG, I know, me too!
And then we chuckled. And were a little giddy. Because we really are a LOT happier.
I'm also teaching a class in the evenings. I have to drive on a highway to this little backroad forever to another highway, and then do a crazy U turn thing and follow a sign that doesn't have the street name's correct spelling on it... And then teach like 5 kids who are cool but usually mostly asleep.
But it's good that I'm driving all over. Now my mum doesn't freak if I want to drive up to visit Jamie chan! And Mom just had her operation (which went SO WELL) so I'm running more errands and generally being OUT IN THE WORLD, as opposed to sitting on a train or walking around stuck behind slow people who are perfectly capable of moving their asses!!!
Sigh. I am more relaxed now.
Anyway, work now.
Labels: work
