Is your state ready to reject a public option if others get one?

So it appears the public option is gaining some momentum. There is some talk about states having the option of deciding if they wish to participate in the public healthcare option. I love it. I can’t wait to hear how politicians deny this for their states. Moreover I’ll be very curious to hear how all the screaming opponents of a public option feel when they need it, but their state doesn’t provide it.

Where will Fox news be then? Will they be providing a healthcare option for citizens or states that reject the option? Will Glen Beck be offering help to offset private healthcare premiums for those who can’t afford it, but have no choice in their state? I don’t think so.

Obama’s Dissing of Gov.Patterson will backfire

I predict President Obama’s intervention into New York politics will backfire because he asked another African American politician to not run again. I guarantee people will see it as him treating another African American differently than he would a white candidate. It was a bad move.Governor Patterson may be perceived as a joke in some circles, but to many African Americans, he is a black politician that has looked out for their interests. 

If Obama continues to freely throw African Americans that don’t appeal to the massesl under the bus, I think it will come back to haunt him at election time. I predict African Americans will start to seek out African American candidates who can and will address how racism is playing a role in politics. And if Obama has to compete with one or two African Americans, they may split the votes; and he may not necessarily get the votes he needs to move on to a second term.

Let the American Public Vote for or against Public Option?

Ok, lets keep this simple. Let the shouting and talking about what will happen or won’t happen end today. I suggest the President definitely include a public option. Perhaps with a timetable “trigger” of 2 years. If , as opponents of a single payer plan and public options have suggested, there is no interest or minimal interest then the President can just take it off the table. If however there appears to be fair, strong, or very strong response to it, then allow it to continue as an option.

I envision us all going to the “exchange,” and checking out the private options and the sole public option available. For the sake of simplicity, I think it should be the same public choice as Congress members have. If you want to create public choice, then one could buy into medicare or the V.A. system. I would think of it as similar to when you pay an out of resident fee to use recreational facilities in a neighboring town or city.

And then over the next two years, the government’s job is to see what people choose. We as Americans will have the data and can decide if a public option seems worth pursuing or should be restructured or abandoned. And we have clearly seen how the opponents of it like to back up their talk with their actions. I mean look at how all the opponents of federal funding, like Bobby Jindal,  refused-to take the mone   oh yeah…they did accept the Presidents stimulus money despite all of the protests.

Don’t give up the public option without the following:

I’ve read that the Democrats are ready to compromise on the public option portion of the health care reform act. I think it’s a mistake. And  I hope the Democrats use all of their power  to lock the insurance companies in for hundreds of years.

• Specifically there should be no loop holes that will later allow insurance companies to deny people coverage because of pre-existing coverage.
• There should be no wiggle room for insurance personnel to later delete risky patients from the roles.
• There should be caps on how frequently and by how much they can raise premiums.
• There should be clear time frames for reimbursing patients.
• There should be some preliminary legal proceeding to handle the bullshit insurance companies use to delay payment.
• You should be freely entitled to the coverage you are promised without needing unnecessary insurance bureaucrats  deciding your health care.
• If your doctor says you need it, that should be good enough.
• There should be a provision to re-evaluate the public option within a few years.
• Most importantly, there must be a government chief to oversee insurance companies.

On second thought-screw your opponents-fight for the public option and get the job done! Ok, before you decide not to view the video because its Ralph Nader-ask yourself- is there any truth in what he is saying? And if so, why isn’t anyone else saying it?

Parents lack of Patriotism is Shameful!

During the Bush presidency, I heard all about what it means to be “patriotic.” And part of that appeared to mean following and supporting our President. However, now that we have the first African American President, it appears the rules are less clear.

I read that parents in Texas schools are demanding that school administrators let their kids out of school during President Obama’s address to the children. How exactly does that fit in with patriotism and respect for our President?

It seems these parents are concerned that he will impart a socialist message on their children. Huh? We have all had experiences of listening to Presidents we disagree with or oppose; but I thought the idea was we respect the office of the President. I believe its called principles above personalities.

Moreover I thought parents and children talked and discussed what went on in school. It seems to me if parents want to truly persuade their children of their political beliefs, they should send their kids to listen to President Obama. Let their children come home and voice their opinions and then the parents can sell them on their views.

But perhaps they are afraid. If you listen to these kids, you’ll understand.

90 day writing challenge, day 47: When I don’t get enough sleep…

When i don’ t get enough sleep, I’m more irritable.

When i don’t get enough sleep, I struggle to listen to people speak.

When I don’t get enough sleep, I push myself to work harder, and produce worst results.

When I don’t get enough sleep, I wonder why I waste my time.

When i don’t get enough sleep, I wonder if its because I stayed up late to watch the film, “Hitman.” (a very exciting movie)

When I don’t get enough sleep, I wonder if it was the mocha frappucino I had in the early afternoon (also very good)

When I don’t get enough sleep every thing becomes everything.

When I don’t get enough sleep, I think I should change my job….OK my life.

When I don’t get enough sleep, I blame everything on everything but the fact that I didn’t get enough sleep.

When i don’t get enough sleep, I force myself to keep from taking a nap, so I can get some sleep.

Basta. Enough. I’m done. I’m going to sleep.

90 day Writing Challange, day 46: Poll-Does the U.S. need a government health insurance plan for everyone?