Terrible Choices
I don't need to take a poll of Americans to know that single-payer health care is the cure for what ails us all. All I have to do is look around at my family and friends to see the struggles, fears, and mountain of debt surrounding us all.
My sister, who is recently unemployed, must now make the choice to wean herself off her anti-depressants because she can no longer afford to pay for them out-of-pocket. That anyone should have to choose between medicines for one health concern or another is appalling. That she is choosing to try and survive without medicine that has helped keep her brain functioning in favor of keeping medications that keep the rest of her body functioning is horrifying. Is this what we have become, America? A nation of jugglers---playing Russian roulette with our health so that insurance companies can suck up more money for their bloated, sociopathic CEOs?
A friend of mine has had to drop her anti-depressant as well. Her husband, who survived colon cancer four years ago, has had to drop his anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication in order to be able to afford the other drugs he needs to stay healthy. Their insurance payments total slightly over 1000.00 a month. The only way they can pay their insurance premiums every month is to borrow that money from his elderly mother, who is herself nearing the time when she will need to go into assisted care.
These are just two of the many tales I can tell about how health care in this country is abominable. Republicans insist that the United States has the best health care in the world, claiming that Americans have access to the best doctors, hospitals, and choices. Nevermind that the only people who have access to the best doctors, hospitals, and choices are those fortunate enough to have health insurance through an employer that covers everything or those with unlimited wealth who can afford to pay for whatever treatment they choose.
The truth is, America's health care system blows---big time. It isn't even a "system". It's a corrupt corporate monopoly that has glutted itself on the lives of working Americans, absorbing enormous profits while the average citizen struggles to pay rent and still afford their desperately-needed pills. Nevermind the fact that most of we, the uninsured, are unable to make regular doctor visits or get regular checkups or pap smears or breast exams or prostate exams. Nevermind that I can't get to a dentist to have my rotting molars removed because I have no insurance and no dentist will treat me without a 2000.00 deposit.
And, let us be saved from the constant barrage of apocraphyl stories dredged up by the Right-wing Talking Machine that claim national health care systems in other countries---particularly, Canada---are faulty to the point of broken, and that people are forced to wait interminably long times in order to get emergency health care. Although there are problems with Canada's health care system, wait times throughout the country do not reflect the gross exaggerations spouted by the conservative talking heads. Furthermore, Canada's numbers vary from province to province, and from treatments to treatments. For a complete overview of the actual numbers, try this link from the Canadian Institute for Health Information: http://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb/en/downloads/aib_provincial_wait_times_e.pdf
The reality of my own situation and the reality of the situations of those around me are enough to convince me that single-payer national health care is a necessity. It is our right. It is, as Thom Hartmann loves to say, a part of the "commons" in our country, along with highways and police departments and firefighters. As we are allowed free access to our byways and we don't have to pay a cop to come investigate a break-in in our home, we should be allowed free access to doctors and medicines and treatment and surgeries.
How can any of us pursue life, liberty, and happiness without health?
It is like w and his cohorts just sat down with the repub congress and said;
What do ya say about passing the hat and handing a couple trillion dollars to the drug companies over the next decade or so?
Good Post Jan, good post. When individual cases are related...well it hurts. Hurts real bad.
July 3, 2009 3:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why don't you look at the terrible choices that your family has made to get themselves into the situation they're in?
A lot more effective than crying about it.
July 3, 2009 4:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not given to arguing with neo-con assholes, so you'll get the standard response I give all your ilk: Fuck off and die. Thank you.
July 3, 2009 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
And that's exactly why your family is broke: Refusal to accept responsibility for the actions you've made to get yourself there.
July 3, 2009 5:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
In case you didn't hear Jan the first time: Fuck off and die.
July 4, 2009 12:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Very intelligent response there. I'm actually trying to help Jan by giving her the opportunity to recognize her own faults and failures.
July 4, 2009 12:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Arrogant much? Repugnant heal thyself!
July 4, 2009 1:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
Arrogance would be to imply that I've never failed myself. It's only through failure that you can learn.
July 4, 2009 1:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Meaning I think you need to just leave this blog and go reexamine your own faults and failures and let others make that determination for themselves. Sorry to be the one to tell you... but you are not God. I don't see her as failing that's your story.
Though I agree that there is nothing wrong with failure but when you start telling other people what their failings are... you just took a step into 'someone else's business'.. I recommend you step back into your own.
July 4, 2009 1:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
I didn't tell her what her failings are, just that she needs to examine where she has failed.
See, I don't have to be taxed to help my fellow man.
July 4, 2009 1:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
user-pic
"Very intelligent response there. I'm actually trying to help Jan by giving her the opportunity to recognize her own faults and failures."
That's your story... that she needs to recognize 'her' faults and failures... I humbly suggest that you do the same... and back off.
July 4, 2009 1:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why? To make her feel good about herself?
Making people feel good is absolutely useless in and of itself, if the problem that created the bad feeling has not been dealt with. It's really similar a parent molesting a child, and then giving the child ice cream to make them feel better. It doesn't matter how much ice cream you feed the kid, the kid's still got issues.
July 4, 2009 2:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
You don't agree.
That doesn't mean 'you' are right.
That is the issue here.
You have a different view of the world which doesn't mean she is wrong.
But it doesn't appear that you are intelligent enough to understand this.
July 4, 2009 2:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
?
July 4, 2009 9:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well let me think here CMN. Let me think
How did some poor guy working at Wallmart end up makin 9 bucks an hour without any benefits.
how did that happen CMN? Tell me. I really wish to know.
How did the middle class of this country end up falling so far down the scale.
Perhaps they did not study hard in school like Palin.
Perhaps like Cronyn, they just did not pray hard enough.
Perhaps like Sessions they just did not lisp well enough
Maybe like Boner, they just did not tan properly.
Maybe like w, they did not get along with gentlemen's c's in ivy league schools after scoring so low on their SAT's
Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez i do not know.
Planning, that is the key is it not CMN?
Huh?
I CANT HEAR YOU
I CANT HEAR YOU
SPEAK UP
July 4, 2009 12:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Intelligence includes social abilities.
You are not responsible for my failures, and I am not responsible for yours.
> How did some poor guy working at Wallmart end up makin 9 bucks an hour without any benefits.
Don't know, don't care. He had the choice to work there.
> I CANT HEAR YOU
> I CANT HEAR YOU
> SPEAK UP!
Deafness to reason is no excuse for ignorance.
July 4, 2009 12:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey I hear you. Drop dead!!!!!!!!!!
come on you got it in ya.
lets go. Of course you do not care how someone ended up because you lost your humanity a long time ago.
Some girl put you down?
Lose some beauty contest did ya?
Life kind of tough on ya so ya figure, hey, its tough on me so why is it not tough on all of us?
Huh?
Is that it?
Oh, jeeeeeeeeeeeeez, I had to work hard to be where I am.
Oh yeah. Where the fuck are ya CMN. Where are ya?
You at the top; of it all? Is that where you are.
You work real hard and you are so proud of where you are.
Who IN THE FUCK ARE YOU KIDDING?
HUH?
July 4, 2009 12:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yup. I do work hard, and I get paid well. Intelligence seems to be high in demand these days.
What's the problem with this?
July 4, 2009 12:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh you earned everything you have did you not
no luck. just hard hard work
when did your johnson quit workin CMN
What the fu... is CMN anyway?
huh
come on I wish to know
Oh I would take you on any day in an intelligence quiz huh?
lets go
You spend your time attacking people who are weak?
You spend your time attacking people in pain?
You spend your time attacking people who are dying under a system of health care that only helps those with stock?
Oh, your mama must be so proud of you!!!
\
My gooooooooooodness. and you did it all by your lonesome. Is that it?
Huh? Daddy was just not that appreciative was he?
Huh? Oh but we must be so proud.
I mean comin' from nowhere and all.
Lets go CMN.
Huh?
Not hard to find out who I am. I mean I have a real name and a real place in the universe.
Let us attack Jan. Jan who wishes only to discuss the problems her family has faced in this nation that does not give one goddamn what problems you face.
Hah?
Come on CMN. Let us go at it further.
July 4, 2009 12:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Offer an argument of any kind and I'd be able to respond.
You have the ability to type, but lack the ability to convey an idea. Since your argument won't stand on its own merits, you must rely on name calling; similar to a meerkat raising its tail when it perceives a threat.
It's actually quite amazing. You're following the Liberal Ten Commandments of How to Argue almost verbatim.
http://maaadddog.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/the-liberal-ten-commandments-of-how-to-argue/
July 4, 2009 1:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
You have no arguments. none at all.
see I do not even have to worry about proper grammar here.
Ok once in awhile you like to dress up in women's clothes. it makes you feel...well better.
Do not attack the powerless anymore
you look for me. I will be there every time.
I promise you.
My name is right up there. you cannot miss it.
July 4, 2009 1:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
You still haven't addressed in any way why this person's family should be provided health insurance at my expense.
If I were to choose to give her money, that would be acceptable. To steal from me and give to her would still be theft, no matter how you attempt spin it.
July 4, 2009 1:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
I have ADDRESSED EVERYTHING YOU COULD EVER GIVE.
Drop dead.
Go to some Nazi site. You will feel so much better.
And that sexual attraction you have for your mother, well it will wither and you will lose this
terrible yearning you have.
Really sweet pea.
LIGHTEN THE FUCK UP.
July 4, 2009 1:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
You've demonstrated nothing except that you have many ways to call names.
July 4, 2009 1:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
QUINN WE NEED YOU. I SWEAR TO GOD. WE NEED YOU.
July 4, 2009 1:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
hhahahhahahha
July 4, 2009 2:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
?
July 4, 2009 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Nowhere was it suggested that this person's family or anyone else should receive health insurance at your expense. You keep your health insurance all to yourself, and be welcome to it.
The point made is that health CARE is a right, not a "benefit" or an "option."
But I wouldn't expect anyone to undestand such a distinction who cannot first pull their head outta' their ass.
Just sayin', is all.
July 4, 2009 10:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
I already have health insurance. If I am taxed, to pay for health insurance for people like Jan here, I am in fact paying for Jan's health insurance, because she will directly receive a benefit that I pay for and do not receive myself.
You can go to any hospital and receive emergency medical attention without question of payment if you're that badly in need of attention.
July 4, 2009 12:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
OK, everyone, this is what CMN said about DD:
"You have the ability to type but you lack the ability to convey an idea."
I think that should win an award....let's see...okay, I got it:
I hereby award CMN the {{*Sarah Palin Way With Words]]{{ Raspberry of the Day.
You Betcha, Doggone It . Also, "Trig"
July 4, 2009 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
SWORDFISH
July 4, 2009 2:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
?
July 4, 2009 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Dickon, don't waste your time with it.
Jan is handling herself well. No one in their right mind could look at unemployment numbers and say what this idiot is saying.
I'd bet Karma is catching up, and being that it is an idiot, it listens to Rush and thinks that the problem is Liberals and government. I suspect that maybe not today or tomorrow, but soon, it will gain some understanding because it will have lots of choices, each as horribly bad as the other.
That, or it will go poach and mooch off Federal Lands and pretend it isn't just another fargin mooch. That's what it is doing now. People like CMN cost too much. They aren't worth our time.
July 4, 2009 12:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Or possibly run home to Mommy.
=D
July 4, 2009 12:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
I love you bwak. I really do!!!!!
ack ack ack
July 4, 2009 1:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Liberal Ten Commandments of How to Argue:
http://maaadddog.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/the-liberal-ten-commandments-of-how-to-argue/
July 4, 2009 1:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
What an obscene website. You should be embarrassed linking such a PoS here. The intellectual level is on par with an amoeba.
There is something really wrong with you. You might want to see a healthcare professional about it right away.
July 4, 2009 1:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Did you actually read anything, or just assume that a link with a name described the article in its entirety?
July 4, 2009 1:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
That website quite likely violates the comments policy here.
July 4, 2009 1:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Only if you're in habit of making up new meaning for existing words.
July 4, 2009 1:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Swordfish!
July 4, 2009 3:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
?
July 4, 2009 9:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
I read it, and I'm rolling on the floor laughing at this fine example of massive failf**k. Hysterically ironic, given your own lamer leet gamer wannabe pseudo. Is maaadddog another of yours?
The clown asserts that the quote was obtained from Wikipedia, then links to Wikiquotes. These are two separate projects of the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation, which uses their own open-source software: MediaWiki, as the back-end. The clown then proceeds to stick his tongue up his his thinking-end with the assertion, "the earliest mention of the alleged quote was on September 9th, 2005. Yet it was first published at Wikiquotes on July 20, 2005.
I view this quote as suspect. It is improperly sourced, but maaadddog has not disproven it, only shown that it is dubious, a fact that is reflected in the current Wikiquote stub on Rush Limbaugh. The proper way to verify the truth/untruth of this quote would be to obtain a complete unedited transcript of the Rush Limbaugh show from April 23, 1998. Unfortunately, this cannot be verified through the Rush Limbaugh Show itself, since they have published dishonest transcripts in the past.
July 4, 2009 5:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fixed 2nd link in previous post.
July 4, 2009 5:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
I didn't link to the quote, I linked to the Liberal Ten Commandments of How to Argue.
I really don't care what the other crap on the site says. I got to the site by googling something like "Liberal attack packs not facts"
July 4, 2009 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bravo Jan!
July 4, 2009 12:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
Grouch, I love you. hahahhahahahahahah
July 4, 2009 2:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
While I wholeheartedly endorse personal responsibility and accountability - one of the flaws in your stance are the tens of thousands of children, who, without fault of their own, are suffering and dying because they cannot achieve the medical care they need due to lack of money.
This is a fact. What do you propose to be the solution to this horrific truth?
July 4, 2009 12:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
> one of the flaws in your stance are the tens of thousands of children, who, without fault of their own, are suffering and dying because they cannot achieve the medical care they need due to lack of money.
Since 1986, this has been false. For a number of reasons, through a number of federally mandated programs.
July 4, 2009 12:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is not false. I personally know of four children who were denied medical treatment (due to expense) that would have delivered to them the medicines which would have provided not only immediate relief but also ceased their ailments.
Two have now died and the others continue to suffer. The Shriners, Ronald McDonald foundation, St. Judes and other like organizations can only provide needed healhcare to but a small percentile of ill children who would otherwise suffer and die.
On this issue, you do not have the facts - easily accessed - but will you do your research? Will you donate to entities such as St. Judes to help a sick child?
July 4, 2009 1:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, you don't understand. You're wrong because it's -illegal- to deny care to a person when their life is at risk:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Medical_Treatment_and_Active_Labor_Act
If you really do know two children that have died from lack of medical attention (which I suspect falls in the category of Shit You Made Up), then the family has legal actions that they can pursue.
July 4, 2009 1:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Basic care is mandated. Nothing else. Hospital/Medical boards can decree that the cost is too much and they are unable to sustain the expense per their entity's fiscal reports. Happens all the time.
And yes I do know, the parents tried everything but had no money to proceed with legal action and were told there are no laws which could make hospitals/medical care professionals do more than provide minimal basic care and/or put their entity's at risk of unstainable financial losses which would cause them to close their doors!
Again, RESEARCH!
July 4, 2009 1:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
> Basic care is mandated. Nothing else.
This leads in to your premise that even though we're all born equal, the wealthy must be enslaved to the poor "for the greater good," right?
I've heard and addressed this before.
> And yes I do know, the parents tried everything but had no money to proceed with legal action and were told there are no laws which could make hospitals/medical care professionals do more than provide minimal basic care and/or put their entity's at risk of unstainable financial losses which would cause them to close their doors!
They didn't try everything, or their case was flawed beyond what you're stating. As I stated before, the practice of dumping a patient with an emergency medical condition is illegal.
Oh yeah:
> or put their entity's at risk of unstainable financial losses
Uh, not only is there no provision, but this would be impossible to do with one patient.
July 4, 2009 1:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Right their with you Jan:)
July 3, 2009 5:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
This sentence stuck out to me:
> How can any of us pursue life, liberty, and happiness without health?
It's actually a right to Life (Which you have), Liberty (Which you're trying to steal), and the pursuit of happiness (which the word pursuit tells you that you are not guaranteed it, only that you can pursue it).
Nobody has an inalienable right to Health, especially when you smoke, drink, do drugs, or any other risky activity.
July 3, 2009 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Nobody has an inalienable right to Health, especially when you smoke, drink, do drugs, or any other risky activity."
Well, that explains how you were conceived and why you're a gigantic prick. Tell your parents to get off the heroin and you should knock off the crack.
July 3, 2009 7:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wonderful response.
As for your misery, no worries - help is on the way!
I'm working as hard as I can so you can take my hard-earned money to fix your "struggles, fears, and mountain of debt..."
July 3, 2009 9:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
How much taxes do you really pay? Give me a break with that lame talking point. Oh and by the way, Obama just gave you a tax break which you and the rest of the so-called conservatives are being quite silly about denying. Also, we all pay taxes not just the people who cry about having to do so.
July 4, 2009 12:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey Lalo,
Eat me. Eat my shorts.
I mean it. go f..... yourself
I really have had it with you.
Jan is now my friend.
Drop dead
July 4, 2009 12:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
DD, sometimes you just rock dude!
July 4, 2009 12:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Don't run lalo off, she's way to much fun.
July 4, 2009 9:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't want you're hard-earned money. Stuff it.
July 4, 2009 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
If she has the right to liberty how can she steal it? This is not irony it is insolence.
July 4, 2009 12:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
You can steal another person's liberty, not your own.
Can't win the argument on merits, so trying to reframe it? That's ok, it's The Liberal Way.
July 4, 2009 12:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well if there were any merits to your argument. If you have an argument. What is your argument exactly?
July 4, 2009 12:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
Read above, I posted it earlier. Not interested in wasting my time reposting facts all day.
July 4, 2009 12:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Those weren't actually facts. Just poorly stated opinion and an embarrassing level of human insincerity. Please clarify your position with a coherent argument that does not involve berating others.
July 4, 2009 12:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
> It's actually a right to Life (Which you have), Liberty (Which you're trying to steal), and the pursuit of happiness (which the word pursuit tells you that you are not guaranteed it, only that you can pursue it).
What part is opinion exactly? I didn't know that Jefferson included "health insurance" in the declaration or constitution.
July 4, 2009 12:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
The part about trying to steal was 100% opinion and almost 100% meaningless and represents less than an argument against anything but the straw man that you like to beat up on. Furthermore, claims about Health Care not being included in the Constitution or Declaration really serve to illustrate your lack of understanding at the most basic levels.
July 4, 2009 1:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Jan attempted to use the constitution's phrasing as justification for her beliefs that I should provide her health insurance as a taxpayer. Therefore, I had to point out that we have a positive constitution; one that grants the federal government powers because it errs on the side of liberty, not one that takes away government powers to err on the side of tyranny.
> The part about trying to steal was 100% opinion and almost 100% meaningless
You can read my post about how taxing those with health insurance to provide those without health insurance is in fact theft.
July 4, 2009 1:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
"You can read my post about how taxing those with health insurance to provide those without health insurance is in fact theft."
Like I said, I'm not interested in opinion. The reality is that while you are quick to quote the founders like Jefferson it is evident that you also find it convenient to leave out some of their most progressive ideals. In particular Jefferson who pushed for a fluid progressive form of government and not the regressive and warped anarchy/chaos that you embrace.
July 4, 2009 1:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
> Like I said, I'm not interested in opinion.
All I provide is logic and reason, not opinion. Your inability to do the same is of no concern to me.
> The reality is that while you are quick to quote the founders like Jefferson it is evident that you also find it convenient to leave out some of their most progressive ideals. In particular Jefferson who pushed for a fluid progressive form of government and not the regressive and warped anarchy/chaos that you embrace.
This is just factually incorrect; Jefferson wanted to limit the powers lent to the federal government even more than they already are limited by the constitution. Concessions were made by Smith, as will be evidenced when or if you ever read the federalist papers. We won't start on the bill of rights yet; I'll let you learn a little at a time.
July 4, 2009 1:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obviously your confusion and lack of sense knows no bounds. Instead of trying to twist everything to fit with your set of biases you should focus more of your time and energy with searching the facts and understanding them completely outside of your prejudgements.
July 4, 2009 2:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
You've provided no counter to my argument, so I must assume that you have no valid point.
Thanks for trying, though.
July 4, 2009 2:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Swordfish!
July 4, 2009 2:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
"life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" is in the Declaration of Independence, not the Constitution.
July 4, 2009 11:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
You would not know a contention, or a concession or a confession of Jefferson if it was laid upon your Johnson you ignoramus.
I am so sick of this contention of yours that you somehow feel, or think or sense. It is an impossibility.
Go find a nazi blog and die there you asshole.
July 4, 2009 1:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh yeah. I forgot to mention that emotions don't have an effect on whether a statement is true or not, unless of course you're talking about the emotions themselves.
July 4, 2009 1:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Swordfish!
July 4, 2009 2:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
You don't have an argument dickwad. You're nothing more than a heckler. There's no value in engaging your useless yammering.
July 4, 2009 12:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
CMN is fine with theft, as long as it's the private sector doing the stealing. That's basically what it means when it whines about "the Feds" stealing it's "liberty." Meaning, it's liberty to rip off other people in to enrich itself at the expense of others. Pretty gross.
Other than that observation, it's not worthy of more notice than another low life swindler.
What it doesn't realize, is it is not at liberty to fuck with people, and that there are consequences.
I'd say it's days with the other pigs at the trough are numbered. (Apologies to Miguel)
Great blog, Jan.
July 4, 2009 12:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Far as I know, there aren't private companies that put you in jail for not buying their product. Your logic is flawed, come up with a better argument than plagiarizing your opinions from wherever you copy and paste them from.
July 4, 2009 12:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Excuse me, you're incoherent.
Healthcare isn't a product you can elect to do without.
You really are an idiot. No wonder corporations are so fucked up.
July 4, 2009 12:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
> Healthcare isn't a product you can elect to do without.
Fortunately, we're talking about health insurance, which you can elect to do without.
July 4, 2009 12:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
No we are talking about healthcare and how the majority are really sick of subsidizing leaches like you.
July 4, 2009 1:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Everyone can get healthcare with our present system, so if you're arguing to provide everyone with healthcare you've already won.
If you don't want to go bankrupt from receiving healthcare then you should purchase some health insurance, especially if your family has a history of any hereditary disease.
See why smart people are wealthy?
July 4, 2009 1:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
The problem is 47 million people have no access to healthcare. Are you just avoiding these obvious points that don't fit into your carefully crafted lie?
Whatever. You're just not stating anything remotely resembling an argument, dude. Reality is a basis for an argument. Yours don't qualify.
Go buy more ammo.
July 4, 2009 1:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Your facts are wrong.
Healthcare as far as a requirement to live is already provided under the 1986 Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. Oh yeah, 86, that was under the Reagan presidency.
First, you mean health insurance.
Second, this 47 million number includes illegal aliens and those that choose not to have health insurance. There are far more than 47 million people without health insurance in the world. Should we provide them too? After all, it's only the right thing to do.
Third,
It is very noble of you to proclaim moral superiority when you have no liability in such a proclamation.
July 4, 2009 1:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
You cite nothing to refute them.
You need to review the act. The only thing mandated is to stabilize a patient. Healthcare is not mandated. Your argument is incorrect. As I said, you need to argue facts here in reality, not silly sound bites you pick up on militant websites.
Look, I already clarified that this blogpost and my comments had to do with healthcare Again, you can't warp reality to suit your selfish and shallow agenda.
Saying black is white doesn't work.
The rest of your points are equally devoid of any merit because they are your warped opinions based on misinformation.
There is no there, there.
July 4, 2009 2:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
You can not argue that it's wrong to have 47 million people uninsured one minute, then claim it's not about health insurance the next, unless you want to say the word insurance has no meaning. Either insurance means what it means, or you're claiming that the fact there are 47 million people uninsured have nothing to do with why we should provide health insurance to 47 million people, which is the equivalent to saying nothing since the statements cancel themselves out. Pick which side of the fence you're on.
> You cite nothing to refute them.
Heh, the whole post was a citation of refutation.
> You need to review the act. The only thing mandated is to stabilize a patient. Healthcare is not mandated.
If your in stable condition, you no longer require healthcare, do you?
> Look, I already clarified that this blogpost and my comments had to do with healthcare
Health insurance costs money. I already have health insurance. Why should I be required under threat of imprisonment to pay for yours, too?
July 4, 2009 2:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Swordfish!
July 4, 2009 2:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
When health insured people still account for the majority of bankruptcies in the US, 'Insurance' as you define it apparently doesn't mean what the dictionary tells me it's supposed to mean. Given the current state of healthcare/insurance in the US it's only a matter of time before you slip between the cracks yourself Pancho. I'd be interested to see how you react to waking up and seeing what a simple simon you've been all along. WOOF!
July 4, 2009 3:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not saying that I'm invulnerable to bankruptcy. I'm not saying that healthcare doesn't need reform. I am saying that healthcare does need to be reformed in the private sector; that having the government supply health insurance would effectively enslave the wealthy to the poor.
I really do care when insurance companies drop customers that have been paying their premiums for years. The whole point of insurance is to have insurance. As long as one party holds up one end of the deal, the other should too. Insurance companies have gotten off relatively light, but only because consumers haven't demanded contracts with a no drop clause or a limited rate increase clause. This could be solved by the consumers refusing to pay for insurance through these insurers, but the American public is both too apathetic and far too depended on Big Government to shit for them.
All people are responsible for their own actions; I should not have to pay for the actions of another upon their own body.
July 4, 2009 3:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Swordfish!
July 4, 2009 3:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
At the risk of entering a discussion with a dog, which I can happily do without entering cyberworld... The most efficient way to spread the risks is by pooling risks. The private healthcare insurance industry has proven incapable of providing a reliable product to accomplish this. Healthcare costs threaten our national viability in the world market. The business of corporations is profits. The business of government is the public welfare. ergo the business of protecting our viability as well as our health falls to gumint. WOOF!
July 4, 2009 3:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is where you get it wrong.
As I've said before, public welfare, or "the greater good" is entirely dependent on what is good for me. If I'm paying for your health insurance, under threat of imprisonment, I am being stolen from. I have less incentive to work. I have lost my own property and belongings for no other reason than someone is holding a gun to my head to redistribute my money as they see fit. This can not ever be "the greater good."
> s. The private healthcare insurance industry has proven incapable of providing a reliable product to accomplish this
This is false, as is evidenced by any American working for a company that provides health insurance. UPS is one; these jobs don't even require a skill beyond the ability to lift 25 lbs.
> Healthcare costs threaten our national viability in the world market.
The best healthcare will cost the most money. That's usually how supply and demand work.
> The business of corporations is profits.
Companies get more of these profits by offering better services at lower prices than competition. The solution to higher costs is more competition, not less.
When the government proposes that all news will now be "single payer" media outlets, will you follow blindly there too?
July 4, 2009 4:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
WOOF!
July 4, 2009 4:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
CMN, "Emergence medical treatment" is not "Health Care". It's like "up is not down."
July 4, 2009 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
I just looked up the word asshole and found your picture. Why don't you just go somewhere else? Nothing you have to say contributes anything.
July 4, 2009 12:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
My argument is that you don't have a right to my money to provide your (72% chance you're obese) fat ass with health insurance.
Are you going to argue that theft is ok now? If so, let me know, I'll be right over to steal some of my money from you.
July 4, 2009 12:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Swordfish!
July 4, 2009 2:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Swordfish
July 4, 2009 2:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
WOW!
When Maggie says swordfish, you really are a swordfish!!!!
Hello Mum! Luv ya!
July 4, 2009 11:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
no no no no no. I want all your money. Yes. today
I want all your money. We shall call it
REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH. GOOD IDEA HUH?
Just you and rush and sean and savage (aka weiner)
Its all good.
We shall just take yours away.
July 4, 2009 3:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good luck - we're the ones that were smart enough to keep the guns to defend against your tyranny.
July 4, 2009 3:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Swordfish!
July 4, 2009 3:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh tyranny oh my goodness
No I just want your money. today
everything you have.
given to the unworthy
oh yes.
such satisfaction;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsm9g316h6Y&feature=related
for sure
hahhahahaha
July 4, 2009 3:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
College frat antics will only get you so far in life; I suspect that's why you're so blind in your faith to a public health insurance system and federal government, because you have no will or resolution of your own.
July 4, 2009 3:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Swordfish!
July 4, 2009 3:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
hhahahahahahah. LOOOK IT UP. THAT IS WHAT I SAY OLEEB. HAHAHAHHAHAAH
Jesus. Blesses himself. I mean somebody has to. hahahahahah
Oleeb I do not care what we may disagree upon, I shall recommend anything you ever write no matter what.
hhahahhaahhaaa
July 4, 2009 2:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Our government's foundation is that of a democracy. The majority of 'We,The People' (by all recent polls) support a public healthcare option.
We all pay taxes that support many programs and processes. Many of which I do not support. But many either do support, utilize or need.
Simplest analogy - I do use the library which is in large part funded by public monies - much of which are the tax dollars of many who have never (and probably won't) even been in a library! Perhaps we should do away with libraries as people should be able to afford to buy their own books and research materials?
However, I will concede that no legislation or other process can instill in one the ability or desire to care about the wellbeing of others in need. Empathy and willingly sharing our own 'riches' to help those unable, without judgement of same, is the best part of us. Even doing without wants so others can receive their needs is our choice to do or not. Sadly, no medical procedure can inject the milk of human kindness.
July 4, 2009 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
> ur government's foundation is that of a democracy.
You're wrong here to, it's that of a Republic.
> The majority of 'We,The People' (by all recent polls) support a public healthcare option.
Misrepresentation. "We, the people" support healthcare reform, not a public option, and definitely not "single" payer.
> Simplest analogy - I do use the library which is in large part funded by public monies
Which could be a far better service by re-privatizing it.
> Perhaps we should do away with libraries as people should be able to afford to buy their own books and research materials?
Or we could create jobs for people through re-privatization. It will actually -decrease- the cost of running a library as private libraries usually only contain relevant information instead of a plethora of useless information that nobody will read. Ever.
> Empathy and willingly sharing our own 'riches' to help those unable, without judgement of same, is the best part of us.
Yes, it is. Having state forcibly separate me from my property gives me great cause for resentment, though.
> Even doing without wants so others can receive their needs is our choice to do or not.
You do understand after all!
July 4, 2009 1:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey Jan,
The Asshats have decided to attack you tonite.
Well, I hereby award you the Dayly Blog of the Day Award for this here TPMCafe site given from all of me to all of you and, in fact, our little chatroom.
Do not let this get you down Jan.
We are on your side.
KEEP ON KEEPIN ON!!!!!!!!!!!
July 4, 2009 12:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Here Here!!
July 4, 2009 12:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent post Jan! Very well written and actually a very moving articulation of what the reality of health care is for our people. We can only hope that someone in power will actually read this and perhaps it might dawn on them that the subject of the health of the American people is more than just a policy debate or intellectual construct.
You wrote:
"The truth is, America's health care system blows---big time. It isn't even a "system". It's a corrupt corporate monopoly that has glutted itself on the lives of working Americans, absorbing enormous profits while the average citizen struggles to pay rent and still afford their desperately-needed pills."
This is right on the money (so to speak) and is precisely the sort of thing capitalism unregulated produces. The whole health thing has nothing to do with it. It's all about profit. And profiting from the literal disease and sickness of other human beings is grotesque and against every ethical standard in existence except the amoral system of capitalism which value profit over people. Our health care situation is only the most extreme example but now that the rich have gorged themselves to the point of bringing the once mighty American economy to its knees many of the seams are starting to come undone. Our chance for real and substantive change is upon us, not just in health care but across the board on all kinds of economic and social issues. But our leaders are completely tone deaf to the needs of our people and the fact that this extraordinary opportunity to leap forward is upon us. We must demand they respond to our needs while the window of opportunity remains open.
July 4, 2009 12:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
Folks, stop wasting your time on losers like CMN. They come here to annoy, and dispense their pathetic mediocrity in larger and larger doses. That Lowlife is weighing in in support ought to tell you everything you need to know.
I'm almost of a mind to put up a nice pasta recipe and change the game. Any requests?
July 4, 2009 2:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, Mommy.
=D
July 4, 2009 2:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Cheecken - pop over to chat...
July 4, 2009 2:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
hhahahahahahaha
ack ack ack
I promise
July 4, 2009 2:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Meh, even if I only convince one person of the power of logic and reason, I will have succeeded. I have nothing to lose and an entire country to regain by promoting liberty everywhere. Even though most here disagree with me now, with the consistent bombardment of logic and reason eventually some of the people here will have a Eureka moment.
July 4, 2009 2:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Swordfish!"
July 4, 2009 2:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Swordfish!
July 4, 2009 3:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
SWORDFISH!
July 4, 2009 3:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Is that your real purpose being here, CMN? To recruit for a group you sympathize with? Or perhaps belong to? What kind of group could that be? One with guns? One that wants to regain an entire country? Regain it from whom?
Even if you only convince one person. I would reckon you would prefer that they be white.
That's very interesting.
July 4, 2009 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
Heh, neither race nor ethnicity has anything to do with the validity of ideas.
No, I don't need to recruit anyone to sympathize with, nor do I really care about having anyone to talk to that shares my ideas. I am right, you are wrong. It gives me much more comfort to intellectually dominate a person with a terrible idea than to agree with them.
In short, you can assume that your assumptions about pretty much everything are wrong.
July 4, 2009 12:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes OG - Swordfish
July 4, 2009 2:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hi Maggie. Good to see you. Now do not get to involved in my obscenities. I shall do better at another forum.
Ha!!!1. I do love you Maggie
hahhahaha
July 4, 2009 2:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well Jan, I rec'd this blog this morning before anyone had been here, so sorry your blog got taken over by CMN. CMN is a misogynist, and a troll, so you should view his attention as a positive thing. You obviously struck one of his teeny-tiny nerves connected to his medulla oblongata. So it goes.
July 4, 2009 3:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ditto, Really great blog:)
July 4, 2009 3:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, I'm a misanthropist.
Yes, discourse on any subject is a positive thing when both parties are willing. When one party remains unwilling or incapable of response, it is useless.
I should write about public discourse vs knowledge one day when I get around to it.
July 4, 2009 3:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Swordfish!
July 4, 2009 3:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's just so boring amigo. Find another dog to continue your debate with.
July 4, 2009 4:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
ps: it's 'misanthrope'.
July 4, 2009 6:49 AM | Reply | Permalink