I am ashamed to say that I have been so self absorbed lately that I have definitely dropped far off in keeping up with politics and world relations. I keep half an ear to the radio and tv and click on news stories occasionally, but I haven't been actively seeking information as I usually do. We all know why this is happening, but that's a shame because I've always felt that I want to be an informed mother who makes her choices based on research and not feelings, and who can teach her children the same way. Lately, however, it seems my brain cells are dropping off one by one.
This is where you come in. One thing in particular about which I should know much more is the proposed health care plan. I know it makes me nervous any time the government tries to fix health care, because I'm not certain it can be done properly with all the bickering and pandering. I know a tiny bit, but it seems difficult to understand how the plan will work without hearing a load of bull from one side or the other. Plus, I'm just feeling lazy. If anyone would like to point out research that helped them understand their stance on the issue, I would greatly appreciate it. Note that I'm looking for more fact based information. The sensationalist stuff is quite easy to find. Notably, if there are made up words or words that invoke certain peoples' names or explosive words such as "doomsday," then I'm not interested.
I did just hear the Pope's views on redistribution of wealth and economic concerns. Though I'm not Catholic, it has always fascinated me the way the Church leans left of our Democrats on most socioeconomic issues and right of them on most purely social issues like homosexuality. It would make for some difficult voting if you're doing it according to your religious beliefs, that's for sure.
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About Me
- Barb
- Lots of trying, angst, sadness, pain and procedures mixed with the happiest marriage and most fulfilling life I could hope to have. Now, after 4 years of hoping and praying, our little man is here - delivered Jan. 4th, 2010. Disbelief, craziness and joy. This blog serves as my outlet and record of my daily life - whether it be infertility related or not.
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6 comments:
I have to say that I'm totally out of the loop on all political things now too. I'm never like this either!
All I know is what my dad has told me about the health care plan. If we go to socialized medical care it'll pretty much be like the health care in Sweden where my family lives. The government decides your level of care. For example my dad's uncle is 75 with prostate cancer. In the US they would operate, do radiation, chemo and he'd live. In Sweden the government says 75 is too old, therefore we aren't going to treat you. So now he's living with cancer and just making it day by day. I'm not sure how extreme it'll be here but it worries me.
I do understand it to the point that I believe the plan isn't for the govt to run ALL healthcare. The plan seems to be, from my limited knowledge, that government would offer a healthcare plan that would compete with current health care plans, and you could choose. Someone let me know if that's wrong.
And I know there are in betweens like in Canada, where no one can go without basic healthcare since the govt covers it, yet employers still offer private insurance as part of their benefits packages that cover more procedures more fully etc.
Not sure what is going on in the states I'm afraid. I have my views on the system in the UK but I doubt that'll help!
I'm not in favor of the health care plan for several reasons, the biggest one being that I am against abortion and am already pissed that my tax dollars go to organizations like Planned Parenthood. But, I also like my insurance, which we have through my husband's job. I want the government as far out of my personal life and bedroom as possible. This is just another intrusion.
That being said, I believe that all children, regardless of parental finances, should have access to medical insurance. And, if you are ineligible for employer healthcare or cannot afford it (in which case, I do think you should have to prove that you cant afford it), you should be eligible for Medicaid.
I lean left in most of my views and am also Catholic. The Church expects us to vote with our consciences. And I do. It can be difficult to weigh some decisions, but these are the people that are creating the world my children will live in. Well worth the effort. And, sometimes, it means choosing to say "I cant vote for this candidate". That is what the button is there for, I think.
I wrote a lengthy reply to this post and then blogger ate it. As I lack the energy to rewrite the entire thing I will say the two things that pop most immediately into my mind (also, I apologise, this is not based on any empirical evidence (which I know is what you asked for), only my own experience; and I must say that since I have had children I have become way less involved and informed politically... I need to change that.)
1. Having lived in both Canada and the US, the health care I get here in the US is FAR superior (but then I did live in one of the poorer provinces). I have more choices regarding my care, less wait time, etc... but then I can afford insurance. It makes a difference. However the idea of health care that is completely government-run frightens me because it opens the door to allowing the government to dictate what services we CAN have (like Christina mentioned in her comment) or what services we MUST have (mandatory testing and treatment in cases where we really ought to be allowed to decide for ourselves).
2. Also, I think that most (NOT all) US-ians who want government-run health care really have no idea just HOW high taxes will have to be to support a really well-oiled system. (The system in Canada is not that well-oiled, and taxes are already pretty high there.)
Regarding your comment on religion/spirituality and voting -- first, it reminded me of a song; have you heard "Christ for President"? (Off of the Billy Bragg/Wilco album Mermaid Avenue.) Seriously though... the Catholics I know (most of my family) tend to go in either extreme direction based on (I guess) whether the purely social or the socioeconomic issues are of higher importance to them.
Hmmm, and I had said I wouldn't recreate a super long comment. Here I go hijacking your comments section. Your belly pic is super cute by the way.
Oh and yes, you are right; the plan is to have the government plan compete with private insurance companies... as best I understand it. (I just went off on a tangent.)
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