Wishing For Waterloo
Posted by Steve Piontek, Editor-in-Chief in health care reform, opinion, societal changesWho knew that health care reform was so hot a potato, so radioactive a subject, so visceral an issue that it would be the impetus for congressmen being hanged in effigy, getting death threats and being shouted down by angry mobs in town hall meetings around the country during August?
Yes, sir, there’s nothing like American mobocracy in action. You just try to touch my health insurance, sonny, and I’ll blow your head off!
I have some advice for any congressman still courageous enough to face wrathful constituents (or those people who are not constituents but decided to drive in for the fun): If before entering the town hall meeting premises you see at the entrance a middle-aged woman sitting in a chair and knitting, inform your staff that a sudden attack of stomach cramps has left you unable to go on with the event live, but you’ll be happy to participate via teleconference from a neighboring town.
It strikes me that it would be refreshing to actually talk about the need for health care reform, the various mechanisms that have been proposed for getting there, or how our society is going to sustain the ever-increasing costs of the current system if reform is not forthcoming.
For certainly, if anything merits serious discussion, making changes to a business that is the equivalent of one-sixth of the GDP (at least this week) is that topic.
And maybe that’s why whatever the shouting’s about it’s not really about health care reform.
I know there are lots of people out there who hate the government, especially the federal government. And I know this because I get withering letters and emails from a lot of them regarding this column and my blog!
What astonishes me (and to be totally truthful, frightens me too) is the intensity of the anger and bitterness that a wide swath of people in this country apparently feel regarding the perceived sins of the federal government. I just don’t get it.
Would they really fold up Medicare and send droves of seniors back to living at or below the poverty level? Would they jettison Social Security? Kill off Medicaid because after all it’s the poor that benefit from it? Is it really OK that 47 million people in this country are uninsured?
However, to give this crowd the benefit of the doubt, maybe they really do feel as if this is the time and place and issue where they have to make a last stand. After all, if the government takes over health care, what’s left?
There is hardly anything more seductive for people addicted to last stands than the glory that comes from making them.
The downside to this glory is that there is no talking to people so addicted. You can’t tell them the government, meaning the Obama administration in this case, doesn’t want to take over the health care system. In their eyes, that’s just a load of you know what.
But, seriously, how have we gotten to the point where the administration is being slammed as having Hitler-like plans for the country? Where accusations of “death panels” hidden in legislation are created out of whole cloth and given life and credibility by media addicted to fanning the flames of controversy, no matter how spurious?
Maybe it’s all just politics as usual and the whole point is to ensure that health care reform will be President Obama’s “Waterloo,” as Sen. Jim DeMint put it.
If that’s the case, then there’s something far sicker than our health care system that needs attending to.
Tags: health care reform, opinion, politics
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You’re right Piontek…You DON’T get it. It’s clear that you never fail, in any article you write, to bend, spin or inject your liberal bias. Disparaging those who are conservative is the method this pathetic administration is trying now. You’re following like Liberal sheep do.
Mobs? Where were you talking down Cindy Sheehan and those of like mind when those MOBS were hanging Bush. Dosen’t work..Does it? The reason you get so many e-mails and letters putting your bias down is because the majority of the people in the insurance industry and the country for that matter who have any sense at all want you to know again and again you DON’T GET IT.
You’re position on most issues along with strategically placed disparagement of those conservative on the issues is not appropriate and from what I read not appreciated by most. As I have told Primerica and old AL Williams part timers, if you have a day job, keep it. Surely you write part time.
47 Million? Mr. Piontek, you and I both know that after you subtract out the illegal aliens, the twenty something’s, who believe they’re immortal, the tight wads who refuse to pay the $2 per pay period, the people who are too lazy to sign up for Medicaid, and the people who have enough money to self insure, you’re left with about eight to ten million. That represents about 3% of the population. So let me get this straight, you want to screw up the health insurance for 97% of the population for the hope of getting coverage for the 3%? And, you’re exasperated with the “radicals” who don’t see it your way? The proposed legislation does nothing to address the 3%, but it does basically guarantee the destruction of the free market for health insurance.
Again, I ask, why are you here, Mr. Piontek? You’re the editor for a magazine which supposedly represents an industry which would disappear tomorrow if it weren’t for capitalism. Why don’t you go work for the U.S. Postal Service?
First of all Steve, the White House plan was to get this bill passed before anyone could read it and tear it apart. They didn’t want these town hall meeting to happen in the first place. Very disturbing that this would happen in a representative democracy like ours…but I digress. Since that plan didn’t work out, Democrats, those that aren’t on a political junket out of the country, are forced to face constituents that are reading HR 3200 and demanding answers. Funny thing is, they don’t have any answers because most of them haven’t read the bill. Congressman Hoyer had to set up a “war room” for fellow members so they could call and ask questions about the bill…that they haven’t read.
Question, if you think HR 3200, or the Senate version, is such great legislation, why don’t you defend it? Sara Palin, of the “death panel” fame wrote a very detailed article on her Facebook page quoting several paragraphs from Section 1233 of HR 3200. In fact, she has 8 citations in her footnotes. Unlike you and the New York Times today, which wrote “False death panel Rumor has familiar roots” fail to mention any part of the legislation and instead talk in generalities and how nuts the opposition is (which many in Washington will soon find out these “nuts” are in fact moderate Democrats and Republicans that voted for Obama in the first place…look at the polls and how the moderates are leaving the President in droves). That bring us a good point…explain why they polls say that 56% of Americans want to keep their health care and why 51% say they fear the Federal Government for then their Health Care Provider.
If you think this is so well written, please take some time in your blog to explain Section 1233 and how will work. Or Section 113, 122, 123, 152, 163, 164. Explain how they don’t take away choice or add to the deficit. Or are you one of those people that don’t believe that medicare and medicade need $45 trillion to stay solvent. Explain to me how the CLASS act is gong to stay solvent and help anyone with a $65 a day benefit.
As the President said in his last “town hall” meeting, “It’s not UPS and FedEx that are having problems. It’s the Post Office.” I couldn’t agree more.
Please Steve, lets have a debate on the specifics. Or would you rather not go there?
What puzzles me the most about the healthcare debate is the fact that the solution is within our grasp. When 70% of claims are lifestyle related, it would seem appropriate to address this issue and focus on the necessary changes we all need to make. Since this appears to be “politically unpopular”, the insurance industry becomes a convenient target. I for one am tired of the political rhetoric that lacks facts and substance. The need for reform is obvious but the manner in which it is done needs to improve significantly. Since the Obama team has brought this issue to the table, they have a responsibility to deal with reality instead of being vague and in a rush to cram change down our throats without the necessary time given to serious investigation and dialogue.
Steve: I am not into blogs but you deserve this……………….
It is totally incredible out there. The polarization that accelerated with the last presidential campaign has brought out the worst in many. It is a wonder that your views, most of which I totally agree with,have not caused riots outside your New Jersey offices and the powerful zealots to force you from your editor’s page.
Some years ago I addressed the issues of the insurance industry deserting the causes that made it an honor to serve our public. You printed it in NU and it is as pertienet today as 10 years ago.
The companies are to blame for the flip-flops in product design, accountability, and yes…greed. Health insurers are finally being pushed to present a case for charging exorbitant premiums for less and less coverage while looking the other way from the continual double, triple and quadruple billing by providers (especially hospitals). Doctors going home with salaries and perks exceeding a million dollars a year without so much as a slight bow to the patients they see in hospitals or in their offices in 30 seconds to 2 minutes without having read their own charts. Pharamaceutical companies that would have us believe that they need to recoup their research costs when they send multi million pills for veterinary use (same meds as for humans) and to needy foreign countries while we fall into the donut hole with $1600 per month costs.
The minute someone suggests controls (for heaven’s sake: wage and price controls) or a module wherein there is controlled profit (not an enemy of free enterprise,please!) then it is called socialism and requires killing me and my ilk (over 65). That brings us to the agents…yes, I am one of them for 47 years.
The reason we are mad is because we aren’t being asked if we want ‘out’ of selling this market. Well, we could have voiced our concerns of lousy coverages and unbelievably bad claims results but we were enjoying the commissions too much. We could have been more forthright with our clients over the dangers inherent in applying with pre-ex conditions or filling out the complete application.
While we are at it: a cardiac patient with no history of anything
happening in the last ten years is still sadlled with pre-ex because he/she goes to the dr. for check ups once or twice a year and takes aspirin and Plavix.
Yes, we all created the problem in some way and now we cry FOUL.
I cannot criticize the Obama health plan because I don’t know all the details (who has it all down cold?) BUT I can tell you that I feel..at least he is doing something; not a moment too soon.
AND THEN THERE IS THE PROBLEM THAT THIS ITEM IS KEEPING FROM THE FRONT PAGE OF EVERY NEWSPAPER IN THE COUNTRY……..
The economic meltdown, and its domino effect, scared the hell out of us but we, Americans, have a short memory and it won’t be long before the unpunished pundits of Wall Street will wail their sirens until they again dominate their customers with risky ventures (dare I say “schemes”?). The SEC, having blundered beyond belief, is now whitewashing itself and wants to have even more control over our products, i.e. equity-indexed annuities. I don’t see a massive demonstration by life insurers against this incursion. Maybe Mr. BenMosche can clean up the AIG mess and tell the SEC where to go…and then, maybe, he won’t.
Good luck, Steve…those of us who believe in free enterprise need not be adverse to measures that will make it safe for all Americans. Remember, this country attracts the world because we can be heard…every last one of us may be heard.
Is our current system really worth preserving? It seems to be based on the notion that health care is an employee benefit, rather than a basic human right. And when was the last time we turned away people from emergency rooms? We aren’t acting consistently, and the result is an expensive mess with perverse incentives.
Heath care (doctors, hospitals, etc) will be only marginally impacted by reform, but health insurance surely will be. However, this might be a good thing. Health insurance is but one way to use capital. If health insurance isn’t a way to deploy capital, then capital will find some other productive use – hopefully doing something desirable rather than trying to squeeze money out of health plans. The actual people delivering health care and administering (rationing?) health care will still be needed.
Do we really want a profit motive in health care delivery? The profit motive encourages finding ways to decline claims, exclude pre-existing conditions, and avoid insureds with a high likelihood of making substantial claims. If the goal is to provide all Americans with assurance that they can get the basic health care they need, paid for through some kind of broad tax program, plus access to more if they want to dig into their own pocket, then a public health care system makes sense – just like public roads make sense and public schools make sense.
Also, the employment-based health plan system imposes an inefficient drag on the efficient allocation of labor. Many people stay in their cubicles rather than start their own businesses because they feel they need to keep their health plan – lack of access to a plan can and does lead to bankruptcy and family disasters.
Why don’t you go to work at one of the media’s socialist outlets like:
New York Times
Washington Post
ABC
CBS
NBC
MSNBC
CNBC
PBS
CNN
USA Today & all other Gannett rags
AARP news
et al
Leave the handful of semi-objective business news outlets alone; PLEASE.
Maybe Obama will have an opening soon for Press Secretary.
He certainly needs a better one than the goof he has and you would fit right in!
Since I’m certain that you have read the over 2,000 pages of the various proposed House & Senate bills (not to mention the 100,000 pages of regulation to be promulgated by the unelectable and unimpeachable technocrats in D.C.), you would obviously be the MOST qualified, because there is NOBODY else who has read them all!
BY THE WAY, TERMINATE MY SUBCRIPTIONS (5 related from your publisher) — I’m almost 60 years old, so I will not be needing it much longer anyway — since I’m certain the Health Czar won’t spring for any new eyeglasses for a diabetic like me still lucky enough to be employed in the risk & insurance industry!!!!
P.S., I’ve already terminated my AARP membership too.
I think the reason why people are so emphatic and vocal is because being calm and reasoning, whether in a town hall meeting or in a phone call, sends the message that they are not really involved and concerned. If you are passive and quiet, you are probably being controlled or ignored. If you do the call-in thing, who gets to tally the results? Who gets covered by the state-sympathetic media?
If a representative has got “Madame Pelosi” after him/her on the other end, threatening to make the representative’s life miserable unless he/she gets in line, then the only way to override that is for ordinary citizens to be emphatic and vocal to get the point across.
Thanks for the columns. Maddening sometimes, but thanks.
See, I’m not really passionate about any of this. I only write letters, I haven’t been vocal in a public forum, and only you and a few others get to read them. Absolutely no effect on anything.
A responsible journalist should know something of what he preaches! Apparently you haven’t taken the time to research anything and are simply echoing what the ‘liberal’ media is saying to the public. If you had taken the time to research this, you would know that the uninsured people in this country do not number anywhere near 47 million. Further, if you would have taken the time to read any portion of HR 3200, you would also know that we are being lied to by the ‘liberal’ media and your beloved president Obama.
Oh, and by the way, Sarah Palin must not be so dumb after all! Since she pronounced the so-called death panels, that provision has been removed from the Senate version of the bill! Do you have anything to say about that? Probably not.
I agree with Walter Manning, find another job, maybe a job with the Post Office is a good place for you! If you don’t want to do that, stop spreading your liberal bias in this publication and start practicing responsible journalism.
When I read your opinion “Quack, Quack” and your inclusion of Sarah Palin (a quitter), I realized that you add nothing to this magazine except what your contribution might be over drinks with friends at the end of the day. By that I mean, your opinions are designed to take away meaningful contributions by others with different points of view. This is exactly what much of the free press is doing to educate us Americans who look at things differently.
You state that there is no meaningful conversation about changes in the health plans in America. But, what I have seen on television is a direct question or statement is given to a congressman or other government spokesperson, and that question or statement is NOT answered. The most common response is a deflection of the statement to be able to avoid giving an answer, or a response that clearly indicates the representative cannot answer the statement because he or she does not know how to respond – doesn’t know, is surprised by, or hasn’t a clue who is creating the anguish.
Much of what I have heard from American citizens is the fear that hidden in the final bill will be freedom of government or authorized persons to access things that people believe to be private (not health records) such as bank accounts, social security and other financial records, and tax information. Too much is already available, and any more could be disaster. No one steps up to answer a specific question and says the some now absolutely private financial information will not be still protected in the final bill because some Congressman’s stall has inserted a line giving “puff” to the privacy of all voters.
If the leaders in Congress were mostly from states other than California, New York, and Massachusetts, I might have a better feeling about how the health bill might be resolved. If I have to rely on Barney Frank (hey, there is no problem with mortgage lending!), Ted Kennedy (it’s okay that I don’t have the smarts nor the discipline to study; somebody else can do it for me; my ideas are really theirs anyway!), Nancy Pelosi (this law is okay for everyone else in my state, but not my district, because I do not want my company constituents to pay these taxes!), … I don’t need to go on.
Remember, if you want to be credible in your blog, make every effort not to sound like the press and the Democratic Party, and avoid demeaning those who may differ from you, especially, pollitically. Right now, whatever you write has the weight of feathers, not gold.
Magnificent editorial. A la Sam Goldwyn – ignore the critics.
I’m astonished you’re still employed with National Underwriter. Your’s and Postal’s views typically sway so far to the left from an industry intransigent to change. At many professional meetings, I feel like fish bait being circled by hungry angry sharks. The country voted for change and it’s time for health care reform.
If you proved anything with this piece is that you are correct about one thing – “you don’t get it”. Congratulations.
It is too bad you don’t understand what is behind people’s passionate resistance against this boondoggle. If you did, then you might understand and appreciate real changes that we could and should consider to make our nation’s healthcare system better. You’re blinded by your love for big government. I won’t waste me time explaning this to you as it is clear you’re not at a place when you’re mind is open to even consider it .
Yes sir, you are correct. You don’t get it and in more ways than one.
I’ve said it before, although I haven’t said it enough lately, but I do so enjoy your columns!! This one was spot on!! Sen. DeMint should really consider changing his name to DeMento….hummm, should I send a Twitter to the media and see how many news channel anchors repeat that in day as hard-core coverage? John Stewart could have fun with that little clip on his show!
If the mobocracy would just shut their mouths and open their ears and minds for a change, perhaps reform could come about more smoothly and actually do what it is supposed to…….help those in need. But it is wishful thinking on my part…..how do you deal with those people who think that by shouting louder and more rabidly that this will change another person’s opinion? It’s as if the man behind the curtain is focusing our attention elsewhere, while his other hand is busy with his sleight-of-hand tricks …. and, once again, the hard-working people of America don’t really get anything in the end except more governmental agencies, more governmental payrolls to meet, more cost overruns, no real changes in affordable basic health care, and more unseen riders attached to the bill that have nothing to do with health care but which will insidiously and forever attack our wallets again and again and again.
But I digress!!
Keep up the great words!! Vive la France!!! I’m back to my knitting.
Great article with thoughtful, reasoned insight into our current national psyche. Our media, our Congress, and much of the healthcare industry are guilty of, as you say, “fanning the flames of controversy, no matter how spurious,” that I fear that we—as a nation—have become so divided and divisive that none of the parties can “put Humpty Dumpty back together again.”
Can’t agree with you more, on every point.
Have you read HR 3200? The House Health Reform Bill.
If not, I suggest that you do.
If you have, then you should be able to understand where it leads.
It is designed to eventually force everyone into the public option and at that point the government will control every aspect of health care, including 1/6 of the economy to go along with bank control and automobile production.
True, it does not speak of death panels. That has been blown up on the right just like the left has promised that the bill will pay for itself. Fuzzy math.
In this case the old saying “don’t wish for something, you may get it” is very true.
Steve: you have judged correctly, if you have been paying attention, there is something far sicker than our health care system. What is sicker, if you’re paying attention, is the concerted effort of this administration to overtly take control of most every part of our lives, spend us into poverty as a nation, and for most in this administration to be indignant at the notion most of the general populace doesn’t want any of this. As one of the lines in a popular C&W song says, “what part of no don’t you understand?” Our leaders are not concerned about you and me and what we want and what’s best for us and the country as a whole.
Our health care system is not broken. Does it need some adjustments, absolutely? Does it need some reform, possibly? Does it need to be done in 45 days and given to a pathetic, gullible public? No I’m sure, hence the backlash. What’s the hurry?
When moving something as large as this is as part of our GDP, just as an airplane pilot or Captain of an ocean going vessel, course corrections are made in “small increments”. I would suggest they take this advice sooner rather than later.
Thanks for your excellent and courageous editorial. You have put your finger on the right issue. How can we have a serious debate on the very important subject of health insurance reform in the face of irrational and largely irrelevant rage? Unfortunately there are cynical people out there stoking and maneuvering that blind anger for their own political purposes. Shame on them, especially those who know or should know better.
I cannot help but comment on your editorial. You say if anything merits serious discussion, making changes to a business that is equivalent to 1/6 of the US GDP is that topic. You then go on to blast resistance to the Obama takeover of healthcare as mob violence.
In July 2009 the word was ‘we must pass this plan prior to the Aug recess’, so by the end of the month. So much for thoughtful, serious discussion. And now the comeback to criticism of the plan is ‘there really is no plan, so all the scuttle about what it might mean to US citizens is just a disinformation campaign by mobsters and right wing kooks.
So the plan has to pass by July 31, even though there is no plan, but wait, there seems to be a 1000 plus page document somewhere that no one has read but must be voted on and enacted into law immediately. Thoughtful, serious approach to taking over 1/6 of the US economy?
I have been contacting my congressmen repeatedly on this, have attended a town hall meeting for the first time ever and I am not a mobster nor has anyone instructed me to do this. This whole process has a bad smell to it and unfortunately your editorial makes me tend to believe you’re carrying water for the folks trying to ram this through without any debate. As for encouraging “frightened” congressman to hide from constituents, I am guessing that will only lead to more mob mentality. Say what you want about mobsters, they know when they are getting the shaft and being ignored.
Finally, your local reps have been after me to join the local branch. I used to be a member but quit when the locals running it seemed to use if for their own ends and means. I am close to rejoining but when it looks and feels like the national de facto leader is a lap dog for the current powers that be, I see no reason to support it financially.
Respectfully, but using the same tone as your editorial.
Serving the ND mobocracy since 1991…
It is deeply disconcerting to witness such juvenile, ignorant and vituperative attacks from my peers. And someone really uses a bubble head like Sarah Palin as a source of information?? Are you guys actually giving financial advice to sentient beings? That’s utterly terrifying.
But, on the other hand, I’m delighted that a large group of my peers weighed in respectfully and thoughtfully. Good for you!
I have read HR3200 in its entirety. Twice. Some sections many times. If any of the above critics had even looked at it they would notice all the white space. If HR3200 were printed just like National Underwriter it would be less than 200 pages. I cut & pasted it into a Word doc. so I know. Just shrinking the huge margins down to one inch reduced the pages to 429. So let’s stop the “phone book size” criticism. There is no excuse for anyone to not read this bill. If your Senator and/or Representative tells you it’s too big to read, then they don’t belong in Congress.
Mr. Crowl above wanted an explanation of Sec. 1233, which supposedly contains some ominous provisions. Since nobody who is criticizing it appears to actually have read it, let me give you my opinion: It doesn’t mandate putting grandma to death. It doesn’t even suggest that. It does require that information be made available to her regarding alternative treatments, feeding tubes, medication, etc. It’s called an Advance Directive, which you all should be recommending to all of your clients anyway! The purpose of this provision is to ensure that everyone’s final wishes are honored that we’re not subjected to the indignity of over-the-top medical heroism. Period. Palin’s interpretation is obtuse and irrelevant.
I say this with complete seriousness: regardless of how health insurance profits are affected, we as professionals should be willing to consider any and all alternatives which promise to be beneficial to our living, breathing clients. I have plenty else to do. I would be more than happy to give up selling health insurance if that’s what it comes down to.
We have the best health care in the world. I am fortunate to live just 100 miles from Rochester, Mn and my doctors at the Mayo Clinic see patients from around the globe. These folks could go anywhere in the word, they choose the United States. In the US today no person is denied care (by law), regardless of payment or lack of it, 85% of us have health insurance. Outside of what it costs and how payments are handled, what is being “fixed”? The welfare of patients trumps all, peoples needs are being met. Every time the political pendulum swings to the left these causes are dusted off and pushed with little regard as to the actual need. I am astonished that there is a distinct lack of disclosure regarding the merits of the proposals, instead politicians, including our president, talk about how people have comunicated scare tactics to the public and have it all wrong-that there will be no “death panels” and costs will not go up. Instead of pointing out inaccuracies in others, why not enlighten us all with a point by point outline of what is being proposed and how and why it will be better than what we currently have. I don’t think they know what this bill contains (who writes these anyway?), its a “pig in a poke” support it blindly or you are unamerican-really? I think unamerican would be to follow blindly. It’s not about health care reform its about health insurance reform. I believe Americans will demand that congress perform triage on our issues and that this one be reconsidered as our national priority. The White House recently projected our national debt and it wasn’t pretty and it didn’t include any cost for this proposal, if it had chances of anything passing would dwindle. The presidents approval rating sits at 50% down from 69% I believe people realize that this “forward regardless” attitude hurts us and divides or country.
Read HR3200 for yourself “HRD”. It’s at http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3200/text and lots of other places online.
As I stated in my earlier post, there are no “Death Panels”. That is false. It is not true. I’ve read it. If you find other wise, please cut and paste it right here.
How do you know we “have the best health care in the world”? Compared to what? According to what criteria? Is it because we rank 37th in life expectancy and infant mortality? Is it because we spend 1 1/2 time more per person than the next costly industrialized country?
I’m delighted you mention the Mayo Clinic which is a non-profit, “socialistic” facility. Just read their mission and values at http://www.mayoclinic.org/about/missionvalues.html
Their doctors have chosen service over profit. They’re salaried. They have agreed to “Operate in a manner intended not to create wealth but to provide a financial return sufficient for present and future needs”. That’s not capitalism, buddy.
Steve, thank you for your courageous editorial. I am a Brokerage General Agent and depend, for my livelihood, on business from insurance brokers- some of whom may have been the authors of a few of the “withering letters and emails” you received. I often feel disappointed in myself for not standing up more publicly for certain beliefs I hold including a conviction that health care reform is critical to our well-being as a society and as a national economy. Instead, I generally keep a tight smile and a closed mouth. I am greatly encouraged, however, that you have spoken up from your position at The National Underwriter and I have to think that at least some of your readers will see the sense in what you are saying. Thank you, again.
I always look forward to reading your Editors Edge piece. I enjoy your writing style and your excellent wordsmithing skills. As always, the above article was well written and you posed a number of provocative questions that were clearly designed to stimulate thinking.
Recognizing that the piece was an editorial and not an attempt to document arguments for or against elements of the President’s bill for health care reform, I found it dogmatic in its universal support for an enormous piece of legislation that at a minimum will permanently alter how all of us access and pay for health care services…forever.
I do not wish to be witness to a Presidential Waterloo. I want, and the country needs for this president to be enormously successful in his attempt to right a severely listing economy, implement a plan to balance a spiraling budget deficit and reduce long term federal debt, pull us out of an unwinable war and restore world wide confidence in a shattered and teetering capitalist system. What we do not need is another new, broad sweeping, hastily drafted, unmanageable, stratospherically expensive experiment in social engineering that will increase the tax burden on the 40% of the population that actually pay federal income taxes.
If conscientious and civilly responsible citizens ever had an issue to voice their opinion about, this is one of them. Should they do it in a responsible and well mannered way? Of course. But only if the proponents of this bill are really willing to give all persons an equal audience and actually digest the input they are given rather than attempting to force feed the entire animal down the throats of an unwilling public.
Mr. Teague, nothing Congress does is “forever”. And if I’m in a canoe that’s coming close to a hundred foot waterfall, I want someone with me who realizes we need to paddle like hell. Not someone who says, “Oh, be careful! Don’t paddle too hard. You might get me wet.”
HR3200 isn’t even done yet. But I hope it is as big and complex and expensive and rapidly implemented as it needs to be because in short order we will actually begin saving billions of dollars. The Congressional Budget Office doesn’t look at gross cost/benefit in its analysis. The alternative is going over the waterfall.
Until the right wing lie machine kicked in, 3/4 of Americans wanted this “animal”.
Great article, and many thanks for taking the time to publish it; I’m positive other readers benefited too. It really opened my eyes for some new conclusions that I hadn’t thought of before.