the1 (great screen name by the way) - - I agree. 'Our' system is like the merchantilist system of govt/favored business interests that the American colonists broke away from that was imposed on them with the aid of the British Crown. Under such a system, 'free markets' don't exist, only protected cartels. It is a partnership of politicians and big business interests at the detriment to everyone else. - - The answer is true free market non crony capitalism, and electing politicians who actually believe in the Constitution (I only know one currently.) Unfortunately, from the very beginning of the nation, some people (like that bastard Hamilton) sought to set up the same system in America with new 'elites' such as himself in charge. He wanted a larger and more powerful central government for this very reason. Jefferson fought tirelessly against this, believing the government should truly be for the entire people, not just the select few and that power should be invested at the local and state levels where it would be more beholden to the governed. (Check out the book "Hamiliton's Curse" by Thomas diLorenzo.) As you can imagine, Jefferson and Hamilton hated each other. Unfortunately Hamilton's nightmare won out and thats what we have today. I pray that one day we can get back to the foundational principles of the country: Protect personal liberty. Protect property rights; if you don't have control of the product of your labors you don't control your own life. And minding our own damned business. - -
the 1 You seem to be the only one here interested in improving their own health as a way out of this mess. As a matter of interest swine flu is killing Afghanis and as they are Muslims with an aversion to pork they are blaming American soldiers.
When a government fears the people it's called Liberty; when the people fear their government it's called tyranny -- Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson is probably the most influential founding father this country has known but his influence has lasted only a few short couple hundred years. Hamiltonism has crept its way in. Throughout history many nations have enjoyed liberty and prosperity but the evolutionary process of government and mind kind erodes the freedoms and liberties so many have made the ultimate sacrifice to insure. The liberties and freedoms Americans have enjoyed for so many year has peaked. Congress and the Presidency have abandoned the constitution and view it as nothing more than "a piece of paper" these days. Obama has violated the Constitution at least twice during his short tenure by accepting the Nobel Peace Prize and presiding over The United Nations Security Council. When these kinds of trends begin they are extremely difficult to stop.
Really? So what's the punishment to be for the socialist/marxist senators and their minions who are uniformly anti-American?
There is no program if you are not poor enough, have pre-existing conditions, and you then try to apply for individual health insurance. I think that the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, FBI, IRS, and many other agencies are run well.
Where is your proof that they wrote it? Insurance companies don't want this bill passed, nor do most republicans. If this bill is passed, how will this benefit insurance companies when there is a public option as well as co-ops available that they will compete against.
You might want to look into how much money the IRS spends each year to run its operations. It's mind-boggling what this collection agency bill the US Treasury each year. There are also instances where the IRS will spend $300,000 to collect $10,000 in back taxes. They have been known to chase tax payers all around the world for the sake of a couple bucks. If there was ever an agency that is hell bent on maintaining power at any cost, it's the IRS
I think what you mean is that there is no program for pre-existing conditions that is cheap enough. Insurance companies know that with a pre-existing condition they are assured of having to pay out larger than normal sums under the policy, and therefore they have to charge more. Evidently, the only people that do not know this is Congress. Have you heard Obama or Pelosi for instance say anything about the sharp increase in premium that is coming for the average insured who is in good health? Not to mention those poor folks who just can't afford it. The good news is that you'll have a warm, tingly feeling knowing that you have taken care of your brothers yet again, you've spread your wealth around. OldTrader