Just finished a Wall Street Journal Article describing President Obama's brazen "in your face" taunts after the Healthcare law passage. The strategy is clear, keep attacking and keep demonizing to keep socializing. With the full support of most major media outlets, the Republicans seem to be quite bruised and battered.
To further demonize the right, they are now provoking. The progressives in this country are now seeking out the opportunity to capitalize on the anger that they've stirred up. We see it already in numerous accounts (which most are not yet proven) of right wing or "Tea Party" violence and racism.
It's important to remember that this is a very long process. This is not one or two elections to bring the country back in line with the founder's intent. The progressive movement is well over a hundred years old. We didn't get here over night.
It's important that we remember a couple of things. First we must remember that there will be setbacks along the way. We will not gain momentum based on frustration to a single bill, law or administration, subsequently reversing over a hundred years of slow movement. The changes needed are societal, they are psychological, as well as generational. This is a long fight.
We must be involved from every angle. We must be involved in education, in the media, in the elections (both local and national), and in teaching our children. We must literally change the way that people think. Technology is on our side. The speed of communication and information can greatly enhance the speed with which we gain ground. Keep in mind, the progressives started this movement in a time when even a hand written letter could take months to deliver. The message should be clear and unwavering irrespective of situation.
Self reliance, personal accountability, reverence for the sacrifice of others for freedom, and respect of personal freedom. Most of all, the argument. The argument for personal freedom by minimal government control upon our lives is sound.
Most importantly now is the time for CONTROLLED and very disciplined passion, not anger. This is the time to rise above the petty name calling and the sarcasm that can be found on most news outlets.
Look for my next post on The Great Contradiction.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
How do we teach History?
Before you read on please read the attached article that I found on the Drudge report. It may take a minute but it's relevant to my point.
Texas Curriculum
First let me clearly state that I believe that history should be taught as realistically and honestly as it can be. There were some points in American History that no American should be proud of. There are some points in American History that we must learn from so that we never repeat. However, none of those times should in any way make us dislike or be anything less than proud to be an American. In spite of those particular eras this country has done more to better the entire world than any other single country in the recorded history of the world.
There should be no doubts in anyone's mind that the world is a better place because of American ideals, ingenuity, morals, and willingness to sacrifice for others.
In reading the article linked above, I noticed a very simple point. All of the democrats wished to point out how bad America has been. All of the republicans wished to glorify American history. Why are the democrats so determined to teach our children that we're bad? Why do we constantly hear from the democrats about how wrong we are? If you are looking to convince people that you need to change from what you are, you must first dislike what you are. This can be attributed to nothing else. If we are so ashamed of ourselves and dislike what we are then we must feel compelled to change. What should we change to? We can easily look at the proposed policies of the most left leaning leaders to see the direction of change in this country. It's clear. One Hundred percent of the left's policies are social programs that in some way provide more entitlements to the poor while handing the bill to the wealthy and upper-middle class. More importantly, in each of these policies the government further dictates and controls the citizens choice (freedom). This is pure socialism.
Now, to be fair I do believe that the republicans involved need to be careful to honestly include those low points in American history. I believe that we can teach our children about slavery and suffrage in a realistic manner so that they learn how bad these things were. I further believe that children can be taught in such a manner that they can be proud of those heroes who took up the fight to end such horrible things.
This great country was created to be different than England, Spain, and France. This great nation was intended to be free. This nation was not intended to be a nation of helpless receiving hand-outs from the government. Countless men and women have sacrificed both their fortunes and lives to preserve this different nation. How can we now revert back to the oppressive and controlling government structure that our great founders risked everything and freed themselves of?
Texas Curriculum
First let me clearly state that I believe that history should be taught as realistically and honestly as it can be. There were some points in American History that no American should be proud of. There are some points in American History that we must learn from so that we never repeat. However, none of those times should in any way make us dislike or be anything less than proud to be an American. In spite of those particular eras this country has done more to better the entire world than any other single country in the recorded history of the world.
There should be no doubts in anyone's mind that the world is a better place because of American ideals, ingenuity, morals, and willingness to sacrifice for others.
In reading the article linked above, I noticed a very simple point. All of the democrats wished to point out how bad America has been. All of the republicans wished to glorify American history. Why are the democrats so determined to teach our children that we're bad? Why do we constantly hear from the democrats about how wrong we are? If you are looking to convince people that you need to change from what you are, you must first dislike what you are. This can be attributed to nothing else. If we are so ashamed of ourselves and dislike what we are then we must feel compelled to change. What should we change to? We can easily look at the proposed policies of the most left leaning leaders to see the direction of change in this country. It's clear. One Hundred percent of the left's policies are social programs that in some way provide more entitlements to the poor while handing the bill to the wealthy and upper-middle class. More importantly, in each of these policies the government further dictates and controls the citizens choice (freedom). This is pure socialism.
Now, to be fair I do believe that the republicans involved need to be careful to honestly include those low points in American history. I believe that we can teach our children about slavery and suffrage in a realistic manner so that they learn how bad these things were. I further believe that children can be taught in such a manner that they can be proud of those heroes who took up the fight to end such horrible things.
This great country was created to be different than England, Spain, and France. This great nation was intended to be free. This nation was not intended to be a nation of helpless receiving hand-outs from the government. Countless men and women have sacrificed both their fortunes and lives to preserve this different nation. How can we now revert back to the oppressive and controlling government structure that our great founders risked everything and freed themselves of?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Hypocrisy and Sacrifice
Take a look at the video clip of reporters ambushing and chastising Senator Bunning. What is most amazing to me is the sheer level of hypocrisy of our media and of Americans in general. We want cuts but we don't want to be cut.
Video
Most everyone in the country is screaming about the monumental debt. This is not a partisan point. Dems and Repups, as well as media outlets, are all screaming about the astronomical debt.
When one man stands to keep the rules as just recently passed, he is mercilessly attacked by the media, the left, and much of the public. What's more frustrating is that I didn't see any republican senators jumping in to back him up. This should be extremely alarming to you as well. Any republican senators that did not back him up should be immediately called on the carpet. These weak republicans need to have their true conservative morals called into question and possibly removed from office.
The problem here is that everyone has a stake in the game. Every American will be adversely affected by Government cutting. Everyone receives a benefit, works for the government, or knows someone who does. No matter who you are, you will feel the affects of any cut-backs. The problem is that cut-backs are inevitable. I believe that the number to pay off the debt is somewhere around $40k per American citizen as of today. This number is growing rapidly.
We just watched as the media pounded Sen. Bunning for enforcing a "Pay as you go" bill that was just signed into law not more than a few months ago. The media blamed Sen. Bunning for single-handedly hold up payments for all of these Americans who are suffering without their benefits. The fact is that the entire Senate who failed to pay for this bill is who held up those payments! We as voters need to write and inform them that we know the truth irrespective of what the media would like for us to believe.
I ask each of you, republican or democrat, to take a moment and ponder what it actually took to create this country. What it took to sustain this country throughout its history. Think for a minute if any of our founding fathers and countrymen sacrificed anything to create and/or keep this union?
We must keep in mind that as we work to correct the budget problems of the State and Federal Governments that we will feel the pain. That pain will be felt by you and by me. No one wishes to have their respective program, service, or benefit to be cut. No one wishes to see any one person laid off from their job. Furthermore, deciding which programs and services can be cut is extremely subjective. The importance of one program over another depends upon who you are speaking with. This is the very reason that we cannot legislate on emotion.
We must concentrate on retaining those services that we can all agree serve to keep good order and safety within the community. I think that we should first, as a community agree on a priority list. For example, Police and Fire = 1. Education = 2. Infrastructure (roads, etc) = 3. Health and Human Services = 4.
No matter the process, no matter the pain, it must be done. I believe that we as Americans must look at this and realize that these sacrifices that we're being asked to make are minute in comparison to what our predecessors have endured for this great nation.
There is a tipping point with regard to taxation. There is a point where too much taxation stagnates and actually reverses business growth thereby reducing the overall revenue intake at the state and federal level. The balance must be drawn between enough taxation to cover needed programs (safety, education, etc.) and too much taxation where the revenue flow will not even cover the basics. Too high of a tax reduces money flow. Money flow produces money and jobs. As the scale of taxation rises, the job creation drops. In turn, the need for more social programs like unemployment benefits grow. It's a deadly downward spiral that we're toying with here.
Simply put, I believe that the time for a little personal sacrifice is now. This debt to GDP ratio that our government is toying with could literally be the demise of this country. The problems with the state is that there simply are too many social programs (entitlements).
It may be yours or my program that's cut. I understand that I will not be happy and nor will you but we must do the right thing. If we continue to provide entitlements to the point that there is no more country then there will be no more entitlements. We must painstakingly restore balance.
We start this by writing to our representatives and more importantly to our local media outlets. Let them know that you will not stand for the "spin" and "attack" that was levied upon a man who decided to do the right thing. A man who decided to actually uphold the law. The blame should lay at the feet of 99 other men and women who opted to ignore the law thereby causing the delay in the extension of benefits.
Video
Most everyone in the country is screaming about the monumental debt. This is not a partisan point. Dems and Repups, as well as media outlets, are all screaming about the astronomical debt.
When one man stands to keep the rules as just recently passed, he is mercilessly attacked by the media, the left, and much of the public. What's more frustrating is that I didn't see any republican senators jumping in to back him up. This should be extremely alarming to you as well. Any republican senators that did not back him up should be immediately called on the carpet. These weak republicans need to have their true conservative morals called into question and possibly removed from office.
The problem here is that everyone has a stake in the game. Every American will be adversely affected by Government cutting. Everyone receives a benefit, works for the government, or knows someone who does. No matter who you are, you will feel the affects of any cut-backs. The problem is that cut-backs are inevitable. I believe that the number to pay off the debt is somewhere around $40k per American citizen as of today. This number is growing rapidly.
We just watched as the media pounded Sen. Bunning for enforcing a "Pay as you go" bill that was just signed into law not more than a few months ago. The media blamed Sen. Bunning for single-handedly hold up payments for all of these Americans who are suffering without their benefits. The fact is that the entire Senate who failed to pay for this bill is who held up those payments! We as voters need to write and inform them that we know the truth irrespective of what the media would like for us to believe.
I ask each of you, republican or democrat, to take a moment and ponder what it actually took to create this country. What it took to sustain this country throughout its history. Think for a minute if any of our founding fathers and countrymen sacrificed anything to create and/or keep this union?
Lewis Morris of New York, for example, must have known when he signed the Declaration that he was signing away his fortune. Within weeks, the British ravaged his estate, destroyed his vast woodlands, butchered his cattle, and sent his family fleeing for their lives. Another New Yorker, William Floyd, was also forced to flee when the British plundered his property. He and his family lived as refugees for seven years without income. The strain told on his wife; she died two years before the war ended.RefThese couple of quotes are only but a few of thousands of untold stories where Americans have sacrificed to preserve this great nation and the freedoms that we have enjoyed for so many years.
We must keep in mind that as we work to correct the budget problems of the State and Federal Governments that we will feel the pain. That pain will be felt by you and by me. No one wishes to have their respective program, service, or benefit to be cut. No one wishes to see any one person laid off from their job. Furthermore, deciding which programs and services can be cut is extremely subjective. The importance of one program over another depends upon who you are speaking with. This is the very reason that we cannot legislate on emotion.
We must concentrate on retaining those services that we can all agree serve to keep good order and safety within the community. I think that we should first, as a community agree on a priority list. For example, Police and Fire = 1. Education = 2. Infrastructure (roads, etc) = 3. Health and Human Services = 4.
No matter the process, no matter the pain, it must be done. I believe that we as Americans must look at this and realize that these sacrifices that we're being asked to make are minute in comparison to what our predecessors have endured for this great nation.
There is a tipping point with regard to taxation. There is a point where too much taxation stagnates and actually reverses business growth thereby reducing the overall revenue intake at the state and federal level. The balance must be drawn between enough taxation to cover needed programs (safety, education, etc.) and too much taxation where the revenue flow will not even cover the basics. Too high of a tax reduces money flow. Money flow produces money and jobs. As the scale of taxation rises, the job creation drops. In turn, the need for more social programs like unemployment benefits grow. It's a deadly downward spiral that we're toying with here.
Simply put, I believe that the time for a little personal sacrifice is now. This debt to GDP ratio that our government is toying with could literally be the demise of this country. The problems with the state is that there simply are too many social programs (entitlements).
It may be yours or my program that's cut. I understand that I will not be happy and nor will you but we must do the right thing. If we continue to provide entitlements to the point that there is no more country then there will be no more entitlements. We must painstakingly restore balance.
We start this by writing to our representatives and more importantly to our local media outlets. Let them know that you will not stand for the "spin" and "attack" that was levied upon a man who decided to do the right thing. A man who decided to actually uphold the law. The blame should lay at the feet of 99 other men and women who opted to ignore the law thereby causing the delay in the extension of benefits.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
You don't insure tune-ups and tires
Here's what I believe is the solution to all of our healthcare problems. I believe that the majority of the problems in healthcare is because we have removed or isolated the consumer from the equation. The problem is with insurance companies. However that problem will not be solved by adding another layer called government. The problem also not be solved by substituting insurance companies with government. Both scenarios remove the consumer from the equation. Here's an example: The insurance company has an agreement with the doctor. The insurance company then tells you to go to the doctor(s) that they have an agreement with. If you disagree with the doctor you are told that it's part of an agreement. If you complain to the insurance company, you are also told that it's part of an agreement. I've lived this scenario. The problem here is that the consumer was never involved in the agreement but is beholden to it. Interjecting the government will not change this. The solution lies in removing the problem layer, be it government or insurance company. Here's what I would propose:
This plan removes the over taxation required to have the government manage healthcare for all Americans. This plan eliminates the chance of government control of yet another aspect of respective Americans' lives.
Programs like Medicare would still exist and could be somewhat modified be be more like the above but none-the-less would still be in existence to support those who are elderly and/or struggling. Addition of more government entitlements would no longer be needed. Payments already made under State and Federal welfare type programs are enough to now offset the costs under my plan. By modifying Medicare to be more like my plan, the costs of Medicare could be brought under control thereby reducing the drag on the deficit and economy.
My Plan adds the element of the "healthy" paying into the system thereby offsetting the costs for those with pre-existing conditions. As we've seen with the automotive insurance industry, having a free market approach has driven down the cost of automotive insurance. Even those with bad driving records pay less because of those with good records that still pay for insurance. Roughly 85% of Americans have health insurance now, even without a federal mandate. I can only speculate but I would presume that number to only go up if the cost of health insurance went down. Factually speaking, we do not need a federal mandate to force American's into paying for health insurance.
Of those 15% of Americans who are currently uninsured, how many of them can afford preventive medicine? How many simply can't afford a big plan that covers the tune-ups and tire changes?
Under my plan I would support an "elected" government review panel to regulate and fight against abuses. There are already existing governmental entities that could manage this with little to no change in their structure or tax burden. This would eliminate abuses by "big" insurance companies.
I believe that just as with auto insurance or with gasoline prices, we as consumers are the ones with the ultimate power. Big business is ultimately accountable to the consumer. If we do not buy from Wal-mart, they will go out of business. The big businesses of the world must meet our demands if they wish to continue to receive our dollars. When the government mandates that we buy a product or service it affectively removes the power of the consumer.
We as Americans need to come up with our own solutions that retain our own control over our lives and our respective economic future. If you agree with me, copy and send this to everyone you know via email and most importantly to your representatives and your employers. I believe that this plan is possible as well as most economical for Americans. Most importantly, I believe that this plan retains personal responsibility, accountability, and freedom.
- Stop trying to insure all medicine or medical procedures. You do not insure tune-ups or tire changes on your car. Preventative medicine like physicals, annual exams, and normal visits for things like the flu or common ailments should be paid directly by the consumer. This is possible because nearly all medical professionals still make payment plans with patients. This is affordable as evidence by the majority of Americans' ability to afford a cell phone.
- Stop all employer paid for insurance. This too removes another layer of "no control" for the consumer. When your employer decides on health plans, s/he has to make a financial decision with limited options. The plans put forth for you to choose from may not be the best plans for you as an individual. I believe that employers will benefit from this too. Employers can immediately shift the total moneys expended for employee health coverage to the employees. Shifting these money's to the employee then "fixes" the cash outlay, as current insurance programs are continually rising creating a major burden on the company.
- Individual consumers would then shop in an open market for health insurance to cover major illnesses, accidents, and/or catastrophes. This would reduce the over all cost of insurance because of the open market for competition and because we are not insuring every sniffle or scrape. Many who pay for the insurance will rarely ever use it. Those who pay and rarely use the insurance will help to offset the costs of those who do need to use it thereby reducing the overall cost of the insurance to all. The details, extent of coverage, and issues such as pre-existing conditions would be worked out directly between the insurer and the consumer.
- Prescription drugs can be treated in the same manner. They can be included in the plan or excluded. All of these "options" allows for the consumer to taylor a plan that best fits their individual needs.
This plan removes the over taxation required to have the government manage healthcare for all Americans. This plan eliminates the chance of government control of yet another aspect of respective Americans' lives.
Programs like Medicare would still exist and could be somewhat modified be be more like the above but none-the-less would still be in existence to support those who are elderly and/or struggling. Addition of more government entitlements would no longer be needed. Payments already made under State and Federal welfare type programs are enough to now offset the costs under my plan. By modifying Medicare to be more like my plan, the costs of Medicare could be brought under control thereby reducing the drag on the deficit and economy.
My Plan adds the element of the "healthy" paying into the system thereby offsetting the costs for those with pre-existing conditions. As we've seen with the automotive insurance industry, having a free market approach has driven down the cost of automotive insurance. Even those with bad driving records pay less because of those with good records that still pay for insurance. Roughly 85% of Americans have health insurance now, even without a federal mandate. I can only speculate but I would presume that number to only go up if the cost of health insurance went down. Factually speaking, we do not need a federal mandate to force American's into paying for health insurance.
Of those 15% of Americans who are currently uninsured, how many of them can afford preventive medicine? How many simply can't afford a big plan that covers the tune-ups and tire changes?
Under my plan I would support an "elected" government review panel to regulate and fight against abuses. There are already existing governmental entities that could manage this with little to no change in their structure or tax burden. This would eliminate abuses by "big" insurance companies.
I believe that just as with auto insurance or with gasoline prices, we as consumers are the ones with the ultimate power. Big business is ultimately accountable to the consumer. If we do not buy from Wal-mart, they will go out of business. The big businesses of the world must meet our demands if they wish to continue to receive our dollars. When the government mandates that we buy a product or service it affectively removes the power of the consumer.
We as Americans need to come up with our own solutions that retain our own control over our lives and our respective economic future. If you agree with me, copy and send this to everyone you know via email and most importantly to your representatives and your employers. I believe that this plan is possible as well as most economical for Americans. Most importantly, I believe that this plan retains personal responsibility, accountability, and freedom.
Friday, February 26, 2010
What came of the Healthcare Summit
Everyone was waiting to see just what would come of President Obama's Healthcare Summit. All of the pundits from right and left speculated but everyone seemed to say the same thing; nothing would come of it. President Obama knew that nothing would come of it. I say this because his actions from the very onset made it very clear that he expected nothing to come of it.
President Obama expected that he could show the American people that the republicans had no plan and that they simply refused to cooperate and the opposite happened. The Republican's came with plans. Both sides simply postured and did nothing more than try to pick apart the other. All of the polls show that the majority of Americans (almost 60%) still do not want the President's plan. The President simply believes that if you hear more about his plan then you'll finally come to your senses and agree.
I saw something altogether different. Think about this for a moment. If you didn't get the chance to watch it, then youtube it and watch it; even if it's just parts of it and you'll see what I'm about to tell you.
What I saw was an extreme imbalance of powers. I saw that the Executive Branch of our government summoned a meeting with the Legislative Branch. The Executive Branch lectured and even reprimanded the Legislative Branch. Which reminded me of the State of the Union address where the President excoriated the Legislative and even the Judicial Branches of the government.
All of this show me nothing more than sheer arrogance. President Obama believes that He (Executive Branch) is somehow senior to the other two branches of the government. If he did not feel superior he would not be speaking to what should be his governmental peers in this manner. Even when Congress refused to setup a bipartisan group to tackle the deficit He used his executive power to create one and then slapped the Congress in his State of the Union. I didn't agree with Congress on there inaction with regard to the deficit but this just illustrates the President's willful disregard for the balance of power. Just watch the video from the summit and look closely at the look on his face when Republicans were speaking.
To make things worse the Democrats in the congress have capitulated. By doing so they have allowed the and even fostered the imbalance of power. I believe that every American should write to their representatives in the Congress and tell them to take their rightful authority back and not simply bow to the President's every whim.
In the end, the only reason that this summit was held for the public to see was so that President Obama could then say to the American people that they (Republicans) wouldn't deal. Because they wouldn't deal, he must move forward with reconciliation. He's forgetting one fact. Sixty percent of Americans do not want this and all of those Americans are not stupid, they saw what happened. The President didn't even get a full sixty percent of the vote to get elected. This should scare Democrats.
President Obama expected that he could show the American people that the republicans had no plan and that they simply refused to cooperate and the opposite happened. The Republican's came with plans. Both sides simply postured and did nothing more than try to pick apart the other. All of the polls show that the majority of Americans (almost 60%) still do not want the President's plan. The President simply believes that if you hear more about his plan then you'll finally come to your senses and agree.
I saw something altogether different. Think about this for a moment. If you didn't get the chance to watch it, then youtube it and watch it; even if it's just parts of it and you'll see what I'm about to tell you.
What I saw was an extreme imbalance of powers. I saw that the Executive Branch of our government summoned a meeting with the Legislative Branch. The Executive Branch lectured and even reprimanded the Legislative Branch. Which reminded me of the State of the Union address where the President excoriated the Legislative and even the Judicial Branches of the government.
All of this show me nothing more than sheer arrogance. President Obama believes that He (Executive Branch) is somehow senior to the other two branches of the government. If he did not feel superior he would not be speaking to what should be his governmental peers in this manner. Even when Congress refused to setup a bipartisan group to tackle the deficit He used his executive power to create one and then slapped the Congress in his State of the Union. I didn't agree with Congress on there inaction with regard to the deficit but this just illustrates the President's willful disregard for the balance of power. Just watch the video from the summit and look closely at the look on his face when Republicans were speaking.
To make things worse the Democrats in the congress have capitulated. By doing so they have allowed the and even fostered the imbalance of power. I believe that every American should write to their representatives in the Congress and tell them to take their rightful authority back and not simply bow to the President's every whim.
In the end, the only reason that this summit was held for the public to see was so that President Obama could then say to the American people that they (Republicans) wouldn't deal. Because they wouldn't deal, he must move forward with reconciliation. He's forgetting one fact. Sixty percent of Americans do not want this and all of those Americans are not stupid, they saw what happened. The President didn't even get a full sixty percent of the vote to get elected. This should scare Democrats.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Jobs and Domestic Violence
Here we go. Senator Reid wants you buy into more government spending on a jobs bill because us men are beating our wives because we're out of work.
Article
I can tell you that I'm no psychologist but neither is the good Dr. Reid. Domestic violence is a major problem in this country and should be attacked with a fervor. A weak attempt at blaming unemployment for the domestic violence is ludicrous at best. The only loose connection that may possibly be made is that those who already abuse their wives just have more time on their hands to do it now. Even that connection is weak at best.
What really upsets me about this, as it should you, is that this really spells out Senator Reid's attitude about the "common man." Senator Reid believes that you are so lowly and unsophisticated that you'll just start beating your wife if you're out of work. He must really see us common folk archaic cavemen.
Really?
We've really got to wake up and vote Senator Reid and all of the other elitist politicians out of office. America never got to be what it is because the common man was this archaic.
Senator Reid needs to believe that we are just this mindless so that he can justify going against the will of the people and forcing more government control over our lives. If he believes that we are this mindless then there is a real need, in his mind, for the elite ruling class to control and provide for us as if we were infants.
This is a Senator who claims to champion the little guy. This is a Senator that claims to be looking out for you. He's not looking out for you, he's looking down upon you with pity.
Take a minute and just ponder this. Are you that mindless? Do you need multiple degrees or to be part of the government in order to care for yourself. Would you really just decide to beat your wife because you're out of work? If you agree with me then write Senator Reid and all of your representatives to re-educate them about the strength (and wisdom) of the common man.
Article
I can tell you that I'm no psychologist but neither is the good Dr. Reid. Domestic violence is a major problem in this country and should be attacked with a fervor. A weak attempt at blaming unemployment for the domestic violence is ludicrous at best. The only loose connection that may possibly be made is that those who already abuse their wives just have more time on their hands to do it now. Even that connection is weak at best.
What really upsets me about this, as it should you, is that this really spells out Senator Reid's attitude about the "common man." Senator Reid believes that you are so lowly and unsophisticated that you'll just start beating your wife if you're out of work. He must really see us common folk archaic cavemen.
Really?
We've really got to wake up and vote Senator Reid and all of the other elitist politicians out of office. America never got to be what it is because the common man was this archaic.
Senator Reid needs to believe that we are just this mindless so that he can justify going against the will of the people and forcing more government control over our lives. If he believes that we are this mindless then there is a real need, in his mind, for the elite ruling class to control and provide for us as if we were infants.
This is a Senator who claims to champion the little guy. This is a Senator that claims to be looking out for you. He's not looking out for you, he's looking down upon you with pity.
Take a minute and just ponder this. Are you that mindless? Do you need multiple degrees or to be part of the government in order to care for yourself. Would you really just decide to beat your wife because you're out of work? If you agree with me then write Senator Reid and all of your representatives to re-educate them about the strength (and wisdom) of the common man.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Accountability and Healthcare
I had a nice debate today with a co-worker of mine who is very much a liberal democrat and feels that we absolutely must pass comprehensive health reform. He believes, as many liberals and journalist do, that it's the extra-ordinary health costs that are destroying the economy. He further believes that having everyone on health care will provide enough paying healthy people to offset the costs of those who are plagued by illnesses and astronomical health costs.
My friend explained to me how insurance works and how the costs will go down because there would be a much larger paying base to cover all of the costs. My friend further explained to me that a good government should do things for it's people. His belief is that we have an obligation as a society and as a community to care for those who cannot care for themselves. My friend further explained to me about how much better Canada, Germany, and many other countries are because they have government run or controlled healthcare. He further stated that these example countries are pulling out of the recession faster than the U.S. because they do not have the burden of healthcare costs like the U.S. does.
Here's the catch… None of that matters. Even if any one of those points were accurate, and most of them are not, the real argument has been glossed over by those on the left. The left does not want to argue the real issue at hand because they cannot win on the real core issues at hand.
The real issue can be found in a few simple questions.
Let's look quickly at how we come about determining the need for a law. Most laws are derived from a need to promote good order and safe living within a community. Most laws are created because there is a need to prohibit some activity that brings some harm to individuals or the society as a whole. This is where the waters get muddy. Most liberals will tell you that not having healthcare is harmful to the community on the whole and certainly harmful to those who cannot afford it and need it. Although you might loosely be able to make this assertion, you would then also have to make the assertion that drinking alcohol, eating fast food, smoking, not exercising, and even turning on your car also harm society as a whole.
The way to stay out of that muddy water is to truly look at what things should not be allowed within a society. Things like murder, stealing, coercion, etc… are all great examples of where there is a real justification to take away and individual's freedom. We all do something that in some loose way can be construed as a "drain" on society. Trust me, I do and you do.
When I questioned my friend about how does he feel that it's his right to impose a financial burden on another to pay for what should be his own responsibility. Sidebar: It is our own responsibility to care for our own selves. The Constitution never guaranteed happiness, it only guaranteed that the government would not impose upon your "pursuit" thereof. My friends response was that it was not he that was imposing these burdens but that it was society as a whole. If you vote to take another man's freedom or to impose some burden upon him then it IS you as an individual who is taking this action. There is no other way to look at it.
I know that this sounds like an old cliche but I do mean this in all seriousness. If you are seeking a system that supports you. If you are seeking a system that you work and get almost no pay but your "needs" are met, move to one of those countries. The reason that I bring up this point is not to say, "Just leave." The reason that I bring this up is that those places already exist and it is well within your rights and abilities to have those things.
This country was based on individual freedoms, freedoms from the government, freedoms from the burdens of overtaxation, and on the God given freedom to pursue happiness. It is every American's freedom to step out and take risks, to save, to work, to invest, and to pursue a higher standard of living. Every American has the opportunity and the RIGHT to succeed or fail. This country was based on these values and there is no other country like it on earth. There are plenty other countries that do exactly what the liberals would prefer.
If you disagree with me, that's fine, you are well within your right to do so. That's just one more reason that I love this country. However I ask one thing, take a minute and really look at what you think is an individual's responsibility and what is not. Think about this, do you believe that you are responsible for yourself or is the government responsible for you? If the majority of American's believe that the government is responsible and that we as individuals are not, then the country is lost. If this is the case, we are the new Canada and rapidly on our way to becoming the new France.
I, for one, do not believe that the majority of Americans are not responsible for themselves. I believe that if we can continue to push forward the real conversation as illustrated herein, then we can get back to what matters.
My friend explained to me how insurance works and how the costs will go down because there would be a much larger paying base to cover all of the costs. My friend further explained to me that a good government should do things for it's people. His belief is that we have an obligation as a society and as a community to care for those who cannot care for themselves. My friend further explained to me about how much better Canada, Germany, and many other countries are because they have government run or controlled healthcare. He further stated that these example countries are pulling out of the recession faster than the U.S. because they do not have the burden of healthcare costs like the U.S. does.
Here's the catch… None of that matters. Even if any one of those points were accurate, and most of them are not, the real argument has been glossed over by those on the left. The left does not want to argue the real issue at hand because they cannot win on the real core issues at hand.
The real issue can be found in a few simple questions.
- Do we as American's and as a Government have the right to demand that one man pay to bear the burden of another man?
- Is it legal for the Government to demand under threat of penalty to purchase any product or service?
- Is this what our founding fathers intended when they founded this nation?
Let's look quickly at how we come about determining the need for a law. Most laws are derived from a need to promote good order and safe living within a community. Most laws are created because there is a need to prohibit some activity that brings some harm to individuals or the society as a whole. This is where the waters get muddy. Most liberals will tell you that not having healthcare is harmful to the community on the whole and certainly harmful to those who cannot afford it and need it. Although you might loosely be able to make this assertion, you would then also have to make the assertion that drinking alcohol, eating fast food, smoking, not exercising, and even turning on your car also harm society as a whole.
The way to stay out of that muddy water is to truly look at what things should not be allowed within a society. Things like murder, stealing, coercion, etc… are all great examples of where there is a real justification to take away and individual's freedom. We all do something that in some loose way can be construed as a "drain" on society. Trust me, I do and you do.
When I questioned my friend about how does he feel that it's his right to impose a financial burden on another to pay for what should be his own responsibility. Sidebar: It is our own responsibility to care for our own selves. The Constitution never guaranteed happiness, it only guaranteed that the government would not impose upon your "pursuit" thereof. My friends response was that it was not he that was imposing these burdens but that it was society as a whole. If you vote to take another man's freedom or to impose some burden upon him then it IS you as an individual who is taking this action. There is no other way to look at it.
I know that this sounds like an old cliche but I do mean this in all seriousness. If you are seeking a system that supports you. If you are seeking a system that you work and get almost no pay but your "needs" are met, move to one of those countries. The reason that I bring up this point is not to say, "Just leave." The reason that I bring this up is that those places already exist and it is well within your rights and abilities to have those things.
This country was based on individual freedoms, freedoms from the government, freedoms from the burdens of overtaxation, and on the God given freedom to pursue happiness. It is every American's freedom to step out and take risks, to save, to work, to invest, and to pursue a higher standard of living. Every American has the opportunity and the RIGHT to succeed or fail. This country was based on these values and there is no other country like it on earth. There are plenty other countries that do exactly what the liberals would prefer.
If you disagree with me, that's fine, you are well within your right to do so. That's just one more reason that I love this country. However I ask one thing, take a minute and really look at what you think is an individual's responsibility and what is not. Think about this, do you believe that you are responsible for yourself or is the government responsible for you? If the majority of American's believe that the government is responsible and that we as individuals are not, then the country is lost. If this is the case, we are the new Canada and rapidly on our way to becoming the new France.
I, for one, do not believe that the majority of Americans are not responsible for themselves. I believe that if we can continue to push forward the real conversation as illustrated herein, then we can get back to what matters.
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