In my post yesterday, I did not address the issue of how my faith is influencing this opinion. I agree again with Christine that as followers of Christ it is imperative that we "care for the widows and orphans" and in today's society that includes equal access to health care. I filter this imperative with the understanding that God typically gives us a choice to obey or not to obey. There will be consequences respective to our choices. Therefore, since God does not force us into obedience, I don't deem it appropriate for government to do so with regard to this issue.
Let me again explain that I am not in favor of keeping the health care system the same, nor am I in favor of Canadian-style "socialized medicine" there has to be a medium-ground solution.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Healthcare...A Response
A few days ago, I visited my friend Christine's blog where she discusses the issue of healthcare. I found myself mixed in my reaction to her opinions. Whenever this happens the analytical side of me (which unfortunately is pretty big) kicks in and I try to figure out why I had that kind of response.
The short version is that there were parts of her posting that I very MUCH agreed with such as the idiotic insurance system that will cover everything except those things for which you specifically need healthcare and charge not only the proverbial "arm and leg" but also the whole of your lower torso. An example is my own son who has asthma and when we attempted to get them independent health care, the insurance company said they would not cover any respiratory issues. Duh!
Another point of agreement was the inherent value of all children and the need for an egalitarian system for children. Having worked with people in poverty I also recognized that young adults who are not pregnant are one of the populations that seems to "fall through the cracks" of our current system if they are impoverished or even middle-class without employment benefits.
My main disagreement with Christine's position is the means to the end. While she never specifically comes out and says it, the clear implcation is that she is in support of any political candidate who will make this issue a priority which ultimately means a tax in order to fund the program. I fully recognize that my thinking here is somewhat idealistic because while I applaude Christine's willingness to make a sacrifice, and I would hope given the opportunity, our family would do the same, I have a problem with the government forcing people to contribute through a tax increase or new tax.
Surely, there is some kind of medium ground solution that would provide incentives to the public (esp. the wealthy and corporations) to contribute to such a program. Somehow making the process voluntary while at the same time appealing to those who may not be completely pure of heart. I also believe there is a whole lot of WASTEFUL spending that could be curbed and those funds could be used for important issues such as this.
I am not a politician, nor am I the son of a politician, so I don't have an understanding of the intriciacies of the possibility or probability of such a compromise, but I do agree with Christine that something HAS to be done. I am including a link below to her posting.
http://christinemoers.blogspot.com/2008/02/christine-on-issues-health-care.html
The short version is that there were parts of her posting that I very MUCH agreed with such as the idiotic insurance system that will cover everything except those things for which you specifically need healthcare and charge not only the proverbial "arm and leg" but also the whole of your lower torso. An example is my own son who has asthma and when we attempted to get them independent health care, the insurance company said they would not cover any respiratory issues. Duh!
Another point of agreement was the inherent value of all children and the need for an egalitarian system for children. Having worked with people in poverty I also recognized that young adults who are not pregnant are one of the populations that seems to "fall through the cracks" of our current system if they are impoverished or even middle-class without employment benefits.
My main disagreement with Christine's position is the means to the end. While she never specifically comes out and says it, the clear implcation is that she is in support of any political candidate who will make this issue a priority which ultimately means a tax in order to fund the program. I fully recognize that my thinking here is somewhat idealistic because while I applaude Christine's willingness to make a sacrifice, and I would hope given the opportunity, our family would do the same, I have a problem with the government forcing people to contribute through a tax increase or new tax.
Surely, there is some kind of medium ground solution that would provide incentives to the public (esp. the wealthy and corporations) to contribute to such a program. Somehow making the process voluntary while at the same time appealing to those who may not be completely pure of heart. I also believe there is a whole lot of WASTEFUL spending that could be curbed and those funds could be used for important issues such as this.
I am not a politician, nor am I the son of a politician, so I don't have an understanding of the intriciacies of the possibility or probability of such a compromise, but I do agree with Christine that something HAS to be done. I am including a link below to her posting.
http://christinemoers.blogspot.com/2008/02/christine-on-issues-health-care.html
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Appreciation
I can't believe I am beginning a blog posting about American Idol... I have never been a consistent watcher of the show. I usually watch the auditions for comedic and voyeristic reasons, and then I'll probably watch the last few weeks. This season, I'm hooked. There is an incredible amount of talent, but there is only one contestant that truly has my attention. (However, I must also note, that no one has my vote because I'm just not going to pay for the text message. Call me cheap. I've been called worse). The one contestant that has my attention is 17-year old David Archuleta. Not only is he one of the top 3 in talent among the guys, he seems to genuinely appreciate this experience. He is confident but not arrogant. There is no sense of "entitlement" to his personality. David truly seems to be cherrishing this experience with humility. I find that refreshing.
I see the same kind of appreciation in professional artist/songwriter Taylor Swift. At this point in their careers, David and Taylor seem to be having fun and not being sucked in by the hype and/or success garnered them by the media and fans. I hope they don't lose it. I hope they don't believe the stories written about them and become full-fledge member of the entertainment industry complete with the attitude that common Americans are blessed to be around them and they now somehow deserve lavish gifts. I still want them to offer to pay for their meals and not expect for the tab to be written off by the restraunt because the establishment is fortunate to have them dine there. I hope they keep their witts about them and their egos in check.
I know its premature to count Archuleta among the ranks of Swift, but my guess is, he is going to stay in the competition a very long time and the innocense can be lost and entitlement found even in the midst of all the hype and success of the show.
I hate to see innocense lost.
I see the same kind of appreciation in professional artist/songwriter Taylor Swift. At this point in their careers, David and Taylor seem to be having fun and not being sucked in by the hype and/or success garnered them by the media and fans. I hope they don't lose it. I hope they don't believe the stories written about them and become full-fledge member of the entertainment industry complete with the attitude that common Americans are blessed to be around them and they now somehow deserve lavish gifts. I still want them to offer to pay for their meals and not expect for the tab to be written off by the restraunt because the establishment is fortunate to have them dine there. I hope they keep their witts about them and their egos in check.
I know its premature to count Archuleta among the ranks of Swift, but my guess is, he is going to stay in the competition a very long time and the innocense can be lost and entitlement found even in the midst of all the hype and success of the show.
I hate to see innocense lost.
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