Health Care—What to Think . . .

I had to read a lot of articles and write a paper on the current U.S. health care system and plans for reform for my Economics class. I also learned about the health care systems of five other countries--England, Japan, Germany, Tawain, and Switzerland. It was very interesting. I want all of your opinions and thoughts on U.S. health care, so make sure to give me your comments.

I'm still not quite sure what the best solution is for health care reform. I definitely think that President Obama and politicians on both sides are trying to look for quick fixes where the American people don't have to change bad habits--something that looks good, but in the long run will be much worse for us. There are so many inefficiencies in the U.S. health care system it's ridiculous. We spend more than any other country and our care is ranked 37th according to a Frontline video made in 2008. That's horrible!

One of the biggest problems is people don't care how much health care costs because the insurance is paying for it. So the health care providers (hospitals, etc) charge outrageous amounts to make large profits and the insurance companies pay for it. They don't really mind because they'll just raise everyone's premiums for next year. In 2005 health care was 14% of GDP (and rising) compared to about 5% in 1965 (see link). Health Savings Accounts seem like a pretty good way to put the money into consumers hands so that they are more conscientious about where the money is going. But I know that's not a solution to everything--and it doesn't work well for people with medical conditions or the elderly.

I also like the idea of universal health care, but the cost without totally revamping the current system would be tremendous (despite what Obama says). Japan has managed to keep mostly private health providers while supplying universal care, but the hospitals are in a lot of debt because of the government regulations of prices.

I think the government needs to help take care of the vast inefficiencies in health care (but the gov't itself is so ineffiecient I don't know how that will work), put money into consumers hands so they care about costs coming down, and learn from what other countries have done to expand coverage to those that don't have it and cut costs.

Comments please.

An economic stimulus that won't stimulate

So it really confuses me why we are spending $825 billion on a bill that doesn't stimulate. I've been hearing all about these extra expenditures stuck into the bill. Do the Democrats really believe this is the time to be spending money on little side projects--especially billions of dollars? The first priority should be to cut excess government spending--not increase it drastically.

Rahm Emmanuel, the new White House Chief of Staff, said the following back in November, "Never let a serious crisis go to waste. What I mean by that is it's an opportunity to do things you couldn't do before."

I cannot see how the majority of these things will stimulate the economy, because they probably won't. I really do want Obama to succeed--I do. But if him and the Democrats continue down this road at least the Republicans won't be a minority for too long.

Read the following article from The Wall Street Journal for details the bill.

President-Elect Barack Obama

My last post stated reasons why conservatives or moderates should not vote for Barack Obama. The elections are now over. Barack Obama was elected President of the United States through the tried and proven system of this great country. The one that was fought so hard for by the hands of our founding fathers over 200 years ago and has been the model for so many other countries. As American citizens we do not need to agree with the President on issues, but we do need to stand behind him and give him whatever support we can. I'll will pray for him as I would any other leader with so much responsibility on his shoulders. The ENTIRE world is now looking to him. That is a lot of pressure.

John McCain showed true class in his concession speech. He said, "I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him but offering our next president our goodwill and earnest effort to find ways to come together.

"Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans."

To all moderates and conservatives

If you are conservative then there is no reason to justify voting for Barack Obama. His record clearly shows he is one of the most liberal members in Congress. In the General Election he has tried to lean towards the middle--but failed. In his economic policy he wants to "spread the wealth," a very socialistic idea. Aside from that his economic plan doesn't help that many middle class workers like he claims it does. McCain and Obama differ significantly on spending too. Obama wants to increase spending while "lowering taxes" for some and raising them for others. In my mind there is no way we can increase government spending in the state the economy is in right now. McCain on the other hand wants to significantly decrease government spending and not raise taxes. In 2001 one he voted against making the Bush tax cuts permanent because there was no decrease in spending to balance out. He now wants these tax cuts permanent while decreasing spending.

McCain is not afraid to step across party lines. This has angered conservatives sometimes. The country now more than ever needs someone that will be willing to listen to and work with both sides. If Obama is elected there will be a Democrat majority in the House, Senate, and the White House--giving him even less reason to work with conservatives. He also has very little record of stepping across party lines. Why would he change now?

The last point that most people don't think about is the appointments to the Supreme Court. There will most likely be one or two appointments during the next Presidency, If Obama were elected this could shift the courts to a majority liberal also. So conservatives wouldn't have much of a voice anywhere.

I believe that there will be change no matter who is elected. But think about what kind of change you want.


Here is a good article.

Politics - a few thoughts

A few thoughts about politics as I start to fill out my ballot.

-It kind of stinks that Washington state is "guaranteed" to Obama so it makes me feel like my vote doesn't count much. I wish I lived in Florida, Virginia, or Ohio. Despite this I still think we should all take the time to vote. Even if you're from Utah.

-I'm not as scared of having Obama as the president as I am of having democratic majorities in the House, Senate, and the White House. We need those checks and balances.

-McCain didn't make the best choice with Sarah Palin. And it's not just cause I think Mitt Romney would have helped tremendously in this financial crisis. (Yes, he would have had some cons--his and McCain's battles during the primaries would have been used against them.) Sarah Palin helped unite the base, but at what cost?

-It's not over even though the left leaning media would have you believe that. But McCain definitely needs some boosts--especially in key states.

-Colin Powell, what are you thinking? You don't want two conservative judges in the Supreme Court? How did you go from conservative to liberal supporter?

-McCain was hilarious at the Al Smith dinner. I didn't know he could be so funny. Sure he had writers, but he delivered it very well. On the other hand, Obama had a few good lines but he came off to me as pretentious more than anything.

Why Obama Can't Close the Sale

I couldn't have said it better. Everyone should read this article whether you agree or disagree, and I'd love to hear your comments.

Why Obama Can't Close the Sale