I imagine everyone has his or her own opinion and has posted it in some way, somehow. I've read the news articles, but not the Facebook status' yet.
Anyway, here are my thoughts. Something needed to be done. It is unjust for the wealthy to have so much and the poor have so little. This is true for many aspects of American society, but I will stay focused right now.
It is unjust and something needs to be done. But what? That's the part I'm a little unclear on. That's why I like representative democracy. Dangerous, I know. Incentive for me to allow my life to be governed by others. But it also allows me to focus on things I am good at while politicians focus on politics. Sorry, tangent again.
Healthcare: a few initial thoughts.
Exchanges. I feel like they may work. Creating markets is a good thing.
Mandatory Insurance. This is effective and efficient from an economic standpoint. Insurance works best when everyone that is at risk jumps in. It struggles when those who are more at risk buy in and those that aren't don't. That leads to higher premiums. Mandatory insurance can spread the risk and lower premiums. But is the federal government overstepping its bounds in mandating us to buy insurance? Is that power in the Constitution?
Employer Requirement. Why? Is it just easier to have employers offer insurance? This is the only explanation I have. Big companies have offered health care since World War II. It's part of our societal structure now. But, why not have individuals buy it? Wages will be higher (if employers are offering health insurance, this will increase costs, reducing the money available to pay workers) and we can spend our money how we want, on the health plans we want. I like having more control of my money.
These are some initial, basic thoughts. I support the idea of the "community" of the nation working together to increase the quality of life for everyone within it. I am not sure doing this on the national level is the most effective. Perhaps somehow encouraging states to do it, tailored to their different circumstances, would work better. But that may not be feasible.
Hopefully the national debate that will continue from here will be constructive and not obstructive.
Just another side rant, I do not like the Tea Party's position of "Kill the Bill." Just saying no is not helping anyone. Something needed to be done. Engaging in the debate rather than trying to stop it is far more effective, far more democratic, and far more moral.
