tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post8372961493612998103..comments2024-03-19T09:10:13.853-04:00Comments on Progressive Eruptions: Massachusetts vs. LouisianaShaw Kenawehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08637273000409613497noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-65040494823961744042013-02-28T12:51:37.467-05:002013-02-28T12:51:37.467-05:00d-minus-marks,
You apparently don't understan...d-minus-marks,<br /><br />You apparently don't understand what single payer means.<br /><br /><b>"Single-payer health insurance collects all medical fees, then pays for all services, through a "single" government (or government-related) source.[2] In wealthy nations, this kind of publicly managed insurance is typically extended to all citizens and legal residents. Examples include the United Kingdom's National Health Service,Australia's Medicare, Canada's Medicare, and Taiwan's National Health Insurance.<br /><br />The standard usage of the term "single-payer health care" refers to health insurance, as opposed to healthcare delivery, operating as a public service and offered to citizens and legal residents towards providing near-universal or universal health care. The fund can be managed by the government directly or as a publicly owned and regulated agency.[2] Some writers describe publicly administered health care systems as "single-payer plans". Some writers have described any system of health care which intends to cover the entire population, such as voucher plans, as "single-payer plans",[3] although this is uncommon usage.<br /><br />Many nations worldwide have single-payer health insurance programs. These programs generally provide some form of universal health care, which are implemented in a variety of ways. In some cases doctors may be employed, and hospitals run by, the government such as in the United Kingdom.[4] Alternatively the government may purchase healthcare services from outside organizations. This is the approach taken in Canada."</b>Shaw Kenawehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08637273000409613497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-76354150793869855082013-02-28T12:44:01.591-05:002013-02-28T12:44:01.591-05:00Shaw: I strongly disagree that single payer would ...Shaw: I strongly disagree that single payer would be better. Its just a euphemism for monopoly. We need many more payers, not the mistake of taking away all choice in this. Less consolidation, for sure.<br /><br />The opposition to such a power grab by unaccountable authorites has everything to do with preserving "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".<br /><br />ACA is "less than optimal" indeed, but it is a lot more optimal thanks to the work of both Democrats and Republicans who kept the public interest in mind during the debates and negotiations and kicked some of the fangs off of it, steering it away from a single-payer "one size fits few" monopoly. Still, it has fangs, such as the penalty which serves to discourage employers from having employees work more than 30 hours a week... and the provision to force medical equipment makers to raise prices.dmarkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07269773990064736457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-61113357659817224052013-02-28T12:32:48.932-05:002013-02-28T12:32:48.932-05:00Then there is more. Enjoy!
Then there is more. Enjoy!<br />Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-31249802318224212922013-02-28T12:08:42.656-05:002013-02-28T12:08:42.656-05:00I've read Thomas Paine, just not every single ...I've read Thomas Paine, just not every single thing he's written. I actually featured some of his work in a blog post this month.Shaw Kenawehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08637273000409613497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-16532141199570902452013-02-28T10:30:28.710-05:002013-02-28T10:30:28.710-05:00Shaw, you really should make it a point of reading...Shaw, you really should make it a point of reading Thomas Paine. There is more to him than just what the Beck crowd would have you believe. It is why I referenced him. He was truly a man ahead of his times in ways many like Beck would prefer people not know. Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-79826329487784520932013-02-28T10:21:42.740-05:002013-02-28T10:21:42.740-05:00dmarks, I came to recognizing my strong libertaria...dmarks, I came to recognizing my strong libertarian beliefs for what are a bit late. I unfortunaly mistook rEpublicans as being pro libertarian, I was wrong. So, as I have acknowledged before I voted for the <br />Lesser of Two Evils one two many times. Finally recognizing the rEpublican party for what it has become I no longer have any illusions about its real intentions. Rove needs to go, along with the Romney wing of the party for it to have a chance of remaining relevant. For me the Libertarian party gets my support these day. I voted Johnson and will be supporting the best third party candidate on 2016.Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-29107060349270026042013-02-28T10:08:08.747-05:002013-02-28T10:08:08.747-05:00RN: "Is it Shaw? I live in the same state as...RN: "Is it Shaw? I live in the same state as you do, albeit the western half, and those who are partaking of RomneyCare have told me it "sucks." But I suspose a state run system that "sucks", funded by tax payer dollars is better than the alternative of no coverage."<br /><br />Yes, it is a disgrace for a country as wealthy and technically advanced as ours to allow people to go bankrupt because they get sick. The people I know on Romneycare are quite happy they have it and that they are covered.<br /><br />Our Declaration of Independence states this:<br /><br />"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness..."<br /><br />I wish someone would tell me how citizens of this country can pursue life, liberty, and happiness if they face financial ruin and desolation should they become ill.<br /><br />Should we live in a country where only the wealthy and employed have access to good healthcare, and the underinsured and poor get their healthcare in emergency rooms, if even there?<br /><br />If this country had the political will and stopped political grandstanding and bickering, we could insure, through the government as a single payer, every man, woman, and child.<br /><br />That is how an advanced democracy treats its citizens. And every advanced democracy, [EXCEPT the United States of America--which brags about its exceptionalism all the time]--has some sort of government run health system. EVERY ONE!<br /><br />I'd like you, RN, or anyone else to tell me why the United States is the ONLY exception. Yes, this is an exceptional country where it comes to health care for its citizens--it is exceptionally heartless and a disgrace.<br /><br />The ACA has so many aspects that could be much, much better, especially better were it a single-payer system, but the libertarians and the conservatives wanted nothing to do with giving our citizens the ability to pursue life, liberty and happiness, so the ACA was cobbled together, and, I believe less than optimal system.<br /><br />However, notice how fierce those same people behave when it comes to protecting citizens rights to own lethal weapons!<br /><br />Our priorities are messed up in that regard.<br /><br />BTW, I do believe we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. I don't know what Thomas Paine wrote about that, but everything the founding fathers did was not perfect. For example, slavery. And those rights that Thomas Jefferson beautifully defined in the eloquent DoI? They were for property-owning white men ONLY.<br /><br />People tend to forget that.<br /><br />WE don't live in that kind of country anymore. And haven't in a long, long time.<br />Shaw Kenawehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08637273000409613497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-89691318057688315502013-02-28T05:42:26.787-05:002013-02-28T05:42:26.787-05:00RN: I don't recall for sure, really. but I rat...RN: I don't recall for sure, really. but I rather doubt you voted for "your boy" George W. Bush in either of the elections that he won. Might be from my own recollection of reading you, or just my general knowledge of your strong Libertarian leanings. I leave it to you to clarify.dmarkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07269773990064736457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-32840180944944536892013-02-27T22:39:24.531-05:002013-02-27T22:39:24.531-05:00The larger question that at some point must be ans...The larger question that at some point must be answered by all is this.. Are we as individuals obligated to be our brother or sisters keeper? <br /><br />As a corrolary, are we as individuals ethically obligated to be our brother and sisters keeper?<br /><br />For those who are. on the fence I recommend a reading of one who was instrumental to our founding, Thomas Paine<br /><br />Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-73501883701820662472013-02-27T22:00:22.527-05:002013-02-27T22:00:22.527-05:00Is it Shaw? I live in the same state as you do, a...Is it Shaw? I live in the same state as you do, albeit the western half, and those who are partaking of RomneyCare have told me it "sucks." But I suspose a state run system that "sucks", funded by tax payer dollars is better than the alternative of no coverage.<br /><br />Such is the reality of our present day system. I wonder what Thomas Paine would have to say about this reality. I'm sure he would have quite a bit to say. It likely would not be omplementay .Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-5350704108513671642013-02-27T20:08:54.004-05:002013-02-27T20:08:54.004-05:00It is an extreme embarrassment that the wealthiest...It is an extreme embarrassment that the wealthiest country, the USA, has so many uninsured citizens. We are the only country in western democracies that allows people to become bankrupt because they get sick.<br /><br />It's a disgrace.<br /><br />That so many Americans are uninsured is a gigantic failure of political will. There is no reason for this to be so.Shaw Kenawehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08637273000409613497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-89785068486762521262013-02-27T19:32:22.692-05:002013-02-27T19:32:22.692-05:00I thank you dmarks for clarifying a position I hav...I thank you dmarks for clarifying a position I have always held and continue to hold. Principles are the bedrock of a consistent philosophy of living ones life. Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-63148797835169942772013-02-27T14:26:22.103-05:002013-02-27T14:26:22.103-05:00Anon: Rational has always opposed the policies tha...Anon: Rational has always opposed the policies that caused the debt. He is probably the most consistent on this of all commenting here And Bush was "his boy"? You have RN confused with someone else, obviously. Welcome to the party, but next time you might want to read the name of the person commenting before you make assumptions and go off on the wrong tangent.dmarkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07269773990064736457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-71805641803215964032013-02-27T14:25:17.476-05:002013-02-27T14:25:17.476-05:00"Standard & Poor’s, which rates the state..."Standard & Poor’s, which rates the state’s credit A-, six levels below AAA and lower than any other U.S. state ..."<br /><br />That's the bad news.<br /><br />The good news is that Standard & Poor's has said that what the governor has done is a positive development. As you stated, California is as large as a country, and the problems it accumulated over years and years of mismanagement by the Republicans and Democrats cannot be remedied in a few years.<br /><br />Just like this country's problems, California's problems are man-made, so they have man-made solutions, if the people who were voted into office to find solutions would work together.Shaw Kenawehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08637273000409613497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-29277737247056643522013-02-27T13:57:57.623-05:002013-02-27T13:57:57.623-05:00"Bobby Jindal is a smart guy. He runs a state..."Bobby Jindal is a smart guy. He runs a state. He needs to not talk like this and it’s become common to hear this stuff coming out in these press conferences."<br /><br />Shaw, was responding to the above. It was your comment I believe.<br /><br />As the entire post? Good post, thought provoking.Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-17625886904942741802013-02-27T12:18:47.520-05:002013-02-27T12:18:47.520-05:00"The issue is can the nation continue to incr..."The issue is can the nation continue to increase the national debt and expect that it will not eventually catch up to the nation and bite it badly?"<br /><br />After 30 years of supporting the policies that caused the debt you are now willing to say it will bite us? Like it has not HURT us already? Of course not; the hurt only happens when a Democrat is president. It was fine when your boy Bush was in office screaming "tax cuts" like a party mantra. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-43811063808309028492013-02-27T10:27:10.002-05:002013-02-27T10:27:10.002-05:00Shaw, somebody is painting blue sky :-)
"Sta...Shaw, somebody is painting blue sky :-)<br /><br />"Standard & Poor’s, which rates the state’s credit A-, six levels below AAA and lower than any other U.S. state ..."KPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13788103894599339102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-1829062661098315332013-02-27T07:34:44.468-05:002013-02-27T07:34:44.468-05:00RN,
Point taken, but what has it to do with the M...RN,<br /><br />Point taken, but what has it to do with the Massachusetts/Louisiana comparison?<br /><br />KP, California ranks about in the middle in the categories cited for Massachusetts and Louisiana. I know California has problems, but according to the reports I've read, the state is on a good path.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-15/brown-s-tax-boost-mends-california-deficits-analyst-says.html" rel="nofollow">From Bloomberg:</a> <b>"California’s chronic budget shortfalls that hobbled the most populous U.S. state for a decade may give way to surpluses thanks to voter approval of Governor Jerry Brown’s tax increases, the state’s independent fiscal analyst said.<br /><br />Brown and lawmakers will need to fill a $1.9 billion deficit through June 2014, the Legislative Analyst’s Office said yesterday, down from $13 billion estimated a year ago. If lawmakers can resist more spending and the economy continues to improve, the state could see a surplus of $1 billion by 2015 and $9 billion by 2018, the analyst’s office said.<br /><br /><br />“This report validates the hard work the state has done to cut its deficit and balance its budget,” Brown said in a statement. “California is now on the path for a fair and sustainable budget as long as we continue to exercise fiscal discipline and pay down debt.”<br /><br />Standard & Poor’s, which rates the state’s credit A-, six levels below AAA and lower than any other U.S. state, has said the tax increase was a positive development.<br />Jordan Levine, director of economic research at Beacon Economics LLC in Los Angeles, said the recovery has broadened out to most sectors of the state’s economy. Housing and construction are on the rise, as is consumer spending, Levine said, and he projects the state’s unemployment rate will fall below 10 percent from the current 10.2 percent.<br /><br />“We do see the economy continuing to grow,” Levine said in an interview. “In fact, we are forecasting it to pick up a little bit of steam as we get into 2013 and 2014.”</b>Shaw Kenawehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08637273000409613497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-63356742035624612622013-02-27T04:35:44.003-05:002013-02-27T04:35:44.003-05:00Skud: The 2010 census figures on population growth...Skud: The 2010 census figures on population growth of the states are a strong indicator of quality of life that takes into account many factors other than the few that Shaw lists in the parent post. The individuals, workers, and families take a lot of things into account when they choose to move to or from a place. And indeed Massachusetts comes out ahead of Lousiana in this regard.dmarkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07269773990064736457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-17283857400438275462013-02-27T04:31:48.151-05:002013-02-27T04:31:48.151-05:00SW: It shows contempt for working people who earn ...SW: It shows contempt for working people who earn the worth of their work without paying dues to political organazations that have <i>nothing to do with one's ability to do their job</i> "freeloaders". Right-to-work is truly right-to-work for <i>more money</i>: these workers get to keep hundreds or thousands more dollars per year from their paycheck instead of being forced by unions to turn it over to be used for campaign contributions and political causes that go against their interests. Right-to-work states give workers a choice of whether or not to do this. Anti-worker, non right-to-work states force workers to do this or they will be fired.<br /><br />The "must pay union dues" policy you defend is outrageous and bullies workers. It makes as much sense as requiring women to have sex with the boss or be fired, or requiring them to cut checks to the local Baptist church or be fired. In all of these situations (including closed-shop union workplaces) workers are abused and fired for refusing to engage in activities which are absolutely unrelated to their ability to do the job.<br /><br />The idea of a "union shop" in which people must cough up hundreds or thousands to go to political slush funds or get fired is unacceptable. People should be able to work for a living and earn their wage (which is never "freeloading") despite their refusal to submit to political extortion.dmarkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07269773990064736457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-8835025382842104252013-02-26T23:38:13.289-05:002013-02-26T23:38:13.289-05:00Perhaps we should just focus on California if you ...Perhaps we should just focus on California if you want to go by states. We are the 7th or 8th largest nation in the world and what we do, the rest of the 'liberal' country follows. We are failing in many (most) ways measurabble. I will spare you the detail because it is so long a list. KPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13788103894599339102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-82063577299981371202013-02-26T21:25:27.651-05:002013-02-26T21:25:27.651-05:00"Bobby Jindal is a smart guy. He runs a state..."Bobby Jindal is a smart guy. He runs a state. He needs to not talk like this and it’s become common to hear this stuff coming out in these press conferences."<br /><br />I agree Shaw. The issue is can the nation continue to increase the national debt and expect that it will not eventually catch up to the nation and bite it badly?<br /><br />Would be interesting to see the average American homeowner's percent of dept to income. Then compare it to the national debt to revenue. (% debt to GDP for example)<br /><br />For his reference to have meaning it must be based on something tangible. Percentages are a way to do that.<br /><br />It is time to balance the budget in order to pay down the national debt. If it keeps growing the service on the national debt will eventually choke the nation to death.Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-38776145567628491932013-02-26T17:10:45.063-05:002013-02-26T17:10:45.063-05:00DMarks, those who find employment in a union shop ...DMarks, those who find employment in a union shop unacceptable are free to go elsewhere. Those who do go elsewhere usually benefit from the better pay, benefits and working conditions that become industry standards after unions have spent years bargaining for them.<br /><br />In many states no one is forced to join a union to get a job in a unionized business, but those who choose not to join must pay union dues. The rule is aimed at freeloaders who are only too happy to reap the benefits of working in a union shop while leaving the work and expense to others.<br /><br />So-called right-to-work states ban that practice. Statistics consistently show that what workers in those state really get is the right to work for less.<br /><br />--<br /><br />skudrunner, there are many reasons some people don't get out and hustle to improve their situation. Most are psychological. Enjoying a life of ease on welfare checks is way down the list. To believe otherwise is to believe that those who do it prefer being stuck in poverty and either don't know or care that welfare is time limited.<br /><br /> A healthy, growing economy that produces plenty of worthwhile job opportunities for all, one where even the less motivated see their relatives, friends and neighbors doing better and moving up, creates a powerful impetus to do likewise. Conversely, a weak, recession-prone economy with high bars to entry for worthwhile jobs and little chance to hang on long enough to get somewhere does tend to discourage some people, especially those with less education, and those in pockets of poverty.<br /><br />Attributing chronic joblessness to the availability of safety net programs is a cop-out, politically self-satisfying diagnosis for a complex problem. Just as business people won't hire more people to take care of customers who aren't showing up and buying, even if the businesspersons' business and personal taxes are cut to zero, some people won't get out and hustle for a paycheck in an economic environment that discourages them repreatedly on many levels and in many ways. S.W. Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02388361660919375835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-67181323479116559332013-02-26T10:50:38.566-05:002013-02-26T10:50:38.566-05:00dmarks, the pleasure is all mine
I think Boston i...dmarks, the pleasure is all mine<br /><br />I think Boston is a great city to visit. Some interesting historical sites and great food. As to living there, I prefer elsewhere as I am sure many do. <br /><br />You point out the experience when you live in the elite section, I am sure the experience would be different is you lived in a less affluent area and had to work in a low paying job. <br /><br />"Any comparison must take into account the fact that Louisiana's black population for generations was deliberately and forcibly stunted, educationally and economically."<br /><br />SW, your statement was correct decades ago and some prejudice does still exist. Parental involvement is the key to raising children. There is also a very high rate of generational welfare in Louisiana therefore it could be said the federal government is partially responsible for holding the poor back.skudrunnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07610092853412481236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1883838569462983439.post-3838636936705907362013-02-26T10:01:11.700-05:002013-02-26T10:01:11.700-05:00Unions aren't always bad. Only the ones that f...Unions aren't always bad. Only the ones that force people to join (which shows great contempt for workers' rights and choices). As for where I got my news (no quotes needed), S. W., it has nothing to do with "movement conservatism" whatever that is. My main source is NPR (and related local affiliates) and direct experience with the issues. Including Granholm's job-hostile taxes and UAW concessions which weren't really concessions at all, but rather slightly less excessive demands completely out of touch with reality. Granholm famously chose to turn her back on the auto industry and auto jobs and focus on a film incentive and greenscam corporate welfare.<br /><br />As for Toyota, if they had arrived in Michigan then, the workers would have been forced into the union against their will (as it is not a case of "what workers want" in closed-shop states). The victims in this bullying by unions are not "traumatized executives" but rather the workers themselves. But now thankfully things are different.<br /><br />Workers do tend to love Toyota, which is one reason why more and more of them go to work for the place and fewer and fewer for the Big 3dmarkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07269773990064736457noreply@blogger.com