Originally posted by Masonic Light
But there would be several substantial differences. The insurance business is a for-profit industry; government is not. Government is already a non-profit insurance provider through its Medicare program, but right now only the elderly are covered by it. Under the National Health Insurance Act, it would simply extend coverage to everyone else.
My fiancé's Mother works selling oxygen tanks for the elderly. From her stories, I wouldn't want to be on Medicare. They can only go to certain doctors, and can only buy certain medicines.
I am a vegan (as I think Kucinich is too), and I pride in the fact that I haven't gotten sick once in the two years I've converted, lost tons of weight, and have much more energy. I exercise and keep myself healthy, so that I don't need to go to the doctor's. I also refuse most medicine, tylenol, etc. included.
I would not want the Goverment taking money out of my pay check to pay for some fat jerks gastric by-pass because he eats too much damn cheeseburgers. I know it's a slightly selfish position, but that's the point of capitalism, you keep what you earn, and you reap what you sow.
As I said before, I'd be in favor of a system that allowed other people to pay into a system so they could use it. And the rest of us just wouldn't use the services. If a candidate proposed something like that, I could get on bored.
I'm glad to hear it, and have myself been an activist for Kucinich in the last two elections. I basically agree with Ron Paul on his strict constitutionalism, civil liberties, and the war in Iraq. However, I have large differences with him in the economic sphere.
That's what would be great about their ticket, they'd balance each other out for a smoother ride.
Yet the cost of government is still far less than the cost of private health insurance.
not mine, it's $0.
Dennis' plan would make this extremely affordable. There's already enough money in the system...
That's just it though, it's MY money that's in the system. I could use that to enhance my health the eay I see fit.
... to cover everyone if we eliminate the insurance profits. Unlike the Canadian/European model, physicians would remain in private practice. Patients would have full choice (no more HMO networks). If their doctor says something needs to be done, Medicare covers it.
The only thing that would be "socialized" is the insurance aspect. Most of those currently working for private insurance companies would still have jobs in the administration of Medicare. Their payroll would be met by abolishing the Bush tax cuts on the wealthy and by ending the war in Iraq. This would also allow tax cuts for the middle class and working poor.
Again, I prefer NO tax. Woodrow Wilson was a ham of a president, and his Federal Reserve, IRS, and Income Tax are what started this mess. If we can get rid of it and start over, then those who do require constant medical care could pay into some optional system that they can get services from.
It seems we agree on practically every other issue,
. [edit on 1/8/2008 by Arcane Demesne]
