First off, Mods if this needs to be moved then please do so. I wasn't quite sure where to post. As the title states I need some of our ATS'ers to serve as a sounding board. I am truly in the middle of the healthcare debate. Now I am well aware of the different news reports and have even read 2 (mostly, with migraines to prove it)of the bills. But recently my situation has caused me to re-evaluate some of my beliefs and stances about this subject and would like an honest "no holds barred" discussionabout this topic. Of course sideline the political and personal attacks please.

Now for a little background: I have about 20 years in the workforce, paid my taxes and only once , during my daughters birth (13 years ago), apply for public assistance ( in the form of WIC). I have worked mostly law enforcement and manual labor jobs , even using day labor during a homeless spell. Now I am at a decent time in my llife however 3 months ago I was injured at work (strained lumbar) and to make a long story short found out after an MRI and bone scan that essentially my lumbar area is in the shape of an 80 year old. In other words I can't stand up and it is almost impossible for me to work as I have to rotate activity every 15 minutes between standing sitting and laying down, along with some wicked pain meds. Worker's comp denied any claim for the "pre-existing conditions" and I am now declined by my work's medical insurance for the same thing as I only recently became eligible. I am not telling you this as a means of garnering sympathy. I am however asking for opinions from those on both sides, as I have had to bite the bullet and do something at my young age that I thought I would never do. File for Social Security Disability. ( I have a daughter to look out for and that was my main drive) .

Now before all this happened I was completely against the healthcare bill or ANY attempt to socialize medicine. Now the only 2 things I want out of the bill is mobility of coverage and kill "pre-existing conditions". Honestly I am not nor have I ever been one to suck on the gov't teet, however I have garnered new respect for the safety net. I used to look down on people in my situation as not attempting to do EVERYTHING they can to avoid taking help. I am just at a crossroads and want to have an honest discussion about this subject. No vitriol, no political pissing matches, just honest opinions.

I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way. It's different when it's you, isn't it?

Some people are able to put themselves in other people's places even when it's NOT them. It's called empathy. Compassion. Caring.

I'm truely sorry you are having a hard time, and I sincerely wish you my best.

It would be nice if other's could learn from your experiences. Thank you so much for sharing this.

Both of you are correct. The entire overhaul needs to wait. A few things, could be put forward as the mobility and killing the PRECON's. And as much as I have had time to think on this subject to take myself out of the picture, unfortunatly the present is a different matter. I don't wish to impose anything on others that could destroy quality of life or to remove hard earned money from families or people that are trying just to make thier way. I am just trying to understand WHY we can't incrementally do this. But that being said, I cannot in good concious, advocate something that will IMO destroy our economy. If Obama and Pelosi would wait 2 years and pitch this again after what we can see for saving our economy I think the public and myself wouldn't have such an aversion to it.

I would assume, considering the threads you've authored on this topic, you would have some idea of what has been said.

To be sure I am taking every last one of your guys and ladies posts in. I know none of us ACTUALLY have a say outside of contacting our reps, as this bill won't be put up for referendum. It is more of a fact of trying to square things away in my head about it. I could be helped by it's passage although my daughter and grand kids may or may not be hurt by it. I will always put my daughter's welfare before my own....no question, but at the same time if I can get "fixed through reform" how is that not better than me sucking of the public dole? Ugh.

With all due respect state and local taxes are not valid points in this equation as they do not get funneled into the federal pot. You have the right to relocate to another state to avoid those taxes, NY NJ and Cal being the worst followed by Was and Or. Don't try and muddy the waters with taxes that are not levied against the entire nation.