Let me say once again that health INSURANCE is not the same as health CARE, especially as it is practiced in this country, especially as it is embodied in the the phony Medicare Advantage system.
Putting profits over people has nothing to do with health care.
And we need to keep reminding people (I think I heard that another woman has died in Texas), abortion is just small part of health care.
Go to Mass-Care (https://masscare.org/muni-calc/) to have someone in your town's HR department determine how much your town could save in health insurance with a Medicare for All system. My town of fewer than 9,000 would have saved more than $2,000,000, and the employees would have saved about $2,000 had the proposed legislation passed last year. Since national single payer seems out of reach, we are working on it on the state level, as are people in other states. If we had a single payer system here, perhaps there would be one more rich health insurance mogul alive today.
And people would get the care they need. But Elon and chump will fix everything. No need for another election ever. Maybe we are a nation of suckers and losersтАж at least half anyway
I read book, many years ago, called тАЬA Nation of SheepтАЭ. I canтАЩt remember the author, as I was a young woman and am now 79. However, itтАЩs seems to me forty eight million people would fit the description. My heart breaks for my daughter and grandchildren.
kdsherpa, I noticed that you are a retired Psychiatrist. You have any insight into the idea that humans, by nature, by genetics, by culture are mostly followers? I get that we here, are paying attention to HCR and what she has to say. I tend to think that she is a leader and we are following her insightful lead, would you agree? Of course, those of us on the left want to think we know better, we're smarter, they are stupider. The thing is, that they (mostly followers) have been gathered into a tribe, a cult, a culture and they vote and they buy guns and ammunition. they've thrown progressivism overboard. We on the left have just discovered that reason, logic, critical thinking, equality, human rights...you know, all that smart insightfully kind stuff that we value has somehow become valueless to the followers. I think about human origins, how we are apes, social creatures, how a lot of the way we were in the primitive times remains in our biological makeup. I think how almost all human societies are inclined to manifest hierarchically and how does that work for a nation like ours built on laws and science? And hell, technology and social media platforms and Christianity that isn't Christlike. We smarties aren't good at being in charge and we don't know what to do about it Yeuchh. Glad your hubby was a former Buddhist monk. that's cool.
They would get the care they need only if our entire government was backing it. Otherwise, conservatives, Republicans and Democrats, would work toward making it not work.
Repubs have been throwing sand in the gears for decades. HST accused them of calling anything that helped all the people тАЬsocialism.тАЭ Same old, same old
Terry, first the AMA stood in the way during the New Deal. Since then every attempt at this has been stymied by the powerful insurance industry. I had a cousin who worked in the insurance industry as a peon. First, they would not accommodate her needs at her work station. She finally ended up working with United Health Care as the companies where she worked were absorbed by them. She called them United Death Care.
The insurance industry could still exist and make good money in the event that we actually get single payer ( medicare for all). The government program would cover everyone, but not everything. For those who want special care ( specific ortho, critical care services late in life, or life extending treatment in the face of old age and poor prognosis, fancy new drugs,ect). Many would pay for these policies. The market would be competitive. Basic and effective healthcare for all would clearly need to be limited to treatment shown to be effective and affordable. We have plenty of good effective treatments that are affordable. At a fraction of what we pay now. This would protect the people from the industry. Yes, rich people would get better care. Just like they have better homes and cars. Nothing new there. But the industry would no longer be making a billions off of working taxpayers who also buy insurance to care for people who cannot afford to contribute. This structure would provide care for everyone, and protect the working people from excessive costs and bankruptcy.
Really not sure how these people sleep at night. Well, in a dark way, I do know now with this murdered executive. This era is not for those whose careers have collapsed and lost most of their money (e.g., me). ЁЯТФ
Obviously, self-pity does not work; but I am acutely aware, these days, of the high level of low living among the unprincipled and the declining level of decent living within the middle and labouring classes. ЁЯШв
All that ambivalence on the table, however, does not excuse wanton murder. The assassin is no folk hero; worse than the man he shot dead. Anyone else wondering if the man-hunt under way parallels the ending of 'Fahrenheit 451'? ЁЯШ▒
I met Senator Bernie Sanders at a Oakland hills village coffee shop the day after Bernie announced his "Medicare for All" policy in San Francisco a couple of years back. I shook hand & we chatted briefly about medical treatment billing practices. Bernie was & is on the right track; we must take profit incentives out of healing humans.
Bernie Sanders was right! And Dems in power fought him tooth and nail, I believe, out of greed. He's still right, and has more integrity in his pinkie toe than most politicians. Look at how Big Insurance funds those on Capitol Hill. When they did that to Bernie, I left the Dems to register as Independent, and I know I'm not the only one. I would like to say I don't condone murder, by assassination, nor by denial of services or claims for profit's sake.
As Kamala's campaign revealed, Democrats are seeking the center, including moderate Republicans. In light of the madness on the far right, this seems reasonable. However, I wish it were possible to have a strong and competitive Progressive party rather than the Bernies and AOCs having to latch onto the Dems. They will always be side-lined in that case.
The Dems sidelined Bern to their demise in 2016. When will they figure out that voters want change! People voted for trump because they are not happy with the establishment. Twice now! As the Dems keep cramming corporate purple moderates down our throats. We donтАЩt need to move to the middle. I have been a lifelong Democrat, i think i am ready to change party affiliation now. Bernie spoke truth and logic to power and people loved it. We need more of thatтАж
Bernie was and is up against a long history of seeing that this did and does not come to fruition. Two operatives hired by the AMA scuttled the idea during the New Deal. These Truths by Jill Lapore has a segment on this. The two of them went on to aid and abet Rs for quite a while. Our neighbor's daughter is a cardiac nurse up in Portland and she says the system is broken. I would agree. We all wait for some insurance company to decide if we can have the MRI, etc. while suffering in pain. And this is not life threatening as are some of their decisions. My take is that they would rather see people die than pay.
Of course they would rather see people die than pay for the treatment. That's how they rake in the money. We couldn't have those poor CEOs go without their bonuses of $38 million, now could we?
Brian, using the calculator is the first step. Then we need to present the info to the people in charge--in my town, the Board of Selectman and the Finance Committee. Next, vote on it at Town Meeting. Finally, present the savings data to our legislators. And primary them if they don't vote for the bill. : ). It's a process, and it takes time and effort, but it's something concrete that we can do to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors..
People in the US pay more per patient for their healthcare than Canadians do with national Medicare for all. The Canadian system is stretched thin and has many flaws but it still is better than what most American citizens get - unless you are wealthy enough to just pay for it yourself in which case, they have excellent health care. It shouldn't be just for rich people. Every citizen deserves access to excellent health care. Most citizens want it but Republicans dominate through gerrymandering and voter restrictions. You are losing your democracy down there.
How can we get in on that deal?? Seriously, I'm willing to move to Canada when we retire, but there doesn't seem to be a "retirement immigration" option.
Agreed national single payer seems (for foreseeable future) out of reach.Physicians For A National Health Plan has links for most states. Mass-Care is included.
But instead, they banded together to put a pack of criminal grifters in charge of all branches of the federal government (and most state governments, too). Apparently, most voters prefer whining to solutions.
Just to be a little fair here, Democrats have had ample opportunities to pass a single payer plan and have refused to do it every time. In general the politics of single payer don't seem to look "good" in our current system. If both parties oppose this, it will be very difficult to achieve change in the foreseeable future.
With citizens united :( it's hard to get anything done - the billionaires just pay lobbyists to bribe congress and wala stagnation and the rich get richer...
Democrats passed the closest thing to M4all that it was possible to pass with the legislature the voters put in place. Clinton tried for тАЬsomething better.тАЭ Obama learned that тАЬsomething betterтАЭ was impossible and put in place something that is a vast improvement over what we had before. I donтАЩt know who allowed private companies like United Healthcare to grift Medicare, but I wouldnтАЩt be surprised to learn that rethugs pushed it through.
Why does no one ever publicly say who is voting against these bills that would help so much. Let me guess. Is it a specific party? Why isn't this screamed out every day? On the front page of every newspaper. I want names.
The MA legislature is one of the least transparent in the country. Our new auditor is about to use the power that we just gave her in a ballot measure to audit the legislature. Groups like ActOnMass are trying to get people to demand answers from their legislators. When a legislator can proclaim support of a bill and even co-sign, there is no way to know how they voted on it in committee.
A few years ago, I attended a small town hall meeting with our U.S. Representative (a Democrat) and our local state representative, also a Democrat. When the topic got to healthcare, I said that we needed to seriously push for universal healthcare. The U.S. Rep said, "Americans do not want the government to interfere in our insurance based system." Then, the state rep said, "Yes, with the number of Canadians who have to cross the border into the U.S. to get care, we sure don't want a universal healthcare system like Canada." That statement got me upset, and I said, "That is a misrepresentation of the facts and promotes untruths spread by right-wing news outlets." The U.S. representative looked a me; he looked at his aid, and said, "This meeting is over!" And everyone left.
Democracy in action! (sarcastic response, in case that's not clear).
Try getting someone to use the municipal calculator from Mass-Care so that you can present the savings that moving to single payer will bring to your town.
HeтАЩs been pretty quiet these past number of daysтАжnot much TV face time happening (itтАЩs all been focused on his selections & Congress)тАж.wonder if heтАЩs hiding, or if his handlers are hiding himтАж.hmmmm. Not that IтАЩm complaining, mind you, about not seeing/hearing himтАжquite the opposite!
I'm old enough to wonder if my final years will be soiled by having him as prezident. He's already done a bad enough number over the past 10 years, throughout my 60's.
I am 85. I do not expect America to ever awaken. If it does "awaken", it will be to the horror of what it, being a major force on the planet, has created. It's VERY disturbing.
We have lived during enormous progress; I think during your and my life time, industrialized countries have used and used up the majoring of the earth's resources. The USA is the major producer and consumer of everything.
There was little thought of leaving enough for the future. When people say they want to insure their grandchildren's futures....I think: Good God!, how self centered! What about the future of those 10,000 years away???
kd, i am in my early 80s and do not appreciate what is happening to the elderly or ordinary people of any age. I was so depressed when death star won, that i told my LMT that only people who are happy are already dead.
People our age are only useful to ourselves. We have served our biological purpose and our societal duties. We have to face that and just count our blessings: one having lived in the USA when it was a pretty good deal. I had a lot of challenges but all in all I had a lot of freedom. Completing a B.A. ($12.50 a credit!) while raising kids (no health insurance and affordable doctors), a business, 5,6&7 months budget solo travel, living in Mexico.
In the past in Japan, old people would voluntarily be taken to a place to starve to death. The sustenance had to go to the productive members and the youth.
The fact that we have SS and Medicare is a huge blessing. In the past old people had to depend on family and often that was not very enjoyable. The ability to live independent of family ...well, if I ever get to the point of dependence, then there's a little stockpile of pharmaceuticals.....
I did the best I could to NOT pay attention to the election and even now when the TFFG is promising chaos. I spend my study on the world situation starting at the Oct 7th: Palestinians and Israel, now Russia, Iran, BRICS, and now Syria! It's a lot for a Lit. Major who never paid attention to current affairs or history. Big learning curve. 3-4 hours a day Almost all from YOUTUBE...one good source is "Judging Freedom" with Judge Andrew Napolitano and guests, usually 3 a day. Then there is Norman Finkelstein: the expert on Palestine. These then lead to others.
One thing I have learned is the USA is causing misery everywhere.
Trump is only the puppet/actor for their plan. It completely wore him out, and now he is back doing what pleases him the most - in front of his adoring fans at Mar a Lago, doing what he does best (gloating) while they kiss his ring.
Every one of Donald's picks is also a puppet, just like Donld himself.
Lord knows none of them are competent or have any genuine leadership ability. But lurking behind each one will be a number of staffers setting policy, doing the actual work, and implementing the Heritage Foundation's agenda.
I've noticed that, too. Verbal reports of his hard work but thats not like him. Very unusual for him not to be dominating the airwaves with pronouncements and off the cuff bragging. Have to wonder about his mental state. Regardless of what the background characters do, nobody rouses the masses like T in person. Nobody.
HowтАЩs that working out? There are a lot of guns out there. Musk bought us Trump and a lot of free disinformation. You get what you pay for. This is going to get really ugly.
I keep saying if Great Britain kicked Musk's sorry self out, for creating discord & being devisive there, why haven't we sent his butt back to S. Africa as well?? His citizenship can be revoked, as I understand. Or do we value $$ more here, than a greedy, narcissistic, wannabe overlord's divisive input, respect to our government's policies; albeit he's from another country? Disappointing...
Perhaps we should consider nationalizing both SpaceX and Starlink. After all, they are national security assets. Let the Space Nazi keep his worthless X platform, though.
I think we are well past the time that could have happened. Someday people who are now "worshiping" Biden will wake up and realize how absolutely middle of the road he was. Something like taking over the satellite industry would never have crossed his mind. We still live in a nation that worships capitalism and free market enterprise, at least for the wealthy. Nationalization of industry has never even been CLOSE to on the radar. I doubt it ever will in my lifetime.
The system is corrupt. Our employees get a better plan and we pay for it. A bot tells us we are denied, or is that someone that just graduated junior high? I've questioned the high cost of pharmacutical drugs. The answer is the same as the price of new cars and groceries.
Many Insta postings today in the vein of the 65,000 laugh emojis responding to United Healthcare on Facebook. My favorite: тАЬI have a concept of condolences.тАЭ (from bguiles, whoever that is)
Dear Talia, some of us completely agree. Writing this for Frank L also. Two gigantic obstacles are the insurance companies who make billions, and specialist MDтАЩs who also make big bucks. Sigh.
And don't forget the pharmaceutical industry, which is manipulating prices, supply, and shilling inexpensive compounds for tens of thousands per month. My mom has been through every biologic in the book, and they are nearly killing her each time. When she goes off one, they keep shipping $25,000 auto injectors to her house. She's keeping them in her fridge in place of food because she fears the government will come looking for them, wanting their money back. It is a boondoggle and a half.
The commercial carriers are contracted by the Fed to admin and process Champ/VA, Tricare, Original Medicare and Medicaid claims. No different than the fed contracts businesses for pens and tanks and hammers. So we wouldn't get rid of them but they would be controlled.
Not that this is the solution for everyone: I live in Mexico and have received excellent health care. If one is under 70 they are eligible for a very affordable private health care insurance. I moved here just as I turned 70, so I don't have it. I just go to doctors and pay.
There is public insurance which some carry in case they have a major issue like cancer so they can chose to use doctors in that system. I have used it and it was fine except for the inconveniences in a system that is basically underfunded.
I have also lived in Thailand with it's really lovely 1st class care.
There are many countries that offer affordable quality care. Countries whose leaders are not funding their citizen's tax dollars on personal wars. Countries that do not allow just anyone to own any kind of gun.
No kidding!!! It has been a very popular idea with MOST of the American populace; we'd LOVE a decent single payer system that the Republicans couldn't play patticakes with and flub it all to hell.
The only naysayers are people who bleat endlessly about communism and socialism (disregarding the fact that those systems are not one and the same and that those same bleaters couldn't define either system) and the insurance companies who have harvested massive profits from the health insurance business.
The problem comes in when insurance companies start thinking that their profits should not only come before the actual health CARE of patients but also begin putting AI, accountants and CFO's in charge of the DECISIONS--decisions that should be between the person being covered and their doctor ONLY--on healthcare coverage. Health insurance should NEVER, EVER be "for profit".
Really not sure how these people sleep at night. Well, in a dark way, I do know now with this murdered executive. This era is not for those whose careers have collapsed and lost most of their money (e.g., me). ЁЯТФ
Obviously, self-pity does not work; but I am acutely aware, these days, of the high level of low living among the unprincipled and the declining level of decent living within the middle and labouring classes. ЁЯШв
All that ambivalence on the table, however, does not excuse wanton murder. The assassin is no folk hero; worse than the man he shot dead. Anyone else wondering if the man-hunt under way parallels the ending of 'Fahrenheit 451'? ЁЯШ▒
Dear America: You REALLY need a national healthcare system!
Let me say once again that health INSURANCE is not the same as health CARE, especially as it is practiced in this country, especially as it is embodied in the the phony Medicare Advantage system.
Putting profits over people has nothing to do with health care.
And we need to keep reminding people (I think I heard that another woman has died in Texas), abortion is just small part of health care.
Go to Mass-Care (https://masscare.org/muni-calc/) to have someone in your town's HR department determine how much your town could save in health insurance with a Medicare for All system. My town of fewer than 9,000 would have saved more than $2,000,000, and the employees would have saved about $2,000 had the proposed legislation passed last year. Since national single payer seems out of reach, we are working on it on the state level, as are people in other states. If we had a single payer system here, perhaps there would be one more rich health insurance mogul alive today.
There would not be any rich insurance moguls if we had a single payer system...
And people would get the care they need. But Elon and chump will fix everything. No need for another election ever. Maybe we are a nation of suckers and losersтАж at least half anyway
People will wake up, perhaps when they are sick and broke but they will!
Will they? There are an awful lot of geese in this country -- more than I ever guessed -- who will follow the leader, no matter where he takes them.
Intersting. I have been using the term - nation of lemmings - but your geese analogy fits - Make America Geeselike Again
I read book, many years ago, called тАЬA Nation of SheepтАЭ. I canтАЩt remember the author, as I was a young woman and am now 79. However, itтАЩs seems to me forty eight million people would fit the description. My heart breaks for my daughter and grandchildren.
kdsherpa, I noticed that you are a retired Psychiatrist. You have any insight into the idea that humans, by nature, by genetics, by culture are mostly followers? I get that we here, are paying attention to HCR and what she has to say. I tend to think that she is a leader and we are following her insightful lead, would you agree? Of course, those of us on the left want to think we know better, we're smarter, they are stupider. The thing is, that they (mostly followers) have been gathered into a tribe, a cult, a culture and they vote and they buy guns and ammunition. they've thrown progressivism overboard. We on the left have just discovered that reason, logic, critical thinking, equality, human rights...you know, all that smart insightfully kind stuff that we value has somehow become valueless to the followers. I think about human origins, how we are apes, social creatures, how a lot of the way we were in the primitive times remains in our biological makeup. I think how almost all human societies are inclined to manifest hierarchically and how does that work for a nation like ours built on laws and science? And hell, technology and social media platforms and Christianity that isn't Christlike. We smarties aren't good at being in charge and we don't know what to do about it Yeuchh. Glad your hubby was a former Buddhist monk. that's cool.
When people are sick and broke, their energy is depleted as well. I knowтАж
It makes it next to impossible to FIGHT with insurance companies!
I appreciate your optimism. Mine is limping but not dead.
Oh I have my moments for sure but then I realized that doesn't help me or anyone else.
Hmm?... I wonder what the Wealth Disparity in France was under Louis XVI? Look At How That Turned Out For The 'Haves & Have Mores'...
Suckers and losers - hummmm. You don't mean tRump voters do you?
As good as deplorables for them, even ones in my life. I am kind but respect took a big hit.
ЁЯдмЁЯдмЁЯдмЁЯдмЁЯдмЁЯдмЁЯдмЁЯдмЁЯдм
They would get the care they need only if our entire government was backing it. Otherwise, conservatives, Republicans and Democrats, would work toward making it not work.
Repubs have been throwing sand in the gears for decades. HST accused them of calling anything that helped all the people тАЬsocialism.тАЭ Same old, same old
Terry, first the AMA stood in the way during the New Deal. Since then every attempt at this has been stymied by the powerful insurance industry. I had a cousin who worked in the insurance industry as a peon. First, they would not accommodate her needs at her work station. She finally ended up working with United Health Care as the companies where she worked were absorbed by them. She called them United Death Care.
People are super ignorant of how the world works until it affects them or their loved ones. This recent election shows us that for sure.
We used to say CIGNA meant Call In, Get No Answer.
The insurance industry could still exist and make good money in the event that we actually get single payer ( medicare for all). The government program would cover everyone, but not everything. For those who want special care ( specific ortho, critical care services late in life, or life extending treatment in the face of old age and poor prognosis, fancy new drugs,ect). Many would pay for these policies. The market would be competitive. Basic and effective healthcare for all would clearly need to be limited to treatment shown to be effective and affordable. We have plenty of good effective treatments that are affordable. At a fraction of what we pay now. This would protect the people from the industry. Yes, rich people would get better care. Just like they have better homes and cars. Nothing new there. But the industry would no longer be making a billions off of working taxpayers who also buy insurance to care for people who cannot afford to contribute. This structure would provide care for everyone, and protect the working people from excessive costs and bankruptcy.
You know we can't have that. Americans worship the wealthy.
Yes, and have been trained to have an inferiority complex if they haven't managed to get rich themselves.
And no unnecessary deaths, either of patients or of CEOs.
And wouldn't that be an excellent outcome!??!!
Really not sure how these people sleep at night. Well, in a dark way, I do know now with this murdered executive. This era is not for those whose careers have collapsed and lost most of their money (e.g., me). ЁЯТФ
Obviously, self-pity does not work; but I am acutely aware, these days, of the high level of low living among the unprincipled and the declining level of decent living within the middle and labouring classes. ЁЯШв
All that ambivalence on the table, however, does not excuse wanton murder. The assassin is no folk hero; worse than the man he shot dead. Anyone else wondering if the man-hunt under way parallels the ending of 'Fahrenheit 451'? ЁЯШ▒
Thank you for the data & the link Betsy. ЁЯЩП
I met Senator Bernie Sanders at a Oakland hills village coffee shop the day after Bernie announced his "Medicare for All" policy in San Francisco a couple of years back. I shook hand & we chatted briefly about medical treatment billing practices. Bernie was & is on the right track; we must take profit incentives out of healing humans.
Bernie Sanders was right! And Dems in power fought him tooth and nail, I believe, out of greed. He's still right, and has more integrity in his pinkie toe than most politicians. Look at how Big Insurance funds those on Capitol Hill. When they did that to Bernie, I left the Dems to register as Independent, and I know I'm not the only one. I would like to say I don't condone murder, by assassination, nor by denial of services or claims for profit's sake.
As Kamala's campaign revealed, Democrats are seeking the center, including moderate Republicans. In light of the madness on the far right, this seems reasonable. However, I wish it were possible to have a strong and competitive Progressive party rather than the Bernies and AOCs having to latch onto the Dems. They will always be side-lined in that case.
The Dems sidelined Bern to their demise in 2016. When will they figure out that voters want change! People voted for trump because they are not happy with the establishment. Twice now! As the Dems keep cramming corporate purple moderates down our throats. We donтАЩt need to move to the middle. I have been a lifelong Democrat, i think i am ready to change party affiliation now. Bernie spoke truth and logic to power and people loved it. We need more of thatтАж
Right on Mona. I left the Dems in the Wake of the Chicago Debacle in 1968.
I have never seen Bernie's toes but, I can tell you when he talks to you he looks directly into your eyes & listens.
It's the listening skill that we Dems have lost and need to re-learn.
Bernie was and is up against a long history of seeing that this did and does not come to fruition. Two operatives hired by the AMA scuttled the idea during the New Deal. These Truths by Jill Lapore has a segment on this. The two of them went on to aid and abet Rs for quite a while. Our neighbor's daughter is a cardiac nurse up in Portland and she says the system is broken. I would agree. We all wait for some insurance company to decide if we can have the MRI, etc. while suffering in pain. And this is not life threatening as are some of their decisions. My take is that they would rather see people die than pay.
Of course they would rather see people die than pay for the treatment. That's how they rake in the money. We couldn't have those poor CEOs go without their bonuses of $38 million, now could we?
Useful history Michele; HCR, Professor, please put this history on your
"To Post List".
Brian, using the calculator is the first step. Then we need to present the info to the people in charge--in my town, the Board of Selectman and the Finance Committee. Next, vote on it at Town Meeting. Finally, present the savings data to our legislators. And primary them if they don't vote for the bill. : ). It's a process, and it takes time and effort, but it's something concrete that we can do to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors..
People in the US pay more per patient for their healthcare than Canadians do with national Medicare for all. The Canadian system is stretched thin and has many flaws but it still is better than what most American citizens get - unless you are wealthy enough to just pay for it yourself in which case, they have excellent health care. It shouldn't be just for rich people. Every citizen deserves access to excellent health care. Most citizens want it but Republicans dominate through gerrymandering and voter restrictions. You are losing your democracy down there.
Hook-Up with a Canuck!
How can we get in on that deal?? Seriously, I'm willing to move to Canada when we retire, but there doesn't seem to be a "retirement immigration" option.
Agreed national single payer seems (for foreseeable future) out of reach.Physicians For A National Health Plan has links for most states. Mass-Care is included.
https://pnhp.org/
That it is "out of reach" is obscene.
Agree. And I would add unconscionable.
People need to band together and demand it. Power to the people must be seized not waited for from above. That will never happen.
But instead, they banded together to put a pack of criminal grifters in charge of all branches of the federal government (and most state governments, too). Apparently, most voters prefer whining to solutions.
ЁЯШТ
Just to be a little fair here, Democrats have had ample opportunities to pass a single payer plan and have refused to do it every time. In general the politics of single payer don't seem to look "good" in our current system. If both parties oppose this, it will be very difficult to achieve change in the foreseeable future.
With citizens united :( it's hard to get anything done - the billionaires just pay lobbyists to bribe congress and wala stagnation and the rich get richer...
Democrats passed the closest thing to M4all that it was possible to pass with the legislature the voters put in place. Clinton tried for тАЬsomething better.тАЭ Obama learned that тАЬsomething betterтАЭ was impossible and put in place something that is a vast improvement over what we had before. I donтАЩt know who allowed private companies like United Healthcare to grift Medicare, but I wouldnтАЩt be surprised to learn that rethugs pushed it through.
Can you say George W. bush?
Why does no one ever publicly say who is voting against these bills that would help so much. Let me guess. Is it a specific party? Why isn't this screamed out every day? On the front page of every newspaper. I want names.
The MA legislature is one of the least transparent in the country. Our new auditor is about to use the power that we just gave her in a ballot measure to audit the legislature. Groups like ActOnMass are trying to get people to demand answers from their legislators. When a legislator can proclaim support of a bill and even co-sign, there is no way to know how they voted on it in committee.
Why do you imagine that rethug voters would listen?
A few years ago, I attended a small town hall meeting with our U.S. Representative (a Democrat) and our local state representative, also a Democrat. When the topic got to healthcare, I said that we needed to seriously push for universal healthcare. The U.S. Rep said, "Americans do not want the government to interfere in our insurance based system." Then, the state rep said, "Yes, with the number of Canadians who have to cross the border into the U.S. to get care, we sure don't want a universal healthcare system like Canada." That statement got me upset, and I said, "That is a misrepresentation of the facts and promotes untruths spread by right-wing news outlets." The U.S. representative looked a me; he looked at his aid, and said, "This meeting is over!" And everyone left.
Democracy in action! (sarcastic response, in case that's not clear).
Try getting someone to use the municipal calculator from Mass-Care so that you can present the savings that moving to single payer will bring to your town.
Remember tRump has a concept of a planтАж.
HeтАЩs been pretty quiet these past number of daysтАжnot much TV face time happening (itтАЩs all been focused on his selections & Congress)тАж.wonder if heтАЩs hiding, or if his handlers are hiding himтАж.hmmmm. Not that IтАЩm complaining, mind you, about not seeing/hearing himтАжquite the opposite!
Ik,r? It's awful enough to have to hear ABOUT him constantly! I dream of a trump-free life...
I'm old enough to wonder if my final years will be soiled by having him as prezident. He's already done a bad enough number over the past 10 years, throughout my 60's.
I'm 87. Will America reawaken before I'm gone? Oddly, that disturbs me.
I don't think it's odd at all. If you ever loved this country, realizing that it may be destroyed after we are gone is devastating.
Mr. Weekley,
I am 85. I do not expect America to ever awaken. If it does "awaken", it will be to the horror of what it, being a major force on the planet, has created. It's VERY disturbing.
We have lived during enormous progress; I think during your and my life time, industrialized countries have used and used up the majoring of the earth's resources. The USA is the major producer and consumer of everything.
There was little thought of leaving enough for the future. When people say they want to insure their grandchildren's futures....I think: Good God!, how self centered! What about the future of those 10,000 years away???
kd, i am in my early 80s and do not appreciate what is happening to the elderly or ordinary people of any age. I was so depressed when death star won, that i told my LMT that only people who are happy are already dead.
Michele,
People our age are only useful to ourselves. We have served our biological purpose and our societal duties. We have to face that and just count our blessings: one having lived in the USA when it was a pretty good deal. I had a lot of challenges but all in all I had a lot of freedom. Completing a B.A. ($12.50 a credit!) while raising kids (no health insurance and affordable doctors), a business, 5,6&7 months budget solo travel, living in Mexico.
In the past in Japan, old people would voluntarily be taken to a place to starve to death. The sustenance had to go to the productive members and the youth.
The fact that we have SS and Medicare is a huge blessing. In the past old people had to depend on family and often that was not very enjoyable. The ability to live independent of family ...well, if I ever get to the point of dependence, then there's a little stockpile of pharmaceuticals.....
I did the best I could to NOT pay attention to the election and even now when the TFFG is promising chaos. I spend my study on the world situation starting at the Oct 7th: Palestinians and Israel, now Russia, Iran, BRICS, and now Syria! It's a lot for a Lit. Major who never paid attention to current affairs or history. Big learning curve. 3-4 hours a day Almost all from YOUTUBE...one good source is "Judging Freedom" with Judge Andrew Napolitano and guests, usually 3 a day. Then there is Norman Finkelstein: the expert on Palestine. These then lead to others.
One thing I have learned is the USA is causing misery everywhere.
Trump is only the puppet/actor for their plan. It completely wore him out, and now he is back doing what pleases him the most - in front of his adoring fans at Mar a Lago, doing what he does best (gloating) while they kiss his ring.
Every one of Donald's picks is also a puppet, just like Donld himself.
Lord knows none of them are competent or have any genuine leadership ability. But lurking behind each one will be a number of staffers setting policy, doing the actual work, and implementing the Heritage Foundation's agenda.
Unfortunately.
All he loves, that ugly arse in his mirror
I've noticed that, too. Verbal reports of his hard work but thats not like him. Very unusual for him not to be dominating the airwaves with pronouncements and off the cuff bragging. Have to wonder about his mental state. Regardless of what the background characters do, nobody rouses the masses like T in person. Nobody.
I agree, Barbara. I never want to see Pouty Potty Mouth again. That goes for his тАЬhandlers тАЬ as well.
HowтАЩs that working out? There are a lot of guns out there. Musk bought us Trump and a lot of free disinformation. You get what you pay for. This is going to get really ugly.
I keep saying if Great Britain kicked Musk's sorry self out, for creating discord & being devisive there, why haven't we sent his butt back to S. Africa as well?? His citizenship can be revoked, as I understand. Or do we value $$ more here, than a greedy, narcissistic, wannabe overlord's divisive input, respect to our government's policies; albeit he's from another country? Disappointing...
Talk about an illegal immigrant & his illegal Afrikaner entry. Continue the Exodus to ЁЯжЛ.
Ah, but he has control of the satellites, which is unfortunate.
Perhaps we should consider nationalizing both SpaceX and Starlink. After all, they are national security assets. Let the Space Nazi keep his worthless X platform, though.
I think we are well past the time that could have happened. Someday people who are now "worshiping" Biden will wake up and realize how absolutely middle of the road he was. Something like taking over the satellite industry would never have crossed his mind. We still live in a nation that worships capitalism and free market enterprise, at least for the wealthy. Nationalization of industry has never even been CLOSE to on the radar. I doubt it ever will in my lifetime.
Muck has government contracts with 10 or more Federal Agencies. Time to investigate what DOGE does do, if anything.
Gee, wonder what musk gets for his big investmentтАжЁЯдФ
Got that right Susan. Wreck is headed for France this Weekend for the Notre Damn re-opening amid the disruption of a "no-confidence" French vote.
High security risk for the Sinner on the Seine. Joe will be there too.
The system is corrupt. Our employees get a better plan and we pay for it. A bot tells us we are denied, or is that someone that just graduated junior high? I've questioned the high cost of pharmacutical drugs. The answer is the same as the price of new cars and groceries.
A concept of a plan to either do nothing or destroy. That's all he knows how to do.
Sociopaths gotta sociopath.
Many Insta postings today in the vein of the 65,000 laugh emojis responding to United Healthcare on Facebook. My favorite: тАЬI have a concept of condolences.тАЭ (from bguiles, whoever that is)
Good luck. Look who America has elected.
Dear Talia, some of us completely agree. Writing this for Frank L also. Two gigantic obstacles are the insurance companies who make billions, and specialist MDтАЩs who also make big bucks. Sigh.
And don't forget the pharmaceutical industry, which is manipulating prices, supply, and shilling inexpensive compounds for tens of thousands per month. My mom has been through every biologic in the book, and they are nearly killing her each time. When she goes off one, they keep shipping $25,000 auto injectors to her house. She's keeping them in her fridge in place of food because she fears the government will come looking for them, wanting their money back. It is a boondoggle and a half.
A boondoggle to flim flam the vulnerable
The commercial carriers are contracted by the Fed to admin and process Champ/VA, Tricare, Original Medicare and Medicaid claims. No different than the fed contracts businesses for pens and tanks and hammers. So we wouldn't get rid of them but they would be controlled.
Not that this is the solution for everyone: I live in Mexico and have received excellent health care. If one is under 70 they are eligible for a very affordable private health care insurance. I moved here just as I turned 70, so I don't have it. I just go to doctors and pay.
There is public insurance which some carry in case they have a major issue like cancer so they can chose to use doctors in that system. I have used it and it was fine except for the inconveniences in a system that is basically underfunded.
I have also lived in Thailand with it's really lovely 1st class care.
There are many countries that offer affordable quality care. Countries whose leaders are not funding their citizen's tax dollars on personal wars. Countries that do not allow just anyone to own any kind of gun.
No kidding!!! It has been a very popular idea with MOST of the American populace; we'd LOVE a decent single payer system that the Republicans couldn't play patticakes with and flub it all to hell.
The only naysayers are people who bleat endlessly about communism and socialism (disregarding the fact that those systems are not one and the same and that those same bleaters couldn't define either system) and the insurance companies who have harvested massive profits from the health insurance business.
The problem comes in when insurance companies start thinking that their profits should not only come before the actual health CARE of patients but also begin putting AI, accountants and CFO's in charge of the DECISIONS--decisions that should be between the person being covered and their doctor ONLY--on healthcare coverage. Health insurance should NEVER, EVER be "for profit".
publicly funded, mind you!
Like in Australia.....
Really not sure how these people sleep at night. Well, in a dark way, I do know now with this murdered executive. This era is not for those whose careers have collapsed and lost most of their money (e.g., me). ЁЯТФ
Obviously, self-pity does not work; but I am acutely aware, these days, of the high level of low living among the unprincipled and the declining level of decent living within the middle and labouring classes. ЁЯШв
All that ambivalence on the table, however, does not excuse wanton murder. The assassin is no folk hero; worse than the man he shot dead. Anyone else wondering if the man-hunt under way parallels the ending of 'Fahrenheit 451'? ЁЯШ▒
For Sure! - an American who has thought so for decades.