I have recently come to the conclusion that congress is comprised of parasitic children that have consumed the minds of intelligent, achievement seeking men and women. I only recently came to this conclusion because I could not quite put my finger on what exactly was behind their reckless combativeness. While I have no physical proof to support these claims, recent empirical evidence upholds my findings.
I am specifically referring to Rep. Wilson’s recent “you lie” outburst during President Obama’s speech to congress addressing health care. Ironically enough it is not the outburst that disturbs me the most, it is the reaction to such an outburst. After Rep. Wilson’s vocal eruption, a series of “boo’s” directly proceeded. What is happening? Are we at a NickelBack concert? A Glenn Beck Common BS “Comedy” show? These are elected officials, individuals that should be upholding the best interest of the nation, and not just their constituency.
The “boo’s” were bad enough, but now the Dems have voted to rebuke Wilson. [1] Idiocy as it’s best. The guy apologized and the American populous has absolutely nothing to gain. If the Dems are looking to gain ground politically, the ends simply do not justify the means. While this event is simply an example of adolescence that should be left to high school cheerleading squads (don’t ask me where I got that reference), the bigger problem is in the politics that negatively affect millions and benefit dozens.
To be quite frank, the GOP has become obstructionists in the health care debate. Some have even gone as far as to come out and say that they hope Obama tanks on heath care, presumably so they can continue to blame instead of solve. Despite whatever opinion you have on health care, this is despicable. Public officials are not elected so they can sit back and point out what they see as short comings of another party while offering no real solutions themselves.
I increasingly feel that politics are completely separate from government. As a whole, I believe we have one of the best systems of government created though all the great nations. The problem that grinds away the government’s effectiveness is the polarization of politics. It is this polarization that has somehow made the health care debate into two clear cut sides. Those who are for “Obamacare” (we really did elect a President whose name can be conjoined with any other word didn’t we?) and those who seem to want no substantial reform. Can we please realize that there are other options besides those two side and have a common debate?
It is mind boggling to me how two sides of congress with supposedly the same goal, a better nation, believe that they’re doing the nation justice by doing nothing. Presently, it’s the GOP’s definition of existence, they know if they assist the democrats in coming up with substantial reform that can greatly benefit this nation, they will receive little credit. It will ensure a second term for the Obama administration.
This is what we’re reduced to, in an effort to put themselves in a position to help the nation in a way they deem appropriate, the GOP is more than happy to let nothing be accomplished for four years. Let me be clear, I am not saying for one second they should simply give in and vote along liberal lines for four years, simply that there is an answer to the health care problem, and that it needs bipartisan solutions. It might be painful, but slow moderate advances will not solve the problem of a bleeding system. Reform is needed.
What’s missing?
Have I read the bill? Sure, I’m on page 784…it’s a page turner. (I’m a big fat lair). Listen, to use the cliché , I’m no expert. If I was you’d never hear from my overly opinioned ass again. However, I do feel something is missing from both sides (at least the sides that are news worthy) of the debate. Preventative care.
Unfortunately, preventative care is one of the more difficult portions to put into a bill, not to mention it might be politically destructive for politicians to call us lazy fat asses that need to stop being hypochondriacs. However, there are things that government can and should do to address the rising costs. According to Heath Affairs, “the health share of GDP is anticipated to rise rapidly from 16.2 percent in 2007 to 17.6 percent in 2009, largely as a result of the recession, and then climb to 20.3 percent by 2018”. [2] Few will debate that health care costs are out of control, and there are an amazing array of reasons for that, however preventative care is one way of attacking the problem at the roots instead of hacking at the limbs.
Another Health Affairs article suggests that 9.1% of all heath care costs in this country are attributed to obesity, and is only continuing to rise as the general obesity levels increase. [3] Now what is to be done? The government will not and should not force a certain life style on our personal lives. The first steps are to promote general health, and there are countless ways to do this.
However, two thirds of Americans are either over weight or obese. So promotion of good health will only go so far. What is clear is that Americans need to be given healthy alternatives they can afford, or believe they can afford. A recent TIME Magazine article indicates that a dollar can buy “1,200 calories of potato chips or 875 calories of soda but just 250 calories of vegetables or 170 calories of fresh fruit. With the backing of the government, farmers are producing more calories — some 500 more per person per day since the 1970s” [4]
Another result of a massive food system is that it uses 19% of U.S. fossil fuels, more than any other sector of the economy. [4] Unfortunately any health care bill will have a difficult time addressing these problems as it is widely viewed as a separate issue. However, that is often a problem with politics as they look to fix problems for short term gain instead of address the cause, which will give little immediate benefit but could prevent the problem from reoccurring. If Obama does things right, we will not have need for another change candidate for decades to come as cause and effect will not have been confused.
[1] “House Votes To Rebuke Wilson for Interruption”, Paul Walsh, Washington Post, September 09
[2] “Health Spending Projections Through 2018: Recession Effects Add Uncertainty To The Outlook”, Andrea Sisko, Health Affairs
[3] “NationalMedical Spending Attributable To Overweight And Obesity: How Much, And Who’s Paying?”, Eric A. Finkelstein, Ian C. Fiebelkorn, and Guijing Wang, Health Affairs
[4] Getting Real About the High Price of Cheap Food”, Bryan Walsh, TIME, August 2009
