Congress clears historic health care bill...

[superantigen]

Originally Posted by chozin87

Originally Posted by UTVOL23

Originally Posted by gambit215

taken from another post but this is to everyone who states that Gov't doesnt do anything right:

This morning I was awoken by my alarm clock powered by electricity generated by the public power monopoly regulated by the US Department of Energy. I then took a shower in the clean water provided by the municipal water utility. After that, I turned on the TV to one of the FCC regulated channels to see what the National Weather Service of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration determined the weather was going to be like using satellites designed, built, and launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. I watched this while eating my breakfast of US Department of Agriculture inspected food and taking the drugs which have been determined as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration.

At the appropriate time as regulated by the US Congress and kept accurate by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the US Naval Observatory, I get into my National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approved automobile and set out to work on the roads built by the local, state, and federal Departments of Transportation, possibly stopping to purchase additional fuel of a quality level determined by the Environmental Protection Agency, using legal tender issued by the Federal Reserve Bank. On the way out the door I deposit any mail I have to be sent out via the US Postal Service, and then drop the kids off at the public school.

After spending another day not being maimed or killed at work thanks to the workplace regulations imposed by the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, enjoying another two meals which again do not kill me because of the USDA, I drive my NHTSA car back home on the DOT roads, to my house which has not burned down in my absence because of the state and local building codes and fire marshal’s inspection, and which has not been plundered of all it’s valuables thanks to the local police department.

I then log on to the internet which was developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration and post on FreeRepublic.com and Fox News forums about how SOCIALISM in medicine is BAD because the government can’t do anything right!

on a side note: depending if this person woke up @ 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM was determined by the Government as well (DST) for all you simps.

How efficiently run are all these programs and institutions etc?

Exactly.  
Everything the government does is inefficient and wasteful.  

You people are a joke.

Name one institution/complex that is run perfectly? You know, so that we can strive to be said institution/complex.

Go 'head, name one.

(I used the word "perfectly" and not "efficiently" because the former is absolute, and the latter depends on who you ask. Your idea of efficient is not my idea of efficient/vice versa. That said, let's throw out the ambiguity and use absolute terms--like perfect. So yeah, name one institution/complex that is "perfect"--irrespective of whether it's government run or not. I'll wait...even though I'm about to head to class.)


...

 

[shaunhillftw49]

Originally Posted by SunDOOBIE

Pretty damn efficient.

Nothing in life is PERFECT or do you live in a fairy tale life?

True. These Netflix DVD's are arriving faster via USPS (50 cents per pre-paid envelope) than it cost for a $20 overnight shirt from the same area.

 

[bostonthreeparty]

Originally Posted by Mez 0ne

Originally Posted by chixdigggit

Originally Posted by BostonThreeParty

Originally Posted by DubA169

this bill is hopefully just a stepping stone. once people realize that the sky isn't falling down. then obama can have much more sweeping change.


but these protesters are the best. money for a bunch of banks, but no money for their fellow americans health care.

I still don't see why other people should be on the hook for Joe Schmo to get a checkup. I don't see why people are obligated to pay for others to get care. 
I am all for people having health care who want it, but why peoples money who worked for themselves to use?

   I feel the same way.

Very selfish mindset.

With all the money the gov't wastes their money on, for the first time they are putting it to good use so our fellow human beings can a;; equally get #@%$!$+ care, yet some people still want to complain.

it is just wanting what to keep what you earned and not loose as much as possible for others and possibly be given who sit on the butts and wait for someone to give them handouts because thats what they think the government should do for them 

 

[chozin87]

Originally Posted by SuperAntigen

Originally Posted by Burns1923

Originally Posted by SuperAntigen

I'm presently on my phone so I can't quote but something caught my eye that NEEDED to be addressed.

"It's unrealistic to try and 'level the playing field'...."

Question--so in essence, are you implying that any attempt to do so is fundamentally hopeless?

That said, are you suggesting that the 'playing field', as it is, where certain groups have historically benefited off the plight and subjugation of others be left as is?

People--pay attention because Burns has, knowingly or unknowingly, exhibited rational that proves why and how America is such a screwed up Nation. Additionally, a statement to the tune of "let's not bother trying to level the playing field" is undeniable evidence of having lived (past and present) a privileged life--racial wise, religion wise, gender wise, sexual orientation wise--whatever the case may be.

Like I said, I'm presently on my phone (in the train) so I can't type/say as much as I would had I been on a computer. But best believe I'll add two more cents when I get back home.

...

Just stop already.

The relentless vilification is past old at this point; borderline trolling.

The big difference between you and I is that I think America is a great, noble nation that has flaws like any other, while you think it's an unjust nation that needs rebooted.  I advocate for individual talent and hard work.  You're suggesting, I think, that instead of people doing their part to lift themselves up, others must be brought lower.  The days of everybody getting a trophy whether or not they participate have got to stop if we're going to survive as a nation and as a people.

Difference of viewpoint, that's all.

Calm down now.

Frankly, I'm not going to play White House Spokesman, generating responses for every grenade lobbed.

I see people asking plenty but explaining nothing themselves.  Why don't some other people spend some time thinking about what problems over the past 50 years the Democrats played a part in? 
    
Or the thread can just die and we'll move on.  The conversation is running in a loop at this point.

Right... the conversation is only running a "loop" because it's not your kind "party"...that's all that is.

"...A great noble nation..."...a great nation, i'll give you that, but a "noble" one...

...do you even know what the definition of noble is...you truly are a misinformed individual. And to characterize this nations past injustices (which continue to have a profound effect in present) as "flaws" is not only a slap to the face of those who continuously and presently suffer because of said injustices, but its undeniable confirmation of your privilege and proof of a willful ignorance on matters pertaining to the history of race and class relations in the country.

Do I think America needs to be rebooted...not necessarily. I just think the line of thinking that governs this country needs to be re-programmed. This, especially, considering that line of thinking is that which you seem to apotheosize. You know, that thinking which suggest that if you're not rich, it's because you're lazy and uncommitted. That line of thinking that assumes that everyone in this country is treated fairly and unbiased. That line of thinking which proposes, admits, and recognizes that even though the playing field in fundamentally rigged and unfair, it's a waste of time to try and right some of wrong and prejudice.

[color= rgb(255, 0, 0)]QUESTION: Why is the playing field uneven/unfair?[/color]

You advocate for individual talent and hard work? Whoooaaaaaa...guess what, so do I. And you were convinced we had nothing in common--silly you...

The true difference between you and me is this: while we're both advocates for talent and hard-work, I am privy to the fact that that alone will NOT guarantee you success and/or riches in America. America is NOT a meritocracy. If it was a meritocracy, then your exerted individual talent and hard work would guarantee you monetary success.

But alas, as previously stated, that is presently not the case--that was never the case in the past--and unfortunately, I'm fairly sure that will never be the case in the future. The reality that I subscribe to is the truth of this country. The one you subscribe to is not reality, but a perception. The funny thing is, it's a perception that has been inculcated to you by the 10% that own everything. You're a drone promoting the philosophy and ideology of the very people that could not care two licks about the financial well-being of you and your family--nothing more, nothing else. Although, I suppose you could be part of the aforementioned 10%, and if that's the case, it would explain why you think the way you do...lol.

Lastly, I am NOT asking that others be brought lower--as you suggest. What I would hope for is that, the greatly and unfairly privileged realize and recognize those that are struggling and at the other end of the spectrum. What I would hope for is that, people will realize that in order for the "UNDER-privileged" class to exist, there hasssssss to be a class that is correspondingly "OVER-privileged". Not only is it socio-logical, it's logically sound on the grammatical level.

We live in a biased, prejudiced, corrupt, nation. If you're a white, heterosexual, able-bodied, christian, male...then you can march to beat "if you work hard, you'll get rich". If you happen to fall out and/or not belong to any one of those categories, then best believe that tune wasn't meant for you and it certainly wont be as easy for you; and you can just forget about it if you're a black, homosexual, handicapped (crippled), non-christian, male/female...(

but still 

).

In the end, don't do me the injustice of portraying me as a pessimist or anything remotely anti-American. The truth is, I love this country more than you do, and it's for this reason why I pray that someday, this nation will be reformed in such a way that guarantees real fairness and real equal opportunity to each of it's citizens. Something, than is not the case now and has never been at any point up to now.


...

According to Forbes, 3 of the 10 richest people in the WORLD today are self-made Americans with a combined net worth of 128 Billion.  
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/10/billionaires-2010_The-Worlds-Billionaires_Rank.html 

 

[gambit215]

nothing is perfect but for the most part, as wasteful and inefficient your government is, you are allowed to criticize them anonymously over an internet message board and not have to worry about FEDS knocking on your door for treason. It cost less than a dollar to mail a letter which takes 3-4 business days to reach the recipient. (on average anyway). Last time to my knowledge something was taken off the market the FDA approved was Vioxx which was a couple of years ago. I live by the I-75 and I-275, very well paved roads. I dunno I guess there's no pleasing some of you, but it could be so much worse than it is.

 

[utvol23]

OF course nothing is run perfect but the excess money spent is far greater than a company who needs to stay profitable to stay open vs the govt who just keeps on borrowing more and more money.

 

[spsfinest212]

Originally Posted by UTVOL23

Originally Posted by gambit215

taken from another post but this is to everyone who states that Gov't doesnt do anything right:

This morning I was awoken by my alarm clock powered by electricity generated by the public power monopoly regulated by the US Department of Energy. I then took a shower in the clean water provided by the municipal water utility. After that, I turned on the TV to one of the FCC regulated channels to see what the National Weather Service of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration determined the weather was going to be like using satellites designed, built, and launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. I watched this while eating my breakfast of US Department of Agriculture inspected food and taking the drugs which have been determined as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration.

At the appropriate time as regulated by the US Congress and kept accurate by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the US Naval Observatory, I get into my National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approved automobile and set out to work on the roads built by the local, state, and federal Departments of Transportation, possibly stopping to purchase additional fuel of a quality level determined by the Environmental Protection Agency, using legal tender issued by the Federal Reserve Bank. On the way out the door I deposit any mail I have to be sent out via the US Postal Service, and then drop the kids off at the public school.

After spending another day not being maimed or killed at work thanks to the workplace regulations imposed by the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, enjoying another two meals which again do not kill me because of the USDA, I drive my NHTSA car back home on the DOT roads, to my house which has not burned down in my absence because of the state and local building codes and fire marshal’s inspection, and which has not been plundered of all it’s valuables thanks to the local police department.

I then log on to the internet which was developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration and post on FreeRepublic.com and Fox News forums about how SOCIALISM in medicine is BAD because the government can’t do anything right!

on a side note: depending if this person woke up @ 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM was determined by the Government as well (DST) for all you simps.

How efficiently run are all these programs and institutions etc?

Cut the %!!$ already. If you don't like the Government running things just leave the country with Rush Limbaugh.

 

[chozin87]

Originally Posted by SuperAntigen

Originally Posted by chozin87

Originally Posted by UTVOL23

Originally Posted by gambit215

taken from another post but this is to everyone who states that Gov't doesnt do anything right:

This morning I was awoken by my alarm clock powered by electricity generated by the public power monopoly regulated by the US Department of Energy. I then took a shower in the clean water provided by the municipal water utility. After that, I turned on the TV to one of the FCC regulated channels to see what the National Weather Service of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration determined the weather was going to be like using satellites designed, built, and launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. I watched this while eating my breakfast of US Department of Agriculture inspected food and taking the drugs which have been determined as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration.

At the appropriate time as regulated by the US Congress and kept accurate by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the US Naval Observatory, I get into my National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approved automobile and set out to work on the roads built by the local, state, and federal Departments of Transportation, possibly stopping to purchase additional fuel of a quality level determined by the Environmental Protection Agency, using legal tender issued by the Federal Reserve Bank. On the way out the door I deposit any mail I have to be sent out via the US Postal Service, and then drop the kids off at the public school.

After spending another day not being maimed or killed at work thanks to the workplace regulations imposed by the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, enjoying another two meals which again do not kill me because of the USDA, I drive my NHTSA car back home on the DOT roads, to my house which has not burned down in my absence because of the state and local building codes and fire marshal’s inspection, and which has not been plundered of all it’s valuables thanks to the local police department.

I then log on to the internet which was developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration and post on FreeRepublic.com and Fox News forums about how SOCIALISM in medicine is BAD because the government can’t do anything right!

on a side note: depending if this person woke up @ 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM was determined by the Government as well (DST) for all you simps.

How efficiently run are all these programs and institutions etc?

Exactly.  
Everything the government does is inefficient and wasteful.  

You people are a joke.

Name one institution/complex that is run perfectly? You know, so that we can strive to be said institution/complex.

Go 'head, name one.

(I used the word "perfectly" and not "efficiently" because the former is absolute, and the latter depends on who you ask. Your idea of efficient is not my idea of efficient/vice versa. That said, let's throw out the ambiguity and use absolute terms--like perfect. So yeah, name one institution/complex that is "perfect"--irrespective of whether it's government run or not. I'll wait...even though I'm about to head to class.)


...

Nothing runs perfect.  But, the government will always have incentives to to spend more money instead of reducing costs.  

 

[utvol23]

Well considering A LARGE PERCENTAGE of my income is going to the government to run these things I think I have a right to complain about their excessive and wasteful spending. This includes EVERYTHING just so you cant reply with the fact that I think them spending billions upon billions on wars is also appropriate!

 

[mez 0ne]

Originally Posted by BostonThreeParty

Originally Posted by Mez 0ne

Originally Posted by chixdigggit

Originally Posted by BostonThreeParty

Originally Posted by DubA169

this bill is hopefully just a stepping stone. once people realize that the sky isn't falling down. then obama can have much more sweeping change.


but these protesters are the best. money for a bunch of banks, but no money for their fellow americans health care.

I still don't see why other people should be on the hook for Joe Schmo to get a checkup. I don't see why people are obligated to pay for others to get care. 
I am all for people having health care who want it, but why peoples money who worked for themselves to use?

   I feel the same way.

Very selfish mindset.

With all the money the gov't wastes their money on, for the first time they are putting it to good use so our fellow human beings can a;; equally get #@%$!$+ care, yet some people still want to complain.

it is just wanting what to keep what you earned and not loose as much as possible for others and possibly be given who sit on the butts and wait for someone to give them handouts because thats what they think the government should do for them 

That's the problem though, too many people keep thinking this is just for people who sit on their @#+#* all day.

There are plenty of hard working people who make low 30's and their spouse has cancer, and with all the bills can't afford treatment and just watch them slowly die.

Or those families who worked hard all their lives but were laid off due to the economic crisis? What if one of their kids or spouse gets sick, they can't do anything about it if they lived paycheck to paycheck because they are no longer covered.

Lots of jobs cut back offering insurance.

When it comes to the well-being of people in our country, I'm all for taking the necessary steps to help those in need.

 

[cwrite78]

incredible how investing in people's health is considered wasteful.

 

[utvol23]

The first place totrim runaway federal spending is in waste, fraud, and abuse.Congress, however, has largely abandoned its constitutional duty ofoverseeing the executive branch and has steadfastly refused toaddress the waste littered across government programs. In 2003, anattempt by House Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle (R-IA)to address wasteful spending was rejected by the House ofRepresentatives, and similar calls in 2004 by then-SenateBudget Committee Chairman Don Nickles (R-OK) were rejected by theSenate. A small group of House lawmakers has formed the WashingtonWaste Watchers, but their agenda has not been embraced by the wholeHouse.

Lack of informationis not the problem. Today, government waste investigations andrecommendations can be found in hundreds of reports, suchas:

• 
  Studies publishedby the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO),[1]
• 
  The CongressionalBudget Office's Budget Options book,
• 
  Inspector generalreports of each agency,
• 
  GovernmentPerformance and Results Act reports of each agency,
• 
  The White House'sProgram Assessment Rating Tool (PART) program reviews,and
• 
  The SenateGovernmental Affairs Committee's 2001 Government at theBrink reports.

For those seekingpast recommendations that went unheeded, the 1984 Grace Commissionreport on government waste and the 1993-1995 publications of VicePresident Al Gore's National Performance Review can still befound.

With all of thisavailable information and in an era of tight budgets, why arelawmakers so resistant to reducing waste? One reason is that theysee it as a thankless job that would go unnoticed back home. WithCongress in session just 80 days annually, reducing wastewould take precious time away from most lawmakers' higherpriorities of increasing spending on popular programs andbringing pork-barrel projects home.

A second reason isthat some of the most wasteful programs are also the mostpopular (e.g., Medicare), and lawmakers fear that opponentswould portray them as "attacking" popular programs. Consequently,waste and inefficiencies continue to build up, costing taxpayersmore while providing beneficiaries with less.

A real war ongovernment waste could easily save over $100 billion annuallywithout harming the legitimate operations and benefits ofgovernment programs. As a first step, lawmakers should address the10 following examples of egregious waste.

1. The Missing $25Billion

Buried in theDepartment of the Treasury's 2003 Financial Report of the United States Government is a short section titled "UnreconciledTransactions Affecting the Change in Net Position," which explainsthat these unreconciled transactions totaled $24.5 billion in2003.[2]

The unreconciledtransactions are funds for which auditors cannot account: Thegovernment knows that $25 billion was spent by someone, somewhere,on something, but auditors do not know who spent it,where it was spent, or on what it was spent. Blamingthese unreconciled transactions on the failure of federal agenciesto report their expenditures adequately, the Treasury reportconcludes that locating the money is "a priority."

The unreconciled$25 billion could have funded the entire Department of Justice foran entire year.

2. Unused FlightTickets Totaling $100 Million

A recent auditrevealed that between 1997 and 2003, the Defense Departmentpurchased and then left unused approximately 270,000 commercialairline tickets at a total cost of $100 million. Even worse, thePentagon never bothered to get a refund for these fullyrefundable tickets. The GAO blamed a system that relied ondepartment personnel to notify the travel office when purchasedtickets went unused.[3]

Auditors also found27,000 transactions between 2001 and 2002 in which the Pentagonpaid twice for the same ticket. The department would purchase theticket directly and then inexplicably reimburse the employeefor the cost of the ticket. (In one case, an employee who allegedlymade seven false claims for airline tickets professed not to havenoticed that $9,700 was deposited into his/her account). Theseadditional transactions cost taxpayers $8 million.

This $108 millioncould have purchased seven Blackhawk helicopters, 17 M1 Abramstanks, or a large supply of additional body armor for U.S. troopsin Afghanistan and Iraq.

3. Embezzled Fundsat the Department of Agriculture

Federal employeecredit card programs were designed to save money. Rather thanweaving through a lengthy procurement process to acquire basicsupplies, federal employees could purchase job-related productswith credit cards that would be paid by their agency. What began asa smart way to streamline government has since been corrupted bysome federal employees who have abused the public trust.

A recent auditrevealed that employees of the Department of Agriculture (USDA)diverted millions of dollars to personal purchases throughtheir government-issued credit cards. Sampling 300 employees'purchases over six months, investigators estimated that 15 percentabused their government credit cards at a cost of $5.8 million.Taxpayer-funded purchases included Ozzy Osbourne concert tickets,tattoos, lingerie, bartender school tuition, car payments, and cashadvances.

The USDA haspledged a thorough investigation, but it will have a huge task:55,000 USDA credit cards are in circulation, including 1,549 thatare still held by people who no longer work at the USDA.[4]

4. Credit CardAbuse at the Department of Defense

The DefenseDepartment has uncovered its own credit card scandal. Over onerecent 18-month period, Air Force and Navy personnel usedgovernment-funded credit cards to charge at least $102,400 foradmission to entertainment events, $48,250 for gambling, $69,300for cruises, and $73,950 for exotic dance clubs and prostitutes.[5]

5. MedicareOverspending

Medicare wastesmore money than any other federal program, yet its strong publicsupport leaves lawmakers hesitant to address programefficiencies, which cost taxpayers and Medicarerecipients billions of dollars annually.

For example,Medicare pays as much as eight times what other federal agenciespay for the same drugs and medical supplies.[6] The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently compared the pricespaid by Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)health care program for 16 types of medical equipment and supplies,which account for one-quarter of Medicare's equipment andsupplies purchases. The evidence showed that Medicare paid anaverage of more than double what the VA paid for the same items.The largest difference was for saline solution, with Medicarepaying $8.26 per liter compared to the $1.02 paid by the VA.[7] (SeeTable 1.)

[img]http://www.heritage.org/static...5BD66979A6F776F0E6.gif?w=370&h=259&as=1[/img]

These higher pricesnot only cost the program more money, but also take more money outof the pockets of Medicare beneficiaries. In 2002, senior citizens'co-payments accounted for 20 percent of the $9.4 billion in allowedclaims for medical equipment and supplies.[8] Higher prices mean higherco-payments.

Medicare alsooverpays for drugs. In 2000, Medicare's payments for 24 leadingdrugs were $1.9 billion higher than they would have been under theprices paid by the VA or other federal agencies. Although Medicareis supposed to pay wholesale prices for drugs, it relies on drugmanufacturers to define the prices, and manufacturers havestrong incentives to inflate their prices.[9]

Nor are inflatedprices for drugs and supplies the most expensive examples ofMedicare's inefficiencies. Basic payment errors-the results ofdeliberate fraud and administrative errors-cost $12.3 billionannually. As much as $7 billion owed to the program has goneuncollected or has been written off.[1 Finally, while Medicarecontracts claims processing and administration to severalprivate companies, 19 cases of contractor fraud have beensettled in recent years, with a maximum settlement of $76million.[11]

Putting it alltogether, Medicare reform could save taxpayers and programbeneficiaries $20 billion to $30 billion annually withoutreducing benefits. That would be enough to fund a $3,000refundable health care tax credit for nearly 10 millionuninsured low-income households.

6. FundingFictitious Colleges and Students

In 2002, theDepartment of Education received an application to certify thestudent loan participation of the Y'Hica Institute in London,England. After approving the certification, the department receivedand approved student loan applications from three Y'Hica studentsand disbursed $55,000.

The EducationDepartment administrators overlooked one problem: Neither theY'Hica Institute nor the three students who received the $55,000existed. The fictitious college and students were created (onpaper) by congressional investigators to test the Department ofEducation's verification procedures. All of the documents werefaked, right down to naming one of the fictional loan studentapplicants "Susan M. Collins," after the Senator requesting theinvestigation.[12]

Such carelessnesshelps to explain why federal student loan programs routinelyreceive poor management reviews from government auditors. Atlast count, $21.8 billion worth of student loans are in default,and too many cases of fraud are left undetected.[13]Tracking students across federal programs, verifying loanapplication data with IRS income data, and implementing controls toprevent the disbursement of loans to fraudulent applicantscould save taxpayers billions of dollars.

7. ManipulatingData to Encourage Spending

The Army Corps ofEngineers spends $5 billion annually constructing dams and otherwater projects. Yet, in a massive conflict of interest, it is alsocharged with evaluating the science and economics of eachproposed water project. The Corps' "strategic vision" calls onmanagers to increase their budgets as rapidly as possible, whichrequires approving as many proposed projects as possible.[14]Consequently, the Corps has repeatedly been accused of deliberatelymanipulating its economic studies to justify unworthyprojects.

Investigations bythe GAO, The Washington Post, and several privateorganizations have found that Corps studies routinely containdozens of basic arithmetic errors, computer errors, and ridiculouseconomic assumptions that artificially inflate the benefits ofwater projects by as much as 300 percent.[15] In one case, astudy's authors inflated a project's benefits by using a 2.5percent interest rate that dated back to 1954. In many cases inwhich the Corps calculated that a project would be a net benefit,arithmetic corrections revealed that the costs would be many timesgreater than the benefits.[16] By that point, of course,the unnecessary and wasteful project is often underway and cannotbe stopped.

These errors appearto reflect more deception than sloppiness. A Washington Postinvestigation uncovered managers ordering analysts to "getcreative," to "look for ways to get to yes as fast aspossible," and "not to take no for an answer." After a publicoutcry, in 2002, the Corps suspended work on 150 projects to reviewthe economics used to justify them.[17] However, given thecombination of Congress's thirst for pork-barrel projects and theCorps' built-in incentives to approve projects that will increaseits budget, real reforms seem unlikely.

8. State Abuse ofMedicaid Funding Formulas

Significant waste,fraud, and abuse pervade Medicaid, which provides health servicesto 44 million low-income Americans. While states run their ownMedicaid programs, the federal government reimburses anaverage of 57 percent of each state's costs.

This system givesstates an incentive to overreport their Medicaid expendituresin order to receive larger federal reimbursements. Notsurprisingly, the GAO has identified state schemes that shiftmoney between state accounts to create an illusion of higherMedicaid expenditures. Similarly, some states have spent theirfederal Medicaid dollars on non-Medicaid purposes. Tight statebudgets like those experienced by most states today have increasedthe pressure to use such deceptive tactics.

The GAO and the HHSInspector General have also uncovered some states' practice ofrecovering improper payments, retaining the funds, and thenspending them on unrelated programs-a practice that costs thefederal government well over $2 billion per year. Congresscould enact legislation to prohibit these actions moreeffectively.

Minor reformsenacted by HHS in 2001 and 2002 are expected to save Medicaid $70billion over the next decade. A small sample of financing schemesuncovered in a few states suggests that, if Congress acts, evenlarger savings are available.[18]

9. Earned IncomeTax Credit Overpayments

The earned incometax credit (EITC) provides $31 billion in refundable tax credits to19 million low-income families. The IRS estimates that $8.5 billionto $9.9 billion of this amount-nearly one-third-is wasted inoverpayments.

The complexity ofthe EITC law leads to many of these mistakes. Calculating thecredits is more complex than calculating regular income taxes.While the credit amount depends on the number of children in ahousehold, the tax code does not clearly define how a childqualifies for the credit. In addition, fraud and underreporting ofincome are common, and the IRS lacks the resources to verify thequalifications of all EITC claimants.

Efforts are beingmade to address this problem, but Congress can do more byrequiring better verification of incomes and by clearlydefining the standards by which a child qualifies for the EITC.[19]

10. RedundancyPiled on Redundancy

Government'slayering of new programs on top of old ones inherently createsduplication. Having several agencies perform similar duties iswasteful and confuses program beneficiaries who must navigate eachprogram's distinct rules and requirements.

Some overlap isinevitable because some agencies are defined by whomthey serve (e.g., veterans, Native Americans, urbanites, and ruralfamilies), while others are defined by what they provide(e.g., housing, education, health care, and economic development).When these agencies' constituencies overlap, each relevant agencywill often have its own program. With 342 separate economicdevelopment programs, the federal government needs to makeconsolidation a priority.

Consolidatingduplicative programs will save money and improve governmentservice. In addition to those programs that should beeliminated completely, Congress should consolidate thefollowing sets of programs:

• 
  342economicdevelopment programs;
• 
  130programsserving the disabled;
• 
  130programsserving at-risk youth;
• 
  90 early childhooddevelopment programs;
• 
  75 programs fundinginternational education, cultural, and training exchangeactivities;
• 
  72 federal programsdedicated to assuring safe water;
• 
  50 homeless assistanceprograms;
• 
  45 federal agenciesconducting federal criminal investigations;
• 
  40 separate employmentand training programs;
• 
  28 rural developmentprograms;
• 
  27 teen pregnancyprograms;
• 
  26 small, extraneousK-12 school grant programs;
• 
  23 agencies providingaid to the former Soviet republics;
• 
  19 programs fightingsubstance abuse;
• 
  17 rural water andwaste-water programs in eight agencies;
• 
  17 trade agenciesmonitoring 400 international trade agreements;
• 
  12 food safetyagencies;
• 
  11 principalstatistics agencies; and
• 
  Fouroverlappingland management agencies.[2
  Conclusion
  
  Lawmakers have anopportunity to take a strong stand for efficient government andspending restraint. Reforming wasteful programs will buildessential momentum for the larger reforms that are needed to bringthe budget under control.
  
  Brian M.Riedl is Grover M. Hermann Fellow in FederalBudgetary Affairs in the Thomas A. Roe Institute for EconomicPolicy Studies at The Heritage Foundation.

 

[superantigen]

Originally Posted by chozin87

Originally Posted by SuperAntigen

Originally Posted by Burns1923

Originally Posted by SuperAntigen

I'm presently on my phone so I can't quote but something caught my eye that NEEDED to be addressed.

"It's unrealistic to try and 'level the playing field'...."

Question--so in essence, are you implying that any attempt to do so is fundamentally hopeless?

That said, are you suggesting that the 'playing field', as it is, where certain groups have historically benefited off the plight and subjugation of others be left as is?

People--pay attention because Burns has, knowingly or unknowingly, exhibited rational that proves why and how America is such a screwed up Nation. Additionally, a statement to the tune of "let's not bother trying to level the playing field" is undeniable evidence of having lived (past and present) a privileged life--racial wise, religion wise, gender wise, sexual orientation wise--whatever the case may be.

Like I said, I'm presently on my phone (in the train) so I can't type/say as much as I would had I been on a computer. But best believe I'll add two more cents when I get back home.

...

Just stop already.

The relentless vilification is past old at this point; borderline trolling.

The big difference between you and I is that I think America is a great, noble nation that has flaws like any other, while you think it's an unjust nation that needs rebooted.  I advocate for individual talent and hard work.  You're suggesting, I think, that instead of people doing their part to lift themselves up, others must be brought lower.  The days of everybody getting a trophy whether or not they participate have got to stop if we're going to survive as a nation and as a people.

Difference of viewpoint, that's all.

Calm down now.

Frankly, I'm not going to play White House Spokesman, generating responses for every grenade lobbed.

I see people asking plenty but explaining nothing themselves.  Why don't some other people spend some time thinking about what problems over the past 50 years the Democrats played a part in? 
    
Or the thread can just die and we'll move on.  The conversation is running in a loop at this point.

Right... the conversation is only running a "loop" because it's not your kind "party"...that's all that is.

"...A great noble nation..."...a great nation, i'll give you that, but a "noble" one...

...do you even know what the definition of noble is...you truly are a misinformed individual. And to characterize this nations past injustices (which continue to have a profound effect in present) as "flaws" is not only a slap to the face of those who continuously and presently suffer because of said injustices, but its undeniable confirmation of your privilege and proof of a willful ignorance on matters pertaining to the history of race and class relations in the country.

Do I think America needs to be rebooted...not necessarily. I just think the line of thinking that governs this country needs to be re-programmed. This, especially, considering that line of thinking is that which you seem to apotheosize. You know, that thinking which suggest that if you're not rich, it's because you're lazy and uncommitted. That line of thinking that assumes that everyone in this country is treated fairly and unbiased. That line of thinking which proposes, admits, and recognizes that even though the playing field in fundamentally rigged and unfair, it's a waste of time to try and right some of wrong and prejudice.

[color= rgb(255, 0, 0)]QUESTION: Why is the playing field uneven/unfair?[/color]

You advocate for individual talent and hard work? Whoooaaaaaa...guess what, so do I. And you were convinced we had nothing in common--silly you...

The true difference between you and me is this: while we're both advocates for talent and hard-work, I am privy to the fact that that alone will NOT guarantee you success and/or riches in America. America is NOT a meritocracy. If it was a meritocracy, then your exerted individual talent and hard work would guarantee you monetary success.

But alas, as previously stated, that is presently not the case--that was never the case in the past--and unfortunately, I'm fairly sure that will never be the case in the future. The reality that I subscribe to is the truth of this country. The one you subscribe to is not reality, but a perception. The funny thing is, it's a perception that has been inculcated to you by the 10% that own everything. You're a drone promoting the philosophy and ideology of the very people that could not care two licks about the financial well-being of you and your family--nothing more, nothing else. Although, I suppose you could be part of the aforementioned 10%, and if that's the case, it would explain why you think the way you do...lol.

Lastly, I am NOT asking that others be brought lower--as you suggest. What I would hope for is that, the greatly and unfairly privileged realize and recognize those that are struggling and at the other end of the spectrum. What I would hope for is that, people will realize that in order for the "UNDER-privileged" class to exist, there hasssssss to be a class that is correspondingly "OVER-privileged". Not only is it socio-logical, it's logically sound on the grammatical level.

We live in a biased, prejudiced, corrupt, nation. If you're a white, heterosexual, able-bodied, christian, male...then you can march to beat "if you work hard, you'll get rich". If you happen to fall out and/or not belong to any one of those categories, then best believe that tune wasn't meant for you and it certainly wont be as easy for you; and you can just forget about it if you're a black, homosexual, handicapped (crippled), non-christian, male/female...(

but still 

).

In the end, don't do me the injustice of portraying me as a pessimist or anything remotely anti-American. The truth is, I love this country more than you do, and it's for this reason why I pray that someday, this nation will be reformed in such a way that guarantees real fairness and real equal opportunity to each of it's citizens. Something, than is not the case now and has never been at any point up to now.


...

According to Forbes, 3 of the 10 richest people in the WORLD today are self-made Americans with a combined net worth of 128 Billion.  
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/10/billionaires-2010_The-Worlds-Billionaires_Rank.html 

And this means what exactly?

Especially when I stated in my above post that: "If you're a white, heterosexual, able-bodied, christian, male...then you can march to beat 'if you work hard, you'll get rich'..."

None of those gentlemen possesses any one of the sociological handicaps also referenced above so of course they can achieve as much as possible if they truly set their minds to it, and work for it. Silly you...you probably thought you had an argument...

Gotta go to class...


...

 

[utvol23]

Originally Posted by CWrite78

incredible how investing in people's health is considered wasteful.

WHO SAID THAT???

 

[spsfinest212]

UTVOL23 you need to stop trying to defend your industry. If the health insurance industry would have been responsible and kept costs down as low as possible and not dropped people out of coverage after they get sick this bill would have never come about. Instead the health insurance industry is run by greedy parasites who would like nothing more than to not have to pay for any of their customers coverage.

 

[utvol23]

I am in no way defending the insurance companies. They make my life a hell of a lot more difficult in many ways. I am also huge support of regulating the ins companies to not deny patients based on pre existing health conditions or dropping someone's coverage because you become ill. I just know that expanding medicare something that is already in a hole so deep it cant get out is not a good idea.

 

[xilegacy]

Originally Posted by Mez 0ne

Originally Posted by BostonThreeParty

Originally Posted by Mez 0ne

Originally Posted by chixdigggit

Originally Posted by BostonThreeParty

Originally Posted by DubA169

this bill is hopefully just a stepping stone. once people realize that the sky isn't falling down. then obama can have much more sweeping change.


but these protesters are the best. money for a bunch of banks, but no money for their fellow americans health care.

I still don't see why other people should be on the hook for Joe Schmo to get a checkup. I don't see why people are obligated to pay for others to get care. 
I am all for people having health care who want it, but why peoples money who worked for themselves to use?

   I feel the same way.

Very selfish mindset.

With all the money the gov't wastes their money on, for the first time they are putting it to good use so our fellow human beings can a;; equally get #@%$!$+ care, yet some people still want to complain.

it is just wanting what to keep what you earned and not loose as much as possible for others and possibly be given who sit on the butts and wait for someone to give them handouts because thats what they think the government should do for them 

That's the problem though, too many people keep thinking this is just for people who sit on their @#+#* all day.

There are plenty of hard working people who make low 30's and their spouse has cancer, and with all the bills can't afford treatment and just watch them slowly die.

Or those families who worked hard all their lives but were laid off due to the economic crisis? What if one of their kids or spouse gets sick, they can't do anything about it if they lived paycheck to paycheck because they are no longer covered.

Lots of jobs cut back offering insurance.

When it comes to the well-being of people in our country, I'm all for taking the necessary steps to help those in need.

People are going to abuse it like everything else they abuse the govt helps with. I have mixed feelings about the bill. I happy that it will help those in need, but at the same time pissed that these lazy people that do nothing will benefit from it as well. I guess I would be more pissed if I was making 200k+ a year. I really hope this is run properly but I have no faith in our govt.

 

[chozin87]

Originally Posted by SuperAntigen

Originally Posted by chozin87

Originally Posted by SuperAntigen

Originally Posted by Burns1923

Originally Posted by SuperAntigen

I'm presently on my phone so I can't quote but something caught my eye that NEEDED to be addressed.

"It's unrealistic to try and 'level the playing field'...."

Question--so in essence, are you implying that any attempt to do so is fundamentally hopeless?

That said, are you suggesting that the 'playing field', as it is, where certain groups have historically benefited off the plight and subjugation of others be left as is?

People--pay attention because Burns has, knowingly or unknowingly, exhibited rational that proves why and how America is such a screwed up Nation. Additionally, a statement to the tune of "let's not bother trying to level the playing field" is undeniable evidence of having lived (past and present) a privileged life--racial wise, religion wise, gender wise, sexual orientation wise--whatever the case may be.

Like I said, I'm presently on my phone (in the train) so I can't type/say as much as I would had I been on a computer. But best believe I'll add two more cents when I get back home.

...

Just stop already.

The relentless vilification is past old at this point; borderline trolling.

The big difference between you and I is that I think America is a great, noble nation that has flaws like any other, while you think it's an unjust nation that needs rebooted.  I advocate for individual talent and hard work.  You're suggesting, I think, that instead of people doing their part to lift themselves up, others must be brought lower.  The days of everybody getting a trophy whether or not they participate have got to stop if we're going to survive as a nation and as a people.

Difference of viewpoint, that's all.

Calm down now.

Frankly, I'm not going to play White House Spokesman, generating responses for every grenade lobbed.

I see people asking plenty but explaining nothing themselves.  Why don't some other people spend some time thinking about what problems over the past 50 years the Democrats played a part in? 
    
Or the thread can just die and we'll move on.  The conversation is running in a loop at this point.

Right... the conversation is only running a "loop" because it's not your kind "party"...that's all that is.

"...A great noble nation..."...a great nation, i'll give you that, but a "noble" one...

...do you even know what the definition of noble is...you truly are a misinformed individual. And to characterize this nations past injustices (which continue to have a profound effect in present) as "flaws" is not only a slap to the face of those who continuously and presently suffer because of said injustices, but its undeniable confirmation of your privilege and proof of a willful ignorance on matters pertaining to the history of race and class relations in the country.

Do I think America needs to be rebooted...not necessarily. I just think the line of thinking that governs this country needs to be re-programmed. This, especially, considering that line of thinking is that which you seem to apotheosize. You know, that thinking which suggest that if you're not rich, it's because you're lazy and uncommitted. That line of thinking that assumes that everyone in this country is treated fairly and unbiased. That line of thinking which proposes, admits, and recognizes that even though the playing field in fundamentally rigged and unfair, it's a waste of time to try and right some of wrong and prejudice.

[color= rgb(255, 0, 0)]QUESTION: Why is the playing field uneven/unfair?[/color]

You advocate for individual talent and hard work? Whoooaaaaaa...guess what, so do I. And you were convinced we had nothing in common--silly you...

The true difference between you and me is this: while we're both advocates for talent and hard-work, I am privy to the fact that that alone will NOT guarantee you success and/or riches in America. America is NOT a meritocracy. If it was a meritocracy, then your exerted individual talent and hard work would guarantee you monetary success.

But alas, as previously stated, that is presently not the case--that was never the case in the past--and unfortunately, I'm fairly sure that will never be the case in the future. The reality that I subscribe to is the truth of this country. The one you subscribe to is not reality, but a perception. The funny thing is, it's a perception that has been inculcated to you by the 10% that own everything. You're a drone promoting the philosophy and ideology of the very people that could not care two licks about the financial well-being of you and your family--nothing more, nothing else. Although, I suppose you could be part of the aforementioned 10%, and if that's the case, it would explain why you think the way you do...lol.

Lastly, I am NOT asking that others be brought lower--as you suggest. What I would hope for is that, the greatly and unfairly privileged realize and recognize those that are struggling and at the other end of the spectrum. What I would hope for is that, people will realize that in order for the "UNDER-privileged" class to exist, there hasssssss to be a class that is correspondingly "OVER-privileged". Not only is it socio-logical, it's logically sound on the grammatical level.

We live in a biased, prejudiced, corrupt, nation. If you're a white, heterosexual, able-bodied, christian, male...then you can march to beat "if you work hard, you'll get rich". If you happen to fall out and/or not belong to any one of those categories, then best believe that tune wasn't meant for you and it certainly wont be as easy for you; and you can just forget about it if you're a black, homosexual, handicapped (crippled), non-christian, male/female...(

but still 

).

In the end, don't do me the injustice of portraying me as a pessimist or anything remotely anti-American. The truth is, I love this country more than you do, and it's for this reason why I pray that someday, this nation will be reformed in such a way that guarantees real fairness and real equal opportunity to each of it's citizens. Something, than is not the case now and has never been at any point up to now.


...

According to Forbes, 3 of the 10 richest people in the WORLD today are self-made Americans with a combined net worth of 128 Billion.  
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/10/billionaires-2010_The-Worlds-Billionaires_Rank.html 

And this means what exactly?

Especially when I stated in my above post that: "If you're a white, heterosexual, able-bodied, christian, male...then you can march to beat 'if you work hard, you'll get rich'..."

None of those gentlemen possesses any one of the sociological handicaps also referenced above so of course they can achieve as much as possible if they truly set their minds to it, and work for it. Silly you...you probably thought you had an argument...

Gotta go to class...


...

I don't have an argument, keep worrying about all the problems holding you down.

 

[utvol23]

I am all for everyone being able to have access to care the problem is many people who dont have to pay for it ie those on MEDICAID abuse the system or use it for their drug seeking behaviors. On avg at least 50% of the people I saw in the FAST track ED were seeking pain medications many of whom had been to the ER multiple times in the past week to two weeks one person had 60 visits since JAN. another 20% had been to the ER for simple things like a simple cold that started a day or two ago something that the majority of use would never even think about going to the doctor for but they come to the ER because it is FREE for them. They pay no deductible nor do they pay any percentage of their bill.

 

[burns1923]

Originally Posted by SuperAntigen

Right... the conversation is only running a "loop" because it's not your kind "party"...that's all that is.

Well, I'll put it this way:  I think viewpoints from both sides have been stated and re-stated.  It's clear that you're not interested in respecting anyone's beliefs or positions, and only interested in being combative for the sake of it. 

"...A great noble nation..."...a great nation, i'll give you that, but a "noble" one......do you even know what the definition of noble is...you truly are a misinformed individual. And to characterize this nations past injustices (which continue to have a profound effect in present) as "flaws" is not only a slap to the face of those who continuously and presently suffer because of said injustices, but its undeniable confirmation of your privilege and proof of a willful ignorance on matters pertaining to the history of race and class relations in the country.

Don't condescend to me.  Typical Saul Alinsky-ite b.s. from you over and over:  ridicule, attack, repeat.  And as long as you continue to view yourself as a victim, your life will go nowhere.  Have fun being perpetually angry at someone.  You know nothing of my background.  Grow up - everyone that doesn't agree with special little you isn't "wrong" or "bad" or "misinformed" or "uninformed" or "racist" or any other whiny adjective you want to puke out.  Go cry somewhere else. 

Do I think America needs to be rebooted...not necessarily. I just think the line of thinking that governs this country needs to be re-programmed. This, especially, considering that line of thinking is that which you seem to apotheosize. You know, that thinking which suggest that if you're not rich, it's because you're lazy and uncommitted. That line of thinking that assumes that everyone in this country is treated fairly and unbiased. That line of thinking which proposes, admits, and recognizes that even though the playing field in fundamentally rigged and unfair, it's a waste of time to try and right some of wrong and prejudice.

There you go, assuming you know things.  Hey, bud, news flash: LIFE is unfair.  All of us are on our own.  God gave us a life and it's up to us to try to do something with it.  I love playing basketball and wanted to play in the NBA when I was a kid.  Guess what?  I'm not good enough to play professionally.  I wasn't born with the talent to make it.  Am I whining about how the NBA and NCAA is rigged and bias and unfair?  Nope.  It is what it is.  The guys who are there deserve to be there because they maximized their talent by working their %*##* off.  Like I said, if you're going to continue to be a whiny baby, you'll always be playing catch up.  No one owes me #$!+, and no one owes you #$!+.

QUESTION: Why is the playing field uneven/unfair?

You advocate for individual talent and hard work? Whoooaaaaaa...guess what, so do I.

 
Good, you're going to need that attitude. 

ANSWER:  The "playing field" is uneven because life is uneven.  People have extremely different personalities, gifts, talents, choices, surroundings.  All of that and more factors into why people's lives take the paths they do.  You can't ignore all of this and say "Well, nobody's helping me, nobody's doing x or y for me, people are keeping me down."  Contrary to your viewpoint, the majority of Americans aren't a disenfranchised, oppressed victimhood.  No one's life is a cakewalk, no matter their race, age, gender, or location.

The true difference between you and me is this: while we're both advocates for talent and hard-work, I am privy to the fact that that alone will NOT guarantee you success and/or riches in America. America is NOT a meritocracy. If it was a meritocracy, then your exerted individual talent and hard work would guarantee you monetary success.

I'll go one further: NOTHING "guarantees" success, financial or otherwise.  Your premise is wrong.  By definition, America IS a meritocracy in structure but there is no certain formula for achievement or success.  True story: I busted my @%# in college.  Did the work, made the grades, did what I could to prepare myself.  Got out and boom - nothing.  No job opportunities for me.  Everyone wanted me to have some kind of extra "experience", always vague and always elusive.  It is only recently - many years after all that - that I'm getting my sea legs in my career.  Believe me - I was completely thrown off by the career delay.  I blamed the university, I blamed employers, I blamed others, I blamed myself.  Bottom line is that it just didn't work out.  It sucked, but everyone's life sucks from time to time.  The question is what do you do when those times come?  Point the finger or keep trying because there's nothing else you can do?  I opted for the latter.  The former only destroys your life.

But alas, as previously stated, that is presently not the case--that was never the case in the past--and unfortunately, I'm fairly sure that will never be the case in the future. The reality that I subscribe to is the truth of this country. The one you subscribe to is not reality, but a perception. The funny thing is, it's a perception that has been inculcated to you by the 10% that own everything. You're a drone promoting the philosophy and ideology of the very people that could not care two licks about the financial well-being of you and your family--nothing more, nothing else. Although, I suppose you could be part of the aforementioned 10%, and if that's the case, it would explain why you think the way you do...lol.

No, you don't agree with my view on healthcare and can't accept the fact that there are people who don't think like you want them to, so you can't let it go and instead focus on living your own life.  And, um... I do care about the financial well-being of myself and my family.  You hate the "rich" because they have what you and I don't:  financial freedom and power.  I think I can get there and maybe I won't but I'll try.  If I fail to reach a goal, I'll take full responsibility.

Lastly, I am NOT asking that others be brought lower--as you suggest. What I would hope for is that, the greatly and unfairly privileged realize and recognize those that are struggling and at the other end of the spectrum. What I would hope for is that, people will realize that in order for the "UNDER-privileged" class to exist, there hasssssss to be a class that is correspondingly "OVER-privileged". Not only is it socio-logical, it's logically sound on the grammatical level.

The thing is, nobody on earth is in a position or is in authority to decide who is "privileged" and who isn't.  It's none of my business what people do in their lives.  I handle mine.  What it seems you're saying is that really there are 2 entitled classes: an over-entitled class (who have wealth and success, which they inherently don't "deserve") and the under-entitled class (who have a severe lack of wealth and "deserve" more). 

And you're misusing words there.  "Sociological" pertains to sociology, the study of society.  It can't be used to describe logic in society.  And "logically sound on the grammatical level."  Huh?  Your idea
is logically sound on a system-of-inflection-and-syntax level? 

Get your eraser and try that again.

We live in a biased, prejudiced, corrupt, nation. If you're a white, heterosexual, able bodied, christian, male...then you can march to beat "if you work hard, you'll get rich". If you happen to fall out and/or not belong to any one of those categories, then best believe that tune wasn't meant for you and it certainly wont be as easy for you; and you can just forget about it if you're a black, homosexual, handicapped (crippled), non-christian, male/female

No. We live in a nation where bias exists, prejudice exists, and corruption exists., just as they do around the world.  These happen everywhere.  If I may ask, are you black?  I ask because the answer may possibly clear your perspective up for me a bit more.  Regardless, life is tough all around.  Plenty of people think they have it the worst.  It doesn't mean they aren't facing real challenges but the answer to those problems isn't penalizing others who have nothing to do with us.

In the end, don't do me the injustice of portraying me as a pessimist or anything remotely anti-American. The truth is, I love this country more than you do, and it's for this reason why I pray that someday, this nation will be reformed in such a way that guarantees real fairness and real equal opportunity to each of it's citizens. Something, than is not the case now and has never been at any point up to now.

 
There is absolutely no way that you can claim that you love America more than myself or anyone else.  Don't embarrass yourself.  Like I said, the country will never be to your liking.  The country will never guarantee you anything because it's never guaranteed anyone anything.  Again, life doesn't guarantee.  Not everybody is going to succeed.  Some don't have the talent, some don't have the will, some don't have the education.  The stark reality is that life truly is every man for himself. 

 

 

 

[dirtylicious]

Originally Posted by spsfinest212

UTVOL23 you need to stop trying to defend your industry. If the health insurance industry would have been responsible and kept costs down as low as possible and not dropped people out of coverage after they get sick this bill would have never come about. Instead the health insurance industry is run by greedy parasites who would like nothing more than to not have to pay for any of their customers coverage.

UTVOL is in MEDICINE...  not the healthcare industry.


btw... for people who opt NOT to buy insurance:

[h2][/h2]

[h2]Are there penalties if you don't buy insurance?[/h2]
Ifyou ignore this mandate and don’t get health insurance, you’ll have topay a tax penalty to the federal government, beginning in 2014. Thisfine starts fairly small, but by the time it is fully phased in, in2016, it is substantial.

An insurance-less person would have topony up whichever is greater: $695 for each uninsured family member, upto a maximum of $2,085; or 2.5 percent of household income.

Thereare exceptions. Certain people with religious objections would not haveto get health insurance. Nor would American Indians, illegalimmigrants, or people in prison.

 

[shaunhillftw49]

Can I be an illegal Native American in prison?

 

[topherr]

can someone tell me what this means for me? im currently on my path to going to medical school, i've heard doctors wont make as much and this and that....

 

[utvol23]

Topherr,

If you want to become a physician dont let this discourage you. For the foreseeable future doctors will still do decent they may not do as well as they have but will still be decently compensated. Also if your sole reason for going into medicine is money you are in a world of hurt. A career in medicine has some definite advantages to it including good pay, job security but you truly have to love the field to make those things worth it. The journey is too long and demanding if you dont truly love what you are doing.

 

[JD617]

The truth is, I love this country more than you do
Probably the most arrogant thing in this thread.

Originally Posted by SunDOOBIE

Originally Posted by UTVOL23

How efficiently run are all these programs and institutions etc?

Pretty damn efficient.