Editorial - Health reform talks must be transparent

Kay P.
01/26/2010 6:58 PM

bac, it's america's money, often hard earned and extracted by tax laws that our voted representatives in office inflict upon us. THEY didn't earn that money, so they really don't have any qualms about spending it freely, or using it to bribe other congressmembers with sweetheart deals for specific constituencies. What has become more and more alarming is the rate at which the money flows OUT the doors of DC and the IRS faucet only dribbles it in. Perhaps, if I didn't have to stretch my money and pinch pennies to try to make a decent life for my kids, and have something left to show for my hard efforts, then maybe I wouldn't be so disgusted with Government and all of it's dependants it has created. At the moment, jobs are extremely hard to come by and we live with the fear every day that my hubby will be laid off. When I read that our government spent over million bucks to go to debate climate change, I am further ticked off, especially since the news is trickling out that many of the major reports that these proposals and hype were based off of, turned out to be false. Global warming is dead. How much money was stuffed down that rathole, into a bunch of open pockets?

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b.a. c.
01/26/2010 3:56 PM

Have you ever noticed how all the media stresses the words, "your money"? There was a short bit on CNN this morning, and in less than five minutes, I counted 28 times that was spoken. Of course, they were talking about how the government spends money. Made me think, and I just don't get how the money the government spends can still be considered, "my money". I mean, once my taxes are paid, it's no longer 'my money', any more than what I spend on groceries or gas or whatever is still 'my money'. Just another way the media sells itself by working on the masses?

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b.a. c.
01/26/2010 3:56 PM

Have you ever noticed how all the media stresses the words, "your money"? There was a short bit on CNN this morning, and in less than five minutes, I counted 28 times that was spoken. Of course, they were talking about how the government spends money. Made me think, and I just don't get how the money the government spends can still be considered, "my money". I mean, once my taxes are paid, it's no longer 'my money', any more than what I spend on groceries or gas or whatever is still 'my money'. Just another way the media sells itself by working on the masses?

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Kay P.
01/21/2010 1:23 PM

I wondered how long it would be before an editorial came out on this subject. A few of us around here have been demanding transparency all along. We are sick of the backroom deals, middle of the night votes, lobbyist influences, and political pandering that has marred the history of Congress and DC in general. Squeaky wheels get greased with TAYPAYERS money. It's easy to spend OPM "Other People's Money". We watch Washington do it every day...it's what they do, they don't earn that money, they don't have to care were or how it was made...just hurry up and pay by April 15th or else. Nevermind that common folk have to live within a budget...the Government can run all the deficit it wants, they are exempt for needing to be mindful of OUR money. FEW journalists have dared go into the abyss and actually dig into the healthcare reform bills currently before Congress. Why? Is it intentional that AMERICA be given the "mushroom" treatment by our Government and the media in general? It is TEDIOUS to dissect that monsterous 2700 page bill called Healthcare Reform. I've dug into it a couple times, and nearly drown under the constant referrals back to current statutes, and additions or clarifications to those current statutes, which are NOT included in the text of the current proposals. The BILL as it stands in either form, house or senate, does little to correct the current issues about the "quality or availability" of healthcare. Thats not the focus at all, though the public keeps hearing the same "chant"...it's really about figuring out WHO's gonna pay for it, and how to collect it and spread it around. Of course, in the process of collecting and redistributing it, the GOVERNMENT will have created thousands more jobs, offices, boards, committees, and focus groups that will gobble up a significant portion of MONEY collected and create even more "special interest" groups to lobby DC. "OPM" spent to place some desk jockeys in a warm, ergonomically furnished, tastefully decorated, 9 to 5 office to determine YOUR healthcare decisions via "cost-containment and benefit analysis" controls. Most people have been led to believe that means they will make sure you get the best care that society can buy. Personally, I think it's a spin doctor's creative word choice to replace the reality of that particular "office's" responsibilities. They will ultimately determine if the proposed care your Dr. suggests is economically feasible to perform, based on age and ability or disability factors noted on some FORM submitted by Dr's that will be rewarded to keep their overall "billable" costs down. AH, so maybe some people will never even be told that there is a treatment? It may be expensive and the Dr doesn't want to lose his bonus incentive pay for being a CHEAP supplier of medical care for all. Everyone will be just a name and number...with a file noting YOUR personal health issues to some individual who has NO clue who you are, what your life is, or how many people will be affected by the denial of treatment. What a way to go folks...faceless and judged against some statistical numbers, regardless of personal factors, to either be denied or approved by some faceless entity hired to be YOUR healthcare judge and jury. How long will your file sit upon someone's virtual "desk" (remember that electronic medical records thing). Baby boomers...will you like it if YOUR specialty care is abruptly discontinued because your advancing age deems you less cost-benefitted by such treatment? I am twenty or more years behind you...you will feel the effects of age related cost containment systems long before I do. It's hardly progressive, IMO. I hate to think that my parents would be subjected to such a program where their personal lives become standardized and compared to the "collective". So much for individuality. Just take a pill. A video worth sharing -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-dQfb8WQvo

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robert r.
Oakton, VA     01/20/2010 1:01 PM

Thank you and yes, you helped me. I check into several Minnesota paper sites including the Bemidji Pioneer & Twincities.com. Duly noted the source of this editorial and must assume (knowing what that does) the Editor composed it. This checker of facts--and this is a good editorial--has to potential to be confused. but isn't it a better thing to know the author or nom de plume.

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.
Alexandria, MN     01/20/2010 12:32 PM

A note from the editor: As indicated at the top of this editorial, this was from the Bemidji Pioneer newspaper and reflects the position of that newspaper's editorial board. By printing the piece in its editorial space, the Echo Press editorial board supports the views expressed. The Echo Press editorial board consists of Publisher Jody Hanson, Editor Al Edenloff and Reporter Celeste Beam.

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robert r.
Oakton, VA     01/20/2010 11:11 AM

I'm sitting at home- alone and found myself, laughing out loud at the guest editorial touting the need to be "transparent' when even the maker of the of the borrowed editorial is not even named. Oh help me.

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