Good Morning Bloggers! Simply put, the Republicans are out there lying through their yellow teeth right now about the supposed success of American health care. They are trying to convince Americans that we shouldn't fix what's not broken, and that is a bold-faced lie.US health care costs have long been out of line with costs in other countries. We Americans spend $2.5 trillion or $8,100 per head on health care, which represents 17.6% of our annual GDP. That is half as much as the 11% of GDP spent in France and Germany and almost double the 9% in Britain and the OECD (representing dozens of countries globally) as a whole. The world's next highest spender is Switzerland at 12%, and they have incredibly high taxes compared to us in the US. (Source: NIH)
The worst part is that for all that money America's medical success rate is mediocre or dismal in comparison. Cancer, cardiac survival rates, and almost every other leading indicator demonstrates that we get very little to no bang for our bucks - survival rates are generally no better than the OECD average, and substantially worse than in France, Switzerland and Japan. (Source: NIH)
The data shows that most of America's health care investment goes into the pockets of industry bureaucrats and profiteers. The American people are getting very little for their investment. Something must be done to stop it!
Like leading Democrats, leading Republicans know full well that economic recovery and success is impossible without health care reform. As President Obama says, it is the key to reducing costs within the American economy. As he told the greedy American Medical Association (which represents about 20% of our - least altruistic - doctors), America cannot afford their undisciplined and greedy ways much longer without us all going bankrupt - including the nation.
So, if all this is true, and as Democrats say it's imperative to put some checks and balances into the system [whatever the final plan outcome/plan], then why are Republicans so opposed to tackling the issue? That one stumps me. I have a few guesses, and none of them are very good. No matter what, the GOP is flailing, even to the point of releasing an alternative plan this week that most analysts are now calling a complete and utter joke.
My best guesses are 1) their extreme reluctance to kill the goose that laid the most profitable egg in the American economy (GOP loyalty to lobbyists), and 2) perhaps they just don't want Democrats to be the ones to provide Americans with the thing they want most - not to mention need.
The latter is being whispered about in Washington circles as the "party killer." In other words, if the Democrats succeed, and the plan works, the Republicans may never recover. What's your best guess? Any ideas?
Facts are facts! Numbers do not lie! Health care costs - as a percent of GDP - must be lowered in this country if we plan to compete with the rest of the world, and pay off the massive debt the Republicans have created. The only path to success is health care reform. No matter what the despicable, self-serving Republicans are saying out there right now, we must encourage Washington to pass substantial health care reform - with a public option.
If you wish to follow the primary candidate legislation, I recommend keeping your eye on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. It will be fascinating to watch.
Thursday's Political Rant - Michael
PS - As I often do here, I ask you to please take action. Take a moment to contact your representatives in Washington and ask for health care reform WITH a public option. All Washington Contact information can now be found in the margin here at Our Rants & Raves. Thanks!
Posts
