Obama's dichotomy

In the article of The Nation entitled, Obama Rips Republican Critics but Eschews Populism, the writer expresses his opinion, claiming that Obama was contradictory in explaining the misuse of the federal bail out money by the multimillion dollar insurance giant AIG. The writer also claims that the President is two sided in his speech by saying that he was as angry as everyone else about the bonuses, but goes on to say that the public can’t afford to demonize every investor who tries to make a profit, and even made the suggestion to loosen up on the rich guys. The writer further compared Obama to Roosevelt during the Depression, when Roosevelt attacked the bankers and speculators, saying that they have resorted to exhortation and pleaded for restored confidence of the American people.

The article reported that Obama lashed out at Capitol Hill critics for criticizing his budget proposal and was sharp in striking out at congressional Republicans during the press conference, accusing those who griped, of having a short memory reminding them that he inherited the economic crisis incurred by the free-spending of the Bush/Chaney administration. Mr. Obama stated that the reason for the criticism was because the Republicans did not offer an alternative budget plan of their own and asked why. He says that they know its the long-term deficits of hugh care costs, once again straying away from the media's questions concerning AIG.

I agree with this writer because I too watched the conference and Mr. Obama did seem eager to point out the fact that he walked into this mess, and it was his responsibility as president to try to make mends for the out of control spending. I thought his sharp remark about wanting to make sure he knew what he was talking about before addressing the nation, was just a cop out. In fact, I think he actually knew it was the Democratic controlled congress that was to blame for their lack of control of government spending,but just avoided saying it.

link to this article is http://www.thenation.comblogs/state_of_change/420928/print?rel=nofollow

Health Care Reform

This article which appeared in the New York Times, March 5 2009, was about Obama’s health care plan. President Obama warned lobbyists and others not to stand in the way of efforts to hold back costs so all Americans can have health coverage. To me, a person who has no health insurance, the prospect of affordable health coverage seems like a dream come true, but I’m afraid it won’t work, no matter how many plans the President comes up with. The article stated that President Obama would establish a public insurance program to compete with private carriers, but I still doubt that any plan will work, because many people cannot afford insurance from any carrier. All carriers drive their costs up because of hospitals, doctors, research etc. It’s sad when you can go to Wal-Mart and pay $4.00 for a bottle of Excedrin, but hospitals charge $6.00 for one.

There are over 46 million people living in the United States without health coverage. If the government can issue KCHIP for kids, Medicare for seniors, and Medicaid for the disabled or poor, why not change the age limit and let the government take care of everyone. Maybe Washington needs to set a law that makes it illegal for doctors and hospitals to rob people of everything they have including their dignity. Why can’t people be allowed to pay what they can afford? Surely people who are ill and in need of a doctor are willing to pay something. Most people really don’t want charity, but they want equality, especially when it comes to their health.

There are too many special interest groups entered into Washington who fight to the last minute to stop any progress the President tries to push through concerning health care reform. The Multi-billion dollar corporations and enough willing lawmakers who sponsor the Medical industry, (especially on the Republican side) are acknowledging the whole affair. The whole idea of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness becomes a cruel joke when you live with the prospect of one trip to the hospital wiping out all you have or ever hope to have in this life.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/us/politics/06web-health.html?_r=1