Fed Locally

Sometimes out of sight really is out of mind. I fear that the 24-hour media coverage of Michael Jackson in the wake of his death will distract Americans from showing continued support to the Iranian protestors and demonstrators, as well as voicing their concern and outrage, allowing the Iranian regime to steamroll over the freedom movement in that country – killing, jailing and silencing dissidents and reporters as they see fit – and setting the hopes for ‘democracy’ in that country back another generation.

Despite our troubles, the United States still is the world’s most enduring democracy and greatest champion for ‘freedom’ internationally. If average Americans lose interest, they will be putting less pressure on politicians and representatives to speak out or act in support of the Iranian people who are protesting a shadowy election outcome and lack of political freedom.

Don’t forget. Support the Iranian people.

- Hamilton

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The governor of South Carolina admitted to having an affair today, finally ending speculation and confusion over where he had disappeared to after the legislative session in that state had ended (link). The admission will doubtless bring up the seemingly endless debate over how important the private actions of a public servant is to their official role in government; over what should be private and what should be public.

But in this case, that isn’t the issue. His family claims they didn’t know where he was, which at a personal level is obviously troubling. But, more importantly, neither did his staff or the lieutenant governor. He is the chief executive of the state, and if an unexpected emergency had struck, it resulting confusion and delays could have been disastrous.

In the same vein, when public officials (like the former mayor of Detroit Kwame Kilpatrick) use their power and influence illegally and inappropriately (like trying to fire police investigating him) to cover up embarrassing personal situations (like the affair he was having with his Chief of Staff), their private affairs are secondary and tangential to the more important and serious breach of public trust.

Doing something illegal to hide an embarrassment is more pertinent and a greater violation than the actual embarrassment.

Or, as the saying goes, “It’s not the crime, it’s the cover-up.”

- Burr

The healthcare system in America seems to be going downhill in light of the Great Recession. Premiums have risen irrespective of wages, and now more people than ever are unemployed and thus vulnerable to life-destroying hospital bills. President Obama is making noises about reforming healthcare and some measure of reform may actually occur given the current political climate. It may not be pretty or comprehensive… but change is coming!

In light of all this, I am reposting a modified version of my previous prescription for America’s healthcare woes. Keep in mind that I do not necessarily believe that healthcare is in inalienable right that the government must provide its citizens. Still, we must look at the practical social and market realities. As it stands, healthcare in America is not an equitable or sustainable model!

Some facts: US healthcare spending is the highest in the world. Two years ago, 45 million people were uninsured. That number is certainly larger and growing now. The uninsured (who do not have access to preventative and early detection care) raise the prices for all when they use emergency services.

 STEP ONE: Disconnect health coverage from employment. The wages of workers would rise. Also, citizens would not have to fear going into healthcare limbo when they switch jobs, lose jobs, etc. The flawed COBRA would no longer be needed. Workers would also have more choice and flexibility in choosing their own policies. Competition and consumer choice is good! Health coverage being attached to employment is an outdated system left over from World War 2!

STEP TWO: Make health insurance compulsory, but in a manner similar to car insurance. Car insurance isn’t mandatory in a vacuum, but has stipulations. I switched to Geico and saved hundreds of dollars! This step and step one must be realized simultaneously.

STEP THREE: Establish a privatized, government-based health insurance provider (an independent establishment of the executive branch of the Government of the United States) to compete with other health insurance providers. Like the US Postal Service competing with FedEx and UPS, etc.

STEP FOUR: When the federal government gives money for state health programs, demand that the majority be spent on preventative care. For the rest of the money, give the states flexibility (with oversight) over how that money is spent. Different states have different needs. West Virginia, for example, has a high occurrence of childhood obesity as well as health problems associated with coal mining, a major piece of the WV economic pie. Ultimately, preventative care is major and state adaptability (with oversight) is very helpful.

STEP FIVE: Digitize all medical records, patient charts and prescriptions. Go green! Go digital! Go online!

- Hamilton

Remember way back in 2004? President Bush was re-elected by a convincing margin and the fortunes of the Republican party seemed as high as ever. Karl Rove was ready to compare Bush’s election to that of William McKinley’s–which presaged 35 years of Republican dominance (link). That was less than 5 years ago.

Now it’s the Democrats turn. In the most recent edition of Time magazine, a GOP strategist warns that “a GOP ice age is on the way” (link).

The world changes, new problems arise. In 2004, a 1 1/2 year old war in Iraq was the biggest issue. In 2008, it was an economic crisis, and a 5 1/2 year old war in Iraq. Times and circumstances change. Politicians and parties are judged based on their responses to the newest events.

Most patterns are clear only in retrospect, if at all.

- Burr