The Democrats in the House have unveiled their proposal for a health care overhaul. In my humble opinion, this plan would decrease Americans’ liberty and move our country one step farther in the direction of socialism. Among the provisions of the proposed bill are the following (with my commentary):
- A government-funded insurance plan. I’m opposed to government-funded anything right now, since that would mean either higher taxes or more debt.
- Affordability credits available only to people who make up to $43,000. I think it’s unfair to charge different prices for the same thing based on income.
- Expansion of Medicaid. Again, this would require more government spending and would be giving people free things based on their income, which is unfair.
- An individual mandate to have health insurance, with penalties of 2.5% of one’s income if one does not obey. This is the worst part of the bill right here. The government simply does not have the right to tell people what they must buy. Having health insurance and not having health insurance are two equally good options, and people have a right to decide which is best for them.
- A mandate that businesses with payrolls of up to $250,000 either provide health insurance to employees or contribute 8% of their payroll. Businesses should not be required to provide employees with health insurance. In fact, I’d much rather employers not provide health insurance and instead raise their employees’ pay by the amount they would be spending on health insurance so that the employees can decide for themselves what to spend their money on.
- Insurance companies cannot deny people coverage for pre-existing conditions. I actually like this. Insurance should be made more like any other product – it should cost the same for everyone, and anyone who pays the price should be able to get it.
The Dems are calling their proposal America’s Affordable Health Choices Act. To me, it doesn’t seem too affordable, nor does it seem to give people choices, since one of the most important choices – whether or not to get health insurance - would be taken away from us. More government spending and more regulations on how we can live our lives are the last thing America needs.
The economic stimulus package is nearing $900 billion, about a third of the most recent federal budget. Although it is scary that the government is adding almost a trillion dollars to the $10 trillion national debt, some parts of the bill are more objectionable than others.
- The worst part was billions of dollars to expand Medicaid coverage of contraceptives. If you want condoms, you should have to pay for them yourself! Thankfully, Obama said he was willing to drop this.
- Obama also says he will agree to getting rid of the alternative minimum tax for tens of millions of people, one of the few good parts of the stimulus bill.
- $180 billion will go toward increased Medicaid funding and unemployment benefits. This is unfair to people who work and/or have too much money to qualify for Medicaid.
- There will be a $500 payroll tax holiday for all workers. Tax breaks are always better than increased spending, I guess.
- $365.6 billion will go toward roads, highways, bridges, and other brick-and-mortar projects. This is better than giving people money for nothing, a la Medicaid and Welfare, but it doesn’t seem like America really needs all those new roads…
It’s good that Obama is at least trying to compromise with Republicans, but if I was in Congress, I still probably wouldn’t vote for it. It’s just a mind-boggling amount of money, and with the national debt at such a ridiculous level, we can’t add to it any more.
Ridiculously high textbook prices have burdened college students for years, and Congress is finally trying to help. The House Education and Labor Committee has proposed a bill that would require publishers to sell unbundled books and colleges to inform students about required reading before classes start.
The average student pays about $900 for textbooks each year. Adding to the problem is the fact that many books are bundled with workbooks, answer keys, and CD-roms, which add significantly to the price of the book but often go unused. Additionally, in my experience at least, many professors release their syllabi on the first day of class. As a result, students are forced to buy their books from overpriced campus bookstores, since books ordered online won’t arrive in time.
I personally support government-mandated price ceilings on books. The marginal cost of a book is under a dollar. Plus, because you need textbooks to take courses, the demand for textbooks is inelastic. Therefore publishers are able to rip students off. There is no reason why a hardback book should cost over $25 and no reason why a paperback book should cost over $10.
But, Congress’s bill is a good start. Anything that will enable students to pay less for textbooks is welcome by me. There is no reason why professors can’t figure out and release their syllabi sooner and no reason why publishers should force people to buy products they don’t want or need.
Source: The Crimson
Wow! My third post in one day!
Well, I think it deserves mentioning that Congress failed to overturn President Bush’s veto of the SCHIP bill! This is a victory for everyone who opposes socialized medicine and supports freedom from excessive government intervention. Congrats to all the representatives who stuck to their guns and voted against this bill.
Go to Reuters if you would like to read the full story.
