"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
This means the government cannot stop me from doing these things.
I don't think that equal access is the same thing as a right.
Just because I have the right to free speech does not mean that others have to give me an outlet.
Meaning, I can't go to the NY Times and demand that they publish my piece due to my freedom of speech.
but I do think there are some things that everyone should have equal access to in order for the society to prosper
It's up to the society to realize this and cooperate with each other rather than be coerced into providing things.
26 March 2010
25 March 2010
Health Care BIll Confusion
Here's where I'm confused. Obama wants everyone to have health care.
So congress creates a bill mandating all citizens to have health care insurance. Even if they can't afford it. If they can't afford it, the govt. will subsidize it. If you don't get it you'll face a fine around $700.
Constitutional? Doesn't sound like it. How can the govt. make someone purchase something against their will?
Employers with more than 50 employees must provide health insurance or pay a fine of $2000 per worker each year if any worker receives federal subsidies to purchase health insurance.
So govt. will create a market exchange where people have to choose among unregulated private insurance companies that can and probably will charge ridiculous amounts. The only penalty is a 40% Excise tax on plans over $10,000 (individual) and $27,000 (family). Insurance companies that raise rates arbitrarily will not be allowed to sell policies in the new insurance marketplace.
So now the govt. looks like a bunch of suckers because they're going to be paying these bills by subsidising individuals and families with income between the 100 percent and 400 percent of poverty level.
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees will get tax credits covering up to 50% of employee premiums.
Congress told insurance companies that they can't deny anyone based on preexisting conditions. And they can't reject someone when they get sick.
This bill just appeases the market. Giving insurance companies more business.
The bill already Expands Medicaid to include 133 percent of federal poverty level which is $29,327 for a family of four. And Requires states to expand Medicaid to include childless adults starting in 2014.
Why didn't the govt. just open Medicaid/Medicare up to everyone who is not eligible for insurance from their employer? Or at least to everyone at 400% of the poverty level. Either way, the govt. is going to be paying for it.
So congress creates a bill mandating all citizens to have health care insurance. Even if they can't afford it. If they can't afford it, the govt. will subsidize it. If you don't get it you'll face a fine around $700.
Constitutional? Doesn't sound like it. How can the govt. make someone purchase something against their will?
Employers with more than 50 employees must provide health insurance or pay a fine of $2000 per worker each year if any worker receives federal subsidies to purchase health insurance.
So govt. will create a market exchange where people have to choose among unregulated private insurance companies that can and probably will charge ridiculous amounts. The only penalty is a 40% Excise tax on plans over $10,000 (individual) and $27,000 (family). Insurance companies that raise rates arbitrarily will not be allowed to sell policies in the new insurance marketplace.
So now the govt. looks like a bunch of suckers because they're going to be paying these bills by subsidising individuals and families with income between the 100 percent and 400 percent of poverty level.
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees will get tax credits covering up to 50% of employee premiums.
Congress told insurance companies that they can't deny anyone based on preexisting conditions. And they can't reject someone when they get sick.
This bill just appeases the market. Giving insurance companies more business.
The bill already Expands Medicaid to include 133 percent of federal poverty level which is $29,327 for a family of four. And Requires states to expand Medicaid to include childless adults starting in 2014.
Why didn't the govt. just open Medicaid/Medicare up to everyone who is not eligible for insurance from their employer? Or at least to everyone at 400% of the poverty level. Either way, the govt. is going to be paying for it.
12 March 2010
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