I'm lo0king in the US Constitution. . . for the article that grants the federal goverment the responsibility to "help families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified".
In fact, I would say that goverment intervention has negatively impacted each of these areas over the last 50 years:
jobs at a decent wage - the progressive income tax and the entitlement programs is what keeps low wages low. Companies can't pay "whatever they want" for labor. There is a labor market just like anything else. Companies can pay "low wages" because the lack of taxation and the entitlements means that these workers don't have to demand higher pay. If they don't demand higher pay, the market won't just volunteer it, because that would drive up the cost of their goods. So, we subsidize low end labor and low end goods in the form of progressive taxes to the higher end labor.
care they can afford - the feds already have a hand in this because they regulate the health insurance industry. We are forced to buy coverage for all kind of things most of us don't want (substance abuse, accupuncture, sex reassignment surgery, etc.). Why can't we buy our own policy according to the coverage we need? Why must we get all or nothing, and be at the mercy of our employer? Because the feds mandate this. Worse is that the same people who are constantly lamenting big pharmaceutcals, hospitals and HMO's are eager to replace them with an even bigger "corporation" in the form of the federal government. Not to mention all of the costs added to the mix by people who sneak in to this country and use services they have no right to.
retirement that is dignified - it used to be that we took care of our parents and grandparents. It was our duty - and pleasure - to do so. Now, we are all forced to pay into this ponzi scheme called social security (except, of course, for our congress who are on their own plan). Doesn't it feel great to be on the hook to take care of strangers? I'd rather take care of my own parents and in-laws. How can there ever be dignity in the socialized retirement system that will absolutely collapse on its own weight in the next few decades.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I'm loking in the US Constitution. . .
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17 comments:
For the sake of the Nation, National Security and economic prosperity, I hope our new President is successfull.
I do not wish him success in all that he has campained for. If he is successful in his campain promises, we will become a Socialist Nation at best. I just hate to think what he really wants, that could be the worst the Nation could imagine.
I still do not know what he stands for, besides change? What change? I'm not even sure he knows what change he wants to bring to bring to America, besides Socialism?
Sean, Congrats on the Pittsburge Steels brother! What a game!
I was hoping that maybe I could secretly drive up and crash at your place during the Super Bowl, but as luck has it, I am on call Super Bowl weekend.
I've heard the constitution also says something about taking the oath, something to the effect that requires reciting the oath verbatim, the way it is written and has been recited word for word 43 times in the past. But then I'm no constitutional lawyer. Big change is coming for sure.
So Sean I take it that you just payed your health insurance premium for the year.
I'm pretty sure that it was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court that mis-read the oath. I'm also pretty sure that it still counts.
Watching the inauguration highlights last night I took from them a couple of things.
While the coverage and Obama love fest was sometimes a bit over the top one has to sit in pride and admiration of the peaceful transfer of power. This is really a pretty rare thing in this world. The manner in which it transpires remains the standard by which all others are judged.
I personally don't see the problem with calling for accountability and responsibility from your fellow citizens. I can't be sure exactly to whom that was directed but it's my humble opinion that these are traits that have been sorely lacking from a particular demographic.
I personally don't see the problem when speaking to the world that to come to us as a friend and you will be treated as a friend. Show yourself as an enemy to the Republic and its citizens at your own peril.
I don't see the issue with the concept of thoughtful and reasoned examination of how things have become standard operating procedure over time and finding that maybe, just maybe there could be a better way. Not saying that there is but looking and questioning does not make you anything other than someone who does not fear self examination.
As they say the devil will be in the details. Will our 44th President find it within his capacity to surround himself with capable staff? Will the legislation enacted under this administration make for a more perfect union?
Who the hell knows.
In the short term that's for the pundits and in the long term the historians.
Of this I am sure. This great and ongoing experiment in government by the people continues to amaze and is the envy of the world.
Ric, I wonder how your own occupation fits into your original post. If I understand correctly, you are a social worker employed in the mental health field. I would venture to guess that the majority of funding for your institution (and therefor your very paycheck) comes either from government mandated insurance programs or directly from the government itself. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, you work in a state run institution? Maybe it's just me, but if my knowledge of your position is correct then your rant begins to sound a bit hypocritical. There's an old proverb that teaches us not to bite the hand that feeds us.
Very good point RAC!
I actually work for a state-wide mental health private agency. (I once worked free-lance for the State of New York as a Service Plan Writer). Some of our clients do not have private insurance, but have Medicaid or Medicare, very few with Medicare. And those that have Medicaid, have a very large spend-down because they are employed.
Juliet - no, I pay every two weeks in my paycheck and, oh guess what, our benefits are now "progressive" also. I pay more for the same benefits than other employees do because I am so "highly compensated".
Doug - you are right about the peaceful transfer of power. This is one of the cornerstones of our American system!
RAC- While in college I was a Liberal Arts Major, majoring in Social Work. At the same time, I was in Army R.O.T.C.. My Social Work Prof's often ask me, why are you in R.O.T.C. and majoring in Social Work? I told them because I love my nation and want to help the needy. They could not understand that?
It is a fact that conservatives give more to charity than liberals do. Conservatives do have a heart and care more about people than what is published in the media.
And what is even more ironic, the majority of the Social Workers and management in my 'State Wide Private Agency' are conservatives.
BREAKING NEWS: President Obama re-takes oath of office as reported on Fox News.
Did he stumble the words this time?
Doug, Sean and RAC'ster, I love all of your conversational chats. When and where is the next Dean's Circle Reunion?
Let us make it a longer this time so that we can sit at a table, have a few drinks, chat and shoot the dung! :)
This is great conversation, but sure would be better in person!
Dave, Want your there too! I was thinking faster than what I was typing! Sorry, my bad! :(
Actually Ric, it was Chief Justice Roberts that screwed up the oath not the President. Be fair now.
You are so right Mat. I did not watch the Oath, just over heard people talking about it. Only today did I learn that it was indeed the Cheif Justis whom goofed, not the President.
Keep on loking...
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