Please view Obama's speech before Congress (it's lengthy -- give yourself some time) and spend time discussing his views for reform and your own opinion on the matter. I expect you to know what Obama's views are as well as your own.
Remember that this is in place of a great deal of daily reading of the newspaper -- I expect you to take your time, be thoughtful and be rigorous. If the first person to respond does not go into the depth required, do not make the mistake of following in their footsteps. Please carve your own road here. Write your own response first and then make sure you comment on another's.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/09/10/us/politics/20090910-obama-health.html#
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Alright so I watched the video and here's what I'm already thinking:
ReplyDeleteYea Obama talks a good talk but what really matters is if he can really come through with this plan and lay it all out on the line for Americans.
In terms of people who already have health insurance:
1) This plan will not matter nearly as much as it does to others because "nothing in our plan requires you to change what you have". This is very key for those who already have health insurance but it also doesn't help them all that much.
2) The plan is designed mainly for those who don't have health insurance, so I feel that Obama is just trying to add as many positive outcomes to the bill as possible when he says there will be no "arbitrary cap on the amount of coverage" one can have. I feel like if people already have coverage, they aren't worried about getting more, so although this can do wonders for people who don't have health care, it only stimulates those who do.
3) Obama is definitely working hard to somehow satisfy those who already have heath care. So he has to keep them thinking they will be safe and that there will be no extra costs for the new bill. "No one should go broke because they get sick", he says. Well, in the span of the next four years that his plan takes to really start rolling, who knows what will happen.
Now, for those who don't already have health care:
1) Obama's plan is just working great for them. Because even if "you lose our job or change your job, you'll be able to get coverage." This is really key for Americans seeing how this was rarely the case before and people couldn't lose their job or switch jobs because they were afraid this would happen to them. This definitely makes Americans feel safer about their financial decisions in terms of occupations.
2) The President states that "we'll provide tax credits", thereby making the plan more cost effective. That's really all this is about. Everything Obama says he will do is to give us Americans the hope that things will get better because they will be more cost effective and thus less stressful. Well, it certainly is working.
3) What I was wondering during the speech was "what's going to happen in the next four years when this plan will not be taking place." And then Obama laid it out for me; he said that "in the meantime, we will immediately offer low cost coverage. Key Word : Immediately. Nearly every American will be worried for the next four years of how they're going to get by with no health care for them or their family. Low cost health care is going to temporarily plug up the problem; but in the long run it will not be a solution and totally effective.
4) But what I guess will be more effective than anything is that "businesses will be required to either offer their workers health care... or chip in." This is huge and absolutely very drastically going to change the Americans' view on this bill because now every single person will be temporarily covered until this plan initiates four years from now. Obama is taking a huge step and risking a lot for the American public, and I most definitely respect that.
Overall:
I definitely want to see how spending 900 billion dollars on this bill is going to work. Yes it's less than Ifgahnastan and Iraq as well as the tax cuts we had to make, but it's still a hell of a lot of money mainly for those who don't have health care.
Although, Mr. Barack Obama does give us some reassurance as he states that he will "not sign a bill that adds one dime to our deficits." This should be remembered for a long time to come. I'm sure others like myself are hoping that Obama follows through with that statements and rally commits himself to keeping that true.
- Noor Fateh, '11
ReplyDeleteI think this plan is solid. The corruptness that has been going on with the health care industries has devastated lives by taking advantage of those who have been stricken with unavoidable unfair diseases and disabilities. This Health Care plan not only prevents corruptness for the Americans who have health care already, but creates a health care option for every legal American citizen. For those with existing health care, Obama's plan would make it illegal for an insurance company to deny coverage due to a previous illness or have an insurance company drop your coverage or lower it, there would be no limit to the amount of health care, a limit on how much you can be charged for “out of pocket” medical expenses, and they will be covering routine checkups and preventative care. In this turbulent economy, holding a job is increasingly difficult and the health care plan would create an insurance exchange if one has lost their job or decided to open a small business. For the Americans who aren't getting health care right now the option for an affordable health care plan would be put in place, and if those Americans still can not afford it tax breaks will be given. Many European countries follow similar plans with a government issued health insurance, because the American economy has not been accustomed to this it raises fear of a “government takeover,” similar to what the Anti-Federalists were fearing back in America’s early years. It would not outlaw private insurance companies nor force any one to choose it. Assuming Obama’s words are true and that this would not increase the national deficit I think this bill is a necessary and reasonable improvement for the American people.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the new health care reform being proposed by Obama is a necessary and important bill for the benefit of Unites States' citizens. His plan would support the middle and lower class by providing health care to those who are currently not insured and those who cannot obtain health insurance. All US citizens should have the right to health insurance without regard of person's health or economic standing. With the current plan, some are left uninsured because of deteriorating health. About 3 years ago my Aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her insurance company would not cover her extensive and costly treatment. She was forced to pay out of her pocket for the therapy. Luckily, she has recovered. But, what about those who cannot afford to pay for their own medical care and are left uninsured? Hopefully, Obama's plan will solve this problem.
ReplyDeleteAnother issue that has caused problems with the current health care has been the extent at which illegal immigrants benefit from the American plan. This needs to be changed in order for the American people to benefit. Currently, a portion of the taxpayer's money is paying for the medical benefits of illegal immigrants. Obama said that his plan for health care "will not apply to those who are here illegally". But, is that possible? How can this be enforced? As of now there is not very much detail about how illegal immigrants would be excluded from American health care. That is the reason Republican Representative Joe Wilson shouted, "You Lie!" His remark was a response to Obama's claim that illegals would not be covered. One reason many believe his current bill may not initially succeed is due to the lack of measures to ensure illegal immigrants do not get the same medical benefits as American citizens.
-Jason G
I really hope Obama's healthcare plan comes through because our country will be on its' way to a better future by benefiting the greater good of its' citizens. Obama's plan definitely has a utilitarian outlook to it because his proposal is for the greater good rather and looking at the current means than the ends. This plan will help our poor survive longer and benefit the non-insured Americans, while it makes no difference to insured Americans. The means situation is health care companies are taking advantage of their customers, Obama does not think it is fair to have these health care companies take control of such a significant part of our lives, and he wants the poorer and middle class Americans to have health care services provided regardless of their finances. He does a wonderful job of addressing our current issues with healthcare and what he will do in the near feature to stop them, but never does he look at our future 10 years within the plan or 30 years into the future. Perhaps it will be too costly and the whole plan will completely fall apart, we will never know until then, but I think he needs to take account for our future. Just like the War of Terror, sure in March of 2003 it looked like a legitimate reason to attack and we were ready, but looking back we should have thought for our future and look at us now in 2009, in major debt, our economy fell apart, we didn't achieve much, we corrupted Iraq and didn't exactly fix their government, we lost many of our American soldiers along the way, and we found no nuc weapons. We don't need another war of terror aftermath with Obama's healthcare plan.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I disagree with some parts of his healthcare plan. First, I think not providing abortions as part of the healthcare is a huge issue we face with because many American Women have the issue of not affording abortions and therefore have to reproduce more children when they aren't ready to support their new child. It contradicts his whole plan in a way because he wants the best for everyone and healthcare to be provided for everyone while being economically efficient. I'm sure if they can provide the US population with healthcare they should be covering optional abortions for teenager-reproductive ladies by reducing unnecessary children who will only brings debts of our economy even worse. Second, he needs to have a clearer plan with not providing illegal immigrants with healthcare. It would be unfair for US citizens to be paying extra taxes for non-citizens, yet he never comes up with a thorough and clear plan, which is why the representative yelled "You Lie."
I really like how Kathryn incorporated our current history topic with the "anti-federalists" and the fear of the government taking over. I agree, I think if Obama follows his plan, cleans up the damages from the corrupt health care companies, the govt isn't being communistic. We are just trying to achieve the greater amount of good for the most amount of people (util. viewpoint) and we have to take matters in our own hands before small companies disappear behind the shadows of the large companies.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Jason regarding the illegal immigrants topic. Joe Wilson was right to shout that because he never actually proposes an actual plan to ensure that we don't cover illegal immigrants and Obama just says it's a lie, it is false,but never an actual plan which worries me for our growing illegal immigration population.
ReplyDeleteThere are key points in the proposal that I believe will make a change for the better in American health and well being. One of the main prepositions is that if an American loses his/her job, he/she will be able to get coverage by use of the new insurance exchange. This exchange promotes the availability of health coverage for most Americans AND it will still keep the purchasing and business of the health industry competitive.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the government’s involvement in the way small businesses work is ineffective because it discourages healthy competition between companies by causes the public to favor one company over another. This plan does not make this drastic and somewhat dictatorial change in the industry, which is good in preserving the consumerist ways that America is already rooted in.
One main point that I do not agree with is the requirement of the American public to carry health insurance. The President makes the argument that if everyone doesn’t have health insurance, then all those who do will lose money because of it. I think this is a pretty weak argument. I do not want the government to dictate any way the money I earned is spent. I understand taxes are inevitable, but for the government to require me, by law, to pay for something I do not want, is pushy and authoritarian.
-chanah
I believe that Obamas Health Care reform speech was extremely thorough and solid. I believe this speech also showed his courage given the particular settings. I think this plan shows Obamas ability to take charge and make the changes he thinks necessary for our country. This bill offers oppertunities for the people who need a change in the health care system while still providing those whom are satisfied with their health care the flexibility to keep theirs the same. It provides more stability and protection for the people with health care and provids to people who don't.
ReplyDeletePeople with Health Care:
1) They are provided with more protection by preventing insurance companies from dropping coverage of people who need it.
2) It also does not select aganist people with pre-existing medical conditions.
3)It eliminates the extra charges on proventitive medications. (flu shots ect.)
People without health care:
1) Allows people without insruance and small businesses to compare plans and buy insurance at COMPETITVE prices. (sorry chanah I have to disagree with you on that one)
2)Helps small businesses cover their employers with the new tax credits.
3)The public health insurance option gives people who are unable to find a health care plan in their budget the coverage they need.
On top of all of this, it also orders malpractice reform projects that will keep the patients the number one priority of doctors. As well as independent commision for doctors in order to flush out all cases of fraud and abuse. I think this speech shows obama taking a stand and making a effort to help our country step by step become a safer, healthier and all together safer place to be.
--Lael
I think that what Noor said about follow through is extremely key in this. I think that the plan is great and it sounds great on paper and in his speech but until the plan comes through it doesn't mean anything.
ReplyDeleteKatherines note that Americans are afraid of government control over us is a true concern of the public. Obama even makes reference to this when he talks about their fear of change, but as Americans we need to have the trust and confidence in the government we so carfully elected. I think that one of the most important things about maintaining a succesful country is the people's ability to confide in the government that they have chosen to represent them.
ReplyDelete--Lael
I completely believe that every single american deserves to have affordable or free health care. I also completely agree with Obama that no one should be denied healthcare at times they need it the most. I think if America passes this bill they will be taking a step in the right direction but I think this plan could be greatly improved. I love that it gives everyone the opens up a lot more opportunities to the american people for health care but I don't think it is the most efficient and effective way to do so. I think that a system like medicare should be open to every man, woman, and child in America. I am not saying that you must have that health insurance but it will always be an option. I don't know why people so strongly disagree with this concept because nothing would have to change for them. As always, Obama is an amazing and captivating speaker; however, I am not sure if his plan will be as successful as he hopes. I also noticed a lot of comments about the differences between republicans and democrats: for instance at the beginning of his speech he addressed the democrats as "progressives". I think the devisions in washington set a bad example for the rest of the country. At the end Obama mentioned that he is going to use the best idea's from both sides in order to formulate the best possible plan and I think that is exactly what they should do. If congressman stop referring to democratic ideas about healthcare as communist and stop making up elaborate lies about Obama's plan it will be a lot easier to find a solution to our countries problem. No one wants American citizens to die be cause they can't afford to get medical help!
ReplyDelete--Rebecca
I agree agree with Rebecca's statement that the divisions in Washington are problematic and Obama should try to incorporate ideas from both parties. Unfortunately, political parties cause many disputes, including the topic of health care. Even though beliefs from both sides may be amended to his plan, there will always be those who disagree. Realistically speaking, it will be almost impossible for Obama's plan to satisfy both the democrat and republican parties fully. His plan will most likely not stray to far from the democrat policy because Obama does not want to anger his own party.
ReplyDelete-Jason G
I agree with President Obama's plan to reform the healthcare system. People should not have to worry if they will be able to get health insurance because of some medical condition that they have or had. In fact, people with medical conditions are the ones who are in the greatest need for health insurance. People also shouldn't have to worry about going to the doctor when they're sick because they don't want their insurance bill to increase. I also agree with Obama on the topic of preventative medical care. If people know that they have to pay for a physical or other form of check-up, they are less likely to schedule them. The less people that go to the doctor for routine check-ups, the more deaths there will be due to untreated illnesses.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it may not seem customary now because we are not used to it, all americans should really be eligible for healthcare no matter if they are unemployed or if their job doesn't provide and insurance plan. Obama also touches on this fact. He wants to make healthcare available to each and every American which is a policy that I highly agree with. It does seem somewhat harsh that these reforms would not apply to illegal immigrants, but it doesn't make sense that America should have to pay for the healthcare of people that are in this country illegally. For this reason, I also support this part of President Obama's plan.
--Drew Tuttle
I agree with Jason in that it is unclear how Obama plans to keep illegal immigrants from obtaining healthcare. If they are able to obtain healthcare now, what will stop them from obtaining it after this reform?
ReplyDelete--Drew Tuttle
Obama's Health Care reform is a huge step for America and its citizens. Even though this will cost over 900 billion dollars over 10 years, it is still less than the wars... and it will benefit SO many people. The costs would not be that high, they will use the same money just in different ways. With this Health Care plan, people can get insurance on the job, afford being self employed. There are 30 million Americans with NO health care right now. Americans are counting on the US to succeed. Some suffer silently and some rebel, the poor, and the rich too. This plan does affect both people with and without insurance, both benefiting. If one already has health insurance, it wont change the coverage or doctor. It is really important that Obama clear up the scares the republicans (or others) spread. For example... the right to kill of seniors.... For those who don't have health care, the plan will grant them coverage no matter what by creating market place where all could shop for health insurance. Obama uses a natural human impulse, competition, to modify his plan. Even though this will take effect in four years, it gives SO much hope and freedom to the Americans, and is a step forward in the journey of becoming a better community. The president knows a lot of americans are nervous about reforms and clears up and makes them comfortable with it. Obama clarifies more than what necessary to all of the listeners. He is very clear! Obama even gives credit to McCain for suggesting to immediately offer low cost coverage if one gets really sick. This is very important because it shows the maturity and strength he has which reflects to all Americans. Not only is this a wonderful reform on its own, but it is also a leap for the US, and its citizens.
ReplyDeleteIm not about to defend illegal immigrants taking advantage of American rights... but these people usually work 10 x as hard and have way harder lives than many americans... They leave their countries to come work only to send all the money they make to their families back at home. The United States of America is SO rich... and people living here as well... its not a waste to help people in need, even if they aren't American. You all do have valid points, I just don't think its the biggest issue here... People are going to do what it takes to survive, you can't take that away from anyone!
ReplyDeleteI am a little confused about how the health care plan effects illegal immigrants, but I agree with fredel that everyone should have an opportunity to live and thrive in America. I'm not sure how Obama could apply this health care plan to illegal immigrants with the support of the congress but if there was away to insure they would be able to benefit as well that would be great. I also agree with Noor and Lael about following through. Obama says that this plan will take four years to carry through. I think a lot can go wrong in that period of time so hopefully the people ironing out this plan will stay on top of it and make it happen sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteAfter taking the time to listen to Obama’s views on health care and all that jazz, I can truly say that I agree with his proposals. I think that by making it against the law for an insurance company to cut a person’s insurance when they are ill is a good plan because the point of health insurance is to cover people when the unexpected or unthinkable happens to those in the communities around us. I also think that Obama’s plan to make it necessary for people who can afford insurance to take the time (and money) to become insured could have a positive outcome on our society. In my opinion I think a person can never take too many precautions when not only looking out for their own personal health, but for the loved ones around them. For those who can take the money and put it towards health care just shows the citizens of the US that taking action in trying to prevent something can benefit (not only dealing with the health insurance issue). I am excited by the fact that Obama wishes to stimulate competition between different insurance companies through exchanges which would then lead to less wealthy consumers being offered lower rates. I feel that this could be EXTREMELY beneficial to American’s because it would be a great incentive for those who aren’t as wealthy to actually look into the opportunity of being able to get coverage for their health. It would also in turn benefit the insurance companies because they would be making more money and gaining billions more people whom they would newly start to cover. Lastly, I agree with Obama’s viewpoint that states that insurance companies should not be able to turn men and women away from being covered by their company just because of a previous illness or medical condition. People preach for equality and the fact that everyone deserves an equal chance at obtaining something, and if people who get turned away aren’t able to have that opportunity at making a better life for themselves than the whole principle of civil rights is not being fairly represented. Overall, I think Obama is not only a great guy, but has impressive ideas that could benefit not only a small portion of the population of the US, but everyone. I hope that people take into consideration those less fortunate around them and realize that to become a stronger nation, everyone needs to feel safe and supported and I believe that health care can start this new resolution.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Fredel about the subject of illegal immigrants and how they are not given the chance to be considered "real" individuals in the United States of America. I believe that if they risk everything to attempt to not only make a better lives for themselves but also their children, they should be allowed to stay and make something out of their lives. I know Obama's proposal was about health care (not to stray away from the real subject), but I do think the amount of representation and number of restrictions the current health plan has is really hurting not only our economy but the lives of millions. I do agree with Rebecca, though, when she mentioned that it would be near impossible to find a plan that presented a "happy medium" and was able to pass the vote. I agree with everyone who makes the point that this health care plan is indeed a great idea, but it's going to take a lot of convincing towards the insurance companies who really truly only care about "money money and more money" in this economic crisis the United States is having right now.
ReplyDelete