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Some notes on Health Care reform.

First, it works. The benefits outweigh any amount of problems. The deal is simple. Pass something, then go back and modify it. In reality, the Republicans in congress have no willingness as a party to do anything except try to kill it.

I'm benefiting from this law, so my view is biased.

More below the flip

Back to the oncologists in two weeks. Probably facing 6-8 weeks of radiation, then chemotherapy again. Possible the order will be reversed. But I will be getting treated.

Insurance canceled last year for the second time the month following my surgery, so no follow-ups after the first three weeks. Now I'm employed, so I have insurance. As good as what I had? No. But pre-existing condition doesn't matter. More costs to me, but for a life-threatening disease, I'll pay as long as I'm able to.

Children can be carried on these plans until they are able to get a job. Children and young adults with insurance can only be a positive thing.

I live in a state that has said it will not opt in to some of the better parts. What a joke, in a state with an MD as governor, and an underfunded medicaid.

But it is what it is.

Getting some definite expiration dates on my body has created a different set of motivations: these are outward-directed... helping to create a certain ethical foundation for my son, working with groups I support, and working against groups or agendas I do not.

I want to see, or to help establish a way, to see a Democratic congress in DC in 2014. I want to see an administration that includes Robert Reich and Bernie Sanders in elected or Secretarial level positions, and a swing to the left on reforming this behemoth to include re-importation, some low-cost high-maintenance coverage for poor people, and maybe even jobs for the unemployed in heath care sponsored by the Federal Government to make more of a difference.

I dream of a day when people don't get physically worse because of insurance companies and costs. I don't care if it doesn't benefit me, so long as it occurs. It's time to bring liberal policies back. It's time to take the discourse back.

Last week I heard Joe Scarborough excoriating Senator Mendez on his uneducated and incorrect statements to Elizabeth Warren on the 2nd Amendment. I get tired of uncritical thought by conservatives, so many times Joe's a breath of fresh air.

I'd like to see discourse opened with governors like Chris Christie on how to improve the measure. Sure, I will disagree with much of what he proposes, but he at least thinks, and may have alternatives that aren't completely unpalatable.

After this ramble, a quick closing. The health care plan has done wonders. If people have objections to it, especially governors, don't take it out on the populace because you don't like it. Help the least of us, and pay it forward.

Helping the sick, the poor, the elderly, the dying, and the children should be something anyone can adopt. Forcing those categories to beg, or to put jars up at gas stations for donations? That it still must be done shows one of the many flaws in the system. Let's fix it, not abandon it.

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  • Display: Sort:
    I'm glad (5.00 / 3) (#2)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Mar 18, 2013 at 06:27:43 PM EST
    that you're getting treatment. One of my main complaints about the law is that it can be unfunded at any time. There is some good stuff in it and I'm glad it's benefiting you. I personally have benefited from the extension of age so my 20 year old son has insurance that he would not have otherwise.

    I don't see it lasting though because it's supporting a costly behemoth known as the insurance companies.

    Did you read the Time article on health care in this country? It has to be killing the economy because of all the money that people are having to pay out for medical care. I'm STILL paying for my treatment last year and I'm sure I will be paying into next year for it.

    I want to find that article. (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon Mar 18, 2013 at 06:32:16 PM EST
    Even with insurance the expenses are high. People don't get it.

    Parent
    Welcome Home Chief... (5.00 / 3) (#4)
    by kdog on Mon Mar 18, 2013 at 07:27:19 PM EST
    Don't be such a stranger! ;) So good to see your fighting spirit intact brother.

    Here's the article you're looking for.  

    I'm a d*ck... (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by kdog on Mon Mar 18, 2013 at 07:34:34 PM EST
    you gotta be a subscriber.

    Off to find a pirate copy matey!

    Parent

    You tried. That's got to be (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by oculus on Tue Mar 19, 2013 at 11:59:55 PM EST
    worth  something.  (wonder if you'll be able to link to TL Premium?)

    Parent
    Happy to see you writing here again, Jeff. (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by oculus on Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 12:01:04 AM EST
    And fighting.

    Bless you, Oculus. (5.00 / 2) (#8)
    by jeffinalabama on Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 12:11:33 AM EST
    It's good to be back, even for a short time, if that's all it is. I've been open about my cancer, and I'll be writing more either on or after Thursday. I think I will be writing about firearms and idiots before I make it to Thursday, though. I own firearms, used them in combat, and I enjoy them.

    But I perceive too much stupidity or knee-jerk-uninformed-of-supreme-court-ruling LaPierre posts here.

    By uniformed, I mean willfully and woefully stupid and ignorant.

    Heh. I've needed people like that to reply to... but I have missed my friends.

    I came back for you all, my friends. I'm selfish. We all don't agree on everything, sometimes on almost nothing, but you're there for me when I need you, and it's appreciated. Thank you Oculus, and thank you all. Except for...

    Heh, thought I was gonna say something!

    Parent

    Made me laugh. Good job. (5.00 / 2) (#9)
    by oculus on Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 12:20:30 AM EST
    So, so glad to see you here again! (5.00 / 2) (#10)
    by lilburro on Wed Mar 20, 2013 at 09:34:54 AM EST
    And glad the bill is benefiting you and that you are getting treatment more easily.  My best to you and your family.

    ugh... please replace Cruz with Mendez in (none / 0) (#1)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon Mar 18, 2013 at 06:03:00 PM EST
    one of the later paragraphs. I pressed my idiot button, and the Mendez name came up before Cruz, for some reason.