Let's dabble in politics

I'm not going to pretend that this is the beginning of a newfound love of posting and that I'm actually going to start posting regularly. No, this is simply I suppose what blogs are for -- to vent our internal frustrations to anyone willing to listen, no matter how much we babble or rant.

I don't usually touch politics but being the staunch fat-headed republican that I'm known to be, I thought that maybe I should just put some thoughts or perceptions that I have out there in the ether and someone can enlighten me or reaffirm what I think I know.

I have not read Obama's healthcare bill. Perhaps at some point I will but it will have to be a realllllly slow day at work. Until then I am resigned to the bits and pieces presented to me by all the media outlets. So let's begin:

1) I feel no moral obligation to provide any more than "life or death" medical treatment to illegal aliens. If an alien has a gunshot wound, then feel free to make use of our ERs, but be aware, after you are treated you may be subject to deportation. I know that many people are critical of me for this position for wanting to deport illegal aliens, but the fact is you broke the rules. Frankly, even if you break the rules, America grants amenesties on a "regular" basis, so I invite you to break the rules and stay under the radar until you can apply for amnesty and citizenship, just don't spit in my face and ask me to pay for your medical treatment.

Mr. Obama, we are a country of citizens and you were elected to represent the interest of the citizens, you have no responsibilities towards illegal aliens. Additionally, it seems that no matter which side the information comes from everyone agrees that this mystical number of "Americans without coverage" includes some percentage of illegal aliens. The fact remains Mr. Obama, if you want me to pay for the illegals, then you do not represent me and do not have my vote.

2) I have a soft side, and I understand from a very personal place not being able to afford health insurance. No one is disputing that it's prohibitively expensive. However, just because you can afford it and I can't is no reason to punish you. The notion of taxing or (let's call a spade a spade) fining individuals for choosing private insurace is extortion. I think the concept of a catch-all plan to cover the needy is wonderful, but those that were lucky enough to be successful in this country deserve the right to pay for better care. Do we fine people for buying Starbuck's coffee when then could get the same product for less at 7-11 or Dunkin Donuts? Again Mr. Obama, don't punish the wealthy just becasue they were able to rise above the herd. If you really belive in these tactics, perhaps you should tax on both ends of the socioeconomic scale and tax the poor more. We can then bring the rich down, and bring the poor up (they'll try harder if they can avoid being taxed) and have us all reside in some mediocre middle class clump. Again, if this is what is is your bill, you do not represent me.

Beyond these specific points , I only have a questioning observation: I hate having to pay doctors so much, but if you set the fee schedule, won't there be less doctors since they will have more difficulty paying back their student loans?

I'm sure there's plenty more, but these points have really stuck out to me. Ok, I'm done ranting.

Now for a quick factoid: Why do we call it a Cab or a taxi? Well it's short for Taximeter Cabriolet. Cabriolet being the french for cabin or compartment and taximeter meaning a measure of distance. Enjoy!