My LTTE - Politicians and healthcare: A 'Modest Proposal'

[trof]

Published yesterday in my local paper.
:-)

Politicians and healthcare: A 'Modest Proposal'

In an August 5 article in the Foley (AL) Onlooker by Rep. Jo Bonner (R-AL), the headline reads "Stopping the government takeover of healthcare".
According to Rep. Bonner "The entire Alabama House Republican delegation" went to the floor of the House to deliver that message to Democrats, and, ultimately, the nation. He then goes on to say how 'we' can't afford the reform of our healthcare system as currently proposed and then proceeds to set up and knock down several straw men.

I find the arguments being put forth by our Republican and some 'Blue Dog' Democratic members of Congress to be jaw droppingly hypocritical.
"Too much, too fast, too expensive" seems to be their mantra.

There's an old saying "What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander".
The message I'm getting is that "there's enough sauce to go around for us ganders, but you geese out there are out of luck".
Just another way of saying "I've got mine, now pull up the ladder."

According to a recent Los Angeles Times article, we, the American taxpayers, paid $15 Billion dollars last year to insure 8.5 Million federal employees and their dependents. I'm sure you understand that all members of congress are federal employees.

A few highlights of their quality of healthcare and insurance plans:
* A choice of 10 healthcare plans that provide access to a national network of doctors, as well as several HMOs that serve each member's home state. By contrast, 85% of private companies offering health coverage provide their employees one type of plan -- take it or leave it.
* Lawmakers also get special treatment at Washington's federal medical facilities and, for a few hundred dollars a month, access to their own pharmacy and doctors, nurses and medical technicians standing by in an office conveniently located between the House and Senate chambers.
* The federal coverage far surpasses that enjoyed by 70 million Americans who are underinsured and at financial risk in the event of a major health crisis -- not to mention the estimated 46 million who have no medical insurance.
* The plan most favored by federal workers is Blue Cross Blue Shield, which covers a family for about $1,030 a month. Taxpayers kick in $700, and employees pay the rest. Seeing a doctor costs $20. Generic prescriptions cost $10. Immunizations are free. There is no coverage limit.
* Federal employees also enjoy a significant benefit denied the average American: There is no such thing as a preexisting condition, which keeps many sick people from obtaining insurance. Once hired, federal workers are eligible for coverage no matter their health, with no waiting period.

All that sounds pretty good to me, so here's my 'Modest Proposal':
In order to demonstrate their sincerity and keep faith with the American people, every member of congress will step up and voluntarily forego medical insurance and treatment until every one of their constituents has identical benefits.

It's past time that us geese get some sauce too.

(trof)

[Vinca]

1. An excellent letter and very well written.

It's a shame so few are capable of reading it in red state Alabama.

[trof]

2. Thank you. I've already received a couple of emails.

Both supportive.
:-)

[angstlessk]

3. well researched and sounds very convincing...glad it got published

it is almost a column for the paper... free!

[PA Democrat]

4. Great job. And I love the fact that the tea baggers can't shout down such a well-written LTTE.