(no subject)
Mar. 22nd, 2010 07:44 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mrockwellI don't usually talk about politics here, but I have a few random thoughts on yesterday's passage of the health care "reform" bill that I'd like to get down for posterity's sake. In no particular order:
*An executive order does not have the force of law. As far as promises go, it's not worth the paper it's written on. Stupak is a sell-out, pure and simple.
*I'm all for affordable health care. OBVIOUSLY -- I have a child with cancer. But I have deep concerns about how it's going to be paid for. As the inestimable Jonathan Moeller rightly points out, in February alone, the government took in only $100 billion while spending $300 billion. This country is spending itself into oblivion, and this bill is only going to see us reach that dark place that much faster.
*According to the IRS, in 2006, 50% of earners paid 97% of the taxes in this country. So I kind of have to laugh when folks say they're happy to pay more taxes to see everyone covered, since it's a good statistical bet that half of the people saying that don't even pay taxes in the first place. So what they really mean is that they're happy to see everyone ELSE pay more in taxes to make sure THEY'RE covered. And that's not what my America is about.
I think Paul Ryan said it best on the floor last night:
"Do we believe that the goal of government is to promote equal opportunity for all Americans to make the most of their lives -- or do we now believe that government's role is to equalize the results of peoples' lives?"
ETA: I have a LOT of liberals on my flist, many of whom are dear friends. None of the above is directed at any of you. I'm simply voicing my frustration, as many of you have done over the years. I never took your rants personally (because I know you all love me, heh), so I'd appreciate it if you'd return the favor. ::smooches::
*An executive order does not have the force of law. As far as promises go, it's not worth the paper it's written on. Stupak is a sell-out, pure and simple.
*I'm all for affordable health care. OBVIOUSLY -- I have a child with cancer. But I have deep concerns about how it's going to be paid for. As the inestimable Jonathan Moeller rightly points out, in February alone, the government took in only $100 billion while spending $300 billion. This country is spending itself into oblivion, and this bill is only going to see us reach that dark place that much faster.
*According to the IRS, in 2006, 50% of earners paid 97% of the taxes in this country. So I kind of have to laugh when folks say they're happy to pay more taxes to see everyone covered, since it's a good statistical bet that half of the people saying that don't even pay taxes in the first place. So what they really mean is that they're happy to see everyone ELSE pay more in taxes to make sure THEY'RE covered. And that's not what my America is about.
I think Paul Ryan said it best on the floor last night:
"Do we believe that the goal of government is to promote equal opportunity for all Americans to make the most of their lives -- or do we now believe that government's role is to equalize the results of peoples' lives?"
ETA: I have a LOT of liberals on my flist, many of whom are dear friends. None of the above is directed at any of you. I'm simply voicing my frustration, as many of you have done over the years. I never took your rants personally (because I know you all love me, heh), so I'd appreciate it if you'd return the favor. ::smooches::
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no subject
Date: 2010-03-23 03:15 am (UTC)You betcha.
no subject
Date: 2010-03-23 03:18 am (UTC)Well, not yet. I made $920 last year, but I am working my tush off to be able to pay a stupid amount of taxes as soon as humanly possible. :-) But, if I was asked to kick in money per week, I would. I just would. If I could mail it to a slush fund, I'd do it.
I can't believe I get to see you FINALLY in just a few more days. I'm ridiculously excited about that.
no subject
Date: 2010-03-23 05:42 pm (UTC)Can't wait to see you! :)
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Date: 2010-03-24 12:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-03-23 08:52 pm (UTC)There are currently a couple of big drains on Federal Funding that could be plugged, and they have nothing to do with domestic social welfare issues.