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way too much thinking
So I’m leaving for the airport in about 45 minutes and am only about half-packed. Of course, this seems to be a habit of mine. Not the point. Anyway, up until very recently, I wouldn’t have had an answer if you asked, “Mandy, what do you think about the health care reform currently under debate?” (because this is, of course, how you’d ask me). I really didn’t know what to think. In fact, I think I was over-thinking, partly because I’m a public health major and am taking two policy classes. (whew! that’s a lot of thinking!)
In a couple of days, I’m hoping to post my opinion on the entire health care debate. I don’t expect it to be uncontroversial, as I tend to think of things in a weird way and I’m approaching it from my academic background, as well.
As a preview for what’s to come, check out this part of CBS News’ Face the Nation, featuring Senators Schumer (D-NY) and Kyl (R-AZ). I watched this in my Politics of Health Policy class today. If you’d like to see the entire discussion, click here. But seriously in the YouTube clip, go to ~5:53, when Bob Schieffer (the host) asks if the plan will raise taxes. The immediate response is kind of funny.
Name: Mandy S.
December 17th, 2009 at 9:19 PM
I’m still waiting for your thoughts on the healthcare debate!
December 18th, 2009 at 8:28 PM
It’s funny you call me out on it, I was wondering if anyone noticed (but I was intending to get back to it)!
I actually wrote three different blog entries when I was writing up my “thoughts” on this, but I realized (a) this is not my personal blog, per se, (b) it’s not a political blog, and (c) overall, it’s really not the best forum for this kind of thing. So I opted not to spout off my ideas.
However, I will say this. We definitely have a system that’s not sustainable (and in need of fixing). I think that’s hard to dispute. Also hard to dispute is that, generally speaking, the compromises that are necessary for political feasibility will often undermine original goals.
I think anyone, of any ideology, would love to start from scratch and create their own policy. But unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to work with the way our political system is structured. Instead we build on existing systems and then compromise.