March 23, 2010
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Optimism, Pessimism
This blog has never settled down to have a particular, specific theme or tone. It always reflects my thoughts and feelings of the moment, but beyond that, it could focus on anything from the flowers in my garden to my experiences as a mature student, even on world events happening far from my front door. I do have a great interest in the United States, as do most Canadians, quite logically.
I was glad, in a measured way, to read that about 59% of Americans are willing to say that their new healthcare initiative is “a good thing” overall. I even believe that, over the next couple of years, many Americans will benefit from the new rules and come to feel more positively about them. It does not contain some elements that I’d hoped for, but if some Americans who would otherwise have faced financial ruin are helped by the new plans, then that is all to the good.
But when I read about the results of a recent Harris poll showing that 24% of Republicans surveyed (particularly those without college educations) believe that Barack Obama may be “the AntiChrist” . . . I am afraid I have no idea what could be in the future for America.
This article also marks the first time I’ve seen the neologism: hatriotism. I knew exactly what it meant the instant I saw it.
Comments (7)
I’ve not heard 59% are happy about this new bill. In fact I’ve heard it’s far less. We are in for a ride and it’s going to be all downhill.
@VallejoGirl - I’m going to hope for the best. We may be surprised!
I have 3 children, 2 of whom have been without insurance since they were 18. When my son broke his arm (radius & ulna) and had to have surgery to insert pins and plates, the bill was over $15,000! We had to go through a HUGE moutain of paperwork to declare him independent so we could get his bills lowered. We still payed over $5,000. I am ready for change. It is at least a step in the right direction.
@Emme402 - Yes, even the bills that are not catastrophic can be terrible setbacks. I have an American friend who had his appendix removed in 2004, and he still has over a year left on his payments for it. He is a young person who at that time had only just started living alone. This kind of thing can effectively prevent a person from getting ahead at an important time in his or her life. That’s not what Americans should want for themselves. This bill won’t end that, since most Americans who declare bankruptcy due to medical expenses *did* have insurance to start out with, but it will help.
I like that term–hatriotism. How appropriate. And, sadly, how true.
I know exactly what the term hatriotism means, and don’t understand why it’s employed at all in this case. I’m willing to bet that the majority of Americans aren’t going to notice a change where their health care is concerned. And those that do ? It will probably be for the better. I don’t think the bill went far enough. I think health care should be provided by the government and it shouldn’t be about profits. I’m sort of radical in that regard. Kind of like Jesus.
I see where Sarah Palin’s family enjoyed the benefits of the Canadian health care system while she was growing up. The system she now rails against. I’d try to look surprised, but it’s been a long week and it’s late.
@PrimevalWench - I don’t think it went far enough either – in Canada, the government doesn’t exactly “provide” healthcare, but it is the sole insurer, which means that doctors don’t have to fuss about and hire extra secretaries and accountants to interpret all the rules and do all the paperwork. The other important thing here is that no one can be refused insurance. Americans have made progress in this area, since pre-existing conditions do not bar them from insurance anymore.
Americans often don’t understand that our doctors in Canada are still completely independent. They are self-employed, or employees of hospitals or clinics, but never employees directly of the government.
I have read with confusion some of the fears Americans have about Canadian-style healthcare, but all I can say is that if I had my appendix out this afternoon, I would arrive at home tomorrow or the next day without the huge setback of a $10k bill to pay. Not that my healthcare is free, but I’m paying for it all the time in my taxes. My husband was musing recently that last year he paid about $800 to the government for healthcare. That’s not too steep for peace of mind, is it.