Spring Break
Democratic Candidates don't have it right
William Mulgrew
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: Ed Op
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This was the first debate where I left knowing less about the candidates than I did going in, which says a lot since I'm a political science major.
I learned that Rep. Kucinich saw a UFO. I learned that Sen. Clinton can change her position under two minutes. I learned what Sen. Obama was going to wear for Halloween (a Mitt Romney mask). And I learned that Sen. Biden, who represents Delaware (population: 850,000), thinks Rudy Giuliani is "the most under-qualified man to run for president," even though he's the former mayor of New York City (population: 8,000,000).
I am, however, glad that all seven Democratic candidates came to Drexel University: they need to enroll for remedial classes on economics, health, and public policy.
Let's start with health care.
America's health care system is like Drexel's cafeteria. Instead of paying for what you consume, you're charged a flat rate. This encourages over-consumption, thereby driving up costs. When I visited the cafeteria today for the first time in three years, I noticed that students went back for seconds and thirds, forcing students who haven't even gotten their firsts to wait in line.
Health care costs increase dramatically when they're hidden from consumers. Government created this problem during the World War II era when it imposed wage controls on businesses, but exempted employer-provided health care from taxation. Unable to offer different wages, businesses used generous insurance plans in order to attract good employees, ruining America's long tradition of self-insurance. Currently, 84 cents of every dollar spent on personal health care comes from someone other than the patient. Without the ability for Americans to choose cost-effective health services, competition is eliminated. There is simply no incentive to reduce costs.
State governments also ruin competition by legally prohibiting Americans from the right to purchase health insurance in other states. Six out of the seven Democratic debaters were past or present senators and congressmen. Members of Congress can purchase their insurance from anywhere in the country. They can choose from 284 specific plans. Naturally, their insurance costs haven't risen at the same rate as it has for everyone one. Isn't it wonderful how they won't extend this benefit to the rest of us common folk?
I learned that Rep. Kucinich saw a UFO. I learned that Sen. Clinton can change her position under two minutes. I learned what Sen. Obama was going to wear for Halloween (a Mitt Romney mask). And I learned that Sen. Biden, who represents Delaware (population: 850,000), thinks Rudy Giuliani is "the most under-qualified man to run for president," even though he's the former mayor of New York City (population: 8,000,000).
I am, however, glad that all seven Democratic candidates came to Drexel University: they need to enroll for remedial classes on economics, health, and public policy.
Let's start with health care.
America's health care system is like Drexel's cafeteria. Instead of paying for what you consume, you're charged a flat rate. This encourages over-consumption, thereby driving up costs. When I visited the cafeteria today for the first time in three years, I noticed that students went back for seconds and thirds, forcing students who haven't even gotten their firsts to wait in line.
Health care costs increase dramatically when they're hidden from consumers. Government created this problem during the World War II era when it imposed wage controls on businesses, but exempted employer-provided health care from taxation. Unable to offer different wages, businesses used generous insurance plans in order to attract good employees, ruining America's long tradition of self-insurance. Currently, 84 cents of every dollar spent on personal health care comes from someone other than the patient. Without the ability for Americans to choose cost-effective health services, competition is eliminated. There is simply no incentive to reduce costs.
State governments also ruin competition by legally prohibiting Americans from the right to purchase health insurance in other states. Six out of the seven Democratic debaters were past or present senators and congressmen. Members of Congress can purchase their insurance from anywhere in the country. They can choose from 284 specific plans. Naturally, their insurance costs haven't risen at the same rate as it has for everyone one. Isn't it wonderful how they won't extend this benefit to the rest of us common folk?
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Raylene Brugman
posted 10/31/07 @ 9:30 AM EST
Although the author of this article makes some good points, I must respond that at least the Democratic Candidates are talking about, and have plans to address the really pressing issues in this country, such as energy, healthcare access for all, the nursing shortage, and the twindling middle class, etc. (Continued…)
Emmett
posted 10/31/07 @ 11:14 AM EST
Nice article and I totally agree. Democrats don't make any sense and its a party for the less informed and non rational thinkers. I don't always agree with Republican Party but the alternative is so much worse. (Continued…)
Bill Mulgrew
posted 11/03/07 @ 8:17 AM EST
William,
You make your old Grand Dad (ex-Marine) proud.
I totally agree with your comments.
Prosit,
Grand Dad
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