Where else but America would we care what Alec Baldwin thought about politics? Where else but America would Chuck Norris send out a weekly column to fellow conservatives (an a few lurking moderates)? This week, Chuck tells us what he would say to students and Congress if he, not President Obama, had the bully pulpit.
Norris says “First, I would share the information from my four most recent columns, which concerned the four dirty secrets of Obamacare. In short, I'd tell them that it is too much about prescription and not enough about prevention.” He is probably right. We could take better care of ourselves. But even people who exercise get sick.
Chuck goes on to say “I'd tell them that the answer is not in big government solutions and that it's time for government to quit enabling the majority of Americans and equip them to fight for themselves and one another.”
Somehow, we can keep our health on our own. Some medical procedures are unavoidable. People get sick. They need somewhere to turn.
It is hard to disagree, but that makes it sound like we need health care because we fail to take care of ourselves or that
He goes on “I'd tell them the truth is the No. 1 enemy of our health is not government, insurance companies or health care practitioners, but ourselves.’
Again, we can’t deny that the American lifestyle is not conducive to good health. We also cannot deny that preventative care is an important part of any program. I saw a Blue Cross commercial yesterday on that very point! Most health plans do things to promote healthy lifestyles. Many will give discounts for not smoking or drinking. Norris is right that we need a greater focus on wellness and we are responsible for it, as individuals and as parents. But, it does not eliminate the need for medical care, although one hopes it will reduce the cost.
Norris continues “It's true that genetics, environment, socio-economic status, metabolism and behavior can be contributors to these ailments. But the fact is most Americans are overweight and obese because they eat poorly and don't exercise. Most of our foods are extremely high in fats, sugars and salt. And compared with other countries, we eat much larger portions. We live to eat; most other cultures eat to live.”
It is funny to read these words because I remember Rush Limbaugh going ballistic over the notion that Americans should be told how to live a healthier life. Yet, here, Chuck Norris in his role as pseudo-President would be telling us that very thing in his speech.
It is probably the one thing everyone should agree on—we need better education as to the benefits of healthy eating and the dangers of not being healthy. We also need better education as to how you can prepare healthy meals. We may also need to understand that many of the cheapest foods that are used by the poorest of people tend to be unhealthy. Some people don’t eat fresh fruit and vegetables because of a lack of funds not a lack of desire.
Of course, when we are exercising and break our leg, we need health care Chuck. When we are pregnant we need an OB/GYN. When we develop an illness, etc., etc.
It is too simplistic to stop with wellness. It doesn’t answer the need for medical treatment that arises even with the most fit. Yes, wellness should be a concern. But, you don’t solve the need for health care with exercise and opening up competition across state lines. Any medical care solution must lower the cost of care (so as to lower the cost of insurance) and must make it possible for the high risk (those with pre-existing conditions) to get care and for those who earn too much for Medicaid and SCHIP but not enough to pay the full amount of their coverage to get care. Any so-called solution that doesn’t address these minimum needs is callous. Suck it up, exercise and be well is not a health care plan.
Mr. Norris ends with “Lastly, I would tell Congress alone one more thing about Obamacare on behalf of the majority of Americans (including our posterity). I would tell them that America wants them to quit rushing every big decision, especially ones that affect one-sixth of the U.S. economy, as this one does. I would remind them that what we want is a truly bipartisan group that is allowed an ample amount of time to work on a compromised health care law that would rein in out-of-control insurance companies and wouldn't raise taxes (for anyone), regulate personal medical choices, ration health care or restrict American citizens' freedoms in any way. What that means is they need to kill this present so-called health care legislation and go back to the drawing board.”
Well, not only does Chuck fall into the trap of blaming high costs on out-of-control insurance companies rather than looking at the underlying cost of coverage, but he adds to the problem by suggesting that we kill the existing legislation. We need to stream-line and refine it and get it right. I think we need to combine it with Social Security reform because we can only spend the tax dollars once, we can only tax the rich once, we can only enact a codification of economic substance once, and we need to address both problems. Delay while working for a solution is acceptable. Delay aimed at the status quo is not!
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Health Care
Comments
Ken, I think you're right. And I think Chuck's right. Heck, apparently I think Rush is right too! (Not doing too good at taking a stand, am I?) Wellness will help but should not be federally mandated. But it won't do everything for everyone. More exercise wouldn't have stopped my step-mother from developing cancer.
I disagree only as to Rush. He suggested that government should not be telling people to lead more healthy life. We have a right to 6 Whoppers a day. While I agree you can eat those 6 Whoppers a day, government can try to educate you about a balanced diet--like adding a Frosty!
Chuck Noris's tears cure cancer, but Chuck Norris never cries.
I think that sums up the situation in our health care.
Joke stolen from from a Chuck Norris joke website.
RS,
TOUCHE
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