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Fact or fiction: healthcare reform, cap-and-trade legislation
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As politics become increasingly negative, it's not surprising to see a lot of misinformation out about a number of issues. Two of the biggest and most contentious arenas for this propaganda on both sides of the aisle are the proposed healthcare reform legislation and the so-called "cap and trade" energy tax legislation. Here, we will examine a few of the allegations pertaining to each bill and assess their validity.
Allegation: The GOP have been nothing but detractors in the healthcare reform movement, only serving to vote down the Democrats' plans.
Validity: False. While ignored in light of angry mobs and some incendiary commentary, the GOP has actually proposed over 30 bills pertaining to healthcare reform (such as HR 3400) as well as numerous amendments, all of which have been struck down by the Democrat led congress. This, along with his recent refusal to meet with House GOP casts doubts on the president's stated plan to "listen to any and all" reasonable plans that the Republicans have.
Allegation: The right-wing fear mongers are spreading misinformation to try and halt the passage of healthcare reform.
Validity: Valid but misleading. It's true that there is a lot of misinformation out there. However, not every attempt to halt the passage of healthcare reform or right wing counter proposals is misinformed. It's also wrong to say that is only coming from one side, as there has been a lot of misinformation coming from both parties. In fact, one could argue that the left wing fear mongers are trying to force through a bill by using fear to incite the masses into action.
Allegation: The Democrat's proposal for healthcare reform will benefit all citizens.
Validity: Unknown. We do know certain things. We know that most Americans support healthcare reform (not to be confused with healthcare overhaul, as many Americans are quite happy with their current plans). We know that reform in any way,shape or form will at the very least have enormous upfront costs, whether or not it drives costs down eventually.
What we can not be certain of is the impact healthcare reform will have on our nation. If we do move to overhaul the system, we can look at nations that already have such a system in place to get a understanding of how it would work; however, American culture is a different beast then much of the world,so what we see may not be what we get ultimately.
Any politician purporting to know how reform (or overhaul) would effect the United States is either delusional or flat out lying. Part of this is due to the uniqueness of American culture (some may argue because we have none), while a large part of this can also be attributed to the fact that many of the same legislators who are so vehemently for or against the legislation have not read it.
Let that sink in. The law they are trying to pass or stop, they have not read (see video)
This is a large part of the reason that 10th District representative Frank Wolf has requested that the bill be made viewable online in its final form 30 days prior to the House's vote, and that other bills be given at least 72 hours for review.
Allegation: Cap-and-Trade will be a great economic boon for the United States.
Validity: Mostly False. HR 2454 would help to create a "clean energy infrastructure" that would greatly decrease our nation's reliance on foreign oil. However, even President Obama admits the domestic cost will be great, likely over $1500 a year per family. And that's simply the transferred cost of retrofitting utilities. Those figures do not take into account the "noncompliance" penalty on businesses (sec.723), which will also be transferred to consumers. Additionally, this legislation will only effect American businesses operating on American soil, not foreign companies, putting the American people and businesses at a competitive disadvantage. In particular, this legislation will most likely harm those in the greatest need of help.
Allegation: It's politics as usual in Washington
Validity: Valid. With both parties alleging bipartisanship but not following through, healthcare and clean energy bill proposals cloaked in 1000+ pages of legal mumbo jumbo, politicking in the truest sense of the word, as well as voting almost 100% along party lines on all measures, it's politics as usual in Washington.
For an independent, side by side comparison of different healthcare proposals, click here.
For full text of the Cap-and-Trade bill, click here.
For GOP counter-proposals to healthcare reform, click here.
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