Frankly, at this point in time, for economic secuity and for freedom's sake I'd rather be living in Sweden, a so'called "socialist state, by most people's standards. I'm going by all that I've seen and read about it--and my current state of disabiity and chronic illness. And, yes, I'm also a productive member of society--but hang on by the "skin of my teeth" and sometimes in extremeley difficuclt circumstances not of my own doing. Does this make me a better person, as some might argue (survival of the fittest?) I do not know or pretend to know. I do think I could be more productive if I did not have the added stress of all this on my plate--but I also know these spiritual battles are meant for my welfare, too (by a God Who cares for me)--and so I reinterpret them as "LOVING discipline, and it doesn't seem bad at all, but actually an exercise in self-control and how to be an even better person." Maybe this would be a helpful way for more people who are in my shoes, too--although when one REALLY needs a doctor, there is no substitute. I have found over the last couple of years, however, that one seldom needs one as often as one fears (and I am an RN, too.)
They've Got You Covered?
Obama and Clinton ads both claim all Americans would be covered by their health plans. Clinton's would come close.
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Summary
In television ads, Clinton's campaign says her health care plan is the only one that will provide universal coverage, while Obama says his plan will cover all Americans, too. We find:
* Obama is being misleading when he says his proposal would "cover everyone." It would make coverage available to all, but experts we consulted estimate that 15 million to 26 million wouldn't take it up unless required to do so.
* Clinton stretches things a bit, too. Even her plan – which, unlike Obama's, includes a mandate for individuals to get insurance – would leave out a million people or perhaps more, depending on how severe the penalties would be for those who don't comply. She won't say how her mandate would be enforced, but has said that she was open to the possibility of garnishing wages.
* Experts also are skeptical of both candidates' claims that their plans will reduce the cost of insurance for the typical family by $2,000 or more. " I know zero credible evidence to support that conclusion," says M.I.T's Jonathan Gruber.
Behind the dueling ads there is a legitimate disagreement. Obama is reluctant to force people to buy health insurance they don't want even if the government makes it available at a subsidized price. And Clinton says that any proposal that doesn't aim to cover 100 percent of the uninsured would be "nibbled to death" by opponents.
Analysis
Experts say the health care plans put forth by Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are very similar – and Obama himself has said his proposal has 95 percent in common with hers. But that other 5 percent is a source of contention.
Clinton Ad: "Obligation"
Narrator:
She fought for universal health care long before it was popular. Got health insurance for six million kids, and expanded access to health care to the National Guard. Now she's the only candidate for president with a plan to provide health care for every American. A top economist calls Hillary's plan the difference between achieving universal health coverage – and falling far short.
Graphic: "…the difference between achieving universal health coverage…and falling far short." –Paul Krugman, The New York Times, 2/4/08
Narrator: If you believe health care is America's moral obligation, join her, Tuesday. Hillary Clinton.
Clinton: I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.
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