The U.S. Healthcare System: A Personal Retrospective

I have been meaning to comment On the U.S. Health care System and how broken it is. I have seen a drastic increase in what my own firm is paying for my health care expense right now. Clive Crook of the Financial Times (http://www.ft.com) pointed out in his column titled "How to cure America's Health care System" that we in the United States spend 16 percent of our Gross Domestic Product on Health care. But he rightly pointed out that there is no value delivered for the money. Yes, Standard of care is excellent. But, standard of care is not as important for someone who can't get access to it. Mr. Crook noted a book by Ezekiel Emanuel that talks about potential solutions. The fact remains that the system as it stands now simply does not work. I have personally had to deal with it. And I dread the day when I get sick because I am reminded of John Kerry's admonition "never to get sick.." because the alternative is simply dreadful.

I hope that the Presidential Candidates are listening. We in the United States are already bankrupt. Ross Perot reminded us of this fact this week when he hit the Internet with his new website. At least we can try and do something about it if we commit as a nation to emerge from this corporate-owned state within a state which seem to be a power onto themselves without any regard for the future. Do we have the courage? I wonder.....

McCain's Vision

Whenever I have thought about John McCain, I have noted his sacrifice and service to our country. But, I cannot accept what his vision is for us. To me, he has no vision. He visited Orange County, CA and said that homeowners and banks should not be bailed out. He talked in general about health care, but without what needed to be done. So, what is telling us is simply this: don't get sick and just pray that you can somehow ride out the economic slowdown tsunami. McCain will block any attempt to help the common man.

As for Foreign Policy, McCain has none. All he knows is how to use military force. It seems to me that 8 years of neo-con nonsense and lies is enough. McCain represents a continuation of the same nonsense of regime change and an inflated sense of his importance. He is dangerous, a menace to the future of our country and must be fought. Nothing less than our future is at stake. Yet, the Democratic Candidates are talking about releasing tax returns, about fighting for delegates and are taking their eyes of the ball.

What a Night!!!!

The General Election to choose the next President of the United States began tonight. John McCain became the presumptive Republican Nominee after he swept the four primaries. The Democrats will have a fight on their hands. Although some believe that McCain has some problems withe Republican base (the so-called Base plus strategy), I think he's smart enough to overcome it. Everyone needs to remember that this guy was written off and everyone anointed Mitt Romney the nominee (and then Giuliani & Thompson, etc.) before they all flamed out. Therefore, anyone who underestimates John McCain does not at his own peril.

As I have noted before, I will not question his patriotism and devotion to this country. His family has been part of the fabric of this country for over 200 years. What I have a problem with is his vision. I disagree with his vision of less taxes, less regulation. I disagree with the fact that we should stay in Iraq "for 100 years". I believe that we have some profound challenges at home. We have a runaway military budget we cannot afford. We have a health care system that needs fixing now. The idea of choice is just not going to fix it. We have yet to adjust to the world economy. I agree with Senator McCain in this regard. We do have to create the future. That time is now. I don't believe, though, that Senator McCain is that man to lead us in that charge.

As for the Democrats, I remember 1992 when Bill Clinton was written off. He fought off Jennifer Flowers, Bill Bradley, Dick Gephardt and others. Everyone wrote him off, but he stayed it and went on to win. Can Hillary do the same? I think she can. But, what I wonder is at what cost to the party....because 2008 is not 1992, and the stakes are higher because of the changes this country has undergone over the last seven years. This is probably the worst seven years of my lifetime, in terms of what the country has gone through. Of course, President Bush does not think so because he thinks that everything is great. But, when Warren Buffet says we are in a recession, then the President better wake up.

The struggle continues......