A Draft in the United States?

A Draft in the United States?
That's what is being proposed by Congressman Rangel. First off, will it happen? No. But, it's an interesting idea. First off, it'll create more equality in the military. Anyone who supports a war will really support a war. Why? Because they are in effect supporting the concept of sending their own relatives (or themselves) off to war no matter their income level--it does encourage a little more accountability. I suspect the United States would be much less likely to go to war on "faulty intelligence" if something like this was in place.

With that said, forcing people to go to war might also lead to unmotivated people destroying morale. Of course, morale isn't real high when the stays are extremely long either. But, I suspect it would be problematic for the military. Required civil service might be a little more interesting, as it would force responsibility while not forcing people to risk their lives. So, it's an interesting concept with ups and downs. It won't end up going anywhere I'm sure, but it makes for interesting discussion.

Source: brettdalypolitics.blogspot.com

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Source: tupelodeals.blogspot.com

The Definition of Hypocrisy
President Bush's recent statements reek of desperation from a lame duck leader. This latest one is no exception:

''The Congress now sitting in Washington holds this philosophy, '' Bush said. ''Their majority was elected on a pledge of fiscal responsibility, but so far it is acting like a teenager with a new credit card. Source

Truly hilarious. Who is he to lecture anyone on fiscal responsibility? How is our deficit doing, and has it grown under his watch? Should he have cut taxes given the increased expenses incurred due to his actions? Oh, and how is our dollar fairing? Think there might be a connection? This isn't difficult.

Oh yes, I know, we're in a time of war. I'd accept that excuse if the stated reason for going to war was truthful. But, time has shaken that one out. It's entertaining watching him try to support the status quo on health care despite record increases during his time, and now he's posturing as a fiscal conservative.

Actions speak louder than words. Fiscal conservatism and this president don't belong in the same sentence.

Source: brettdalypolitics.blogspot.com

Health Care Reform
Two Rochester Institute of Technology philosophy professors are pushing for health care reform in their new book called Health Care Reform: Ethics and Politics. I caught Dr. Timothy Engström on a show on PBS in Rochester and it sounds like he shares many of my concerns. He touched on the well-organized effort by health care to scare citizens away from a national health care system in the 90s despite the scare tactics being blatantly false. Why is America one of the few first-world nations without such a system? And why is America's coverage rate so poor despite its expenses being so high?

In the discussion, he mentioned how this mediocre and costly health care system is helping to drive jobs to other nations. Given the very heavy cost burden in this country, it makes sense to look elsewhere. I've seen stories about jobs going to Canada partially because of health care. He mentioned the possibility of corporations helping drive reform. In my opinion, that's what it'll take to create real reform. It may sound pessimistic, but I think it'll take a united effort that forms a more powerful "special interest" than the health care and pharmaceutical industries. Otherwise, they are corporate beasts that are difficult to defeat.

I'm looking forward to getting a look at their publication which is a group of essays. If they're as good as his discussion on PBS/WXXI, it should be a great read.

Source: brettdalypolitics.blogspot.com

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Vista Print is having a buy one get one free sale. You can get 500 business cards for $1.99. I have ordered from them many times and have always been very happy with my order.

Source: tupelodeals.blogspot.com

Palin's Punches
Listening to Sarah Palin take shots at Obama because he's inexperienced was borderline comical. She took those shots right after she tried to defend her "experience" in Wasilla--a town of 6, 715 residents. Student government presidents in colleges often have to govern more constituents than she did. She also threw a few punches that implied Obama is simply good at giving speeches.

Hmm, so the GOP is trying to frame Obama as being good at speech delivery, but light on experience. Doesn't that sound an awful lot like Sarah Palin? Of course, they highlighted how it's good that she's an outsider. So, why isn't that a strength of Obama's? You just can't have it both ways.

Frankly, I think the GOP erased their primary talking points with Palin. Obama doesn't have enough experience? Nor does Palin, and with McCain's age, the VP nominee is that much more important. The digs tonight seemed highly hypocritical.

But, don't worry, she's a reformer. Oh, wait, she supported the "bridge to nowhere" until she decided to use--not return--federal funds for other projects. She left that out of tonight's speech. Oops.

Source: brettdalypolitics.blogspot.com

Sobering United States Healthcare Statistics
Strategy + Business has two interesting health care articles in the spring issue. The article titled "Does Health Care Have a Future" summarizes points from eight different books. I really think the opening paragraph is telling:

It is no secret that health care in the U.S. is in crisis. Americans share a sense of impending catastrophe, and for good reason. Health care in the United States consumes some $2 trillion per year — 16 percent of the GDP, and four times the expenditure for national defense. Yet U.S. health care’s performance is ranked 15th globally by the World Health Organization; American life expectancy ranks 22nd in the world, and infant mortality ranks 39th. The U.S. spends more on health-care insurance than any other nation, yet 46 million Americans do without — a number that increases every year. The out-of-pocket costs of those who have insurance have nearly tripled in the last six years, as health-care premiums continue to rise at nearly three times the general inflation rate. Unpaid and unpayable health-care bills account for the majority of all personal bankruptcies in the country. (Flower & Knott, 2007)

One of the suggested solutions is to make health care costs and quality more transparent. It cites that those parts of the industry that must really compete for the health care dollar--like plastic surgery and laser eye surgery--generally perform better. It's a valid insight. I may give my opinion on the other article in the business blog as it discusses a retail system.

Source: brettdalypolitics.blogspot.com