The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Strangler Lewis]

It seems like a better analogy would be that since education is so important to ensuring a trained work force and a law abiding populace that there should be public schools and that those who do not have children should pay for the education of all to a minimum level rather than leaving them to learn citizenship and civics in the gutter or at their megachurch, yeshiva or madrassah. And those who are armed to the teeth should pay for the police protection of those who are not.

At any rate, I don't think the legitimacy of requiring people to get health insurance can be questioned so long as we can identify some societal consequence of their failure to do so. I haven't looked into it deeply enough to say what's better. It may be that the societal consequence is akin to those behind seatbelt and helmet laws. It may also be that leaving people the "choice" of going uninsured means extra burdens on public hospitals, also a legitimate consideration in my opinion.

[scaeagles]

Hmm....and look at the condition of public education in general. Constant harping on how our kids don't do as well in science and math as other industrialized nations, and the solution is typically to throw more money at it, as if money solves the basic problems. There is a reason my kids go to private school. Regardless of where my kids go, the education system is an example of why I don't think such a health system will work.

For their own good, and for the benefit of society in general, the obese should be forced into exercise and weight reduction programs, and have their wages garnished if they will not do it willingly. After all, who can argue that eliminating obesity would not be good for the individual and society in general, and reduce the overall cost of health care?

[Strangler Lewis]

I thought you sent your kids to private school in the hope of having them avoid cultural influences that you believe to be negative. In that sense, the money you're throwing at that problem may be well spent. It may not be. As far as academic performance goes, no kid in public or private school will do well without parental involvement and interest in what they're doing.

If crack or gay sex were as likely to cause obesity as overeating, I imagine the conservative lawmakers among us would cast a more suspicious eye on it. It may be appropriate that we defend our freedoms most strongly when they result in bad behavior, but it's sad. In fact, I imagine that it 's the unhealthy exercise of various cherished freedoms that you're trying to avoid when you send your children to private schools.

[scaeagles]

There are a variety of reasons I send my children to private school, which include both social and academic reasons. However, I am not so ignorant as to think that private school shelters them from all the influences that I see as negative.

In my example, the cause of the obesity isn't the issue. If health insurance should be required to the point of garnishment of wages because it is deemed best for the individual and society, then why not have mandatory exercise programs? People who exercise are typically more healthy than those who do not. Let's require vitamins and an oat bran muffin daily as well.

I don't understand the concept the concept of acceptance of the ever growing nanny state, nor the encouragement for it to grow ever larger.

[Scrooge McSam]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

After all, who can argue that eliminating obesity would not be good for the individual and society in general, and reduce the overall cost of health care?

The Netherlands' Institute for National Health would.

That "and" can get you in trouble, can't it?

[scaeagles]

Interesting link, Scrooge.

Let's go the Logan's Run route then.

[Scrooge McSam]

Nah... just when we meet, you may want to buy me a double cheese cake with bitter chocolate sauce.... ooo ooo ooo and whipped cream.

It'll be cheaper for you in the long run.

Just trying to help

Just trying to be a blessing.

[SacTown Chronic]

The willingness to drop dead in the face of rising health care costs shows what a southern gentleman Sam truly is.

[Snowflake]

Just got this in an email from a friend in Italy:

Bush are a real dangerous killer and already an idiot.
I hope in Obama
for a new USA.
Bye
GBBrambilla

[Not Afraid]

Do you Speak Huckabee?

This cracked me up. (Of course, I got all but the bonus round. )