Sotu '06

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

Guess so. It's funny how most of the people who aren't living below the poverty line in this country don't see the poverty crisis, and those unaffected by the draconian laws such as the Patriot Act don't see the liberty crisis. I notice you didn't insist there was no health care crisis, since you are experiencing such fun with your insurance company. Funny how we only see what's right in front of our eyes, but it's a disservice to the rest of the world to deny the existence of that which we cannot see directly.

Go to Africa or central America or Haiti or....well, you get the idea....and then tell me about poverty. Most Americans below the poverty line have microwaves, shelter, a TV, access to transportation, etc.

I'm not saying I would wish to live below the "poverty line". I'm just saying Americans, for the most part, have no idea what true poverty is. True poverty exists all over. Just not a lot of it in America.

Interestingly, I do not think there is a health care crisis. I didn't address everything in your post. I've noticed not one doctor has recommended that I should go to Cuba for surgery. I notice that people from all over the world come to Mayo here just 15 miles from my home for treatment of the same disease I have. I am beyond thankful that I don't live in Canada. Medical tests such as I have had numerous times can take months to get there (one of the GI docs I've seen used to practice in Canada).

Now, granted, I have health insurance. I am dotting my I's and crossing my T's, as they have rules. They are a for profit business. They haven't made much money on my family, I'll tell you. It is not easy to pay for health insurance, and there are sacrifices involved, but I am thankful that I am able to do so and have it. However, I do not believe that should I not have health insurance that I would expect this to be any one elses problem.

I also have a pseudo MSA through my wife's employment. Slightly differing rules. We can basically pay for medical costs with pretax dollars. We commit to putting so much in this fund annually, automatically deducted from each paycheck, and then submit claims to get the money reimbursed. We forfeit any money in the account not used during that fiscal year. Great idea. I don't know the restrictions on it, but everyone should have one.