I like the 1993 film "Dave" by Ivan Reitman. It is a funny movie precisely because it points out some of the foolish things that we do. When Dave brings in his personal accountant to help review the budget, he comes across many foolish programs funded by the government. In his cabinet meeting he highlights the Commerce Department ad campaign "to boost consumer confidence in the American auto industry." The Commerce Secretary explains, "It's designed to bolster individual confidence in a previous domestic automotive purchase." Dave responds, "So, we're spending $47 million so that somebody can feel better about a car they already bought?"

 

Now that Obama has signed the Health Insurance overhaul bill, he is going to Iowa City, Iowa to champion the bill.

From ABC News: "Even though the health care bill became law today, the White House's work on it is far from over. The next phase is to sell the changes to the American people..." Now why does the President need to go around the country to bolster individual confidence in a law that has already been passed? Do we really need to spend tens (maybe hundreds) of thousands of dollars flying the President and his staff around the country? What is this, a victory tour?

 

Sounds like we could use some of Dave's common sense back in the oval office.

 

I flew my American Flag with the union down (upside-down) yesterday in protest of the passage of the Health Care bill. I understand that this is a violation of the Flag Code which states that it is only to be flown union down "as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property." However, I interpret the passage of this legislation which deprives all U.S. citizens of part of their liberty as a dire situation.

But now the deed is done. The bill is signed into law. And we move on.

Am I giving up? Absolutely not. I am flying the flag with the union up now. Why?
Because I believe in the foundations of America.
I believe that this injustice will be corrected either by the courts or by a new legislature who understands the Constitution.
I believe that all Americans will now have a deeper appreciation of the liberties that they have here that no other country in the history of the world has ever offered.
I believe that people will more carefully scrutinize candidates for public office in future elections.

And, most importantly, I believe in the future generations. I have had the privilege to work with the current high school students in various capacities over the last few years. I am impressed with their passion. I am impressed with their commitment to improving people's lives not only in their community but around the world. I am impressed with their compassion for those less fortunate, to which they respond by giving of their own time, energy and sweat. Many of the older generations are afraid and upset by the current events. I would say to them, stay vigilant, stay involved with our youth and trust that God will lead us to a restoration of this great country.

The Health Reform bill puts caps on health insurance premiums and forces insurance companies to take people with preexisting conditions. This will only reduce the amount of money that the companies are willing to pay out to cover our medical expenses. It does nothing to reduce the COST of the medical care. Instead of caping the premiums on health insurance, why not cap the premiums that doctors have to pay for malpractice insurance? Reduce the doctor's bottom line cost and you will reduce the amount that people have to pay for medical care.