On the outside looking in
One of the fascinating things about living abroad is how US domestic policy debate is reported. Even more interesting has been watching the debate on healthcare unfold. This morning there was a brief spot on the BBC World Service, which both made me very angry and bemused.
It's probably no surprise that I am not a fan of private insurance companies in their current incarnation, as is just about everyone else who has ever had to fight or watch loved ones fight them for the treatment they need. They are one of the most evil incarnations of private greed I've ever seen.
It is absolutely stunning to hear anyone talk about worrying about putting them out if business (as if that is actually a bad thing) or the thinking that somehow the current system embodies "choice". I don't know ANYONE personally or anecdotally who has ever been in a position to choose their plan - they take what's offered, assuming anything is. And God help them if they "lose" it (as if it just magically disappears rather than being yanked from under them).
And maybe I've just been abroad too long, but the "socialist" bogeyman being trotted out is just laughable. Does that actually scare people anymore?
I can see being apprehensive about how the plan would work (constituents should always be wary of massive projects born out of political compromise), but I'm totally shocked that there is anyone who thinks the current system is not only good, but also worth fighting to keep.
So I'm curious to know, are there any actual concerns that real people have or is the current backlash just a massive industry pulling out all the stops? What do the people really think?