I find it quite bothersome that the President and his party’s constituents have gotten more and more verbally acidic as this campaigning season moves towards November. Obama’s likeability is dipping, in part due to the bitter persona he has adopted in what I guess is an attempt to make Americans enraged about his opponent and the Republican platform as a whole.
Too bad, because even though he hasn’t delivered on promises for the country he vowed to “change” in 2008, he at least had that going for him.
I am not naïve; I know that both sides are playing this caustic game of mudslinging. But I find that it is more deleterious to the Democratic campaign because they should have three-and-a-half years of a track record to use as a primary reason for why their boss deserves another four years in office. Instead, the verbal assaults are getting louder, harsher and more frequent. And people like Ted Strickland are jumping on the bandwagon, too. Even Cory Booker delivered a somewhat incensed diatribe last night. Could it be that this is the tactic that the Democrats are using to garner support from the public? Deliver a really heated argument against the opponents to redirect focus OFF of the person whose record the public should really be evaluating. Downgraded credit rating, gargantuan deficit, OBAMACARE???
Need I say more?
When people interview for a high-level job, they are rated against their competition according to a number of factors. Obviously, the in-person interview plays an important part in the overall assessment of a candidate. However, time and time again, candidates say the right things in an interview and look great on paper, but when put to the test to actually deliver on the expectations set for them, they fall short – for one reason or another. Nobody saw it coming – stellar candidate, impressive background, certainly “knows their stuff.” And guess what? At review time, their rating takes a major hit and there is a risk of termination.
This is what happens in the private sector. You get rated, and reviewed, and compared to others. And if you aren’t moving up, you are moving out. Everyone starts out with a brand new slate when they first join a company. They have the ability to become rising stars if that is what their work ethic dictates. But a lot of times, people just do not deliver. Saying the right things can only get you so far. At the end of the day, they need to prove their worth otherwise they will be sent packing. No excuses!!! Just get the job DONE.
Why should things be any different when evaluating President Obama as a candidate? He IS our employee, isn’t he? He may not want to answer to all of us, but we do pay his salary. So, why not stop making excuses, sir? I know that I would have a heck of a lot more respect for a President who could admit to his mistakes and shortcomings, instead of constantly blaming others. It is all about ownership and accountability, Mr. President. You would have crashed and burned in corporate America.
So how about that record? Have we seen “change?” Yes. But certainly not for the better.
What is so wrong the ACA? Is that it people with pre-existing conditions can be covered? And, can't be dropped? That kids can be covered under their parents plan until they're 26? That it makes people that don't have insurance, yet still get sick and go to the ER, have to purchase their own so we don't get stuck with the bill? That you can purchase insurance from other carriers that are out of state? That the insurance companies have to spend at least 50% of the premiums, on God forbid, actual healthcare? What exactly don't you like about it. Or, as I suspect, you are following the standard republican talking points.
Thanks for your comments, Rick. I would be happy to share my views with you. First, I feel that this health care plan is going to result in socialized medicine, and that quality of care and treatment options will be limited because resources need to be stretched to the masses. Since I am a mother of three little children, the possibility that I might not be able to get them the care they need WHEN they need it is extremely unsettling. Second, I think that this plan will cost much more than what was anticipated (despite what has been stated by the White House), and the end result will be that we need to borrow more money above and beyond the increased taxes many people will ultimately have to pay, and our deficit will continue to climb. Finally, I am very much against “big government,” and I do not believe that the federal government should dictate to the masses what kind of health care they need to purchase for themselves and their families. So, do I think these are "standard" Republican responses? Maybe so, but this is how I feel.
Thank you Kristen for clarifying. But, I mentioned actual tools that the ACA brings to the table, and you mentioned points that were thrown around by the republicans. The only people talking about socialized medicine are the republican leaders. You will still have to purchase your insurance from a for profit company, its just that now they can't deny you coverage like they used to be able to do. No one is dictating what kind of health care you need to purchase, just that you purchase coverage. We pay for the non-covered now with our tax dollars, and frankly, I am glad that they they will have to pay their own way. Some taxes may go up, yes, but that is a small price to pay for the millions upon millions that are not now covered so that everyone can get the healthcare needed. I'm not like those in the audience at one of the republican debates that say "let them die". I think everyone deserves the chance to get care when they're sick.
Why can't our insurance companies issue just catastrophic coverage …why must I buy a plan that covers everything …some state have this type of plan and it brings down the cost to the policy holder
Thanks for reading and joining in the discussion! What you referenced is exactly one of my points – the federal government should not be dictating to the insurance companies what types of coverage they need to offer. It won't work! They should let the companies operate freely and create new products according to consumer demand. If there is a market for a new supplemental insurance product, the insurance companies will be able to model plans for a potential customer base and compete with each other (free market enterprise!) to offer these new benefits. In this way, costs for policyholders can be lowered and it encourages innovation for businesses.
Rick, believe me, I definitely do not want to see any sick people having to deal with insurance issues and a resultant lack of quality care in their times of need. I would NEVER say "let them die." But I do maintain my primary position on this issue – that health care should be state-run, not federally-run. I am simply not a fan of "big government." I believe that the states should generally exercise more influence over the daily lives of Americans (as they typically do today). This just makes more sense because states operate differently on the whole. In many cases, states have vast differences in laws, regulations and procedures that address such issues as property, health, education, and crime because the governments need to address the unique needs of their respective populations, health care being one. And with regard to who is paying for health benefits, I believe that there is a compromise to be reached about funding for state-run new health care plans, should we go in that direction. If both sides work together to achieve a plan that will benefit all but not be a significant burden on "the few," I believe that they can come to consensus and deliver a solid plan that WORKS. That would be the "fair" thing to do, in my opinion. And as I mentioned in another comment, insurance companies should have the ability to create more products for public consumption. Allow them to innovate and develop new offerings for potential customers and have the ability to bring those products to market, without federal regulation that effectively stifles capitalism.
Thank you again for sharing your views, Rick. I am always up for a friendly debate, and you know where to find me!