After my flurry of productivity, I've realized that I need to speak to my supervisor before proceeding. Aaaand she's in a meeting. So I'm back (isn't it wonderful?) and thought I'd comment on my President's address to Congress on health care reform.
The Good:
- Gotta be one of his best speeches yet. It just felt good to listen to, and had I not been analyzing him (thanks to Mom's skepticism mostly) I would have been totally swept away.
- He finally laid out what he considers to be essential to the plan, and dispelled a lot of myths. Although, some were so ludicrous I still can't believe anyone bought it. Death panels?! Really guys, come on now.
- I agree with the plan (the broad strokes of it at least), and think that it would do what I feel should be the main goal- make sure everyone has access to coverage.
- We're further along on this issue than ever before, and congress agrees on 80% of the content.
- Senator Kennedy's wife seemed so touched.
- Lady O looked lovely, per usual.
- That other 20% is killer.
- Things are still a bit fuzzy for me. I think it's partly because Congress is doing the law writing, but I wish we'd gotten more details.
- I have a hard time believing this won't cost us a lot. Saying that the deficit won't increase seems deceptive, because I suspect premiums will still rise. On the other hand, I think it may be worth the initial cost for greater rewards later. But I hope we're being honest about it.
- The public option (option, not takeover folks) seems really important to me, and we might be losing it.
- I have mixed feelings about invoking Senator Kennedy's legacy. I think it was effective and tasteful, but I always hesitate when we use those who have passed on to get anything done, even if they would support the legislation.
- Representative Joe Wilson. Enough said.
- Actually this image says it better:
The Beautiful:
- My President will Call.You.Out. Loved it.
Just a sidenote: between Joe Jackson and Joe Wilson, it's like all the Joe's in the world got together mid-summer and said "Hey, let's just make *sses out of ourselves in public. Ready? GO!" Clearly they both need more people.
