Obama’s State of the Economy Speech Includes Health Care Reform
In what’s now being called the “Day of Reckoning” speech (or even the “Dropping out of high school is no longer an option” speech), last night President Barack Obama thundered for health care reform plans by the end of 2009. Although these faux-State of the Union speeches are marred by continual cheesy standing ovations, both of America’s major political parties got to their feet for this one.
What Was Good
As Presidential speeches go, this one was a corker. It was great to hear promises to close Guantanamo Bay, commit to fighting climate change and repeal the tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of the nation. It was also great to hear someone at the podium proving that they have a brain in their heads instead of dollar signs. It was also a relief that he didn’t dwell on the historical occassion of the speech or racism but just went right on into talking about.
And, of course, it was great to hear that he wanted health care reform plans to put into action by the end of 2009.
What Was Bad
18,000 Americans die each year due to lack of health care. An American goes bankrupt every minute because of health care costs. I didn’t hear any definate details on how health care will be changed. And I didn’t hear any condemnation of health insurance companies or Big Pharma that charge such outrageous prices even though it leads to suffering and death.
An easy way to pay for universal health care would be to put price caps on CEO salaries, ban televison drug advertising and caps on drug costs. Well, let’s see what happens. Yet another year of crossing my fingers.
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