Show me the Numbers!

Either universal health care is an entitlement, or it isn't.  And, if its both, then we can divide the argument into two parts and solve from there.  Now, I do not want to hear a bunch of "blah blah blah" from the folks who are trying to push their own political agendas.  Let's keep this simple. 

If health care is not an entitlement, then how do you think this is going to work?  Is this some kind of trust fund that we will all pay into and get some benefit?  Is this going to be an equal benefit for all participants?  Or, is this another "progressive" program where those who make more have to pay more?  If this is another "progressive" program, where some people will pay more than others for the same service, then, in my opinion, this is just another "share the wealth" policy; yet another entitlement disguised as progressive legislation.  And, I certainly hope that Americans will be able to find out; so, when it comes time for elections they can vote accordingly. 

If health care is an entitlement, then how do you think you are going to pay for this?  I do not want to hear talking points.  I want to see numbers.  And, I want them presented without all the obfuscation that is usually used to hide the real agenda.  Its simple.  Where is the money to pay for this entitlement program coming from?  I have heard that this will not have any new taxes.  Forgive me, but I find this hard to believe.  So, the government is going to have to cut spending some where else, if this program is going to be funded.  Since I sincerely doubt that congress is going to reduce their sizable compensations, I suspect things like Defense and NASA are going to pay the price.

Again, let's keep this simple.  Show me the numbers.  Where is the money coming from to pay for the health care program?

We are in a very serious economic situation, that was caused by consumers spending more money than they actually had.  I know - I know - it's not their fault.  But, that is another blog.  Back to this blog.  Why in the world is the government doing the same thing?  Did we not learn anything from this economic mess?

I've heard that this health care program will "pay for itself through a
reduction is costs".  Oh really.  I thought the only way to control
costs was competition.  That's what that high-priced college economics class taught me.  How is there going to be real competition if the government is involved?  Today, pharmaceutical companies have to compete for market share; just like any business.  It's this competition that will control costs. 

I've heard that the government wants to cap the amount of profit a pharmaceutical company can make.  Okay.  So, how do you think pharmaceutical companies pay for research?  Imagine what would have happened if we had started controlling pharmaceutical companies 30+ years ago?  We might still have some of those really nasty diseases.  There is no way the government can "govern" the pharmaceutical business, in order to control costs.  Regulation always increases costs - look at the empirical evidence.  And, for anyone to think they can regulate this industry without damaging the research and development efforts; they are delusional. 

Some of my best friends have died of cancer.  I donate money every year to cancer research.  And, I still do not think enough money goes into medical research.  If the government gets a hold of this industry, I predict lifespans will start shortening because of the inability to get new medical treatments.