Thoughts on health care
There is little question in my mind that our country will see some changes in its medical service delivery system, too much political capital has been used up in claims and counter claims to permit “no action”! We can only hope that the end result will be lower cost and better service—as in other developed countries. US patients should not have to travel outside our countries to obtain substantially lower medical services!
But first I think we Americans should examine our beliefs and attitudes toward life, living, and the massive cost we pay to keep living. We are infatuated by all things “life” from an emotional approach, with little consideration of costs, individual’s rights to determine their own lives, and yes, the responsibilities each of us has concerning the state of our own health. Too often, too many of us seem to be perfectly satisfied that the “rest of us” bear the costs of their discretions and lack of responsibility.
So it seems wise to discuss some basics: Do we have a “right” to medical treatment and good health regardless of our ability to bear the cost? At what point in life should we recognize that any one of us has the productivity to contribute to the world and justify the cost of our being kept alive? Should someone who has contributed to their own health problems (smoking, addiction, obesity, etc.) have a right to ask others to bail them out? And how about the medical costs provided to felons convicted of heinous crimes?
Sooner or later we Americans will have to make some hard, perhaps nasty, decisions! To me, the hardest one is the simplest: Do we have the guts to include economics and healing probabilities in dealing with human health, or should we simply take steps to raise the required revenue and just pay the bills?
Guff Worth, Lakeport
A Border Problem
Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto is no angel. Take a read of his biography. In politics from youth, he worked his way up with various appointments and relatives in office. At this time he is not thought of very highly in Mexico according to some press releases. It seems that he has not carried out his election promises.
So I guess we can ask a lot of questions of President Enrique Peña Nieto regarding what is happening in Mexico.
Why doesn’t the country improve its infrastructure to keep it citizens in Mexico to improve their lives? It appears that Mexico wants to continue having drug lords running their country. Could this be a reason?
Why doesn’t Mexico ask those running from their country, crossing into the US illegally, to stay in Mexico and enjoy their wonderful climate, earn good wages and build a beautiful country where all illegals now in the US would want to return for a good life? Well, they do have a nice climate.
Why doesn’t Mexico want a wall to keep their people at home where it can provide free health care, good free education and cost of living subsidizes for them? Mexico has never done these things.
Why don’t Mexican entrepreneurs start their own manufacturing facilities for their citizens? Population is 129,560,693. Should be a few honest entrepreneurs there.
It also appears Mexico does not want to close its southern border to foreigners passing through their country to reach the US, but wants to be a conduit for such passage. Mexicans profit from it may be the answer. What do these foreigners pay for transportation through Mexico?
There are several sources for this information but what I generally found was that Mexicans who enter the United States illegally by crossing our southern border pay coyote fees of about $3000-4000. The smuggling fee for unauthorized Central American immigrants is currently between $7,000 and $10,000. Yes, this is big business. Why would Mexico want to stop it? Of course, there are those who find a way not to pay.
It appears from past performance of Mexican Governors, they do not want to keep, protect and care for their citizens. They would rather some other country do it and the US is close. No one seems to go to the south of Mexico for the good life.
The US, through foreign aid, has set aside $134 million for Mexico in 2017. What does Mexico do with that money? Here is what I found that the money could be used for: democracy, human rights and governance, environment, economic development, health, program management, education and social services, peace and security, humanitarian assistance and multisector (different stake holders can be involved).
So what can we conclude from the above? First, the US cannot continue to have people come into our country through an illegal conduit and expect US taxpayers to subsidize them. Although criminals were not mentioned above, there are crimes committed by illegals and these people should be dealt with quickly. People should come into the US only by legal means and these people must be employable and pay their own way, not expecting the US taxpayer to take care of them and do no criminal acts.
Leona M. Butts, Clearlake Oaks
I am mad because …
I am represented by crazies. They waste time and our tax money pursuing extreme right-wing agendas.
Our children’s schools do not have enough money to fund the programs that will make them well-rounded adults because public education is underfunded.
Our environment is not protected. What kind of world will our children and grandchildren inherit?
I’m tired of spending precious tax dollars on nonstop wars instead of education and other programs that will help people.
I’m tired of watching “dark money” making it possible for fat cats to buy elections.
We do not have an intelligent immigration policy.
As a woman, I’m tired of politicians telling me what I can and cannot do with my own body.
I see our right to vote constantly under siege.
I’m tired of seeing my tax dollars, which should be used for education and social services, being spent on for-profit prisons.
I believe that every person has a right to affordable health care insurance.
Are you mad also? Don’t take it anymore. Stand up, speak out, make a difference.
Debra Boivin, Kelseyville
