Ok, I’ve held my piece on this for a long time. Figurin’ once I speak out on It..., I’ve spoken out on the new president (and his policies). Promised myself I’d give him a year before (I started) passing judgment.
 Well, broken promises to oneself don’t hurt (much) do they?
 I’ve listened to the hubbub for months (closer than our “representatives”). Truth be told, I’ve been listenin’ pretty close fifteen years, and more!
 Maybe you recall way back when (early ‘90s) that last bunch of “waay smarter than you” folks down Ditzy City (Washington, D.C.) started out to “reform” healthcare?
 Nothin’ much really happened back then. But it (healthcare) got some much needed  scrutinizin’? Lots of folks “weighed in” (sorry) with grand proposals..., and little thought.
 Surprised me when the whole idea died (sorry again) a mercifully quick, ignominious death. As I recollect, it sorta strangled from lack of oxygen? Chiefly ‘cuz most of those “really smart” folks pushin’ it? Couldn’t stop talkin’ long enough to take a breath..., And Listen!
 This time ‘round some  folks involved (our representatives) are at least making an attempt to appear  to be listening. I’m not sure, but some of ‘em might be startin’ to hear? Discernin’ there just might  be common sense, they’re hearing from “main street”? All they routinely perceive coming from “the people” back home is “background noise”.
 The words (and actions) of “the people” are (finally) penetratin’ some thick skin (and skulls) like a big ole hypodermic needle! Or maybe this time around our politicians are merely trying to avoid sufferin’ another public asphyxiation?
 Recently I took some time out of my busy (!) schedule to drop by the local “Town Hall” meeting our congressman hosted.
 The congressman seems a nice enough young fella. Long’s you try not to remember he “was” a republican. Now he’s a “blue dog” democrat? I haven’t properly figured that out yet? (wanna be republican? maybe, fence sitter?).
 Might mean he’ll jump the right way, after listening to the people? (before deciding where the greenest grass grows). Fine, least that’d mean he hears the people. Might turn out he’ll try votin’ in our best interest? Better than an unnamed senator, who simply up an’ flew the coop like a barnyard chicken.
Disappointingly (annoyingly) I was Not called upon to ask a question. So at the end of the meeting I cornered him, an’ offered a suggestion. How ‘bout holding meetings in the evening? That way “working” folks could speak their piece. His aid chimed in that the next meetin’ would be in the evening (smart feller).
 Reckon I oughta get (some of) my  healthcare thoughts out ‘bout here.
 For many years I’ve had the same answer when I’m asked (it happens) about “universal healthcare”? We Can’t Afford It!!
Don’t bother railing at me about the wonderful guv’mint run, socialist (non-capitalist) healthcare “systems” in Britain, Sweden, Canada, Japan, et al.. You will Not like them here!
 Do your own research. They can’t afford it either! Years ago I read some about Swedens universal healthcare (costs). Working people were paying somewhere in the neighborhood of 71% of their wages (!) in taxes.
 I know, I know..., they gotta plow the roads and pay for social services too. Things like surveillance cameras, daycare, prisons, national defense, etc. But 71% Taxes?!
 Universal (socialized) medicine will (must) incontrovertibly produce onerous tax burdens.
 Meantime, case you’ve not been payin’ attention (while payin’ taxes)? America’s got other expenses!
 We’re fightin’ a major recession an’ more than a couple wars. Includin’ those other ongoing  “little wars”, like drug, poverty, cancer and such. Then there’s those two million folks sittin’ in jails. Costing us $30, $40, $50, 000. apiece, per year (and we continue lockin’ ‘em up at a record pace!).
 Plus..., still payin’ attention? If you believe the GAO (Government Accounting Office). Which I do, since they’re mostly smart, honest, nonpartisan government bean-counters (an’ workin’ stiffs). Their only job is to report (factually) on what things actually cost us (present And future).
 They swear Medicare, Social Security, the Postal Service and more, are headed south financially, faster than you can swallow another antacid.
 That’s why I exclaim, “We can’t afford universal healthcare!” (you can quote me on that).
 Then again..., subtractin’ illegals (12~17 million?), young millions who don’t need or want it, the poor who get theirs from emergency rooms, plus a few other stragglers. We arrive (realistically) at  single-digit numbers (still millions) of folks Not  covered.
 Maybe we can  afford it?
 I Don’t Know About You..., What I desire most? Is for the “Debate” to Slow Down..., and swallow a dose of Truth,  Before we decide.
 Cal Teeple, often found three stools down is founder of the Observational Cogitation Consortium. He may be ignored, accosted or contacted there. Also At: www.wayneindependent.com/cal Or E-mailed At: calteeple@gmail.com.