The Times, They Are A Changing

When I am forced to side with the Democratic members of the Maryland legislature and (of all groups) the AFL-CIO, then the times have definitely changed. As a lifelong conservative (dare I say it Republican), I am reevaluating my stance on lots of things. Perhaps it is Diane's left-leaning presence, perhaps it is just that I have actually gone through some bumps that put me "on the other side" of things for a while... who knows....

I do realize that no particular party or political camp has all of the answers, but I feel like the conservatives are running off and leaving folks like me - that is, not poor... not rich... no big business CEO positions... just little ol' me.

"This is a loss for the small businesses who will be targeted next, and it sends a terrible message to employers who are considering bringing good, high-paying jobs to Maryland," said Henry P. Fawell, the governor's spokesman.

No. It is a victory for people who work for a living. I do not consider companies with 10,000 employees - in one state - count as "small business". As for "high paying", I am not really sure that Wal-Mart is guilty of paying their employees enough to qualify.

Diane and I asked a grocery store clerk, working the day before Thanksgiving, if she was going to enjoy her day off the next day. She responded that she had to work on Thanksgiving. "At least you make time and a half for it!" I offered in consolation. "No, only full time employees get holiday pay..." "How many full-time employees are there?" we asked. As for hourly employees - none.

Oh Right Wing, where have thou gone? This has got to change.

Try living without health insurance for a few days. It makes you consider things that you normally would not think twice about... things like nailing a picture to the wall. If you don't have health insurance and you smash your finger... better pony up $1,000 for treatment. (this is not so far fetched. Diane injured her thumb and it cost a little over $1,000 for her treatment sans insurance)

I don't think that national health care is the answer. I personally know that the government can screw up just about anything. Just look at the new Medicare prescription coverage if you don't believe me. This has got to fall on the employers.

Big business has to step up to the plate and make the investment in their people. How many companies are so proud to say "Our people are our biggest asset"? If that is truly the case, then why do they not invest in that asset (just like you would any other infrastructure) to ensure that it was on the job and not worrying about things like getting sick or injured.

The insurance companies have run the price of healthcare through the ceiling. They should be the ones to cover those who are hurt by that activity. No one wants to call the insurance companies on this... too afraid of hurting the feelings of those who line campaign coffers... but it has to be done.

My short answer: If you have a job, you have insurance - period. If you don't have a job (or are self-employed) offer a pool of insurance that can be purchased at economical rates. Otherwise, you should still be able to get basic coverage - regardless of what situation you are in.