Public vs Private...health care again...

As the American's continue to debate a public option we need to ask ourselves what is happening to OUR system. This article in today's (Feb.28/10) Edmonton Journal the debate continues, take a look here. What occurs odd to me is the way we frame the debate. I wonder if looking at 'both' sides of the issue is what we need to do. You can argue of course that those who can afford to pay more should, and of course on the other hand, those who can't shouldn't be left out. Under this type of debate parameter surely those who have the time and money will win. While I believe debate is essential in most manners, guiding principles are as in important. Take a look at the five core principles that shape our system (found here).   For those who want to look deeper at legislation, you can find it here. Love to hear your thoughts on this matter. Remember if sending responses to webct, please include urls discussed. TY

Ahh mankind's genius!

Great article to ponder on decarbonizing cities. It is great to see when we put our minds to it, solutions appear. Love to hear your thoughts on this article.

Bill Moyers on buying democracy

I love this guy, he is a well rounded journalist who's won numerous accolades on his work. Check him out and you'll see why he is so well regarded. He is ranting on the supreme court decision to let corporate lobbying sway the polity in the U.S. What will the impact of this be on democracy there? Are we headed that way? Certainly there are lobbyists, corporate and otherwise, that are trying to sway political thought here in Canada. The BCNI (name change to CCCE) are an example of corporate power in Canada and you can use this link to start you off.

Is it time for two tier healthcare????

Great article but full of (what's that smell?) let us say some missing analysis. There is a truism to the article and that is that those who can afford better health care will certainly live longer...but does that mean sentencing the rest of us to lower standards for the sake of the few is enough  reason to destroy a system that though is not perfect, works ? I'm all up for options, and if you are into it, let's bring in folks from both sides to debate it? What do you think, I'm game if you are. Short read and be sure to look at comments underneath the article, some very clever thoughts there.

Liberals are ugly cocaine users

Where does the tea party members dig guys like this up? It is truly sad that intellectual discussion needs to end up this way...take a look. For a decent analysis of what is happening right and left read this article, it is not an easy read but worth it as it discusses the need to continue to debate as it is the only way to 'progress'. 

Health Care costs ...

This video has some daunting figures on health care costs in the U.S. Note how much of their GDP has been devoted over time to health costs. Now to do some research, look at how we have fared in comparison. What differences do you see and what further questions would you need to ask to ascertain which would be your system of choice? I look forward to your responses...here's a starter link for looking at Canadian figures on health care expenditures (and here's another interesting one for comparison sake).

Hypocrisy...why people are apathetic over politics

This video speaks to why politics is dysfunctional or at least appears to be in the U.S. Incredible really, why is it so tough to act for the common good. It seems so simple but as we discussed in class the reality is so much different. It seems the United States system is in crisis, are we far behind? What is the fix? Is there such a thing? I certainly hope so or else the Obama chant of 'yes we can' will turn into 'no we can't'. Take a look here.

Budget 2010 Alberta, consequences?

This short read outlines the highlights of the budget passed today by the Alberta Finance minister, Ted Morton. It seems the only department that was not hurt by the budget was Health. Think about the impact education will have with only an increase to allow for new students into the system? How will inflationary pressures effect education spending? What other departments were hit with a decrease and the implications of these cuts will be? What do you think the overall impact of this budget will have? There is no better time to examine this as we are studying economics. For alternative views on budget priorities, consider looking at these two sources: The Parkland Institute and/or Public Interest Alberta.

Ahhh the answer for America is prayer...

... I should have thought of that myself! You know, I usually don't waste my time with the tea party wacko right wing of the US but this is special. She has a three part plan to 'fix' things in the US: 1. Lower spending; 2. Develop fossil fuels (incredible); and, 3. Pray for Guidance. Perhaps we can forward this message to our own politicians to fix things here at home? Sound like a plan? View the 2 minute video here. Just added, I had to laugh at this one, for the 2 minute speech, she was using, get this...a cheat sheet!

Now this is funny but with meaning...

I love satire (especially in song) as satire uses humor while making a point. What point/s are being made with this tune and btw, if you don't recognize the tune, it is a spin off American Pie...here it is.

A man that the world will miss dearly

Howard Zinn a historian (and much more) passed away Jan27, 2010. Unless you travel in activist circles as I do, you probably never heard of this man before. But like other great individuals who have influenced many movements, Howard Zinn leaves us with an important thought to contemplate as he argues: 'Revolutionary change does not come as one cataclysmic moment but as an endless succession of surprises, moving zigzag toward a more decent society.'
He goes on to show in this 2 page article how events never thought possible did indeed happen and that there is hope for a better and just world. Would love to hear your thoughts on this article. As a side note, he has a wonderful video on the nature of man and war. It is not en grained in humans to fight each other but rather programmed...interesting notion and you can view the video here.  I'll miss you Howard but your impact stays with me ...

Trickle down with humor lol

This put a smile on my face. It does talk about the American context of banking failure but certainly a worthwhile 30 seconds. Let me know what you think of this.