"More than ever, the creation of the ridiculous is almost impossible because of the competition it receives from reality." — Robert A. Baker
While that seems like it would make a lot of sense, I'm not sure just how true it is anymore – especially when that ridiculous creation is something as "out there" as Democrats' "public option" to health care. (Haven't seen this many air quotes since John McCain's last debate).
This growing dispute centers around a democratic proposal to create a federal insurance program financed by taxpayers (where is all this money coming from?), managed by the government (because FEMA's a hit wherever it goes) and open to the public (like some kind of health care Costco). The Dems are still politely touting this as a simple alternative to private health care. But don't kid yourself. If you compete with the government, you will lose. All this talk of letting the free market work is an illusion, because the feds have never played by those rules before, so you'd be a fool to expect them to start now.
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And, honestly, what incentive would employers have to offer health insurance to their employees when there's this great, cheap option available down the street? And how long do you think that line has to snake around the block before they put up the velvet ropes and stand a guy at the door to ration their care?
For those of you who tend to focus more on the bottom line, consider this: The Congressional Budget Office estimates, as the Wall Street Journal reported this week, that while Medicare and Medicaid total 4 percent of GDP, that amount will jump to nearly 10 percent by 2035. Consequently, "individual and corporate income taxes would have to rise about 90 percent to finance the projected increase in spending through 2050."
So, if you think the reality of health care costs is harsh now, wait until you wake up to the ridiculous tax bill you'll get tomorrow.
Happy April 15th.
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