After watching President Obama's address to the Congress has your opinion on the healthcare debate changed? Even if you didn't watch the address, you can still explain your position. Finally, explain what role you think the government should play in reforming healthcare.
Please put your first name, last name initial, and period number following your blog entry.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
25 comments:
Rajan S. period 5
Test
Before watching the healthcare debate I was torn on the issue because both sides have strong arguments. After watching the debate I agree more with President Obama's plan because he is not closing all the other companies, the plan will just add another healthcare option which will increase the competition and cause other healthcare companies to bring their prices lower, making it affordable for all Americans to be insured. I do not think the government should completely take over healthcare but I do think that adding a government option is a positive point because it will provide health insurance to the many people who cannot afford it or people who do have health insurance but their companies deny them as much care as they can. Although one of the points that I do not agree with President Obama is that he said he will not add anymore to the deficit which I think it will unless there is a clear economic plan of where the money is coming from.
-Yasmin S. period 5
Yasmin,
I agree with almost everything you said. Like you, I like the idea of increased competition to drive prices lower and quality of care higher. I also agree that it is going to cost more than expected, most govt. programs do. Great insight!
I agree with President Obama, I believe that everybody is entitled to healthcare. As the President explained, if a family member was diagnosed with an illness, it would be very unfortunate to lose that person due to the lack of healthcare within the family. Though most agree with my opinion, others argue the monetary issue. The President promised us that he would charge the insurance companies more so than the people, thus building a better ground for those struggling with financial issues. I truly think that Obama will some how keep his promises, even with the big controversy ahead of him. The government should create equality for those who truly need it the most.
--Jordan Y. (period 5)
After watching the debate, first of all I am shocked by how rude that Republican was, shouting out "liar," during President Obama's speech. The Democrats had nicely applauded Obama after he had brought up what McCain was trying to enforce while running in the campaign. I definitely did went both ways on the Health Care debate before watching his speech today. Like Mr. Goldman, my heart goes with the sick and poor, but my mind does not want to spend more money. After hearing Obama's words about how everyone with insurance can keep their own but the ones who do not can pay the lowest taxes to receive some form of insurance. Making health care affordable for all US citizens is a good idea, but, I do think that it is going to cost more than what he is anticipating but his ideas and beliefs I believe can make America a more healthier place.
-Kori Schlazer Per: 5
I agree with President Obama's plan to provide an affordable healthcare. I liked what he said about giving security to the people that already have healthcare. People should not be having their healthcare dropped when they need it the most. Also i like that he will limit on how much comes out of your pocket. Also how he is challenging the healthcare companies to compete with the healthcare he want to provide. Over all I support President Obama's plan to provide healthcare.
Zac c. per 3
Kori,
That was rude, yelling at the President during the speech. I heard afterwards he apologized to the President's chief of staff. It is a very heated debate.
mr. g
I don't think healthcar should be a given for anyone. I think that if the tax payers money went to giving 47 million uninsured citizens health care it wouldn't be fair. I agree we need to help solve the problem with the uninsured patients by maybe giving a discount. But it shouldn't be that every citizen gets free healthcare.
Fortunately, I believe Obama made the right decision to have a type of healthcare that can benefit all types of people.Those that are already able to afford healthcare will still be able to keep their same health insurance while a new healthcare possibility is provided for the other Americans suffering without it. Initially, I thought Obama would cave in and allow the government to take complete control over healthcare. Not only did this scare me, but it almost seemed a bit socialist which partially goes against our democratic ideals.I'm glad that decision was not made but I still feel that the healthcare plan seems a little too good to be true. Only time will tell if his plans will actually work out successfully.
Kari Ryser Period 5
I do agree with President Obama that everyone is entitled to health care, however I do not think it is worth the cost to our country's people. Taxes will of course be raised even though since Obama's been elected they've already gone up 1% in California. On top of that I believe it will hurt our economy even more. Since health care makes up 1/6 of our country's economy, universal health care will drive private companies out of business, taking away the competition involved in health care and causing that 1/6 of our economy to greatly drop in value.
-Jonathan S. period 3
I believe that healthcare is not a right. i also believe that people should have it. the government should not raise taxes but maybe force insurance companies to resolve the preexisting injury problem and offer affordable plans for underprivileged citizens. i defiantly do not believe that our taxes should be raised for unneeded government intervention.
Greg Shindler Period 3
When looking at the big picture, I completely agree with Greg. Tonight one of Obama's main arguments was that the only reason people were opposed to his plans were only against it because they were scared of losing money. I am not denying the fact that there are many greedy people in the world.. but the fact of the matter is people want to be taken care of. if the government starts to intervene, going to the doctor will be like going to the dmv and will most likely turn into the only health care. Of course, i am not heartless. it is terrible that people can not afford health insurrance. But i strongly believe we need to do whats best for the country.
Karen Wolfe. period 3
Henry Mekjian
Per:4
I do not agree with President Obama's Helath Care plan because I think that this society has been a survival of the fittest society and should be every man or woman to there self and everybody should carry their own weight and that everybody should have thier own assignments and tasks to do and goverment should not interfere with U.S Citizens peoples lives and they should stay away from peoples health lives. Also it is not right for goverment just to tax the rich and give to the poor because the rich have earned tahr money and the poor have not earned that money they are getting kind of like what the goverment or president is going to do after they pass their health care plan which I think it is ridiculous and everybody should be on their own and if the rich want to buy premium health care let them buy it and if the poor can just afford low health care and even no health care let the poor work harder and come up with new careers, and ideas and let them fullfill their ideas and goals so one day they can afford the premium health care so the rich that are working really hard for their money shouldn't get taxed on it for the poor being very lazy and not wanting to fullfill their needs and wants. So the rich don't need to get taxed for the poor being so lazy and not accomlishing their goals in their lives.
I think that President Obama's speech was extremely motivating. My position on health care has always been one of compromise. Before Obama's speech I was pretty much unaware of most of the facts and torn between the two ideologies. On one hand, socialize health care and give it to the poor. On the other hand, keep health care private and therefore less socialistic. After the President's speech I agree more with the democratic viewpoint because it seemed he had no intention of completely taking over the industry but instead was trying to make it more affordable and accessible to the underpriveleged. Therefore, I believe in Obama and his plan.
Kristina Tatiossian, per. 1
I agreed with most of what Obama said. I think everyone should have the option of getting healthcare and whatever has to be done to make this possible should be done. It's not fair that there are less fortunate people out there with little or no opportunities to get healthcare. It shouldn't be assumed that everyone who can't afford healthcare is just lazy and needs to work harder to afford it. For example, some of those people may have different disabilities or come from low income families, making it much harder for them to work up and be able to afford it in comparison to a lot of people who have the means to afford an education or even the capability to go to college in order to get good jobs and afford healthcare. Hopefully Obama will follow through with his plans. Also, I agree that it was really inappropriate for the republican to call Obama a liar during his speech. But, I think it's dumb for people to say it made ALL the republicans look bad. It's one guy and he definitely does not represent ALL republicans.
-Rebeca M. Period 5
President Obama's speech yesterday evening was very eye opening and very effective in my opinion. However, it seems too good to be true. Having one public option that is non-profit to help lower the cost of insurance is a great idea. Saying that it will "not add a penny" to the deficit is unreasonable. This plan must cost some money and add to the deficit but, in the long term it will reduce our deficit spending by stopping the current overblown health care system. The point that it comes down to is if health care is a right or a privilege. If it is a privilege (and a very desirable one)then it should be affordable and available to everyone. If it is a right like life liberty and the pursuit of happiness then it is the government's responsibility to defend that right. Barak Obama seems to be finding a middle road between the two which is most likely best.
First of all, I wasn't able to watch it so I'm just going to give my opinion on the subject. My ISP paper last year was about how inequitable the health care system is today. I think having a public option along with reforming the current system is needed. I don't think we should worry about this as a form of socialism. There are many examples we use in the U.S. that are government run. Some are schools, the post office, fire department, and the police. Quality health care should be a right, not a privilege.
Justin M., Per. 1
I believe that President Obama gave a great speech last night. On the podium he spoke eloquently and passionately, demonstrating the qualities of a great speaker. However, I was not only impressed by his eloquence, but also by the content of his 45 minute speech. I think it is absolutely horrible when people are turned down by their insurance companies due to pre-existing health problems- we should all be given equal coverage by our insurance companies, no matter how healthy we are. In fact, I think people who are the sickest need the MOST help, and it is terribly sad to think that health insurance companies often refuse to help some of our nation's sickest people. The health care debate is not just a matter of making laws and spending money- it is a matter of principle, a matter of morals. President Obama did a great job of portraying this by referring to specific people in his speeches who he knew had suffered in our current health care system- another example of his clever speech-giving skills. One of the details of his speech that struck me the most was the divide in the room between the democrats and republicans. Throughout the speech, there were many times when the democrats would applaud enthusiastically while the republicans sat in silence. Obviously, America's two parties will NEVER combine into one. Along those same lines, I was appalled by congressman Joe Wilson's interjection "YOU LIE!" during the speech- Wilson clearly demonstrates the breakdown of America's morals and manners, as his comment was utterly inappropriate. Overall, though, I was very impressed with President Obama's speech and hope that he will follow through with his health care reform agenda... because people are growing sicker each day.
- Mel C. (period 4)
I have always believed that everybody should be able to afford healthcare. After watching the debate, my opinion remains the same and i strongly agree with President Obama. A government run option would have many benefits. Other companies would not only lower their prices, but they would also treat customers better in the hope that customers would not switch plans. People with financial issues, especially in this recession, need this option. I do understand that some feel it is unfair because people do not wok hard for their money. People just need to realize that jobs are limited and it is hard to make a living.
Jessica Rick
per.3
In my opinion, after watching President Obama's speech I agree 100% that we need to have a governmental health care program for those who can not obtain health care on their own. I feel more confident now that President Obama has a clear idea of how to pay for this program without increasing the national debt. Additionally, I was pleased to see that people with preexisting and life threatening conditions can not be turned down for insurance, or that a cap will no longer be placed on their polices.
jessica d
period 3
Although I have yet to watch President Obama's speech, based on what I have heard I am secure with his healthcare plan. My largest fear concerned my suspicion that there would be lack of competition if a national healthcare program was enacted. Yet, after learning that the program is projected to only attract 5% of the American population I am no longer concerned. Furthermore, the general public could and most likely will continue to subscribe to their individual health care providers. The only fear I know have regards the economic plan. I doubt that the forseen price for Obama's plan is accurate and as far as I see, we can not afford to accumulate a greater deficit. I would definetly like to see that looked into more.
-Allison E. (Period 4)
I agree with President Obama's idea of giving rights to the citizens and benefiting from the system. Health care can be a lot of issues because it's a part of everyday life for everyone. Money can be an issue but because President Obama isn't closing other companies, the plan will add other healthcare options in competition and decrease the prices, which will increase the amount of people who can afford. Also the people who can already afford, they will be more secured.
-Iris K. period 3
Kimia Behpoornia
Period 1
I did not get to watch the actual debate but i would like to share my opinion on the healthcare issue nonetheless. I believe our healthcare system should be modeled after our school system. You can choose to attend a public or a private school and so you should be able to choose public or private healthcare. The school systems have been successful for many years and for the healthcare program to follow teir plan would make it succesful as well.
Even though i did not watch the speech i did hear about the senator who screamed "You lie!" at the president.
even though obama made some good points in his speech i still stand firm on my opinion that universal healthcare should not happen. we are already massively in debt and this will only make it worse. even though prices would be driven lower i still think that in the end it would take a turn for the worse sending lots of private companies out of business. i also thoroughly enjoyed that republican yelling out it kindof made the speech enjoyable. NO UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE!!!
DRKNTE aka jACOB H P.4 x_X
After watching President Obama's speech i agree more with this idea for a health care plan. I believe providing health care to every citizen is crucial and that the health care companies should in fact lower their prices. By adding the government option many people who may struggle in affording health care are now given the chance to have the sense of security everyone desires. My only downside on the issue is the fact that Obama underestimates the true cost of this plan and with the current economic decline I don't believe we can afford it at this time. Oh and that republican who shouted out "liar" is a complete joke.
--Sean Schireson (Period 4)
Post a Comment