[News] Obama signs historic healthcare reform into law

[vashti]

Only the filthy rich will be affected. The people who have been squeezing the likes of you for decades. In theory only the sympathizers of the wealthy should complain about this. Those who are crying socialism have really lost the plot.

It depends on what you call "filthy rich". I am going to be screwed for sure, and I'm definitely NOT filthy rich. If I had my income and lived in some ugly little town in the middle of nowhere, I'd be filthy rich, maybe.

[doppelgaenger]

Yeah, that's great and all, but what about the fine for those of us who may not feel like getting health insurance? It says right in the article.

"Individual Mandate: Those not covered by Medicaid or Medicare must be insured or face fine"

[Mish]

It depends on what you call "filthy rich". I am going to be screwed for sure, and I'm definitely NOT filthy rich. If I had my income and lived in some ugly little town in the middle of nowhere, I'd be filthy rich, maybe.

I could be wrong, but I was under impression that those who will be taxed the most earn 250K+ a year?

[vashti]

I could be wrong, but I was under impression that those who will be taxed the most earn 250K+ a year?

Depending on where you live and what sort of expenses you have, that wouldn't make you "filthy rich".

[Mish]

Yeah, that's great and all, but what about the fine for those of us who may not feel like getting health insurance? It says right in the article.

"Individual Mandate: Those not covered by Medicaid or Medicare must be insured or face fine"

I haven't read it in detail, but I personally thought any fines related to employers, that is if employers failed to cover their employees with health insurance (as happens at the moment in some places) they'd get fined. From my understanding it doesn't extend to the individuals.

It might be a good idea to clarify this.

[Doc Durian]

Individual Mandate:

* In 2014, everyone must purchase health insurance or face a $695 annual fine. There are some exceptions for low-income people.

Employer Mandate:

* Technically, there is no employer mandate. Employers with more than 50 employees must provide health insurance or pay a fine of $2000 per worker each year if any worker receives federal subsidies to purchase health insurance. Fines applied to entire number of employees minus some allowances.

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[LailaK]

Who is "they"? YOU are they. Have you ever told your local representative this is what you'd like? I have. I just did, in fact, the other night. Sure, we laughed about it but that seed gets planted, all the same. What do you think would happen if he heard it from enough of his constituents, especially well-placed ones working in various connected sectors?

I do my part and write letters to my representatives and Governor about the state of education in California. I've even protested budget cuts along with my parents. You should count yourself lucky if you live in a place where those "seeds" being planted turn into vegetation. Here in California, the education debate is mostly ignored.

[LailaK]

You don't care that your vote, the policies enacted because of your vote, and the leaders by your vote are violating my life, my liberty, and the pursuit of my happiness?

Stealing from myself and others???

That makes you a thief and thieves can be stopped by any means necessary.

Good day

Nope. I don't care. The majority voted and I'm quite pleased about making steps towards universal healthcare.

[Doc Durian]

Oh, you and freeloading ilk will care soon enough when the States individually disregard.

[vashti]

I do my part and write letters to my representatives and Governor about the state of education in California. I've even protested budget cuts along with my parents. You should count yourself lucky if you live in a place where those "seeds" being planted turn into vegetation. Here is California, the education debate is mostly ignored.

What debate? The state is broke. When you have no money, everybody takes a hit. Besides, (again) money isn't the problem with the state's educational system.

[LailaK]

I have been extremely happy with the California school system, except that there are too many stupid kids and lazy parents.

I'm a product of the California school system and as a former pre-school teacher I'm passionate about education.

I'm concerned with the budget cuts and hard decisions school have to make because of the irresponsibility of our states leadership.

[doppelgaenger]

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^^^ which really contradicts our ideas of liberty. What right should a government have to force its own citizens to invest in collectivism?

If we really want to make health care affordable, what we should be doing is looking for ways to actually reduce medical costs, rather than forcing everyone to conform to laws that require us to collectively buy insurance or face a fine, both which seek to reduce debts that we aren't responsible for. This is how the government pulls the wool over our eyes; the big problem isn't necessarily the health care or lack thereof; it's the debt.

[Doc Durian]

I'm a product of the California school system and as a former pre-school teacher I'm passionate about education.

I'm concerned with the budget cuts and hard decisions school have to make because of the irresponsibility of our states leadership.

I don't believe that your ethically fit to teach impressionable young children.

[Doc Durian]

^^^ which really contradicts our ideas of liberty. What right should a government have to force its own citizens to invest in collectivism?

Like Laila, they just don't care about that, Dopp. They've snuck in another wet nurse welfare state initiative and they're gloating.

(But not for long. )

[LailaK]

Yes. A state that once boasted the 5th largest economy in the world is broke. I realize that everyone takes a hit. Unfortunately every time we turn around they're taking more and more money away from education.

In 2009, in states where the adult population has at least a high school education, California ranked 49th out of 50 states. o.O One of the most productive states in the country has the second to worst standing in education. This may be ok with some but it is not ok with me.