February 14, 2013 Page 3 One Man’s Opinion Another Man’s Opinion By Gerry Chong increase of 49 percent from January 2009 to Health Care: It’s About Human LivesNovember 2012. New enrollees are joiningThe fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s the ranks of those that cannot feed themselves By Cristian Vasquez overall these providers have viewed the debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. at the rate of 11,000 people per day! Much can be debated about the possible insured as commodities. Human beings have It is a sign that the U.S. government cannot The Sophist makes the populous argument outcome of President Barack Obama’s Health been considered no more than pawns in the pay its own bills. that the “rich don’t pay their fair share,” Care Reform. Staunch conservatives attack game of supply and demand who can be It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing ignoring the fact that the wealthiest one the reform and label it part of a Communist discarded at the first sign of a lost profit. How financial assistance percent pay 35 percent of income taxes, and shift in our nation’s economy. Liberals attack can we, as a proud Christian nation, be fine from foreign countries to finance our the top five percent pay 59 percent. For the the reform as not providing enough for those with that? Since when did Mom and Dad, government’s reckless fiscal policies. Sophist to appeal to his political base, there in need. Still, those stuck in between the Grandma and Grandpa become disposable? Increasing America’s debt weakens us can be no limit to a “fair share.” factions are left wondering how much the It is tragic that in our country, with some domestically and internationally. While Sophists call for restructuring of the reform will cost, save and overall change of the best medical experts on the planet, Leadership means that the buck stops here. tax code as a euphemism for tax increases, the effectiveness of our health care system. people were being dropped from coverage and Instead, Washington is shifting the burden they ignore the reality that taxes on all While many valid arguments can be made in treatment because of a preexisting condition. of bad choices today segments of society have already increased. favor and against the reform, what is certain The President’s reform act prevents this and onto the backs of our children and The tax rate on the wealthy has risen to is that President Obama’s Health Care Act rightfully so. While I am considerate of these grandchildren. 39.6 percent, the employment tax on all is a necessary step in the right direction to insurance companies’ need to make a profit, America has a debt problem and a failure earners has gone from four percent to six addressing a basic human need: medical care. it can be done without sacrificing the lives of leadership. percent, and employers will be hit with a To begin, the reform is not the beginning of ordinary, hardworking people. There is Americans deserve better. range of Obamacare taxes--all withdrawing --Senator Barack Obama, March 2006 capital from the job-growing segment of the economy. We don’t have a spending problem. The Sophist claims “redistribution” will “While I am considerate of these insurance --President Barack Obama, January 1, 2013 create a fairer nation, but ignores the most basic fact that splitting a country into “payers” companies’ need to make a profit, it can be done without In ancient Greece, a cadre of self-proclaimed and “receivers” divides a country into two sacrificing the lives of ordinary, hardworking people..” intellectuals named themselves “Sophists,” camps, making impossible “one nation, under translated as “I am wise.” Wikipedia said God, indivisible.” “these intellectuals had one thing in common: The Sophist proclaims that increasing They typically had a great understanding of government spending should accelerate of a Communist or Socialist state in America. absolutely no way to justify a company’s what words would entertain or impress or until the economy recovers, but unbridled Communist and Socialist states control the refusal to cover a person’s ailments because persuade an audience. Hence today, Sophists spending will destroy the economy before it means of production and the Health Care they are predisposed to their condition in the use specious arguments for purposes of can recover. As a corollary to the spending Reform Act does not control production. It name of profit. deceiving someone. They use rhetorical conundrum, on February 5 the Congressional does, however, determine what insurance For too long, insurance companies have sleight of hand and ambiguities of language Budget Office noted that the national debt companies can and cannot do. In other failed to address the issue of preexisting words, it regulates the actions of an insurance conditions by simply ignoring the patient. company when it comes to determining who With this reform, insurance companies will “The tax rate on the wealthy has risen to 39.6 percent, they will cover, who they won’t cover and be forced to address preexisting conditions the employment tax on all earners has gone from four percent order to attain an effective health care system business model. They will have to providein patients through an effective and humanewhy. At its core, this is a necessary step in to six percent, and employers will be hit with a range in our nation. an option that the patient can work with and of Obamacare taxes–all withdrawing capital from For too many years, insurance companies that will neither impose all of the financial have denied coverage to individuals with burden on the insurer nor the insured. It is sad the job-growing segment of the economy.” preexisting conditions. From diabetes to that it took a federal law to force insurance high blood pressure or even a broken arm, companies to tale these steps because as a preexisting condition was enough for an Americans, we are very kind-hearted, generous in order to deceive or to support fallacious had exploded 23 percent, from $13 trillion individual to have their insurance company individuals. Nobody wants to see their brother reasoning. In this view, the Sophist is not to $16 trillion, in just 16 months. Over 10 drop them or have a new provider deny them or sister dropped from coverage or denied concerned with truth or justice, but instead years, interest on that debt will grow from coverage. Given, not all of the insurance coverage because of a preexisting condition he seeks power.” $1.76 trillion to $3.64 trillion so that by 2020, companies operated the same way. However, and neither does President Obama. • Today’s Sophist tells that we are better off, interest expense will equal defense spending. from 32 million to 47 million people...an claims, “We don’t have a spending problem.” • From the SourceSo beware of the grinning Sophist who even as food stamp participation has grown Follow Us Political Q & A on Twitter By Gerry Chong them, most recently with new emergency and @heraldpub our political leaders their positions on South Bay is to maintain the quality of lifeoperating rooms. The challenge overall in theLast week in our initial column asking important topics of the day, we had asked that attracted its residents, while adapting Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Senator Ted to environmental and technological changes. Lieu and Assemblyman Steve Bradford about Supervisor Knabe said: their views on the most optimistic thing we in Each and every city and community within the South Bay can look forward to in 2013. the South Bay faces its own unique challenges Their responses were published last week. and opportunities in 2013. Los Angeles County If you see a dog with a YELLOW RIBBON This week, we posed a similar question stands ready to assist its residents with all or something yellow on the leash, this is a We are now a Registered eBay Drop dog who needs some space. Please do to Chairman of the Los Angeles County available resources to meet those moments Off Location. not approach this dog with your dog. Please Board of Supervisors Mark Ridley Thomas together in the coming year. We sell your antiques & maintain distance or give this dog and his/her and supervisor Don Knabe. Specifically, We at Herald Publications see this column Collectibles for you on eBay. person time to move out of your way. we asked, “What are the opportunities and as a public forum in which readers can challenges you see at the County level for suggest questions of their political leaders. We First bring your item in. South Bay communities in 2013”? therefore urge you to submit your questions If it is worth $100 or more, we will: Chairman Ridley-Thomas responded: to South Bay office-holders in Congress, the Research, Photograph & List it on eBay The South Bay region has unique assets State Senate, the State Assembly and the Answer Buyer Questions and challenges. For example, its attractive County Board of Supervisors by transmitting Pack & Ship Sold Items There are many reasons why beach and hillside communities have special your inquiries to gchong@chongco.com. Wea dog may need space: Write you a check transportation requirements, so we are working will do our best to solicit answers to your 401 E. El Segundo Blvd. also are experimenting with novel congestion the following question: “Each year, the StateIllustrated by Lili Chin www.doggiedrawings.netNext week, we will ask Senator Rodinquiries.Wright and Assemblyman Al Muratsuchivast majority of which are signed into law.so, how should we control their volume?” •at the County and with the MetropolitanTransportation Authority to relieve roadcongestion and extend public transit. Weand electric vehicles for local trips. Oursecond to none and we continue to modernizeIN TRAININGHEALTH ISSUESBEING REHABILITATEDSCARED OR REACTIVE AROUND OTHER DOGSThose of us who own these dogsFree Appraisals AnytimeDAILY 9-5:30DAILY 9-5:30Bring your items to:Bring your items to:Or call 310-416-1233337 Richmond Street or (Pat’s Tire Bldg. @ Arena) mitigation programs such as FasTrak lanes Legislature passes more than 1,000 bills, theOr call 310-416-1233 www.studioantiques.com appreciate your help and respect! hospitals, including Harbor/UCLA, are Is there such a thing as too many laws? If www.studioantiques.com
Manhattan 02_21_13
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