John Nash’s column, “Socialized medicine will cost us dearly,” in the July 22 edition of
Hernando Today, is nothing but cheap fear-mongering and scare tactics. A nationalized health system will save us from higher taxes and higher premiums. It will make us healthier.
While Nash’s targets are President Barack Obama and the Democrats, my targets are both the Republicans and the Democrats, and arch-conservative Nash is included in that group as well. The major political parties both take big monies from the corporations and special interests and are making every effort to safeguard their traditional system.
First of all, Obama is no socialist, and he is not even a liberal. He is a centrist, and a lackey for the corporations of America, which includes not only Wall Street and the banking and automobile industries, but also the insurance, pharmaceutical and HMO industries as well.
Obama’s “public option” is not government-run. It will fill the coffers of the insurance companies even more with more paying customers. The insurance companies’ only fear is there is more competition, but these government monies will once again go into the troughs of big business, just like the banks and financial institutions have shown. Yes, health care is not free, whether it comes from Uncle Sam or our individual pockets. And I daresay that if we ever embrace a truly nationalized health system, which Obama’s proposed plans are not, even that would cost taxpayers money. But the costs under a truly socialized health care system would be minimal, much less than what we as individuals and as a country are paying now. So, really, we would be saving money and becoming healthier individually and as a nation.
Yes, employers and workers would pay a tax, but lower than the premiums they pay now, and substantially more benefits would be included (full dental, medical and mental health services), which do not exist under traditional health insurance and Medicare now (plus, exclusions, deductibles, co-payments, etc.). More than $600 billion of an annual $2.3 trillion health bill would be saved by eliminating 1,500 private insurance companies and the paperwork they require. We would save 30 percent of the 35 percent administrative costs, which could be ploughed back into the system to cover all the medical costs of the 47 million people in American now without health insurance. So, this is “freed up money,” made available under a national system, but wasted under our traditional system.
A nationalized health system will not cost “those of us who work for living a small fortune.” To the contrary, it will save you, and our fellow Americans, lots of money and give them more benefits and make them healthier when having access to both preventative and comprehensive medical, dental and mental health care services.
Nash acknowledged those Canadians “who can afford it,” travel to the U.S. for more immediate care. That is the same in our country, which rations health care now. Only people with money, or with coverage, can go to the doctors. The others cannot. That is why 20,000 Americans die each year because they do not have access to health care in America. And that is why 20,000 foreigners, die each day, in the world, due to poverty and illness, brought on by our capitalist system.
Canadians live longer than Americans, and spend one-tenth the money we do. Their optional services may take a little longer, but their health condition is never denied. We die younger and have higher infant mortality despite the fact that Canadians spend a pittance on their national health system, compared to what some Americans and our government spend on health care each year.
People in 27 countries live longer than we do and are healthier than we Americans, so that is why our system is not perfect. There are scores of countries that have a better quality of life because they have national health systems that provide health as a right and not as an economic privilege, as is done in America.
Nash is misleading readers, reinforcing false myths, scaring our elderly over the wrong information. He needs to do his homework better. Right now, our health care system is broken, wasteful, ineffective, selective, unfair, inaccessible and mostly unaccountable. Under a socialized system there will not be higher taxes and people will not have to pay more. In fact, even the employers will save money and not be expected to bear the burden of providing health care. That will be the country’s function. Health care will not be rationed like it is now in America, and we will finally end up with a more efficient, economical, responsible and accountable system.
Brian P. Moore
Spring Hill, Florida
Posted by ( twurzbac ) on 10/01/2009 at 07:52 pm.
Moore is so yesterday. He can’t stay out of the spotlight. Next he will be behind the stores checking out their dumpsters. What an Idiot>>>>>
Posted by ( twb ) on 10/01/2009 at 08:06 pm.
He’s a fugitive who cares. Really says a lot about Moore and what he thinks is important.
Posted by ( GEdward2 ) on 10/01/2009 at 08:47 pm.
Unreal, Fugitive, refuses to surrender, Deputy’s from 2 departments are chasing this fugitive that refuses to surrender.At what point does the world famous socialist feel that people are repsonsible for their own actions? I wonder if Mr. Moore is willing to pay for all the man hours he is wasting at the Sheriff’s office exploring his silly little attempt to get exposure in the nerwspapers for free. The forever running Mr. Moore, wins nothing, losing everything..Now he wastes taxpayers money. Mr. Moore, you want to run something, run a check down to the Sherfiff’s office for $5K, it will be a downpayment on the resources that you are wasting and honest Hernando Countians are paying for. Put YOUR money where your mouth is or…quite down. Time to MAN UP Mr. Moore, or are you just going to keep talking at our expense?
Posted by ( soulsearch ) on 10/02/2009 at 12:15 am.
Moore is so far out there. Why does anyone take him seriously? I believe he thrives on controversy and bringing attention to himself. I do not believe nor trust this man.
Posted by ( Just_Sayin ) on 10/02/2009 at 12:41 am.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( stopthespending ) on 10/02/2009 at 01:53 am.
Brian Moore is all about Brian Moore. He and his family protest anything where he will get his name in the paper. I just wish that the papers would stop giving him coverage since the only people that support and care what Brian says is Brian and his family.
Posted by ( mmoholland ) on 10/02/2009 at 03:23 am.
He was a socialist party candidate! Thats says alot. what a loser.
Posted by ( what_the_H_E_dbl_hockey_stix ) on 10/02/2009 at 06:51 am.
I agree with Mr. Moore. When you think about it it’s the perfect crime: HCSO methodically provided Rayford with drugs to sell during his life in Hernando. They knew that if they kept supplying him and arresting him he could eventually make the most wanted list somewhere. Then they implanted a GPS to follow him and wait for him to go fishing. No No No they forced him to go fishing at gunpoint, yeah that’s it. Then they surrounded the lake with cops and called in the helicopter. He then had a choice to go about by gunfire or beat to death and drowned with the helicopter landing arm. Can’t wait to see this one of Forensics Files. Moore this country is almost liberal enough for someone like u 2 b President, but not just yet. For now put ur head back up ur butt and move along PLEASE!!!!!!! Moore should b arrested for a false report “Air unit can you handle this one too, PLEASE?”
Posted by ( DennisPurdy ) on 10/02/2009 at 07:26 am.
I would just like to know what the charges were against Rayford. Were these felony warrants? Or was this a slow night at the Sheriff’s department? It is a little unusual to be accurate with one interview and be so off with another. Where were all the sheriff’s cameras during this?
Posted by ( JakeBabe ) on 10/02/2009 at 08:08 am.
Duh…maybe he could not swim. Look up James Rayford on the FDOC web-site. In + out of prison for years. “In” approx. 12 yrs. Cocaine, burglary, escape,theft…history - Big Time.Hey, wear a life jacket, take a buddy,learn to swim. Don’t run from the cops.Brian Moore likes to “stir the pot.” He should stand on the corner of Mariner & 50 with a great big spoon.
Posted by ( pine21 ) on 10/02/2009 at 09:40 am.
Cover UP YES!! But don’t expect any leads!! When they can’t find 11K from a locked evidence room when 3 people (Good Friend) worked inside all they can say is “WE HAVE NO LEADS” This is a CORRUPTED AGENCY what do you expect? Internal staff members get caught DUI and is let go! List of cover ups is long and dirty!! I will not doubt this man was murdered. Even though he fled from justice, there is no excuse not to preserve life. Forget internal investigation, thats 1000% corrupted. Need outside agency to look at this agency from top to bottom. Serpico is needed here!!!!!!!
Posted by ( Just_The_Facts ) on 10/02/2009 at 10:19 am.
Must be related to the other idiot Michael Moore.
Posted by ( tim1965 ) on 10/02/2009 at 10:22 am.
Sounds like this Moore guy is mad because his drug supplier is dead. Yeah I am sure this innocent in and out of prison es con drug dealer who fed the homeless after he helped old ladies crooss the street was just fishing when BOOM he’ run over by a helicopter. Moore’s retarded claims are a waste of tax dollars. LESS idiots in Hernando County Now!!
Posted by ( teddymac ) on 10/02/2009 at 10:37 am.
It is the Government’s fault!! That guy should of been taught to swim, right comrade Moore!!!
Posted by ( hernando_wildcats ) on 10/02/2009 at 10:38 am.
The place where Rayford died is not visable from any home by the lake unless you have high powered binoculars. You would be able to see the helicopters, but not the exchange between the criminal and the deputies. Moore is a clown.
Posted by ( breakingnews ) on 10/02/2009 at 10:42 am.
Chopper F)Lights,(cellphone)camera…(legal)ACTION!Great question,Dennis Purdy… Where is the HCSO chopper’s black box which would record ALL mechanical actions made by the pilot during the flight (yes,helicopters have them too)…or has it been disabled…or has it been “lost”. Take your pick.Next question;Where is the video from the flight that SHOULD have been filmed simply as a precaution by HCSO to ensure that all actions made by their pilots and crew members are professional and legal? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of (legal) cure…right? Is the video non-existent? Was it deleted? Was it tampered with? Or…does it exist? If so, perhaps HCSO should mention the existence of it, or the non-existence of it therof… Now…jump into action,bumpkins and try to make the socialist mud stick on ME! Twist my statements to fit your purposes.Try to use intimidation,rage and ugliness to make it go away.It won’t.Questions are being asked that warrant an explanation about this man’s death.If taxpayer’s money becomes an issue when it comes to ensuring that the law is administered legally,then it is,quite truly, the death knell for our democracy…Think before reacting.In the same way that we as citizens are responsible for following the law, the legal authorities in this country are responsible for administering the law…fairly and legally.(anyone ROFL’ing yet?)The fugitive chose to break the law.Did HCSO choose to administer the law legally during this enforcement action? This issue can be easily put to rest by posting the chopper video and/or the black box findings online.An independent and credible,professional (non-government) opinion of the results should determine if there is any culpability on the part of the HCSO pilot…Eye witness accounts,flip flops and contradictory accounts will be rendered meaningless with the appearance of a video or black box…if they have one….And they should.It’s been standard operating procedures to make videos of interactions between law enforcement and the public for many years.It just makes their jobs go more smoothly.Videos do not lie and cannot be misinterpreted.Think about the piece of the puzzle that’s missing…and WHY it’s missing before jumping to conclusions or blindly siding with authority “just because”.
Posted by ( RazzleDazzle ) on 10/02/2009 at 11:47 am.
“what_the_H_E_dbl_hockey_stix” Well Said. Does ANYONE with even a half of brain really believe that the H.C.S.O. helicopter really truly kept elevating and lowering in an ongoing attempt to strike this guy in the head ultimately causing the kayak / canoe to explode??? Come on Moore (and other half-wits), before you go and make accusations at least make an honest effort to not sound like an absolute idiot! Additionally, I’m glad to see that there are readers who realize that this was a multiple time CONVICTED FELON who was fleeing from police! On a positive note “GEdward2″ the cost of this rediculous unnecessary investigation will still be a HUGE savings compared to the citizens’ cost of housing, feeding, and providing health care for the time that guy would have been incacerated. Again, No Big Loss here! And although No One EVER says it, Deputies: We appreciate all you guys and gals do!
Posted by ( Jess30 ) on 10/02/2009 at 12:42 pm.
“JakeBabe” your so funny! Stand on Mariner and 50 with a spoon! I love it! And am also loving hearing everyone’s comments on this story most are funny. I couldn’t say it any better! It made my day lol!
Posted by ( pine21 ) on 10/02/2009 at 12:51 pm.
Funny yes!! The JOKes are on US. Thanks to a corrupted AGENCY!! HAHAHA!!! When a GOOD friend from the evidence room is allowed to resign to keep is State pension and not arrested on a felony charged? that is corruption!! We all know he would had lost his pension. Internal Affairs or crime ducktective can find WHO DID IT from a secured evidence room with only 3 People inside. Come folks WAKE UP!! This is NOT DISNEY…….
Posted by ( RC219 ) on 10/02/2009 at 01:03 pm.
HEY PINE 21: GET OVER THE 11K ALREADY!!GEEZ, MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE AREADY!!
Posted by ( tim1965 ) on 10/02/2009 at 01:27 pm.
I gave up trying to figure out the comment by breaking news. hey breaking news maybe they should attach a camera to the moon to record every move someone makes. Quit eating tv dinners watching fictional shows that are making you think thats how things are done in the real world. and Pine 21 must have been struck in the head by a falling pine. one less felon in the world. Hey maybe Rayford can room with Couey in hell.
Posted by ( GovernmentWorker ) on 10/02/2009 at 02:20 pm.
Is Brian P. Moore related to Micheal Moore …. two morons …. what a bunch of Pelosi !
Posted by ( captain1976 ) on 10/02/2009 at 05:01 pm.
Some of the witnesses now don’t want to talk for fear of reprisals for the Sheriffs Office. Let me remind them that harassment by Sheriffs Deputies is a Felony and this is going to the FBI anyway. Witnesses will talk to the FBI and if there is a cover up, Cops are going to prison. I am personally making a report with the FAA as this looks like a possible homicide with the use of aircraft. The FAA must investigate. Fugitive or not, he was still a human being and when you get a bunch of “Drunk with Power” cops are a menace to us all.
Posted by ( RC219 ) on 10/02/2009 at 05:25 pm.
Capt.1976: Take the aluminum foil off your head, and take your medication. All will be well soon.
Posted by ( GovernmentWorker ) on 10/02/2009 at 06:09 pm.
Scum of the earth (Couey and Radford) are were they belong … 2 less nuisances to society and a cost saving to taxpayers.