Exploring your Inner Self

Yoga. I know, “Everyone is doing it”. Typically when confronted with a popular trend, I unitentionally and subconsciously despise said activity simply because I prefer to explore and discover my own way of passing time. Well, in this case, yoga is an exceptional exception because of the internal power and peace of mind I have been able to uncover since beginning my practice a few months ago. While I practiced pilates for years now, yoga offered an entirely new dimension-meditation- that left me feeling lifted and at peace with the entire world. When confronted with mentally taxing situations (on a superficial level, I am thinking about living in my parent’s household for close to year now and putting my preferred lifestlyle as an independent nomad on hold) I find that waking up first thing in the morning and embracing the first principle of yoga, the concept of the Himsa (nonviolence) centers my mind for the day and provides me with the strength to thoroughly love each day. It shocks me to consider how deeply at peace I feel on the days I perform yoga and how out of balance (physically, mentally, and emotionally) I am during days when I forgoe my routine. At first I thought I was making myself believe I felt more harmonious with all living things and deeply indebted to the gifts of the Universe until I attended a flow yoga class for the first time. A combination of tai chi, yoga, and pilates, this class left me physically weak yet internally powerful. The moment I realized I was not fictitionalizing the power of yoga was when my sister commented how “out of it” she felt and that she “finally understood”. Essentially, she found herself in the state of zen that often follows a true yoga session. Finally, she could relate to the zen-like state I was frequently in after a yoga session. Now, she attends the same flow yoga class a few times a week and is developing her personal practice. Yoga is not about exercising. It is about embracing a peace-filled, centered, attentive state of mind in which we as individuals strive to connect fully to our ownselves and more intentionally to all that exists in this grand universe. I attached a short quiz to help you identify which style of yoga would most correspond to your uniqueness as an individual. I hope you embrace the opportunity to love yourself and all that is alive within you and around you.

Namaste
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/quizzes_and_tools/stylequiz

A trip home, A realization attained

When you ask my parents how they met, there always proves to be some discrepancy between one another’s version of the story. My father states that they met at my mother’s birthday party, after a mutual co-worker invited him to attend. My mother tells the story slightly differently, adamantly asserting that my father came not for her but the invitee.  However, I know my Dad  intended to see my mother, as yes, she was beautiful, thoughtful and kind, but she also shared the same name as my father’s mother; Alice, a significant detail in the telling of such an important family story. As I reflect on the lives of both my mother and grandmother, I acknowledge that they share much more in common than their first and last names. Their unwavering commitment to their families, especially their husbands and children prove to be a integral characteristic linking these two incredibly loved and admired women.

 My grandmother grew up in the small town of Welcome, Minnesota, in a household headed by her strong-willed, penny-saver mother. My grandmother still speaks fondly of the relationship she shared with her mother, and since it was just the two of them, their connection was particularly strong. As a young woman my grandmother suffered from horrible allergies, thus influencing a decision to move to Colorado where the climate and weather was more favorable to her condition. On New Year’s Eve, 1944, my grandmother attended a local dance, where my grandfather, a dental technician enrolled with the Army was in attendance. She said that as soon as their eyes met, it was love. Following her response, I challenged my grandmother and asked her if such an occurrence really exists. She looked over to her right, where my grandpa, now a ninety-one year-old man was engaged in an afternoon nap, complete with a half-opened jaw and slouching posture, and then returned her glance to me and issued an affirmative yes.

Shortly after that dance, my grandmother and grandfather married, and moved to the suburbs of Chicago, where they raised three children, Anthony, Jr., Rocco and my father, Mario. My grandmother did not have it particularly easy, as she was caring for three small children and a managing a job, but eventually she received support from her mother who decided to move from Minnesota to Chicago to help in the raising of my father and my two uncles. I have come to recognize that the greatest of mothers tend to make some of the greatest sacrifices on behalf of their children. This lesson of sacrifice, taught to my grandmother by her own mother was something she embodied, evident by my grandmother’s ability to always place her children and their needs before herself. One of my favorite stories of my grandmother is one that details her involvement in the founding of a school and workshop for children with special needs. This was no small feat, especially in the 1950′s when often children with disabilities were ostracized and placed in orphanages and other state institutions. Yet, my grandmother and grandfather were determined to alter this reality, as their son Rocco was born with mental retardation and due to his related disabilities, he was too often denied opportunities of educational development. My grandparents remained committed to providing their son with a future contrary to the one many others laid before him and together with adults in their community they were able to establish a school and workshop for individuals with special needs. This workshop still functions today and now serves a new group of children and their families. For my grandmother, the decision to simply accept the status quo was never an option as she knew that her son was just as deserving of educational and job training advancement as the next child. My grandmother’s resolve and willingness to sacrifice for her family’s well-being continues to bring forth great pride and serves as an important reminder of what is capable when our cause is just, well-intentioned and pursued with an unwavering commitment. Throughout my uncle’s life, my grandmother has sacrificed a great deal, but her actions serve as reminder of the selflessness embodied and possessed by the greatest of mothers.

 A little over a year ago, I received my undergraduate diploma. As for all graduates, it was a proud day. When the excitement of all the parties and celebrations had subsided, it was just my mother and I, as she agreed to help pack my belongings and make the drive back to Chicago with me the following day. That evening, I asked my mother to go on one last walk with me through campus. On this walk, I began to express the anxiousness that I was feeling about my future. I acknowledged that my undergraduate experience was truly transformative, and through it, I developed not only a desire for continued study and research, but also a longing to pursue a career, a professional and academic life, that may physically lead me away from her and the family whom I love. I remember through our tears, this sense of deep understanding of one another and the emotions and sentiments we were both experiencing.

From my mother’s perspective, I am her only daughter, the one for whom she waited with such patience after having given birth to two boys – two wonderful boys- but not the daughter for who she has always wished.  And in that moment, I was the daughter whom she sent away to college only to have her return a significantly different and changed person. From my perspective, that was just it. I had seen and experienced a great deal during my undergraduate years and for this reason, I still am so anxious to fully utilize my education and to act on my passions. My desire to see and experience much of the world has never been hindered by my mother, as I truly know that my happiness is what she desires, no matter where this is attained, yet few mothers want to learn of their daughter’s desire to live in a place where they are not near. As my mother wishes happiness upon me, so I wish the same for her. Yet, what if her happiness is largely dependent on my actions and that of my two brothers as well, the children whom she loves so greatly and has sacrificed so much? I know my mother struggles with the reality, that for now, two of her children are not a car ride away or available to meet for a last minute lunch date. Yet, she sacrifices, forgoing her personal happiness in the hopes that her children are finding their own sense of fulfillment on the paths in which we have chosen; paths on which my mother has so selflessly allowed us to navigate. As we do so, I hope my mother and my father know that we carry them with us, through the values and beliefs in which they have instilled. Through my actions, I strive to be a proud reflection of the family whom I admire so greatly and the two women, the Alices, whom in their lifetimes have loved extensively and sacrificed immensely.

In acknowledging the greatness of these women, so I struggle to be.

An Entanglement of Politics, Religion, and States

As disturbing as it may seem, basic human rights are still threatened all over the world.  The Universal Declaration of Human protects basic human rights regarding privacy, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, and equal protection in the eyes of the law, amongst others.  Currently, there is a dire human rights situation occurring in Uganda that must be addressed immediately.

By law, homosexuality and homosexual acts are illegal in Uganda.  In September of last year, a bill was introduced in the Ugandan Parliament that instates the death penalty for HIV positive individuals and those engaged in “aggravated homosexuality.”  This bill additionally penalizes citizens who fail to report anyone they know who either identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI) or engage in anything other than heterosexual acts.  Law abiding citizens are turned into narcs and those who chose not to report their fellow Ugandans within 24 hours of the alleged homosexual act, will face both a fine and imprisonment of up to three years.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill also targets human rights advocates.  There is a provision in the bill that prohibits “[promoting] homosexuality,” which takes aim at those working on HIV/AIDS prevention programs.

This is not only about LGBTI rights.  This is also about turning Uganda into a police state, turning citizens into reporters, invading Ugandan citizens’ right to privacy, and provoking a war on homosexuality.

Here are some horrifying bits of what’s going on in Uganda:

-Newspapers have targeted homosexuals by both arbitrarily outing Ugandan citizens and publishing tips for readers to spot homosexuals.
-Random bursts of violence have been cropping up all over the country.  Both LGBTI individuals and human rights activists have been targeted by these attacks.
-Leading Ugandan religious officials (both Christian and Muslim) have voiced support over the bill.

It gets worse.

Evangelical figures from the United States have entangled themselves in the matter, taking up the cause by seeing fertile ground in the denouncing of homosexuality for its evils, spreading hatred throughout the Ugandan citizenry, and inciting violence from those already ripe to fight.
Coincidentally, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill was introduced following a conference of American evangelicals in Uganda entitled “Seminar on Exposing the Homosexual Agenda.”  Through religious sermons and radical anti-gay ideology, U.S. religious figures have assisted in stirring up fiery passions of the Ugandan citizenry and subsequent violence.

At the center of this lies TheCall Uganda campaign, an extremist group credited to be spearheaded by religious fundamentalist Lou Engle, a preacher from Kansas City, Missouri.

What is TheCall?  Right from the horse’s mouth:

[TheCall] is intended to awaken and revive the young and the old, men and women, church and family, government and the public and to fight vices eating away at our society.  We shall…cry to God to help us with the challenges in our country such as:
•    … The increasing level of social evils in our society, some which are threatening our values and lifestyles e.g.
•    Witchcraft and human sacrifice
•    Homosexuality and increased immorality
•    Disasters and the resultant suffering of the people
•    The decay of morals and infrastructure of our city Kampala

Apparently witchcraft and human sacrifice are on par with acts of homosexuality.

Recently, TheCall Uganda has escalated their involvement on the issue.  In two days, TheCall will host a religious convention in the capital Kampala.  On May 2nd, TheCall will work to rally frustrated Ugandans against the “evils” of homosexuality and the apparent escalation of societal moral degradation.

Various American non-governmental organizations have issued press releases condemning TheCall Uganda’s conference.  The United States government, as stated in the above article, has taken steps to denounce the Anti-Homosexuality Bill both publicly, through legislation, and privately, through official meetings.  Due to the U.S. actions, the bill has been referred back to the Ugandan Parliament for revision.  The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, initially voiced support for the bill, but has now partially recanted by stating it is more of a matter of foreign affairs, due to the interest it has garnered from other countries.

Although these strong actions by the U.S. government are important, they do not serve as the foundation for changing the Ugandan legislation.  If the United States has interest in halting this bill, educating Ugandans on homosexuality, HIV/AIDS, and human rights, and putting an end to the continuous harassment and violence, it must address the culture on a grassroots level.

Ugandan citizens typically garner information through non-western avenues.  The best way to approach this delicate situation is through supporting grassroots organizations that seek to educate fellow Ugandans.  According to CNN, a poll released last July noted 95% of Ugandans oppose legalizing homosexuality.  A declaration coming from the U.S. to Uganda can only help by potentially alter the bill’s language.  Ugandans talking to Ugandans can significantly alter hearts and minds, which exist at the root of this problem.  The public attitude needs to change and it certainly can’t be through diplomatic relations alone.

Tags: Anti-Homosexuality Bill, HIV/AIDS, Human Rights, LGBTI, The Call, Uganda, Witchcraft

Cooperación: Acknowledging the U.S. role in combating the War on Drugs

As I stepped onto the House floor, I followed the line of fellow staffers ahead of me. We slowly wrapped around the perimeter of the room, and as I peered through the crowd of Senators, Members of Congress, and Mexican diplomats, I smiled with delight at my first glimpse of the Vice President and Speaker, positioned stoically at the podium ahead.  As I anxiously waited for the joint meeting to be called to order, I began to wonder whether Mexican President Felipe Calderon would address the Congress in Spanish or English, with me hoping the latter, as my Spanish language abilities were no longer as strong as they once were. As I was thinking, I saw a gentleman with an earpiece walk towards me. He advised me to follow him, where he led me to an empty seat in the second row. Fifteen feet in front of me was the Vice President and the Speaker, who were engaging in a conversation that I was able to hear with my own ears! Wow. “Pinch me now,” I thought.

As the Speaker banged her gavel and called the Joint Meeting to order,  members of the President’s cabinet entered, led by Secretary Holder, followed by Secretary Salazar, and reared by Secretary Napolitano. Senate Majority Leader Reid walked alongside one of Illinois’ finest, Majority Whip Senator Durbin, accompanied by Senator Kerry, House Minority Leader Boehner, and Senate Minority leader McConnell. Margarita Zavala, the wife of the President of Mexico preceded her husband. Entering the chamber, he walked down the center aisle, smiling and shaking hands with the various dignitaries he greeted. As Mexican President Calderon assumed his position at the podium, I stood there, smiling and filled with great appreciation and excitement for the moment in which I found myself encountering. Mr. Calderon expressed gratitude to the Congress for the opportunity to address the legislative body and immediately began to tackle a variety of issues, from the broken immigration system in the U.S, to the recovering Mexican economy, to the controversial Arizona law, to narco-trafficking, an issue I was most interested.

Within the last year, I have become  engaged in this issue, from questioning the effectiveness of US-funded efforts like the $1.4 billion Merida initiative to acknowledging the insecurity and instability that is all too prevalent in many Latin American cities and towns, realities that threaten the rule of law and weaken democratic institutions in these respective nations. President Calderon called upon the U.S. Congress to reinstate an automatic weapons ban that expired in 2004, a decision which has resulted in the transfer of deadly arms to drug cartels throughout Mexico and much of Central America. The weapons allow these drug traffickers the means to wage full-out war on the Mexican state, resulting in the deaths of 23,000 Mexicans since President Calderon assumed office in 2006. As the violence continues to spill over into the U.S., we acknowledge that this is not only a joint Mexican-U.S. problem, but one that the U.S. has created with our insatiable demand for illegal drugs. I always believed that if more Americans maintained a stronger connection with his or her Latin American neighbor, we might just think twice before we decided to smoke our pot. If we had any idea what it felt like to have our cities taken over by cartels, or to have family members caught in cross-fires and incidents of mistaken identities, we might just chose contrary actions. As President Calderon spoke this past Thursday morning, I recognized that I was a witness to history, a small snippet in this long and painful narrative known as the War on Drugs. I can optimistically declare that we will win this effort, yet, only if the US, Mexico and the rest of Latin America continues to work as mutual partners, each acknowledging the unique responsibility one another plays. If we fail, we will only guarantee continued violence, death and instability in a region where democracies are young, economic equity proves challenging and social conditions are less than encouraging. In our increasingly globalized world, we as Americans recognize that these realities will continue to have real negative implications on our own national security. The decision is obvious but the path is less clear. Will Americans step up to the plate? I simply find no other option.

To view President Calderon’s address, please visit the following site.

G20 Protests in Pittsburg

Embedded video from CNN Video

Cut the Politics-Let’s Get REAL with Health Care Reform

Cut the Politics-Let's Get REAL with Health Care Reform (Image from CBS News)

Health Care Reform, a quite complex array of pros and cons, government involvement, corporate ownership and emotional citizenry. Everyone has a take on it and within these past few weeks these highly vibrant responses has made it quite hard to understand what the reform is really about. I have searched endlessly listening to NPR speakers, reading several blogs and reading Rob and Meghan’s posts.  My personal stance is, the current system is proof that we need some what of a government lead direction however how much are we willing to hand over is at stake. I wanted to learn more about the work that Congress is doing with the legislation and I was disappointed to hear the house reached August recess and the senate is to follow. On the other hand, I realized that this is the perfect time to pause and learn about everything that has happened so far in the process.

I’m sitting in my living room looking at two pieces of paper that my mom showed me earlier today. The papers were faxed to her from the desk of Congressman Tom Price (R GA). My mom questioned if this could be a scam. I looked at the papers and on it is a message with my mother’s name and the subject as: New Advisors-Press Release. At first that is all I looked at, I tossed the papers aside saying this republican congressman probably wants to put you on a list so don’t bother. But tonight, I am intrigued by this and wanted to follow up on this not so mysterious fax papers. The fax cover letter has the following message printed in perfect hand writing (but definitely done by a computer):

(my mom’s name),

Because of your invaluable experience, we are asking you to represent Ohio as a consultant on the Physicians’ Council for Responsible Reform.

We’re running a press release to honor the achievements of you and other concerned physicians like you. Please call me with your approval (listed number).

I follow to the second page and things clear up even more. One thing I notice right away is the bottom of the page. There are a list of doctors names and in the middle column my mom’s name is there circled and handwritten-your name here. So maybe the republicans and more specifically the “physicians’ council for responsible reform” is really taking a stance by hearing from the real experts- I had hope. Yet, I once again used my handy google search engine to discover a much similar description of this letter on the Wonk Room. If you are not familiar with the Wonk Room it is a blog run project by the Center for American Progress. The Center for American Progress is a non-partisan run organization in Washington D.C. Coincidentally; I met with them a week ago while in D.C!

This was definitely what I suspected, that bit of hope died after I read the blog. Unfortunately, many congressional members both democrat and republican are using this time to recruit professionals for their list of credentials, while, what they really should be realizing that this is no time for the game of politics. SO END IT NOW. While they are there wanting to win one for the team, many of us uninsured or poorly insured are suffering with high payments and little improvement to our health. When you have doctors like my mother receiving letters like this of course they may not have the time to do the background research (they are doing more important things like seeing sick patients). So if Congress really wants to voice the stance of millions of health practitioners in the United States, they should start with a conjoined effort of gathering everyone for the talk- similar to the beer talk Obama recently had, except completely different story. I leave you with this, while you may be healthy now (knock on wood) and may not bother thinking about health care, think again:

Heart Disease-

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both women and men.

• In 2003, approximately 37% of adults reported having two or more of six risk factors for heart disease and stroke (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, current smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity).⁷
• It is estimated that about 47% of cardiac deaths occur before emergency services or transport to a hospital.⁴

Cancer-

According to the CDC, cancer is ranked the second leading cause of death in the United States. The total number of deaths estimated is at 559, 888, deaths per 100,000 population numbers at 187.0.

• Numbers of noninstitutionalized adults who have ever been diagnosed with cancer: 16.4 million
• Percent of noninstitutionalized adults who have ever been diagnosed with cancer: 7.3%

Diabetes-

Over 23.6 million people in the United States have diabetes that’s over 7.8 percent of the population and this number is only growing(National Institute of Health). Out of the 23.6 million, 17.9 million are diagnosed where as 5.7 million are undiagnosed, without knowledge of their diabetes these 5.7 million will further deviate their health and lead them to death. The estimated cost of diabetes direct and indirect is $174 billion, the direct medical costs is at $116 billion.

• After adjusting for population age and sex differences, average medical expenditures among people with diagnosed diabetes were 2.3 times higher than what expenditures would be in the absence of diabetes.
• Indirect costs: $58 billion—disability, work loss, premature mortality

Tags: Health Care Reform, politics, U.S

Blending Emotions with Logic

January 2003.  Step.  Plant.  Twist. Pop.  There goes the ACL and cartilage of the right knee.  Surgery, an immeasurable number of visits to the doctor, 6 months of intensive physical therapy: all culminating in a return to year round volleyball and soccer.  Ah but then, February 2004 came to pass.  Defense versus offense, illegal tackle from the side and there goes the ACL, PCL, meniscus, cartilage, femur and tibia of the left leg.  Another surgery, immeasurable number of visits to the doctor, 6 months of intensive physical therapy and a hopeful return to the aforementioned sports.  But alas, May 2005 rolls around.  Corrective surgery on the left knee. 

What role did my parents’ health insurance play in these three years of hell?  I was properly covered for the first two surgeries but I suppose a perfect 3 out of 3 was asking too much. The company incorrectly filed the bill for the third one under my name instead of my parents.  This immediately became problematic because it then appeared as if I was not covered and was consequently billed about 50,000 dollars for everything: to be paid out of pocket.  We have been battling with the insurance company for the past 3 years to get them to provide the coverage I was rightfully due but it has all been for  not.  As a result, my credit score is destroyed, I do not qualify for personal loans, my family has been toeing the bankruptcy line, and covering college tuition is daunting to say the least.  Furthermore, I, like many others, was no longer covered by my parents’ coverage 1 month after graduation.  After a series of tests immediately following graduation, I was diagnosed with neurocardinogenic syncope and prescribed a number of medications to help with this fainting problem.  At over 200 dollars a bottle do you think that I, as a recent college grad without a full time job, can afford such a bi-weekly bill? Do you think I can afford to purchase my own health care plan as of now?  No and no.  Therefore, I am not taking the prescribed medicine and simply hope that my fainting does not lead to a life threatening situation.  I have joined the millions of uninsured people in the most developed country in the world.  Congratulations on graduating from college, welcome to the real world.

The sharp blow of reality has truly unnerved me and caused me to side with those who believe a public health care policy has potential for working.  In attempts to evade stating the obvious, reform is needed, I turn to the Danish Health Care System as a model for what could be done with the United States own inadequate system.  As outlined by Karsten Vrangbaek, Associate Professor of Political Science at University of Copenhagen, “coverage is universal and compulsory…all those registered as residents in Denmark are entitled to health care that is largely free at the point of use”.  Professor Vrangbaek further details the what’s, who’s and how’s of the system. The most appealing feature of this system is the blend of private and public health insurance.  The public option pulls funds from a centrally-collected tax set at 8% of taxable income, which replaces proportional regional and property taxes.  The private option covers approximately 5% of the population and is mainly used as a fringe benefit offered by employers.  With a control over costs, methods to ensure quality of care, and programs instituted to ensure medical personnel are properly compensated, the Danish system serves as an ideal model which the United States should take into account in the health care debate.  I concede that Denmark, a population of 5.5 million, is minuscule compared to our country, but what is a model but a smaller version of what can be built on a larger scale?

Rethinking Africa

I want to apologize for posting about Africa even though we have moved forward to health care.  I wrote this blog soon after we chose the African topic, but I am currently living in rural Nebraska and do not have much access to internet/cable/telephone.  So, enough of that.  Following are my thoughts pertaining to Africa and soon I will have some new thoughts regarding health care

A recently purchased used novel captivated my every thought as I turned its pages and absorbed every piece of facetious Irish wit.  Suddenly, as I turned the page, a slip of paper freed itself from the depths of the novel and fluttered to the floor.  My eye caught a glimpse of calligraphy scrawled across the width of the paper and my mind instantly concocted a number of potential messages which I would soon uncover.  Perhaps it would be a love letter, a memoir, a note from a friend, a secret soon to be revealed, or….  My mind sped through a number of other intriguing possibilities as my fingers quickly pinched the paper and pulled it close to the light.  

                                                Wide foil

                                                Apples

                                                Butter

Or a grocery list.  The details my mind had created for this piece of paper were quickly destroyed by the simple humanness of its contents.  I soon realized the simplicity of its contents were quite beautiful in their own right and lead my mind down a new path as I created an entire life for the writer of this list and his/her reason for needing these supplies.  Whoever wrote this list had a reason for doing so.  The  5 w’s distracted me from my previously enticing novel as I fashioned a new novel in my mind based on the life of the author of this grocery list.

While thinking about Africa, my mind toiled with which grave human rights violation, environmental concern, or country-specific plight I most wanted to contemplate.  But then I thought back to the green slip of paper experience and a previous novel I had read, “What is the What” and then I knew.

The young boy who saw a 10 speed bike for the first time today, the girl who saw a shark in the reefs of KwaZuluNatal, the couple who spotted dolphins in the Plettenberg Bay, the man who worked in the field all afternoon in the blazing sun, the mother who tucked her child under a torn sack, the family that shared a bowl of grains for their one meal of the day.  These are the real people behind the news stories of pirates and machete wars.  The real people behind the millions “living” below the poverty line.  The real people struggling with HIV.  The real people dying from starvation.  The real people living on the land wanted by profiteers searching for oil and diamonds.  The real people who walk 12 miles every day to reach the city to evade child soldier captors. 

I wish for each individual to think beyond the squalor, starvation, and disease that are rampant throughout this land and to recall the humanness in all of it.  Allow your imagination to pause for 7 minutes today as you create a story for a person in Africa.  What is she/he wearing, what is her/his age, height, weight, favorite food, color, and sport, number of family members, knowledge of the situation in his/her town and country, views (if any) about the surrounding tribes and countries?  Does he/she know how to read, does she/he want to learn to read, does he/she want to swim this afternoon or is he/she too far from water?  Let your imagination drift into the abyss of the human situation as you pour every ounce of creativity into a new fictitious, yet exceptionally real, individual.  Perhaps if you take the moment to do so, you will find a burning desire to write letters to your representatives, to donate money, to start a fundraiser, or to simply read about the events occurring on this continent.  For in the depths of squalor, starvation, and disease lays very real people who are in dire need of our aid.  Stop.  Imagine.  Develop.  Act.

The Public Option…

This being my first post to Abyss of Intention I wanted to take a moment to thank all those involved in the blog for the invitation to write and to wish AOT continued success in representing the thoughts and views of recent college graduates, grad students, etc.  I think we all represent an incredibly unique viewpoint.

HEALTH CARE REFORM!  Alongside social security and the capital gains tax, no three words strike the same fear in the hearts of American law makers and politicians.  No issue has represented the proverbial third rail of politics like the dicey topic of health care reform.  And yet, never has health care represented such a large percentage of per household spending than now.  Never have we needed better health care than now.  As the Obama administration pushed back the deadline for health care legislation this week from August to the end of the year, they reinforced the public’s understanding of one thing: this is an increasingly complex topic.  It needs to be.  In order for health care to be tailored to the needs of the consumer, while maintaining the financial feasibility of a financial services market, it needs to be.

THE PUBLIC OPTION

As of late, the Obama administration and a number (of mostly Democrat) law makers have proposed the introduction of a public health care option.  This option would make it available to purchase a government-run health insurance plan either in lieu of an employer-provided or private insurance plan.  It is important to preface a discussion of this public option with stating that this is only a proposal and efforts in congress and the white house have, to this point, only begun debates on specific reforms.

At issue with the proposal of a government-run health care provision is a concern of fundamental liberal economics: competition.  Competition is the driving force of free market economies to which current private health care insurers participate.  A potential insurance purchaser determines his or her purchase within the framework of a cost/benefit analysis of each of the private insurers.  Even employer-provided insurance plans typically provide a ‘menu’ of health care giver options.  Not only do purchasers choose from a range of potential co-pay levels, Rx costs, and dental and optic packages but their decision is based on the per month cost of the insurance plan.  Insurance agencies all work on the same plane in this regard.  They must all provide a consumable product which competes (there’s that competition word, again) with other private options on the market.

If a public option is indeed introduced, the viability of a health care market could be put at risk.  A taxpayer-backed public option would provide the potential for a near endless stream of program capital.  In all, the issue with the public option would be the program’s ability to provide more services for much cheaper than any of the private insurers.  To the extreme end, the public program could even work at a revenue negative rate, truly putting it out of the competitive grasp of private insurers.  Obama officials have laid claim from the outset of the proposed public option that this could provide a corrective competition in the market, which has up to now, taken on an unfair advantage for the companies.

For the public option to work, proposed legislation will have to answer questions of who will be allowed to purchase the public option.  Is there a cap at how many will be allowed?  Health restrictions?  Very real accommodations will need to be made in order for a public option to be a viable market participant, not a market dominator.

I certainly applaud the administration on a number of different topics relating to this debate.  First, a hat must be tipped to President Obama, Peter Orszag, Zeke Emanuel (Check out the Huffington Posts article on him here), and much of congress for taking the bold step to say, “We must fix it this time”.  Also, the administration must be given credit for its efforts to address fundamental shortcomings, such as: preventative medicine, prescription costs, health care employee work conditions and for generally raising the level of debate regarding the crisis of health care.

More important than any discussion of market economies and the viability of private insurance interests is the health and welfare of all Americans.  I hope and pray that this might be the focus of those with the loudest voice.

Tags: Health Care Reform, The Public Option

FYI: Week of July 26,2009 Health Care Reform

As proposed by President Obama:

-Please review the health care reform below as it will help explain the topic of this week.

President Obama is committed to working with Congress to pass comprehensive health reform this year in order to control rising health care costs, guarantee choice of doctor, and assure high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.  The Administration believes that comprehensive health reform should:

• Reduce long-term growth of health care costs for businesses and government
• Protect families from bankruptcy or debt because of health care costs
• Guarantee choice of doctors and health plans
• Invest in prevention and wellness
• Improve patient safety and quality of care
• Assure affordable, quality health coverage for all Americans
• Maintain coverage when you change or lose your job
• End barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions

http://www.healthreform.gov/about/index.html