So.... the health bill has passed. If you have no idea what this means or why it's relevant, perhaps maybe you'd benefit by clicking here.
The Republicans are stamping their little feet about the whole thing, and are just as outspoken about Democrats as they ever were. The Democrats, on the other hand, are patting themselves on the back and ignoring what the Republicans have to say, just as they always have. The pie has been sliced. Our health care system is going to be reformed.
Some people rejoice at this, as they feel that it's a big step forward in American history, and that those who would call themselves "progressionists" should be celebrating, shouting their feelings of elation and success far into the wee hours of the morning. I, however, believe very differently about this. You know that something as awesome as a reformed health care system in this country isn't quite what it seems when even Noam Chomsky is saying that it shouldn't be celebrated quite just yet.
For those that would like a greater perspective, you can get Mr. Chomsky's point of view here.
Personally, I'm not quite sure what to make of this new bill. I honestly have no clue whether or not I should be excited, or worried. From the wording of it all, it seems as if I am going to be forced to have medical care that I cannot afford, and the whole thing seems to be designed to do nothing more than funnel money into the pockets of private insurance agencies and pharmaceutical corporations. I really cannot abide by this. The one thing that made this whole thing worth it for the American populace to begin with was the fact that this was supposed to be free. Alas, that is no longer the case.
As it currently stands, I realize now as I write this little blurb that I simply don't have enough information on the whole thing to really be able to talk about it on any real intellectual level. I suppose that I am going to have to play the waiting game and sit on my hands until such a time as this thing has a real chance to flesh itself out and show us all if it's going to rape us or not, and if it does, will it at least have the common courtesy to give us a reach-around? Only time will tell.
Ladies and gentlemen of America, the countdown has begun.