March 13, 2006

3rd Way and Albertan Ennui

My friend Darren wrote about the fact that only 150 people have sent in comments to Klein's Third-way (doesn't that resemble Third Reich?) framework plans. He had a great response to it, and so I decided to send my own, I would encourage other Albertans to do the same.

Here's where you can comment on it.

And here are my comments on it:

In Alberta, the poor or lower income people are already being forced to pay for Premiums when they cannot afford it. The proposed "Third-Way" would just increase the gap between the health of the "haves" and the "have-nots". The folks who CAN will gladly pay today for a hip replacement, while the old lady in a seniors home living on a fixed income will have to remain in pain. Having a way for the rich to avoid the queue will be yet another way for them to feel superior and have a higher quality of life.

If you are an Albertan who makes almost poverty wages you are still required to pay your FULL AHC subsidies even if you can't afford it. The punishment for not being able to pay is ruination of your credit record. How is this "Third Way" going to help someone who can't even afford to pay $100 a month for their family's health care premiums?

On another note: I believe the lack of response and comments on this issue is based largely on a growing negative attitude in the publics perception. People don't believe what politicians say, they also don't believe that promises will be fulfilled or that politicians have the publics best interests in mind. Incorrect statements from the Premier such as "Our power plants are running on Clean Coal" and exaggerations of health care statistics do not increase our confidence in his leadership abilities, or his promises.

Perhaps instead of bringing in a system more based on the US system of private health care, we should be trying to fix the problems caused by Mr. Kleins ridiculously large health care cuts at the start of his career as Premier. Perhaps incentives to bring back doctors who leave, or helping out our universities so that tuition costs are less hazardous to the economical future of the students attending.
Posted by Oorgo at March 13, 2006 02:13 PM Permalink - Category: Politiks | TrackBack
Comments

Well said!

My mom wrote a great letter to the Edmonton Journal on this issue last week. I wish I had a copy of it.

I'll send her the link to the comments form, and will of course be sending a few comments my own.

Posted by: gamutalarm at March 15, 2006 01:57 PM
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