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Permalink Reply by Jay on August 8, 2009 at 12:18am

http://atheistnexus.org/profiles/blogs/health-care-reform-in-america

I hope that ad spreads too. People's health shouldn't be about money.

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Permalink Reply by David S on September 3, 2009 at 7:57pm

Why do you call it a "video" instead of an "ad"?

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Permalink Reply by heretic on September 3, 2009 at 11:11pm

Goz, It's true, people's health SHOULDn't be about money, but like most businesses, insurance companies are in it for a profit. Exactly why pre-existing conditions disqualify you from insurance, right? And exactly why Obama rightfully promises that should not happen to anyone.

That said, I wouldn't air it either. It does not make a cohesive, stepped argument at all on a topic where we really need one. It simply says the CEO of CIGNA is wealthy, which in and of itself may sound incriminating, but certainly is no crime; it merely makes weak ammo in the fight to reform health care.

Much better to make a video with the grand finale citing what ALL the big insurance co CEOs make. Before that, cite facts like insurance is the only industry in the United States that is not subject to anti-trust legislation; that the powerful AMA (to use an xtian xpletive-for chrissakes![lol]) staunchly, tellingly supports reform; to show how much we in the US pay for health care products and services vs. the quality of what we actually receive--especially compared to other western/developed nations--(see 2009 WHO's annual World Health Statistics report on the 193 Member States), and so on.

When anti-reformers complain about cost, remind them that that we have 47 million uninsured Americans, then ask them what, in their intelligent opinions, do they think the cost on the health care system AND the almighty taxpayer will be if all these people remain uninsured indefinitely?
Be sure to note that auto insurance premiums are highest in areas with the most uninsured motorists. (At least in the US, anyway! I don't know what it's like in Canada or anywhere else in the world...sry)

It would be valuable to mention also that a frequently cited argument against the government taking over health care is how screwed up it will become as a result. However, has any of those complainers noticed that USG health care serves all military members and federal employees, like members of Congress AND their dependent family members, quite ably? Well, after 22 years of gov't health care, I can vouch that the USG health care has done a fine job for me and my family! Thankfully, I don't pay a cent for me and everything's almost always free for my family.
Yes, anecdotal, i know-but a very common story IMHO worth adding....because no one can argue with that.
In any case, don't give up this VERY important fight!

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