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May 25, 2012
Mark Clayton: Is Hillary's State Dept. hacking Al Qaeda? Not quite
Erika Bolstad: Temple cancels Wasserman Schultz speech
The Kosher Gourmet by Ethel G. Hofman: The former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, whose members included the likes of Julia Child, is back with contemporary Shavous cuisine: Ruby Fruit Soup, Sweet Noodle Kugel with Cheese, Key Lime Curd, Calsone Casserole Frittata with Wild Mushrooms, Sun-dried tomatoes and Olives, Baked Tilapia with Pepper Cheese Cream and Brown Sugar Shortbread
May 24, 2012
Jeff Jacoby: The peace process battered Israel's reputation
Michael Muskal: 'Pro-choice' position hits record low, according to poll
Chris Farrell: Are We in a Tech Bubble?
The Kosher Gourmet by Penelope Wall: PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS --- hold the steak!
May 23, 2012
Tony Pugh: More private colleges offering tuition discounts
Mary Beth Franklin: How to Choose the Right Annuity for You
Tina Susman: The wig wasn't enough: Man gets 13 years for posing as his dead mom
The Kosher Gourmet by Emma Christensen:A simple way to do fish right
May 22, 2012
Warren Richey: Can US group challenge overseas surveillance act? Supreme Court to decide
Thomas M. Anderson: Walking Away From a Mortgage
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: Enjoy a celebration of the most rich and layered flavors: Black bean, sweet potato and quinoa chili
May 21, 2012
Mark Clayton: Cybersecurity: How US utilities passed up chance to protect their networks
Howard LaFranchi: NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?
Chris Farrell : Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Stephen Whiteside, Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Social anxiety disorder --- or just shy?
Guy Jackson : Victim's father regrets death of Lockerbie bomber
The Kosher Gourmet by Mario Batali: Famed chef's veal shoulder farsumagru: A festive meat course for late spring
May 18, 2012
Rabbi Berel Wein: Striving: The People of the Book's Book for (All of) the People
Steven Goldberg: 5 Great Stock Picks and the Exchange-Traded Fund that Owns Them
Mary Pickett, M.D.: Ask the Harvard Experts: Don't be forced into gluten-free lifestyle based merely on a doctor's false-positive test
The Kosher Gourmet by Carolyn Malcoun: DIY healthy lunchbox treats: HOMEMADE FRUIT BARS for kids and brown-bagging adults alike
May 17, 2012
Warren Richey: Teacher fired for being unwed and pregnant can sue religious school, court rules
Josh Mitnick: Netanyahu's 'centrist' coalition is already proving it's anything but
Steven Goldberg: Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Amina Khan: Research links coffee to lower death rates
The Kosher Gourmet by Faith Duran : Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole with Cheddar and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
May 16, 2012
Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: A variety of exercises can help improve balance
Melissa Healy: National strategy on Alzheimer's disease aims to halt it by 2025
The Kosher Gourmet by Joyce White : GOODNESS GRACIOUS: GREENS! 4 winning recipes that are no longer just for down-home folks (Includes expert tips & techniques)
May 15, 2012
Kristen Chick: Obama administration resumes arms sales to Bahrain despite serious unresolved human rights issues. Activists feel abandoned
Pat Mertz Esswein: Homes are now affordable again and mortgage rates are low. What you need to know before you buy
Kathy Kristof: Our Practical Investor Fights Inflation with These 6 Investments
Sue Hubbard, M.D.: The Kid's Doctor: Lactose intolerant young child? Check again
The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Hunt: Spread a Little Excitement with EXOTIC CONDIMENTS (4 RECIPES)
May 14, 2012
Lisa Gerstner: How to Protect Your Identity, Finances If You Lose Your Phone
Harvard Health Letters: Heart disease and dementia
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: MANGO COCONUT OAT MORNING MUFFINS are a bright but hearty delight
May 11, 2012
Jessica L. Anderson: Get the Best Deal on a Used Car
Jett Stone: Forget face-lifts and fake knees. Scientists have seen the fountain of youth --- and it's broccoli
The Kosher Gourmet by Chef Mario Batali: The famed chef's vegetable dish that tastes true to the season: FAVAS AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH POTATOES AND TARRAGON
May 10, 2012
Sergei L. Loiko: Putin sends warning to U.S., NATO in Victory Day speech at Red Square
Mary Rourke: How being a 'mentch' got Vidal Sasoon his start and fighting in Israel's War of Independence provided him with confidence and a strong sense of his own identity
Jeff Bertolucci: Get Home Phone Service for Less Than $10 a Month
The Kosher Gourmet by Betty Rosbottom: Gleaming with its golden, crimson, and snowy white hues, this silken smooth and creamy STRAWBERRY ORANGE TRIFLE looks impressive, but is easy to prepare
May 9, 2012
Sharon Palmer, R.D. How you can reduce your risk -- or delay -- chronic diseases associated with aging
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Jewish World Review
August 25, 2009
/ 5 Elul 5769
Does reform free us from the Chinese?
By
William McKenzie
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
For some time now, it has been frustrating watching the health care debate. The dizzying back-and-forth between President Barack Obama and town hall protesters has not helped.
The discussion still seems mostly about whether to insure more Americans, whether you favor a government plan or whether you believe reforms will force funding of abortions or create death panels.
What about the larger picture?
Think of how we approach the energy debate. It usually isn't framed around whether we favor this alternative fuel over that one, this car over that one, or this emission control over that one. It often is framed as a way to make us independent of foreign sources of oil.
A similar question now needs posing in the health care debate: Will the reforms free us from the Chinese?
Yes, the Chinese.
They hold about $800 billion of our $11 trillion public debt. We — and our children — increasingly will answer to them if we don't control that debt.
The Chinese already have started asking questions about our economic course. They even recently told U.S. officials that they hope to see our deficit reduced year to year.
I can't blame them. I would love to release our economy from their grip. I particularly would love to free our children and grandchildren from having to pay the Chinese and other creditors for the exorbitant debt we're running up.
That's why we need another way to view this health debate: Will the proposals put us further into the grips of the Chinese or make us more independent?
So far, the House bill places us more in their grip. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates it will add $239 billion to the deficit.
The Senate's plan remains in flux, so perhaps it will look better. But we still don't know how we'll pay for any final Senate bill and whether it will add to overall health costs.
The answer must be solid in both cases before anything reaches the president's desk. And "solid" means being paid for through a reliable revenue stream and reducing national medical costs.
The best way to create that revenue stream is to cap the annual tax subsidies that employers get for providing employees health care. Washington could see a revenue flow of several hundred billion dollars, if not more. That could pay for a big chunk of the trillion dollars it will take (at least) to finance a health care overhaul.
If limiting subsidies won't work, I would favor a tax hike, but I wouldn't limit it to wealthy folks. Congress should extend it to the middle class.
One problem with health care is that we get a benefit for which we don't pay most of the freight. Either government or employers pay it. We could rectify that by getting more Americans to finance the overhaul.
As far as saving medical costs, the best answer is to change the way Medicare and insurers pay doctors and hospitals. Instead of reimbursing them for each visit or procedure, reward them for the quality of their care.
Numerous people are talking about this, including Obama and former Medicare chief Mark McClellan. There's also a strong local component to this. For it to work, local medical providers must change their ways. Think of it this way: We could save a bunch of money if patients weren't so routinely given costly tests.
It's harder to put a human face to this part of the debate. It's much easier to talk about a friend gaining health insurance, or more vivid to talk about Grandma facing a death panel.
But anything that is not solidly financed and does not control health costs will only worsen our debt. And that will make us less free of the Chinese. That's the issue we need to start considering.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
William McKenzie is an editorial columnist for The Dallas Morning News. Comment by clicking here.
06/25/09: In the end, it's not work, just life
03/12/09: Dems face their own peril
01/27/09: Fine print matters in measuring schools
12/30/08: Rooted in a sense of place
12/18/08: Finding the Obama-era center
11/25/08: Stimulus if need be, but consider debt
11/07/08: Can Obama find the center?
10/14/08: The next, bigger bailout is Medicare
10/02/08: McCain would be wiser on regulation
08/27/08: Can Obama score among values voters?
08/20/08: McCain needs to push health care edge
08/06/08: How Bush can help McCain
04/09/08: To win, McCain must take his party in a bold, daring direction
03/26/08: To win, McCain must take his party in a bold, daring direction
01/30/08: Finally, Bush speaks up for relevancy
01/24/08: After Bush, who's going to crusade for education?
12/20/07: Candidates who prey on fears may generate votes at this moment in our cycle, but we really need to think hard about how far inward we turn
10/30/07: Is America building an empire? That is a central question for the next presidents
08/28/07: Don't let Gonzales' record taint all Bush appointees
08/16/07: Rove was half right: He got the big picture, but didn't belong in the White House
02/01/06: GOP needs changes, but it can't forget the big picture
03/31/05: Mexico fixes problems when it wants to
12/06/04: Bush's new team has a Texas feel
11/08/04: Second chances shouldn't be wasted
08/25/04: Bush could profit from being like Ike
© 2008, The Dallas Morning News Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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