I don't know if you...

...read the links I provided.  The first one is dated almost two years ago, and I doubt that CEO compensation for these companies has gone DOWN since then.  As far as trusting the government, I couldn't agree with you more, which is why I'm trying to bring this issue to the forefront to health insurance companies, citizens, doctors AND Congress -- both Democrats and Republicans.

I find it impossible to believe that these bailouts (especially AIG) just came out of nowhere and nobody knew it, but if there's one thing I learned from the Bush administration, it's to "accept but verify."  I intend to apply that principle to the Obama administration, as well.  I became disturbed the other day when one of his spokespersons (can't remember who) REFUSED to rule out taxing health insurance benefits as income.  McCain wanted to do this, and this was one of the reasons I refused to vote for McCain.  If Obama turns around and does it, I believe the only thing that will be "universal" is the loud screams against it and against Obama for even thinking about it.

In general, I don't think that the government has handled Medicare all that terribly.  The problem was stealing from the fund to pay for other projects.  They've done okay with the VA system, as well (not counting infestation problems in some VA hospitals).  A single payer program would guarantee, though, that a bunch of CEOs weren't "earning" millions and millions of dollars a year (as shown in the first link I posted).

I would jump at the opportunity to be included in a single-payer system because I've been ill over the last three years and have watched my income drop from $44,000 in 2005 to less than $10,000 last year; this year, so far, I've grossed a little over $600.00.  (I have a wonderful employer who knows what I've been going through and is working with me.  I keep trying to work just to keep my sense of pride even though I know in my head/heart that I'm of no real value to her.  I could only work maybe an hour at a time before I need to leave the computer and go back to bed.  Since the mild stroke, I can only work maybe a half hour before I can sense the "disconnect" between what I hear and what I can transcribe and must stop because I don't want to make mistakes on my reports.  I can type on here because my typos don't really matter.)

I don't agree with a "mandate" that forces all Americans to sign up for a government healthcare plan.  I'd just like one that's available to me.  For example, I don't qualify for Medicaid even with my low income, but I'd love to be able to pay into the Medicaid program (maybe at a rate based on my income).  If you're happy with your health insurer, then I believe you should be able to stay with that company. 

Some of us are just falling through the cracks, though. 

• AIG/Future of American Healthcare - Marmann
  • The problems is that our - Trigger Happy
    • I don't know if you... - Marmann

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