Some Thoughts

I was watching an interview with Brian Williams a few weeks ago.  He was visiting with the new Speaker of the House, John Boehner.

I am prepared to take the high road (I almost always am, sometimes to my detriment…).  The Republicans won the House.  They get their turn.  I will try to not be the person that spouts without listening, believing I am the only one who is right, and if I talk loud enough, repeating myself enough times, I will convince others to my way of thinking.

(Actually, I prefer to let them shoot themselves in the foot.)

(But I digress…)

So, with open mind, I am listening to the interview.  I know Mr. Boehner differs from me in his fiscal opinions, in his take on the healthcare issue, and many other things.  That’s okay.  We are a nation of different opinions.

But…

Then…

Brian Williams broached the subject of Mr. Boehner’s cigarette habit.  He is, and I quote, ‘a committed smoker’. He has made a few efforts to stop, but none lately.  Mr. Boehner makes no apologies for is, says that is who he is, and that is that.

Well. Okay, then.

But guess what, Mr. Boehner?

I pay for your friggin’ healthcare.  Well, actually, it is the private payer plan offered to all federal employees, retirees, and their dependents, that subsists of several differents levels of covereage and premiums.  But it is a generous plan of which the government pays about75%.  Oh.  That would be the taxpayers.  Our congresspersons pay the remainder (up to about $300/month), depending on their choice of plan out of their paychecks (which are significantly larger than mine)...again paid by the governnment.  (Which again...would be us.)  To the best of my research, the plans are blue ribbon.

And yet…you want to vote to repeal, albeit symbolically, the healthcare reform bill.

He says it is a 'job killer'.  Because the rise in healthcare premiums are causing employers to not hire or to lay off.

I am casting about in despair at this.  I cannot….I cannot! be the only one that has seen healthcare premiums continue to climb for the 10-15 (at least) prior to the current debate, with out of pocket expenses rising and coverage dropping, totally eliminating any raises we might receive as employed persons.  At least for the 9 million of us who aren't federal employees.

Also.  We have been told there is no end in sight to this rise in healthcare cost.

I think I understand now, though.  As with many people who have nice and safe insurance programs, the thought of rocking their safe and secure boat is filled with all sorts of spooky.

And this man…smokes.  In spite of all we know...he smokes without excuse.  And he is now leading the House Healthcare debate.  I am filled with warm fuzzies.

Or not.

I heard this as I was putting on my shoes to head out the door for work.  And I must say…Wonderful Guy got an earful.  I had words, and they just came bubbling out.  There was no highroad to be taken as I stomped strode walked into the kitchen to fill my travel mug.  I was filled with vitriol.

(Did you know that ‘oil of vitriol’ was what sulfuric acid was known as back in the day?)