HEALTHCARE - Frankly, the administration's plan is bunk. Whatever noble aims may be there, they are compromised by the other junk that's included (including federal funding of abortion). It should be read (that would be a good start, Congresspersons) then scrapped. But don't scrap the whole debate. Let's actually have a debate not some ABCNBCCBSETC-sponsored infomercial with the President.
We do need massive reform of how health insurance is handled in this country. Already we have Medicare and Medicaid to help protect the most vulnerable populations, but there are tens of thousands who go bankrupt or have lifelong financial woes because of catastrophic illness and accidents. Instead of government-run healthcare for all that is going to increase waiting periods, diminish patient/doctor input in their care, and bankrupt the government while increasing it's control over our lives, let's look at more targeted but effective measures. Let's look at tort reform to rein in medical malpractice awards, eliminate "pre-existing condition" prohibitions, allow greater freedom to purchase health insurance from anywhere to expand risk pools and keep costs down, and focus on making catastrophic health insurance affordable/available for everyone.
NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT - It appears that President Obama recently violated Article 2, Section 2 of the Constitution by signing a treaty with Russia to reduce our nuclear arsenal by a third without "the Advice and Consent of the Senate". Regardless of the constitutionality, I think this is an admirable goal. Equally as important, or perhaps more important, however, is securing the world's nuclear weapons and material. If we want a world safer from the nuclear threat, this should really be the focus. Simply adjusting our arsenal from Maximum Overkill to Impressive Overkill is not particularly meaningful, even if it's a move in the right direction.
SARAH PALIN - I don't have any strong opinions about her stepping down as governor. I'm amazed she juggles everything she does. When she first came on the scene, I'll admit I was excited. Women in government are a good thing, and I like to see those outside the Beltway have a voice in politics. It's refreshing. Palin is an appealing person in many ways, but I have to say that I don't think she's presidential material. While many of the attacks on her have been unfair, I've taken those with a grain of salt but still found her wanting. Hopefully she'll stay involved in politics; it's good to have more "average Joes and Janes" in politics, but I think it would be a bit of a waste for her to pursue higher office. Just being realistic, folks.
WATERBOARDING - Enhanced Interrogation Technique or torture? It sure depends on whose description you read. I've read some that seem so benign as to be laughable, and I understand why some people roll their eyes at critics of the practice. But I've also read descriptions and seen videos that I suspect are more accurate. Based on those, I'd definitely say it's torture. Should we ever use it? That's a whole other debate, but I believe torture dehumanizes the torturer and the tortured alike.
