Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Government Capture – Two Ways it Affects Us All
In the past couple of decades our country has been deeply divided on a number of topics but two issues stand out in the arena of corporate power over government: Health Care Legislation & War with Iraq.
Did you wonder, during all of the finagling over the Health Care Law -- whatever your feelings about it -- why a single payer health care system was never a part of the equation? It is, after all, the model used in Canada, England, and several other countries with whom we regularly deal and call world allies. Why wasn’t it even proposed? President Obama was in an ideal time and place to discuss the option: a large and enthusiastic electorate backing his election and a congressional majority once in office. Why wasn’t it even proposed? And, remember that both Hillary and Bill Clinton were heavily committed to a national health care plan early in the Clinton Administration—again, very able people with big congressional majorities and the enthusiasm of the beginning of an administration—they didn’t propose a single-payer option either. Why not?
The health industries sector (including professional organizations and drug companies) gave over $22 million to Democrats in the 1992 election cycle when Bill Clinton was elected. Therefore, it seems the very best you can end up with is what Obama ended up with: not that you have a right to medical care, but that you have an obligation as an American citizen to buy an insurance policy which the government will subsidize. Maybe some people will end up with cheaper or even free care but they have to buy a policy first and the government will subsidize it. Is this the best way to do it? Does it seem like the cheapest way to do it? Not to me, but this is the way that accommodates – or even advances -- the interests of the insurance industry. And that, my friends, is the reality of capture.
How does the War with Iraq fit into Government Capture?
How does the War with Iraq fit into Government Capture?
This isn’t government of the people, for the people, by the people. It’s profit maximization for key industries and contractors with interests in military operation and healthcare. This is the essence of capture: corporate power has hijacked the language and purpose of government for their own ends. Democrat or Republican – it no longer matters at the national level because corporate money in politics has bought both parties.
December 7, 2011 in Capture
, Corporate Power
, corporate social responsibility
|
2 comments |
Post a comment
Comments
This is an issue that could bring together people from all across the spectrum, from OWS to the Tea Party. and it really needs to happen! Thanks for laying it on the line.
Briliantly and simply stated! Bravo!