Archive for the ‘heathcare 2.0’ tag
Open Mouth, Insert Nose, Spite Face
A perspective I’m not understanding these last .. oh I guess it’s about 16 now .. years – are people who vote against their own self interests.
Now, I hear that phrase “against yer own self interests” associated with people who have very little – voting for a candidate who isn’t protecting their economic interest. Well, as perplexing as that phenomenon may be, it’s not outrageous that someone without means will not base their vote on economics. That is, if money were their highest priority when selecting a candidate, they might choose differently. (Here’s a really great talk on that subject: TED: Jonathan Haidt on the Moral Mind)
But, no – those are not the people I’m talking about, “voting against their own self interests.”
During the last campaign, I saw TV ads and blog posts of this ilk:
“To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn’t pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country.
…
Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:
I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don’t pay enough.
…
So where am I going with all this?
It’s quite simple.
If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child’s future. Frankly, it isn’t my problem any more.
Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. ….”
Oh – really? Do you realize that the taxes being talked about are personal income taxes? And they’re marginal? (look it up.) So the ‘extra’ tax is only on income you make over a certain threshold – which means you’re doing quite well. And you would prefer to stop making any income rather than pay tax on the upper bracketed income you make? You would really close down your source of income so you don’t have to pay taxes? (um, Did you know that if you went to work for someone else and made the same amount, you’d still have to pay them? Closing down your company isn’t going to change that.) You think you could give up what you have in this country and do better in another country? Because if you can, you should do it. It’s just good business.
OR This–
45% Of Doctors Would Consider Quitting If Congress Passes Health Care Overhaul
You have a better option? Take it! But something needs to be done about the level of care in the U.S. Do I want to government to run it? I don’t care. I want someone to run it. Step up if you think you can do it.
Now I must admit than in previous elections, I have jokingly threatened to leave the country if the election turned out a certain way. But I’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal somewhere else.
So here’s what I’m saying – if you’re joking or making idle threats about making a change and doing it just to show your frustration – well, fine.
But if you really think the best option is to close up shop and head for the hills – well, get going.