Health care debate

I'm glad Scott Brown won in Massachusetts. I happen to be one of those independent voters and yes, I'm sick and tired of business as usual. What some of these politicians don't seem to understand is that they are breaking our backs. I suppose if I had to re-apply for my job every 2 or 4 years I'd be more concerned about keeping it than doing it also. In a way, I do have to keep applying for my job, everyday. If I'm not doing it, I won't have one for long and right now I'm very grateful to have one. Some commentators on some networks are arguing that we should just throw them all out and start over. While I understand the sentiment I disagree with the premise. I think there are good people in government trying to do good things. Those people I'd like to keep. But none of them seem to be interested in working together. It seems to be more about gaining the upper hand and calling the shots.
These insurance companies should know that I'm also tired of their crap. I buy insurance because things happen that can't be predicted or controlled. So in a sense, I'm prepaying for services I might need. I understand that. By maintaining good health, I enjoy good health. It takes discipline and diligence to maintain that health, which is why I get regular check-ups. Others aren't as fortunate, for various reasons, some of which are beyond their control. Those are the people I want to help and support. But if someone needs an MRI for an accurate diagnosis and treatment, then for Pete's sake, get them an MRI. Capital equipment I think its called. You can't or at least shouldn't place a value on a human life based on cost/benefit. That is a tall order and I understand that as well. But if I can't afford to pay the premium, then I guess I'll just have to find a medical service provider that will accept what I'm willing and able to pay. This is called being self insured.
I got injured at work some time ago. It wasn't catastrophic, but I did need stitches. It wasn't any one's fault really, but stuff happens you know? I was driven to the ER, got my stitches, and went home for the day. The accident was analysed and corrective measures taken. So far, so good. The problem came when it was time to remove the stitches. My regular doctor turned me away because it was a workman's comp issue. The doctor who put them in wouldn't see me because it was no longer and emergency and he wouldn't get paid. I called our company's insurer and asked them who they would pay for me to go see. "We'll get back to you". They never did. Since the stitches needed to come out before they caused more problems, I finally just had my wife snip them and pull them out, since they were in my neck and I couldn't reach them myself. This was just a couple of stitches mind you. No big deal. What would it have been like if it was something really serious? I suppose I would have made a lot more noise about it, and gotten some results. My point is that it seems to me the debate is all about the money and who gets it. My money, as represented by my labor. Whether its government or private business, I'm going to spend my labor on services that I'm actually getting, or causes I support and beleive in and my labor is a limited resourse. Because I only have so many hours I can work in a day and the rest of it I need to live my life. I would like to have one too.
This is all very heavy, emotional, serious stuff. Its going to be hard work to solve these problems, health care being just one of them. Democracy is hard work and takes involvement by all of us. Those of us who can and do work, whatever work that might be, need to share the burden for those who can't work (not those who won't). That is our strength and there's nothing wrong with employing that strength for the common good. I don't think we can or should rely on government to solve all our problems. But there are no kings without subjects and no markets without buyers. I'm only one person and maybe no one would miss my vote or my contribution but I do have a voice and I do have valuable skills. That makes me part of a larger whole. I'll be watching, and working, and voting. For what its worth. Peace out, dude.