Total Spent Lobbying Congress And Federal Agencies
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Source: Center for Responsive Governments
Normally I keep my journalism and political-economic scribblings away from this web site. But every good fiction writer also has to have a worldview about the society he lives in, and these are momentous days here in the United States. We are, in fact, now approaching the final 48 hours of the Congressional vote on whether our health care industry is to be revamped. Sounds like hyperbole, but it really is a watershed event in our history. For the record: This registered Republican is in favor of the health care bill and hopes it passes.
Forget for the moment the humanity and decency behind giving all America’s citizens affordable health care. Most Americans probably don’t know that, according to a 2007 study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a serious illness is the reason for 62% of personal bankruptcies in America, and in those cases 60.3% had private medical insurance (the figure was 70% if you added in those with Medicare/Medicaid.) PennMedecine at the University of Pennsylvania, meanwhile, recently demonstrated in their study that a middle class family with private medical insurance is still going to be financially wiped out if a member is stricken by a serious illness, due to co-pays and donuts and what have you. So let’s just tackle, for the moment, the “competitiveness” argument so beloved by my fellow Republicans attacking the bill.
America spends 18% of its GDP on health care. Using OECD accounting definitions, health care costs in America, as a percentage of GDP, are double those of Japan and over 50% more than in Canada. There is no way we can be competitive in a global economy with those health cost burdens imposed on us. The country that comes closest to us, Switzerland, is still paying 35% less than we are. I lived in Switzerland for 16 years. Any American who has deluded himself into thinking that the Swiss provide their citizens with a second rate health care service clearly needs to get a passport.
Something has to be done about our health care. We can no longer afford the status quo. If this health care bill fails, then all Americans will know that the country has finally become ungovernable, and that the special interests looking out after their narrow and self-serving concerns can pretty much sabotage any attempt at reform for the greater good. All the proof you need is to be found in the table found at the top of this blog.
Lobbying – it is the only recession proof business in America.
Tags: politics
Not understanding the ins and outs of American health care – how much you pay how much you get and trying not to get into the politics of things.I have below posted some personal facts on what I have got on the spanish state healthcare system over the years.
Considering myself and my famly as being “healthy”,we have had a few, normally urgent trips to the hospital.
1.Hernia operation on my elest daughter when she was about 18 months- 1 week hospital stay,specialised pediatric surgeon, free trip to main island ( this would be about 26 years ago now).
2. My second daughter fell off a 3rd floor balcony at about 15 months. She is now 25-. half hour trip on ambulance plane to main hospital , T.A.C.; 1 week stay in U.V.I.
3.Emergency appendicitis operation.
4. 3 Hospitalized child births – does that count?
5. In recent years: 2 bad falls from elderly grandmother on holiday.
6. Since last december my son (10) has had a pulled thigh muscle,pulled hip muscle and at the moment has his hand in plaster with a sprained wrist and hand. All with specialized and emergency treatment.( Thanyou football and being goalkeeper.)
For all this I have never spent a cent.
I have not included everyday childrens illnesses,vaccines,checkups,allergy and depression treatments.
I am not poor and I pay my taxes.
I can choose between private or state healthcare. I and my family choose state.
Would this be the same in America today? and before?
Most of us here in europe are very confused with this issue. I feel there must be something we are missing on the information we get.
Thankyou Richard for the above information on lobbying.Interesting.
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most americans are afraid of the looming debts being piled up – with good reason – and are afraid this health care bill will exacerbate an already stressed-to-breaking situation. not unreasonable. but as you point out, the fear of the unknown is fanning a lot of the angst, and once they can see the competitive elements of the bill bringing down health care costs, and that there is still provider and insurance choices available (probably more choice, actually,) then perhaps the tide will turn.
But i would argue you are paying for the health care service you quote above – through taxes. I’m not sure it is right to say that you haven’t “spent a cent.”
An extra cent maybe I should have said. I happily ( crossed fingers)pay my taxes, yes , and our health care system is nowhere near perfect. it is also very much strained, But it( still) works, and exists for those who are fortunate enough to be able to pay taxes and those who are less fortunate .
After allthis hassle you in america will probably get it just right and have the best health service available.
That’s one of the nicest blessings and best wishes for America i have ever heard. thank you! we sure need something to get better.