Monday, April 22, 2013

Health Insurance is Simply too Expensive

Jeffrey Young, Huffington Post

It seems as if every year, the cost of health premiums is exponentially decreasing and that there is nothing people could do about it. Many blame these rise in costs on the people who come into the country illegally and receive free health care. It does not matter what the reason is, health insurance is slowly becoming unaffordable. It is projected that in 2037, health insurance will cost more than the median income of an American household! This is simply ridiculous since people will die because they can not afford health care in the "most advanced country in the world." Wages nearly stay the same yet health insurance costs are sky rocketing. The costs of health care are increasing so fast, that even with Obama-care,  people will not be able to pay for health care. At this rate, the average American might have the financial means to pay for health care until 2033. After than that, insurance is out of reach. Also, fewer workers are not getting insured from their jobs along with getting cuts on their benefits. President Obama's health reform contains policies designed to slow the progress of rising health care costs by cutting Medicare payments to hospitals and other medical providers and created financial incentives for health insurers, doctors, hospitals, and others to band together to reduce waste, improve care, and save money (Young). This health reform will also impose a tax in 2018 on the most expensive insurance plans in an aim to encourage people to buy cheaper coverage and tax the wealthy who can afford those expensive health premiums. No matter what measure's are taken, this country's health care system is soon bound to collapse and cause an internal economic meltdown. America's future is in danger as all signs lead to "the fall of the American Empire."

Boston Marathon Bombing Hero Receives Over $360,000 In Online Donations

Harry Bradford, Huffington Post

On April 20, 2013 an article was posted by Harry Bradford recognizing Jeff Bauman's accomplishments. Jeff Bauman was a participant of the Boston Marathon who lost both his legs due to the bombing. Thanks to his cooperation with the federal government, the suspects were identified and have been neutralized. People consider him a national hero and wish to return the favor. About 10,000 people have donated to Bucks for Bauman to help him pay for the devastating medical expenses caused by the amputation of both his legs. Approximately $360,000 have been raised so far.His coworkers at Costco have tried to help but there is only so much they could do. According to NBC News, the injuries of all fourteen victims are expected to exceed 9 million dollars. This includes the estimated amount of days victims would stay in intensive care and prosthetic limbs which cost about $50,000 each.  One Fund Boston, a charity set up by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino, has already raised more than $7 million. The costs of health have risen drastically and that is evident as victims strive to receive care due to an act of hatred out of their control.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

U.S Postal Service in Danger

Joe Davidson, The Huffington Post

Over the course of many years, many changes to the current postal system of America has changed. Due to advancements made in technology and particularly the internet field, bills are now being paid online, funds are transferred online,  and letters are sent via email. The U.S Postal service has lost most of its revenue from the sale of stamps and has come near the face of bankruptcy for a couple of years now. However, after making many budget cuts and laying off thousands of workers, they are still hemorrhaging twenty-five million dollars a day! Despite the daily loses, The U.S Postal Service lost 1.3 billion dollars in the last quarter of 2012.On Wednesday  Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe blamed the government for preventing the post office from adapting to technological changes in the business world. He said, "Our financial problems are due to the restrictive laws that prevent us from fully responding to changes in consumer behavior," Donahoe said while testifying before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee"... and that "The U.S. Postal Service could become “a significant burden to the taxpayer” if it does not get needed flexibility to change its business operations." According to Donahoe, cutting Saturday delivery will save the company an average of two billion dollars annually and can potentially save the company or at least keep it running for a couple of more years. By doing so, they mailing system will be the same as it was in 1983.It is a shame that a company that was created by one of our founding fathers in 1775 is now near the verge of bankruptcy due to a failure to sustain the current technological needs of the people. 

President Obama Recieves Poison Letters

Huffington Post

On April 15, 2013 a poison tainted letter was sent to Senator Roger Wicker. Luckily, the letter was intercepted. A day later, a letter of the same kind was intercepted. This time, the letter was intended for the President."The letter was intercepted at a facility away from the White House after they had suspected the the letter contained a suspicious substance." said  the Secret Service Spokesman. Chad Pergram from Fox News claims that the sender of both the letters are the same. Tensions have been high in Washington and across the country since the deadly bombings on Monday at the Boston Marathon that killed three people and injured more than 170. Now that the lives of influential government officials have been threatened, Many Americans fear the safety of this nation. Others say that we are under attack by terrorists. Either way, the people are looking for answers and so far, none have been given. The Police say they have a suspect in mind but that has not given the American people they are looking for. It is time for the President to brief the people on the current situation since everyone looks up to him and need to be comforted.