The Definition of Hypocrisy

President Bush's recent statements reek of desperation from a lame duck leader. This latest one is no exception:

''The Congress now sitting in Washington holds this philosophy,'' Bush said. ''Their majority was elected on a pledge of fiscal responsibility, but so far it is acting like a teenager with a new credit card. Source

Truly hilarious. Who is he to lecture anyone on fiscal responsibility? How is our deficit doing, and has it grown under his watch? Should he have cut taxes given the increased expenses incurred due to his actions? Oh, and how is our dollar fairing? Think there might be a connection? This isn't difficult.

Oh yes, I know, we're in a time of war. I'd accept that excuse if the stated reason for going to war was truthful. But, time has shaken that one out. It's entertaining watching him try to support the status quo on health care despite record increases during his time, and now he's posturing as a fiscal conservative.

Actions speak louder than words. Fiscal conservatism and this president don't belong in the same sentence.

Health care premiums to increase 14.1% in 2008

I wonder how long this issue can be ignored? Hewitt Associates is projecting that HMO premium rates will increase 14.1% in 2008. So, our system that performs poorly in regards to doctors per capita, infant mortality, and life expectancy will see an increase at over three times inflation in 2008. It not only harms United States citizens, it also costs this country jobs. We're already paying double per citizen versus other first-world nations with superior metrics.

Michael Moore couldn't have timed his movie Sicko much better. It exposes some of misinformation that is readily spread by special interests in regards to other national systems, and people are going to feel a major hit in their pocket book soon--yet again. Hey, at least the government is looking into charging our 9/11 rescue workers who finally got proper care in Cuba. Wouldn't addressing this problem be a better use of their time? Of course, the five-cent pharmaceuticals they received aren't likely to keep the special interests happy. Think about the money those poor pharmaceutical companies lost when they're charing $175 here.

An All New York Presidential Race?

As I read this article about Michael Bloomberg leaving the GOP and potentially entering the presidential race as an independent, it got me thinking about the possibility that the three leading nominees (Republican, Democrat, and Independent) for president in 2008 could have received their most recent political experience in New York. Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton is one of New York's representatives in the United States Senate, Rudy Giuliani is New York City's previous mayor, and Bloomberg is New York City's current mayor. While I haven't looked into it, I have to believe that would be a first. 

Of course, Clinton and Giuliani have lots of work ahead of them. Clinton still holds a solid lead and I expect her to emerge, but I think Barack Obama is a strong candidate too. Giuliani might be a bit "too liberal" to get through the GOP's primaries, although he still holds a narrow lead according to most polls. Thompson, a long-time lobbyist, seems to be gaining ground. I'd be a little surprised if Rudy survives the smear tactics that are sure to occur to him due to his beliefs on gun control and abortion. 

Sobering United States Healthcare Statistics

Strategy + Business has two interesting health care articles in the spring issue. The article titled "Does Health Care Have a Future" summarizes points from eight different books. I really think the opening paragraph is telling:

It is no secret that health care in the U.S. is in crisis. Americans share a sense of impending catastrophe, and for good reason. Health care in the United States consumes some $2 trillion per year — 16 percent of the GDP, and four times the expenditure for national defense. Yet U.S. health care’s performance is ranked 15th globally by the World Health Organization; American life expectancy ranks 22nd in the world, and infant mortality ranks 39th. The U.S. spends more on health-care insurance than any other nation, yet 46 million Americans do without — a number that increases every year. The out-of-pocket costs of those who have insurance have nearly tripled in the last six years, as health-care premiums continue to rise at nearly three times the general inflation rate. Unpaid and unpayable health-care bills account for the majority of all personal bankruptcies in the country. (Flower & Knott, 2007)

One of the suggested solutions is to make health care costs and quality more transparent. It cites that those parts of the industry that must really compete for the health care dollar--like plastic surgery and laser eye surgery--generally perform better. It's a valid insight. I may give my opinion on the other article in the business blog as it discusses a retail system.

The 2008 Presidential Race

It keeps getting more and more interesting. Clinton and Obama are the clear front runners among the Democrats right now. Perhaps Edwards will become more of a factor as things progress and Richardson is trying to get into the thick of things too. McCain and Giuliani seem to be receiving the most mention from the GOP, while Gingrich is also being mentioned.

Obama seems capable of giving Clinton a run--especially since some question Clinton's chances if she is their candidate. I don't think Giuliani stands a chance--gun control supporting candidates with a pro-choice stance don't tend to do well with the GOP's core. McCain may not appeal to the far right, but I think he has a better shot. We'll see if age is tossed into the equation though. Romney is another possibility.

So, it's really any one's guess right now. I still believe Obama v. McCain would make for a refreshingly civil campaign. Gingrich v. Clinton could be a little deja vu and quite the battle. We'll have to wait and see what unfolds.