More on the candidates’ health care plans
Health care is an issue of concern for many readers here, which is why I offered my endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama’s health care plan over that of Sen. John McCain’s earlier this month. Trailing on the heels of its outstandingly-crafted presidential endorsement of Obama, the New York Times now offers a compelling and critical look at the health care plans offered by both candidates and why, despite its limitations, Obama’s plan emerges the better one.
General assessment:
We believe that Mr. McCain’s plan, which relies on reshaping the tax code, is far too risky. It is likely to erode employer-provided group health insurance and push more people into purchasing their own insurance on the dysfunctional open market, where insurers often reject applicants with pre-existing conditions.
…Mr. Obama’s plan is the better one because it would cover far more of the uninsured, spread risks and costs more equitably and result in more comprehensive coverage for most Americans. We fear Mr. McCain’s plan would jeopardize employer-based coverage without providing an adequate substitute. At a time when so many employers are reducing or dropping coverage, that is not a risk that the country can afford to take.
Emphasis mine.
To evaluate the candidates on other issues, I recommend the nonpartisan site Factcheck.org or The League of Women Voters.
And speaking of the election… The news is awash with disturbing reports about attempts to disenfranchise and discourage voters — see Time or Rolling Stone for more. Not to sound like Uncle Sam’s nagging mother or anything, but the best time to ensure your voting eligibility isn’t when you get to the polling station, it’s now. Take a few minutes to visit CanIVote.org to verify that you are registered to vote and that your name and address are filed correctly. You can also find out where to vote, which is equally important. In Ohio, for instance, if you vote at the wrong polling station, your vote isn’t counted at all. And lastly, be aware of your state’s “passive electioneering” laws, which include the wearing of T-shirts or buttons supporting a candidate or cause within or near polling stations. Many states have laws in place banning this and will turn voters away from voting because of it.
Okay, hopefully this is the end of the election campaign-talk. I’ll be so glad when this is all done and over with!
