The best camera.

[Bob Rogers]

As they say, the best camera is the one you have with you. I was in Washington DC and happened by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, during the 2nd day of arguments on the Health Care law. For those who aren't familiar, the case boils down to the question of whether the federal government has absolute power.

There was a strange intensity in the air, with a mix of protesters, people going about their day, and people who came to see.

Anyway, these fellows were engaged in polite, reasoned discussion on the issue. Shot with my iPhone. I think the young fellow with the iPhone on the other side might be recording the conversation.

Discussion
Bob Rogers

​

 

[Asher Kelman]

I really liked President Obama's answer to the Fox-News-right wing catch phrase, "Obama Care". In a recent speech he says, ~~ "For sure I'll accept that term "Obama care" 'cause yes, Obama Cares!"

That is, I think the key to the whole matter. Most all modern democracies provide universal health coverage. Why should 50 million folk in the USA be left out? Frankly, as a Physician I feel that the pharmaceutical companies, doctors and hospitals are too wasteful and greedy.

The right wing groups also coined a similar negative but nonsensical term, "Partial birth Abortion" to stifle family planning choice altogether. (I had know idea what that awful made-up term for a procedure might be) however the purpose to to besmirch all family planning activities. I, for one am against abortions, but it's not my role to tell anyone else what to do with their bodies. Make you own decision.

With health care, however, this is a national problem as diseases are often a result of community conditions, from driving on the roads to breathing the air polluted by our factories. Infections that spread are public issues, no different than bombs dropped from an airplane. As far as the wish to keep the status quo in the health care system, I think it's selfish and mean spirited.

If we allowed import of drugs from Canada and stopped excesses by the health care providers and made efficient use of diagnostic resources around the clock, then we could do a better job for everyone.

The folk who protest don't have a clue about what they are doing!

Asher

 

[Tom dinning]

I really liked President Obama's answer to the Fox-News-right wing catch phrase, "Obama Care". In a recent speech he says, ~~ "For sure I'll accept that term "Obama care" 'cause yes, Obama Cares!"

That is, I think the key to the whole matter. Most all modern democracies provide universal health coverage. Why should 50 million folk in the USA be left out? Frankly, as a Physician I feel that the pharmaceutical companies, doctors and hospitals are too wasteful and greedy.

The right wing groups also coined a similar negative but nonsensical term, "Partial birth Abortion" to stifle family planning choice altogether. (I had know idea what that awful made-up term for a procedure might be) however the purpose to to besmirch all family planning activities. I, for one am against abortions, but it's not my role to tell anyone else what to do with their bodies. Make you own decision.

With health care, however, this is a national problem as diseases are often a result of community conditions, from driving on the roads to breathing the air polluted by our factories. Infections that spread are public issues, no different than bombs dropped from an airplane. As far as the wish to keep the status quo in the health care system, I think it's selfish and mean spirited.

If we allowed import of drugs from Canada and stopped excesses by the health care providers and made efficient use of diagnostic resources around the clock, then we could do a better job for everyone.

The folk who protest don't have a clue about what they are doing!

Asher

I suspect some strong feelings coming to the surface, Asher. Go for it. I don't understand most of what people from the US go on about during their election time but it does emphasize one of the great attributes of a democratic society. People can say really stupid things which lack any charity, logic or empathy with no repercussions whatsoever. What beats me is those dumb buggers usually make themselves stand out in a crowd by waving banners, wearing dumb T shirts and appearing generally obnoxious when, if they could see themselves, they would cringe in shame and disgust.
Still, would we have it any other way? Probably not. The alternatives are even more tasteless.
At least such exhibitions of idiocy are great photo opportunities.

 

[Asher Kelman]

people can say really stupid things which lack any charity, logic or empathy with no repercussions whatsoever. What beats me is those dumb buggers usually make themselves stand out in a crowd by waving banners, wearing dumb T shirts and appearing generally obnoxious when, if they could see themselves, they would cringe in shame and disgust.

Unfortunately, Tom, the next day, even though they might be no longer legally drunk, they'd be proud of their silly show. They think they really know! The brilliant thing about the "Tea Party" movement, is if you can connect "walking around with your bum showing" with being a good religious person, then they'd have another flock of dumb asses voting for their oddball views.

How democracy can be work when these folk get to vote is counterintuitive, but somehow, once in office, politicians do what they want anyway!

Asher

 

[Tom dinning]

My suspisions have been justified.
Politics, religion, dress sense; all issues that would be worth raising at dinner when we meet. Such passion is worthy of being aired but I do warn you, like a good fire I do like to fan the flames.
Now go give someone a hug before you explode!
Cheers
Tom

 

[Bob Rogers]

Unfortunately, the case is not likely to be evaluated on the merits of the health outcomes, but simply on the question "Does the congress have absolute power?" The answer is probably "not."

I remember candidate Obama pointing out that if you don't have $150 for an office visit, then an individual insurance mandate doesn't really do anything for you.

I'm still pretty happy my iPhone takes a reasonable photo and gave me the ability to document this remarkable moment in the nation's history.