One Thing Regarding the Speech"...They aren't Bad People..."

[fascisthunter]

um yes they are very bad people(executives, CEOs, etc in the health insurance industry). Why, because regardless of the system, these folks knowingly, consciously choose to reject those with medical preconditions to make money while denying coverage that is all too often life threatening. I am tired of people using the system as an excuse for this sociopathic behavior. There are no excuses... if what you do, directly or indirectly puts life in jeopardy, it is your responsibility irregardless of how the system operates.

**this post was not meant as a critique of the President's speech as it was to make a point. We hear too often, especially on the right, that the system demands this predatory behavior therefore it is acceptable and not a "bad thing". I understand why a politican or President would be compelled to say what Obama stated.

[Myrina]

1. I'd go one step further ...

They're BAD, GREEDY people. :(

[tabatha]

2. It was a very smart statement -

bringing people's attention to the fact that some people consider them bad and the fact that they make profit from your health.

[MarjorieG]

3. Gives some of them and supporters a way to improve system and save face, part of the solution.

[DURHAM D]

4. Thought you might like to know...

From Merriam-Webster:

Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that “there is no such word.” There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

[fascisthunter]

8. edited

[marshall]

5. The post modern critique is not to label people good or bad

Everything's circumstantial. Even tyrants like Hitler and Stalin are looked at in a post modern light.

[BurtWorm]

6. Yes, they are bad people.

Unfortunately, the president can't say that.

[The Magistrate]

7. He Pretty Much Has To Say They Are Not Bad People, Sir

Even though they are grasping, covetous, greedy, evil wretches who feast on misery and wax fat on the suffering they inflict on human beings....

[fascisthunter]

9. yes... I understand that

this post was not as much of a critique as it was a point to make a point. We hear this too often from the media itself.

[kenny blankenship]

10. We can leave out personal judgments

But we can't leave out identifying profit as the problem with our healthcare.
You're right I believe to sense that misapprehending the character of the forces at play will lead to a mistaken "fix" and a missed opportunity. If we legitimize things that should not be legitimized, our reforms which are intended to produce good, will be constrained to preserve the very badness of the system.

All the countries that have results that we envy got their superior results by removing a profit taking middle man from any gatekeeper role for their medical systems. They got there in different ways, but that's the one thing they all have in common.

Saying insurance companies provide a "legitimate service" is just wrong and will lead to a dysfunctional fix to a dysfunctional system.
Doctors provide a legitimate service. Hospitals provide a legitimate service. Pharmaceutical companies provide a legitimate service. Bedpan emptiers perform a legitimate service. Insurance companies in basic health care do not a legitimate service and they have no business interposing themselves there.