The Supreme Court Upholds the Affordable Health Care Act, Another Perspective

The Supreme Court Upholds the Affordable Health Care Act, Another Perspective

Author - Paige P.

It is my opinion that the entire vote on the Individual Mandate provision is just another way to disguise what the healthcare "reform", I use the term loosely because the word "reform" indicates an improvement, really is. This is what the general public thinks the entire healthcare bill is all about. I will get back to this point later. What I see is when the side that believes the mandate is constitutional, they believe that the entire bill is constitutional, and in my opinion, it is not. No, I do not believe that the government should be able to "technically" force healthcare on any citizen, but the truth is we have millions of Americans that do not have coverage. Unfortunately, the "affordable" part of this pitch lies on the backs of the Americans that currently have health insurance.

What I think the general public fails to read into is the way the individual mandate will affect the healthcare system as a whole. We will include millions, let's say 30 million as a rough estimate from reports, of people being added to the healthcare system, with no outlook to an increase of medical providers (doctors). Increasing demand and keeping supply the same will inevitably create a rationing of care and a decrease in availability of adequate (ambiguous term, yes) care. In short, what the majority of Americans have received for care will be no more. 

So, how do we expect to make healthcare affordable for the millions of Americans that cannot afford healthcare? This is where we have added provisions of the healthcare system such as the Cadillac tax (yes this is real). For those of you that do not know what this is, it is a provision that adds an additional tax on healthcare plans that exceed a certain dollar threshold for individual care and family care. The theory behind this is that companies will work harder to find better deals for their employees, a bunch of garbage if you ask me. It is a way to create "fair and equal" coverage and to help subsidize "affordable" care for these new additions to the system. Those that are covered under these Cadillac plans are being forced by the government to acquire less coverage or be penalized. But wait, there's more. Cadillac plans offered by unions are exempt from this tax. Now why would the government exempt the unions? Votes!! Union workers are generally democratic voters…

Now back to what I think this healthcare plan is about that is being disguised by the focus on the individual mandate… There are many many many provisions of this bill that are a complete and utter intrusion on Americans' freedom and lives. The bill includes several programs that require mandatory home visits from government personnel to inquire about your family. The goal is to learn more about parenting skills, child development, and the like. Now imagine what kind of questions might be asked by these government employees knocking on your door. "How much time do you spend with your children?" "what do you feed your children?" "do you have a gun in the house?". Whatever the questions may be, it doesn't matter, these programs are an invasion on Amendments 1-5. Someone entering your home without your permission (hey, it's mandatory)… asking you questions that could be used against you. What if you homeschool your children and the government decides they would be better suited for a government institution? 

There is a reason that the world's longest reigning communist dictator, Fidel Castro, applauded Obama for this system. Hitler, Lennon, and Castro have all used socialized medicine as ways to subjugate their people. Hitler created a euthanasia program for the aged and unable (euthanasia is addressed in Section 1553 of Obamacare). A decade later, his program create death camps. Now, I am not saying that this administration is headed in that direction, but why give them the power? 

The healthcare reform should be completed abolished in its entirety. Enough with focusing on the mandate, think beyond what the media tells you (this includes Foxnews as well). If we try to eliminate "parts" of the bill, it will be the same story as OSEA, where parts were removed, and yet, OSEA continued to grow and grow beyond its original proposal. 

And don't even get me started on the burdens that illegals put on our healthcare system...

2012 NBA Draft Review and Analysis

2012 NBA Draft Review and Analysis

Picture 1: Likely lottery draft picks prior to the draft.

Last night (06-28-12) at 7:30PM, the 2012 NBA Draft began with a chorus of boos for NBA commissioner David Stern. The commissioner seemed to drink it in and even egg on the crowd by mentioning the widely unpopular NBA Champion Miami Heat and pulling a Hulk Hogan-esque-hand-to-the-ear-I-can't-hear-you-power-move. I loved it. The draft started with the obvious but has some very interesting moves to review:

1. New Orleans Hornets - Anthony Davis

This pick was obvious. It has been discussed on sports radio, ESPN, newspapers, blogs and everywhere else; so, to be certain, there's little I can add here other than sending my kudos to the Hornets for not getting tricky and making the right move.

2. Charlotte Bobcats - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

As a UMass Amherst alum, I've got to note that seeing the proud John Calipari made me a little sick.  I mean, I don't hold anything against Kentucky or the players, but Calipari up and left UMass when Marcus Camby got caught accepting some sort of benefits for being a start basketball player and our college program is JUST starting to claw it's way back into recognition after being blacklisted. Calipari just peaced out like he had nothing to do with it except he should have been the ultimate authority figure sniffing this stuff out. 

Back to the point, I have no problem with this pick. He looks like he could be a good player, but I think I would have tried to trade out of this slot if I were Charlotte and I needed as many offensive pieces as they do. Speaking of which, Kidd-Gilchrist is more of a defensive player.

3. Washington Wizards - Bradley Beal

I'm not high on this kid. But, for a bad a team, the Wizards aren't in the worst situation. They already have a budding young star in John Wall. If Bradley Beal works out, they could have a young, athletic, and big time scoring potential core.

4.Cleveland Cavaliers - Dion Waiters

According to some, Waiters is the 'most NBA ready player' in the draft. I read that as 'the Cavs and their fans are so distraught that Lebron left them and won a 'ship that they need a young, new player to look up to.' I don't blame them - it looks like Lebron is poised to collect some rings. Another thing worth noting: Cleveland traded up three picks, 24, 32 and 33, to receive the number 4 pick. Cleveland is in rebuilding mode. Is this one player really that sure of a thing?

5. Sacramento Kings - Thomas Robinson

I love this pick. Robinson has a lot of 'potential' but more importantly he's got real character. He's a man. The look in his face said to me "I'm thankful to be here, I'm going to work as hard as I can to provide for my Father and Sister." Also, the guy has a NBA read body. He's huge. Big and strong guys typically do well in the NBA if they know how to throw their weight around. Tyreke Evans might finally have something to smile about.

6. Portland Trailblazers - Damian Lillard

Apparently this guys moneyball stats are off the chart. Thanks Chris Broussard. Portland traded away Gerrald Wallace, Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams and a pick to get this guy; so, they are both really high on him and trying to rebuild.

7.Golden State Warriors - Harrison Barnes

I like this kid. He can shoot. I think he's be effective right away and be one of the names you get used to hearing real quick. I project him to be a second tier type.

8. Toronto Raptors - Terrence Ross

Nice bow tie, bro.

9. Detroit Pistons - Andre Drummond

I love the tears. It gets me (YOU MADE IT BUDDY!). This guy fits the Pistons. Once he finishes crying he could be another one of the big, physical, mean guys in the paint.

10. New Orleans Hornets - Austin Rivers

Talk about hitting it big in the draft. A+ pick. They may have picked the two best players in the draft in Davis and Rivers. I'm a Celtics fan so I'm going to be naturally high on anyone with the last name Rivers.

11. Portland Trailblazers - Myers Leonard

OK, they finally admitted it. Greg Oden isn't going to pan out. Let's just hope this Myers Leonard fellah has good knees.

12. Houston Rocks - Jeremy Lamb

Houston receives this pick from the Milwaukee Bucks. One of the 32098320983 picks Houston had in thie draft to revamp roster.

13. Phoenix Suns - Kendall Marshall

14. Milwaukee Bucks - John Henson

15. Philadelphia 76ers - Maurice Harkless

He's was a freshman. I'm willing to bet you'll forget his name for a year while he develops and then he'll work his way into being a really effective NBA starter.

16. Houston Rockets - Royce Whits

UGHHHHH FFFUUUU-.... I hate you Houston. This was my guy. Does Kevin McHale hate Danny Ainge or something. Can we trade for him. Ugh. He's probably terrible anyhow.

17. Dallas Mavericks - Tyler Zeller

This pick was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's hilarious because this kid just LOOKS like he doesn't haven't a shot in the NBA; THEREFORE, he's a perfect fit in Cleveland (awwwww... that joke makes us all a little sad).

18. Houston Rockets - Terrence Jones

OK! OK! We get it! You're going to be awesome in 2 or 3 years. Give it a rest already. Jerks..... Can we PLEASE have Royce White?

19. Orlando Magic - Andrew Nicholson

Damn. That's my other guy. This kid has got some moves all over the court. For a big guy, he's going to Garnett-esque. He needs to bulk up, though.

20. Denver Nuggets - Evan Fournier

21. Boston Celtics - Jared Sullinger

Cue media outburst. I like this pick. I really hope he lives up to his potential and doesn't end up being the youngest old/injured guy on our team.

22. Boston Celtics - Fab Melo

Listen: this guy just has a name MADE to be successful. (Someone start printing the Melo is Fab-ulous shirts). He's 7 feet. He might have Garnett teaching him. And, he's got relatively young legs because he's new to basketball. We'll see what happens.

23. Atlanta Hawks - John Jenkins

Perimeter shooter, probably. But definitely the overpaid Hawks player of the future.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jared Cunningham

This pick goes to Dallas in a trade

25. Memphis Grizzlies - Tony Wroten Jr. 

Decent value pick down this far.

26. Indiana Pacers - Miles Plumlee

27. Miami Heat - Arnett Moultrie

Traded to the 76ers. Hey, the 76ers could be building a really great team for the future. They're pretty much right where the Celtics want to be. Competitive, in the playoffs, young, athletic and set up for years to come.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder - Perry Jones III

Falling down this far in the draft he's a steal and a value pick for the Thunder. Heck, they're already set and they just made the Finals, might as well swing for the fences with this guy.

29. Chicago Bills - Marquis Teague

30. Golden State Warrios - Festus Ezeli

I refuse to believe a guy name Festus Ezeli is going to end up a dominant player in the NBA. I suppose stranger things have happened.

With free agency and the trade date approaching, it's going to be an interesting off season.

Science Discovers Why Women Always Win Arguments

Science Discovers Why Women Always Win Arguments

(Besides Being Right All the Time (I Must Not Displease Our Great Female Overlords))

In this article from Scientific American, Daisy Grewal explains a study conducted at a University in the Netherlands (doesn't that just make perfect sense?) where the researchers tested the cognitive performance of participants once before a task was assigned and once after a task was assigned.  As the task was assigned, participants were told that either a male or female would be watching them perform the task. In one trial, researchers had a webcam set up on participants and the task was actually performed. In the next trial, the second test was taken by participants before the task was even performed. 

Regardless, women participants showed no chance in cognition performance on the test based while men showed significantly WORSE results when they knew a woman would be watching:
"Once again, women’s performance on the test did not differ, regardless of whether they were expecting a man or woman to observe them. But men who had been told a woman would observe them ended up doing much worse on the second Stroop task. Thus, simply anticipating the opposite sex interaction was enough to interfere with men’s cognitive functioning."

Well, it looks like I've finally figured out why I can start a discussion with my girlfriend so sure that I'm right but always somehow end up a stuttering mess. Damn you Mother Nature!! Wait a second... Mother Nature... She's in on this! It's a conspiracy!

CNN is Terrible

A friend of mine caught a screen cap just before today's ruling

The Supreme Court Upholds the Affordable Care Act

The opinion is available here. The vote was 5-4, with Chief Justices John Roberts "deliver[ing] the opinion of the Court with respect to Part III–C, concluding that the individual mandate may be upheld as within Congress’s power under the Taxing Clause". Anthony Kennedy was a part of the dissent, along with Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito. Amy Howe of SCOTUSblog writes:

In Plain English: The Affordable Care Act, including its individual mandate that virtually all Americans buy health insurance, is constitutional. There were not five votes to uphold it on the ground that Congress could use its power to regulate commerce between the states to require everyone to buy health insurance. However, five Justices agreed that the penalty that someone must pay if he refuses to buy insurance is a kind of tax that Congress can impose using its taxing power. That is all that matters. Because the mandate survives, the Court did not need to decide what other parts of the statute were constitutional, except for a provision that required states to comply with new eligibility requirements for Medicaid or risk losing their funding. On that question, the Court held that the provision is constitutional as long as states would only lose new funds if they didn't comply with the new requirements, rather than all of their funding.

I am quite taken by the fact that Roberts was the deciding vote of affirmation. A pet theory that was bouncing around on Intrade just before the ruling was that Justice Roberts would be, at the very least, cognizant of the historic nature of the ruling, and how it might influence historical evaluations of the Roberts Court. I think historical concerns or not, the Court has affirmed a quite clearly constitutional law, and today's ruling is a positive step towards keeping the United States on the right track to controlling healthcare costs and improving national heath outcomes.

Moonrise Kingdom Movie Review

Moonrise Kingdom Movie Review

Picture 1: Sketchy cast photo for Moonrise Kingdom (sorry).

Moonrise Kingdom is Wes Anderson's latest feature starring newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward.  Fans of Wes Anderson films are familiar with his recurring cast of preferred actors such as Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwatrzman, and more. In Moonrise Kingdom, Anderson casted two young actors as the main characters who somehow perfectly pull off the ironic/dry/funny delivery of everything they say.

Moonrise Kingdom is a story about young love and how awkward and amazing it can be.  Sam (Gilman) and Suzy (Hayward) own that sort of young wisdom we all seem to lose along the way for concern over perfecting the small steps of love. Sam and Suzy are able to discover young love while providing some laughs and driving a plot which tangles up some excellent background character rolls from Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray and Frances McDormand. Don't blink because you might miss Jason Schwartzman, too. Also, there's the guy on the top left of Picture 1 -- he was the man for some reason, but I can't put my finger on why.

I'd really rather not review the plot and try to dance around spoilers so I'll just share the following photo:

Picture 2: Little man's got the moves.

My girlfriend after the movie described the pair in Picture 2 dancing like she and I would. She would be "rocking back and forth looking all 'cool'" and you would be "rocking out and not caring how you looked" (or something like that, I'm paraphrasing).  Well, I don't know if she really knows what cool dancing looks like, but anyways this scene was really fun and it leads to my following review:

I HIGHLY recommend this film. It's interesting, funny, original (or as original as any Wes Anderson film can when compared to the others). So, steal your little brother's record player, leave a run-away note, pack a suitcase of storybooks and go see this movie!

Which One Will Win and Eliminate Humans First?! Robot vs. Zombie Apocalypse

Robot Versus Zombie Apocalypse

Video 1: Video from SourceFed Channel on YouTube.

Ok, so it's OBVIOUS that we're all real close to be wiped out by zombies or aliens or robots or cloned velociraptors; however, it's clear that robots and zombies are taking the steps and putting the work in to make that happen sooner. So, the question is, which enemy of humanity will take us out first?

In all seriousness, it's sounding more like Ray Kurzweil's idea of "The Singularity" is becoming more realistic every day.

PS, if there were a post-human elimination war between robots, zombies, velociraptors and aliens which would win?