Other issues are also combined to further confound the public. Immigration is an issue in itself but it’s been joined with health; people railing about how we’re giving something away to illegal immigrants. Although it’s been assured that illegals will not qualify, isn’t it bordering on total insanity to say that we should allow ourselves and our loved ones to go without needed coverage so those who don’t qualify can also be denied?

This brings up another issue. We, as a society, seem to have lost the ability to feel for and work with our fellow citizens for common good. Individual problems seem to take precedence while those of others are marginalized, creating further confusion and fodder for those who would prevent a plan from being implemented. The concept of “divide and conquer” is an enormously successful tool for those who would prey on the public.

The health industry has been literally getting away with murder in this country for too many years. Insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, private hospital corporations and others have made our health subordinate to raking in landfall profits. Why are mind boggling amounts spent to fight against a reasonable plan if not to keep the money machine going? What is wrong with placing controls on profits by the health industry as they do in more enlightened nations?

And how do we pay for proper health care? Why is it a sin in this country to tax the rich? Don’t we have things in reverse when working people carry all the burdens while the haves profiteer at our expense? If we had an equitable system of taxation the burden on the rest of us would be minimized.

It was astounding how the American public was confused and manipulated when President Clinton attempted to advance health care. The ensuing chaos provided for rejection of reasonable discussion and the health industry was encouraged to be even more callous toward the public. It is beyond belief that people are so gullible to allow history to repeat itself, especially after we have seen how the industry since then has ever more shamelessly profiteered at the expense of our health and our wallets.

So, the next time you’re confronted with “Your money or your life!” think about whether it’s really a choice. The answer is as obvious as it was when Jack Benny told the joke.

While we’re on the subject of health care, why are seniors being denied a cost of living adjustment (COLA) when their health care costs are rising so dramatically?

As the world leader and only super power, shouldn’t we be taking the lead on health and environmental issues? Our priorities always seem to lean toward power and wealth rather than the well being of people and our planet.

When Michael Bloomberg reminds us that he’s not beholden to special interests he fails to note that he is the special interest! Did you notice that when seeking extension of term limits, the only one he consulted on equal terms was fellow billionaire Ron Lauder? Everyone else he seems to buy, bully or ignore.

Have you noticed an increase in local traffic lately? Increasing steadily through the years, there seems to have been a larger than usual surge of cars on our streets after this Labor Day.

The only Palin who ever made sense was Michael (former member of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the zany British comedy troupe).

-- I. Friedin

The views expressed on the Opinion page do not necessarily reflect those of the editors and management of Bay Currents.