Weighing out the Affordable Care Act

Who would have thought theAffordable Care Act would have turned into this huge of an ordeal?  With the Government Shutdown, political parties at odds, and all of the website shenanigans, it has all gotten out of hand.

I feel the same way you do in a lot of ways, when it comes to, “to each his own.” I over all think that the idea of Obamacare is a good thing, especially for those who rack up ridiculous healthcare bills every year and because of certain circumstances they are not able to have health insurance. With Obamacare these people can hopefully afford to get health insurance since the cost is at a much more affordable rate, allowing them to not be paying an arm and leg for doctor and hospital bills. Just from talking to a few people I have known over the years that have not had health insurance, I am always in shock at how much it cost them to just go in for simple checkup not to mention if they needed to purchase something as simple as an antibiotic, the cost is outrageous.  On the flip side though, for those that are healthy and almost never go to the doctor it is hard to see the point of dishing out an extra $200 a month, give or take, for something that they more than likely will not be using.

Looking at the bigger picture I think that the Affordable Care Act should be put in place, but I also believe that it should not be mandatory. Of course it has it’s pros and cons, but I do think that Obama does have the right idea in mind when offering this program, but if he would have just given people the option, not making it mandatory in the first place I don’t think it would have turned into such a big deal to argue over. As a firm believer is less government, I believe this is just another way that the government is trying to control our lives, which is a whole other topic in its self.  

All of that to say, I absolutely agree with you, it should be case by case because ultimately if your health does fail and you don’t have insurance it is on YOU!

Who does't want a "I Voted" sticker?

     In the 2012 election, Mitt Romney vs. Barack Obama, there was a 57% voter turnout at the polls from the voting age population. That percentage is amazing! We live in the United States, a democracy! There are a couple different ways that I believe can bring a better turnout on a national voting day.

     First thing we need to look at is instilling the "want to vote" in kids. Incorporating the excitement and the thought of being able to share your opinion into school classrooms. Kids are easily influenced, so encouraging them to get pumped up to vote at 18 is a easy way to increase the turnout. With the encouragement to vote there also must be a knowledge about government and important issues which is something that schools lack and should put a bigger focus on.

     Secondly, make voting day a national holiday. If the government wants us to think voting is a big deal and to push it so hard than why don't they act likes it is a big deal. The presidential elections happen once every 4 years, I am pretty positive that employers can handle that.

     Lastly, I believe initiating compulsory voting in the US would give people a push to take 2 hours out of their day and go vote. Compulsory voting is implementing a a fine or service that the person would have to follow through with if he or she did not vote. Belgium uses this method and when you look at there voting turnout it is typically in the 90% range. I wonder how different the votes would turn out in the US if there were the case

     When we look at the voter turnout ratio to other countries the US is at the bottom of the list with our 50% average. The list goes on of things that i believe the US could begin doing to help our voter turnout, but I have just listed a few. Voting is important and not voting does not just effect us it can potentially effect younger generations and history for that matter.