Where should taxpayer funding stop?

[Fau Teixeira]

Point #2. Name 1 thing besides the military that the government is more efficient than private industry. There may be one, but I can't think of it.

Don't take this the wrong way. But do you suffer from some sort of memento style amnesia?

Here in AZ. our Governor is a huge supporter of private prisons. They claim it is cheaper, but it isn't and it is not nearly as safe. Private companies cut costs by hiring cheaper labor, less security, less training and .....

Last year a couple of people escaped a private prison and killed some innocent people. We were more than upset. Not only that, but the state has failed to follow up on audits and inspections. The prison issue is really a hot topic for me. Would you believe the state of AZ. even imports prisoners from other states to keep the bed count up? They even passed a law that requires ALL incarcerated to serve a minimum of 85% of time sentenced. Now that is effective rehab!

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

That is exactly what the European Socialist Countries believe. How is that working? Ever talk to anyone who has lived in Canada? It is a nightmare and dying before you can see a doctor is not uncommon. They say as long as the illness is minor, it is OK, but anything serious and you are in trouble.

That is what almost every industrial county in the world has other than us.  I have talked to people in Canada, and they say they are shocked how distorted the American media makes it out to be.  

Point #2. Name 1 thing besides the military that the government is more efficient than private industry. There may be one, but I can't think of it.

Speaking of the military.  They have single payer "socialistic" system.

A perfect example is the post office. The PO was a government monopoly for years and still lost money. Then when UPS and Fed EX showed up, who are both profitable BTW, it was ballgame over.

Horrible example.  The US post office delivers mail to every address, bills, packages, magazines etc for a realitively low price.  UPS and Fedex only take a slice of the most profitable items and leaves the post office to pick up the rest.  If UPS and Fedex is really more efficient why don't I get my newspapers and bills via Fedex?  

[Fins4ever]

Horrible example.  The US post office delivers mail to every address, bills, packages, magazines etc for a realitively low price.  UPS and Fedex only take a slice of the most profitable items and leaves the post office to pick up the rest.  If UPS and Fedex is really more efficient why don't I get my newspapers and bills via Fedex?  

I could present a strong debate on this subject, but it would never make a difference. We have differing philosophies concerning government and their role in our lives. I am for less and seemingly you are for more. You must be very happy the way things have gone the last 3 1/2 yrs. and when Obama Care kicks in the govt. will grow even more.

PS. The newspapers hire delivery drivers (private contractors actually) to deliver your paper and the time will come that you will pay extra to get a paper bill in the mail. Congress sure did leave the post office out to dry this last session didn't they? Congress has been dicking around with talk of cutting a delivery day from the PO, but meanwhile the PO just missed ANOTHER 5.6 BILLION dollar payment.   

I have been saying for 10 yrs. to make stamps a dollar and be done with it. The Internet with electronic billing and pay has killed the PO and they should have seen that coming 15 yrs. ago. 

http://bottomline.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/01/14172202-postal-service-misses-another-5-billion-payment-blames-congress

[Fins4ever]

Don't take this the wrong way. But do you suffer from some sort of memento style amnesia?

That was not very nice and totally uncalled for.

[Fau Teixeira]

That was not very nice and totally uncalled for.

I wasn't trying to put you down.. you made a comment and then made the exact opposite point 5 posts later .. i was just wondering if in fact there was a legitimate medical condition involved .. like amnesia .. or multiple personalities that would account for that.

[Spider-Dan]

So other than a health issue or life risking problem in pregnancy, you consider normal pregnancy a health problem ?

Without proper healthcare, pregnancy (a temporary condition, mind you) can lead to very serious problems, up to and including death for both the mother and the child.

It seems ridiculous to promote a system in which pregnancy is not covered until you have complications, at which point the coverage is much more expensive and dangerous.  Why not cover pregnancy from the beginning, prevent many of these expensive complications, and ensure better health for mother and child from the start?

But then again, these are many of the same people who argue for the cost savings of denying free birth control to mothers who would be living on gov't benefits if they were to have a child.

[Fins4ever]

I wasn't trying to put you down.. you made a comment and then made the exact opposite point 5 posts later .. i was just wondering if in fact there was a legitimate medical condition involved .. like amnesia .. or multiple personalities that would account for that.

No problem. What point was that? BTW, did I mention that I drink... A LOT?? LOL Being a Dolphin fan, it just comes natural. JK

[Spider-Dan]

No problem. What point was that?

You challenged anyone to mention a program (besides the military) that the gov't is more efficient at than private industry, exactly two posts after mentioning that private prisons in your home state are more expensive and more dangerous than gov't-run prisons.

[Fins4ever]

You challenged anyone to mention a program (besides the military) that the gov't is more efficient at than private industry, exactly two posts after mentioning that private prisons in your home state are more expensive and more dangerous than gov't-run prisons.

Oh, I see the confusion. The reason is because the state has failed to maintain the same standards for private companies as they do government prisons. It is up for debate. Many do believe that privately run prisons are cheaper and more efficient and if held to the same standards, they could be. Our Governor is one.

This could be a problem only evident in my state. Yes, I will admit I would rather have the government run prisons. At least then they would stop importing felons from other states for profit.   

[dolphins4life]

My state, Massachusetts, has taxpayer funded health care for those who can't afford it called Mass Health.  I think all states should adopt this.

[Dave Gray]

So other than a health issue or life risking problem in pregnancy, you consider normal pregnancy a health problem ?

Yes.  It's a health issue, absolutely.  It requires medical treatment and care.

[badger6]

Without proper healthcare, pregnancy (a temporary condition, mind you) can lead to very serious problems, up to and including death for both the mother and the child.

It seems ridiculous to promote a system in which pregnancy is not covered until you have complications, at which point the coverage is much more expensive and dangerous.  Why not cover pregnancy from the beginning, prevent many of these expensive complications, and ensure better health for mother and child from the start?

But then again, these are many of the same people who argue for the cost savings of denying free birth control to mothers who would be living on gov't benefits if they were to have a child.

Yes.  It's a health issue, absolutely.  It requires medical treatment and care.

And abortion should be included in that care ? That's just silly. If people are not trying to have a child when having sex, then that sex is nothing but a recreational activity. If the government is going to pay for results that kind of recreational activity. Then maybe they can pay peoples mortgages and light bills when they spend all their money on lottery tickets, going to the casino, or smoking crack. All of which are recreational activities. Hell, at least with the casino or lottery you have a chance of winning. When irresponsible people have recreational sex, there is no "chance of winning". The taxpayer should not be on the hook for an abortion for some whore to fuck around and to get her rocks off. Do you people ever believe in people being responsible for their own actions and choices in life ?

[Dave Gray]

Health care is health care.

Abortions won't be covered, but in my ideal world where I'm king, they would be.  It's a moot point fantasy, however.

[Fins4ever]

Personally, I am pro life so naturally I am against abortion regardless who pays. However, if the government foots the tab, it should come with the stipulation that "momma be fixed" so it is a one time deal.

[badger6]

Health care is health care.

Abortions won't be covered, but in my ideal world where I'm king, they would be.  It's a moot point fantasy, however.

Personally, I am Pro-I-Don't-Give-A-Shit either way about abortion. It's been legal since I was born, so that's that. If people want one, go get one, it ain't my business as long as my tax dollars don't pay for it. Abortion in cases of a voluntary abortion is not health care, it's health convenience. And even though it's hypothetical and they won't be covered, the thought of what you said made me say, "WTF?". For me it's more the thought process of how people come up with such silly things. When and if too many people start thinking like this this whole country is doomed, if it isn't already. My point is, ADULTS should be responsible for their own actions and choices in life. 

Personally, I am pro life so naturally I am against abortion regardless who pays. However, if the government foots the tab, it should come with the stipulation that "momma be fixed" so it is a one time deal.

Actually, in that situation, if the father of the child is known he should be fixed also. Kill 2 birds with one scalpel....