Op Ed: Kitzhaber Plan Can Rescue Oregon and Lead USA To Defeat Healthcare Burden

Healthcare has become the dominating deadly disease in every state’s “non-deficit budgeting” demand.

(BEND, Ore.) - Like an invasive and overwhelming infection of the entire body-politic, the healthcare quandary has evolved into a definite threat to ongoing programs in existence, while defeating most “medicines” however carefully administered.

Due to intolerable increasing dollar-drains at every level, every state in this nation now faces an obviously impossible task: To provide moral and management-demanded dollars to defend desperate needs by many more citizens; as thousands in every state find themselves unable to provide for themselves.

Major causes are economic conditions beyond the abilities to compensate open to most citizens.

No state can operate on deficit-finance. Budgets must be balanced –as required both by law and common-sense management.

Yet today’s healthcare costs via Medicaid --serving only partial populations in every state-- are running for some states more than the combined costs of primary and secondary education. (See Reader Note below for documentation.)

The modern developments in both societal and world commercial and business trends have created --once again!!-- an impossible situation for all concerned: Healthcare costs driven inexorably upwards by economic pressures; while past remedial operations have clearly failed to heal the problem; and, via unforeseen consequence, have inevitably added to the now rapidly-increasing burdens.

That situation arises from past legislative failures at every level, starting with national politics-driven “law” more than fifty years ago; and exacerbated by well-meaning but ill-advised legislative compliance with overwhelming pressures brought to bear by citizen groups.

“Tax reform” set up a half-century ago caused over-consumption by some, unfairly paid-for by others. Medicaid --one of the heaviest State-level costs-- has fared the same fate due to forbidden deficit-funding at state level.

Medicare, meant to assist 65-and-older citizens, then suffering from poverty, is now engulfed by the same group --become the wealthiest in the nation.

Each powerful-pressuring group has been intent on only a part of the huge overall problem-created by all-of-the-above. Each has brought about partial practice paying off part of the problem; while primarily protracting and promoting even further desperate demand and deep failures to provide practical provision for solution.

Fortunately Oregon has been blessed by a practical doctor with personal/professional experience from which to build a highly useful and motivating plan to face up directly to all parts of this issue wisely and well.

Former Governor John Kitzhaber’s ARCHIMEDES PROJECT --laid out in excruciating detail for our own Legislature in Senate Bill 27, the Oregon Better Health Act, has provided an excellent plan for action both by Oregon NOW and the national Congress later.

Kitzhaber and associates make the absolutely essential point that this plan provides an inevitably-demanded wise process for Oregon citizen participation in building the plan properly --for both coverage and costs.

Thoughtful and experienced professionals have now wisely and well compared the consequences of some healthcare planning to the famed “Three Blind Men Meet An Elephant” story: Where each blind man feels part of the elephant but only one wise-one really understands the size-and-shape of the huge beast.

What seems to many observers now even more meaningful is comparison to a python inexorably squeezing both State and personal resources; in very threatening coils of constant change and complexity; with dreadful and deadly consequences unless rapidly released.

The already-serious consequences are rapidly now approaching near-death impact on far too many of our citizens and their families. Too many, too frequently, now find themselves unavoidably evading and avoiding that dreaded-costly visit to the physician; or the specialist, or the other-care provider; all of whom in turn find themselves charging more; and losing both clients and compensation.

Those economic pressures thus not only deprive those most needing these services, but unavoidably also threatens the economic viability for those very service-providers so badly needed.

What SB 27A, now in the full Ways & Means Committee, proposes is plain, proper, prompt and comprehensive coverage --built as rapidly as possible while wisely considering complete aspects-demanded.

Here’s how: It is a PLAN for a PROCESS, providing Oregon citizens with a full year of direct public involvement via six forums specifically created for that purpose.

It clearly recognizes the complexities and the necessities to avoid further unforeseen consequences, and provide means and mechanisms for so doing. It provides a conceptual structure for a new system while assuring comprehensive consideration of all possible components --and their costs.

It involves individuals directly and responsibly in all consideration of their own healthcare solutions.

It directly challenges the existing and highly ineffective federal concept of categorical eligibility.

Thus is created a detailed structure within which a new system can be developed --one worthy of Oregon’s new determination to “Fly With Her Own Wings!”

When the Oregon Legislature accepts and endorses this one, then we will have also a fair and rational new pattern for national healthcare change-and-reform --ready to guide and support the now-essential reform we MUST have at national level, and SOON. +++++++++++++++

Reader Note: A comprehensive background on these rising healthcare costs, and their consequences, is provided by an Op Ed in The STATESMAN JOURNAL today (18 May 07). See: “In search of a sustainable healthcare system for Oregon”, by Mike Benedetto. He was Executive Director, Oregon Health Policy Commission, consultant to Oregon Senate GOP Caucus; and is now VP, Planning/Development, Clear Choice Health Plans, in Bend.

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Hank Ruark May 21, 2007 5:47 am (Pacific time)

To all: Honest dialog by responsible persons can produce precisely the process-product designed and defined by what former Gov.Kitzhaber and many fully informed associates have given us here. Will we have wisdom, wit, and will enough to use it ? That desirable outcome now rests with all the rest of you who can shape your own fate.

ALBERT MARNELL May 20, 2007 3:22 pm (Pacific time)

SHIRLEY, I UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERN. GET RID OF THE CENTRAL BANKERS AND THEIR ILLEGAL ARM--THE I.R.S. AND THERE WILL BE MONEY FOR EVERYONE. ALSO, BUSH MET WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA AND FOX OF MEXICO IN 2005. THE PLAN TO DO AWAY WITH THE BORDERS WAS ESSENTIALLY AGREED ON AND NOT ONE MAINSTREAM MEDIA FOCUSED ON THIS. WHY? BECAUSE MAINSTREAM MEDIA IS OWNED BY GLOBALISTS LIKE RUPPERT MURDOCH AND THE OTHER THREE MULTINATIONALS THAT CONTROL 99% OF ALL MEDIA IN THIS COUNTRY. THE INTERNET IS THE ONLY PLACE TO FIND FACT. FORGET THE TELEVISION AND NEWSPAPERS.....IT IS ALL CITIZEN KANE. BREAK THE HABIT OF MSM AND EVERYONE WILL WAKE UP AND CLEAN UP THIS COUNTRY AND HOPEFULLY THE WORLD.

SHIRLEY KITZHABER May 20, 2007 1:29 pm (Pacific time)

ILLEGAL ALIENS WILL COST THIS COUNTRY TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS IF THE SENATE IMMIGRATION BILL BECOMES LAW (SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, FOOD STAMPS AND ON AND ON. THIS INCLUDES FACTORING THE SS TAXES THEY PAY). NOT WANTING A NON-CITIZEN TO BENEFIT FROM ANY PROGRAM ESTABLISHED FOR CITIZENS IS HARDLY OUT OF LINE, EXCEPT FOR THE OPEN BORDER TYPES WHO DON'T REALLY LIKE AMERICA TO BEGIN WITH. TO CLARIFY ONCE AGAIN, YES WE NEED ALL ARE CITIZENS COVERED BY HEALTH CARE, IT IS NOT ONLY THE RIGHT THING TO DO, BUT ALSO HIGHLY COST EFFECTIVE, BUT FORMER GOVERNOR KITZHABER HAS NO IDEA WHAT HE IS DOING NOR DO THE CURRENT LEGISLATOR'S CURRENTLY IN POWER. THEY ARE CHILDREN!

Albert Marnell May 20, 2007 1:43 am (Pacific time)

One last thing Shirley, I wouldn't compare deer to people. You are comparing Latinos and other PEOPLE to dumb animals. By the way, I love deer stew but only had it twice in my life. Tried bear steak but it was too gamey tasting. Frog Legs not my cup of tea but do like snails. I always wanted to try rabbit.

Albert Marnell May 19, 2007 10:14 pm (Pacific time)

To Shirley, I say this with 100% confidence. If we abolish the private banking corporation known as the Federal Reserve and it's non-ratified arm...the I.R.S. there will be more money around for the all people then you can imagine. Corporate Taxes cover military expenses. Taxes on your wages just goes to the private global bankers to pay the interest on the national debt. The I.R.S. is a fraud. Hopefully it will be destroyed. The I.R.S. is the arm of the Central Bank....the Federal Reserve....privately owned and not part of the government. All Central Banks are privately owned and all western nations have been defrauded starting with the most famous banking family...The Rothchilds. Read about Mayer Rothchild and the history of his family. Read about the Fraud of Jekyl Island in 1913 and the creation of a private banking cartel which essentially took over the United States. America: Freedom to Fascism may be on a google video...see it...by Aaron Russo. There are many documentaries that are available only on the internet and some libraries that tell the people what our leaders dare not tell us directly. The Private Central Bankers own all countries, control their industry and choose who will run for office. The Bundesbank, The Bank of England, The Bank of Canada, The Bank of Australia, The Bank of Japan are all private banking cartels that must be ABOLISHED. They are at the root of most global conflict because no matter how they steer global policy; they profit immensely from it. In order to finance the Civil War, powerful bankers wanted to charge 36%. President Lincoln fought them and the Greenback was created. The real reason for his assassination is his refusal to give the owners of the world what they wanted. President Kennedy wanted to abolish the Federal Reserve that was corruptly created in 1913; that is why he was assassinated. Assassination attempts have been attempted on other people that have tried to depower these private Central Banks. Remember, there is no written law that says you have to pay income taxes. Some people have refused and a few have won. Most go to prison with a gun pointed at their heads. The I.R.S. is the non-ratified arm of the Federal Reserve which steals your money from your labor to pay the interest to the private global bankers. Corporate tax covers military expense, gas tax covers highways, school tax comes out of your property tax, police are paid out of your property tax as is your local libary. The Central Private Bank Called The Federal Reserve Is A FRAUD as is THE INFERNAL REVENUE. We need money with some backing, not money created out of nothing. Many documentaries on the Federal Reserve and the I.R.S. are only on the internet because Ruppert Murdoch, Disney, and the other two control all main stream media.

Uninsured in Oregon May 19, 2007 4:21 pm (Pacific time)

I can't believe anyone would put healthcare and that "us poor white people" angle in the same discussion. Shirley must be really out of touch with reality if she thinks we all don't need healthcare. Every person, every age, every color- what's so hard to get? So, it costs money. Surprised? SO WHAT? You have to care about your fellow man first, take a crack at that. Then, you could actually help the situation, and use all of those ideas you apparently have to try to find a a doable solution. If you CARED to do more than complain! It's a strange way to make things better. But that's not your point is it? You're just worried about someone from Mexico costing you a nickle. Has it crossed your mind how incredibly shallow that is?

Hank Ruark May 19, 2007 12:59 pm (Pacific time)

To all: Even more dangerous is closed-mind attitude built on questionable lack of fact. Has Shirley read the bill, discussed with Dr. K, appeared at hearings ? What's her expertise which qualifies her for such misleading statement, made with no quoted-wording from bill nor any other documentation ? Credibility depends on what's behind and under it for foundation and shaping support. What's yours, Shirley ?

SHIRLEY KITZHABER May 19, 2007 12:39 pm (Pacific time)

BEWARE OF THE OPEN BORDER MENTALITY YOU SEE EXPRESSED BELOW. A HEALTH PLAN IS NEEDED FOR ALL CITIZENS, NO ONE ELSE, OR THE PLAN WILL BE DOA.

Hank Ruark May 19, 2007 11:53 am (Pacific time)

To all: For further footnote, see "PEANUTS"-strip today !

Hank Ruark May 19, 2007 11:06 am (Pacific time)

To all: All sympathy for Shirley, who surely needs it; but six forums surely provide deep opportunity for solid study by other humans. IF she prefers to cull the group, perhaps she will bring instrument for that purpose, and thus express her personal understandings of what any religion and/or rational, reasonable commonsense dialog will teach: We all live in the same world, and must care for each other (unless we do still cull by race, per bloody history we should have outgrown in past 50 years.) How and when and with what we act is surely open to democratic dialog and decision --and that is the process sought here, for reasonable application of monies now being spent anyhow.

SHIRLEY KITZHABER May 19, 2007 8:20 am (Pacific time)

When whites (think "all" American citizens here, regardless of race/ethnic background!!) engage in favoritism toward other whites (and therefore discrimination against non-whites), it’s called “racism.” When other groups engage in favoritism, it’s called “ethnic solidarity.” When whites object to Jewish favoritism, it’s called “anti-semitism.” When you buy into these word games, it’s called being a useful idiot. OREGONIAN'S REJECT THIS KITZHABER LEGISLATION SCHEME, WE CAN DO BETTER IF IT IS ASSURED THAT ONLY AMERICAN CITIZENS RECEIVE MEDICAL SERVICES, IF NON-CITIZENS RECEIVE IT, THEN ALL MEDICAL SERVICES FOR ALL WILL CEASE TO EXIST! (no amount of tax increases can fund this system. Consider that if the deer population is not occasionally culled, then the entire deer population will die off. The same is true for Kitzhaber's health plan, it will bankrupt all future medical services unless illegal aliens are culled from his plan. Kitzhaber is incompetent in understanding the unintended consequences of his plan, as is (obviously) the author of this article.

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Op Ed:
Kitzhaber Plan
Can Rescue Oregon and Lead USA
To Defeat Healthcare Burden

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