George Bush Doesn't Care about the Children

Browsing through my BBC newsfeed this morning, I came across the following item:

Child health bill faces Bush veto

The US Senate has overwhelmingly passed a bill to expand a children's health care insurance scheme, setting up a policy showdown with President Bush.

Mr Bush has threatened to veto the bill which he argues takes the programme beyond its original purpose of insuring children from low-income families.

The legislation would raise tobacco taxes to provide an extra $35bn (£17bn) to insure some 10 million children.

I am a non smoker, so the tax would not affect me, but I think it's a good idea. Maybe even expand it a little and start taxing soda sales. I'll pay $1.59 for a coke if that means children get health insurance.

Unfortunately, the bill is not a done deal:

The SCHIP was set up to help working families who could not afford private health insurance but who earned too much to qualify for Medicaid - the government health care programme for the poor.

Opponents of the legislation said the increase in funding was too large and expanded government-subsidised health care.

They also accused the legislation's backers of attempting to win political points ahead of 2008's presidential and congressional elections.

"Democrats are counting down the hours so they can tee up the election ads saying Republicans don't like kids," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"Meanwhile, they're using SCHIP as a Trojan horse to sneak government-run health care into the states," the Associated Press quoted him as saying.

Sponsors of the legislation rejected criticism that it would expand coverage to families of four earning up to $83,000.

The criticisms don't hold water in my book. Looking at the figure quoted, it seems very very high - how could someone who makes $83,000 a year not be able to afford health insurance?

Unfortunately, quite easily. Assuming you live in a major metropolitan area, salaries are high - but so is the cost of living. So that $83,000 for a family of four does not explain the realities of what it costs to feed and clothe a family - particularly if you are one of the millions of independent contractors who has to pay for insurance out of their own pocket.

So, if your 80K is tagged for rent (40%) and taxes (25%), you are really only working with $28,000 a year. Now account for food, clothing, and transportation across 4 people, with $28,000. See? The situation starts to look bleak.

And with independent health care options for a family of four STARTING at around $350 a month (esurance has some current quotes) it is no wonder why people banking $80K might struggle trying to afford the crippling cost of insurance.

I am surprised at the short memory of President Bush. At the beginning of this year, the DC area was shocked at the revelation that a child had died for the lack of proper dental care. The child had an abscess in his tooth which allowed bacteria to seep into his brain. Due to limited finances, his mother had to choose which child could receive emergency dental care - his brother was deemed a higher risk.

Fund the damn bill.

Is Cultural Assimilation Even Possible?

The Washington Post provided an article on Bush's new immigration task force:

Ruiz's idea lies at the heart of a question that has recently entered the national immigration debate, one some researchers say is important as new trends challenge old integration patterns: Should the government encourage assimilation?

The Bush administration is taking steps to do that. The Task Force on New Americans, created by executive order last year, recently presented initiatives that supporters say will help immigrants "become fully American."

Among the government initiatives is a Web site to direct immigrants to information on benefits, English classes and volunteer work. Another site offers resources for English and citizenship-test teachers. More than 12,000 copies of a tool kit containing civics flashcards and a welcome guide in English and Spanish have been distributed to libraries. This fall, the government has scheduled eight regional training conferences for civics and citizenship instructors. The task force is to deliver more recommendations to President Bush after convening discussions on assimilation with immigrant advocates, teachers and local officials around the nation.

The push to assimilate is interesting, particularly immigrant perspectives on what it means to be an American.

However, I am beginning to wonder how exactly one defines "American." I think it extends far beyond the simplified definition often given - an English speaking patriot.

With our collection of cultural habits and quirks, what does it mean to be uniquely American?

Why Bush Isn't Impeached Yet

Salon.com explains the situation much better than I can:

http://www.salon.com/opinion/kamiya/2007/05/22/impeachment/?source=rss

A Nobel Peace Prize Will Not Earn the Respect of the GOP

The Washington Post just broke an article (see title link) quoting former President Jimmy Carter as saying Bush was "the worst in history" when it came to fostering international relations.

The Post article quotes Carter's interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, in which Carter generally rips Dubya a new one on most of standout actions of his presidency. The War in Iraq, environmental initiatives, the dubious "faith based initiatives" program, and the failure to continue with peace talks in Israel.

The Post contacted Amber Wilkerson,the spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, who responded:

"Apparently, Sunday mornings in Plains for former President Carter includes hurling reckless accusations at your fellow man," said Amber Wilkerson, Republican National Committee spokeswoman. She said that it was hard to take Carter seriously because he also "challenged Ronald Reagan's strategy for the Cold War."

It appears that Republicans are working really hard to ignore all facts in the case of the Presidency. Bush fucked up. Seriously. On multiple initiatives. With the 2008 elections staring us in the face, when are Republicans going to wake up and realize that their credibility is being flushed down the toilet? Undying loyalty in the face of failure is a noble thing, but it is also foolish - it ruins the reputation of all involved.

What this says to me, a vocal voter, is that Republicans refuse to take responsibility for their actions in office. That they are willing to sink with the ship, that they are willing to squander all the positive gains their party made in 2000. It is sad. And disheartening.

To the Democrats: the Republicans are handing you the 2008 elections on a silver platter. Please do not squander this opportunity.