Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

Your opportunity to put your two cents on Democratic platform

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Unfortunately, the closest regional hearing for us is today and tomorrow in DC, but there are ways to provide online testimony if you wish.

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  1. We need to strike the word “Affordable” when referring to health care rights. A right is a legal or moral entitlement and an entitlement is help provided by the government.
    The word “affordable” refers to markets, where goods and services are bought and sold. If a right is “affordable”, by definition I do not have it and must purchase it from others.
    Would we say we supported “affordable” women’s rights, “affordable” gay rights, “affordable” minority rights? No. If it is a right, it is not for sale and cannot be bought.
    “Affordable Rights” is an oxymoron at best and at worst, surrendering control of our health care “rights” to the corporations that control it, sell it, and profit from it.

    • I mean … you have to “afford” it one way or another, either via taxes, pre-payment via premiums, or just paying for the service. Docs get paid.

      And because medical services prolong life, and everyone wants more life, there will always be controversy w/r/t/ allocation of resources.

      In any event it’s a small but significant change in wording that most Dems/progressives could get behind.

    • Is food a human right? Is housing? Is clothing? I think so. Don’t you?

      Does that mean they should all be free and not exchanged through markets?

      I think “affordable” is just fine. The point is that we should actually implement that, not what we have now. If everyone could afford good healthcare for real, I think everyone would be perfectly satisfied.

  2. Last time there was a major update on the platform, there were hearings across the state. Then a staffer was put in an office to write the document that was voted through while ignoring all the testimony. Is that going to happen again this time?

    • It sounds like you are referring to the state platform, and more specifically the way it was handled in 2009. I was part of the state process in 2013 and I think it was much better. I anticipate hearings on the state platform during the first half of 2017.

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