You have independent medical providers competing against each other for your health care dollars providing incentives for both quality of care and reduced costs.

It might be different if that was how the system worked, but the reality is that you can't have a true free market, because the most of the customers are big companies, not the patients. Also, there are several studies that indicate that as much as 25% of the health-care dollar is spent trying to *not* pay for treatment.

Obviously if he knew it was going to be on the news he would have phrased it better (or not said it at all), but yeesh. Not a shining moment for someone who's best known as a great orator.

I saw a clip of the speech in question, and maybe I saw a part that wasn't as poorly put, but... I thought it came across as thoughtful and sympathetic. Of course, it was while nursing my first cup of coffee so there's that. I think the spin made it sound a lot worse than what he actually said, let alone the tone that he said it in.

Ah well, tomato, tomahto.

To me, the word "cling" in that context is pretty damn condescending, and colors the entire rest of the statement. Not to the extent that Faux News is spinning it, but it does fall under the "NOT HELPING" category of Things I Wish People On My Side Would Not Say/Do.

Jessica, I should clarify that by "Really?" I mean to say, "Huh! It enlarges my view to see that you think it was received that way, I will be keeping that in mind," and not, "What are you, crazy? That's just dumb!"

ETA: Okay, yeah, I see that. "Cling" is not a flattering verb to have used.

I think there's a lot of offense possible just in grouping going to church/buying a gun/hating the Other as things peope do when they've been screwed over.

things people do when they've been screwed over.

I read trashy novels and have stupid conversations with the cats.

I myself turn to the Internet and resentment of neoconservatives.

I think there's a lot of offense possible just in grouping going to church/buying a gun/hating the Other as things peope do when they've been screwed over.

Yeah, but I don't think that's what he meant. I think he meant those have become the political issues of interest because they've given up on economic issues rather than that people start going to church or buy guns because of it.

All good options!

I haven't done any work yet today, other than some neatening and coordinating. It feels awesome, I have to say!

Wisconsin is pretty wild. About a third of my high school graduating class ended up dying from attacks by cougars or the Wisconsin Fresh-water Shark....

We have wolves. Which they are going to start killing again.