Today's
assignment dictates that I write a critique of some sort over an
opinionated article. This being the case, and in light of the recent
government shutdown over Obamacare, it seems I have no choice but to
weigh in on the issue. After extensive searching, I have finally
found an article to evaluate. This little bit about government control by John Hayward seems to be
heavily rooted in the belief that Barack Obama will only use this
healthcare system to exhibit control over the 99%.
Found
on Redstate.com, a right wing Republican haven for fear mongering
under the guise of political information, this article attacks the
President's policies over healthcare and claims that the imposition
of these new policies will only lead to the destruction of our
freedoms and our new emperor's complete control. It seems that the
author's intended audience is anyone who is afraid of the impending
police state set to terrorize the streets of this “great” nation.
He is urging “independent” citizens to join in the fight against
the coming terror of universal healthcare. This is an attempt like
many others to grab those who are on the fence.
John
Hayward is a political writer who focuses on the agenda for the
Republican party. According to his bio, he started out as a frequent
commenter on other political topics until he decided to make a career
of it. As far as credibility is concerned, I assume it to be right up
there with any other nameless internet blogger. I don't know the man
personally, but he seems to put out a lot of content and has a decent
conservative, Fox News type list of endorsements, such as fellow
right-wing-nut Rush Limbaugh. I would definitely take what he says
with a grain of salt.
Throughout
this article, Mr. Hayward makes his argument against Obamacare by
claiming that this will only lead to more government control. It is
stated that in the future, spending cuts taken from teachers, police
and firemen, will instead come from the healthcare budget. This will
be enforced by higher taxes on lower and middle class people already
struggling to make it by with exorbitant premiums. A tax on those
refusing healthcare is also brought up in point of demonizing this
new aid. Many issues are addressed in order to gain momentum against
this law.
Since
the author has chosen to use no real evidence or provide any external
links to these claims, the reader must make the choice to research or
buy in. Sadly, most will just agree and look no further. I on the
other hand happen to be a critical thinker and have decided to check
at least two other sources. According to Obamacarefacts.com, the
suggested taxes will only be 1% annual taxable income for anyone
choosing not to participate. There is an option to decline coverage,
based on low income or even religious preference that will not incur
the tax. Most of the revenue is reportedly set to come from taxing
medical practitioners and institutions, as well as medicine
manufacturers and even tanning salons. All in all it doesn't sound
too bad.
I
myself will not be participating in Obamacare. I don't go to the
hospital for anything, and if I die then it's just my time. I also
plan on not paying the tax. This doesn't mean I think it is a bad
idea. The medical field in this country has turned into one of the
biggest profiteering ventures anyone has ever had the capability of
taking on. I think that it is time for doctors and hospitals alike to
start giving back what they have been taking for so long. Don't take my word for it, do the research and judge for yourself.
