OT: Rant: Healthcare and outsourcing

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jlMpJGn28kqCcgU-aGcYE_...

Americans who refuse to buy affordable medical coverage could be hit with fines of more than $1,000 under a health care overhaul bill unveiled Thursday by key Senate Democrats looking to fulfill President Barack Obama's top domestic priority. Families would pay higher penalties than individuals.

In a revamped health care system envisioned by lawmakers, people would be required to carry health insurance just like motorists must get auto coverage now. The government would provide subsidies for the poor and many middle-class families, but those who still refuse to sign up would face penalties.

Called "shared responsibility payments," the fines would be set at least half the cost of basic medical coverage, according to the legislation.

{rant}Taxation without representation. Penalties for not using something not everyone wants (what about alternative health care methods?, you can bet they won't be covered) Carrying health insurance - one step closer to "papers please"... >:( Also, we do not share responsibility for caring for others, at least not in a forced manner. The state is not the seat of responsibility for this type of project.{/rant}

(from an email newsletter I get:)
In 2007, the U.S. imported $207 million worth of fireworks from China (and exported $15 million to the entire world), and imported $4.3 million worth of U.S. flags from China. (Source: Foreign Trade Statistics)

{rant}Why is another country producing the sovereign symbol of our nation? Why are we using goods from another nation (paying another nation) for goods to celebrate our "freedom"? Goods used to celebrate freedom should be made by free people of the free nation...{/rant}