[bomelia]

Look, nobody is going to change anybody's mind here. Ernie has been consistent on his position. Where he tends to be a bit disengenous is in saying this is not socialism or "socialized medicine". Why? I have no idea. Perhaps not enough centering ideas have been allowed to enter his mind. Its no different with radical conservatives (neo-nazis, klan, etc). BTW, I am NOT comparing them to Ernie... just trying to make a point. Nobody wants to admit they are wrong. Not even me.

The socialist mantra is "To each according to his need, from each according to his ability". If this does not fit the health care reform, nothing does.

Nobody will admit there is NO money to pay for this. Just an annoying little problem that will get solved later. How? Higher taxes on those according to their ability so those with needs can have those needs met.

But in the end, I don't believe folks like Ernie sit around fretting about those whose needs are not being met. They are fretting about their own needs not being met. And that is why centering ideas will never enter their minds. And it is also why they will never consider the error in judgment.

"Yes, I want my needs met. I cannot do it myself. Or, I am unwilling to do it myself. But that sounds selfish, right? So lets frame it in the needs of OTHERS not being met". It just sounds so much more egalitarian, huh?

Ernie, read Atlas Shrugged. The ideas are more than centering. It will give you a perspective you have never had before. It will not change your mind.

Mike