While I agree that tax reform is needed, and more responsible spending by our legislators undertaken, I can't agree with any kind of "tax capping," as proposed by TABOR, for the foreseeable future. Before anyone asks, yes I am one of those "teacher" types. Currently, I am working in a school that has an administrator from the State of California. Prop 13, enacted upon such tax capping measures and republican reform (not the party, but the form of gov't) crippled the education system in California as we all have heard. This administrator, whom I admire greatly, also has a child in our school. The obvious deficiencies in this child's education are glaring. Basic spelling, grammar and math skills slipped through the cracks of this child's education in the Californian system. Now that this child is in high school, it may be too late to learn these basic skills. I am not proposing that all children educated in the State of California fall into this category, but if the child of one administrator falls into this category, how many thousands of other children have been neglected by the Californian system because of legislation such as Prop 13, and now TABOR. What I fear is that personal responsibility as consumers in society is taking a back seat to legislative reform. I still see people waltzing around with brand new Blackberries...still see people driving those monstrously expensive, gas guzzling SUVs...and still see people filling Fishbones, Starbucks and other similar luxury service industry businesses. Add up that $4 coffee bill you spend, everyday, throughout the course of a year ($1424 for those not doing the math)...how far would that daily cup of coffee go towards your property tax bill? I've said before...and I'll say again...that we Maine citizens want to legislate every little problem/dilemma we have. Distracted driver laws, smoking laws (meaning smokers can't be responsible/polite enough to not blow it in your face), hunting, fishing...now taxation. Why can we not be responsible enough to take it upon ourselves to change? Why do we constantly need gov't to do these things for us? What a sad state of affairs Maine is in...not completely because of its gov't...but also because of its citizens.
I've lived in Korea for the past four years as an educator, and I am a participant in the national health care system that is provided here. My total premium is about $125.00 USD per month, half of which is paid by my employer. I can walk into any hospital or doctor's office, in any location in this country and receive care with a very small co-pay. Even some of my dental procedures have been covered or partially covered under this system. Recently, I did go to the hospital for a pretty nasty bout of the flu, I paid about $12 for the hospital visit, $4 for some blood tests, and about $20 for a load of meds. I was seen immediately and had minimal waiting time. Ooops, even forgot about my IV, which I didn't directly pay for. All in all, about 4 hours, less than $40, and I'm feeling a lot better already. Two years ago, I had a minor knee injury, and since I have a history of knee problems, I elected for an MRI. I waited 24 hours, paid $250 approx, and even have a DVD ROM of the results that I can take to other doctors if necessary. Currently, I am undergoing a root canal/crown procedure with my dentist. My usual co-pay is about $4 per visit, and I am paying a total of about $725.00 for the crown since it is not covered under my national plan. Many people here buy supplementary plans that assist with many of these costs, and these supplemental plans are much cheaper than what we have available back in the states. And for those of you who are thinking that Korea is some kind of developing/backwater country...be reminded that this is the world's 13th largest economy. If it can be done here, efficiently, cheaply, and without a lack of quality...what's the problem with the U.S.?
Tony602's Comments
While I agree that tax
While I agree that tax reform is needed, and more responsible spending by our legislators undertaken, I can't agree with any kind of "tax capping," as proposed by TABOR, for the foreseeable future. Before anyone asks, yes I am one of those "teacher" types. Currently, I am working in a school that has an administrator from the State of California. Prop 13, enacted upon such tax capping measures and republican reform (not the party, but the form of gov't) crippled the education system in California as we all have heard. This administrator, whom I admire greatly, also has a child in our school. The obvious deficiencies in this child's education are glaring. Basic spelling, grammar and math skills slipped through the cracks of this child's education in the Californian system. Now that this child is in high school, it may be too late to learn these basic skills. I am not proposing that all children educated in the State of California fall into this category, but if the child of one administrator falls into this category, how many thousands of other children have been neglected by the Californian system because of legislation such as Prop 13, and now TABOR. What I fear is that personal responsibility as consumers in society is taking a back seat to legislative reform. I still see people waltzing around with brand new Blackberries...still see people driving those monstrously expensive, gas guzzling SUVs...and still see people filling Fishbones, Starbucks and other similar luxury service industry businesses. Add up that $4 coffee bill you spend, everyday, throughout the course of a year ($1424 for those not doing the math)...how far would that daily cup of coffee go towards your property tax bill? I've said before...and I'll say again...that we Maine citizens want to legislate every little problem/dilemma we have. Distracted driver laws, smoking laws (meaning smokers can't be responsible/polite enough to not blow it in your face), hunting, fishing...now taxation. Why can we not be responsible enough to take it upon ourselves to change? Why do we constantly need gov't to do these things for us? What a sad state of affairs Maine is in...not completely because of its gov't...but also because of its citizens.
Yet another reason why I
Yet another reason why I left Maine to teach in Korea. Good luck Auburn teachers!!
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I've lived in Korea for the
I've lived in Korea for the past four years as an educator, and I am a participant in the national health care system that is provided here. My total premium is about $125.00 USD per month, half of which is paid by my employer. I can walk into any hospital or doctor's office, in any location in this country and receive care with a very small co-pay. Even some of my dental procedures have been covered or partially covered under this system. Recently, I did go to the hospital for a pretty nasty bout of the flu, I paid about $12 for the hospital visit, $4 for some blood tests, and about $20 for a load of meds. I was seen immediately and had minimal waiting time. Ooops, even forgot about my IV, which I didn't directly pay for. All in all, about 4 hours, less than $40, and I'm feeling a lot better already. Two years ago, I had a minor knee injury, and since I have a history of knee problems, I elected for an MRI. I waited 24 hours, paid $250 approx, and even have a DVD ROM of the results that I can take to other doctors if necessary. Currently, I am undergoing a root canal/crown procedure with my dentist. My usual co-pay is about $4 per visit, and I am paying a total of about $725.00 for the crown since it is not covered under my national plan. Many people here buy supplementary plans that assist with many of these costs, and these supplemental plans are much cheaper than what we have available back in the states. And for those of you who are thinking that Korea is some kind of developing/backwater country...be reminded that this is the world's 13th largest economy. If it can be done here, efficiently, cheaply, and without a lack of quality...what's the problem with the U.S.?