IRC log started Thu May 5 19:55:52 2005
-:- slack [jhansen@subgenius.xmission.com] has joined #pashdown
pashdown	Hello
slack	'ello
pashdown	I didn't send out an announcement today to the list, so I don't know if anyone else is going to show.
Clarity	I'm here but also in Craig's chat
pashdown	Its at the same time?
Clarity	Couldn't be helped - he had no other night free but the announcement was so far ahead in advance we're not seeing much movement
pashdown	ah
Clarity	Sorry about that. I left a note in here but I guess you didn't see it.
pashdown	probably a good idea to do it before the convention too
Clarity	We wanted a last chance for questions and answers with the delegates
Clarity	Are you going to the JJ dinner?
pashdown	yes I am
Clarity	Good I'll see you there
pashdown	should be fun
Clarity	I think so! I'm also meeting Sen. Reid before hand at a private reception - will you be there for that as well?
pashdown	yes
Clarity	Great!
-:- Web792 [www-data@pashdown.org] has joined #pashdown
pashdown	Hello
-:- Topic (#pashdown): changed by pashdown: Scheduled chat is on
-:- Topic (#pashdown): changed by pashdown: Ask a question
pashdown	welp, i'm going to run
Clarity	Have a good one Pete. See you tomorrow
-:- Jstin [www-data@pashdown.org] has joined #pashdown
pashdown	hello jstin
Clarity	spoke too soon, eh?
Jstin	Hello
pashdown	Do you have a question?
Jstin	Just thought I'd drop in to get a feel for the positions that you might focus on.
pashdown	I think Health Care, Technology, and Privacy are the big three
pashdown	there are others like nuclear weapons and testing and patent reform
Jstin	As far as the current national healthcare crisis is concerned, have you seen any ideas on what to do alleviate escalating costs?
pashdown	I've been looking at single-payer, and I think a regulated private version of single-payer would be much better.
pashdown	Or allowing co-ops of businesses to do their own insurance.
pashdown	I've learned that the U.S. spends more on healthcare per capita than other countries, and yet we're not as healthy or as covered.
Jstin	It's amazing that other countries have a national healthcare system and still that statistic is true and millions of Americans are not covered.
pashdown	Supposedly 18,000+ Americans die due to lack of insurance a year.
pashdown	and 75% of the uninsured are employed
pashdown	and/or children of the employed
pashdown	I think that Health Care should be the #1 issue in America right now, and I think most Americans agree with me.
pashdown	Regardless of their political orientation.
Jstin	I think that's a large misconception rigtht now, is that "The uninsured" are generally unemployed.  Too many small employers are having to drop their health coverage to stay in business.
pashdown	Its also a problem for people who want to start businesses, they can't leave their current employer to do so, because they can't afford the healthcare.
Jstin	Even GM right now apparently is struggling because of their employee healthcare costs.  And if GM is struggling....
Jstin	It's incredibly difficult to be competitive in this global marketplace when we're competing with countries that the government is covering the bulk of healthcare expenses.
pashdown	Good point
Jstin	I'm not that familiar with Single Payer or private single payer plans.  What are the basics?
pashdown	Both represent a single entity that works with hospitals and for-fee providers in place of the current insurance structure.
pashdown	The entity could either be governmental or a regulated non-profit.
pashdown	The entity then works with providers and gives them payments based on their operating budgets.
pashdown	There is no billing incurred
Jstin	Sounds al lot simpler than the simpler mess we're in.
pashdown	So, cutting out the adminstrative fights between doctors, insurance, and all their attorneys cuts costs dramatically.
pashdown	And everyone gets covered.
pashdown	The thing that is not clear to me about single payer is how optional procedures are considered or what requirements are considered for treatment, like a second opinion.
pashdown	What I'm sure of is that its infinitely better than what we have now.
Jstin	What issues do you think you will be able to pull republican voters over on?
pashdown	Health Care, Privacy, and Transportation are what I think are important issues to Utah conservatives.
pashdown	I also think just being close to Utah is important too.
Jstin	It's amazing how divided the political climate is when it's such common issues that are in crisis.  We should be more united now than ever.
pashdown	Yeah, I'd like to see more unity in America too, but I don't know what the recipe is for that one.
pashdown	Where do you live Jstin?
Jstin	Taylorsville
pashdown	Isn't Taylorsville "pay-as-you-go"?
Jstin	We just moved here from salt lake 2 weeks ago, not sure.
pashdown	ah
pashdown	I met the mayor during the UTOPIA hearings and she was very sharp.
pashdown	Do you have any other thoughts or questions?
Jstin	No thanks for your time.  I hope to be involved in volunteering with your campaign when things into full swing.
pashdown	Sign up for the email list if you haven't already.
Jstin	I have thanks.
pashdown	Thank you for your questions.
-:- SignOff Clarity: #pashdown ()
pashdown	I'm going to wrap the chat for tonight.  Adios all.
IRC log ended Thu May 5 20:54:52 2005

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