The insurance industry is 'punishing' the American people for passing health care reform. I have never seen Michael this distressed before. Not even during his filming of "Slacker Uprising" when he was hoping to stem the propaganda by the Bush/Rove campaign during 2004 have I noted him this stressed by news of exploitation of the Ameican people.
Mike tends to take his role in any movement exceptionally seriously and the fact the insurance industry is exploiting the passage of landmark legislation for 'unfair' profit margins 'while the taking is good,' isn't just morally reprehensible, I am fairly certain there are laws already 'on the books' that can prosecute the CEOs for price gouging.
I believe this is the article Mike is referring to in his speech while attending a meeting in Canada.
Drug Makers Raise Prices in Face of Health Care Reform (click title to entry - thank you)
By DUFF WILSON
Published: November 15, 2009
Even as drug makers promise to support Washington’s health care overhaul by shaving $8 billion a year off the nation’s drug costs after the legislation takes effect, the industry has been raising its prices at the fastest rate in years....
I actually don't mind if an industry 'assists' the passage of a law by providing effective language and measures that will uphold the 'spirit' of the law. But. I certainly don't expect any industry, especially those already doing business with the American government, to exploit any bill for unfair profits that provide hardships for future generations of Americans. No, no.
I am almost certain when Attorney General Holder examines the laws of the USA, especially when it is related to businesses that contract with the USA government, there are provisions to stop exploitation of the USA Treasury. There has to be. It protects the sovereignty of the country. This isn't going to be tolerated.
The Senate needs to place a provision in their bill that can go to reconciliation with the House Bill to provide the freedom the Attorney General needs to prosecute those that have viewed this legislative period as an opportunity for "Wind Fall Profits." The 'discount' the pharmaceutical companies have 'pledged' to MUST be based upon the prices they charged a day before the election of 2008.
Health Care is an essential service. Any CEO of any company noted to be exploiting any essential service to the people of this country needs to be prosecuted along with the Board of Directors/Trustees.
We have an expression in my circle of friends. "Everyone has got to try, I guess." There are a lot of reasons for folks to try to override concerns of Conservationists and use all kinds of ruthless measures to do so, but, when it comes right down to it and the truth is told it becomes a matter of 'morals' and 'decency.'
So.
This is just one of those 'Everyone has got to try, I guess." moments. They can try, but, they can't succeed. It's okay.
When 'the innnocent' of any circumstance seems short sighted and 'the fools' it is because they don't have evil thoughts while those that exploit do.
It will be alright.
"Everyone has got to try, I guess."
I don't see that 13 million people NOT having health care insurance after the passage of these bills is acceptable. I am sure it was an oversight by someone.
The 'overcharging' any health care related industry plans? It is basically extortion!
