Health Care Reform

The country is in the middle of a massive debate on reforming health care in America. Terms like "pre-existing condition", " public option", and " socialized medicine" have become part of our public lexicon over the past few months.
The democrats are pushing for reform, the republicans are trying to, at worst, stop it, at best, offer a more subtle reform program. They both agree that the option of doing nothing will be catastrophic for America as the current 17% of GDP will grow to over 22% within the next decade, crippling our ability to sustain our current health care system.
America is ranked 37 in the world for health care by the World Health Organization. We spend 50% more than any other country in the world, yet have higher rates of infant mortality and reduced life expectancy. 80% of all bankruptcies are the result of health care bills.
As we discuss this issue in class, post your opinion of what Congress and the president should do. This can range from a single payer system like Great Britain, to leaving things just as they are.
Discuss the concept that health care is a "right" or "privilege" and what that implies for our policy makers.

American violence/too many guns or guns are irrelevant

We've talked about the horrible crimes of violence in the news; the killings in Milford Mass. and the nursing home massacre last weekend. Are acts such as these the result of too many guns in too many hands or is the issue of guns irrelevant to these acts of random violence? React to this statement one way or another. We know guns don't kill people; people kill people. However, is the easy access to firearms a contributing factor in these horrific acts of violence.
Tell me what you think. You will receive an extra credit grade from 70 to 100 for your post, depending on its substance.

Flagged Coffins

American coffins coming home are draped with flags and escorted by military guard. However, the American public doesn't have access to this because of the military blackout imposed by president Bush. There are a number of reasons for this blackout; from controlling public opinion about the war to protecting individual privacy.
How do you feel about this issue now that president Obama has modified the policy to allow families to decide if they want their loved ones remains photographed and published?