End of Year Entry, Prelude

AT my favorite coffee shop in Denver I found out this morning that they have a "Green Board" for all the regulars who participate in the buy-10-get-one-free perk card that most coffee shops offer, but who don't want to waste paper. So when they come and buy a coffee the barista adds a mark to their name on the board, rather than stamping their card. (I found this out today when I turned in my full card to get my free super-duper drink.)

What I find amazing is how the people who frequent this shop and, probably, other shops like this one, are so different from other people in other pockets of our society. While most people in the U.S. don't know what recycling is, let alone practice it, here I am amidst a small culture of people who are so conscious of diminishing their carbon footprint that they will not even hold a tiny card in their wallet. What I am amazed by is this disparity.

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Obama and the democrats are confident now that their healthcare bill will pass in the next week, now that they figure to have the 60 senatorial votes necessary. Apparently the last one to sign on was Ben Nelson of Nebraska, a moderate democrat who was wary of the already massively diluted bill because of its provisions for a government-run, or public, option among other things. But yesterday the dems coaxed Nelson over to their side with compromises that Harry Reid proudly considers to be "what this legislation is all about."

What's most interesting is what it took to win Nelson over. The compromises included:
-extra Medicaid money to the state of Nebraska
-limits on insurance coverage on abortions, with the option for states to flat-out prohibit coverage on abortions in insurance markets
-replacement of the government-run option with nationwide healthcare plans that would be run by private insurers

All these stipulations were added to appease conservatives. But it should be noted that there were some provisions added to the bill that liberals in Congress are supposed to appreciate:
-new services and funds to be allotted for supporting pregnant teenagers
-additional taxes on those who patronize tanning salons
-taxes on high-income families and profitable private insurance companies

Though Obama will publicly applaud the compromise, as will many supposedly forward-thinking senators, I think it's a pretty sallow bill that does very little, perhaps nothing for the people we originally set out to help. The bill will make it mandatory for everyone in the country to have health insurance, but it will still be unreasonably expensive, will still profit third-parties and middle men motivated by financial gain and lobbying power. Those who are found to not have insurance could be taxed an additional 2% of their income as penalty. Plus it's a victory for those who oppose a woman's right to choose.

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I am unabashedly addicted to books, especially fiction, and as 2009 nears its end I am growing increasingly excited to write a recap of all the books I read this year, with ratings and summaries and so forth. I don't know who reads this blog, and I admit I have really let it go by the wayside, but those who are with me here, I encourage you to join me in reporting on the best and worst books you read over the last twelve months. Maybe a top five or something. Mine will probably be pretty elaborate and I don't expect anyone to be as painstaking and comprehensive if they should choose to do it.

Anyway, expect that to be the next entry you find on IGAB in the coming days.