Annoying Phrases, as Applied to Heath Reform

According to Oxford researchers, the ten most annoying phrases are,

1– At the end of the day

2 – Fairly unique

3 – I personally

4 – At this moment in time

5 – With all due respect

6 – Absolutely

7 – It’s a nightmare

8 – Shouldn’t of

9 – 24/7

10 – It’s not rocket science

To these the latest Marist poll would add,

11- Whatever

12- It is what it is

13- Anyway

14- You know

I don't care what they say, at the end of the day, health reform is the most important issue of our times. It is an absolutely moral imperative, and an economic imperative as well. You might even call it an imperative imperative, since it must be done right now before the end of the year.

Health reform is fairly unique because it involves government and market forces, neither of which seem to work very well.

I personally think at this moment in time, the time has come to fish or cut bait. Go for the public option, or junk the whole thing, and go back to square one.

With all due respect to President Obama and the liberal Democrats, the whole reform thing is absolutely not working. It’s a nightmare.

• Among college graduate, 50% oppose it while only 33% support it.

• Among seniors, 47% “strongly” oppose it, while 27% “strongly” support it.

• Among all of us, 38% approve of Obama’s handling of health care, while 58% disapprove.

• Among independents, 61% think the Obama wants to increase spending too much on health care and other issues, and just 29% think what he is spending is “about right”

This turn of events absolutely shouldn’t of happened. But if you believe the polls, it is happening 24/7. People are making up their own independent minds about what is is. As President Clinton used to say, “It depends on what is is.” Whatever is is people do not like what is is.

This health reform business is not rocket science.

If you pass an individual mandate, you are going to tax the young to pay for the old, and the young invincibles will revolt.

If you cut $500 billion out of Medicare, you will affect the benefits of the old, and only 33% will approve of what you are doing.

Taxing drug companies, health plans, and drug manufacturers to the tune of $129 billion is not a way to win and influence friends among those in the health industry.

Slapping surtaxes on millionaires, raising taxes on small businessmen making over $250,000, and penalizing business through an employment mandate is not going to win over the rich and business community, who supply the jobs.

But come the 2010 midterm elections, whatever is is will be, and as always, it is what it is. President Obama and Congress do not yet know what is is. Whatever. what is is at the end of the day. Anyway. You know, that's the way it is. You know.

Dr. Richard Reece is author, blogger, speaker, and innovation and reform commentator. Dr. Reece’s latest book, Obama, Doctors, and Health Reform (IUniverse.com) is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and booksamillion.com for $31.95 (hardcover), $21.95 (softcover), and $6.95 (electronic). For information on speaking fees and arrangements, call 860-395-1501.