Part of my job requires reading a lot of tedious information that, day after day, can really put me to sleep, not to mention strain my eyes.
I've been using the speech utility in OS X for a few months now almost every day and, despite a few mistakes here and there, it's near perfect. There are grammatical nuances that I suspect it won't get right that it usually does and the voices are pleasant enough.
[QUOTE=success;1485432]He and his wife are good people.
Really the poor guy has had some pretty drastic surgery and we all wish him well! He has given us some great film advice over a long career and it was always a joy to wait for that theme music and see which way the thumbs went!
I'm sure if it was solely up to the health insurance company, they would give you a Mac, because it is cheaper, and they are paying. But as the article says, it is a government rule that forces them to give these locked down $8000 boxes. So isn't this an example of how government involvement is worse than pure private sector?
"Critics suggest that any cuts to the status quo of Medicare spending, which would impact a variety of connected companies like DynaVox and Prentke Romich, might instead result in a government euthanasia program that uses death panels to slaughter old people."
Why write, "critics"? Just name them. And it's so ridiculously false, why are journalist repeating this BS propaganda over and over again. Just don't give a voice to the village idiots and lying propagandists.
What "kills" me (pun intended) is that anyone, Dem or Rep., liberal or conservative, would believe and/or repeat anything that Sarah Palin wrote on Facebook. She posted "death panels" and everyone threw up their hands and screamed like a little girl. She's an idiot, a failure (couldn't finish 1 term as Governor), a vapid air-head who "reads everything." God, people. I don't care what side of the argument you're on, but don't quote the village idiot to prove your points.
Just because healthcare system X works in country A does not necessarily mean that system X will work in an entirely different country (B). Healthcare might be great in socialist countries, but if that is the price to pay for universal healthcare than I say no thanks.
The US already spends around 15% of GDP on healthcare. In my opinion, in the US the term government efficiency is an oxymoron (this article is a perfect example of that). Expect the percentage of GDP to increase if any type government run healthcare system is instituted in the US. Let's make the national deficit worse by paying for healthcare with money the government doesn't have.
You're right ... let's just keep bailing out the greedy banking, financial and insurance industries with tax $$$$ we haven't even raised yet, (some of which comes from people with health problems) and say to hell with sick people. After all, what's government for anyway?
On the contrary, governments can and do run health programs effectively. In most of the *civilized* world, governments guarantee essential healthcare and do so for a small fraction of the per GDP cost that the for-profit private system in the USA can manage. Moreover, it's not just a matter of cost, it's also a matter of quality: people who live under universal healthcare systems live longer than Americans do (look up the WHO tables) and it is widely recognized that life expectancy is predicated by the quality and availability of health-care.
indeed. EVERY developed country has realised this, but america (with its pathological obsession with the "S" word) continues to paint itself into corners, trying to fit square pegs into round holes
Before making broad-reaching statements, could the Americans in the forums who have convinced themselves that "the government will run health care into the ground" research health care systems in other countries before commenting further?
Thanks!
Wise words. I my self live in The Netherlands and our healthcare is one of the best in the world. It is beyond my comprehension how people can be so against government run healthcare.
In The Netherlands the health insurance is paid by the employee not the company this used to be the other way around. Now a days I pay ±130 euros a month, the medical coverage that I get is unimaginable for about 80% of all US citizens.
Every system has its flaws no system is perfect. But all I can say to the, mainly republicans, come take a look at the system we have. You'll see that the insurance companies are booming and that a system run by both the government and the insurance companies does actually work.
What people fear is gov't running private insurers out of business. And there's plenty of audio and video out there that vaildates those fears. Medicare is in such bad shape because Gov't can't run programs effectively, period. All the mandates and regulations are what brings down the system. To quote a wise man, "Everyday Congress meets we lose a little bit more of our liberty."
Well, we have gov't subsidized healthcare up here in Canada. It isn't perfect, but we wouldn't trade it for anything. We remain in full, wholehearted support of it. You don't need to take out a second mortgage to get surgery. It isn't about losing "liberty", it's about ensuring that there's a level of equality when it comes to healthcare. It's about having government perform its rightful function. This is what government is for. It's a humanitarian principle. Adequate, universal healthcare is a right.
Reserving the best level of healthcare for those who can afford it, is absolutely wrong. It isn't a product. It's not an upper-tier gym membership. It's not a commodity. It's a basic need.
Another example - not related to heathcare:
Our airports used to be gov't subsidized, until around the mid 90's. The National Airports Policy was a program of the Government of Canada involving the privatization or private operation of nearly all of our airports. Many of us were against the idea. A controversial policy, to say the least, because of the resulting huge increases in airport fees that came from the inability of airports to meet infrastructure requirements. For example, the fees charged to carriers and general aviation by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority at Toronto Pearson International Airport are among the highest in the world. The Liberal Transport Minister who oversaw the creation of the policy later said it was the worst decision of his career and that he regretted its implementation.
indeed. EVERY developed country has realised this, but america (with its pathological obsession with the "S" word) continues to paint itself into corners, trying to fit square pegs into round holes
Ah, you brought up the "S" word. And you're right. Just to expand on it a bit . . .
Government subsidization of a particular sector of the economy is not Socialism. It's part of a mixed economy.
In Canada, for example, we have government subsidization of our health care. It's not perfect, but at least we don't need to take out a second mortgage in order to get surgery. Quite frankly, we wouldn't have it any other way. That's about it. Aside from the regular gamut of programs any other Western democracy implements, Canada is just as capitalist as any other country.
There are socialist elements at work in many democracies and "Westernized" nations. Most of them have mixed economies.
Every country has elements of socialism and capitalism. For example the 'capitalists' in Japan have much more govt involvement in business than Canada.
There's not a single country in the world that is purely capitalist (even Hong Kong has some government intervention in its economy), just as there's not a single purely socialist country (even at the height of Communism, China had at least some private sector).
From the article: "Government rules require the PC be disabled from doing anything other than speech"
My question: SO, on what page of Obama's proposed plan does he specifically say he wants to change this rule?
This assumes there is such a rule and this is not some bizarre interpretation.
I worked for the Forest Service back in the mid 1990s in California; our job was to prevent loggers from disturbing archeological sites per the Antiquities Act of 1906. While the Antiquities Act of 1906 itself was sound the interpretation tended to be so Bizzaro World that we jokingly said we worked for the Forest Circus.
For example, we would often survey an area the loggers had already been in and find previous covered neolithics meaning the area was an 'archeological site' and so was protected. Since our bosses names were Tom and Berry any time we had to do this piece of insanity we would jokingly say "it's time for the Tom and Berry show".
To be fair to Tom and Berry they were simply following the interpretation handed down from their superiors. There was and still is nothing in the Antiquities Act of 1906 that requires it ti be enforced in such a loopy way.
Stop name calling and get your facts right with concern to comparing healthcare systems with US.
Thank you souliisoul. Personal attacks are unnecessary and are a poor substitute for well reasoned/cogent arguments.
Quote:
Originally Posted by souliisoul
So before you start comparing Thailand's healthcare with USA, just remember what you are comparing, since poor Thai people are NOT getting a good deal, but hey as long as you are happy thats great.
That was part of my original point. Just because a healthcare system in another country supposedly works that does not necessarily mean that this system would work in the US.
1. Anyone who seriously views President Obama in that way is clearly ignorant, IMO (see my comments above on personal attacks). But this is a free country and the free expression of ideas will produce some ideas that most would consider distasteful.
2. Why ask me that question? Do you automatically associate those who oppose Obama's policies with that image? Everyone who opposes Obama's healthcare policy is a racist kook?
What people fear is gov't running private insurers out of business.
The company that I pay $100s pewr month just to be told that I cant get the drug I need for a rare condition? the company that made me participate iin a test experiment, telling me that if the test drug didnt work I could get what the doc ordered? the company that denied me even after I did the test drug program and got no results? thecompany that literally told me "call the drug maker and get on their charity program"?
I say fuck them, burn the place down and I will piss on the ashes...
What people fear is gov't running private insurers out of business. And there's plenty of audio and video out there that vaildates those fears. Medicare is in such bad shape because Gov't can't run programs effectively, period. All the mandates and regulations are what brings down the system. To quote a wise man, "Everyday Congress meets we lose a little bit more of our liberty."
The company that I pay $100s pewr month just to be told that I cant get the drug I need for a rare condition? the company that made me participate iin a test experiment, telling me that if the test drug didnt work I could get what the doc ordered? the company that denied me even after I did the test drug program and got no results? thecompany that literally told me "call the drug maker and get on their charity program"?
I say fuck them, burn the place down and I will piss on the ashes...
indeed. EVERY developed country has realised this, but america (with its pathological obsession with the "S" word) continues to paint itself into corners, trying to fit square pegs into round holes
As a conservative, former republican, the use of the S word in this debate offends me. Was it socialist when the government backed and largely financed the intercontenental railroad? how about the interstate system? and airports, sure the airlines are not government companies, but the airports are run by their respective cities, with massive support from FAA.
We have the best higher ed in the world here, and it is a mix of public and private universities, has Penn State put Harvard out of business? I dont thinkl so...Has Indiana University put Notre Dame under? nope...
also, lets stop government run tap water! having teh city manage the water and charge each user a fee equal to their use is socialism! it is anti competitive! we need Evion taps in every house. get the government out of our toilets!!
The republicans are just trying to protect their puppet masters...er uh...donars, the insurance companies.
It isn't about losing "liberty", it's about ensuring that there's a level of equality when it comes to healthcare. It's about having government perform its rightful function. This is what government is for. It's a humanitarian principle. Adequate, universal healthcare is a right.
I don't think it's as clear cut as you make out. How do we know equality is moral? Some people would say that taking money off someone who earned it (to create the equality) is immoral.
And how do we know what is and is not a proper function of government? It's a grey area and I don't think either side is *obviously* wrong.
Just because healthcare system X works in country A does not necessarily mean that system X will work in an entirely different country (B). Healthcare might be great in socialist countries, but if that is the price to pay for universal healthcare than I say no thanks.
The US already spends around 15% of GDP on healthcare. In my opinion, in the US the term government efficiency is an oxymoron (this article is a perfect example of that). Expect the percentage of GDP to increase if any type government run healthcare system is instituted in the US. Let's make the national deficit worse by paying for healthcare with money the government doesn't have.
On the contrary, Medicare waste, fraud and abuse is about 33% of every dollar spent, on the other hand Private insurance waste, fraud and abuse is about 50%. Also, 62% of all bankruptcies are due to medical expenses, 50% of all bankruptcies are due to medical expenses where the person HAD insurance!
Something is amiss, afoot, alas! All those bankruptcies that are 'written off' are paid by the rest of us (Republicans and Democrats, Conservatives and Liberals) through higher premiums and higher costs per procedure or hospital stay.
Let's let the banks run our mortgages that went well! Home Equity down 60%
Let's let Wall Street run our 401K's that went well! 401K's down 40%-50%
Now let's have the Insurance Companies run our health insurance, er...anyone see a pattern here where insurance companies are making record profits but 50% of bankruptcies are due to medical expenses where the person HAD insurance?
As the old saying goes (in politics any ways), "It's not who you know, but who you blow."
All you have to do, is ask your father, your brother, your mother (which ever one is a politician) - to help get funding for "This product" they sell.
Tell the politician -"It will bring jobs to the area" (even if it is only one in the end) ?
To any one,and I mean ANYONE who thinks politicians aren't ALL crooked ? wake the f&uck up!
Yes, they all try and make it seem real, and honest ? "I'll vote for your bill, if you help me get mine past". It doesn't matter what the bills are for or about!
If you REALLY want to get pissed off at these folks, and our government (you and me), then look at what these folks make for pensions. If that doesn't piss you off, nothing will.
I think, a politician should make the same amount as the folks they represent. They should get the same pension as the folks that the represent get.
And this comes out of each and everyone of OUR pockets!
Comments
I've been using the speech utility in OS X for a few months now almost every day and, despite a few mistakes here and there, it's near perfect. There are grammatical nuances that I suspect it won't get right that it usually does and the voices are pleasant enough.
Really the poor guy has had some pretty drastic surgery and we all wish him well! He has given us some great film advice over a long career and it was always a joy to wait for that theme music and see which way the thumbs went!
Why write, "critics"? Just name them. And it's so ridiculously false, why are journalist repeating this BS propaganda over and over again. Just don't give a voice to the village idiots and lying propagandists.
Next
You're welcome, BUT
Just because healthcare system X works in country A does not necessarily mean that system X will work in an entirely different country (B). Healthcare might be great in socialist countries, but if that is the price to pay for universal healthcare than I say no thanks.
The US already spends around 15% of GDP on healthcare. In my opinion, in the US the term government efficiency is an oxymoron (this article is a perfect example of that). Expect the percentage of GDP to increase if any type government run healthcare system is instituted in the US. Let's make the national deficit worse by paying for healthcare with money the government doesn't have.
You're right ... let's just keep bailing out the greedy banking, financial and insurance industries with tax $$$$ we haven't even raised yet, (some of which comes from people with health problems) and say to hell with sick people. After all, what's government for anyway?
On the contrary, governments can and do run health programs effectively. In most of the *civilized* world, governments guarantee essential healthcare and do so for a small fraction of the per GDP cost that the for-profit private system in the USA can manage. Moreover, it's not just a matter of cost, it's also a matter of quality: people who live under universal healthcare systems live longer than Americans do (look up the WHO tables) and it is widely recognized that life expectancy is predicated by the quality and availability of health-care.
indeed. EVERY developed country has realised this, but america (with its pathological obsession with the "S" word) continues to paint itself into corners, trying to fit square pegs into round holes
Before making broad-reaching statements, could the Americans in the forums who have convinced themselves that "the government will run health care into the ground" research health care systems in other countries before commenting further?
Thanks!
Wise words. I my self live in The Netherlands and our healthcare is one of the best in the world. It is beyond my comprehension how people can be so against government run healthcare.
In The Netherlands the health insurance is paid by the employee not the company this used to be the other way around. Now a days I pay ±130 euros a month, the medical coverage that I get is unimaginable for about 80% of all US citizens.
Every system has its flaws no system is perfect. But all I can say to the, mainly republicans, come take a look at the system we have. You'll see that the insurance companies are booming and that a system run by both the government and the insurance companies does actually work.
What people fear is gov't running private insurers out of business. And there's plenty of audio and video out there that vaildates those fears. Medicare is in such bad shape because Gov't can't run programs effectively, period. All the mandates and regulations are what brings down the system. To quote a wise man, "Everyday Congress meets we lose a little bit more of our liberty."
Well, we have gov't subsidized healthcare up here in Canada. It isn't perfect, but we wouldn't trade it for anything. We remain in full, wholehearted support of it. You don't need to take out a second mortgage to get surgery. It isn't about losing "liberty", it's about ensuring that there's a level of equality when it comes to healthcare. It's about having government perform its rightful function. This is what government is for. It's a humanitarian principle. Adequate, universal healthcare is a right.
Reserving the best level of healthcare for those who can afford it, is absolutely wrong. It isn't a product. It's not an upper-tier gym membership. It's not a commodity. It's a basic need.
Another example - not related to heathcare:
Our airports used to be gov't subsidized, until around the mid 90's. The National Airports Policy was a program of the Government of Canada involving the privatization or private operation of nearly all of our airports. Many of us were against the idea. A controversial policy, to say the least, because of the resulting huge increases in airport fees that came from the inability of airports to meet infrastructure requirements. For example, the fees charged to carriers and general aviation by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority at Toronto Pearson International Airport are among the highest in the world. The Liberal Transport Minister who oversaw the creation of the policy later said it was the worst decision of his career and that he regretted its implementation.
indeed. EVERY developed country has realised this, but america (with its pathological obsession with the "S" word) continues to paint itself into corners, trying to fit square pegs into round holes
Ah, you brought up the "S" word. And you're right. Just to expand on it a bit . . .
Government subsidization of a particular sector of the economy is not Socialism. It's part of a mixed economy.
In Canada, for example, we have government subsidization of our health care. It's not perfect, but at least we don't need to take out a second mortgage in order to get surgery. Quite frankly, we wouldn't have it any other way. That's about it. Aside from the regular gamut of programs any other Western democracy implements, Canada is just as capitalist as any other country.
In fact:
http://innovate.typepad.com/innovati...ntreprene.html
There are socialist elements at work in many democracies and "Westernized" nations. Most of them have mixed economies.
Every country has elements of socialism and capitalism. For example the 'capitalists' in Japan have much more govt involvement in business than Canada.
There's not a single country in the world that is purely capitalist (even Hong Kong has some government intervention in its economy), just as there's not a single purely socialist country (even at the height of Communism, China had at least some private sector).
Most developed countries have a mixed economy.
From the article: "Government rules require the PC be disabled from doing anything other than speech"
My question: SO, on what page of Obama's proposed plan does he specifically say he wants to change this rule?
This assumes there is such a rule and this is not some bizarre interpretation.
I worked for the Forest Service back in the mid 1990s in California; our job was to prevent loggers from disturbing archeological sites per the Antiquities Act of 1906. While the Antiquities Act of 1906 itself was sound the interpretation tended to be so Bizzaro World that we jokingly said we worked for the Forest Circus.
For example, we would often survey an area the loggers had already been in and find previous covered neolithics meaning the area was an 'archeological site' and so was protected. Since our bosses names were Tom and Berry any time we had to do this piece of insanity we would jokingly say "it's time for the Tom and Berry show".
To be fair to Tom and Berry they were simply following the interpretation handed down from their superiors. There was and still is nothing in the Antiquities Act of 1906 that requires it ti be enforced in such a loopy way.
Stop name calling and get your facts right with concern to comparing healthcare systems with US.
Thank you souliisoul. Personal attacks are unnecessary and are a poor substitute for well reasoned/cogent arguments.
So before you start comparing Thailand's healthcare with USA, just remember what you are comparing, since poor Thai people are NOT getting a good deal, but hey as long as you are happy thats great.
That was part of my original point. Just because a healthcare system in another country supposedly works that does not necessarily mean that this system would work in the US.
Techstud: You asked me what I thought of people that believed in this.
Three points:
1. Anyone who seriously views President Obama in that way is clearly ignorant, IMO (see my comments above on personal attacks). But this is a free country and the free expression of ideas will produce some ideas that most would consider distasteful.
2. Why ask me that question? Do you automatically associate those who oppose Obama's policies with that image? Everyone who opposes Obama's healthcare policy is a racist kook?
3. I actually agree that some aspects of the healthcare system needs to be reformed, but a large % of Americans (around 80% by most estimates) are satisfied with the healthcare that they already have. I am in that majority and I don't want the government "fixing" what doesn't need to be fixed. Leave what works alone and fix what needs fixing.
What people fear is gov't running private insurers out of business.
The company that I pay $100s pewr month just to be told that I cant get the drug I need for a rare condition? the company that made me participate iin a test experiment, telling me that if the test drug didnt work I could get what the doc ordered? the company that denied me even after I did the test drug program and got no results? thecompany that literally told me "call the drug maker and get on their charity program"?
I say fuck them, burn the place down and I will piss on the ashes...
What people fear is gov't running private insurers out of business. And there's plenty of audio and video out there that vaildates those fears. Medicare is in such bad shape because Gov't can't run programs effectively, period. All the mandates and regulations are what brings down the system. To quote a wise man, "Everyday Congress meets we lose a little bit more of our liberty."
Wow! Deep. Dropping some knowledge.
The company that I pay $100s pewr month just to be told that I cant get the drug I need for a rare condition? the company that made me participate iin a test experiment, telling me that if the test drug didnt work I could get what the doc ordered? the company that denied me even after I did the test drug program and got no results? thecompany that literally told me "call the drug maker and get on their charity program"?
I say fuck them, burn the place down and I will piss on the ashes...
Wow! They did you dirty. That's messed up
indeed. EVERY developed country has realised this, but america (with its pathological obsession with the "S" word) continues to paint itself into corners, trying to fit square pegs into round holes
As a conservative, former republican, the use of the S word in this debate offends me. Was it socialist when the government backed and largely financed the intercontenental railroad? how about the interstate system? and airports, sure the airlines are not government companies, but the airports are run by their respective cities, with massive support from FAA.
We have the best higher ed in the world here, and it is a mix of public and private universities, has Penn State put Harvard out of business? I dont thinkl so...Has Indiana University put Notre Dame under? nope...
also, lets stop government run tap water! having teh city manage the water and charge each user a fee equal to their use is socialism! it is anti competitive! we need Evion taps in every house. get the government out of our toilets!!
The republicans are just trying to protect their puppet masters...er uh...donars, the insurance companies.
It isn't about losing "liberty", it's about ensuring that there's a level of equality when it comes to healthcare. It's about having government perform its rightful function. This is what government is for. It's a humanitarian principle. Adequate, universal healthcare is a right.
I don't think it's as clear cut as you make out. How do we know equality is moral? Some people would say that taking money off someone who earned it (to create the equality) is immoral.
And how do we know what is and is not a proper function of government? It's a grey area and I don't think either side is *obviously* wrong.
You're welcome, BUT
Just because healthcare system X works in country A does not necessarily mean that system X will work in an entirely different country (B). Healthcare might be great in socialist countries, but if that is the price to pay for universal healthcare than I say no thanks.
The US already spends around 15% of GDP on healthcare. In my opinion, in the US the term government efficiency is an oxymoron (this article is a perfect example of that). Expect the percentage of GDP to increase if any type government run healthcare system is instituted in the US. Let's make the national deficit worse by paying for healthcare with money the government doesn't have.
On the contrary, Medicare waste, fraud and abuse is about 33% of every dollar spent, on the other hand Private insurance waste, fraud and abuse is about 50%. Also, 62% of all bankruptcies are due to medical expenses, 50% of all bankruptcies are due to medical expenses where the person HAD insurance!
Something is amiss, afoot, alas! All those bankruptcies that are 'written off' are paid by the rest of us (Republicans and Democrats, Conservatives and Liberals) through higher premiums and higher costs per procedure or hospital stay.
Let's let the banks run our mortgages that went well! Home Equity down 60%
Let's let Wall Street run our 401K's that went well! 401K's down 40%-50%
Now let's have the Insurance Companies run our health insurance, er...anyone see a pattern here where insurance companies are making record profits but 50% of bankruptcies are due to medical expenses where the person HAD insurance?
All you have to do, is ask your father, your brother, your mother (which ever one is a politician) - to help get funding for "This product" they sell.
Tell the politician -"It will bring jobs to the area" (even if it is only one in the end) ?
To any one,and I mean ANYONE who thinks politicians aren't ALL crooked ? wake the f&uck up!
Yes, they all try and make it seem real, and honest ? "I'll vote for your bill, if you help me get mine past". It doesn't matter what the bills are for or about!
If you REALLY want to get pissed off at these folks, and our government (you and me), then look at what these folks make for pensions. If that doesn't piss you off, nothing will.
I think, a politician should make the same amount as the folks they represent. They should get the same pension as the folks that the represent get.
And this comes out of each and everyone of OUR pockets!
- http://www.snopes.com/politics/socia...y/pensions.asp
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