If this doesn't enrage you, you're not a human being.....
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All those things happen here too even if you do have insurance. People's health is run as a for-profit business. Sick people and people on expensive medications don't mak profits. People have been dropped by their insurance because they cost too much and "reach the lifetime limit" of allowable expenses. Others have a medication taken away as too expensive or are told they have to use some alternative. Even healthy people can have problems if they have a "pre-existing condition." My sister is generally very healthy. But she has asthma. She was laid off from a job and got another. Her health coverage changed. The new health plan would cover her except for the asthma. She had to pay out of pocket for those medications.
I was heartbroken reading that article Azdak. That would never happen in the UK or anywhere within the European Union.When the richest nation in the world cannot--no, I take that back--WILLFULLY REFUSES- to provide even basic care to all of its citizens, it is a moral outrage. The outrage is made worse in that the lack of care does not stem from inadequate resources, but merely to protect the outsized profits of insurance companies. Like so much else in the US today, those with money can buy whatever legislative support they need to rig the game in their favor, regardless of the hardship and pain it causes everyone else.
However, even in a system with guaranteed free access to medical treatment, we have to wait far too long for some treatments (although not acute emergency procedures, of course) and even if you have private medical insurance, if your case is chronic, they will refer you back to the NHS (national health service). Then, there is also the so-called post-code lottery whereby the local health trust decides that it cannot afford to fund a particular drug or treatment and so by going without your mortality is compromised.
It's amazing that in certain societies where civil liberties are somewhat lacking or non-existent, their healthcare is second to none!0 -
To be fair, although fbmandy55 and I agree and disagree on several issues, unless you are a tax accountant or know every aspect of her life, it probably isn't in the best interest of the debate to tell her she does her taxes wrong. And this subject is one where we don't exactly see eye to eye.0
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A good point that was brought up about this in my political science class:
In America, our education system is socialized and for the most part, we have no problem with that. In fact, my mom rather enjoyed not having to pay anything for me and my brother to go to school. So why is the ACA scary to us?
It's not going to lead us into Socialism, and if you think it is, please google socialism, and find out what it really is, not just what the media will want you to believe it is. And as for it being an infringement on your freedom to have to buy health insurance-- I feel like it's an infringement on my freedom to have to pay for your medical bills with my insurance premiums if you get sick and can't pay for it yourself. I don't want to say "Well, for those who can't afford treatment and refuse to buy health insurance, just let them die," because I'm not that type of person, but why charge me because you want your "freedom?" Shouldn't I be able to spend my money on something other than YOUR medical bills?0 -
edited - I shouldn't post more about this since I'm a moody commie (summon McCarthy, quick!) :blushing:
I'm really interested in what you were going to say! I seem to agree with you on most of the threads I've seen your posts on, and the picture you posted was great!0 -
A good point that was brought up about this in my political science class:
In America, our education system is socialized and for the most part, we have no problem with that. In fact, my mom rather enjoyed not having to pay anything for me and my brother to go to school. So why is the ACA scary to us?
It's not going to lead us into Socialism, and if you think it is, please google socialism, and find out what it really is, not just what the media will want you to believe it is. And as for it being an infringement on your freedom to have to buy health insurance-- I feel like it's an infringement on my freedom to have to pay for your medical bills with my insurance premiums if you get sick and can't pay for it yourself. I don't want to say "Well, for those who can't afford treatment and refuse to buy health insurance, just let them die," because I'm not that type of person, but why charge me because you want your "freedom?" Shouldn't I be able to spend my money on something other than YOUR medical bills?
The far right media has done a very effective smear campaign against socialism. To this day, when I hear a person in RL start spouting off about socialism, I never hesitate to aske them to define what it is. Not one can ever give me a straight answer and usually sputter on and on about people getting stuff for free. Sorry, that's not it. Socialism means that everyone works, and employees get a cut of the profit. Managers in socialist factories will get slightly more. That is why rich conservatives despise it so much.......any successful business model that doesn't involve them making heaps of money off of the people they want to pay crap wages is unacceptable. Why do you think socialism scares them so much. It cuts them out.
But that is not to say that the left or unions are crazy about socialism either, because if the employees are in charge of the factory, if they have a say in how it's run, and their needs are being met...they have no reason to unionize and the union fat cats are out of a job.0 -
I am a financial advisor and certified tax preparer with over 20 years of experience. I own my own tax prep and financial advising business. I specialize in ex-pats (overseas workers), self employed people, and contractors which means I do a lot of state taxes for a lot of states as well. I can say without a doubt that if she is not getting back at least $452 more than she paid in just on Federal then she did her taxes wrong or has left out some pertinent info (she was convicted of tax fraud and is no longer eligible for the EIC, She is claimed as a dependent on someone else's return, etc) Using my knowledge of state taxes and her statement that she didn't even get everything back on Federal let alone that extra money and assuming that the same person did her state and federal taxes I can confidently state that not only is her federal return wrong but her state return has an extremely high probability of being incorrect as well.To be fair, although fbmandy55 and I agree and disagree on several issues, unless you are a tax accountant or know every aspect of her life, it probably isn't in the best interest of the debate to tell her she does her taxes wrong. And this subject is one where we don't exactly see eye to eye.
With that I will throw out this offer to fbmandy - if you would like me to look over your returns and see if I can get a better refund I will be willing to do so. If I can I will charge for my service but will charge half rate (friends and family discount). Worst case scenario is your refund remains the same. Best case is you get extra money above and beyond my fee (depends on how involved her specific return is.) You can message me here.0 -
@KaleidoscopeEyes1056
It actually paralleled what you wrote about insurance - though I was going to use an example about car insurance - like how if someone dares get in an at fault accident and has a claim with the same company where I buy insurance, how it would be **gasp** "taking" my money right out of my hand since I have a flawless, claimless history.
I think some folks have an issue defining or understanding the terms socialism and social democracy..0 -
@KaleidoscopeEyes1056 It actually paralleled what you wrote about insurance - though I was going to use an example about car insurance - like how if someone dares get in an at fault accident and has a claim with the same company where I buy insurance, how it would be **gasp** "taking" my money right out of my hand since I have a flawless, claimless history.
I think some folks have an issue defining or understanding the terms socialism and social democracy..
You know, I was going to bring that up in my last Political Science class when we were debating it. I mean, why is it such an intrusion to mandate health insurance, but not car insurance? Is it just because we've had to have car insurance for so long that we don't even really think about it anymore? And, I think health insurance is more important than car insurance for the most part.0 -
Plus, a large part of the cost of auto insurance is medical coverage for anyone you might injure. If everyone has health coverage instead of being smacked with a 6 figure bill should you injure one of the millions in this country with no insurance, you'd have to pay co-pays instead. The cost of auto insurance should drop if medical liability coverage isn't even needed on auto insurance.@KaleidoscopeEyes1056 It actually paralleled what you wrote about insurance - though I was going to use an example about car insurance - like how if someone dares get in an at fault accident and has a claim with the same company where I buy insurance, how it would be **gasp** "taking" my money right out of my hand since I have a flawless, claimless history.
I think some folks have an issue defining or understanding the terms socialism and social democracy..
You know, I was going to bring that up in my last Political Science class when we were debating it. I mean, why is it such an intrusion to mandate health insurance, but not car insurance? Is it just because we've had to have car insurance for so long that we don't even really think about it anymore? And, I think health insurance is more important than car insurance for the most part.0 -
I am a financial advisor and certified tax preparer with over 20 years of experience. I own my own tax prep and financial advising business. I specialize in ex-pats (overseas workers), self employed people, and contractors which means I do a lot of state taxes for a lot of states as well. I can say without a doubt that if she is not getting back at least $452 more than she paid in just on Federal then she did her taxes wrong or has left out some pertinent info (she was convicted of tax fraud and is no longer eligible for the EIC, She is claimed as a dependent on someone else's return, etc) Using my knowledge of state taxes and her statement that she didn't even get everything back on Federal let alone that extra money and assuming that the same person did her state and federal taxes I can confidently state that not only is her federal return wrong but her state return has an extremely high probability of being incorrect as well.To be fair, although fbmandy55 and I agree and disagree on several issues, unless you are a tax accountant or know every aspect of her life, it probably isn't in the best interest of the debate to tell her she does her taxes wrong. And this subject is one where we don't exactly see eye to eye.
With that I will throw out this offer to fbmandy - if you would like me to look over your returns and see if I can get a better refund I will be willing to do so. If I can I will charge for my service but will charge half rate (friends and family discount). Worst case scenario is your refund remains the same. Best case is you get extra money above and beyond my fee (depends on how involved her specific return is.) You can message me here.
What were the chances you'd actually be a finanical advisor? Ha.0 -
I am a financial advisor and certified tax preparer with over 20 years of experience. I own my own tax prep and financial advising business. I specialize in ex-pats (overseas workers), self employed people, and contractors which means I do a lot of state taxes for a lot of states as well. I can say without a doubt that if she is not getting back at least $452 more than she paid in just on Federal then she did her taxes wrong or has left out some pertinent info (she was convicted of tax fraud and is no longer eligible for the EIC, She is claimed as a dependent on someone else's return, etc) Using my knowledge of state taxes and her statement that she didn't even get everything back on Federal let alone that extra money and assuming that the same person did her state and federal taxes I can confidently state that not only is her federal return wrong but her state return has an extremely high probability of being incorrect as well.To be fair, although fbmandy55 and I agree and disagree on several issues, unless you are a tax accountant or know every aspect of her life, it probably isn't in the best interest of the debate to tell her she does her taxes wrong. And this subject is one where we don't exactly see eye to eye.
With that I will throw out this offer to fbmandy - if you would like me to look over your returns and see if I can get a better refund I will be willing to do so. If I can I will charge for my service but will charge half rate (friends and family discount). Worst case scenario is your refund remains the same. Best case is you get extra money above and beyond my fee (depends on how involved her specific return is.) You can message me here.
What were the chances you'd actually be a finanical advisor? Ha.
I've been stressing over this for days now. As I have very little time to file my state ( I haven't done it yet because they said I was getting a few dolalrs back I've been questioning wether or not to file it as is). I do not trust any HR Block or Jackson Hewitt. Both have royally screwed up my taxes in the past, since then I have used turbotax. I think I need to get my W-2 and child care deduction info asap! :laugh:
This group is going to be the death of my nervous system...0 -
FTR, I'm not one of those people who is suddenly popping into a medical thread and claiming to be a doctor or a parenting thread and claiming to be a child psychologist. I have stated on here a few times that I am a financial advisor. A quick search turned up this thread from back in Oct. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/358364-financial-fitness-group-part-1?error_user_id=11329998&error_username=Bahet&hl=financial+adviser (Incidentally, I'm also not psychic and didn't post then knowing I'd someday be questioned as to whether or not I was qualified to comment on someone else's taxes. If I was a psychic I'd have hit that MegaMillions the other week. :laugh )0
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FTR, I'm not one of those people who is suddenly popping into a medical thread and claiming to be a doctor or a parenting thread and claiming to be a child psychologist. I have stated on here a few times that I am a financial advisor. A quick search turned up this thread from back in Oct. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/358364-financial-fitness-group-part-1?error_user_id=11329998&error_username=Bahet&hl=financial+adviser (Incidentally, I'm also not psychic and didn't post then knowing I'd someday be questioned as to whether or not I was qualified to comment on someone else's taxes. If I was a psychic I'd have hit that MegaMillions the other week. :laugh )
Uh, yeah, I believe you. I was simply pointing out the funny nature and improbablity that after I said "Well if you are a financial advisor....:
and you said, "well I am a financial advisor." Dammit, there goes that. Lol.
It was the equivalent of me saying "What do you think you are a rocket scientist?" Only to find out you worked for Nasa engineering the space programs rockets. I thought it was sort of funny.0 -
FTR, I'm not one of those people who is suddenly popping into a medical thread and claiming to be a doctor or a parenting thread and claiming to be a child psychologist. I have stated on here a few times that I am a financial advisor. A quick search turned up this thread from back in Oct. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/358364-financial-fitness-group-part-1?error_user_id=11329998&error_username=Bahet&hl=financial+adviser (Incidentally, I'm also not psychic and didn't post then knowing I'd someday be questioned as to whether or not I was qualified to comment on someone else's taxes. If I was a psychic I'd have hit that MegaMillions the other week. :laugh )
Uh, yeah, I believe you. I was simply pointing out the funny nature and improbablity that after I said "Well if you are a financial advisor....:
and you said, "well I am a financial advisor." Dammit, there goes that. Lol.
It was the equivalent of me saying "What do you think you are a rocket scientist?" Only to find out you worked for Nasa engineering the space programs rockets. I thought it was sort of funny.
I know. I giggled a bit too. I've just been around long enough to know that odds were someone out there was going to say "Yea, suuuuureee she's a financial adviser. She's probably lying just to try to make it sound like she knows what she's talking about. She probably works at McDonalds." :laugh: There's always one.
Oh, and if it counts for anything, my uncle is a rocket scientist. But he's a jerk. :laugh:0 -
Bottom line here is that here in the US, only people who can afford to live should bother doing so. If your economic value to business is no longer higher than the cost of basic medical care, housing, etc., chances are it's because there is somebody available to take your place.0
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Our tax dollars pay for corn subsidies that in turn lead to meat and soda being far too cheap and broccoli far too expensive.0
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I've been stressing over this for days now. As I have very little time to file my state ( I haven't done it yet because they said I was getting a few dolalrs back I've been questioning wether or not to file it as is). I do not trust any HR Block or Jackson Hewitt. Both have royally screwed up my taxes in the past, since then I have used turbotax. I think I need to get my W-2 and child care deduction info asap! :laugh:
This group is going to be the death of my nervous system...
To everyone: Never, ever go to someplace like H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, etc. I worked for Block for 3 years. I'd already been doing taxes for about 3 years before I started there. I had always assumed they were accountants or tax professionals or qualified in some other way. Nope. Anyone who pays $200 (then, don't know about today's rates) to take their course and can pass their test can work there. I actually spent about equal amounts of time dealing with clients and helping other preparers who didn't know what they were doing. On the plus side, I get a lot of clients, especially the overseas contractors, because they had Block do their taxes and are confused why their coworker is getting such a huge refund and the owe. I get at least 1 new client a year that way. Alredy this year I took 1 guy from owing $4500 to getting a $7200 refund. (Block doesn't know how to deal with overseas tax exemptions.)
To Fbmandy: ((hug)) -- I just thought you might have needed that. :laugh:0 -
Our tax dollars pay for corn subsidies that in turn lead to meat and soda being far too cheap and broccoli far too expensive.
Meat is cheap??? WHERE??? We lived in AZ until 2009 and I could get ground chuck (80/20) for about $1.29/lb on sale without much difficulty as it always seemed to be on sale somewhere. Then we went to Germany until fall 2010. Now I can't seem to find even that 70/30 ground hamburger for less than $3/lb. Soda isn't cheap either. It's about on par or maybe even more expensive than an equal amout of gas and it's 95% water.0 -
I've been stressing over this for days now. As I have very little time to file my state ( I haven't done it yet because they said I was getting a few dolalrs back I've been questioning wether or not to file it as is). I do not trust any HR Block or Jackson Hewitt. Both have royally screwed up my taxes in the past, since then I have used turbotax. I think I need to get my W-2 and child care deduction info asap! :laugh:
This group is going to be the death of my nervous system...
To everyone: Never, ever go to someplace like H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, etc. I worked for Block for 3 years. I'd already been doing taxes for about 3 years before I started there. I had always assumed they were accountants or tax professionals or qualified in some other way. Nope. Anyone who pays $200 (then, don't know about today's rates) to take their course and can pass their test can work there. I actually spent about equal amounts of time dealing with clients and helping other preparers who didn't know what they were doing. On the plus side, I get a lot of clients, especially the overseas contractors, because they had Block do their taxes and are confused why their coworker is getting such a huge refund and the owe. I get at least 1 new client a year that way. Alredy this year I took 1 guy from owing $4500 to getting a $7200 refund. (Block doesn't know how to deal with overseas tax exemptions.)
To Fbmandy: ((hug)) -- I just thought you might have needed that. :laugh:
Thank you so much!! And yes, the last person i went to there was on my bowling league and a bartender. She took the course to make some extra cash in the spring and she messed my taxes up so badly that the IRS sent me a leeter saying they were incorrect...and a bigger check!0 -
I never supported the Patriot Act (though I couldn't voice it with my elected officials at teh time because I worked for the Senate in a non-partisan office) and I don't support ObamaCare for many reasons, including that it does NOT address costs. Having insurance means crap if the costs of services is rediculous (why is a 15 minute check-up $180 before insurance and $95 after insurance?). So no inconsistency here!I will read this tomorrow, but had to throw this out there. How come all the people who are morally outraged at ObamaCare as an infringing on civil liberties...supported the Patriot Act?0
