Campbell and Klein and Health Care
Remember Kim Campbell? We were discussing the other day of the similarities between her and Premier Klein. They both were leaders of Progressive Conservative Parties that had been in power for eons. They both had similar views as to the intelligence of the electorate. Ms. Campbell said "elections are the worst time to talk about the future of our social programs". At his provincial election kick-off a couple of weeks ago Mr. Klein stated that his health care reform plans are "too complicated to discuss during the campaign". Pretty much the same attitude.
The Canadian Public rose to the occasion and let Kim Campbell know what they thought of politicians who treated them like sheep. They threw her and her PC colleagues out of office. We will see on November 22nd if Albertans have enough maverick in them to do the same.
Perhaps Premier Klein feels that an election loss for his party is impossible and silence is the best approach to avoid having the electorate think too much. Martha and Henry do not agree. We would sincerely appreciate an answer to the following question before Election day.
Mr. Klein. You have stated that health care is too complicated to discuss during the election campaign. We agree that health care is complicated but we don't agree that Albertans are too stupid to understand. Will you please present your government's policy regarding user fees, healthcare accounts, delisting of services, and privatization of health care. If you do your best to explain, we'll do our best to try and understand.
posted by Martha & Henry at 9:00 AM
5 Comments:
As Henry often says to Martha on those nights she decides to cook a vegetarian meal, “Where’s the beef?” Because a campaign is really about the beef. Not the kind of glossy talk that Klein’s team website is all about. But real issues. The people of Alberta can handle issues. We want to know what parties are planning to do. We want to hear about health care from Mr. Klein in more than statements about "being the best". What exactly does that mean? According to some in his own government it may mean implementing the Graydon report. This report is two years old but has had little public exposure because of some of its recommendations. One recommendation is to increase health premiums to cover 20% of health costs. This would mean dramatic increases for most Albertans. And then implement what Graydon calls a “made-in-Alberta" solution. What he means is that people will have to pay a deductible according to their income. A person with $60,000 income would have to pay the first $900 of health care per year. Doesn’t this sound like a tax increase? And one that is tied to a person’s health? And this may be what Klein is wanting to implement. Though we can’t be sure because their platform uses statements like “we want to be the best” when they describe health care. Give us some respect Mr Klein and talk about issues, not platitudes.
Seeing that old picture of Kim Campbell in a peek-a-boo pose behind her robes conjured up a very disturbing image in my mind – that of Premier Klein flipping pancakes at a Stampede breakfast, naked save for an apron and a cowboy hat.
I must seek therapy
Give Ralph a break. Health Care is too complicated . . . for Ralph, that is. It cramps his style to be forced to deal with evidence and facts. Keep it simple. The NDP has a book out "Health Care for Dummies" with Ralph in mind. It is only 4 pages.
Ralph's shoot from the lip will cause many of his MLAs to turn Ralph's advice around. They will shut him up, shoot and shovel!
Mr. Klein, Just prior to the Federal election you stated that you had plans for health care that might be seen to impinge on the Canada Health Act, and you would unveil them two days after the election.
In the last week you stated you have no immediate plans for health care.
Were you lying then, or are you lying now?
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