Posted by
Crescen7(Regis Matejcik) on Friday, September 18, 2009 9:35:07 AM
Yeah, that title might raise a few eyebrows. In our current climate it may even be cause for censorship or investigation. Undaunted we continue . . .
First, some "street creds" if you will. This blogger is not black, is not a former gang member, or previous ghetto dweller, but has had some significant experience with the "black community." Growing up around Cleveland, Ohio gives one a good opportunity for frequent interaction with Blacks. During High School we had several "racial" incidents, a few school closings, and some minor violence. As an adult professional, I helped organize the "East Austin Economic Development Corporation" and also worked under contract to that Black group to build a significant community redevelopment project in a predominantly black section of East Austin. In the past 16 years of owning a business I've had numerous black sub-contractors and associates.
One commonly observed characteristic of the Black community is a strong distrust for Government authority. This is most often manifest in a belief of being profiled as criminals by police, leading to unnecessary traffic stops, requests to identify, etc. Such a manifestation was even evident in President Obama's reaction in the now famous Cambridge incident when he remarked "the Cambridge police acted stupidly."
Black citizens have developed this attitude over a number of years. This seemingly inherent distrust is not completely without foundation. Black people have often witnessed a scenario where a black person is stopped, questioned, asked to identify himself, and if driving is asked to show registration and proof of insurance - then the officer checks the information and finds something lacking, and arrests the black citizen. Often the arrests are for outstanding warrants. Often the warrants are issued due to failure to appear or pay fines for minor or even civil violations.
This becomes something of a self-fulfilling and self perpetuating situation. Often Black people (especially men) harbor a distinct disdain for mandated compliance. Consequently they often refuse to pay minor fees and fines associated with minor violations. That eventually triggers a "failure to appear" warrant, which once issued, leaves a officer no choice but to make an arrest. The other side of this is that most police are aware of this and know that even asking many blacks to simply "identify" may yield an outstanding warrant arrest. Consequently, (in my opinion only) it seems Blacks are asked to "identify" more often than whites.
I am certain that many officers will dispute my "opinion" of blacks being asked to "identify" more frequently, and I'll readily admit the likelihood that my perception is wrong. That's really not the point. The point is that if I, a middle aged white guy, feel like Black men are "ID'd" more frequently than whites - it's a darn good bet that Black people have the same perception.
In fairness to the police, I will admit that I've also witnessed instances where police specifically avoided "ID'ing" a minority because they didn't want to risk having to arrest them.
But on with the main point - Government Mandated Health Care.
In a truly strange twist of purposeful mis-information; it seems that a number of people on both sides of the "Health Care Debate" believe that there is proposed legislation that grants "Health Care" to all US occupants. I recently had this conversation with a Black business associate. He was adamant that the current proposed Health Care Reforms (HR 3200) would "provide" health care insurance for all Americans. This is far from true. The truth is that the proposed legislation HR 3200 "provides" nothing; it simply MANDATES that everyone buy "Health Care Insurance." In truth, HR 3200 does the following:
1. Mandates all people must buy Health Insurance. (either through employer or private purchase)
2. Goes into great detail defining all insurance policies to be roughly equal and micromanaging the relationships of Health Care Providers.
3. Establishes the IRS as the enforcement mechanism by which all Americans will be required to provide proof of an "approved" health insurance policy.
While there are various provisions for those that can't afford insurance, the burden to be covered by insurance is placed squarely on the individual. (The exception is that if one is qualified for Medicaid, one will be "automatically" enrolled in some policy chosen by a Government Agency) The proposed legislation would make it a violation of law to exist in the United States without being able to provide "proof of Health Insurance", much the same way it's a violation of law in most states to drive a car on public roads without being able to provide "proof of auto liability insurance."
This conjures yet another scenario for any citizen needing to "identify", regardless of whether it's at a routine traffic stop, a DWI checkpoint, or any routine inquiry. There will now be "one more" credential required of all Americans. Health Insurance ID. If you don't have it - you get cited. If you don't respond to the citation - you get a warrant. Next time you get "ID'd" you go to jail. Your crime - failure to obtain health insurance.
Now, as a point of clarification, the above scenario could not take place under the current legislation. The enforcement mechanism in the current legislation is through the IRS, not through local law enforcement. (now that's a comforting thought) One must recall, however, that when the concept of mandated auto insurance originated, the now common measures of required "proof of insurance" documents were not included in the early laws. In most states, enforcement of auto insurance requirements came only during vehicle registration and accident involvement. Now, enforcement is done through routine "compliance stops" and are required documentation along with drivers license and registration. It's only a short leap to conclude that HR 3200, if passed, would eventually lead to required "proof" of health insurance.
Let's wake up here people. All people, but especially Black people who seem to be following an elected
Judas Goat, confident that he has their best interests at heart. The currently proposed Health Care reforms GIVE you nothing. The proposed reforms IMPOSE MANDATES on individuals and businesses - not government. The only thing that any of us are GIVEN in the proposed reforms is one more reason to be found in violation of the law, and one more reason to be fined, or imprisoned.