Here's an interesting thought on healthcare reform in light of the upcoming election - make the insurance actuarial business a public institution. Publish and mandate the actuarial tables used by insurance companies - that way all insurance companies must compete on the same basis. No more of this “ignore the man behind the curtain“ business. Whether you're buying insurance for one person or a group of people, all actuarial rates are the same. Any categorical divisions (smokers, skydivers, pre-existing conditions) must be approved and supported outside of the insurance industry.
back to Nant...
I was talking to some friends who are programmers the other day and astounded at the number who subscribe to one of the two primary local newpapers in our area. I personally haven't had a print subscription to a local newspaper in over 8 years. I have a couple of reasons for this:
- Newspapers are a waste of natural resources. The only counter-argument comes from the print organizations themselves effectively saying “it isn't that bad“ and “we only use recycled paper“. Demand is demand no matter which way you slice it!
- I don't enjoy hauling out the newspapers I don't read for recycling. And these papers take up space and resources in the recycling operations.
- Newspapers are written for morons. Their target audience is a 6th grade reading level (on ambitious days).
- Newspaper reporters and their bosses have abandoned all attempts to be non-biased, instead all articles are written more like editorials today.
Being in the tech industry, I think it's part of our obligation to try out the electronic delivery mediums (web, rss, pocketpc/palm) and make them work in our lives. This doesn't mean dropping subscriptions, in fact the number of subscriptions I receive has skyrocketed since casting off the paper-wasters.
Don't confuse my intent here, it's not to ridicule people who receive newspapers. But if you have the means to do so, isn't it worth a try?
Update: Just found this article. The president of ABC News says that “too much commentary can hinder the distribution of useful information.” Pretty good analysis for junk journalists.
“A cop was in serious condition with head injuries today after he was knocked off his scooter and stomped by protestors at an illegal march... Police spokesman Paul Browne, who saw what happened, said that after protesters knocked the officer off the scooter, they 'kicked and punched' him. The cop was in serious condition at St. Vincent's Hospital" -- New York Post news story this morning.