The South has risen again. Medicaid expansion is new Confederate battlefield.

[mota bhai 2,675]

It has been said more than once that the South will rise again.

If Ol’ Dixie can just get Virginia and Tennessee to reject Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion, the Confederate States of America will be intact with the exception of those turncoats in Arkansas.

Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Alabama have elected not to help their poor and low-to-moderate wage earners receive health care through expanded Medicaid.

...

The fact that the Deep South has united in opposing the health care plan when the region is inhabited by so many poor and unhealthy people is worthy of further examination.

What — other than geographical proximity — unites us in this crusade to prolong the physical, mental and financial anguish of our people?

On an individual basis, the South is filled with generous individuals who are willing to help those who are less fortunate.

But providing affordable health care is well beyond the capabilities of generous individuals.

The fact that we live in the midst of the Bible Belt does not explain our collective lack of compassion. Didn’t the Son of Man encourage his followers to feed his sheep?

Even a Samaritan can understand the concept of treating, rather than ignoring, the sick.

...

It might appear that Southerners possess an aversion to federal funds, which would pay for almost all of the Medicaid expansion. But we are more than eager to take federal handouts for rural electrification, military bases, highways and just about everything else. In Alabama, we receive $1.66 for every $1 we send to Washington, ranking us seventh among deadbeat states.

So, what explains our failure to take advantage of expanded Medicaid for our people? Maybe we just don’t want anyone telling us what to do, even if it’s in our best interest.

Maybe we’ve been smarting for a rematch with the federal government ever since Gen. Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Maybe we’ve been spoiling for a fight ever since those liberal Kennedy brothers sent their federal men down here to remove our fine governor from the schoolhouse door.

Maybe we are determined to carry out a second wave of attacks against the feds through gerrymandered districts and rules that make it more difficult for certain people to vote.

Maybe we are simply marching back onto the same old battlefield.

The South keeps rising again and again to fight on the wrong side of history.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20130911/OPINION/309110037/Guest-editorial-South-unites-against-its-poor

[Teddy B 17,252]

It might appear that Southerners possess an aversion to federal funds, which would pay for almost all of the Medicaid expansion. But we are more than eager to take federal handouts for rural electrification, military bases, highways and just about everything else. In Alabama, we receive $1.66 for every $1 we send to Washington, ranking us seventh among deadbeat states.

Southern states are the majority of "deadbeat states". You'd think they'd be lining up for gov't subsidized healthcare.

[Danno 1,228]

Fifteen years ago that article would have touted the success of these big programs in all of Europe

and how advanced their socialism is while ours is not yet "forward thinking."

We don't hear that any more for a reason.

Instead we are subject to Bible passages (out of context) by people who would abhor the Logic of the Bible in any other area of policy or law.

[mota bhai 2,675]

Fifteen years ago that article would have touted the success of these big programs in all of Europe

and how advanced their socialism is while ours is not yet "forward thinking."

We don't hear that any more for a reason.

Instead we are subject to Bible passages (out of context) by people who would abhor the Logic of the Bible in any other area of policy or law.

Danno,

You would rather respond to the article that was not written or posted, I get that.

But you don't get to.

You would also rather assume things about the author, devoid of any actual information, but you don't get to do that either.

So how about a substantive response on the substance of what was actually posted?

Can you do that, without falling into the old cultural war talking points you grew up with?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

So how about a substantive response on the substance of what was actually posted?

Can you do that, without falling into the old cultural war talking points you grew up with?

I take it these questions are more rhetorical in nature?

[mota bhai 2,675]

I take it these questions are more rhetorical in nature?

Danno has surprised before. I wouldn't underestimate him. He can be a formidable opponent when he puts his thinking cap on.