Saturday, March 28, 2009

A Quickie From The "Our Leadership Is Wise And Just" File.

So.....need a reason why reform of our dysfunctional health care "system" has to come from the federal level, as opposed to leaving it to the numbnut hacks that tend to show up in the 50 statehouses around this country? Sure, I'll give you one. To the *cough* great state of Texas, via the Austin American-Statesman:


Give state Rep. Gary Elkins some credit for being honest.

At a hearing Thursday of the House Committee on Human Services, Elkins and other members of the panel considered more than two dozen bills related to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Three hours into the hearing, Elkins asked: "What's Medicaid?"

The Houston Republican continued: "I know I hear it — I really don't know what it is. I know that's a big shock to everybody here in the audience, OK."


Actually, no, I'm not shocked at all. The words "Houston," "Republican," and "dumb as a fucking rock" seem to have a way of going together. 

He could have kept quiet. He could have asked an aide. He could have Googled it. Instead, he asked the question into the microphone in the middle of a public hearing.

This doesn't surprise me either. Texas Republicans seem to take a perverse pride in their ignorance. God forbid they come across as all uppity and book learned. 

Medicaid, for the record, is the federal-state health insurance program for low-income people and people with disabilities. Elkins is new to the Human Services Committee. However, he's served in the House since 1995, where one of the main tasks is crafting the state budget.

A quarter of the state budget is Medicaid.


Yeah. Not a lot left here to say really. 

Fucking dumbass.

8 comments:

Utah Savage said...

When last I had insurance, I was self employed as Contract Labor, much like Mexiccan laborors, only I had an agent and was modeling. I was paying $1,000. a month to United Health Care, the only carrier in Utah to cover single, self employed individuals. When I was pronounced "disabled" I became elegible for the best insurance I've ever had--medicare A B and D. I can chose my own doctor, my own psychiatrist, and though my drugs cost thousands a month, I pay maybe $100 a month. No donut hole for me, since I am so low income. But I wish this insurance was available to anyone who can't get or afford private insurance companies. Private insurance companies and the drug companies can go F#@k themselves. They have no place meddling with Medicare and Medicaid. They're gluttonously rich enough.

CandyGirl said...

"Actually, no, I'm not shocked at all. The words "Houston," "Republican," and "dumb as a fucking rock" seem to have a way of going together.

He could have kept quiet. He could have asked an aide. He could have Googled it. Instead, he asked the question into the microphone in the middle of a public hearing.


This doesn't surprise me either. Texas Republicans seem to take a perverse pride in their ignorance. God forbid they come across as all uppity and book learned."


OMG - you just made me laugh so hard. I live in Houston, and I HATE THIS F-CKING PLACE because of those types of people! AND THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. Stupid, narrow minded idiots and way too many of them. All full of "Texas Pride;" and yes, it has to be capitalized since Texas is sooooooo puking wonderful ;) Dear heavens, they slap the state flag on EVERYTHING and think it is awesome.

God I wish I could move. (and no I'm not a native, for which I thanks the heavens for that little bit of luck)

Anonymous said...

Someone please tell him it's a program that provides business incentives and tax relief to oil companies so he keeps it well funded.

Anonymous said...

My inlaws are a lot like those texas folk. I just bought a brand new used car, (oxymoron I know, but it only has 5k miles on it) and my fiance got bitched out, like seriously yelled at all day by her parents because it is a "foreign car" and "way too small." "You guys need large american steel around you, but I guess I could expect something like this coming from people who voted for Obama" My inlaws are the most small minded, racist bastards you'll ever meet. They are ignorant, opinionated, and mean and they stand for everything I hate.

Anonymous said...

So, I am at a site right now that only has 2 technicians and one of them is in the hospital with pneumonia or something. Today the other tech had car troubles or something and they have no back up techs, so today when we opened it was just the pharmacist and I, on a monday. So all I have to say is BALLS@!!!

Disaster Chick said...

DrugMonkey,

another example of the stellar mental capacities of Texan politicians

I swear there are days that you just wonder which rock people climbed out from under.

PeevedPuppy said...

For those inclined to step inside a WalMart within the borders of Texas, it's apparently illegal to mutter obscenities:

F-bomb charge

Anonymous said...

@LaLa- Well then hurry up and get the fuck out.

I must say that I really enjoy your posts and have been reading them in reverse (most recent to oldest), so I know this comment is a bit on the late side. However, I feel the need to stick up for my state and my city; guess it's that Texas Pride huh?

Houston is the 4th largest city in the US and far from a Republican red-neck town. It's a very culturally and racially diverse metropolis. You do know that Harris county (aka Houston) voted Democratic during the 2008 presidential election, right??

I agree that our politicians can be a bit... out of it, and some are extremely conservative, but I like to think that they all are trying to do what they feel is right... whether or not you or I agree with it.

You only appear ignorant when you bash a city/state in which you obviously don't live. If you're interested, look up Houston in Wikipedia, maybe it'll change your perception. :)