You can bring a horse to the water, but will it drink?

Here's a poignant look at the facts about Health Insurance.



We have often been made to believe that it is really expensive and beyond affordability, but is it really unaffordable? The fact is that it is often affordable but people exercise their choice to spend other stuff rather than on Health Insurance. Of course this is not a problem unique in the U.S. nor to the issue of health insurance alone.

Interestingly, politicians often take the easier way out and go for that popular rhetoric showing that they are fixing a problem (often a non-existent one as well). What we then get is big government systems and plans that cost so much and really does so little for the people. Then of course we get higher taxes for no apparent reason.

The key is really educating the people and informing them about it in the first place. This situation a problem even in Singapore. Hence, there was a drive for the civil services to push a hotline service and to start an citizen education program on the aid available to them.

Hopefully this will convince the people to make the right decision for themselves.

Wall Street Journal's Barrage against Barrack

Yesterday, I was pretty surprise to find so many editorials in the WSJ that were targeted at Senator (or can I claim President) Obama. One of the key reason is because of the assumption that he is going to win. Hence, it is time for him to move beyond politics and really start doing the right thing.

Here one on the meeting expectations of the crowd
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122533157015082889.html

This one projects hope that the dominance of democrats do not change the judiciary and that it is still center and not extreme left
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122515067227674187.html

This one projecting the hope that this election will not turn America to become protectionist or isolationist.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122533132337982833.html

This one to urge that he would address the causes of problems and not mere positioning to mitigate effects.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122523804578478175.html

Last but not least, one which exhorts him and his party to start putting their foot down and not be so cryptic because this is where the rubber meets the road.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122523845602478211.html

So what should we make of all this? Some questions for thought

Firstly, what is the alternative? Does Senator McCain have his failing? Because he is losing the fight, we no longer hear his critics.

Secondly, can the people get what they expect and project on Senator Obama? Will the fears expressed above materialise? Will he be able to truly govern from the center and take the best ideas from both sides to move the country forward? Will he truly move above the politics?

I think the two segments of questions should be consider before exercising the sacred vote.

The Power of Media, Money, Movement...

I think I have mentioned that the U.S. Election on 4 Nov as being sealed. This continues to be the case. I think Senator Barack Obama has run a superb campaign and seriously, Senator John McCain is outclassed on all aspect. There was simply no way it could have worked out any other way.

Does issues matter? Hardly. Perception is everything.

So how does one create at that perception? Firstly, you need a excellent personality so that you can create a cult movement, with that you can then raise money and with money you can buy plenty of media. Of course, then we are thrown into a chicken an the egg problem. How do you create that cult movement in the first place? Well, you need media but media needs money.

The force multiplier here is therefore the Internet. It is the greatest leveller of playing field and it is also the greatest unbalancer of the level playing field. If you conduct an excellent internet PR campaign you can work wonders and this example should really go down into the history books for revolution of political activism.

I'm dismayed by the whole sound biting and piecemeal internet videos and TV media showcase because it really deflects any real thinking and considerations. It is also the known difference between 'cold' media like the television and 'hot' media like the papers. Yet if you succeed in using 'cold' media you can eventually dominate 'hot' media. It's extremely strategic and it is just like warfare.

Here is a nice video to break it down for you.
http://online.wsj.com/video/obama-money-blowout/EC57E98C-EC4F-469A-BAF5-D28DF72700EB.html

So what is it's implication for the country that I hail from? Plenty.

I like the fact that currently, there are some real caps on electoral media so that people are not detracted by soundbites and media onslaught but having an honest consideration on issues and candidate qualifications for office.

However, I think that the lack of coverage on the opposition by the local media outlets are just not leveling the playing field. We certainly need a stronger focus on issues and understanding of the hearts of the leaders that we are to elect.

Last but not least, I think the notion of mandatory voting is so vital. The ability of people to choose just opens people to a whole lot of cajoling and voter management.