Monday

-777


Wow! What a day. For someone who works in the financial services business, it was like being in the cast of a bad play in a low-rent, off-Broadway theater. Nobody wants to be there, but no one is quite sure how to make a proper exit.

None of the politicians have anything to be proud of. If we end up with an agreement that passes both chambers on Thursday, as is now expected, make no mistake that today was all about politics, not economics. Or statesmanship.

Another of my heretofore favorite actresses, Ashley Judd, made the video news with an anti McCain-Palin rant over the weekend, based largely on the "true" feminists' rallying point of abortion. I'm running out of fantasy fav's. Can't they just be satisfied with making a bunch of money with nominal acting skills?

Despite the Major League's season being officially over yesterday, the White Sox won a make-up game today against Cleveland that earned them the right to play the Twins in a one-game playoff tomorrow in Chicago for the American Central division title. That's one of the amazing things about baseball; they play 162 games over the course of six months, and after all that, they play one game for the prize. The same thing happened last year in the National West.

(The Cubs had a game against the Astros that didn't get played after the season as a win or loss would have made no difference in the standings for either team or any other team. Another of the minutiae rules of baseball.)

Happy Rosh Hashanah to all of my Jewish readers.

Here's a thought about how the rising costs of health care might be better controlled. I just watched a "soft news" piece by 4's favorite local Channel 6 reporter, Fran Riley, about the savings that people can achieve at the grocery store. Customers commented about clipping coupons, buying "store" brands, and watching for "sales". Compare that with the "shopping" that is done (or not done) by consumers or third-party payers for medical services.

While everyone complains about the increase in health care costs, at least some of the abuse of the current system can be traced to the fact that "the insurance company" pays the bill. The consumer may be picking up part of the monthly premium at work, and the deductible and the co-pay, but the big number goes to the carrier for settlement.

The doctors cry about their level of reimbursement compared to the fee charged. I want them to be well paid. Wealthy even. But I want them, the hospitals, and other medical services providers to be subject to the free enterprise system as well.

Did that put everyone to sleep?

Have a great day.

BCOT