As we march ever onward toward the 2008 Presidential election, I keep hearing about the noble plans of Universal Health Care. As a matter of fact, a possibly drunk gentleman was singing the praises of it at the Bayonne Diner last weekend along with the prospect of no more Republican in the White House come 2008/2009. I'll admit that my research into the matter is somewhat light but where is the money for Universal Health Care supposed to come from? Is it from 'the rich'? Where does 'rich' start these days anyway? By some people's definition, I seem to fall into that category but if you looked at my house, you'd know I'm far from it. I struggle to send my kids to good schools, etc. I don't think I can afford to foot the bill for other people's health care. I'm paying enough to care of my own family. I've seen the tax rates for other countries and I don't think, currently, this country could bear that considerable burden. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe Obama or Clinton have a great plan that won't result in me (yes, I'm looking at from a very Vince-centric POV) having to sell my little patch of Bayonne heaven to pay for it....

Being I don't qualify for the full federal rebate just signed, I guess I am one of these rich (far from it). If this is the case, the money will come from other "rich" folk like me. Also, didn't Hillary say she would FORCE all workers to accept her Universal Health Care plan. No one would opt out of this system, therefore, we will all be forced to pay for substandard health care. I will go from great healthcare, for whic hi pay alot, to bad healthcare and probably pay more. Jude

Right now I care more about where the funding source for Bayonne's budget will come from. Universal Health Care will not happen in the next 4 years with a Democrat in the white house. The lobby is too strong. However, we will hit critical mass with healthcare costs in the next decade, and then everyone will be looking for healthcare related cost relief!

Property taxes will continue to rise to give our city more money to waste. I'm paying almost $9000/yr for my little patch of Bayonne which is more than I'm paying for health insurance for my family. So, I guess I'd love to see property tax relief (not a bogus rebate which just allows someone else to earn interest on my money). I was just curious where the money for the promised Nirvana was coming from? I'm guessing it's my pocket.

Just campaign promises. But maybe.. just maybe we can get local government to change first... wouldn't it be great if the city budget went DOWN one year?

A lower or truly stable budget would be nice. Doubt it's going to happen, but it would be a good start