Proxy wars and medicare privatization.

The images coming out of Ukraine are horrifying. It is no wonder that Ukrainians have the sympathy of most people.

Yet I have always had this gnawing gut feeling that all is not what it appears.

Part of that feeling is because I am old enough to know that the United States’ record in the international arena is hinky at best.

We have the receipts: Unjust wars based on lies, disinformation and false claims of making the world safe for democracy.

And slowly, some truth is coming out. This past weekend U.S. officials in the Biden administration have admitted that weakening Russia and the hope of regime change was at the heart of their Ukraine strategy from the start.

That this is a proxy war.

The admission was first signaled a week ago when Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said the United States’ goals in the war were not only to protect Ukraine as a democratic, sovereign country but to “weaken” Russia as a military power.

Over the past week many have expressed concern that this proxy war strategy, of fighting to the last Ukrainian, will eventually lead to U.S. and NATO direct troop involvement.

And possible nuclear engagement.

Only negotiations and de-escalation can reverse the global disaster that seems to be coming.

More on Medicare privatization.

I’ve received a ton of response to my posts on the Biden administration’s move to Medicare privatization.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in February that the professional and global Direct Contracting Model will transition in 2023 to the Accountable Care Organization Realizing Equity, Access and Community Health (ACO REACH) Model.

This is government speak for moving all Medicare enrollments our of a pay-for-service plan into a Medicare Advantage plan.

As I have repeatedly pointed out, while MA plans are good for some people, they are profit-based insurance which has been shown to often deny needed services and charge the government of services that are not provided.

Big picture, the issue is whether healthcare, like education, libraries and those sectors that are held in common should be expanded.

I say yes.

It is why I think healthcare services should be nationalized.

But the trend is towards greater privatization. Nearly half of Medicare enrollments are in private MA plans.

In any case, I was asked exactly how this Biden program, a continuation of a program initiated under Trump, would be implemented in each state.

I have no clear picture of this.

I called my Congressman, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia of the 4th Illinois CD to find out. I was promised a call back.

Congressman Garcia, part of the House Progressive Caucus, was one of those Congressman who signed a letter to Biden earlier this year opposing the move.

I have also been asked what folks can do.

I would start by calling your Congressman and asking them to sign the letter and express their opposition to Biden.

I’m thinking he needs every vote can get right now.