American Universal Healthcare could change America's political leanings

The US is engulfed in a divisive debate between democrats and republicans over Universal Healthcare versus the status quo. The opponents to universal healthcare are against it not just because they object to funding it but they view a loss in this battle could have deeper effects on the political right. If a universal healthcare system could be successfully implemented the United States could move further to other progressive policies.

All other industrial countries have a state-funded healthcare system and there is deep opposition to any dismantling of those systems all over the world. The US has the most decentrailized government in the world where individuals and NGO's are responsible for delivering services that governments deliver.

The slippering slope for the political right is higher taxes, more government services, and more equitable taxation. A more progressive America could also move into political affairs with less military action and a more activist approach towards global warming, global poverty, and ending global conflict.

2009 Stanley Cup Final Prediction

Pittsburgh vs Detroit

Hossa left the Penguins because he thought Detroit had a better shot of winning a cup. Pittsburgh doesn't lack the experience anymore and even though Detroit doesn't have any glaring weaknesses they are the underdogs in this series. Crosby and Malkin are the league's two most dominant centermen and both of them are on separate lines.

Pittsbugh in 7.

2009 Round 3 NHL Predictions

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh vs Carolina

The Penguins have the advantage over the Penguins in every category accept Carolina's cluth performers. If the Penguins can't end the series early Cam Ward won't let the Penguins win a Game 7. Pittsburgh is on a mission after the coaching change and the team to beat this year.

Pittsburgh in 4.

Western Conference

Detroit vs Chicago

This could be the more exciting series. In the playoffs experience usually trumps youth. The Hawks were able to defeat Luongo and could also beat the wings defense and make Osgood look human. This series will look like last year's Cup final where the inexperienced pens played the seasoned Wings.

Detroit in 5.

2009 Round 2 NHL Predictions

Boston vs Carolina

I am shocked the Hurricanes beat New Jersey. Carolina has never been a talented team but twice this decade they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Carolina may have another similar run but on paper matched up against the Bruins they don't stand a chance.

Boston in 4.

Washington vs Pittsburgh

The matchup the NHL has been waiting a few years for won't disappoint. Washington doesn't have the penguins experience and since the Penguins coaching change they are my favourite to win the cup.

Pittsburgh in 6.

Detroit vs Anaheim

The Ducks beat the cursed Sharks but the Wings are anything but cursed. Detroit's only obstacle will be the Ducks defense of Niedermayer, Pronger, and Whitney.

Detroit in 6.

Vancouver vs Chicago

The young Hawks defeated the Flames who were desperate for a series win and gave away a first round pick for Jokinen. The Hawks have very little holes other than a lack of experience. The Canucks still rely heavily on Luongo who is human and can't shut-down Kane and Toews.

Chicago in 6.

2009 Round 1 Predictions

Montreal vs Boston

A rematch of last year's first round match up except Boston and Montreal switched 1-8 seeds. Boston surprisingly finished first with spectacular goaltending, young forwards making big leaps, and strong top-3 defenseman. Montreal is the underdog but is a tough opponent that could be underestimated. Kovalev recently has got his elite game back and Price is playing well again also. Montreal's more experienced forwards and team toughness could give the Canadiens the edge.

Montreal in 7.

Washington vs NY Rangers

The Capitals feel destined to follow the Penguins run of last year. They have super talented stars on a young improving team that is capable of winning the cup. The NY Rangers have struggled with mediocre seasons from veterans Gomez and Redden. It will be a long series mainly because of goaltending. Lundqvist gives the Rangers a fighting chance over Theodore's erratic play.

Washington in 7.

New Jersey vs Carolina

The devils were a playoff team without Brodeur. The canes who struggled to creep into the playoffs don't have much of a chance.

New Jersey in 5.

Pittsbugh vs Philadelphia

Philadelphia has great core but the Penguins have been red hot since their coaching change. Guerin and Kunitz have fitted well with the Penguins.

Pittsbugh in 5.

San Jose vs Anaheim

The Sharks have choked every year since the lockout ended. Thornton has been a post-season bust and Nabokov has looked fatigued by the time the playoffs have started. The Ducks surged to make the playoffs and their three top defensemen Niedermayer, Pronger, and Whitney will lead to a major first round upset.

Anaheim in 6.

Detroit vs Columbus

This is the Jackets first-ever post season appearance. Mission accomplished and thanks for coming.

Detroit in 4.

Vancouver vs St. Louis

Luongo has a tremendous advantage over Mason who was castoff by the Predators. The Blues miraculously made the playoffs with numerous injuries but likely have run out of luck.

Vancouver in 5.

Chicago vs Calgary

This is the closest matchup. The Hawks are a very talented young team but they are facing off against the Flames who are very eager to go deep into the playoffs after acquring Jokinen.

Calgary in 7.

Are All Ridings Equal?

"I can't remember a circumstance when so many members of the government including the Prime
Minister say things that need to be corrected because they aren't true." Keith Boag, CBC News

The most disturbing argument the Prime Minister brought forward during his address was the phrase "the opposition wants to overturn the results of that election". The majority of members in the house are not conservatives. Shouldn't every riding be equal? If the Conservatives can't get any support from the opposition then is the only alternative for the opposition to take the reins of power rather than repeating the election result of a few weeks back?

This coalition made Canada look like a bananna republic. If the country needs to move forward both major parties must look at replacing their leaders sooner than later.

Coalition was inevitable

Canada has gone through 3 federal elections in the last 4 years and there's been no consensus among Canadians who should govern the country. Parliament has allowed the party with the most seats to govern Canada without any interference from the opposition. The conservative's plan to eliminate public political party funding united the opposition against the government.

My biggest objection to recent events is the argument that the coalition deal is illegal or undemocratic. This is not a coup but a legal way of replacing a government that has no support from opposition parties in a minority parliament. Every seat in the House of Commons must count and forcing opposition parties to vote for the government when they disagree with their policies is undemocratic. Canada does not have a presidential system and the Prime Minister's job depends on his support from the house. The conservatives could have taken power from Paul Martin in 2004 and whenever a Prime Minister resigns while in office a new Prime Minister assumes power without an election. This power transfer should not look as unprecedented as the media is framing this story.

I believe the coalition is the right thing for Canada. The Liberals will hold the seat of the Prime Minister and Finance Minister. They are taking over in the midst of a crisis that they are now responsible to solve and if they make a misstep the NDP or Bloc can bring the government down. Another election 2 months later will just repeat the same results and accomplish nothing.