Agricultural Climate Adaptation Plan

Agricultural Climate Adaptation Plan Krity Neermul Agricultural Climate Adaptation Plan: A Case Study of the Mauritius Sugar Cane Industry Introduction: Climate change being now a reality, the future weather projections of Mauritius is contemplating a warmer and drier condition in the coming years. The annual temperature is expected to increase by 2.0Â °C by the 2060s and a decrease in the annual rainfall by 13% by 2050s coupled with extreme events like recurrent flash flood, acute drought and cyclone (McSweeney et al., 2010). Agriculture is fundamentally driven and dependent on climate and as such any distortion in the climatic conditions would have serious consequences on production. Likewise, the thread of climate change to the sugarcane industry of Mauritius is now real. Hence, given it considerable economic, social and environmental importance, sugar cane industry should be; prepared for and shielded again, the potential devastating effect of climate change. It is undebatable that the effect of climate on the industry would be felt all throughout its value chain line starting from the primary industry, passing through secondary level and going up the ladder till the national economic benchmark (Muchow et al., 1999). The impacts are real which are mainly due to due rise in temperature, low precipitation and extreme events and are concentrated around: Low yield Decrease in sugar production. Inefficient planning of crushing campaign by millers and harvesting period extended. Penalties by buyer, for unable to supply required amount of sugar as per contract. Required underground water for irrigation. Hence competition with other crops. Emergence of pests and diseases. Replantation constraints. Decrease of GDP. Decrease in foreign currency return. Affect policy and national budget program. Economic dis-balance Having an overview of the potential impacts of climate change on the Mauritian Sugarcane Industry, its effect can be reduced by formulating the right mitigation and adaptation strategies. Both strategies are of uttermost importance in the sense that; mitigation would mainly focus on stratagems required to limits further deterioration of the global climate and adaptation would address specific issues on how to reduce the severity of climate change due to past and future emission by mankind. Therefore the objective of this paper is to prepare an adaptation and mitigation plan on how to make the sugarcane industry viable and continue to be effective in projected harsh climatic conditions like higher temperature, low precipitation and extreme events. 2.0Â  Adaptation strategies 2.1 Government involvement The Government of Mauritius being a signatory of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and member in several international bodies like IPCC, World Climate Programme of the World Meteorological Organisation and UNFCCC, is duty bound to fulfil its commitment in mitigating and preparation of its national adaptation plan for climate change. Furthermore, in the wake of framing the adaptation plan, the leadership of the government is crucial for its concretisation together with all stakeholders. Government of Mauritius should play a central role in the development of an adaptation strategy for the sugarcane sector pertaining to policy formulation, research and development, fund disbursement, role of institutions among others. The concept of Maurice Ile Durable is the right project which is looking into climate adaptation strategies. 2.2Â  Research and development Assessment proves that climate change particularly due to low rainfall and rise in temperature would affect sugar cane production if the existing varieties together with operational framework are maintained. Therefore, to mitigate the effect of water stress due to low rainfall and high temperature, researches should be oriented toward breeding new cultivars that would be drought resistant and at the same time withstand higher temperature. There is real potential in breeding new varieties, like evocated by Inman-Bamber et al., (2012) that sugarcane cultivar differences in drought adaptation exist and concurrently, Matthieson (2007) further stated that plant breeders should therefore continue to breed varieties that tolerate drought conditions or greater water use efficiency. Another strategy could be that growers drop single variety plantation throughout their fields and move to multi-cultivars field cover which would decrease the risk of collateral damage in the event of failure of o ne particular variety due to water stress (Challinor et al., 2007). Pests and diseases incidences are expected to increase with climate change and they are even expected to be difficult to control due to alteration of their genomes (Harmon et al., 2009). To that regard, together with plant breeding program, biotechnology could be an essential tool in developing new cultivars which would be pests and diseases resistant and their release could be faster in an eventual outbreaks. As stated by Cheavegatti-Gianotto et al. (2011) that apart from conventional breeding of new varieties to shadow the effect of climate change, researchers should practice biotechnology so as to diminish abiotic and biotic stresses associated with sugarcane. These tasks are under the responsibilities of the Mauritius Sugarcane Industry Research Institute which is the sugarcane research and development arm of the Island. 2.3Â  Water and land requirement Water is expected to be a limited resources in the near future as a result of climate change and the effect of low water availability on sugar cane production is well known. Therefore, apart from having drought tolerant varieties, it is essential to curtail water wastage and inefficient use. In view thereof, introduction of appropriate irrigation technologies and schemes are fundamental like increasing use of supplementary water, optimisation of irrigation scheduled to maximise water use efficiency, effective irrigation water delivery technologies, and modification to row spacing, minimum tillage and the use of cover crops. Under its reform program of the sugarcane industry, the Government of Mauritius is already investing in the Field Operation, Re-grouping and Irrigation Project (FORIP). Since most small farmers fields are rain fed, thus the aim is to install irrigation facilities to these lands which would at time benefit the growers and also preparing to sustain future attack of climate change. Another ambitious project laid by the government is construction of additional dams for water storage and this would be an important strategy in mitigating the effect of low rainfall in the long run. Climate change would also affect the soil structure required by sugarcane for growth and maturing. Heavy rainfall, cyclone and thunderstorms as a result of climate change, impact the soil aggregate, causes surface runoff and affect infiltration rate (VÃ ¡rallyay, 2010). Furthermore, Brevik (2013) mapped response of plants to elevated atmospheric CO2level with soil nutrients (N and P) dis-balance and soil organic matter reduction essential to support growth and maintain soil stability. In Mauritius sugarcane is harvested either fresh of burnt. Therefore one possible way to mitigate effect of climate change would be adopting fresh harvest. This would imply leaving all residues in the fields which could be useful in weed suppression, increasing the content of organic matter in the soil which increases water holding capacity; improve soil structure and biological activity in the soil. Furthermore use of trash blanketing to intercept raindrops and increase water infiltration; conserve ti llage, and alter row configurations are also recommended. 2.4Â  Harvesting and milling requirement It is known that decrease yield would create some degree of uncertainty in planning for harvesting and crushing campaign. A potential strategy could be use of seasonal climate forecasts in planning for optimum harvesting and crushing season. Low yield would also entail poor viability and profitability of sugar mills. In this line, in the Multi Annual Adaptation Strategy (MAAS) mentioned has been made for centralisation of existing sugar factories into clusters so as to be more efficient and profitable. Previously there were 21 factories around the island and now with the reform spelled under MAAS, there are 4 big flexi-factories which are operational. Despite sugarcane is mainly cultivated for sugar production, yet derivatives products like energy from bagasse and bio-fuel from molasses are having increasing important. The concept of flexi-factory resides around the fact that the mill can instantly shift from its main product which is sugar, in case of an event, to another production like electricity from biomass. This could become an economic opportunity in case the primary industry is affected with regard to low sucrose content within the crop stand. 2.5Â  Extreme events (Cyclone) More cyclone with higher intensity is expected as a result of climate change and such occurrence would affect the whole industry. During cyclone the crop would be affected seriously which would require additional post cyclone inputs for the re-establishment. As an adaptation strategy, it is therefore proposed to plant trees around the field to act as windbreak. In order to mitigate the financial losses to be incurred by planters in an event of cyclone, government should encourage growers to take insurance policy again the associated risk. 2.6Â  Economic implications Financial shortfall due to low sugar production could have serious economic consequences for all stakeholders of the industry including national budgetary planning. To lessen the economic burden that might result due to climate change, initiatives like diversification of the economy is imperative. Emerging sectors like ICT and offshores are already in the pipeline of the central government policy framework. Since Mauritius has a contractual obligation to supply 400, 000 tonnes of refined white sugar annually to the buyer, therefore a good initiative has recently been taken which deal with importing raw sugar from other partner countries and reprocessing same into white sugar. This step fill the gap if ever the quota is not met as a result of climate change. 3.0Â  Barriers to effective adaptation plan for the sugarcane industry In the attempt to prepare an effective adaptation plan for the Mauritian Sugarcane industry to continue to be resilient despite facing the negative impacts of climate change, several barriers emerged. The barriers are particularly categorised in four main pillars pertaining to regulatory, organisational, market failure and behavioural barriers. 3.1Â  Regulatory barriers The central government has a very important role to play in the preparation of the adaptation strategies for policy and regulatory making. As evocated earlier that biotechnology could prove to be an essential tool for designing new cultivars that would suit and adapt climate change. Moreover, one barrier that exist is that there is no proper piece of legislation so far that would legalised biotechnology and genetically modified organism. Another barrier is not enough fund and resources being allocated to the sugar cane industry these days hence constraints for the scientist to explore deeper for potential varieties. It is often observed that in the Finance Act these days marginal finance is deployed to RD for sugarcane industry in fact there is reduction of staff and cut cost process. Mentioned has also been made for insurance cover but the constraint that might arose is government intervention with private companies or for subsidies initiatives. Government processes always take time and this would acting as an obstacle for prompt intervention to help and assist for farmers in distress following extreme events like cyclone. Mentioned has also been made for the concept of flexi-factory pertaining to electricity generation rather than sugar manufacture in extreme event. The biggest draw back and barrier for this concept is that planters, entitlement. The current law makes provision for planters being remunerated for amount of recoverable sugar from their cane and a very marginal return from bagasse used to generate electricity. Therefore if no proper act is enacted where equitable share of return is given to the planters’ community then the take-off of the flexi-factory project particularly for energy production would be hindered. 3.1.1Â  Organisational Barrier Disputes between millers and farmers are omnipresent when sugarcane quality supplied to the factories come in to play. Arbitration of disputes have never been an easy and rapid task since it has legal implications. Therefore in circumstances of extreme event where the sucrose per cent is low, millers would refused to take the cane for milling until a decision is not taken by competent authorities. The time taken by organisation to make a decision would result in more economic losses to planters since already harvested canes deteriorate with time if milling delayed. 3.1.2 Market failures It is proposed that raw sugar be imported from other countries and reprocessed into refine white sugar in case the quota not fulfilled from local production. But the main constraint might be market accessibility and acceptability. There is a growing concern for fair trade these days where all cultural practices are documented and norms respected. Moreover, if raw sugar is used from a country which does not satisfy the standards, then this strategy would just fail and its recurrent might end up the contractual agreement, then further problem would arise in searching for alternate potential buyers. 3.1.3 Behavioural barriers. Acceptance of GMO is still having some ethnical refusal and this would act as a barrier in developing new resistant varieties. It is commonly observed that planters are more attached to traditional farming and system and they are quite resistant in adopting new strategies like regrouping and mechanisation. Therefore this is impeding the ambitious project of FORIP to reach its cruised speed with the objective to mitigate the effects of climate change. 4.0Â  Mitigation strategies In the attempt of decreasing considerably green-house gas emission in the atmosphere, sugarcane industry could play a role model. The co-generation of electricity recently embraced by the sugarcane industry is a good show piece. In this concept, during the harvesting period, the power plant utilised bagasse instead of coal to produce electricity for export to the national grid. The sugarcane industry is a whole picture in itself where every emission from power plant are trapped back by the sugarcane plant which is well known for its carbon dioxide fixing capability. Another by-product which came out from the processing of sugar is filter cake (scum). The scum is used as bio-fertiliser in grower’s fields. This strategy decreases the dependency on chemical fertiliser and at the same time helps in soil conservation. 5.0Â  Conclusion To conclude, the impacts of climate change is likely to affect all stakeholders of the Mauritian Sugarcane Industry throughout all its operating value chain. Having a good adaptation plan is important but to be successful, the adaptation strategies demand for active participation of each and every one. Moreover, not all strategies could easily be implemented because there are barriers that prevent its effective implementation. Furthermore as always said prevention is better than cure, then it is equally important to have a climate change mitigation framework with aim not to further deteriorate the already affected climate. References McSweeney, C., M. New and G. Lizcano (2010). UNDP Climate Change Country Profiles: Mauritius. School of Geography and Environment, University of Oxford. Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. http://country-profiles.geog.ox.ac.uk Muchow, R.C., Robertson M.J. and Keating, B.A. (1997). Limits to the Australian sugar industry: climatic and biological factors. In ‘Intensive sugarcane production: meeting the challenges Beyond 2000. BA Keating, JR Wilson (eds) pp. 37–54. (CAB International: Wallingford, UK). Mathieson L (2007). Climate change and the Australian Sugar Industry: Impacts, adaptation and R D opportunities. Sugar Research and Development Corporation. Australia. Challinor A, Wheeler T, Garforth C, Craufurd P, Kassam A (2007). Assessing the vulnerability of food crop systems in Africa to climate change. Climate Change 83:381-399. Inman-Bamber N G, Lakshmanan P, Park S (2012). Sugarcane for water-limited environments: Theoretical assessment of suitable traits. Field Crops Res. 134:95–104. Harmon, J.P., Moran N.A. and Ives, R.A. (2009). Species Response to Environmental Change: Impacts of Food Web Interactions and Evolution. Science 323:1347. Cheavegatti-Gianotto A, Abreu H M C, Arruda P, Bespalhok F J C, Burnquist W L, Creste S, Ciero L, Ferro J A, Oliveira F A V, Sousa F T, Grossi-de-SÃ ¡ M F, Guzzo E C, Hoffmann H P, Andrade L M G, Matsuoka S, Castro R F, Romano E, Silva W J, Castro S F M, CÃ ©sar U E (2011). Sugarcane (Saccharum X officinarum): A Reference Study for the Regulation of Genetically Modified Cultivars in Brazil. Tropical Plant Biol. 4(1):62-89. Park, S., Howden, M. and Horan, H. (2007). Evaluating the impact of and capacity for adaptation to climate change on sectors in the sugar industry value chain in Australia. Proceedings of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists 26, 312-324. Multi Annual Adaptation Strategy Report, (2006 – 2015), Mauritius. Brevik, E.C. (2013). The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Soil Properties and Processes and Corresponding Influence on Food Security VÃ ¡rallyay, G. (2010). The impact of climate change on soils and on their water management. Research Institute for Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry (RISSAC) of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest. Agronomy Research 8 (Special Issue II), 385–396

A Freudian Perspective of Shakespeares Macbeth Essay -- GCSE English

Macbeth:   A Freudian Perspective   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Macbeth and Lady Macbeth   We may take as an example of a person who collapses on reaching success, after striving for it with single-minded energy, the figure of Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth. Beforehand there is no hesitation, no sign of any internal conflict in her, no endeavour but that of overcoming the scruples of her ambitious and yet tender-minded husband. She is ready to sacrifice even her womanliness to her murderous intention, without reflecting on the decisive part which this womanliness must play when the question afterwards arises of preserving the aim of her ambition, which has been attained through a crime.    Analytic work has no difficulty in showing us that it is forces of conscience which forbid the subject to gain the long-hoped-for advantage from the fortunate change in reality. It is a difficult task, however, to discover the essence and origin of these judging and punishing trends, which so often surprise us by their existence where we do not expect to find them. For the usual reasons I shall not discuss what we know or conjecture on the point in relation to cases of clinical observation, but in relation to figures which great writers have created from the wealth of their knowledge of the mind. We may take as an example of a person who collapses on reaching success, after striving for it with single-minded energy, the figure of Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth. Beforehand there is no hesitation, no sign of any internal conflict in her, no endeavour but that of overcoming the scruples of her ambitious and yet tender-minded husband. She is ready to sacrifice even her womanliness to her murderous intention, without reflecting on the decisive part which this womanl... ... Die Braut von Messina, III v. Strachey and Tyson (eds.).   Ã‚   Endnote 2 Cf. Macbeth, Act III, sc. I: Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown, And put a barren sceptre in my gripe, Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand, No son of mine succeeding ...   Ã‚   Endnote 3 As is Richard III's wooing of Anne beside the bier of the King whom he has murdered.   Ã‚   Endnote 4 Freud had already suggested this in the first edition of The Interpretation of Dreams (1900), Standard Edition, IV 266. Strachey and Tyson (eds.).   Ã‚   Endnote 5 This does not appear to have been published. In a later paper on Macbeth Jekels (1917) barely refers to this theory, apart from quoting the present paragraph. In a still later paper, on The Psychology of Comedy, Jekels (1926) returns to the subject, but again very briefly. Strachey and Tyson (eds.).     

Normative Economics

Republican and democratic candidates in the upcoming elections have tabled proposals on how to reform healthcare in the country. They all agree on need for reforms but differ on the proposed action. The debate has been sparked by reports indicating that many Americans are uninsured. According to U.S census bureau, 47 million Americans were uninsured in 2006 up from 44.8 million in 2005. An increase of 22 million or 15.8%.The proportion of the insured by government schemes also went down from 27.3% to 27.0% in that year (www.census.gov 2007).   A report by families USA puts the figures much higher. It indicates that 89.6 million Americans below 65 years of age were uninsured at time in the last two years. (www.familiesusa.org) These figures show that there really is a health insurance crisis in the country. This is by far biggest subject of the health reform debate in the country.Republicans propose that the government provide incentives for the poor to get private life insurance. T hey oppose government playing on active role in provision of insurance cover. The Democrats on their part advocate for a universal health care plan. Their proposals require that everybody must get covered.Thesis Democrats have a better health reform agenda than the Republicans. The Democrats proposal to make health care affordable and accessible to all Americans is better than the republican proposal, which offer, subsidizes low-income families.  Proponent’s Position.Democrats propose that to reform the health sector the government must come in to promote accessibility by all Americans through universal coverage. (www.democrats.org, 2007)Opponent’s PositionRepublicans emphasize on reforms in healthcare based on free market principles they would offer incentives to the people to taking private life insurance policies. (www.gop.com, 2007)Proponent’s PositionDemocrats have come up with a plan that ensures that everybody is covered and paying a premium that is wit hin their means. They support a universal health care plan. The health plan targets the uninsured and those not satisfied with their current insurance. Senator Hillary’s American Health Choices Plan requires that the government and big employees make contribution to the employee’s health plan. Small businesses on their part will be let off. They wont contribute but will in fact receive tax credits so that they are able to cover their employees.Under the AHCP, insurance and drug companies will use be highly regulated. Insurance companies will not deny anybody cover due to a pre-existing condition for they foresee somebody falling sick. The drug manufacturers will be pushed to lower the cost of medication. She identifies the greed of these two industries as a major limiting factor to affordable health care for all.In the AHCP, individuals must get insured. It is called ‘choices’ plan as it allows one to choose whether to retain current cover or get into the one provided by government. Individuals will pay a premium that is within their means. To keep the premiums low, they will be capped to correspond to individual’s income. This way nobody will be required to pay more than they can afford. The plan also avails tax credit to working families. That way, they are able to access quality insurance cover. The plan also aims at expanding Medicaid and children’s health insurance program to reach more people.John Edwards, another Democratic candidate unveiled almost similar plan to that of Senator Clinton. It also agitates for universal coverage with employers to government making contribution. The plan is also mandatory for all Americans. (johnedwards.com, 2007). To fund these grand plans, the candidates have indicated that they will rescind tax breaks and subsidies to insurance providers. Senator Clinton also requires that large employers make contribution towards their employee’s health cover. Her plan also emphasizes o n cost cutting through increased efficiency and use of preventive medicationStrengths of The Democrats’ Proposal.The proposed universal health care plans ensures that everybody affords insurance cover Senator Clinton’s AHCP ensures that every body is covered and paying an affordable premium. It makes it mandatory for all people to get health insurance coverage but allows them the choice of their policy. This way it does not force one in to buying insurance cover they are not comfortable with.The proposed plan also ensures that nobody is denied insurance coverage. Insurance providers are obliged to provide cover for all without discrimination on the grounds of a pre-existing condition or in anticipation of illness. This brings in a big number of people who were shunned by insurance companies due to condition such as schizophrenia and HIV/ AIDS. (www.democrats.org, 2007)The plan does not require small businesses to contribute to the universal health care plan rather it g rants them tax credits. This way the employees of these small businesses stay afloat. This will be incentive for small businesses to expand.The AHCP also emphasizes on cost cutting in health care. It champions preventive measures that are cheaper than curative medication. It also champions greater efficiency and modernization in health care delivery that would bring down costsWeaknessesThe universal health plan requires huge funding and this may result to higher taxes for the American public. Senator Clinton puts the cost of her plan at $110 billion while John Edward put his at $120 billion. The figure is tentative and might go higher than that. The planned source may also not deliver as much funds as projected senator Clintons plan to generate savings by boosting efficiency may also not generate enough funds. This would leave only the options of a tax rise as John Edwards concedes. (www.ontheissue.org) Higher taxes will burden the public further and will not be welcome.Government i nvolvement will cause inefficiencies in service delivery. Government involvement will only lead to a huge bureaucracy with a lot of red tape. This might aggravate the crisis. Without a profit motive, he plan might offer sluggish and poor quality servicesOpponents’ positionRepublican candidates propose that the government subsidize low-income families to help them access health care rather than providing a universal plan as a way to enhance accessibility. The Republican are opposed to government involvement in provision of health insurance. (www.gop.com, 2007)Rudy Giuliani, a Republican candidate in his plan offers tax deductions of $15,000 to families and $7500 for individuals. These deductions will enable families to access health care. He also proposes to give families and individuals vouchers to buy policies. He would encourage individuals buy covers of their choice as a way to make savings. Individuals would have to pay for minor check-ups as they would to their cars. He also stressed the need for people to take care of their health and not leave it to the government. (Elliott, Philip, 2007)Mitt Romney is agitating for individuals to purchase private insurance. He stresses that government interference will worsen the situation. He proposed tax breaks but not universal coverage plan. That would push up taxes. (www.ontheissues.org, 2007)The Republican propose that health insurance should be left to individual’s choices rather than employer and government schemes. They offer what they call an American solution to the problem. They stand for free market principles and are opposed to socialist tendencies in health care. They do not require that everybody must have health insurance cover. They justify try to create an incentive for individuals to join.Strengths of The Republicans proposals The Republican proposals ensure that the freedom of choice of consumers is safeguarded. Since they know their health better, individuals will decide on which pol icy in the market suits them best.Health saving plans as proposed by republicans will encourage individuals to save for future health expenses. This will promote more health lifestyle among the people. The insured gain more control over the financing of their health care.Tax deductions and vouchers would enable a big number of people to access quality health care. Neither would they disrupt health care delivery the way universal plan would. These fiscal measures are actually being implemented and would not be experimental.The republican proposals are business friendly in that they do not require large employers to make huge contributions to their employee’s health coversThey also come up with a health care service that is free of long bureaucratic procedures. Different insurance providers will compete to provide the most efficient and customer friendly covers. (www.joinrudy2008.com)WeaknessesThe republicans fail to address the issue rising medical costs and rising insurance p remiums. They give the insurance companies a free hand that results in only higher policies.The subsidies offered may not be adequate to male health insurance cover affordable to all people. This will lead to part of the population remaining uncovered.Most of the proposals made are similar to those implemented under the Bush administration. They are not offering any new solutions to the persisting problems of skyrocketing premiums and medical costs. They emphasize on free market principles that have put the countries in its current predicament.  The republican proposals do not tackle the issue of discrimination by the insurance industry insurance providers are not obligated to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Vouchers will not be of any use to such people as they will not get covers anywayConclusionThe democrats’ health agenda is definitely better than the republican agenda on health. It talks the failures of the healthcare system in place today. The democrats hav e tabled plans on how to make health care more affordable and accessible that are more convincing. They require that every body be covered while leaving rooms for choice on the policy. Their plan covers everybody and also ensures that the premiums are affordable.The net wise in taxes will not be huge as the cost of not implementing the plan. When sick people cannot pay for their health cover the community will have to bear the burden.Universal coverage has been implemented in other advanced countries and would also improve health care in the US.References:Highlights, 2007. Health insurance coverage: 2006. Retrieved on 04/10/07A Healthcare That Works for Everybody, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://www.democrats.org/a/national/affordable_health_care/Making Healthcare Affordable to all Americans, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://www.gop.com/Issues/HealthCare/American Health Choices Plan, 2007. Hillary for president. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://www.hillaryclinton.com/fe ature/healthcareplan/summary.aspxHealthcare, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://johnedwards.com/issues/health-care/Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s health plan, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://www.joinrudy2008.com/commitment.php?num=7Mitt Romney on Healthcare, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Mitt_Romney_Health_Care.htmElliott, Philip, 2007. Giuliani: Dems Want Nanny Government. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from  Ã‚   http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070730/D8QN4AHO0.html Normative Economics Republican and democratic candidates in the upcoming elections have tabled proposals on how to reform healthcare in the country. They all agree on need for reforms but differ on the proposed action. The debate has been sparked by reports indicating that many Americans are uninsured. According to U.S census bureau, 47 million Americans were uninsured in 2006 up from 44.8 million in 2005. An increase of 22 million or 15.8%. The proportion of the insured by government schemes also went down from 27.3% to 27.0% in that year (www.census.gov 2007).   A report by families USA puts the figures much higher. It indicates that 89.6 million Americans below 65 years of age were uninsured at time in the last two years. (www.familiesusa.org) These figures show that there really is a health insurance crisis in the country. This is by far biggest subject of the health reform debate in the country.Republicans propose that the government provide incentives for the poor to get private life insurance. They oppose government playing on active role in provision of insurance cover. The Democrats on their part advocate for a universal health care plan. Their proposals require that everybody must get covered.ThesisDemocrats have a better health reform agenda than the Republicans. The Democrats proposal to make health care affordable and accessible to all Americans is better than the republican proposal, which offer, subsidizes low-income families.Proponent’s Position.Democrats propose that to reform the health sector the government must come in to promote accessibility by all Americans through universal coverage. (www.democrats.org, 2007)Opponent’s PositionRepublicans emphasize on reforms in healthcare based on free market principles they would offer incentives to the people to taking private life insurance policies. (www.gop.com, 2007)Proponent’s PositionDemocrats have come up with a plan that ensures that everybody is covered and paying a premium that is within their means. They support a universal health care plan. The health plan targets the uninsured and those not satisfied with their current insurance. Senator Hillary’s American Health Choices Plan requires that the government and big employees make contribution to the employee’s health plan. Small businesses on their part will be let off. They wont contribute but will in fact receive tax credits so that they are able to cover their employees.Under the AHCP, insurance and drug companies will use be highly regulated. Insurance companies will not deny anybody cover due to a pre-existing condition for they foresee somebody falling sick. The drug manufacturers will be pushed to lower the cost of medication. She identifies the greed of these two industries as a major limiting factor to affordable health care for all.  In the AHCP, individuals must get insured. It is called ‘choices’ plan as it allows one to choose whether to retain current cover or get into the one provided by government. Individuals will pay a premium that is within their means. To keep the premiums low, they will be capped to correspond to individual’s income. This way nobody will be required to pay more than they can afford. The plan also avails tax credit to working families. That way, they are able to access quality insurance cover. The plan also aims at expanding Medicaid and children’s health insurance program to reach more people.John Edwards, another Democratic candidate unveiled almost similar plan to that of Senator Clinton. It also agitates for universal coverage with employers to government making contribution. The plan is also mandatory for all Americans. (johnedwards.com, 2007). To fund these grand plans, the candidates have indicated that they will rescind tax breaks and subsidies to insurance providers. Senator Clinton also requires that large employers make contribution towards their employee’s health cover. Her plan also emphasizes o n cost cutting through increased efficiency and use of preventive medicationStrengths of The Democrats’ Proposal.The proposed universal health care plans ensures that everybody affords insurance cover Senator Clinton’s AHCP ensures that every body is covered and paying an affordable premium. It makes it mandatory for all people to get health insurance coverage but allows them the choice of their policy. This way it does not force one in to buying insurance cover they are not comfortable with.The proposed plan also ensures that nobody is denied insurance coverage. Insurance providers are obliged to provide cover for all without discrimination on the grounds of a pre-existing condition or in anticipation of illness. This brings in a big number of people who were shunned by insurance companies due to condition such as schizophrenia and HIV/ AIDS. (www.democrats.org, 2007)The plan does not require small businesses to contribute to the universal health care plan rather it g rants them tax credits. This way the employees of these small businesses stay afloat. This will be incentive for small businesses to expand.The AHCP also emphasizes on cost cutting in health care. It champions preventive measures that are cheaper than curative medication. It also champions greater efficiency and modernization in health care delivery that would bring down costsWeaknessesThe universal health plan requires huge funding and this may result to higher taxes for the American public. Senator Clinton puts the cost of her plan at $110 billion while John Edward put his at $120 billion. The figure is tentative and might go higher than that. The planned source may also not deliver as much funds as projected senator Clintons plan to generate savings by boosting efficiency may also not generate enough funds. This would leave only the options of a tax rise as John Edwards concedes. (www.ontheissue.org) Higher taxes will burden the public further and will not be welcome.Government i nvolvement will cause inefficiencies in service delivery. Government involvement will only lead to a huge bureaucracy with a lot of red tape. This might aggravate the crisis. Without a profit motive, he plan might offer sluggish and poor quality servicesOpponents’ positionRepublican candidates propose that the government subsidize low-income families to help them access health care rather than providing a universal plan as a way to enhance accessibility. The Republican are opposed to government involvement in provision of health insurance. (www.gop.com, 2007)Rudy Giuliani, a Republican candidate in his plan offers tax deductions of $15,000 to families and $7500 for individuals. These deductions will enable families to access health care. He also proposes to give families and individuals vouchers to buy policies. He would encourage individuals buy covers of their choice as a way to make savings. Individuals would have to pay for minor check-ups as they would to their cars. He also stressed the need for people to take care of their health and not leave it to the government. (Elliott, Philip, 2007)Mitt Romney is agitating for individuals to purchase private insurance. He stresses that government interference will worsen the situation. He proposed tax breaks but not universal coverage plan. That would push up taxes. (www.ontheissues.org, 2007)The Republican propose that health insurance should be left to individual’s choices rather than employer and government schemes. They offer what they call an American solution to the problem. They stand for free market principles and are opposed to socialist tendencies in health care. They do not require that everybody must have health insurance cover. They justify try to create an incentive for individuals to join.Strengths of The Republicans proposalsThe Republican proposals ensure that the freedom of choice of consumers is safeguarded. Since they know their health better, individuals will decide on which poli cy in the market suits them best.Health saving plans as proposed by republicans will encourage individuals to save for future health expenses. This will promote more health lifestyle among the people. The insured gain more control over the financing of their health care.Tax deductions and vouchers would enable a big number of people to access quality health care. Neither would they disrupt health care delivery the way universal plan would. These fiscal measures are actually being implemented and would not be experimental.The republican proposals are business friendly in that they do not require large employers to make huge contributions to their employee’s health coversThey also come up with a health care service that is free of long bureaucratic procedures. Different insurance providers will compete to provide the most efficient and customer friendly covers. (www.joinrudy2008.com)WeaknessesThe republicans fail to address the issue rising medical costs and rising insurance pr emiums. They give the insurance companies a free hand that results in only higher policies.The subsidies offered may not be adequate to male health insurance cover affordable to all people. This will lead to part of the population remaining uncovered.Most of the proposals made are similar to those implemented under the Bush administration. They are not offering any new solutions to the persisting problems of skyrocketing premiums and medical costs. They emphasize on free market principles that have put the countries in its current predicament.The republican proposals do not tackle the issue of discrimination by the insurance industry insurance providers are not obligated to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Vouchers will not be of any use to such people as they will not get covers anywayConclusionThe democrats’ health agenda is definitely better than the republican agenda on health. It talks the failures of the healthcare system in place today. The democrats have tab led plans on how to make health care more affordable and accessible that are more convincing. They require that every body be covered while leaving rooms for choice on the policy. Their plan covers everybody and also ensures that the premiums are affordable.The net wise in taxes will not be huge as the cost of not implementing the plan. When sick people cannot pay for their health cover the community will have to bear the burden.Universal coverage has been implemented in other advanced countries and would also improve health care in the US.References:Highlights, 2007. Health insurance coverage: 2006. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from   http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/hlthins/hlthin06/hlth06asc.htmlA Healthcare That Works for Everybody, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://www.democrats.org/a/national/affordable_health_care/Making Healthcare Affordable to all Americans, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://www.gop.com/Issues/HealthCare/American Health Choices Plan, 2007. Hillary for pr esident. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://www.hillaryclinton.com/feature/healthcareplan/summary.aspxHealthcare, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://johnedwards.com/issues/health-care/Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s health plan, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://www.joinrudy2008.com/commitment.php?num=7Mitt Romney on Healthcare, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 fromhttp://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Mitt_Romney_Health_Care.htmElliott, Philip, 2007. Giuliani: Dems Want Nanny Government. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from  Ã‚   http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070730/D8QN4AHO0.html

France vs America essays

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Presidents essays

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