The new government health plan

It seems that with the election of Scott Brown in Massachusetts, the Federal Government is having to revise its proposed health care bill.

While it appears that they've given up on a complete overhaul, they are still looking to "bend the curve" and find cost savings in the industry.  Well, I guess you could call them cost savings.  They're also apparently trying to increase Federal revenues to pay for the program.  As has often been repeated, one of the problems with the current medical climate is that there are a lot of unnecessary, agressive, procedures performed.  Some have characterized this as "defensive medicince".  There is a body of literature that shows that normal, everyday prophylactic actions are just as effective as using the latest name-brand treatment.  As such, there is a push to return to commone-sense approaches to the treatment of illnesses and ailments.

Never one to let a good crisis go to waste, the current crop of legislators in Washington have decided that another tax is appropriate.  Just like any sin tax that they've already instituted, they've also decided on a self-medication tax.

Their number one target?

Aspirin.  Acetylsalicylic Acid.  Generic pain relievers.  Over-the-counter medications.

There are two reasons for this choice of a new class of products to tax:

1. It's a conservative approach to treatment
2. It works

 I'll be here all week.  Try the veal, it's excellent.

EDITED: It has come to my attention that some individuals felt that my previous version could be considered racist.  That was the furthest thought from my mind when I penned this missive.  In fact, I abhor racism in all its forms, and personally did not consider the joke to be such.  I honestly thought that I was merely tapping into a latent sentiment in the populace.  Perhaps that sentiment has elements of racism at its core.  So, considering that, I've reworked the joke.  If I offended anyone, I sincerely apologize.  It was absolutely not my intent.