A Chicken in Every Pot and a Child in Every E.R.

Looks like President Bush is just about ready to Veto legislation that would provide expand funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program which provides health insurance at no- or low-cost to children of families that otherwise couldn’t afford it. Of course, health insurance is pretty expensive, in part because people who do not receive the preventative care that can keep them from developing expensive-to-treat chronic diseases later in life. They don’t receive preventative care, because, well, they have no health insurance, and have to rely on the ER for care.

Given how expensive covering kids would be, how would we pay for it? Well, by raising the cigarette tax. Makes sense to me, given the huge cost incurred by smokers on the nation’s Medicare system (funded by you and me). But not to Bush.

Apparently, he’d prefer to keep millions of kids out of care, so that they grow up with brains damaged by lead poisoning, unable to secure decent jobs except – surprise! – in the armed forces*. Of course, while those kids are waiting for hours in the ER for care, why not have them enjoy a refreshing, tasty Camel?

* not in any way meant as a slight to our fighting men and women, merely a statement of fact that the armed forces is one of the US’s employment safety nets. Much like prison and drug dealing, only less violent.

Foodie Report - Tequila's

Tequila's, at 16th and Locust.
Went there today for lunch. Nice place. Really nice staff. Although service was a bit slow, it was actually kind of a nice change of pace compared to the usual center city rush job.

Highlights- Two words, people: Grasshopper tacos. I didn't get them only cause it was a work lunch and I feared offending folks. I am 100% positive they're delicious though. They were a special, so I'm curious how often these sweet sweet babies are available. Other highlights - nice decorations and ENORMOUS portions, each nearly big enough for 2. excellent black bean soup, served w/ queso fresco, bacon, and onions. Really good limes. Cool bathrooms.

Lowlights- Mediocre ceviche (overcooked), underspiced sauces, very not ripe tomatoes in the pico de gallo, mole dishes underspiced and overcooked.

Overall- not nearly as good as some of the nuevo latino places, nor as good as Las Cazuelas. But definitely a fun, nice place- has an AMAZING booze selection (all the varieties of hangar one vodka, plus what I've heard is the best tequila selection in the city). Would be good to go w/ a group who feel like boozin' and sharing those huge portions.

I'll give it 2.5 Jiminy Cricket Enchiladas out of 4.