American Morning
Health care debate going too far?
After a week of sometimes rowdy congressional town hall meetings on health care reform, the president wades into the superheated August recess debate. He's holding a town hall meeting here in Portsmouth where both sides of the issue are gearing up for dueling rallies outside of the event.
Over the last week, members of Congress have run head on into protesters at town hall meetings. But opponents of health care reform aren't just showing up at town hall meetings.
Here in New Hampshire last week, protesters descended on staff members of Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen who were holding a routing constituent services meeting. The meeting was not a town hall meeting. And the senator wasn't even there.
But she says one of her staff members needed a police escort to leave the meeting. Shaheen called the display "shameful." Just another sign that tensions are rising over health care reform.
Watch: Obama braces for town hall 
Is the debate over health care going too far? Do Americans really want reform or is this just politics? What do you think?
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I cannot believe how ignorant americans really are! They'll follow 2 or 3 kooks blindly because it goes against the establishment without reasonable solutions. Status quo is not the answer. Stop with
"change everybody else's plan but mine", it doesn't work that way you selfish fools. References to Nazi medical plans is an insult to the holoucast Jews. Instead of screaming and yelling at our representatives why not let them explain the plan. People, we all know that the healthcare system requires revamping otherwise it will implode around our necks. Wake up!
President Obama is responsible for the public confusion around his healthcare plan. Instead of drafting his own comprehensive plan with input from Congress, he tried to elude primary criticism by delegating the drafting of this important bill to the Congress. And, everyone knows, NO One respects Congress' judgment. I predict this healthcare plan will go down in flames. Not because it isn't necessary, but because the President handled it wrong and the "corporate special interest groups" are leveraging his missteps by confusing a gullible public.
For those that are wondering what Mr. Obama is not telling you – here are some highlights of his bill:
Page 304, lines 17-19 — Government does not have to protect your private information.
Page 427, lines 15-24 — Government mandates programs for orders for end of life.
Page 429, lines 10-12 — "Advance care consultation" may include an order for end of life plans.
Any wonder why people are so angry!
If Canadian style health care is so bad why aren't Canadians trying to get american style health care or for that matter any other country that has single payer health plans. I'm sure the insurance company's would love to sell them some.
In Canada you don't get dropped from health care!
you don't get euthanized!
you can get another doctor!
and you don't get kick out of a hospital
everyone is covered! the entire population is healthier
I could go on and on but whats the point what I have mentioned should be enough
The problem is not that senators and the president can't explain the health plan. The problem is that the die hards have already made up their mind and there is nothing anyone can say to change their minds. That is why they scream the loudest, because they know it will drown out the truth. Like the "Birthers", "Deathers", and the far right, they have lost all sense of changing their ways and refuse to even hear any explanation. There are still people out there that believe the President is the Anti-Christ. Unbelieveable.
I just want to praise the manner in which Arlen Specter conducted his town hall on the health care issue.. it was organized and allowed people to express their views. It contained the behavior of many by eliminating the shouting and interrupting exhibited on many other town halls. It was obvious that many are ill-informed and and emotionally reacting to the scare tactics. The sad thing is the greed and selfishness exhibited by many. It is curious how so many are suspicious of government intervention when the private corporate giants have not served us well by siphoning off huge profits, fraud, and profiteering scams. May Obama and group have success. He's the most dedicated problem solver I have seen I have seen in quit a while.
Be very careful, if it comes out anything like medicare we are all in trouble. I had good co ins, when I turned 65 I was dumped off to medicare. they take 95 dollars out of my ss,and the first 350.00 comes out of my pocket. Fortunitly I rarely have to go to a doctor in the last 5 years, but the one time I did, I was told by three local dr's offices they didn't take medicare people. Had to drive 30 miles into wichita to find care. I am 71 and smoke, I can see what is coming, when I have some kind of problem, oh you are to old we can't spend any money on you. They need to do something for the ones that don't have ins and leave everybody else alone. I had a very good friend in england that had cancer, couldn't get in to see a dr or get teratment for 6 mounths, needless to say he never made it to 6 months and is no longer with us. What they are up to is wanting to spread the cost of the uninsured to the ones that have ins and pay taxes. I read some place that about 40% of ins cost now goes to excutives, board members adminastrators, ect, do away with all the people sucking off the top would help a bunch. they have screwed ss, medicare about every thing the gov has touched, and now they want to do it to medicine. Bill all the illegals there home country for there medical expenses. larry womack
I just watched Alan Specter's town hall meeting ,most people only wanted to express their opinion not really ask a question about health
reform. For all those Americans that think immigrates shouldn't have healthcare, forget that 99.5 % of American are the products of immigrates and this country was builded on the backs of immigrates and they were not only Europeans! When they speak of their constitutional rights, well the Constitution says " All Men Are Created Equal".What happened to Human Rights, most of these protesters would rather put Michael Vick behind bars for dog fighting, than to stand up and say all human beings should have the right to descent healthcare.
People are complaining about healthcare reform would mean the government would tell you which doctor you can use and what kind of
care you will receive, Well I don't know about your insurance company but every year I get a list of doctors, pharmarcies,labs,specialist and hospitals that I can use and it dsn't matter which ones I prefer, I have to use the list thay gave me or I will have to pay out pocket for out of network choices.
Americans wake up, think for yourselves, stop relying on public and media opinion. The rest of the world is laughing.
Idea....all of you in favor of this horrible healthcare reform....you try it first. Along with the Democrats and all of Congress! Then let us know how it did not work for all of you in the end! Problem solved! Let ONLY the Prez (himself) have the good coverage. EVERYONE else, including ALL of thier families, put them all on this wonderful healthcare that this administration wants for its people! Then, after the outcry, we can see if they will let you pick your own coverage....then.
Imagine that! If it is sooo good, like Canada, then EVERYONE should be on it from the TOP to the bottom! EVERYONE!
To these Canadians commenting. This is a problem for the United States and for ITS people! I guess this is why soooo many Canadians come here to America for thier healthcare, I guess. I knew a man in Canada, who had his mother die.....waiting. So....you need not tell me, nor him, how wonderful the healthcare is in Canada. We need reform, but not with the healthcare system. We need reform to the abuses done while making some richer at the peoples expence. We do not need this done by the govt. Place restrictions in order, then make them cpmply to the orders placed. Just make sure that these are only and always in the American Peoples very best interest always! For a change! Leave the govt out of it. Look how badly they have handled everything else!
For start i want to say that what i can see from these town meetings and blogs is a bunch of raciest people mad about a black man being president.......Of course they are not going to say that...........so they call him hilter or something other...........We all know what they really mean........Where were these people when bush was in charge and good people were losing their jobs and homes........Families geting put on the streets.Little babies sleeping in the streets.
To Fred 10:52 am
I dont know where you are from. But we deserved that comment.
However, ALL the American people are not greedy and stupid. Its the people in charge.
Our elections are HIGHY influenced by misinformation and as a result the best man/women rarely win the election.
as a result we have a bunch of charismatic people in charge that are really clueless about the issues so many of them just side with the head of their party.
I actually like this administration and it is TRUELY a breath of fresh air BUT ....
it seems like the opposite sides strategy is to force the dems to focus less on the issues and more on defense but, notice how the reps have no solution but EVERYTHING that is stamped as WRONG.
Well they ran this country for 8 years and brought us to the brink of a depression. Please dont listen to them.
It is very refreshing to see that so many others comments notice this desperate propaganda.
You have to remember that there are some real extremist out there and they just do not like this administration. its true that one rep carved her face with the letter "O" and told the authorities that a black guy raped her and carved her face.
yeah that really happend.
My point is that those nuts are still out there. and they are making the great majority of us look bad.
These people are EXTREAMLY upset and as a result talk pretty loud (like most people that dont have a good point to make)
There volume gets them on the news but they dont represent me or the GREAT majority of the people that took the time to make a comment here.
I think the middle class if finally being heard now and if you want true cross section of Americans than dont look for it in the news.... yet
CNN you could do a better job of getting people the facts not just reporting on the opions of popular people. but the truthometer os a step in the right direction 🙂
I heard a teacher tell a senator that congress should write all bills at junior high school levels Is that because we have such a great educational system? A solution to heath care: You want it? Sign up for it! You don't want, don't waste the ink. Make it illegal to charge for any health related services period.. America is the only country in the world where Human Health is for Profit. Yes America is a stupid country, full of stupid, greedy people.
Daniel – This is Adrian in Canada – I would imagine that John Roberts went to the U.S. because of the lucrative salary AND health care benefits provided by CNN. I have been somewhat disappointed that John Roberts has remained neutral on Canada's Health Care System – I think he should speak up more – but then, I guess, for him the "grass is greener" on the other side!! There are no myths re Canada's Health Care System – it is what it is. EVERYONE is covered. Personally I have never had to wait to see a specialist. I am middle age and suffer from all the normal problems of advanced ageing. My prescription drugs cost me approx $6.00 per prescription.. I live in Toronto and therefore I have access to advanced medical "know how" – perhaps folks who live in the rural hinterlands where medical facilities are fewer and farther, experience waits for appointments – but that is the same in the U.S. and for all rural area's in the western world!! Perhaps Americans should be asking the health insurance industry this: In return for the monopoly you enjoy over America's health care system – we expect you to come up with a solution to insure the uninsured and to stop refusing policy's for pre-existing conditions and stop cancelling policy's when the cost of renumeration interferes with the profit picture!!
Misinformation rules it seems (propaganda), hysteria because Democracy worked and those that didn't want Obama to win are EXTREMELY frustrated Republicans, the election is over. The Town Hall meetings should allow for a equal number from each political party, I am an Independent. From what I can see most are from one party, shouting down debate for the rest of us who want to make democracy work. The insurance industry has spent over a million a day in Washington to influence legislation for decades an the first chance we the people get to be heard we are going to be drowned out by fanatical Republicans? I am also a newly disabled worker and I have been screwed royally by the insurance industry, my family has lost all our savings for retirement and college funds, it would take a book to tell my story. Yet MOST Americans are NOT disabled. So there fortune blinds them of the need for change, let them ask themselves is there a safety net for them if this fell on them? It's too late for my family. We need change and we need the minority of us that have been devastated by the healthcare system in this country to be heard. What happened to the great idea of protecting the individual’s rights in America? The rights of the corporations, have had their way, WAY too long! Get those affected out there and have those stories told at these meetings, Besides losing all your savings the majority of people who suffer a serious health issue, including those who become disabled are losing their home as we speak.
In some respects I DON'T think it's going too far! After all, those 'right-wing', slime-oozing, LOBBY- supported, elitist thugs started all that town hall confrontational crap to begin with. And now, they think it's So-o-o TER'-R-R-BAL that some REAL AMERICAN folks have finally started challenging their 'BULLY TACTICS'.
So-o-o.....my fellow Americans, I hasten to say..., SIC'em folks, SIC'em ! ! !
I am so fed up listening to all this whining. I am Canadian and for as long as I can remember, while visiting the US everyone would tell me how lucky I am to be Canadian and have "free" health care. When I moved to the states where I have lived for the past 10 years that sentiment continued. "Why can't we ever have health care like you Canadians?" was a constant theme. OMG – enough already – FINALLY – your government is trying to do something about healthcare – and all I hear is this RIDICULOUS fighting and backbiting!!! R U SERIOUS? better to have some health care than none at all! I can walk into a doctors office, lab, hospital without having to worry that its going to cost me and arm and a leg (literrally)! And now the US is on the verge of FINALLY giving its citizens that luxery and all they can to is whine??? So after years of crying the health care blues.......Careful what you ask for – you might just get it!
I think what these extremist right wingers on Fox and the radio are doing to whip up other radicals to kill the health bill is horrible. I have college education, no job, no health care, deteriorating dental problems and kidney stones. I eat well and exercise regular. If there were preventative health care in this country I and millions of others would not be in predicaments to choose whether to eat, pay rent/mortgage or get medical checkups/treatment. People need help and we don't want handouts, just some help from somebody. The outright hostility I see on the part of these extremists and those who want to keep what they gained on the backs of the poor and working class will be met with equal vigor. They need to stop spreading lies and exaggerations about the health bill. The extreme faction of the GOP is trying to hijack our democracy by doing what they do best... spread fear and terrorize the populace. This has to stop. God is watching America and I am quite sure He is not very happy.
To reduce the cost of doctor's charges TORT REFORM is a must. Is this addressed in the bill?
Dissent is dissent. This argument about who is funding dissent during the health care debate is completely immaterial. Lobbyists and insurance companies are interested parties with a right to free speech. If they choose to fund the people dissenting at town hall meetings, that is their right; however distasteful one may feel about the nature or delivery of such dissent. Unions are lobbying groups and they do exactly the same thing.
The larger question here is this. Will this health care reform cost Americans more or less? As it stands right now, this reform will cost each of us more money than we are paying now whether that is in new taxes on rich people or poor people or both or through further deficit spending. Moreover, according to CBO scoring, there are huge unfunded obligations to every version of this plan beyond the ten-year mark.
Until our government(s) (and this goes for the current government, its predecessors, and its successors) can find an equitable means of paying for any further services whatsoever, be they more military spending, social services spending, or whatever other spending these, they need to cease further spending altogether. The stimulus, bailouts, and this ridiculous cash for clunkers program constitute direct theft from taxpayers, both current and future.
Apparently many of those against a universal healthcare system in the US are those with private health insurance .
This bill is not for them. It seems a little selfish that those with insurance would, so aggressively, block those without insurance.
What's worse is that it seems like the main argument of those against reform is that "it is 'possible' that private insurance would be driven out of business".
Possible but, unlikely now that the country in proactively focused on not letting that very thing happen.
I have not read the entire 1000+ page bill, like many of those that are against it and, it would be ill advised to say that those with private insurance would not be affected in 'some' form. Why assume the worse?
What’s so great about private insurance anyway (unless your wealthy)?
To the older generation that is so aggressively against it. You know, the generation who's social security I pay, the generation that caused the economy to sink, the generation that enjoyed the fruits of woodstock and the progress of the 80's . Yes to that generation.... Think about someone else this time.
The number one concern for you is that your Medicare may change a bit? There are some people out there with NO medical insurance and your worried about waiting in a longer line !!!!
Ironically ..... Grow up
FYI
I am 32 and I currently have a great private insurance plan.
On the other side of the coin. I agree that most gov. programs are not as effective as they could be. I will not argue that AT ALL but, the my stance is lets get something in place and, and address the problems moving forward people are suffering and dying.
We all have valid concerns that can all be fairly addressed but, to block millions of your neighbors from receiving healthcare is ridiculous and I question the real motive behind it.
Think of the company you keep regarding this argument the bitter Rush, Palin, private insurance companies..............
Is the debate over health care going too far? Do Americans really want reform or is this just politics? What do you think?
Yes the debate is going too far.
Yes Americians want and need help.
No public health care is not the answer. If the insurance companies and medical professionals could actually work together, in the best interest of the public, public health care wouldn’t even be open for debate.
If however the two can not work together, and quickly,
In any problem solving exercise the first step is to define the problem and identify the root causes. This has not been done, I have not heard anything that even gets close to defining the problem, let alone establish root cause.
1.) The number ONE issue is greed!
a. If these industries (Medical and Insurance) can not regulate themselves (and their greed), we are all doomed to end up with a bureaucratic public health system.
b. This is not a problem with health care or insurance individuals, but rather the corporations and greedy people who invest in them demanding outrageous profits.
2.) Why has the public not been shown a simple “pie chart” for the cost of health care, combining medical costs and administration of insurance policies.
a. The segment of the chart I am most interested in is the combined administrative costs. (i.e. paperwork) From a value-add perspective this is the single best target for reducing cost.
b. Administrative costs HAVE TO BE the single largest controllable part of the problem!
c. The second segment of the cart we deserve to see is profit taking and salaries. Why are people getting rich at the expense of public health.
d. A public watchdog database of insurance companies and medical professionals must be made available disclosing in a side-by-side comparison profit taking, executive salaries, and doctor income so consumers can easily identify who they want to deal with.
3.) There is a lack of standardization between the health care and insurance systems.
a. Implement a standard of basic minimum coverage that all health insurance policies MUST meet.
b. Within this standard, health care professionals must commit to standard costs for routine care.
c. Within this basic coverage standard, a single, simple standardized claim form must be implemented to reduce the work required to process claims.
i. Imagine the enormous amount of additional work required to process hundreds of completely different forms on both sides of the issue. The administrative burden on small private practices alone must keep many good doctors from opening their own practice.
d. All claims submitted under the basic standard must not be challenged by insurance companies. Challenges to claims for basic care have to be the single biggest administrative cost on both sides of the fence.
4.) One-visit-one-bill!
a. How is it, that anything done during a hospital visit requires a separate bill? A separate bill for X-rays, A separate bill for Doctors, facilities, medication, supplies.
b. Suppose processing a single bill costs $10 in total from both the hospital and insurance company combined. Suppose, the average hospital visit results in 5 separate bills. With a million visits the cost would be $50,000,000. With one-visit-one-bill that cost would only be &10,000,000, a savings of $40,000,000!
5.) Take the consumer out of the fight!
a. Most hospitals and clinics have a sign posted that the consumer is responsible for the cost incurred regardless of what their insurance will pay.
i. This opens the door for health care providers to charge whatever they want.
ii. This opens the door for insurance companies to dispute all claims.
iii. This puts the patient in the position of mediator over things that can never be expected to understand. The patient seldom has a medical or financial degree, and is at a huge disadvantage on the conflict.
b. Health care providers and insurance companies must work together in the best interest of the patient. If these parties can not work together and self regulate, the public has no choice but to implement public health care!
Logic and the greater public good need to be the driving factors in any solution!
I do not have the answers, I am not a doctor, or insurer, But I will be happy to debate these issues in greater detail with both sides to help them come together in the best interest of the American people.
Sincerely
Donald Casteel, Alabama
It's a complex issue on many levels but the opposition is political. Nearly 50% of the country didn't vote for Obama and this is their way to throw a monkey wrench into the path to reform... You don't see any orchestrated opposition to dollars spent on military actions or subsidies to farmers/industry, sweetheart appropriations, etc. Yet somehow again spending on our own people is politicized...
I've seen the behavior of health insurers over the years- as a kid under my parents' plan and myself as a self-employed, self funded insurance buyer. And the one thing that sticks is that insurance companies are there to maximize their profits. They don't want sick people. Older people are bilked for coverage but everything from high blood pressure to depression prescriptions are considered a pre-existing condition that can deny you coverage or requires even higher premiums. (my mom at 62 learned that) Sometimes even routine things that should be covered under plans are declined or the amounts limited. I had dental insurance that I paid in for 5 years and when I went in to get a procedure, they limited the payment to under $100. So- I paid in premiums per year more than they were willing to pay out the one time I went to use them.
I'm not afraid of reform. If a plan is universal where everyone participates, access is available across the board and those of us paying into private insurance would be paying less by not having to pay for those that currently go uninsured. Our health bills are ridiculously high to compensate for the uninsured, for research, for providing every hospital with equipment linked to the most profitable ailments & procedures, for profit, etc.
I have private insurance that I got when self employed and it is great...and I have coverage through my current job. My current job can end so I opt and can afford to continue coverage w/ my old plan. I would prefer to not have to pay over $3K a year as I've paid for the last 7 years and go to a Medicare like service.
I think too many people are affected by the talk show rhetoric instead of learning for themselves what is in the bill. The bill is not socialized medical care. If you are happy with your current insurance plan that won't change.
I agree with Bernice shown below. The problems with Health Care have not been identified and nor has how the Reform fix these problems. The administration is throwing money at these problems regardless of whether they know what the problems are or not. Just as they have with our economic problems. This is just more goverment spending our money and that of our Grandchildern.
With the advent of company paid medical benefits Healthcare (Docotors, Hospitals and prescription drugs) costs have risen out of control. If healthcare costs are not regulated Nationalized Healthcare will bankrupt this company like unregulated loopholes in Wall Street and the Housing industry nearly did. Bottom line, American business does not play well without rules. Healthcare has become a Utilitiy and everyone wants it and expects it, unlike the Utilities which are regulated, they play without rules. An accounting of Healthcare costs really needs to be made to understand 'where the money goes' because it certainly is not going to the Healcare workers. If Healthcare costs were realistic perhaps we wouldn't need a Nationalized Healthcare system. But then like Wallstreet, Greed Rules.
I feel for some there are legitimate questions. The Republicans have no morals whatsoever, like your guest opposing Mr. Carville referencing the LEWIN GROUP which is run by the Insurance Industry and Republicans use as a talking point.
It has already been proven that some of these protestors are bused in; It has already been proven that they are given talking points;
The woman who said 'I want my country back!'....poor thang. She is upset with a Black President. I think the vast majority are protesting a Black President and the Republicans see votes.
When people at a town meeting begin to shout against changes to our health care system, let them come to the front, give them the microphone and let them speak. Ask them what they are basing their opinion on, where they get their information from, where they do their research. People screaming over each other accomplishes nothing and informs no one. How about one large poster with 5 facts (ie. no death panel)? Suggest that the objectors google world health care rankings. The US ranks 37th. France is 1st.. Our life expectancy is shorter. We take more pills and pay more for the same product. Our infant mortality is higher. Our quality of life is poorer. Shouldn't we want to improve this? Surely we should want to have the healthiest, best educated country in the world. I have experienced health care in 2 countries and the best care I received was not in the US.
As for the cost of my health care, I am very blessed to now be receiving medicare but I have been very ill for 3 years now and have been shuffled from one doctor to another. I wait sometimes 4 months for the next appointment. The fees charged are absurd, the test results are nonsensical, and I still have no diagnosis. If I could afford it, I would certainly go to another country, at least for a diagnosis.
Having experienced both private and public health care, I guess I fear a government run option less than I fear the corporate greed of a privately run business. At least Obama's plan would give us a choice.
Health Insurance Company Data
Fact: 2000 2.4 Billion in profit
Fact: 2007 12. 00 Billion in profit
Who is getting rich and who is funding the protesters at townhall meetings - you need to know.
United Healthcare's CEO is making $102,000 per hour. What are you making and how much are you paying for healthcare. Mine has gone up 66% in the last 6 years!!
We need to do somthing about our appalling health care. Standing up and yelling so loud and long lets no answers come forth to those that actually ask questions. Republicans are afraid if the public who actually care and want to learn the answers might get answers and republicans are afraid that the democrats may fix health care or at least have a good start on it.
YES, people want health care reform.
Just a couple years back (2) my health premium for myself and my wife was just about $500.00 with a $500.00 deductible. Pre-existing conditions (elevated cholesterol) eliminated even an annual check-up being covered by WPS (Wisconsin Physicians Service). My premiums have gone up to over $800.00 a month! I cannot lower the monthly premiums by increasing my deductible because you must re0apply to the same company and anything that has come up in the last few years would be a pre-existing condition and not covered. All they do is deny, deny, deny. I am 58 years old and they want me out. I HATE MY HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY.
Yes, protest for healthcare reform has gone too far! Where were all these so called concerned Americans when Bush , Chaney and Republicans got us into 2 wars and ran this country financially into the
ground. These protest are more about President Obama than about the actual facts of healthcare reform. Limbaugh , Palin and other Republican leaders are rallying the racist rednecks that they represent. They are spreading hatred rather than facts. They really should be ashame of themselves.
When health care runs out of money.What will the insurance Co. and the greedy politicians do???KILL each other, or rob each other,??They will find a way to get more money.Where theres money, there's greed
After the bad grade that the media received from the report card survey CNN conducted, why isn't the media focusing and devoting the same air time and number of stories to convey the positive side of health care reform? (Not in a debate setting). It is well known that negativity breeds negativity.
It seems clear that the very people who oppose improved health care have not even taken the time to LISTEN to what the President is saying. People utilizing Medicaide and Medicare are protesting and don't understand that by doing so they are protesting against the very source of their own health care and the concept of how a government program can be helpful! It's helping them! Where would those who utilize Medicare and Medicaide be without it? What is their monthly premium? None of it is mandatory.
As I understand it, what President Obama is proposing is: if you like what you have, you can keep it! If you don't have health insurance, there will be an affordable plan available for you. My interpretation is that through reform, competition between pharmaceutical companies and also between existing health care companies will help defray the high costs of the current health care available today. Therefore, more and better choices will be made available to us.
The media reports that 88% like their health insurance. But what about the percentage of people who don't have health insurance? Do they like theirs?
How can people protest what they don't even know? Until the actual proposed bill is made available, chill out!
Personally, I've been waiting 18 years for "pre-existing (conditions)" to become "non-existing" ! Go health care reform!
America wants and need Healthcare Reform!
Nevertheless, they say it wasn't about “race”, and the President misspoke when he called the arrest stupid. Sgt Crowley got Dr. Gates to come outside on his porch so he could arrest him for public disturbance or disturbing the peace. Dr. Gates was shouting about being harassed in his residential home.
Well here is the question, why are the police allowing these public Town Hall Healthcare Reform Meetings getting and staying out of hand? Why are the police not arresting these sometimes violent, always boisterous disorderly hostile defiant confrontationists at democratic town hall meetings? Is it because they are predominantly white? The Cambridge Police Dept. and police groups throughout the nation said because of Dr. Gate’s shouting the arrest was a by-the-book textbook arrest. If Dr. Gates behavior and actions warranted an arrest in his residential home, then why does this devastatingly bad confrontational disorderly “public” behavior not warrant arrests? Is it about race?
There is nothing wrong with protesting but let the protest be base on what the facts are and not on misinformation. I will quickly use this medium to appeal to President Obama to use the Town Hall meetings as a forum to address misinformation and misinterpretation of what the opponents of this health care reform are insinuating because that I believe is what is causing anger and disruptions all around. Some people have been fed with a lot of wrong information to the extent that the truth is now difficult to get through.
You let the republicans quote numbers from the Lewin group. Why don't you tell the people who owens them? They are totally owened by UNITED HEALTH CARE. What dose that kell you???
The people who are going to the town hall meetings and disrupting things to get here point herd, are not paying attentioin to the facts that are being given about the preposed ideas for the reformation of american health plan. These people are follower . They hear Rush and think he is right. Mr. Limbaugh has the right to disagree. He does not have the right to characterize the President as Hitler. It is time to remove him and others who are insighting fear instead of understanding from the air ways.
The claim is bogus that 88% of Americans are satisfied with their healthcare insurance. Eighteen percent (approx. 50 milllion) of us are uninsured. How do you get to 88%? Is the claim therefore that 88% of persons with private insurance are satisfied with their health insurance? If the answer is yes, that makes the claim even less valid because in excess of 55% of healthcare in this country is provided by Medicare, Medicaid, healthcare programs for kids, etc.
By the way, a Washington Post article(two weeks ago) reported almost identicle level of satisfaction for persons with Medicare or private insurance. That same article revealed that satisfaction levels declined among persons who actually had to use their health insurance.
I wonder if the people who are complaining about the government getting involved in healthcare have ever had a heart attack, have no healthcare benfits, filed bancruptcy due to healthcare bills, lost their job due to no sick benefits, had to sell their house and live with family and reach out to their church for help, filed for disability three times and been denied. My guess is no. I am a healthcare worker and deal with this every day. The American people need to support healthcare for everyone, and it needs to be provided by the Government. There is no safety net for people with no health insurance. I can't beleive that this country does not want to take care of their own people!
For all those Americans who choose to bash the Canadian Healthcare system and oppose a Public Option, here’s a reality check. Your healthcare system is primarily based on profit first and the well-being of the patient second. Your healthcare system is functionally archaic. Bureaucrats (Insurance and Phama Companies) already run your healthcare system. Your healthcare system bankrupts individuals and families. Here’s the kicker, your healthcare system is really a Wealth-care system.
The Canadian Healthcare system is broken down like this. 70% government run, 30% private (consisting of both profit and not-for-profit providers). Canadians have lower rates in nearly every chronic illness than Americans. Despite the fact that Canadians have a higher rate of doctor to patient ratio (1 for every 526) compared to 1 doctor for every 418 patients in American, Canadians have greater access to most medical care and is more likely to have a regular doctor. Regardless of income levels, the average Canadian receives similar care with the chance of a better outcome in comparison to insured Americans. Canada overall, pays half of what America does for healthcare per person . Life expectancy is also longer in Canada, and infant mortality rate is lower than that of the U.S.
Another thing, the Canadian Healthcare System is not socialized medicine. The government has never gotten between my doctor and me nor have I been told which doctor I could or could not go to. Canadian’s make their own choices and Doctors have the option of accepting new patients if they choose to or working where they want to. 70% of our healthcare is paid from tax dollars and each province is responsible their own healthcare budgets. The Federal Government does however help by funding the less prosperous provinces. For the most part, our healthcare system works well for Canadians. It’s not perfect as wait-times for certain treatments are high, but that only affects a very small percentage of Canadians and yet it’s an issue that is being addressed. If the American healthcare system so great, please explain to me why in America do you have “Medical Fairs” where thousands of your own citizens have to wait for a “Fair” to pass through their town in order to get treatment? That’s unheard of in Canada.
When a country is afraid or unwilling to care for its own citizens especially the vulnerable, that is nothing to be proud of. I can assure you the vast majority of Canadians and people from other industrialized countries who have Universal Healthcare systems are not eager to be caught up in America’s healthcare approach. Sorry to break the news to you, but it is what it is! America, I know you to do better. Show the world you can step up to the challenge and stop with the rhetoric, fear tactics and understand the facts for yourself. All you are doing is hurting yourselves.
I cant afford my bills. You pay them for me while I sit and wait and watch you pay them. Come on...You know you want to save my house and buy me everything I need to live. Your fine..your working..your paying taxes..why not work extra and you can do without while I get.
Dont you like that idea?
Thats how we feel about health care...it is not a right...its a privilege..like owning a home a car. The only things the law..the highest law of the land gives us is life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The government is taking over our lives. We are suppose to run the government..not the other way around. If you voted...you made a choice...and yet so many are willing to say ok..I made the choice now they can run my life and I will blinding follow.
WAKE UP SHEEPLE BEFORE ITS TO LATE
If you dont stand up..if you dont fight back..you will be a slave to government.
Also..I urge all to call your Congress and Senate and show support for the AUDIT THE FED bills..Demand they be voted on. Stop the illegal Fed from stealing your money.
Health care debate? What health care debate? All that I can see is a pack of uninformed people being used and manipulated by certain media individuals to believe that our government [their representatives and senators] are going to destroy their health care and take money out of their pockets to pay for someone else's health care. The right wing has caused genuine debate to deteriorate into screaming matches between individuals who have no facts but plenty of distortions and outright lies that are being hurled at anyone who disagrees with their positions. The right wing has created a near Nazi-like mob mentality amongst the fearful who do want to to change their over priced and consumer unfriendly insurance policies.
"Don't take my rights away", "No Socialized Medicine", read some signs being held up by senior citizens who undoubtedly had Medicare Cards in their wallets.
The Right Wing of the Republican Party and some self-serving conservative Democrats are spreading lies, disinformation, and as much confusion as they can in order to keep the status quo. The status Quo [no real competition] is bleeding our country dry of its wealth while at the same time continually reducing benefits to consumers and denying coverage to those in need. If this is the best health care in the world then show me the way out.
I believe its pure politics. Its been in bills in the past many times. Republicans have had the chance to fix or try to and don't. Seems to me at this point the Republicans are a little afraid that the Democrats might just actually do somthing that is viable maybe not perfect but its better to do somthing then nothing.
I believe, Americans should be grateful to God that they are blessed with a country that accommodates its people and a president that is willing to help its inhabitants. I do not understand why it is difficult for some people to accept something better than good and why it is easy for some people to accept what is wrong than right. We spent 8 hard years to accept and live with President Bush's wrong policies and now it is difficult for us to accept just approx 210, good looking, days of President Obama's policies. Don't you get it? President Obama means good. He has a good health care insurance so he should care less but he is trying to make sure you and others have good insurance coverage too. I have a good coverage does not mean that I should not support others to have it.
The healthcare reform debate has become a platform for flat out hatred fueled by the far right who fear equal rights for ALL Americans. I have not heard one sound argument from any *townhall screamer in regards to HR 3200 directly. I have read the bill~it is tedious reading but a necessary task in order to address concerns, offer an informed opinion and engage others in sound reason, and the bill is on the right track, but needs refinement, especially as it relates to mandates and taxation which is poorly defined in my view. The bill should include provisions related to dental and vision care as these are healthcare related. If those are provided for in the bill, I didn't come across that section in reading 1018 pages. As for the hecklers/opposers of the President's plan~we all agree, debates are part of the democratic process, but when you lose sight of civil decency in the process, such outrageous behavior is anything but democratic and leaves us all in a fog of confusion and discord. I think some opposers aim for this while others who need to be heard are being silenced by those who would like to see failure to perserve the status quo and big business..some people are brain-washed and completely ignorant as they've not read the healthcare reform bill and they don't care to. The government option(s) does not equal government run healthcare..it means government sponsored-or supplemented by the government, supported by taxes paid for by those who can afford to help lift up those who can't afford it. Guidelines to perserve doctor/patient relationship and control over individual rights are part of what I read in the bill. Rules to rein in excessive wasteful spending makes sense...capping what insurances can charge, stopping them from cutting your insurance when you need it most.. providing public options for those who need affordable choices, propping up Medicare/Medicaid because those programs are running low on funding–there is no provision in the bill that says the government wants old people to die off.. what's the problem with the bill? Wake up America..read the bill so when the mouth opens, there's no room in there for your foot. We had better get this right and it starts by understanding the facts. If you knew what the bill contained, you might just lower your voice and speak with reason even if you find fault-but the screaming and childish behavior..where were you when the former Administration lied to us and many thousands died because of those lies?
The true issue is not health care... it is health insurance. Most Americans don't understand how the health insurance system works, or much it costs employers to buy health insurance for their employees. Health Insurance is where most of the money goes. Citizens and Employers are paying more than ever before for Health Insurance. Health Care Providers (the ones actually caring for patients) are portrayed as the greedy ones, but they are being squeezed by Insurance Companies too. Meanwhile, Insurance Companies post record profits and spend $millions to lobby against health care reform. People worry about potential government rationing of health care; they don't realize many insurance companies are already "rationing" health care by denying medically necessary care for patients.
I have worked in a grocery store and now a Doctors office, to which he is from Nigeria. Medicade, is the way to go, you can eat any kind of steak, have a party, a cook out with your Food Card. Have the best of Health care, you can even bring you kids in to get your Drugs. Yes, I have seen it all, and have paid for the Parties, Paid for those who do not want to work, I even seen balances on Food cards over $1,000.00, to which now they can vacation because most stores accept out of state cards. They can even go to any doctor they want, why, they get medipass. This is the life, you have it all, for you will never hear them say Thanks for paying my Way. WHEN IS THIS GOING TO STOP, WHEN IS SOMEONE GOING TO TAKE TIME OUT AND LOOK AT EACH INDIVIDUAL WHO IS ON THIS SYSTEM AND SEE IF IT IS BEING ABUSED. I AM SURE WE CAN SAVE ALOT, ALOT OF MONEY ON CRACKING DOWN ON THE ONES THAT TAKE THE SYSTEM TO THE LAST DOLLAR.
I'm so tired of people throwing the word "socialized" around when referring to this plan? What is Medicare? I bet you won't refuse that when you're eligible for it! The fact of the matter is that President Obama's boldness steered us away from another Great Depression...I'm willing to trust this plan. COLOR is what is motivating this so-called movement against the health care plan. All this political activism from people that we didn't hear from during the last eight years when Bush was "taking it" to the American people...where were you then?
Republicans are obviously taking talking points from the healthcare industry and behind the opposition. Perfect example was the debate between James and Ed. Considering Gillespie's past, the American people should do the opposite b/c his interest are his clients. The same clients that took this country to War!
Former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman and Bush administration adviser Ed Gillespie will launch a new consulting group after announcing last week he wouldn't return to his former namesake firm.
The longtime Republican official announced Monday that he's founded Ed Gillespie Strategies, which will focus on strategic planning, message development and communications strategy, hearing and interview preparation, crisis and reputation management, and coalition organization and oversight.
Gillespie had founded Quinn Gillespie and Associates (QGA) after having left the RNC, but divested and left the group after having taken a position in the Bush administration. During its heyday, QGA enjoyed a bustling practice, which has taken a hit since Democrats have taken over Congress and the White House.
I think since the taxpayers are paying for the BAILOUT that the taxpayers should be considered Federal employees. We pay the salaries in DC. I want the benefits these alleged leaders and representatives of the American people get. Just get our names from the IRS and put us on the benefit package, health, retirement, etc.....
The health care debate, if you can call it that, needs to end. I am a disabled veteran who served during the first Gulf War. I am currently receiving my health care from the VA, which is not perfect, but at least it is health care, which is something that 40 million Americans are trying to do without. I feel that if the VA, government run health care is good enough for the soldiers and sailors who fought for this country, then it is certainly good enough for those that sat at home complaining. It was all of our (my fellow servicemen & women) sacrifice that protected your right to do just that, so next time one of these zealots wants to disrupt a town hall meeting – they need to open with a thank you to the government run health care program that is caring for the American veterans, the same veterans that fought for their rights, safety, and their Freedom.
These protesters are spewing lies, innuendo, and bigotry, and mostly ignorance. It is unbelievable that they are trying to convince us that it is better to have an insurance rep decide on my health care based on what is most financially feasible for thier insurance company is absurd! I would, by far, prefer to have a medical professional decide on my health care.
Universal health care is a long standing issue that the public has agreed must be inacted. Yet, insurance lobbyist start their evasive tactics whenever it comes to the forefront. Enough already! Give us our health care reform. Take the time necessary to come up with the best plan, but it doesnt need to take more than months. Years is unacceptable!
Obama has numerous web sites to push his Health Care Reform agenda, has one site that lets you register FOR PRIVATE TOWN HALL MEETINGS...in short, it is an organized effort for him to get what it is that he wants. What then makes the protests on the other side any different?
I am not part of an organized mob, but I am upset and angry at several parts of the House and Senate Bills. Unlike many Americans, I have read the bills, and am upset at the lies coming out of Obama's mouth. As example, he is lying when he says I can keep the insurance I have. The bill makes it clear that will not happen.
The President will take $100 Billion from Medicare (when 40 million Baby Boomers are about to go on it) and put it into what is called Preventive Care....simple math tells you this cannot happen without rationing of health care for us Baby Boomers, which in turn does about to Boomercide, the deliberate and early death of a particular societal group caused by the deliberate actions or inactions of another. If I am going to be denied coverage for a particular health issues, and do not have the money for it, I have been targeted for early death.
We need to SLOW THIS TRAIN DOWN.
It's simple..... If you want failure, then let the Government handel it.
The house bill says it doesn't provide coverage to those are here "illegally." But President Obama has said immigration reform, with a path to citizenship, will be a priority next year. Once that happens who pays for the additional 12 million people who will then be eligible?
maybe the best health care in the world but seriously the most expensive too. sadly most doctors are in it strictly for the money and not for the benefit of mankind.
Everyone needs to stop running their mouths and listen. they are trying to tell us that it will help the ones who cant afford health care, and it will not hurt anyones plans. all you all are doing is causing people that cant afford it to choose to live or die. they cant afford to live so they dont go to the doctor and the hospital to get help. so, they dont go they choose between the bills and their lives. and sometimes it cost their family’s life or their own life.
we have opinions about the health care and we all have thoughts let OBAMMA, do what his has to do to keep every American healthly and took care of.
People are just tired of the elected officals not listening to them, and just doing what ever they pleased. When was the last time that they did what the people wanted? If you do not like what they are doing just vote the bumbs out.
John – PLEASE STOP QUOTING THE LEWIN GROUP AS A SOURCE OF RELIABLE AND UNBIASED INFORMATION.
Please don't allow your guests to quote it either, without the c aveat that the Lewin Group is a subsidiary of United Health Insurance, and speaks for the insurance industry, NOT the American people.. The Lewin Group is NOT a reliable source of information, and I hope all CNN personnel will get that and remember it, especially when on air.
I believe that the health care debates are indeed going too far. What were supposed to be mature talks about what is best for the people of our nation have turned into partisan fights. However, it is difficult to have educated discussions when the public is largely uninformed regarding what this proposed reform entails. Emotions are flaring over seeming rumors and misperceptions. What the American public sorely needs is information regarding exactly what this proposal intends to do. Does it truly move us in the direction of Canadian-style health care, what insurance changes does it involve, etc.? Personally, I feel that I cannot - and will not - form an opinion regarding the worth of this proposed bill until I have an outline of its major points.
As a small business owner, I am appalled that so many Americans seem to be happy with their health insurance! Yes, I am happy with the services we have access to, but I am dismayed by the annual 10-12% premium increases that we have had to deal with for the last 10 years. It becomes a new challenge every year to contain costs. We used to pay the insurance premium 100% and had a $50 deductible....today we are only paying 50% and have a $1000 deductible. We have had to adjust plans every year to be able to continue coverage. Our employees now pay $542 out of their own pocket, per month, for family coverage. Small businesses do not have the pooling benefit that large corporations have and if you have one sick employee it is reflected in the next year premium. Not a good system....creates bias against overweight, sickly looking or smoking applicants as you know during the interview process they will add to your health care cost and pull everyone down. The system is BAD as it is and something needs to be done because fairly soon I will cancel my company health plan and provide each employee with a health premium allowance. If they are fit and healthy, they can get coverage....if they are overweight or sick, they will suffer.
It all seems so simple and so obvious. All we want is the same coverage that Congress has. Everyone gets it. Everyone is happy and they can figure out how to pay for it. By having the best care in the country and not making it available to all has them putting themselves on a pedestal and us wondering if they even understand the fears that some people have. They will always have the best as will their families and we should too.
Over 40 million people voted against President Obama and health care reform reform. More than 50 million people voted for Obama and health care reform. What we see in the town hall meetings are the 40 million people that voted against health care reform; not the 50 million people that voted for the reform.
Calvin Roach
Those protesting are those WITH insurance. At what point do we become a nation of compassion for those 47 million without insurance, especially children? This recent protest is counterproductive, irrational, and uneducated. We're ruining the world for our children and grandchildren? What about today's children who die in this country because they do not have insurance and don't get preventative care? The children of the working poor who make too much money for Medicaid but are in a job that doesn't provide insurance? There must be health care insurance for ALL AND health care reform. ALL OF US NEED TO GIVE A LITTLE AND SACRIFICE. Workers with insurance, workers without insurance, the insurance industry, drug companies, doctors, lawyers, Democrats, Republicans – GET ON BOARD AND COME UP WITH A SOLUTION. Take the time to create a plan that works. To do nothing is not an option.
When will John Roberts stand up for the lies that are being allowed to be spewed about the Canadian Health Plan, we get to pick our doctores etc, we do have some wait times but not for emergency
We dont have death squads!
One should be able to count on somone that has direct ties to the Canadian Health System to call out those that continue to spew lies and incite fears
Health care reform or no reform at all, will not affect the main proponent i.e. President Obama. I strongly believe he cares. My main question is, why should a fellow American be denied health care simply because of pre-existing condition? Insurance companies ration health care based on their bottom line. At least, let's allow government option for those in this predicament (which can happen to anybody). And let's have a civil discourse and not resulting to rancor or in some cases outright intimidation.
Distortions about Healthcare Reform
Watching your coverage this morning one thing that strikes me is folks who think the whole world comes to the U.S. for their treatment because their health systems don't work.
Maybe for some procedures they can get them done quicker here or prefer our specialists but in general, no way....
There are 37 million people in Canada. When's the last time you saw a waiting room full of Canadians at your doctor's office??
I haven't been to any town hall meetings but I'd be pretty ticked off if I went to hear some serious dialogue and my representatives answer tough questions and instead all I got to hear was a bunch of shouting muddleheads.
How come the "Brooks Brothers" organized protesters come to the rallies with hand printed signs but the unorganized pro healthcare reformers have professionally printed signs? Just an observation.
How about a Single Payer health care system, (the government being the payer). We can have a Flat 2-3% tax to pay for it, (that's a flat no loophole tax).
The point of having a "civilized society,' is that we act civily, and do what is best for society as a whole. A Socialized health care system, OMG did I say socialized, I meant Universal health care sytem, is the right thing to do for America as a whole.
Too many people work 30-40 years only to see everything lost due to a single illness at a time in their lives when society should be rewarding them for their life work not discarding them. A little reform/relief/bailout for the "little people" might be a good ideal since equality and the good of society, as a whole, is the ideal that America was founded upon.
In the first place we are not debating health CARE . The issue is health care INSURANCE. (So those who erroneously state that "we have the best health care in the world" are not only mis-stating the facts of our high infant and senior mortality rates (in comparrison to other "civilized" countries, they are simply confusing the issue at hand.)The problem is insurance companies that continually hike their rates and can refuse service to anyone perceived as having a pre-existing condition. This makes it impossible for the insured to change their policy even if they want to in an effort to lower their premium. Our rights as consumers are currently being manipulated by the insurance industry who's profits are in the billions. So when people are concerned about government intervention in their health care, they only need look at what their insurance rates are now (if they can get insured), how much those rates are raised every year, how many medical tests they are sent for so that doctors can make money since insurers control the payback on those tests. And, haven't you ever seen anyone angered by insurance company's who decide what course of medical treatment you should have rather than the doctor. Insurers who raise their rates at will, refuse to pay for care after you religiously paid your premium year after year to the tune of thousands of dollars??????? Have you all forgotten about THESE issues? And sure, under certain policys you can go to any doctor you want. If you can afford to pay MORE for doing it.
In the second place, we already have "social" programs that pay for health care, they come in the form of medicare medicaid. I've never heard of anyone refusing this assistance because its against their anti-socialist conviction . The public pays for all federal worker's health insurance (teachers, school workers, postal workers etc.). I know a few of these people that have benefitted for YEARS from tax paid health benefits (and they aren't poor people) and no one I know has ever refused Social Security because its a "social" program paid for by the citizens of this country. The women who screamed "keep your hands off my medicaid" in a recent townhall, is a prime example of the LACK of understanding and down right ignorance of the situation. Its a "let me take a tax payer handout as long as I don't have to give one" attitude.
What ever happened to "WE THE PEOPLE" helping out our OWN?
In the third place. We found trillions of dollars in the form of loans from countries that are less than friendly to us in order to fight the war in Iran. The national debt rose to its highest level in the history of our country. But we're now afraid of a deficit if we help people in our own country get affordable insurance??? I don't get it. Where are all those that critizized our govenment for NOT taking care of our own backyard??
In the fouth place: IF YOU READ THE LEGISLATION youi'll find that abortion isn't funded, seniors won't be sent out to die and there isn't anything about limiting your service or doctor choices (unlike your current health care policy is likely to include).
Sounds more and more like a debate of those who want a powerful money making machine called health insurance, to stay in power, make decisions for the sick and elderly and control costs and less like a govenment take over, every day. But to witness the current lack of sevility and the downright lies you'd think the health care insurance industry was an American's best friend. WAKE UP!!! I wonder how much the CEOs of the industry are making these days? I'm sure they love it that they've got you supporting their next yatch purchase.
Some Americans do not appreciate what they have. They dislike reality for unreality. It is obvious that health care reform debates are now driven by politics and the opponents are deceiving people all around the nation about what the reform really stands for. I have been opportune to speak to 2 doctors, their response shows that they only care to protect what they will lose than what their patients will get.
The health care protest is politics as usual. Limbaugh and his counterparts have incited their followers by using fear tactics once more. Limbaugh and Hannity don't care about the people and who is being covered by insurance. Their main concern is destroying President Obama. The health care lobbyist are really in action and fighting for their survival. It's sad to see the people that would benefit the most from President Obama's health care plan out there protesting. They seem to believe everything that the Fox news group feeds them. Will they ever realize that these people are using them to feed the frenzy? I feel that health care should be a right for everyone and not a select few. Who are we to determine whether someone suffers?
I hear the one of the big fears is that the goverment is going to decide who is going to live or die. Now it is determinded for profit. Look at the thousands that get turn down now. 20,000 in the last 3 years we denied by insurance companies for life saving care.
What I believe Americans want is the excellent care they get under the current system only at a lower cost and with some guarantees to insurability. We don't need this bill, we need some insurance reform, a lot of legal reform, actions to limit pharmaceutical costs, and intelligent reevaluation of what we pay for diagnostic and procedural medicine.
America where were all of you protesters when the big Oil last year and gas was $6 a gallon sinking the ecomoncy , where were the protesters , the town hall meetings , thats right Bush did didnt give you no voice, no twon hall meetings , he just took your money and you all loved it , didnt say a nothing. Where are all the protestors for wars , and the spending for weapons of mass destructions, the lives we lost ,protest that !!!!! NO you didnt just sat back and shut up , so let let a President that is for the people not his own pocketbook do something its time for Change!!!!!!!!!!!
what makes me laugh about this country now a days is that its ok for an illegal person to pick our produce and mow our lawns or work at our plant making things for this country ect...
but when they need healthcare they're not welcome
what happened with the billions of dollars that illegal immigrants have had to pay in each day even if it is with fake papers why should they pay taxes if they can't get heathcare isn't this the land of the FREE because from what I see we are heading down the wrong path towards the way we should treat our illegal visitors in the usa
Yes.
Debate on health care has gone too far, some people just need to shut up
and see.
No one likes change, and no one likes to feel uncomfortable.
Uncomfortable is part of change. I believe for the most part people just need to have patience. We won't know what we have until congress reads the bill, all of of congress.
I could only wish there was this much anger over the banks charging 38.5 billion in overdraft fees.
We could do well if these people were attacking the banks, and asking them why they are ripping people off.
38.5 billion sounds like enough to get health care started why do the banks have it?
IT is very sad that people who have'nt even read the bill for health care are following behind others who are only interested in derailing the President and his agenda. This country is so out of hand, grown people are on Tv acting like the have no morals,manners or respect for these individual,s that are trying to do this country some good, especially our highest ranking government offical, THE PRESIDENT .Look simple fact, if you use common sense, we have been cut down as a society to the very lowest point. As an American, people from other countries usually envy us and wanna be a part of america . Do you think that after seeing all of the drama on television about health care and every other issue that this administration brings to the table that folks will continue to wanna be a part of this great place called America ? I seriously doubt it. People at the end of the day look at yourselves onTv and watch you childrens faces as they look at you in awe, acting lets say it," A Fool", and see doesnt it ruin everything you have taught them. Do we want this ? the kids our are future. Lets band together and start something NEW.
How can anyone actually KNOW what will be in the Health Care Bill? What I DO know...if nothing is done the system we have now will collapse.
My wive has been riding my retirement insurance from a cost of $550/mo two years ago to $806/mo this year. She has a pre existing condition over eight years old and can not buy even high deductable because she is in the 60-65 year old insurance wasteland.
Time to cancel the insurance and stop working for the insurance company and thereby paying the lobbiests efforts to continually rape the people who have worked so hard for so long to keep "the GREATEST health system on earth" afloat. Barf!
I think that most American Citizens are happy with the Medical Coverage they now have. They are affraid that if the Universal Health Care Plan that is proposed passes, they will loose the good care they have now. They are also affraid that the Government will make the care they have now, cost way more forceing them to take the Universal Health Care proposed. There are a lot of Seniors who are affraid that they will not get the good care they have now, if the plan is passed. Not one of the Congressmen has clairfied this fear. How any Congressmen have actually read this whole bill and studied it.? If the plan is so great, why has Congress opted to not take it for themselves?
Giving illegals the rights as American Citizens will also put a burden on the United States and will only encourage more illegals to come to the United States, when the Government should only take care of American Citizens and those who came here legally.
Thank you,
Lynda Levesque
Villa Rica, Georgia
@Matt Galant...now who's showing their ignorance? I was discussing Hitlers approach to taking over the country and controlling the masses, not the genocide that ensued.
@Bill – right on brother...I'm voting them all out starting in the next election and never stopping
@Sharon, you said it right!
@jeff....you got it. If cash for clunkers was a way to award the unions and the car industry for electing him
@justin flores.....agree strongly
the rest of you open your eyes
I find it interesting that this issue has been dubbed "the healthcare debate". Debates usually include defining the scope of the argument (I'd love to ask some of these protestors to define "socialism), facts, logical train of thought and active listening with the mindset that the opposition's position may have some merit. Wouldn't it be great if we, the American Public, could set aside the polical party affiliations, the over the top emotions and prejudices and try to approach this issue with maturity and objectivity instead of reacting to the irresponsible soundbits and fabricated "truth"?
I've been watching the healthcare debate with interest from Toronto, Canada where I live. I understand the subject creates extremely strong emotions, and I really didn't want to weigh in because obviously this is something only you folks can work out. However I keep hearing Canada being held up as an example of government run healthcare gone wrong. I saw a woman on one of your reports stating that Canadian's come to America for treatments, thus proving how good your existing healthcare system must be. The only reason we might come to America for treatments is because one sixth of your population has no healthcare coverage which means we don't have to wait in line behind those people to be seen. If you have cancer or some other life threatening ailment then obviously speed is of the essence, and the thought of having to wait a month or more to start your treatment is untenable for most folks. That is when America seems like a great idea ! What you don't think about is the fact that while you're getting your treatment there are potentially thousands of people who are dying in their own country of the very same cancer because they can't afford to be treated. As an outsider who has always admired the best that America has to offer the world this situation is almost beyond belief. Really. It seems as if some Americans would rather their neighbors died then make THEM wait for certain treatments. "Liberty and justice for all" but not healthcare !! Come on folks you can work this out.
The behavior of the adults at the town meetings set a very poor example of how we as a nation handle disagreements in front of our children. There should be order and respect for the office of the President and the Congress.
It is too far off a productive track as verbal and non-thinking extreme republicans disrupt what could be a shining example of the democratic process. There are a lot of sore losers out there who trashed our country by voting in our last incompetent administration. Now they are trying to harm the President instead of dealing with the issues. Some say its prejudice. The fact that they are trying to judge a president in his first 100-200 days, while they stayed quiet through eight years of lies (WMD, motivations for war, uncontrolled spending, the death of so many of our young people, etc.) is not only irrational but its misdirected and wrong. Their language and actions are hateful but smack of a last gasp of a dying parasite. Let us hope so as they have and are damaging our country.
How do Americans find the truth on Health Care? America is flooded with information, missinformation, disinformation and outright lies. There is the pro healthcare spin doctors and the same for the anti forces.
Where is the truth about a company or government entity from dropping their current insurance and forcing their employees to join the national plan? Where is the truth about protection from the reduction of services for seniors? Where is the truth about who is responsible for paying the bill for the national health care plan? Where is there any evidence legislators are even listening to the unrest the American people are showing in the town hall meetings? Have the legislators forgotten they are in Washington to represent the will of the people?
Politics as usuall , the only reason the republicanss are fighting health reform is because , for the first time we have a Black President and instead of working to make the the country better, they are only stuck on trying to sink this presidency , like water gate . America get it too together we already spend this money on the uninusred, and that amount will only continue to grow. The only people not wanting reform is the rich, cause they can get the best of everything , they dont want to next to someone who is lower income, or homless getting just as good care as them. America should be ashamed we can pay for wars but cant take of our own people ,America the great Not!!!!!! Support reform now , either way you already paying we'll just keep paying more. Why is President Obama the only one continuely being attacked , when George Bush sunk America for the last 8 years did nothing for America, except the rich that is, and no one complained . America be ashamed!!!!!!
Let look at the real numbers. In 2005 we had 47 million uninsured. The latest figure is 80 milllion. Another 100 million are on state plans. Here were i live large companies are dropping health insurance for there employees. The last one which employees 400 could afford health insurance for there employees. They spent over 400 k a month and cound not afford it. 10 years ago 90 % of inurance were non-profit , now 90% are for profit. Since then deductables went from 200.00 a year to to 2000 a year. Premium have more than doubled. As for doctor visits, Most don't cover that any more unless you pay extra, and alot of people do not.
I have friends and family that listen to talk radio. They come to me affraid ofwhat they are hearing. I even had to down load the thousand pages it and went over it with a few to dispel the lies they were hearing. The right is playing on their fears.
Health insurance agent!
Cospiracy theories. Death Panel? Palin and Limbaugh have no shame that is absolutely rediculous. Half of these resistant "forces" are funded by corporate America. All the protestors obviously still have Health Care and don't know how it feels. Why aren't the Health Insurance companies defending themselves? Oh that's right cause they are funding thes Right Wing groups with tasteless ads, and fueling the anti-Obama sentiment. I beleive Obama was elected because people felt he was serious about issues like this. If I recall the election wasn't very close.It cost me $1000 a month to provide Health Care for my Wife and child and myself. How am I suppose to afford that?
The loud mouth protesters against the health plan know as much as I do about it. Yet they claim that the plan is going to take control of all health plans. I think they are part of the private sector that is making all the money from the health & insurance industry or being brain washed from them. They think being loud is being correct, this is far from the truth. Every time a representative of the President or the President him self comments with statements on these accusations of complete take over the loud mouths come back with loud opinions of the effect of this health plan.
1 : The public should be informed completely about all plans.
2 : All people should be accounted for what they state on public forum (TV, News papers, public protesting etc.) lets state facts not opinions.
I think any type of competition for customers is good for the people, the big corporations do not want this competitiveness they want to name there price. Theses are the ones who are against this change and are saying things with out stating the facts. What are the facts ??? I believe the plan is setup to give people a choice with out being ripped off.
I have never seen so much fear of losing a health care system that doesn't work, is discriminating, unsustainable, expensive and only set up for corporate profit. What is the scare? If all the babies out there were told tomorrow that they were no longer to have their "wonderful health care insurance" because of a pre existing condition, would they put up such a fight?
I don't understand why if we do have a right to a public education we can't have a right to a basic health care plan, too.
It's funny how shrill and hysterical the Hannity/Limbaugh/Boortz crowd are getting over what has turned out to be nothing but lies told to them by their republiKKKan leaders. They are screaming about not rushing things, yet they did absolutely nothing about this problem during the decades that they were in power.
And now they still have no plan or suggestions of their own, except to leave things as they are and continue to let the greedy, corrupt insurance companies (and their bought and paid for RepubliKKKan congressmen) run our health care "system". If you're going to continue to whine because you're upset that a black man is in the White House, at least whine about something you don't have to lie about.
The ignorance of people is amazing...the best healthcare in the world Bernice? LOL! Hardly! People are denied care left and right in order to ensure insurance CEO's high salaries and bonuses. Have you checked the cost of co-pays lately? Are you aware that FAR too many Americans have no health insurance to speak of, or do you people simply not care? I am a 911 operator and I have seen people on their death beds deny care because they are worried about the cost of health care due to no insurance or inadequate insurance. Take politics out of this and let humanity be your guide...PRESIDENT OBAMA WILL BE FINE WITH OR WITHOUT THIS PLAN...WHAT ABOUT YOU IF YOU LOSE YOUR JOBS?
I think this is more about a black man running the free world, just ask Rush, Beck, and Dodds. I really think this is the end of the US as we know it, When I was young we always said," they would destory the world before they would let a black man be president", the time is now! Thanks, and God bless us all.
I trust that President Obama is trying to make things better for the American people, one step at a time. The health care system needs to be fixed and I appreciate the effort that is being made to make changes. People need to get on board and make suggestions, rather than yelling their opinions in a riotous mob.
I am a 57yr. Old grandmother responsible for the care of an 8 year old. If it were not for the President's sighning into law coverage for children he would not be covered. It is important that we have the facts about the various plans under consideration. Proponents of reform must make the facts clear and simple for Americans and address misinformation quickly.
A government health care system option is fine with me. Insurance co, etc have been making $ for a long time off the gov. Medicare & Medicaid are already in place. It's a form of national health care. What' all these ridulous comments about a death board or denial of treatment for Down's Children. I work in the medical field and it needs reform. This is fear mongering. Trust me, when someone comes in to a hospital in critical condition, no one stops to ask for medical coverage. It's a value of this country to treat them.
Tarrie
Just a quick follow up to the comments by justin flores who points to the VA as how bad government run health care can be. Coming from a very large military area, I can assure all that our proud military men and women and their families love the healthcare system they have and are adament about keeping it.
I have also been privileged to make use of that system and can attest, first hand, of the quality of care it offers. That said, we will never have a socialized system in this nation, so it is time to stop suggesting that is the goal of the Obama reform.
There is no plan to create a socialized system of health care. Let us remove that smoke screen and look at the facts.
Thank you.
People are confusing healthcare with health insurance. There are people who do not have health insurance and can get only emergency care which is expensive for all of us. If you are lucky enough to have your insurance provided in part by your employer, you notice that your premiums and your copays or deductibles are going up. If this continues you will not be able to afford health insurance and your employer will no longer be able to keep up with the plans expense. For-profit insurance companies are the reason that this is happening. Did you know that these companies consider any payment for your care as a loss for them. They are already deciding what care you can get, which physicians you can go to and which medications you are allowed from their formularies. Medicare can do this efficiently but their money is being "robbed" from the general fund as is the case for social security. Are those of you who have medicare willing to buy private insurance to the tune of $1000 per month? or more? The republican machine is heavily supported by the insurance lobby. They need the money from these lobbyists and want to get President Obama out of office. The CEO's of these companies are making MILLLIONS of dollars. As a person who grew up in a family with no health insurance (we are not illegals) and who now buys her own health insurance from a not for profit company, I know how much it costs and what it's like not to have insurance. Your employer should not have to subsidize your health insurance, why should they? Buy your own and you will wake up to the truth. Congress should also have to do this, then you will see a different story unfold. Fear is the Republican tactic this is dividing this country. It is a sad thing. Don't let them scare you out of your own intelligence. Make your own decision based on the facts. Check out reality check on the whitehouse.gov website.