American Morning
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August 12th, 2009
06:14 AM ET
What’s on Tap – Wednesday August 12, 2009
Here are the big stories on the agenda today:
- President Obama's road show to sell health care reform kicking off in New Hampshire. The crowd was orderly and polite yesterday. But in Pennsylvania and Missouri, town halls turned ugly. We'll go beyond the sound bytes to find out why so many people are so angry. And we’ll talk to one congressman who had a confrontation with a doctor, and then found a swastika outside his office. Has it really come to this?
- An American soldier serving his country and allegedly, Mexico’s drug lords. An 18-year-old army private is accused of being a hit man for a Mexican drug cartel, shooting a DEA informant on U.S. soil. CNN’s Ed Lavandera is live with the violent, new reality on this side of the border.
- A new weapon in the fight against colon cancer could be right in your medicine cabinet. Researchers say aspirin may be able to extend the lives of people with colon cancer, the second- deadliest cancer killer in the country. One expert says the study's findings could be "revolutionary.”
- The all-time battle of the bands. Who’s number one? There’s a clear winner in a new survey about the great performers of all time – and which band bridges the gap between generations. You can probably guess who, but the rest of the list may have you screaming at your TV… “Old Blue Eyes” just edged out a young blondie. Yes, really. Let the water cooler talk begin!
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Excellent site, keep up the good work
I'am so upset with CNN today, What happen to showing both sides of the debate? You waste airtime on Kathy Abrams,who is passionate about nothing ,has no idea what the contitution is about, and dn't know what healthcare reform is about! She is exactly where her husband wants to keep her barefoot and pregnant at home.
It is upsetting that CNN insist on asking "Why is Americans so angry?,
The real question should be, Why are White Americans so Angry ?
its not healthcare reform. The town meeting finally gives all these angry people a forum to express their pinned up 6 months of anger because they can't stand the fact that they have Black President . They feel they can destroy anything that he is trying to do they can destroy him. The senator from SC, incited this anger and hatred when he said this would be President Obama's waterloo.
Instead of showing a real debate CNN insist on showing these angry people, screaming and shouting nothng that has to do with what people really want hear. Thease are not concerned American citizens.
Katy Abram on her own words
She is republican she doesn’t like bail outs
Hello Bush started the bail out he is republican you don’t get it
I am an old Canadian woman and realize I do not have any business to comment on whether or not the U.S has health care or not so will not do so. However, I would like to comment on those Canadians who are putting our health care system down. They have been paid to do that in my opinion as our health care system is wonderful.,. When any health problem is serious, one does not wait. Some of those who think they are the only people on the earth, do not think they should wait two minutes for treatment so panic and rush off somewhere else for treatment. I am old and am always treated with respect and am given the best treatment available. My friends think the same as I do that we are so LUCKY to have this health care.. Please set your citizens straight about this. ..
What is wrong with you CNN for putting Katy Abram on the air?
How dare you! This is a totally uneducated, uninformed wing-nut. Instead of voicing idiotic opinions like hers, it is your responsibility to EDUCATE people so that even fewer of them hold such ridiculous opinions.
I am deeply insulted by her claims about the Constitution. She clearly knows nothing about it, yet feels completely entitled to share her 2 cents on national television.
But you were happy enough to air it.
I have to say, this is the first time I've ever shouted at the TV in the morning.
I think that the town hall meetings are just fodder for the news media. I don't even spend much time watching news any more because it's just junk. It's irresponsible and you can get the flavor with a 5 minute channel surf. There is not one thing constructive. All you see is that vitriol and racist rant from the right. What does name calling and labeling the president as nazi have to do with healthcare.
The news clips quickly move from the townhall the president had (especially CNN) and move to the ones Arlen Specter and Claire McCaskil had because they were more controversial. Where is the coverage on the Republican town hall meetings? Interesting isn't it that they don't think they are going to provide enough controversy?
They are not looking to inform, but rather to continue to stir the pot. and it is the most irresponsible thing I have seen in my life. I hope people wake up soon and begin to be selective about your news. Go to politifact and media matters and find out the facts. because that is the only way to put an end to us being used as a pawn in this clearly sad and disturbing situation that the media is helping to fuel.
The guest Katy Abram should be asked about her wanting her country back. What does she mean by that? Where was she when Bush spent trillions on a WAR?
How dare CNN give legitimacy to someone like her?
The founders were the American Indians, the REAL Americans!!!!
RE: Bands List
Led Zeppelin
Pink Floyd
Phish
Willie Nelson
U2
Pearl Jam
Nirvana
So many bands that should have been on the list long before Carrie Underwood and the eagles... so I agree with John... WTF?
Re: Health Care Reform... I will keep it short and simple. I think its all about doing whats best for our country as a whole and just those who can afford the finer things in life. Im on unemployment and have lost my health plan. I am all for higher taxes to pay for health insurance for people like myself or anyone who is without. I love where Obama is taking us.
Best band...Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
Worst.......List.........Ever!! Carrie Underwood and no Pink Floyd???? Who was being polled???? 15 and 16 year olds!?!? Pathetic list and a waste of time.
Yea seriously, WTF America? Carrie Underwood? American Idol is to good music as diarrhea is to clean underpants.
Personally I think The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Zeppelin should be left off the list. Those are all givens. Dig deeper.
The Doobie Brothers,Pink Floyd
Where's the actual list in the article on battle of the bands? It seems that if you are going to put on the air to send in your vote, or "tell us if your favorite is missing" you should at least post the list so it is readily viewable!
In response to the Best bands Of All Time ............... WHERE IS KISS!!!!!!????? Carrie Underwood & alot of the artists on the list are a JOKE!!!!!! Carrie Underwood hasn't even paid her dues in the music industry yet! She won a FREAKIN' CONTEST to get her fame!!!!!!
Re: That bands list
I can understand The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Hendrix's places in that list, but otherwise that was a bad list. Seriously, John was right, WTF at Carrie Underwood at 9!
But where's my Pink Floyd? My favorite band got snubbed....
I hope the Smiths made the all-time band list. I still remember JD Roberts (That's you!!) announcing the news on muchmusic of their breakup "Sadly, the Smiths are no more". Truly a great band.
What about Iggy and The Stooges? They were the progenitors of punk rock. Without punk rock, Nirvana wouldn't have sounded the way they did (Kurt Cobain loved The Stooges). Without Nirvana, you wouldn't have 3/4 of the junk you hear on the radio today.
Are they nuts? Frank Zappa was not only one of the greatest musicians of our time, but his live performances were unbelievable. Too many people thought he was a vulgar drug abuser. He was neither.
What about Pink Floyd? I saw the Dark Side of the Moon concert at the Spectrum in Philly. You've never seen a better concert.
I cannot believe that Pink Floyd did not make the list... How many years did "Dark Side Of The Moon" stay on the charts ? Same for Led Zepplin, Steppenwolf, The Who ? Would love to know where/when this supposed "poll" was taken... Most unheard of thing I have ever heard of !!!!!!!!!!!!1
How can Led Zepp not be in the top 20? Is this the twilight zone?
I am offended those crazyees have the audacity to think God sanctions chaos...The man in PA screams God is going to punish the senator. God is all-knowing, and all-seeing, and He sees their hearts. As a Christian, the text warns those, who curse, will receive a greater curse. The woman in PA wanting America to return to the constitution, from the interview w/ Kiera....it appears she has not read it. Health Reform will HELP her as a self-insurer...since she pays out of her pocket! CNN, I speculate she is not exactly what she claims to be...check it out. She is another case of cut off your nose to spite your face. Let's not forget the teacher, who is unable to understand THE BILL. All bills are laws, which duh....legal terms MUST BE INCORPORATED. Most Congressman and Senators are lawyers. America, just like some people cannot read the Bible, does not mean their it is hidden agenda. Even if, someone would interpret the Bill, you may still come to a different conclusion...that's why we have the Supreme Court. The young guy at the Prez's rally, stating his small business cannot afford paying the penalty, SMALL BUSINESSES W/ A FEW EMPLOYEES are EXEMPTED.
Any logical person would conclude these people are not genuine against HC Reform; they are just against a Black man in the Highest Office in the Country, and he is a Democrat.
I've been a Healthcare worker since 1974, so I can tell you the lies, the lies, the lies on the GOP side is an abomination... There is a lot of duplication of testing...a lot. Either the MD is an inexperience or scared of lawsuits. Unqualified personnel is another piece of the waste. Patients demand more frills rather than good care is another piece. Hospitals are spending money on aesthetics rather than equipment, because patients demand a 3-star-setting. IF YOU ASK US LITTLE PEOPLE IN HEALTHCARE, WE COULD TELL YOU ALOT. Insurance companies are exploiting EVERY ONE, which is the biggest slice of the pie. Insurance Reform will resolve half the cost, but it should extend to auto, home, boats, stop tying FICA scores to insurance worth, malpractice..... Insurance have added copays, increase deductibles, scrap services, denied claims, extend pre-authorization for all medical service, on and on and on.
Re: Health Care Reform..I am deeply saddened on what I have seen televised. I have seen the faces of hatred, distrust, selfishness, stupidity and no RESPECT for each other. The blame is on everyone. Cost of HCR doesn't matter now. It is time for a Civil War again, i.e., North, South, East ,West, Black, White, Asian, Native Americans, Jews, Christians, all races.. Take your side and come out fighting. When all else fails, lets go back to the Original Constitution and start from scratch. Apparently we have not learned anything since the beginning of the Birth of our Country.
The only ones that are going to be left standing are the drug and insurance companies and the people who is in their pockets.
People, we are placing blame on the wrong thing. (each of us). Place the blame where it should be: insurance companies and drug companies and the leeches who are making a profit out of our misery. You pick the insurance company for your family and they decide what they will cover. You really have no choice. They are in for the all-mighty dollar, YOURS.
Seniors.. They are really making money off of you and me. I belong to AARP and I have yet to see what they have done for me lately. AARP says that they are not in favor of HCR that President Obama is trying to get out. Every time I am sent to a specialist by my Family Practice Physician, new labs, x-rays, etc. is repeated. Why? More money for your insurance company (private insurance and Medicare). Not to mention more out of pocket expenses.
So we really don't need HCR. Right!!!We are doing just what the insurance/drug companies and the leeches wants us to do: Be at each other's throats and they are making out like bandits.
I am just going to give up all of my insurances and just sit in the ER when I am sick enough. But I WILL be seen. It might take a while, but the insurance/drug companies and the Leeches will not get a dime from me.
As someone who has lived with no medical insurance, and ended up on Medicaid in order to get treatment for cancer, I believe that we can no longer ignore that fact that we need to do something to see that all Americans have access to medical insurance. I don't know what the answer is, or how we can do it, but I strongly believe that we need to find answers.
I would like to invite all members of Congress, and their familles, as well as those who oppose any health care reform, to give up their coverage for a year and live with the uncertainty that so many Americans live with every day. I would also like to extend that offer to everyone that thinks that we can't afford to insure the uninsured and I am sure that their attitudes would change quickly when they have to choose between needed medical treatment, that they have to pay for, or go without.