American Morning
Grassley: Most don't want 'Obama-care'
Looking for a compromise on health care reform, the Senate's so-called Gang of Six, three Republicans and three Democrats will be meeting today. The six negotiators, who are also members of the Senate Finance Committee, will be considering a plan by the committee’s chairman to drop the public option and tax the priciest insurance plans.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/09/08/grassley.charles.art.jpg caption="Sen. Charles Grassley says the bipartisan approach to health care reform is the best."]
One member of the Gang of Six is Iowa Republican Senator Charles Grassley. He spoke to John Roberts on CNN’s “American Morning” Tuesday. Below is an edited transcript of the interview.
John Roberts: During the August recess, you said of the efforts to craft a bipartisan bill in the Senate, “I don't think it's going to be possible to work it out with the administration because they're all over the field.” Now that you're back there on Capitol Hill, are you going to walk away from this or are you going to stick with the Gang of Six and try to come up with a plan?
Grassley: Well, we won't know until we meet this afternoon at 2:30. … The good and bad of the president speaking this week is we’ve had to speed up the work of our group to have something ready. … And that's bad because we should have probably taken a little more time than just over this weekend. And then the other issue is that the president, if he does come out with specifics, probably would make up for that criticism that I gave during August that they were all over the ballpark. And they were all over the ballpark.
Roberts: Now, one of the proposals being floated – and it was handed to you over the weekend – is from Senator Max Baucus, the chairman of the committee. It has no public plan but non-profit co-ops that would provide insurance for people who are uninsured. It expands Medicaid eligibility as well, and then levies a fee on insurance companies who provide high-end Cadillac plans to help pay for the overall reform. Is that something that you can support?
Grassley: Well, one thing about the co-ops, if they're going to end up just the way we've known co-ops for 150 years in America, the answer is yes because they're consumer-driven and all the consumers benefit from it. They're organized by members. There's no federal government running the co-ops, etc. And that's the way that Senator Conrad has devised them and I've been discussing that with him and along the lines of what he suggested, it's very favorable. And just in case, that somebody comes along and wants a federal board, the federal government to accept risks so we end up with a health care Fannie Mae, then that would be a no-no for me.
In regard to the tax that you asked about, the only thing I would suggest is both Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation has said that those costs will be passed on to the premium holders. So it's going to drive up the cost of insurance, maybe at a level of insurance that we shouldn't be subsidizing in the first place. But the case is that the extent to which consumers pay for it, that is a concern as opposed to if the corporations would have had to pay for it, the people providing the insurance, it probably would be a better approach.
Roberts: Senator, the president has this speech to a joint session of Congress tomorrow evening. He kind of laid down the groundwork for that in yesterday's speech to the AFL-CIO, in which he took on people like yourself who have been critical of his plans for health care. He said, “What are you going to do? What's your answer? What's your solution? And you know what? They don't have one.” The president charges you don’t have a solution. Let me ask you now, what is your solution to health care reform? What's your plan?
Grassley: Well, don't forget, I've been working the last three or four months with Senator Baucus one-on-one and then later with the Group of Six to come up with a bipartisan plan. And it seems to me that the bipartisan approach is the best. And if you look at the president during his campaign, he wanted to be post-partisan and it seems to me like those statements yesterday were very partisan, contrary to what he promised in the last campaign. But I would be working towards a bipartisan effort.
And if we don't get a bipartisan effort, then of course there are so many things in what I've been working towards that could easily go into my plan or a Republican plan and then don't forget there's already four Republican plans out there introduced by other members of our caucus. But because we're the minority party, you at CNN and other places haven't given our plans much publicity because I suppose we're in the minority and you want to help the president so much so that I hope that if we don't have a bipartisan plan, that you'll start giving some attention to the Republican plans that are out there.
Roberts: Well, I can assure you Senator Grassley, it's not our intention to help any politician, president, you, anyone else. We're just merely telling people what is out there and we will re-double our efforts to illuminate Republican plans.
Grassley: Thank you.
Roberts: You're up for re-election next year. You recently sent out a fundraising letter in which you said to your constituents, “We ask for your immediate support in helping me defeat Obama-care.” Ezra Klein from the Washington Post took a look at that and said, speaking of you, “He is creating a campaign premised on his role in stopping Obama's health care reform effort. It is not clear how he could pivot to save it, even if he wanted to do so.” Have you left yourself with this pre-election campaign, Senator, any room for compromise?
Grassley: Absolutely, yes. Because you know what Obama-care is in the public's minds, my constituents' minds? It's all that public option. It's all the eventual nationalization of health care in America, run entirely by the federal government. And that letter associates Obama-care with the public option and the people of my state and I think most of the people in this country don't want the government to take over federal health care.
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I want health care reform. Grassley is a paid for politicial owned and controlled by the insurance industry and big business. He is a turd. Anyone who is afraid of health care reform is clearly afraid of all the nonsense they have been hearing by the insurance companies and big business lobbbyists.
That's OK, Senator, your Alzheimer's is already covered.
All this guy is, is a greedy right wing politician, who gets money hand over fist from the insurance industry. He is not looking out for you America. He is looking to line the coffers of his campaign war chest. At best he is a very small man at heart!
If the federal government runs our healthcare, regardless if you are a democrat or republican, did you ever think that, say, if George Bush was running your healthcare, would you be happy with what you where getting as a democrat?, and if Obama was running our healthcare, would you like what you would be getting as a Republican?, and lastly, if somehow, someday, somone like Adolf Hitler was elected president (hey Obama got elected) would you like him running your healthcare?, or would you in fact like we the people to run it for ourselves? Government, you answer to me!
You know it is a shame that so many non-relevant things like racism get kicked into the questions over healthcare reform.
I firmly believe we need reform but do not support a government run public option. It has been proven many times that government involvement only increases the problem, look at the VA. Before you jump me for criticizing the VA, my son was an intern at a local VA Hospital and was very concerned at the level of care given our Vets.
Part of the discussion has to include tort reform, doctors and hospitals are scared they are going to be sued and run every test imaginable for a person with a runny nose. Controls must be placed on ambulance chasers who pad there pockets through others bad fortune.
Reform must address bringing the cost down.
Throwing insurance around to 46 million people will not only bring the current healthcare system to it's knees it will destroy it. Think about it, our system of doctors, nurses and healthcare facilities are not capable of bearing this additional load.
Reform must be something we ramp up, not throw everything in at one time.
I'm glad CNN issued text of this interview. It makes it easier to clearly see through the bull. He gets a straight question, he bounces it back by blaming others for something. He never answers for anything.
Roberts: Do you or the Republicans have anything to offer for health-care reform?
Grassley. The media will not cover our three or four suggestions or the bits and pieces that can be cobbled into something...
Roberts: I apologize Mr. Grassley, we will try to do better.
Grassley: Thank you.
Do you feel like you got an answer? I don't.
As someone who lived and worked in Europe for over ten years, I can tell you that the American public has been fed a bunch of hogwash about the EU and Canadian health care systems. The vast majority of people in those countries would fight to the death if you tried to take away what they have. What we have in the US is a "pay or die" system. And to those who continually say, "We have the best health care system in the world", I suggest you take a look at the World Health Organization rankings for health care: We rank a sorry 37th among developed nations. 37th!! Disgraceful.
But–people forget that a public option plan is just that...an option. Those who want to continue to get raped by the insurance company executives who pocket millions of dollars a year of YOUR money, feel free to continue to pay the sucker. Just hope you don't get cut off when you really need coverage, as so many in this country do.
First it was "affordable housing for all".
Now it is "affordable health care for all".
See a pattern here?
Healthcare is not a right. Housing is not a right. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (which includes working for housing and healthcare if you are so inclined) are your rights.
True competition, not just a few companies per state, will solve the problem.
We, (the people) elected President Obama, by a sizable margin, I might add, and one of the main reasons was because of the promise of quality, affordable, health care for all of our people, not some trigger so that the insurance companies can stall until many of us are bankrupt or dead and they can keep on fleecing the American people just as they always have. Remember Harry & Louise? “ There’s got to be a better way” Well, it’s been fifteen years, where is it? Every other civilized country guarantees it’s people access to decent affordable health care but us and they have better results. I don’t hear them rushing to the polls to get rid of their “Government run healthcare”. By the way, the last time I checked The Veteran Administration Health program and Medicare and all of the government employees health care program are all “Government run programs” and I don’t hear any big screaming to abolish them, in fact I believe that there is more satisfaction with them than there is with the system run by HMOs and all the insurance companies.
Don’t like Government programs?…Then don’t send your kids to a public school and don’t drive your cars on those Government provided interstate highways, just to name a couple of examples of “Socialism at work” As a matter of fact, hypocrisy seems to be the order of the day.
We need Health Care as a right, not a privilege and we need it YESTERDAY!
lets vote out the republicans who have basically tried to throw a monkey wrench into obamas presidency before it even got started. a public option is in no way going to create a 1 payer system. it will keep the already DISHONEST INSURANCE companies, honest. it will force them to be honest. and those that fail, were meant to fail anyhow, there will be other insurance companies to come around and take their place. lets forge a democratic haelthcare reform with or without them, at this point all republicans are starting to look evil and only interested in their own agenda and not one for the americans they are supposed to be serving. its the insurance companies throwing thousands of dollars at politicians and special interest groups that is keeping reform from happening like it should have 4 weeks ago. dont let the corruption, lies and coercion deter the american people from acheiving real health care reform.
Has anyone walked into a Veteran's hospital. My father-in-law waited on a gurnee in the hall for over 6 hours. Why do you think the veterans complain. The place stunk, there were people on gurnees in the hall all over the place. Don't worry about Medicaid your not getting anything anymore without having to pay for it. The seniors can't afford to pay for Medicare A-B whatever, let alone understand it.
Tell me this...why is it Asiam immigrants come to America, learn the language, start successful businesses, raise their children to be respectful and not drug users, and ask for nothing in return?
Why is it that they can do it, but many other ethnic groups cannot; constantly blaming others for their problems, mired in drugs and crime, and looking to the government as the answer for everything.
Dr Virginia, I was buying your logic until the sentence 'Do you know that the very best health care system (determined by WHO) is a ‘private industry’ health system?' so what are the criteria for 'the very best'? Do they include comprehensive coverage, cost, death due to lack of access to health care, etc? Does it take into consideration that all the high risk, costly patients – the old and the poor are covered by government run healthcare? Does it also take into consideration that if the private sector are required to cover people with pre-existing conditions they can only do it by charging unrealistic premiums or by getting subsidies from the government, as is being proposed in some of the new proposals?
You forgot to point out that the US is the only developed country where Healthcare is not a ‘right’. That is probably where the debate should start.
It amazes me that we rightly morn the 3000 people who lost their lives unnecessarily on 9/11, we morn the 4000+ soldiers who gave their lives in the Iraq war but there is never a mention of the 18,000 people each year who lose their life because of lack of access to healthcare.
So what does 'the very best healthcare' mean to you?
Republicans want the profit in their pockets and as much as we pay they still get off scott free in insurance getting the big bucks for donations what do we get when we are paying right into their pockets,can you not see this-we want change where they are getting richer and we are getting nothing,when will this stop? we now know just why the republicans are fighting this bill so forcefully because nothing else has worked for them and they are scared and if they can scare other folks that is what they are doing and you people are falling right into their greedy hands,for they are not for or with you,just for the earnings they can get-read up on this and be open minded if you can.Grassly is an old fart whose pockets are getting fuller with our money, when you pay he gets paid also but much more you are putting in & he is taking out-so what is your answer to that? I want my kids to have health insurance which they donot have now and working and if Obam can fix it where all americans can get insurance and not let them republicans cont to take take & take from us then so be it.
I love it how politicians and the talking heads on the radio love to claim the majority in their fight to get their own narrow agenda across. I'm constantly ashamed of this countries political system because of people like this and the narrow mindedness of the far right AND the left.
I don't care if it was Republicans proposing Universal Health care, I'd still be shouting against it. Shame on those of you that say opposition is merely an expression of racism or desire for Obama to fail. It is about a plan that will create national healthcare (read the whole bill, I did) by 2030 and lower our overall standard of care, increase taxes on EVERYONE, (not just the rich) and most likely be the final nail in our economic coffin.
I am against this particular issue for a couple of reasons,
1) The Federal Government has proven that it cannot run ANYTHING efficiently and on budget. It always turns into a bureaucratic mess that has way to much red tape and too many stupid people making stupid decisions for "the good of us all". Take your pick- SS, US Postal service...
2) We the tax payers, ALL OF US, will pay out of our pockets for this. The soft dollar savings Obama and Spector say will offset the cost of this program DO NOT translate into hard dollars that can pay a bill. Those hard dollars will come form the taxpayer. Try paying your mortgage with soft dollar savings.
3) All programs that make the US population more dependent on the Federal Government are wrong. "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need" is a legitimate philosophy for charitable organizations, not for governments.
Lastly, the Republicans are no different than the Democrats. Both act like drunken sailors on shore leave when they rise to power. Everything Dems currently accuse them of doing, the Dems were doing when the last administration was in power.
Yeah Republicans are bought and paid for, but the Democrats are buying the sheeple of this country every time they create another welfare programs and grow the Fed just a little bit more. The only thing that has changed is that the American people are collectively dumber.
I WANT HEALTH CARE REFORM!!!
I am self-employed and cannot afford my $450/month premiums (for just me, kids are an extra $150) and the $5000 annual per person deductible!!
Why are my rates so high? I take Cymbalta for depression. I run 15 miles each week, get annual check-ups, am in fine health, but because of a mild chemical imbalance, am considered a bad risk and punished for it.
The insurance companies and large pharmaceuticals are raping this country and the smug jerks who have employer provided plans just do not care. Hope they lose their jobs and healthcare soon and learn that the system is truly broken, the hard way!
My problem with all of this is, does Congress have the authority according to the Constitution to legislate and grant authority the President to regulate health care, personal healthcare information, personal financial information and the information of employers, physicians and hosptials. It seems to me that this type of action is a direct violation of provisions in the 4th Amendment which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and the right to privacy.
It seems to me that the Government is ignoring many of our Constitutional rights
How many new CZARS will be have if this healthcare bill goes though>
Too many of our rights will be taken away from us.
Well then why can't we all be on the same coverage as the Senate and the House?
what option would be available for Americans without insurance if the public option does not go through?
my son is in college and just out of age to be overed on my insurance. He needs open heart surgery- what insurance options does he have without this?
I wonder how many people would want health care coverage for every american, i wonder how many want the double digit cost increases to stop, i wonder how many want insurance companies not to be able to drop you for pre-existing conditions, i wonder how many people want a modernized health records system, i wonder how many people would want this plan if you changed the name to Patriot Care instead of Obama Care?
I love how when asked what his plan is, Grassley rails on the media for not publicizing it. Um, weren't you just given a chance to put it out there? Instead of answering the question, it becomes someone's fault. Welcome to the Republican party.
Mr. Grassley you have not ask most people – you are listening to the loud and rude teabaggers – the same ones who do not believe President Obama is a citizen, who think he is a socialist – who believe is was sending a subleminal message to our school children
the ones who want reform are the overwhelming majority of people who voted for him because of his promise to fix heath care
"...CNN and other places haven’t given our plans much publicity because I suppose we’re in the minority and you want to help the president so much..." – Senator Grassely
You were just asked, "Whats your plan?" Here's your chance...here's your publicity. Stop projecting and answer the question.
Sure spend trillions on Iraq, on no bid contracts to Halliburton, Kellog, KBR, etc. But when it comes to spending money on the American people, it's gonna cost too much. Where was the conservative fiscal responsibility then? These corporate, bought and paid for thugs need to be voted out.
It's single payer not public option. GET CORPORATE GREED out of health care.
These same free market morons. All other developed countries do not straddle business with the cost of health care. So when business off shores jobs, its an immediate 30%+ profit over having the jobs here. If we are going to compete in a world free market economy we have to level the playing field we have to move away from buisness having to provide access to health care insurance. The only way to this is single payer. If we do not get with the program, the US will be a second class country.
According to the Washington Post the Healthcare Industry has donated over 2 million to Grassley's campaign since 2003...And he's up for reelection next year. No wonder he's running around like a rat on a sinking ship.
well the speech to americas children went very well even though there were those that doubted or cast some kind of suspicion that obama is out to brainwash our kids. well it didnt happen and just like healthcare, people are afraid to take that first step, they fail to see past the now and look into the future. healthcare is something that should not even be up for debate, what american would rather have less for more, when reform will give us more for less. more healthcare in more ways than people are willing to just open their eyes and see the truth of what reform will really do for them in the long run. to many americans have become in the now, no longer looking to their futures and their childrens futures to actually see that reform is meant to help us be better, better at living our lives to the fullest and with more money in our pockets. sad sad day if health care reform gets shot down because of a few ignorant, naive, and just plain dumb people. wake up america.
Why is this man and his narrow viewpoints relevant? I am an independent voter who thinks that the rancor, partisanship (on both sides but mostly the right) and total lack of statemanship has gone way overboard. Hey Senator Chuck, why don't you publish your list of related donors every time you take a stand....you all should do this so we may all share in the excesses of your hypocrisy.
I say again – when are they going to address the true big costs of medical care – the millions and billions Health Insurance Company administrators are paid (Head of UHC with bonuses gets over 1 billion and many hospital administrators make millions per year) and go after what truly makes health care so expensive without adding anything to the quality of health care offered?
Maybe health care should not be allowed to be 'for profit' and hospitals and such that make money on health care should not be allowed to invest it in real estate and such?
I am not against a decent living for everyone – just do not see anyone worth 1 billion or millions or hundreds of millions a year – especially in the health care industry.
Yeah, but if these message boards are any indication, the majority of Americans can't even master the subtle art of using an apostrophe. Should they really be trusted with health care policy?
Oh yes – the majority of Americans want health care. I am FOR the public option and LOVE OUR PRESIDENT! HE IS AWESOME! I say if you can't support our President, then go somewhere else or GET OVER IT! This is a democracy – we voted and WE WON!! Wanna see who is financing Mr. Grassley's campaigns?? Go here: http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?cid=n00001758
"Shame on all of you that have no heart and only money speaks to you!" Spare us your bleeding sob story. If people want to donate to help others, they are more the willing. Your ideas of forcing the hardworking into sacraficing to support others unwilling to do the same is the same thing as communism. What will you do when the bread runs out? Why should hard working americans not just quite making any effort whatsoever as the benefits are stripped away.
Senator Grassley is not right on this issue. We the local constituents in waterloo, cedar falls and the district which is represented by Senator Grassley support the new health care plan. Please do not fall into the trap of Rush Limbaugh.
Senator should hold a local town hall meeting in waterloo and feel the pulse of the people.
The real problem with healthcare is we spend valuable money that could be used to help the poor on inefficient filing systems, outrageous lawsuits, $10.00 asprins and doctors who schedule unneccessary tests to avoid malpractice. What we need is tort reform, a common filing system and Doctor's that are not afraid of malpractice.
I love those who state things like "most people don't want it!". Where are you getting your facts? Holy cow! Really! I am stunned by the pure simplicity of some folks out there. Just because it is said does not make it so, and especially when it is said by Fox news, or really whoever is reporting whatever they are reporting. This world does not need conspiracies, cabals, right wing media machines, left wing wing machines, whatever is your simple-minded object of contempt. The stupid masses do a great job of spreading ignorance, hate, and mis-information. Grow up, get off your soma (couldn't help the Huxley ref.. sorry), and remember that we are responsible for our beliefs. Make an effort to unlearn your ignorance, and remember, when FOX news displays a banner that says "Fair and Balanced" does not make it so. Remember the kid in 6th grade who bragged about everything he never did.. those that claim it the loudest, are the least likely to be. Where has out sense gone?
For profit Capitalistic economics are just fine for anything we have a choice to buy or not to buy. When you are sick or your child is sick do you have a choice?
I am not for the health care reform that Obama is proposing. It would be awful for all of us and many will die due to poor care. A nurse read the whole thing and felt it it is not in our best interest at alll and will only hurt especially the older adults. Government is intervening in our rights way too much since January 2009. Our country will really be sorry if this keeps up. Pray to God that people with values, morals and not focused on power, money and how much they can get of it.
Do my husband and I want health care – you bet! Can we afford heath care – not on our incomes. We both have pre-existing conditions and no matter how much we pay for health care, the real problems won't be covered. At one time we almost had enough money for retirement saved and ready to go. We moved to Florida and the insurance companies won't cover our pre-existing conditions, even with their huge premiums. Now we can never retire as our medical bills have eaten out savings. Please Congress – health care for everyone now.
The majority of Americans do want health insurance reform, Senator Grassley you have it wrong. Medicare is extremely popular and should be expanded to cover all Americans.
First – I'm an Iowan, I'm a registered Democrat and I've always respected and voted for Senator Grassley. I'm also an executive in the Healthcare Industry.
Senator Grassley has lost my trust and I no longer respect or will vote for him. He's jumped on the partison Republican bandwagon. His "Obamacare, Death Panel, Unplug Grandma" posturing and outright lies shows he's just undermining the process.
I also know people that have Insurance are scared they are going to have worse coverage than they do now. I work in the Industry and I can't even defend the Insurance companies and what they do now. The costs are out of control and getting worse, we have massive coverage limitations, and believe me – the limits on services for "Grandma" are already there in spades.
All of us WITH insurance are all just one big medical incident or job loss away from bankrupcy or loss of coverage. Most folks are just putting their heads in the sand thinking the people that are bankrupt and without coverage aren't like them – but they are. They just have had worse luck – so far.
It's nice the Republicans are making gains big by scaring everyone on the issue and getting the right all worked-up. It amazes me how good they are that. Hat's off politically. However, we need to get together and solve this problem. Democrats have been trying to get this done for decades. Maybe Republicans are really on board this time and really want to address the problem. The reality is It's real, it's big, and it's going to effect all of us a lot more than the next election if we don't do something about it pretty soon.
Let's work on the problem instead of the next election for once.
Thanks...
Follow the money: http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00001758&type=I&mem=
2003-2008, Chuck Grassley received:
Health Professionals: $543,027
Insurance: $376,893
Pharmaceuticals/Health Products: $245,722
Chuck Grassley has taken OVER A MILLION DOLLARS from healthcare-related lobbyists and SIGs. He doesn't care about me, you or his constituents. He cares about the $$$.
It appears this president wants the government to control everything, however guess who will be picking up the tab??? Our government is already in the banking business and the auto industry. Again,it appears the pathway to a socialist system to control everything. Does America want to pay for all these so-called changes with higher taxes, priority has not been placed on jobsf for the very people that picks up the tab for all his spending so tell us how we will be able to buy insurance. America is already bankrupt and if you check who owns these high rise bldgs you will find it is not us Americans.
Look at CNN's poll today – about 70% of people are happy with their current health care, this means that WE THE PEOPLE do not want to change what is working. So, for those saying that the republicans are the ones embracing the insurance companies, see today's poll. There are so many ways of improving the system – not destroying what we have but improving. For example, TORT reform, why is is that the democrats don't want to talk about it? Because they get mucho dinero from the lawyers and they don't want to upset them.
Health care could be made more affordable by cutting back on other Government spending. Start with agricultural subsidies that go mostly to agribusinesses in states such as Iowa (Grassley), North Dakota (Conrad) and Montana (Baucus). If Government programs are inherently wasteful, as Sen. Grassley implies, then the Government-run agricultural subsidy program SHOULD be high on his list of cutback targets.
Sen. Grassley needs also to come to grips with the fact that his "gang of six" does not speak for the nation, and he is both arrogant and foolish to assume that it does.
What part of the US Constitution charges our Federal Government with the responsibility for running the health care insurance program in these United States?
The answer, for those who keep saying this is about Obama and Obama hate, is NONE.
The US Constitution says that any authority not EXPLICITLY granted to the Federal government belongs to the states.
Simply put, having the Federal government try to control this issue is a violation of the basic law of our land.
Is any aspect of the idea good? Of course. But it needs tobe addressed at the appropriate level of government. This is a states issue, not a Federal one.
Now, I readily acknowledge that our Federal government has, for literally generations, been expanding and growing into territory that the US Constitution defined as outside the limits of Federal authority.
We do not restore our rule of law by continuing to ignore our own basic law of the land. We need to reclaim our rights and our authority from the career politicians who have been using our apathy as opportunity to steal them away from us.
This is no more about Obama than it is about FDR.
This is about how our nation was designed to run, and trying to get back to the Repbulic we were provided as opposed to the Oligarchy that has been forming over the top of it.
If we don't wake up and pay attention, instead of letting the insurance companies, and wall street tell us what to think, we are doomed. Grassly is a shameless, sellout.
So you are against socialized anything? Well then let's take it all away. Here we go, no more roads, no more bridges, no more lights or public transit, no more police or fire protection, no more education, no more military and no more Medicare. Ok, well now there you have it. Any problems? Just a suggestion, get the garden hose out and wet down the house, just in case of fire.
Come on folks, get over it. Let's take care of this problem instead of being manipulated by the insurance companies who do not want us to change. If there is real competition in the marketplace, why are they afraid of a public option? Because the truth is, it would cut costs and it would force them to sell a fairly priced product. Ever heard of the costs of health care going down? Nope, I did not think so.
Remember it was the Republicans who were so afraid of Medicare and Social Security......until it was passed (by a majority that included some Republicans who suddenly, changed sides.)
The Veteran's healthcare plan is a great model for demonstrating
how a government-run healthcare plan would work, so don't tell me people don't want the Gov taking over healthcare. Imagine what we'd do without Medicare and Medicaid, both run by the Gov. We NEED the Gov to regulate what as become a very for-profit system that does not care if you live or die, only maximize profits.
What kind of health care does Senator Grassley have? He probably has some of the best health care coverage in the industry, all paid for by taxpayers.
I wish the Republicans and Conservatives would STOP putting our president down. One of the major reasons Obama was voted for is because the "people" wanted a change in this countrty to national health care. Obama was very clear in his campaign that was his intention it was no secret. The republicans want back in office and are spending a lot of tax payers money attempting to brain wash the American public.
National health care has been a long time coming and the "people" need it desparately. All the republicans care about is their own pockets and putting the taxpayers money in those pockets in addtion to putting our new president down in an effort to promote themselves. Their behavior is low down and dirty.
The republicans are the ones who put this country into the mess that it is in and Obama inherited their mess! Obama is extremly intellegent and acommon sense indivdual and he is working around the clock to do what is "right" for the american people. We, as a country, need to come together and support our president. Those that continuously put him down should be ashamed of themselves, so unprofessional and immature, very poor tactics by the Republicans and Conservatives.
Look they have already spend millions of dollars of OUR money in their effort to oppose the president keeping his campaign promise and finally giving this country the health care that it needs and deserves. This money could have been much better spent to help people in need.
The best thing to do America is to educate yourself on the issues, and Stop listening to all of this crap coming from these two desparate parties which is only self serving.
So, it's OK to call something not being proposed by the President in any shape or form or even desired as an end goal by the President – eventual nationalization of health care run entirely by the federal government – Obama-care because that's what that means in "the public's minds".
Just run with mis-characterizations where they suit one's political ends because I'm sure it's better to use fear and anger over something not on the table than actually deal with what's being proposed.
Honest, I'm not big into politics. Too complicated for my tiny brain and it boils my blood sometimes anyway.
I work in the healthcare industry. My colleagues and I know part of the fix must come from within the insurance industry. Most of you would not believe the ridiculous tactics used by insurance companies to delay or even completely deny payment, (just think of the interest they can earn by sitting on a million dollars for an extra month). Then, depending on the reason they won't pay, we have to prove the medical need, prove that THEIR OWN POLICY says it should pay, among other actions. Few of you know how complicated that can be and how many hours of work it takes to settle some issues. Don't get me wrong, the hospital I work at make errors but we find that 90% of the time it's something with the insurance company. All of these delays costs EVERYBODY money in the long run somehow.
The Government should concentrate on getting these insurance companies to work better for us who are covered, get some health coverage for people who don't have or can't get any. I guess then you get into the debate about how much or how good of coverage should those citizens have. I pay a lot of money for my insurance premiums so I really don't want someone getting free or very low cost insurance to get every privelege I do. For example, I have a choice between an HMO dental plan and a PPO plan. The HMO is about $15 a month. You have to go to a network dentist who are usually just out of school or something. The PPO is about $65 a month but I get a choice of established dentists who won't even join the other plan because the reimbursement is so low and they could not give the exceptional care they give. And I STILL have to pay some on top of the premium.
It's a big mess that no one ever has a good plan for.
Up to this yearI considered myself a very dedicated Democrat. Now I consider myself an Independent. I'm from Iowa and I believe that Senator Harkin and Senator Grassley both work very hard for the people of Iowa. My husband and I are both retired and living on a tight budget. The Insurance we have is just find- as the old saying goes "if it is not broken do not fix it". Under Obama's plan we would have to find new insurance which would cost us more. Lets forget reform and worry about our boys fighting a losing battle overseas. Time to end the war and bring them home.
The majority don't KNOW what Obama's plan is. They just listen to the lies spewed by the right and people like Grassley.
Health Care is not and cannot be 'consumer-driven.' Health care is a right, not a privilege. Health care is no more consumer driven than fire protection or police protection. 'Consumer-driven' and 'market-driven' health care are lies spread by the right and the insurance and pharmaceutical industries.
I don't know where he's getting his INFO but everyone I talk to wants some type of insurance coverage. I'm all for the healthcare option and hope that it is passed and comes into effect soon. Those selfish persons that already have coverage stop to think that we already have government run plans namely Medicare, VA, and Military Hospital (which are some of the best hospitals). The Senate and Congress mostly go to Military hospitals and I don't see them complaining about their care and if the go to private hospitals they still have coverage. Everyone should be so lucky to have the coverage that our elected officials have. I hope the Democrates forge ahead and don't worry about the Party of NO. Do what is right and pass the bill without them.
tTo sharonanee or whatever your name is, you need to just go back & get educated-as far as what Martha it is real and true no matter what we say them stupid republicans like many of them here are just wanting more money coming from that person sharonane if she has health care or insurance what will she do if she gets laid off and have no insurance will the republican side help you hell no you will be on your own-just like we say they want the money from these pharmacy companies or etc to continue to fill there pockets and do nothing anything to cont to fill their pockets they are going to cont to lie and cheat & deceit from these old republicans and sharronane got the nerve to support these traders-bush made a pure mess and now you are supporting the wrong people what is your agenda? not much so far. Like you said them republicans will try to beat down everything president obama does and says that is call racism and you are a racist no matter what you say it's what you already have said that forms everyone opinion and you have that opinion it's just its the wrong one.
A lot want it, a lot don't.
None the less, a senator from Iowa (hint, Des Moines is one of two major insurance hubs of the US) against a bill that would cut into hefty insurance profit margins? And that's a surprise?
This bill has a lot going for it and against it. The problem is, NEITHER side seems to be willing to reach across the table. I'd like to see what this little bipartisan group comes up with. I like the government plan because it gives the insurance companies someone to compete against beyond each other, but at the same time, there is a lot that can go wrong. I don't think coops are necessarily the solution. I pay $175 per month (it would be $300/month if I had a family) for insurance. I was reading about a coop where someone was happy with his $1100/month insurance policy... How is that even affordable?
What kind of negotiating for compromise is it when you start out with "no way, no how" toward any form of a public option, no matter what it looks like? Yet that has been Grassley's position even as he claims to be working toward compromise.
Grassley has taken nearly 3 million from the insurance companies that don't want real reform, and he is certainly giving them their money's worth. However, that won't last much longer – Grassley will be history after next year's election.
I agree that enlarging gov't role in the health care system is not the answer, but I do believe that all sides (read that, not two sides but all) should agree that reform is in order. Not a lot of healthy debate on the best courses of action to take, just a lot of rhetoric from the old guards pushing their fundamental ideas to change. This I fear, will end with just that, talk. Penalty taxes are always passed on... not sure why some don't understand that. Little regulation rears it's head with the consumer losing (ALWAYS). So I say old ideas may not work for this problem. Should be more cooperation between both parties with healthy debate about how to fix the problem of healthcare in this country, not political patches that will be reversed with the next opposing administration.
-An independent...
Something must be done ! Those who do not support the Obama Health Care Plan are sitting there, comfortably insured, and/or wealthy, and have not faced bankruptcy or lost their home because of a major illness or cancer. You should know that In every other civilized country in Europe, your house is sacred, the hospital does not come and place a lien on it, it is not allowed, giving citizens the first thing in the hierachy of human needs, SHELTER. Lobbiest should be banned from Washington, they obviously only work toward their self interest, and in the past, we have had no one representing us. Finally, we have President Obama that speaks with his heart, wants to truly help these 45 million people with no health insurance, and there are those who are giving him such a tough time. That's right, shame on all of you, placing money ahead of a basic human need.
Grassley has received nearly $1.3 million in contributions from health industry interests over the past six years, according to Maplight.org, a nonpartisan research group. what influence could this buy? I pay him a good salary and the best benefits for him and his family now and a great retirement plan, surely he is looking after me.
Just because I do NOT support "Obamacare" does NOT mean I am not for REFORM. Mandating such radical, irresponsible change does not fix US healthcare. By encouraging competition, healthcare will be available to all Americans who need it.
HOW DARE YOU call people like me racists!!! You are the ignorant people, look at yourself in the mirror for judging people you know nothing about.
I am educated, lower middle class, and I work in the news media, I am aware of all the issues surrounding this controversy. I am allowed to disagree with the establishment no matter how many disgusting names you feel like calling me.
Freedom of speech goes both ways, whether conservative or liberal!!!
He's all done. There's no way he will be re-elected after this. The Democrats could run an actual donkey against him next election and take the seat.
Calvin "Take that profit out of it and suddenly you have an option that can actually show where its premiums go and how much is in reserve for future claims. "
so we get to see how are money is run and spent by the govt?? really? Lets see he just dropped almost 1 trillion of bailing out thoes :\"evil companie". which did NOTHING. And so far there has been none of the transparancy Obama promised. and just in case you have forgotten he just rehired the fed reserve chairman who point blank stated that if the FED is audited and the american taxpayer were allowed to see how the money is run, America would be destroyed. How about the current programs...welfare, social security medicaid..etc.....is that the level of "transparancy, and control" we are to expect...no thanks...
This isn't even really about cheaper health care anymore. The Democratic plan will do nothing to contain the costs of health care. It will provide more coverage, yes. But health care will still be expensive and we will be adding more and more debt to our children. Many people say that it isn't right to have so many uninsured in this country. I don't think anyone would argue with that, on the right or the left. But is it right to create yet another huge and very costly government plan to ruin our future prosperity? There are other ways to fix our system people. Probably the most effective way to bring the costs of insurance down is to allow people to buy it across state lines (like car insurance). The reality, however, is that medical costs dictate your insurance premiums. If nothing is done to bring medical costs down then what reform is really being done!
all you liberals are too in love with Obama and liberal bs media that there are republican health care plans but the media do not want to report on them because god forbid someone besides obama comes up with something. It also means that if this plan fails at the 2010 election then even more republicans will lose seats by democrats saying, "oh they stopped health care reform and never came up with their own plan" which is simply not true
It's too bad they can't create a poll that only targets laid off workers and contract workers without insurance. The poll numbers would be WAY different because those people need insurance and either can't afford it or are turned down because of pre-existing conditions.
Read a little. Check out http://www.opensecrets.org. The dems out pace the gop in contributions from the healthcare industry over the past couple years. For pres election number 1 is of course Obama (always number one when it comes to accepting money from anyone), number 2 is Hillary, number 3 is McCain. For congress the top 20 is split, with the dems getting more than the gop. The dems talk about honesty and are for sale to any bidder. The republicans talk piety and have affairs. That's tradition in the parties – lie to cover your true character. Try not to be true believers. You just make fools of yourselves.
All those in favor, what tax increase amount do you support? (Your taxes, not the taxes of everyone else!)
Clearly he doesn't do much reading or listening. President Obama was elected by a large majority on delivering a public option in healthcare. Those people have not suddenly decided it's a bad idea. We are passionate about it and we want him to deliver. We are the majority.
Obama socialized healthcare is the way to go (yeah right).
Look at the great healthcare provided by Canada, UK, Germany, Cuba, North Korea, Central and South America........oooh wait, those who can afford it come to the good USA for the best possible treatment.
We have free healthcare for those who can't afford it, it's called Medicaid! And believe me, when it's free, every pimple will be seen at the hospital. TALK ABOUT COST!!!!!
BOTTOM LINE, I will only accept socialized medicene if it's forced on me and our politicians are forced to use it, no exceptions. From the President/family on down.
More than 60% are happy with their health insurance plans the way they stand right now according to CNN.com's homepage poll. I would say thats a majority.
Dr. Virginia Lubell, we are the only country then that doesn't have 'welfare care' if we have 'for profit' health care? GM and Chrysler are models of 'not for profit' car companies. How long do we prop up non-performers? Why subsidize something that doesn't work?
Without tort reform (the cost of which goes far beyond lawsuits into how medicine is 'practiced' to avoid lawsuits!) and reigning in coverage of everything (tattoo removals, sex changes, etc.) health care can not be 'reformed', it can only be rationed. And who determines that? All the secondary talk right now still leads to government health care eventually, just as the president promised during his campaign.
People are very skeptical right now because the whole discussion started that private health care needed competition, while in the background was talk to eliminate ANY competition and go forward to system that would move towards a government only health care system by taxing private plans, subsidizing public plans, etc. It's all double talk- do REAL reform before killing public health care!
Grassley is believing his own political rhetoric if he sincerely thinks "most people don't want Obama-care". He can dream on.... President Obama was voted into office by citizens who believed he could effect major CHANGES (among other things) in health care. Grassley has been around long enough that if he had any power, desire or wherewith all to improve the health care situation in the U.S.....he would have already done it. In fact, he should zip his lips and get out of the way so someone else (i.e., President Obama) can at least TRY.
All Republicans are mainly concerned that when and if a plan is adopted – President Obama does not get credit for any of it. Their total input to date has unfortunately consisted of trying to tear down everything the president has tried to do. Do people really think there would even be talk of fixing our shameful health care for profit system if it were not for President Obama and his supporters?
If you want to hear Grassley contradict himself and blather aimlessly, watch his appearance on Washington Journal this morning on C-Span (I'm sure it's available at their site). One caller asked him when was the last time he truly had to worry about providing insurance for him or his family, he said it was over 30 years ago. The caller rightfully pointed out this man 'lives in a bubble' (like most of the Senate and House... but not as bad as some of these livelong politicians like Grassley who've been in DC for decades, that sat and watched as this country's economy went to pot and jobs went overseas)... things have changed in 30 years (like the quality and quantity of well paying blue collar jobs). He makes many many times what most working class Americans make... the insurance and pharma companies have bought this man and many in DC, they have skewed and twisted the debate, and are further dividing an already overly-partisan, over-reacting, deceived public. Grassley said one of his constituents asked where in the constitution does it say government should oversee health care. Point taken. You show me where in the constitution it says we should have an overly bloated farm/agriculture subsidy program that benefits mega-farms run by huge corporations?? Or all the things this government does not specifically granted in the constitution??
Mr. Grassley may be right, we DON't need any health care at all. Why didn't he stop that Medicare and Medicaid that was pushed by President Johnson years ago? I'd like to see Grassley stop using up his funded health care provided by the Congress. Let him do without any health care like a lot of us and our families have to do. The Party of NO wants no change at all. Wonder how much he makes on the side from the anti-health care lobby???
Several other countries pay for medical for their people. There is no reason why we shouldn't do the same.
We are over taxed! We have no say so in taxes and will never own our homes or property.
The government gets too much income from us all so they should cover us 100 percent like France, Canda etc.
They also need to take a 75 percent pay cut and give it back to us.
Dear Sue in Chicago,
Of course, there are co-ops that work. One in Wisconsin (I believe it was Wisconsin, maybe Minnesota) was just profiled on CNN this past weekend. Its members are very happy with their health care. Check it out!
I think any member of Congress who votes against a plan that includes a public option should voluntarily forfeit their own "public option" which is a government sponsored health plan and go to the "open market" and get their own insurance.
Otherwise they are just plain hippocrates.
This senator from the corn country is too old and intellectually bankrupt to serve in the senate, let alone offering his take on the healthcare reform. He has been in the senate all his life and what is his contribution to the nation and his state? $1.4 trillion deficit, collapse of the financial market, two wars costing billions and hundreds of thousands of lives, dysfunctional healthcare system, making US addicted to foreign oil and the associated destruction of our environment. I can go on and on, but this fellow does not deserve my time.
This is all about Republicans needing Obama to fail to make a return to power even possible for them... regardless of the cost to the American public. Anyone who thinks this about economics, smaller government, or any of the other right wing excuses is delusional. Any of those bumper-sticker excuses can be shot down by anyone who has the facts or is capable of reading a string of 3 syllable words put together in a sentence.
The answer is obvious... let the people currently in office know that we voted for change, and national health care reform constitutes a huge part of that change.
Too bad we couldn't immediately take all the money tagged for Iraq and Israel and apply it toward national health care. Then, allow those who want to invest in nation building with what they would otherwise have spent on private insurance. I'll bet the result would more closely resemble a desireable result than anything the Republicans would ever endorse.
It's laughable that when given a chance to outline his plan, all Mr. Grassley did was complain about inadequate media coverage. I heard nothing about his "plan."
That leaves me to believe that his only plan is to derail a popular president in hopes of having him fail. Well his failure is our failure.
This system is broken. Fix it. That's your job.
BTW, in most recent polls, a strong majority of Americans support the Public Option, so Mr. Grassely and others who say otherwise are simply liars.
I hear that folks don't want a government run health care options, but I don't see those same folks looking to dismantle Medicare or the VA health system. Do you think people under these plans feel the government shouldn't be involved?
you have showed your hand grassley; and you speak w/ forked tongue. and that was to undermine the prsident of the united states "ALL THE LONG". a man that was elected to clean up the crap you republicans leave everytime you are at the reins of power in washington. all of the ill-gotten gains you folks have reaped then weazel and moan for tax cuts its your party's MO....... you sir like your klanish party is pathetic. a party that beholds that of stalin and the creed; "if you are not of our hue, we don't want nothing to do w/ you." remember how you champion farmers but turn your black on the plight of the black farmers.... your a sad congressman.
I love all the koolaid drinkers saying its only about money....HELLO it becomes about money when you are in a recession. and you want the taxpayer to blindley support and fund another worthless fedrally mismanaged social program. The government cannot be trusted. It has shown itself to be everything us "evil selfish people" say it is. I will never support this socialist program. when it comes down to a corrupt CEO or a corrupt govt running my healthcare, give me the CEO anyday. and for all thoes people who want to say how bad i am. give me a social program run by govt that is not corrupt , abused and bankrupt or any real match for private industry. I say get rid of all the social programs.
Why do Republicans keep telling us what "most Americans" do or do not want. They didn't just loose the last election, and they lost big time. What they're really saying is that Republicans don't want health reform. Why? Because the insurance industry is making big money, and they believe rich people making money is more important than protecting the health of those who do not have money. They claim that every life is precious–thus their anti-abortion stance. But it's the Democrats that are trying to protect our health and our lives. Go Obama!
Somebody is his family should be diagnosted with cancer and not able to pay for the treatment.
Democrats- when will you learn America doesn't stand for increasing, oppressive taxation on the backs of workers and small business for bigger and bigger government? Have you no brains?
calvin and Martha, get off your liberal horse.
Grassley is not bought, and it is not the insurance companies that are holding this up. It is democrats. The public option, the obama option, and the liberal option are all one in the same. The public option works horribly in other countries, because there is no accountability. The wrong surgeries are performed on people routinely, and no one is held accountable, because it is a public system. It is like having the people at the DMV who could care less about service operating on you. The public option is nothing more than a political ploy to put more jobs in the hands of government and union-like apparatus, that have no accountability and cannot be fired. That creates locked in democrat voters for the party, because they are dependent on those jobs.
Types like Calvin and Martha will only so or say what the party line is and will never look at a real bipartisan option, which republicans and the non-super left leaning democrats know is right for the country.
Republican plan for healthcare: DO NOTHING
Democratic plan for healthcare: DO SOMETHING
Right now I pay $800 per month with a $2500 deductible for each (myself and my wife) – that means our outlay per year is $14600 – and I say per year – now if that's fair – I'm a monkey's uncle.... the ones who don't want reform are either getting it free or are part of a large group plan who get it close to nothing....if it was free I wouldn't want any changes either ... once again the new American way – greed and only for myself – a residule of the fear of the former administration and the current fear put out by the new GOP...well to those I say stuff it
What gets me whenever anyone talks about the percentage of Americans that are against "public" healthcare, is that they never follow that up with how many Americans think that Medicare should be done away with. Uh, Medicare IS public healthcare!! The funniest townhall meeting highlight I saw was when a woman was up complaining about how 'you better not mess with my healthcare', and the person hosting the townhall (it may have been John McCain, but I'm not sure) asked her what type of healthcare she had and she replied "Medicare". The highlight clip cut away, but I would love to know if the person hosting the townhall (McCain??) followed up with the woman with "Ummm, lady, Medicare is a public health plan!" I bet he didn't!!
Someon accused that those do not support "public option" aren telling lies. I am from an Adian country which is much richer than US government. My eperience is the 'Public optin" there is to wait more than 6 -12 months to see a specialists. This is my personal experience. For US it will be much worse. for US government is broke. THose accused other teeling lies about the "public option" , they themselvs arre spreading lies to get us into trouble. Wake up, this has nothing to do with "black presidnt". Also, I am a teacher and receive no money fom health industries. Poor simple minded health reform supporters.
Grassley – please stop talking out of both ends of your mouth. Don't pretend to be for something you cannot ultimately support. The Republican Party as a whole has decided NOT support ANY reform put forth by the DEMS, even if it doesn't have a public option. Republicans are clearly playing games and NOT interested in reform. My advice to DEMOCRATS: DO IT ALONE AND NOW!!!!
Shame on all of you that have no brains and only let good intentions speaks to you!
Yes, Democrats, YOU! Are you listening?
It's people like senator Grassley that have this country in the hole that we are in now, he is telling the american people that they do not need health care, and if it's that bad tell him to give give his family and the health care that he has. But as you no he can afford to get more with the money that citizens are paying him along with the insurance companies. Some of those people up there in washington need to be quite,because they are only telling the people what they want to hear to get them stired up. and in hope to see the president fail. Now to me that is no way to run a country,with all the fighting.
Bought and paid for. Simple as that. Most Americans DO want the public option and because he's wealthy from lobbyist BRIBES he has no idea what we're going through. Obama needs to clear the House and Senate of those who've accepted BRIBES from lobbyists. I'm tired of these old White men determining what's best for the rest of us.
Kudos to Martha and all the voices of reson! Shame on Sharonann and all who support her sillyness. Who cares about your respect when your ignorance gets in the way. Obama has never killed any babies. Women were having abortions before he was born and will continue to do so when you and he are gone from this world. Perhaps you would rather see women being butchered by quacks and losing their lives and the babies in the process. Futhermore, President Obama is not for abortions, he is for educating women to alternatives.
How can some make the idiotic arguement fo keeping government our of personal lives in dealing with healthcare? Two words for you and Grassley and the GOP: "Terry Chivo" (it may be mispelled but you get the message) Show me where there is anything in the public option that allows for abortion payments with tax dollars. I guarantee you cannot do so because it does not exist. God hates a liar also. How can you respect yourself and all the conservatives who have told lies galore about he public plan. Even if you don't need it, how can anyone in good conscience keep supporting insurance companies that deny coverage for major illnesses and make it difficult if not impossible for anyone with a preexiting condition to get coverage. Those in congress who are fighting against the President's plan are having their pockets stuffed with insurance money. How much are you getting?
The Republican party has been incredibly successful in convincing 95% of its supporters to vote against their own class and interests. Slaves to the machine, and they don't even realize it.