American Morning
Has the health care debate changed politics for good?
By Carol Costello and Eric Marrapodi, CNN
(CNN) – The journey to health care reform, in the president's words, has been a "difficult journey." Some might say that is the understatement of the year.
The debate over health care reform has been more than difficult - it's been arduous, bitter, extreme and divisive. Some say it's been so emotional and so overwrought it has changed our political culture for good.
"I think Americans got to see how the sausage was made in real time...and it didn't smell very good," says Drew Westen, a political psychologist.
That "smell" sent approval ratings south. A recent Pew Research Poll shows the most frequent one-word descriptions of Congress include: dysfunctional, corrupt, and inept.
And, analysts say, there is a real sense lobbyists, big business and unions are "buying" votes.
"The way we're running it now doesn't look like a democracy anymore," says Westen. "This looks like let's find the golden mean between the bankers' interest and the public interest. That doesn't sit well with most Americans."
The country's disdain for politicians, and in part, health care reform, gave rise to passionate town hall meetings this past summer. Those angry meetings led to the rise of the Tea Party and charges of socialism. The heated debate over health care reform also solidified, in many voters' minds, that Republicans belonged to the "party of no," and Democrats to the "party of dysfunction."
Health care reform also, in part, prompted at least twenty state legislatures to consider resolutions re-asserting "states rights."
It also cost Democrats a senate seat in Massachusetts and gave new meaning to "speaking your mind." Who can forget Congressman Joe Wilson's "you lie" outburst at a joint session of Congress?
If you're nodding your head and wondering, not if our political culture has changed, but how voters will react to that change? Westen says, "They'll either be cynical and not show up at the polls in November or they're going to become angry and someone is going to use that anger as motivation to change the rules of the game."
I'd like to know what you think this morning. How has the health care debate changed our political culture? Your view of our political process? Politicians? Or has it changed anything at all?
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I've been unemployed for over a year now after being force out of a career in publishing. I've looked into retraining in alternate fields to stay afloat however with the rising costs of the health insurance I might soon be bankrupting.
I'm also a cancer patient in recovery so the insurance company snub their noses and shopping around for alternate carriers is difficult. I'm glad that universal heath care is finally here, now the insurance companies won't be able to discriminate against people like me with preexisting conditions.
Forgot to add...
I have friends who hate this bill and say that it is going to take away our "choices." To them, I say, "Our so-called choices are dictated by our insurance companies. I don't really get to choose the doctor I might want...I am forced to use doctors my insurance company says I have to use. That is, unless I want to pay the out-of-network rates, which I cannot afford." "Choice" in the system we have known has been a sham. Insurance companies have been dictators of which "option" we get to "choose."
GOP Lawmakers & Tea Baggers who say they want to repeal the health care legislation are nothing more than a modern day death squad. If they really cared, they would focus on fixing it rather than dismantling it. Notice they have not said a thing about replacing it with something better, only getting rid of it. Therefore, they are really focused on denying health care to many Americans.
I am thankful for the bill because it now allows my two daughters who are in college with pre-existing conditions (Sickle Cell) to have coverage. I only hope that it works out MUCH better than the VA system that is currently in place. I'm a 21 year vet and its embarrassing how the VA system functions.
As a Christian who has been deeply concerned about "the least of these," I am thrilled that our government has implemented a plan to help those who desperately need health coverage. This bill is far from perfect, but it's a start; and for that, I am grateful. Finally, our country is moving in the right direction and joining other developed nations in advancing health coverage for all citizens. While there will still be many people without coverage, this bill is a start.
I believe this is best for Americans. Why is the senate fighting this, our taxes pay for all of their great benefits that most of us will never see, yet they refuse to help the people who put them in their current position. I think it is time to put a two year term limit on on congress like we have in place for the president. I think every American should have the same benefits as congress including child care, why should they have better than us?
I am unemployed and currently on cobra which costs $392.87 per mo Does the passing of this bill mean that I will be able to re apply for regular insurance at a compettive price as soon as the dust clears?
I had a brain tumor removed, and am other wise healthy... but because i had to be put on an anti seziure med, the insurance co deemed my case a pre-existing condition, and wouldn't insure me.
Yes, it's changed - for the worse - due to Obama. He said "This is what Change looks like" - God help us! He couldn't even get all of the Dems to vote Yes. He falsely claims to "reach across the aisle" yet he bad mouths the GOP in every speech he makes. Obama is a TOTAL FRAUD. He's a smiling snake that shakes your hand with his right & stabs you in the back with his left.
Why can't you be true Journalists - even Sanjay Gupta distorts reality. Taxes on NOT just on the rich but every American that owes a share of Stock will be taxed big increase in Capital Gains. Tell the COMPLETE story.
Dexter, Missouri
Health Care is a great thing for the company, and more over for
the large number of kids. Mr wife and I say GREAT, GREAT,
Have a great day. Thank You Gerald & Sheila
Hardly for Good!
I, hope and pray so! I'm still trying to figure out who the pundits and the naysayers in Washington are talking about who are against it! I have good health care (retired gov't worker,) but am concerned for those who don't! Who is Washington working for? I hired them, are they working for me and you, or the Big Boys? Obviously the cry babies are working for the Big Boys, if they all voted No! Why? They are the ones who make six figures and will be taxed!!! Join the Real World and pay your fair share! Sick of games and the BS, get a real job, that you would be fired in a heartbeat for the unsatisfactory work that you are doing! Working for me and America my Aunt Fanny!!!!!! Election time will tell the real story! Then maybe when you sell cars, with no reasonable health insurance, you'll know about the real deal!
What is next for CNN's Republican reporters like John King ,Wolf Blitzer,Dana Bash and Ed Henry? What do they have in common? your answer---- they are all working for the Republicans.
Gary – asking to be heard is fine – and laudable. While I didn't agree with Team Party, the marches the awareness raising, that is all fine. What isn't OK is when a group of people start spitting at our elected officials and calling them despicable names and , ultimately when they allow no reasonable dialogue on an issue. The key issue here is this (IMHO): we don't have to always agree and we aren't always going to get the vote we want, but we need to make sure we listen to each other. I just don't see a lot of listening (on either side to be sure) going on. We, as the people, can either give in to it, or try and stop it. When someone, on either side, gets too carried away, we need to rein them in. Too often though, the rhetoric that is intended to whip us up into a frenzy is all to successful. It's kind of like negative campaign ads – we all say they are bad, but they seem to change votes. The electorate needs to stop being swayed by the emotional ranting. We need to make sure the discourse is civil and weighted – it can be direct, but it needs to be civil.
I am in good health and has always had medical insurance. I like my coverage and physician. However, I chose one from the list posted by my provider. I am GlAD the Health Care Bill passed the first stage. I wanted the public option and the age 55 buy into medicare. It will be a GREAT DAY when the PRESIDENT signs this bill. Republicans must think voters of their party are not facing foreclosure,all have medical coverage and do not have healthy children walking around without medical coverage because of their ages. Do they think their voters are exempt from pre-existing conditions? The party of "NO" will also be remembered at the polls.
Carol
We needed this bill , I'm not a Dem / Rep but we sure had to have something to help the cost of health care. Hoping this will bring down the cost of hospitals , drugs too. The people who were not for this bill is badly misinformed on what it will do, now that it is a bill they can add or subtract any item they need to, glad its a bill.
OH yes I almost forgot, Carol you are a beautiful lady and I sure would give anything to meet you !!!!
Thanks
Fred E Wilkes
I was in favor of the bill hoping it would help me. I am 45 years old, disabled, on SSDI, covered by Medicare, not covered by Medicaid and I have not been able to get a secondary insurance because of my pre-existing conditions and my fixed income.
It's amazing to me how people now wait for a new president and a black President at that, to voice their strong discontent with the health care issue in this country. After all, the mess of the economy and healthcare issue was tossed on Obama's lap!
Rebulicans, Tea Party, and any other groups out their that are afraid of good health care package should back off. This caring and concern should have been voiced by these parties years ago. Here is a President who is trying very hard to do something about our healthcare system (which is better than nothing) and American people are trying very hard to throw road blocks in his way. Probably trying to get this Black President to quit. What are we thinking? Or enven talking about here?
It appears that American people really don't want anything done and that we don't know what we want as a people. As an American people we should be ashamed! Ashamed!!!!!
Allow this President to do his job, at least it's better than what President Bush has done!!!!!! Which, was nothing about our healthcare system. Now look where we are with our economy and healthcare!!!!!! You don't see any of these parties having a fit about that. Do we?
Sincerely,
Margarita
One more thought...the Republicans today are hiding the identity of the legislator who called Stupak a "baby killer". That gives me a pretty good idea of what pathetic cowards they are. They won't take responsibility for anything. They are spoiled children throwing tantrums when they don't get their way.
We have stood up and asked to be heard. As a result the left has tried to silence us with name calling like Nazi, racist and mean-spirited.
We yelled "Kill the Bill" but they heard "Pass it Fast".
My priorities have greatly changed as a result. Earning money to provide the best I could for my family has now become less of a concern as I focus now on the biggest danger to my family and me-an out of control federal government that wants more and more power.
If this bill is so good for America then why have the Prince & Princesses of Congress and all the Lords that work for them been exempted from it? Lo and behold they exempted themselves from it, surprise surprise. It is good enough for the little people but not good enough for the Elite of Washington.
Speaking in a non-partisan way, the only thing that will send America back on the right path is to limit the terms of Senators and Congresspeople to 12 years combined with a law prohibiting them from becoming lobbyists for at least 5 years. Whether it's a Ted Kennedy or a John McCain, this ROYALTY aspect of Congress has to end. New blood on a continuous basis is the key to improving America. That was the vision of the founding fathers – come, serve and go home. I am tired of politicians telling me that they know what is better for my family and me than I do. These are public employees that spend their lives on the public dole, let them go out and get a real job and rotate our lawmakers. Even the President has term limits so why shouldn't the Congress. Minimal pensions with 8 years or more service plus 5 years of health coverage (the same health care coverage that the rest of us get) should be the law of the land. How much money would that save? Limited access of lobbyists plus no lobbyists writing bills (like they did with the health care bill) should also be the law of the land. Finally gerrymandering must stop. Use a pencil & ruler to create Congressional districts not the politicians themselves so that the party in power can cement their future.
It's all about money. Billions for war, war is very profitable to big business. Healthcare for every soul in the country would hurt big business,lower the huge profits in the entire healthcare industry, ruin insurance companies, but save millions of lives and give people peace of mind. The business lobbists won;t payoff if your trying to hurt their bottom line. If you think about it we get very little for our tax dollars. Over $200k per year with great benifits per congress person plus all the frebees and side money. Pay them so they feel what we feel, let them go to the lunch wagon instead of the linen napkin lunches, let'em drive their own cars or better yet load 'em on a bus to get to work. fly coach, etc. Greed,greed greed...............
In one of the highest offices in the land there should display the highest level of decorum and protocol! This elementary school behavior, is something we just should not pay for, and should remember, when we head to the polls. Our legislative body is not a game and should engage in professional, earnest, effective and aggressive decision making processes, minus any underhanded, under the table dealings. Last night it was requested that rather than an electronic vote, a person by person yay or nay, it was decided that electronic votes would only be registered. Someone yells out "baby killer", but can't take ownership. If you're going to swing your balls, at least have the decency to stamp your name on them.
I find it appalling that the people of the U.S. have decided to be so uninformed on health care reform. The text of the bill has been available on the net for months, yet the Republicans in the House have continuously stated that they did not know what was in the bill and their right wing supporters, after 17 months of debate, have accused the Democrats of ramming the bill through too quickly, not giving the people of the U.S. time to read it. The only effort anybody had to expend was going to the Internet and reading the bill, why couldn’t they? I, personally, would be embarrassed to say that after 17 months of access I had failed to read a document that was so important to the entire nation and so indicative of my functioning in my job and I certainly could not support any Representative who stated, publicly, that they had not performed their job in an acceptable manner.
Thank God. I hope America does smell the pork cooking. It's not pretty to make changes, any president will know this. At the end of the day, the presidents actions are a direct reflection of America. Americans will finally see the system for what's it's worth, either way America is a business and Americans are the employees, so when the president of a company makes changes only those who follow his directions will survive.
The worst part has been how thoroughly gullible huge swaths of our population has become. It doesn't bode well for our future. The Party of No revealed The Nation of Me -a largely delusional body politick that can be rallied with any appeal that predicated on 'presumed' entitlement for some and disdain, fear, and hatred for 'them.'
Well I should have known better, that you would not read my E-Mail because you are a bias left wing station. Not I can see why the cartoon station beat you in the ratings.
I don't understand...Why aren't there any Republicans that are willing to vote for health care? There were 33 Dems that voted against it, are the Repubs in the pockets of big corps? What could be in the bill that would keep any and all Repubs to vote no? Here is Bushenomics at it's best.....
Indeed! However, not because of shouting out and heated debates… Even our founding fathers argued vehemently over how much power the states vs. the federal government should hold. Instead, what has changed is the process. Or perhaps it’s just become more “transparent.” When the government promised transparency, we expected to see a clean up of how things are done. Instead, we’ve seen an explosion of partisanship with secret deals, promises, and kickbacks aimed at buying votes. What’s changed is that at the federal level, there is seemingly no accountability to the will of the people.
Indeed, the process of our politics has changed. And the change is far more important than the rants and shouts of angry people.
-Terry Appleton
Round Hill, VA
This is all about the haves and have nots, and the haves trying to stay in total control. This is not about the health care reform.
Republican greed is the problem, me, me ,me. This country, with the help of corperations and Republicans party, has destroyed the true idea of this country. "We the People" is now "Me" due to the Republican Party and corpoate america.
If this Health Care is so great for the country, why not make it mandatory for the president, congress and all federal employees?
People all over continue to recite a common theme: "The Tea Party does not represent what I think.." Also, their backlash of threats and innuendoes sound so petty and ridiculous. I've always felt they've received too much publicity with all of their anger, and it is a mistake to believe the rest of the world feels the way they do. While there are some purists out there in terms of their intentions, there are many who need to wake up and realize that it is their hate for a wonderful, intelligent president that fuels their anger.
People get the kind of government they deserve, if they make their political decisions based on 30 second commercials without ever questioning the content and only listen to one side of an issue, politicians will continue to tell them what they want to hear in order to get reelected.
As a result, nothing will ever get done, nothing will change and the same fools will be sent back to Washington every two years and the anger and frustration will continue.
Ask any teabagger what they specifically oppose in the health care legislation and the only thing they can repeat is sound bites from a TV commercial......so sad...
Most people making comments regarding the decision of President Obama's Health Care Legislation is being criticized by Republicans and their supporters who want control again in Washington, D.C. and the White House. I believe, President Obama, is doing an incredible job, considering that he had to clean up the crap President Cheney and the Bush Administration originated. Opps, President Bush and Cheney. I hope I got it right, but I think I did. Cheney and his family ran the show, and he and Bush destroyed our country.
What often disturbs me most about the incivility shown by people who disagree with one another is how the media plays it up and makes it the center of the discussion many times. That is one reason all the lies and distortions continue to be out there. No one can discuss anything civilly or in a way the brings understanding of the issues and the truth. Seems like some of these people are looking to make it onto our TV screens and be the latest in a long line of bozos making fools of themselves, thanks to the media who obviously thinks this is all just great.
As for passing the health care legislation, it really makes me laugh to hear all these Republicans suddenly worrying and whining about deficits and spending when they authorized and spent billions upon billions of dollars on a war in Iraq that was based on lies and distortions. AND it was unfunded and added mightily to our deficit. On top of that, WE, the American taxpayer, have paid to give Iraqis universal health care!!!! Then in time of war, they gave the richest among us a tax cut and helped the economy go into the toilet. Now the Democrats are left to clean up the huge messes they made without any help from them. It's just amazing what hypocrites they are. At least this health care legislation will benefit our own citizens for a change and it will be largely self funded and will cut the deficit in the long run. That is the kind of change this country needs. Not the hate and destructive politics we saw in the past year.
I am tired ot people hiding behind states rights and freedom and liberty. The bottom line is that many people are angry that we have an African-American president. The spitting on and calling of two African-American congressmen niggers-(yeah I said it, to sanitize ti by calling it "the N word" is to diminish its vileness. I have never been called "you n word" but I have been called a nigger numerous times.) breaks the ugliness down to a race issue that is still prevalent desptie us having elected a black president. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Race and sexual orientation have no place in a debate about health care, but yet here they are. We have actually reverted on race relations since Obama's election. And the "baby killer" comment. Have the Republicans no shame?
I am a 26 year old US Army vet retired due to combat injuries. My wife is a Active Duty Army Operating room tech. Both us and our children receive superb healthcare from the military. I feel that if you want "free healthcare", than you should enlist in the military and earn the right to have "free healthcare."-J.Arteno, San Antonio TX
I wrote my congressmen that people need access to doctors and treatments, not insurance. How does insurance help Midwesterners who live 50-80 miles from the closest doctor or hospital? Why couldn't the Corp of Engineers renovate vacant urban buildings or build rural centers as health clinics? Medical students who work at these nationally funded clinics for 3 years could have their school loans forgiven. People using these clinics could be charged on a sliding fee scale, which many county clinics do, based on their W-2 forms.
I think this bill has hit a nerve with Americans– for all of the wrong reasons. It's nice to see that people like those in the Tea Party understand that the party is with the people and that the government should fear the power of the people. They were terribly misguided in their irrational fears. This November, I think we'll see how much has changed. This bill is not going to make any huge changes upfront, but the pre-existing conditions clause is going to save so many lives.
I am proud that our country has finally made it unacceptable to treat people with pre-existing conditions as having less rights than the healthy. The repubs should hang their heads in shame that they would rather follow the marching orders from the likes of Beck or Limbaugh instead of working for the good of sick, frail people who in the past were trashed by Insurance companies all in the interest of making 30% profits each year.
I was under the impression our public leaders represented our views in a respectable manner. BOY....I learned quite the opposite over the past couple of years. We have some of the rudest, crudest creatures this culture could possible create sitting in the House of Representatives. The other side of the coin are the people traveling with the Tea Party. Let's face it...their behavior since President Obama took the stage is deplorable. However, they are the group who receive the press coverage????? CNN...let's get back to where we were and call out those who display such dispicable behavior. Just because they spit on people, shout racist comments, and hang our President if effigy DOES NOT MEAN THEY SPEAK FOR THE PEOPLE!!!!
republicans say "the American people don't want THIS, but nobody asked anybody in my family; They acuse Pres. Obama of creating a deficit, but George Bush left Americans the largest deficit in the history of this country, didn't he? It's ok to spend billions in countries like Irak and Afghanistan and other people who hate us, but it is not ok to spend billions for the PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY? Everytime republicans take over the White House, there is war, chaos, and corruption. When will Americans stop electing these hateful republican extremists? What's more, if abortion is constitutionally LEGAL, why should Pres Obama compromise his Health Care Reform to please a few enemies and oppressors of American Liberty?
It was bad enough when Tea Partiers threw money at a man with Parkinsons Disease or when Rush Limbaugh told a little boy that "Your Mother would have died anyway.",
But now Republicans got a Tea Party crowd so whipped up that they actually spat on African American Congressman and called them n______rs! Republican Leaders proudly cheered on crowds with violent signs and slogans and now they are hiding the identity of the member of Congress who called Congressman Stupack a "baby killer" on the House floor.
Shame on them for this horrible behavior. The person who shouted insults at Congressman Stupack must be identified. Each and every Republican who whipped up the Tea Partiers this weekend should apologize for their role in the mob's behavior. If they stand up in front of a crowd that has violent signs and yelling hateful slogans and they whip them up further with extreme statements about "socialism" and "armageddon", then they are as responsible for the behavior as the mob themselves.
It's interesting how Rush Limbaugh and his followers used to say if you don't like the way President Bush is running things, you can leave the country..
Well Rush, don't let the door hit you on the way out!
Now that we have some form of healthcare I'm sure those anti-healthcare folks on capital hill will surely cancel their Government paid programs, right?
After all they didn't want it!
Craig, IL
The venom and hatred are only signs of the greater disease the fear of losing power. "Power corrupts" We need a 3rd party and TERM LIMITS for the house and senate.
"...CNN....jump on the Supreme Court like a chicken on a june bug..." LOL! Nice shot John. 🙂
Despite the blustery commentary, nothing will change. Come November we Americans will, as always, vote back in 80+% of the incumbents and it will be business as usual. Shame on us!
I think CNN is the reason it took so long to get the health care bill passed. Maybe you guys can find something else to talk about now? Isn't there an eathquake somewhere or something? The rabble rousing you have promoted has held the country hostage for far too long. Let Congress do their buisness, let the President do his buisness. Maybe you could jump on the Supreme Court like a chicken on june bug.
I think news coverage is great but you have taken it much too far. NASA please launch a Mars mission or something.
John Mark Miller
I understand the new health bill addresses the Medicare gap. I have been on Medicare for a year and a half but had to retire because of health reasons. Each year I must pay out almost $5000 to get out of the gap and this sure drains my savings account. Here it is almost April and I have already gone through the gap.
How will the new health bill address this and if it DOES, when will I see action?
As a middle aged mother and small business owner I am hopeful that the healthcare bill will improve my healthcare situation. I have hade so much fear about being stuck in a health policy because I have had a few health issues pop up over the last couple of years. Now maybe I can breath easier knowing that my family and I won't be declined due to preexisting conditions. Sheryl Lopez-. NM
@ Jenny Thomas – Get your facts right. Medicaid rules prohibit coverage for illigal immigrants. LEGAL immigrants must wait five years before they are eligible. The ability to speak English is not relevant to legal status.
When an uninsured person (legal or illegal) goes to the ER with an advanced, preventative illness that they can't pay for out of pocket (basic cost $800) that cost is passed on to everyone. Duh!
I was amused by the effort made on your show this morning to demonstrate that the angry partisanship in Washington is "balanced" between Democrats and Republicans. It is not. It would be ok if the crazies were all in the Tea Party (with their Nazi pictures and racist signs), but the elected leadership of the Republican party has chosen to channel that hatefulness, and no one in the traditional media calls them on it. There is an acronym used in the new media to describe political reporting in the old media—IOKIYAR (it's ok if you are republican). The claim that the media are "liberal" is one of the most pernicious lies circulating today.
About time, America–it's about time!
I think that it is high time we made this positve change towards reform, but i think that interstate competition is one way to reduce insurance premiums from these megagiant insurance companies. Going online to shop for insurance for a single person ranged from $350.00 to $1000.00. while members of congress pay zero amount. Perhaps members of congress should have to shop for insurance too. Richard from oklahoma
I quit watching FOX because they let people get on their (home)and lie about our President. they knew that the politicians were not telling the truth. Now I see some politicians get on (CNN) your home and tell lies. Please CNN when you know that they are lying about our President, don't let them go on the air, at your home, station and spread lies. MAKE THEM TELL THE TRUTH. i AM TIRED WATCHING OUR CONGRESS ACT LIKE CRAZY KIDS.
Humanity being what it is and our country as it is, on huge issues there will always be factions. We are so fortunate that our government has been built to reach consensus. That is what happened last night and it was a wonder to behold. There are many levels and many reasons for the way this country works. What is important is that it works. With our system, unlike many others, there is always hope.
I actually find it quite amuzing that Republicans spoke so loudly against healthcare reform, as if they suddenly understood what the American People needed. Boehner couldn't have been closer to the truth when he said "we have failed." Though we all know he was speaking about the ability to deny us still for the change that was needed.
i got mixed feeling on this i got a friend that i am supporting and he has back trouble from his former employer wen he was a truck driver he is a single male now has no income can't git medical help and can not pay for anything how can someone like that pay for not having ins. one he has nothing and i can't do any more for him what happens to ppl like him? maybe i am just confused.
You don't get something for nothing, our politicians have just handed us and our children a huge burden. Baby boomers start cashing in your 401k's now because the tax you will pay on them now will never be any lower than today. Ross Perot was right, listen for that "sucking sound". Immigration is next on the agenda with its additional expense and strain on all our infrastructure. Our leaders don't seem to have a clue.
I WANT THAT IDIOT REPUBLICAN MINORITY LEADER TO STOP TELLING THE WORLD HOW I FEEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 'The majority of the American people believe....'?????? Most of us do not even know what is in the Bill yet, and we definitely do not know how it is going to affect us!!
I am tired of the excuse that it was a long day and the House was tired. What about President Obama??? Oh no, he does not have any pressure. After continuous verbal attacks, initiated by prejudicial Republicans and Democrats, President Obama has shown the American people dignity and respect. That is the highest form of flattery any politician, especially the President of the United States, can give. Thank you, President Obama, I am honored.
It is appalling to be yelled at by the politicians who know their time is up. If you despise the President so much step aside and let someone who wants to make this democracy work, who is on the same intellectual level as the President, who has the maturity not to resort to name calling, take your place.
If we had a government filled with diplomatic politicians, instead of a government full of racists and irrational, egotistical representatives, (Do they understand that in this country there is only 1 President?), change would happen, when it is the right time. Every time President Obama would start to concentrate on Health Care Reform, he would be condemned for not working on Jobs or Pakistan or Immigration Law, or some other issue. Then he gets accused of SPENDING!!!! If they think they have the answer to all these problems and can make all this happen at once, why are they not President?
For the first time in a long time, I felt confident when I went to the polls to vote for President. I finally did not have to decide which of the 'best of the worst' candidate would get my vote. Washington is intimidated by a President that is on a much higher intellectual level and has finally enforced accountability. Any candidate that resigns is obviously hiding something and does not want to be held responsible for his actions.
One final comment, what kind of role models’ are these rebel rousers? I do not want my daughters to ever treat a person of authority
or anyone the way the Speaker was treated last night. I do not want them to think that yelling, screaming and name calling is appropriate professional conduct. Stop creating hate and discontent, or get out of the way and let peace and compromise prevail.
I have been a nurse for 34 years and have seen the impact of no insurance plans on families. All Americans should have access to health care and affordable health care insurance or coverage. In the long run this will save money, improve the quality of life and save lives. I thank politicians who placed public good ahead of personal gains. I appreciate the work and thought that went into this process and I am happy to have lived long enough to see this historic change. In time, we will see improvements in our national health care statistics as compared to other countries. A final note: I worked in a hospital when medicare was passed. I was a young girl working as an aide and asked the nurses why the Dr.s were wearing black arm bands. They told me it was because medicare passed. It was a hard pill to swallow at that time but look what that legislation has done for our elderly! Time will show that this legislative change is a good one. Do I think health care reform or the process changed our culture? Not at all. I do believe the results of health care reform will change our culture for the better.
I don't understand the gov't, as it is, millions of people living in the United States are already getting free insurance through state funded (tax payer) money. Medicaid has been literally insuring many in this country, i mean they even insure people without social security numbers and those who don't speak English. If they are going to pass this health care reform then they need to understand who is insured and who is not, Time to step up our immigration reform now because I should not be working hard everyday to insure an illegal immigrant.
This is amazing. Grant it, I didn't get everything that I wanted out of this bill (public option). But at least we're insuring more Americans and have taken a step forward to becoming a more decent country. If I have to pay a little more taxes (given my salary, I probably will), then I say it's more than worth it and have no problem doing so to insure kids, the poor, and actually provide coverage for those who have paid for it. Good job, Mr. Obama!!! 🙂
I have been in health care for 26 years and seen patients who have fled other countries such as Canada for care in the US.
If this legislation is signed into law, it will not be immediate but over the upcoming years I expect my premiums to increase and my ccess to health care decrease.
Don't get sick.
I certainly hope that the display that we saw on the floor last night does not depict what we will see in future debates..This was totally unexceptable...I am ashamed that our Congress could and did behave in such a manner...What does this say about our country as a whole??? Is this what we have to look forward to in the future everytime an issue arises that requires their input???
This health care bill is another large, non specific, cost too much, big picture, half a loaf bill that the congress seems so talented in passing. That said, if I would have been in congress, I would have voted for it. The problem is, that the democrats had no partner in the republicans to actually do any serious legislative work, they did what they could on their own, quick and dirty. I want to know why since we already spend twice as much as the next most expensive country (sweden I believe) and still do not cover everyone and, we rank 30th in life expectancy worldwide, Why is that?
I support the health care bill, but I am concerned that this will further open the door to more sloppy eating habits, lack of exercise and obesity by the American public. Why not? Many of us will be covered for our lousy practices.
This health care debacle is absolute proof that most of the people in Congress claiming to be "conservatives" are anything but conservative.
More Americans die every year right here at home from inadequate health care than have died in a decade in our stupidly sold and executed war in Iraq... yet these so-called "conservatives" have spent a year dragging their feet and trying to destroy, delay or block health care reform.
All those people have contributed have been "poison-pill" stipulations and amendments that would turn the public against this legislation.
Just out of curiousity, can anyone name one person Obama has appointed to the "Death Panel"? ... and why can't I find that section in my new income tax forms where I'm supposed to "list my guns"?
When are the gullible going to realize that they are being "had"?
I don't believe politics has been changed by the debate on Health Care Reform, but it has been changed. That happened when His Imperial Majesty George Bush decided to invade a country for a family vendetta. The Bush administration isolated half of this country, and that has changed politics. He polarized this country. The debate on Health Care reform only magnified that polarization.
I only hope now that people will settle down, forget political parties and work to make the reform better.
This is a sensitive but necessary issue that finally revealed the party that really cares about us Americans. After 100 years of "nays" you couldn't expect a cakewalk!
I fear for our political system. It seems that our political leaders, in order to be heard over the noise of our news environment, need to take increasingly strong stands. So rather than appealing to the minds of the people, they appeal to the emotions. As a result, we are becoming more and more polarized as a country. It's almost as if it's more important to demonstrate your convictions with histrionics, or talking over your opponent, than it is to engage in a meaningful discourse. I don't think the Health Care debate caused this, I think it has certainly raised the level of awareness. I listened to Republican leaders yesterday talking about how the American People feared the Health Care bill – after they had used words like Armaggedon to describe it. Of course people fear it when people they trust make statements like that; calling our president a liar, an opponent how is anti-abortion a baby-killer, a bill on Health Care "Armaggedon". We need to ratchet down the vitriol and up the intelligence of the conversation.
Healthcare reform is "giving the people what they want". The republicans need to reform their party because there are not enough lobbyist voters to keep you in office.
Most people making comments regarding the regareing concerns of the President's Health Care Legislation is being criticizedi by Republicans who want control again in the white house. I ttink he is doing a fantastic job, considering what Cheney and Bush left him.
This bill will probably save my life. I had rheumatic fever, which damaged my heart valves much as happened to Bobby Darin.
Infections can go to the damaged valve, and can be fatal.
The best prevention is to replace the damaged valve.
The problem I have had is that all the insurance companies say this is a pre-existing illness and therefore replacing the heart valve is not covered.
The bill just passed prevents insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing health problems, so if it becomes necessary to replace my damaged heart valve, the operation would be covered.
I am sure this provision alone in the bill will save many many lives and, as in my case, would cure the health problem so that I can avoid future probable hospitalizations due to infection of the valve. Also, a new valve would make my heart work much more efficiently and prolong my life.
I am so happy this reform bill has passed. I have a good job with great heathcare. My 24 year old daughter, who lives in New York, does not have any heathcare. Now,I will be able to put her under my
benefits. She suffers from clinical depression, and now I will be able to give her some great quality care. Yes, I am very happy.
I stayed with Wolf Blitzer from 11 AM until after midnight yesterday. I sometimes thought they'd switched the feed to UK parliment. If you could cut out the time they spent managing their "minutes", they might have had time to say something meaningful! It's no wonder we have so many problems in this country – these are the people leading us into our future. Whatever happened to a dignified, professional body? When did these guys decide that name-calling and shouting was acceptable behavior? What's really annoying is that we PAY for this. If nothing else, this should certainly boost the number of people showing up at the voting booths.
I am so happy and thankful that congress passed this historic and much needed bill. Unfotunately, i think the dems will suffer in the short run but the republicans will look like traitors of the common good in the long run and be seen as the party for themselves and not the party for the real americans.
The vast majority of the hateful comments come from the far right wing of the Republican party. If these folks do not become more civil and respectful the entire Republican brand will be held accountable.
Jack McGann, St. Augustine, FL
I have lost confidence in the federal government's ability to do much of anything other than national defense (and that doesN'T include homeland security)
Does that make me "libertarian" or merely a "strict constructionist"?
We live in a free country where differences of opinions are encouraged and celebrated, I don't take all the political rhetoric seriously (my brother is a republican and I'm a democrat and we're still family). I imagine most Americans will continue to work and live together while we wait to see if this bill succeeds in improving health care in America.
This bill is all smoke and mirrors. Obama I see as the great divider in a Country with a economy that is falling day by day. This is not a victory to be celebrated, when you have people out of jobs and the economy is sinking. To give credit to obama, Nancy Pelosi even Bart Stupak is a ridiculous thought, the evil way they went about this bill has soured Americans all across this Country. We now realize that the people who represent us are nothing but thugs, bribers and have an ego problem. They are suppose to represent the constitution and ther constiuents and they did neither.
Today news media gives us about 20% substance and 80% political bantering. It's seems all about ratings. You research very little as a news source and instead prerequsite bantering as significant coverage. Too often we watch thinking you are THE voice when you are simply repeating the hot topics. Had America been simply told what was in the bill, this debate would have been moot from the talking points offered, but we merely heard what each side said instead of media giving us the details from the start or correcting either side when they were lying. Media let us down. I think if politics are or are not changed forever is a question that can only be answered by learning how many still trust the media for facts versus researching on thier own.
It wasn' even about healthcare. It was about breaking this president. It was about making this his Waterloo. About pretending to negotiate the bill in good faith when really it was just to drag out the process. It was about insurance companies and the RNC that funded supposedly "grass roots" organizations. It was about media who are owned by the very companies that would be regulated by reform. It was about a circus of faux protests that got more coverage than the details of the bill ever did. It was about a level of vitriol and hostility not seen since the 1968 Democratic Convention. It was the peak of Rovian Politics.
Yet in the end, the extremes of the Democratic Party – Dennis Kucinich and Bart Stupak – found common ground. This bill is bipartisan – it's just that both sides exist in the Democratic party. The Republican party is the dregs of it's former self and taken over by the rantings of the lunatic fringe.
Those who put themselves on the line –
who know that they will face more hordes of insurance company employes dressed up as "Average Guy" who don't protest but terrorize
THANK YOUR FOR REMEMBERING WHO YOU WORK FOR
WE GOT YOUR BACK.
We Got your back.
I'll be voting this November for the Republicans out of spite because of the Health Care bill.
Changed politics for good?
Absolutely. Republicans needed to LOSE the last election, executive and legislative, When in power they grow government just as fast as Democrats. They function best when they are in the minority since they are the Party of hypocrites when IN power.
Here's why this could be good, longer term: The American People became aware, alarmed and aroused against big government. The Tea Party was formed. Maybe, just maybe, the silent majority will vote DIFFERENTLY, and maybe now politicians will pay attention and MOST of them voted out of office. Its about time encumbency became a 'disadvantage'.
Hopefully the STATES will also rise up against the unconstitutional overreach by the Federal government.
Off with their Federal heads {except Ron Paul}.
Bill
A 40% tax on my healthcare plan that was negotiated as part of my wage? Really? As a postal worker I am apalled ! My union supported this ? This is not the kind of change I can believe in .I feel betrayed.
As an entering college student, I know the difficulties of obtaining proper insurance to cover medical expenses while away at college. I need something that will help me in all aspects of healthcare, not just the bare minimum. Not only am I for the bill, I am an aspiring doctor, too, something that surprises everyone in my small, close-minded community. Has politics been changed? Yes! It's changed for the better, in my opinion, because not only will America get healthier, but its people will be too. We have gone far too long pushing down the working man by crushing his dreams as soon as he gets hurt, especially when the insurance says, "Too experimental" or "Prior condition." We need to lift them up; isn't that what the American Dream was once based on? Our political process is only splitting up society. Instead, we need to come together and advance the American people. We need justice today, and that's what Obama is attempting for the Democratic party.
First I admit it...I am a devout Democrat. Yes the climate in D.C. has changed forever but in a good way. The Republicans' predilection for either swaggering around arrogantly when they're in control or pouting and throwing punches when they don't get their way has become apparent. There's enough blame to go around, but the Republicans have so blatantly misled in their statements that the American people don't want health care reform when all polls show that at least half "do" want health care reform shows their desperation. Just listen to Rush on the radio and you can hear the desperation. What a circus! No wonder the emergence of a third party seems feasible...the problem? The third party is frighteningly farther and farther to the right. Did I say "Republicans the party of no? how about the party of "no chance" for a future if you act like spoiled brats.
Inept, Dysfunctional, Corrupt? What we now have in the way of government leadership is nothing more than a reflection of what American society has become. The great melting pot theory is dead, for today we are as polarized as ever over most issues, which certainly doesn't bode well for our ability to survive as a nation.
Congratulations to the Democrats for showing leadership in helping to bring health care to more Americans. The Republicans have only proven once again that they serve the interests of big business and the wealthy and have no concern for improving the lives of everyday Americans.
I have health ins. According to the Cong Budget Ofc, this bill won't lower my rate, but will make it harder to get in to see my doc and will add to my state's budget woes. So much for middle class relief!
The passing of this new legislation really showed the country how little we care for one another. The yelling, fighting and the non-healthcare related demonic signs that were displayed really put a national spotlight on how we feel about our fellow Americans and their health. I'm appauled at the behavior of the protestors and the Republicans. All displayed on a National Stage!
It makes me wonder whether the people we vote for are voting for what we, as the people, would like to see, as opposed to what they would like to see. They are there to represent us, not to represent themselves or their party name. Forget about labels, and try to remember "We the people".
Yes, I think it has. I used to be a Democratic Party supporter but after the Health Care bill passed, I'll be voting for the GOP, all across the board come this November and the elections thereafter.
I am sick and tired of the Republican Party complaining about backroom deals on capitol hill. When for eight years they pushed through a number of legitstation polocies that directly affecting millions of Amricans, Mainly the perscription drug plan written with the help of the pharmaceuticol single CEO who would sign off on a nobid contract
The health care debate has brought out a lot of racism in our culture. Many rich and backwards people who share a hatred for President Obama did a lot to ensure that his agenda would fail. The Democrats have brought aid to the poor and the elderly; I hope that the President will try to reach out to fringe groups, such as the Tea Party, and try to bridge the divide that exists in politics today.
using the current arguments used by the republicans, this batch of right wing legislators would never have ended slavery.
I don't think this changed politics – except that democrats finally got tough and did something they promised to do. Republicans have been counting on their non-cooperation tactics to scare the dems into doing nothing.