Editor's Note: President Obama’s health care reform call to action for Democrats sparked varied feedback from Friday’s American Morning audience. Some thought the Republicans should retreat from the argument if they were so confident of the Democrats’ future failure. Others suggested the U.S. look at new sources of revenue to fund the program. A third group was perplexed as to why so many were against “mandated” health insurance, when such programs already exist for car insurance.

• George: If the Republicans are so sure that the Healthcare bill will doom the democrats in November, why are they still fighting the bill?
• Dwayne: All This Squabbling is Over How We Are Going to Pay for It- Health Care-Education- etc. When Really The USA Needs Another Source of REVENUE other that TAXES or HIGH TAXES! Why Not REVENUE from SELLING OIL from Federal Lands? Then, How about DISCOUNTED PRICE for Gas, Natural Gas, Heating Oil & Diesel OIL On Our Way to GREEN SOURCES of ENERGY! That would Be Like Giving Everyone a Raise in UTILITIES ALONE! […]
• Sydney: I don't understand why people are so afraid of "mandated" health insurance. We already have mandated insurance–auto insurance. I can't drive my car without at least collision insurance or I will be fined. Also, what is the difference between the government outlining coverage and the insurance companies outlining what they will cover. Would a Republican please explain these differences to me.

How do you feel about the president’s call to action on health care for Democrats? Continue the conversation below.

Editor's Note: American Morning’s Thursday audience revisited the health care debate, one day after President Obama laid down the gauntlet for the final vote on reform. Though all accepted the premise that “something needs to be done on health care reform,” many argued pros and cons of the proposed plan; others offered alternatives.

• RP: Ya know this healthcare problem really doesn't seem so complicated. The government already has the infrastructure components to implement "Healthcare" without creating a new layer of government. The private insurance companies only want to "insure" those most probable to not have health problems. So allow "chronic illness" people access to medicare at both ends of the life spectrum (birth-defects, chronic conditions, and elderly/aging) to set health plan coverage (funding mechanism is already in place). Allow private insurance to market to those at less-risk but, have a income surtax.....based on "reasonable returns on capital" of their profits. The surtax would then be used to fund coverages for the chronically ill and educational programs through school that promote a preventative, healthy lifestyle. […]
• Betty: Interesting that all the pro health care people (like the lady that was just on) say Oh I can't say what the public thinks – like its a mortal sin – If polls favored the health care I'm sure they would love to repeat what the public thinks. I'm opposed to the health care bill more because of the cuts in the care we receive and low payments to the doctors than even the tremendous cost. Of course that is the excuse that will 'pay' for it all. It’s the plan, not the dysfunctional government that is holding up the bill.
• Nancy: Where do you get your poll numbers from? I don't agree that 48% want health care reform to start over. If CNN and other news networks would have scrutinized the spending of the Bush administration on the Iraq war and tax relief for big business the way they are the health care bill, we may not have the deficit we have today. Could one of the reasons be because of all the advertising dollars that drug companies spend that we are hearing mostly negative news on health care reform? As a nation ranking 37th in health care, I think we can all agree that something needs fixed. I love this country and am dismayed by all the misinformation and hate I hear on the news. I support our President and hope that health care reform passes. No one wants to pay taxes but everyone wants the government, both state and federal, to provide services.

What do you think? Continue the conversation below.

Editor's Note: As Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning continued blockage of extended benefits for the jobless, some of Tuesday’s American Morning viewers cheered the senator’s actions: “We hear about fiscal responsibility from politicians on both sides, but never see it in practice. I commend Senator Bunning for finally making an effort to control spending in Washington.” Those opposed to the senator’s actions called Republicans “mean spirited,” and scolded CNN for claiming that Democrats are accusing all Republicans of the behavior, when it is solely Sen. Bunning.

• Andy: I'd like to express my disappointment with American Morning and the main stream news for strongly objecting to Senator Bunning's position on the bill to extend jobless benefits. If this issue were so important, why can't our Congress finance this bill? Jobs today do no good if we lead our country into a financial disaster tomorrow. We hear about fiscal responsibility from politicians on both sides, but never see it in practice. I commend Senator Bunning for finally making an effort to control spending in Washington.
• Paul: Listening to the morning show, I keep hearing that "congress" is stopping jobless benefits etc. It is NOT congress, it’s Bunning and the Republicans. When will you call [it the way it is]?
• David: Ask Mitch McConnell about Bunning, because he probably put him up to it. Not that McConnell ever gives a straight or reasonable answer either.
• Dan: What […] do you mean "Democrats are pointing fingers..." at Sen. Bunning? The FACT is that Bunning's hold on the legislation is responsible for the furloughed jobs, the delay in unemployment benefits, etc. It's NOT a he said/she said situation. It's REALITY. Please report it that way.
• Linda: The Republican party is finally coming "out of the closet." Not that more than half the country didn't already suspect that the GOP is the most mean-spirited bunch […] ever. Now, the disgusting display of arrogance and disregard for ordinary people by Republican senator Bunning and the lack of condemnation by his party, should make it crystal clear what would happen to most of us if they should regain control of our government. If the Democrats have any spine at all, they should pound these jerks over the head with this every single day from now until the elections. Also, it would be a great service to our country if the MSM continues to stress just how dangerous it would be to put these people back in power.

What do you think? Continue the conversation below.

Editor's Note: On Monday, as Congress continues to grapple with proposed health care reform, American Morning’s audience zeroed in on health care waste. Many thanked CNN for the investigative series, while sharing solutions as well as their own health care horror stories.

• James: GREAT commentary on waste in the health care industry. It was an eye opener to hear of $1000 mischarge for a toothbrush. I PRAY you will take this further and show how much a toothbrush normally costs during a hospital stay, no just when there is a mischarge. If the regular household cringes at Joe The Plumber's bill, that will run in horror at what the hospital charges! The health care industry has become a government sanctioned monopoly and as a country we can't afford it. Please join in; we can't afford to get sick. The Obama plan is NOT the solution. It perpetuates the problem!
• Gina: If I was an Ins. Comp. & was to Ins. YOU I would have a monthly statement to go out to Insured like a credit card statement. An itemized Bill that either your Dr. Hospital, or testing Facility carded them for including an year end statement what you & employer paid vs how much you spent. Like a credit you must pay at certain date with a HCare credit card you must verify at certain date that charges our carrier paid for is correct...with a small fine for not complying.....This will certainly keep down costs & Medicare & Caid should do the same.....You know […] well if something is fishy on your credit cards, you call up screaming to high […] right..same should be on Hcare.
• Mary: Hairdresser for 40 some years. Man stories I could tell of either my clients or the others working there. One lady came in with her laminated bill of her aging husband that was charged for labor room and delivery room plus. The hospital dunning her for over 6 months as Medicare refused to pay the bill. Funniest thing I ever heard. Not only her husband an old man, but hardly have a baby. When my children born 1966, 1970, 1977, 1980, I brought the Kotex to the hospital to keep from exorbitant charges of at first $29.99, then, it was $36, then last two was close to $59. Brought my own aspirin. Remember hospitals buy in bulk and wholesale. Not in the store things. Vets for animals are equally as horrifying. Why so many pets get euthanized because vets are overcharging for services and products. I was purchasing some of that tainted dog food in which my dog's kidney's were bleeding at $80 a whack, and buying it from the vet. I now cook for my dogs.

What do you think? Is there a better way to prevent waste in the health care system? Continue the conversation below.

Editor's Note: As Thursday’s American Morning audience prepared for President Obama's health care summit, many shared their concerns about how effective the effort would be in moving reform forward. Most remained defiant that the Republicans would do little to contribute to a bipartisan solution, while others strongly defended Republicans for standing strong against President Obama’s proposed plans.

• William: Funny that every one thinks today's summit is just theater. Have you ever seen what goes on in the House and Senate? Most of the dissenters are from a party that hasn't contributed anything to healthcare reform other than a bunch of amendments to weaken the bill. Now they want to start over?
• Judi: You claim that because the health Insurance Companies raise their rates that make the government broken? The reason that the government don't work is because the Republicans filibuster anything that the Democrats propose. Even when they make the proposals. John asked why the President didn't present his plan in the first place? When Clinton did this, the media complained that he didn't listen to Congress and let them put in their ideas. Media is so confused and you confuse the American people.

What are your expectations for today’s heath care summit? Continue the conversation below.

Editor's Note: Carol Costello’s piece on “gambling the U.S. out of a recession” was met with staunch opposition by Wednesday’s American Morning audience. Most proclaimed such activity was unlikely to provide the needed revenues to cover growing budget gaps, and doing so would simply put people further into debt.

• Mark: Hello Carol at CNN: In response to your question "can we gamble our way out of recession?" Governor Rendell of Pennsylvania alleges that gaming has helped relieve property tax burdens levied on owners. Without analysis of the numbers his allegation is arbitrary. Home values have dropped in proportionately to its current property taxes. The potential of loss in gambling favors the house. It is of my opinion home owners as a whole have much better odds in not gambling their money away and spend it on paying their property taxes. My final answer is no way.
• Dave: Though there are many reasons that our government is 'broken,' One of the major players is the lobby system. It amounts to legalized bribery, and in fact, these practices are outlawed in most all of the democratic governments. It gives an unfair advantage for the corporations over the people who are supposed to be represented: the constituency that voted them in!
• Jim: Broken Government: […] Opening up more casinos will just put the people more into debt. You see you can lose 200.00 in 15 minutes If you win 5.00 you think your a winner and it does not stop after that. It's all Luck no skill. Sure it's a nice day out. Take Atlantic City for instance. Many people will take 200.00 and try there luck. But when you get there and casino starts getting a lot of people they raise all the table stakes so you cannot sit down and have a good time. They are there to rip the clothes of everyone. This dream will never come true. Good idea to send someone down and just see how the casinos operate. You will be surprised on what you find on certain times of the day. […] Great show in the morning. You have me hooked.
• Jeff: AMFix asks us whether casinos are proof of "broken government" in Pennsylvania, but there is no mention of the fact that the legislation legalizing some forms of gambling in Pennsylvania is nearly 6 years old. Isn't this relevant to a segment that is evaluating the current state of our government? I do not support the casinos in and coming to Philadelphia in any form. Suggesting that the PA government is "broken" is not necessarily something I disagree with either. But CNN is doing damage when an AMFix segment implies that it is the current PA legislature and government that is creating these problems, when we've been dealing with casinos and their attendant drama for the better part of a decade.
  Champ: Could the new york stock exchange have a nick name CASINO? It is gambling so what is so wrong with other casinos used for gambling? they use cards instead of money.

What do you think? Continue the conversation below.