by Mark Silva and updated at 11:15 am EDT
President Barack Obama, acknowledging trouble in "breaking through'' to the American public with his proposal for a health-care overhaul, made an unprecedented public push today with a series of nationally broadcast television interviews.
After months of pressing Congress for an overhaul of the nation's health insurance, and making his case to a national audience in a televised address to a joint session of Congress, Obama today took his case to a network-sweeping round of Sunday talk show appearances.
In one interview aired this morning, ABC News' George Stephanopoulos asked the president if he had confronted any situation yet in which he said to himself, ''Wow, I'm going to have to step up my game.''
"There have been times where I have said, 'I've got to step up my game in terms of talking to the American people about issues like health care,''' Obama said. "During this whole health care debate... there have been times where I've... not so much lost control, but where I've said to myself, 'Somehow I'm not breaking through...'
"This has been a sufficiently tough, complicated issue with so many moving parts that, you know, no matter how much I've... tried to keep it digestible, you know, it's very hard for people to get their... whole arms round it,'' Obama told Stephanopoulos. "And that's been a case where I have been humbled and I just keep on trying harder, because I -- I really think it's the right thing to do for the country.''
Obama, told that Senate Republicans believe they are "winning'' the health-care debate, said with a smile during his interview on CNN's State of the Union: "They said they were winning the election, too.''
"Right now, I'm pleased that basically we've got 80 percent agreement,'' said Obama, suggesting that the newest, controversial Senate health-care bill "does meet some broad goals... We've got to work on that other 20 percent over the next few weeks.''
"The key is now just to narrow those differences,'' Obama said on NBC News' Meet the Press. "And if I don't feel like it is a good deal for the American people, then I won't sign a bill.... This is hard.... You know, one of the things I've always said is, if this had... been easy, it would have been taken care of by Teddy Roosevelt.''
"I think that the opposition has made a decision,'' Obama said in an interview aired on Univision's Al Punto Con Jorge Ramos. "They are just not going to support anything, for political reasons.... There's some people who just cynically want to defeat me politically, but there's nothing new about that.''
Republicans maintained today that the president should reconsider his plans and start the health-care debate anew.
"Winning is stopping, starting again and getting it right,'' Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnelll, (R-Ky.) said today on CNN.
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele suggested that the president's round of network interviews today hadn't amounted to much.
"I thought the president said a lot without saying anything,'' Steele said on CBS' Face the Nation. "There was nothing that moved the needle on this debate... This is not very helpful to the president right now.... It may have been nice to do the interviews, but I don't think it advanced the debate on health care that much.''
"I don't think I've promised too much at all,'' Obama said on Face the Nation. "Everyone recognizes this is a problem. Everyone recognizes the current path we're on is unsustainable.... We know that standing still is not an option.''
In the process, the president has promised no tax increases for Americans earning less than $250,000 a year.
"I can still keep that promise,'' he said on CBS.
Asked if he has forfeited the idea of a "public option'' for people who cannot find insurance privately, Obama told NBC: "No, that's not true. What I've said is the public option, I think, should be a part of this but we shouldn't think that, somehow, that's the silver bullet that solves health care.''
"I absolutely do not believe that it's dead,'' Obama said of the public option on Univision. "I think that it's something that we can still include as part of a comprehensive reform effort.''
On the Spanish-language Univision, Obama was asked about his promise to address immigration reform during his first year in office. "What I said is that this is going to be a tough fight and that we're going to have to make sure that we are working as hard as we can to do it,'' Obama said. "I am not backing off one minute from getting this done, but let's face it, I've had a few things to do.''
The president confronted the tenor of the public debate over health-care - the "vitriol,'' as he called it in one interview - in the network talks aired today.
"Unfortunately, we've got... a 24-hour news cycle where what gets you on the news is controversy,'' he told NBC's David Gregory. "What gets you on the news is the extreme statement. The easiest way to get 15 minutes on the news, or your 15 minutes of fame, is to be rude.''
Asked about the economy and when job losses might be stemmed, Obama said in the CNN interview: "What we've done in the first eight months is to stop the bleeding.... The financial markets are working again.... All the signs are that the economy is going to start growing again.
"The jobs picture is not going to improve considerably, and it could even get a little worse, this year,'' he said.
Obama maintained in a round of network interviews, a first for a sitting president, on ABC News' This Week, CBS News' Face the Nation, NBC News' Meet the Press, CNN's State of the Union, and on Spanish-language Univision -- that fear of "big changes'' is behind much of the criticism that he faces now - not the racial prejudice which former President Jimmy Carter has cited as a motivating factor for the most extreme criticism of the president.
"What I'm proposing is a very modest attempt to make sure that hard-working families out there are going to have the security of health insurance that they can count on,'' Obama said in an interview aired on ABC's This Week. "This isn't a radical plan. This isn't grafting a single payer model onto the United States. It's simply trying to deal with what everybody acknowledges is a big problem.
"I think that there are some opponents who have used -- seized on this -- and tried to use this as a proxy for saying that somehow we are vastly expanding government and taking over every sector of the economy,'' he said. "That's what a lot of this debate is about.''
Obama defended the Justice Department's investigation into excesses in the interrogations of suspected terrorists during the Bush administration, in an interview that CBS News' Face the Nation is airing.
The president said that the seven former CIA directors who asked him in a letter on Friday to stop the inquiry, warning that it could hamper the necessary work of CIA officers fighting terrorism, are trying "to look after an institution that they helped to build.'' But, he said, he does not want to interfere with the investigation authorized by Atty Gen. Eric Holder.
"Nobody is above the law,'' Obama said in his CNN interview. "I don't want to start getting into the business of squelching investigations... It's not a criminal investigation yet, to my understanding... I have no interest in witch hunts, but ultimately the law is the law, and we don't go around picking and choosing how we enforce it.''
The president also insisted that his decision to abandon plans to build a defense missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic was not meant to appease Russian leaders, who opposed the plan. In its place, the Defense Department plans a network of sensors and interceptors based at sea, on land and in the air in defense of possible attacks by Iran or others in the region.
"My task here was not to negotiate with the Russians," Obama told CBS. "The Russians don't make determinations about what our defense posture is."
Obama was pressed in these interviews about his campaign promise to avert new taxes on anyone making less than $250,000 a year, and he maintained that he can keep that promise with the health-care initiatives he is pressing - regardless of what critics and doubters say.
"The principles I've put forward very clearly, when I spoke to the joint session of Congress, is that we're going to make sure that, No. 1, if you don't have health insurance, you're going to be able to get affordable health insurance,'' Obama said on ABC. "No 2, if you have health insurance, we're going to have insurance reforms that give you more security... No. 3, it's going to be deficit neutral -- it's not going to add a dime to the deficit... No. 4, it's going to start driving down our costs over the long-term.''
Obama called a roundly criticized bill advanced last week by Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D.-Mont.) "a strong effort to move an agenda forward.'' That bill lacks the so-called "public option'' for a government-run plan for people who cannot find coverage privately, which the president has maintained that he wants included and which House Democratic leaders call essential to any final legislation.
Stephanapoulos asked how a proposed requirement that all individuals have insurance, with fines for those who don't, is not a tax increase.
Obama said he "absolutely'' rejects the notion that the mandate is a tax increase.
"For us to say that you've got to take a responsibility to get health insurance is absolutely not a tax increase,'' the president said. "What it's saying is, is that we're not going to have other people carrying your burdens for you anymore than the fact thatright now everybody in America, just about, has to get auto insurance. Nobody considers that a tax increase.''
The ABC host said he had looked up 'tax' in Merriam Webster's Dictionary - "a charge, usually of money, imposed by authority on
persons or property for public purposes."
"George, the fact that you looked up Merriam's Dictionary, the definition of tax increase, indicates to me that you're stretching a little bit right now,'' Obama replied. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have gone to the dictionary to check on the definition.''
But critics call Obama's plans a tax increase, the host said.
"My critics say everything is a tax increase,'' Obama said. "My critics say that I'm taking over every sector of the economy.''
The president maintained that cuts in Medicare are possible - part of the framework for financing his plans - without cutting benefits for senior Americans who rely on the federal program for health care.
"The basic principle that is indisputable is that we are wasting hundreds of billions of dollars in Medicare that is not making people healthier,'' Obama said. "What I have said is we're not going to take a dollar out of the Medicare trust fund. We're going to make sure that benefits are just
as strong if not stronger.''
The president was asked in these interviews about Carter's contention last week that the most extreme criticism for Obama is coming from people who cannot accept the fact that he is African American.
"Race is such a volatile issue in this society. Always has been,'' Obama said on ABC. "It becomes hard for people to separate out race being... part of the backdrop of American society -- versus race being a predominant factor .
"Are there some people who don't like me because of my race? I'm sure there are,'' he said. "Are there some people who vote for me only because of my race? There are probably some of those too. The overwhelming part of the American population I think is right now following the debate and trying to figure out is this (health-care plan) going to help me?''
"The one thing I hope is, is that we can have a civil argument about it and that we are able to acknowledge good motives on both sides,'' Obama said on ABC. "Everybody is a patriot. Each of us are Americans that care deeply about this country.''
Obama said in the interviews airing today that some protesters are playing to the media, attempting to ride the "24-hour news cycle.''
"Sometimes I think that, frankly, the media encourages some of the outliers in behavior, because, let's face it, the easiest way to get on television
right now is to be really rude. If you're just being sensible and giving people the benefit of the doubt and you're making your arguments, you don't -- you don't get -- you don't get time on the nightly news.''
Stephanopoulos asked Obama about ACORN, the community organization that has been accused of fraud in voter registration and most recently has been targeted by undercover video reports of workers offering advice to a man and woman posing as a pimp and prostitute. The Senate has voted to cut off federal housing funding for the group, which assists the poor in finding housing. The House has voted to cut off all funding.
"Are there folks in the Democratic camp or on the left who haven't ... always operated ways that I'd appreciate? Absolutely,'' Obama said. "I didn't even know that ACORN was getting a whole lot of federal money... What I know is, is that what I saw on that video was certainly inappropriate and deserves to be investigated (but) this is not the biggest issue facing the country. It's not something I'm paying a lot of attention to.''
On the U.S. military commitment in Afghanistan, Obama told Stephanopoulos, "When we came in, basically, there had been drift in our Afghan strategy. Everybody acknowledges that. And I ordered a top to bottom review. ''
After authorizing an initial increase in U.S. forces there, Obama now is examining the next step - but maintained he has made no decision.
"I am now going to take all this information and we're going to test whatever resources we have against our strategy, which is if by sending young men and women into harm's way, we are defeating al Qaeda and -that can be shown to a skeptical audience, namely me -- somebody who is always asking hard questions about deploying troops, then we will do what's required to keep the American people safe.''
"We've got to figure out, what kind of partner do we have in Afghanistan,'' Obama said on CNN. "The only thing I've said to my folks is, 'A, I want an unvarnished assessment. But B, I don't want to put the resource question before the strategy question...' Right now, the first question is, are we doing the right thing, are we pursuing the right strategy? Once I have that clarity... then the question is, OK, how do we resource it?
"It's not going to be driven by the politics of the moment,'' he said.
"We're not going to put the cart before horse,'' Obama said on CBS, "and just think that, by sending more troops, we're automatically going to keep Americans safe.''
Comments
The President did even know that Acorn was getting big time Federal Funds. The President says he can save waster from Medicare.
Posted by: aporte | September 20, 2009 9:28 AM
"I didn't even know that ACORN was getting a whole lot of federal money."
Ha ha!
Read "National Suicide: How Government Destroys the American Dream From A-Z.
The majority of politicians don't have a clue where all the taxpayer money they dole out goes to. The ENDLESS inefficient redundant programs, no coordination, legislation piled on top of legislation; it's a big fat wasteful, ineffective, obstructive MESS.
And the answer for Democrats is always 'we need more government, more bureaucracy.'
Posted by: MCD | September 20, 2009 9:40 AM
The reason that you are not "breaking through" to the public is because we do not want what you are selling. You were elected to the office for two reasons.
1. As a backlash against the Republicans.
2. People wanted to be a part of making history by electing a minority president.
Your election was not an endorsement of your plans, projects and bailouts. Why don't you start with overhauling the current government health care plan (medicare/aid) and we will see how that goes?
Posted by: LLL | September 20, 2009 9:54 AM
Okay Obama you don't like being called a liar then put into the health care bill that there will be no increase of any taxes, or any deficit increase of any kind because of your health care proposal. Also add there will be no reduction in health care benefits. Print this Swamp.
Posted by: clarence | September 20, 2009 10:02 AM
Simple- The public is getting to know wnen he lies.
The Birth Certificate a great example.
Posted by: Inky | September 20, 2009 10:24 AM
Dear Mr. President -
The reason you are not "getting through" is that you really have no plan as of yet...lack of experience or a personal agenda to implement - whatever it is, you have nothing to offer except "change." The American public is a bit too smart to follow your "change" mantra without a plan.
And your plan is bad, too.
Posted by: Kuprean | September 20, 2009 10:46 AM
You all know the guy who tells a joke and no one laughs. Then he tells it again thinking the audience just didn't get it. Then he may repeat the punch line trying to salvage the joke, and still nothing...............
Posted by: Greg | September 20, 2009 11:00 AM
Why does the Trib post links to the Swamp as if they were headlines? All this accomplishes is letting the mouth breathers who have nothing constructive to say have get another whack at Obama. It might be easier to post a link to FOX news or the FreeRepublic. This is Chicago, not Alabama or South Carolina. A clear majority of the people in this part of the country support Democrats and President Obama. Elections have consequences the Republicans lost remember?
Posted by: mg | September 20, 2009 11:01 AM
It isn't getting through to Komissar Usamabama that the American people don't want SOCIALISM and that "reform" doesn't give the federal government the right to take over whole industries.
We have been trying to call his attention to this in the streets and we will do so at the polls in 2010.
Usamabama is either intellectually dishonest or a liar. Actually, he is both.
Posted by: J in KC | September 20, 2009 11:02 AM
It's not so much he's not getting through as so many Americans have shuttered their ears, eyes & minds.
Posted by: Chris | September 20, 2009 11:13 AM
Obama could have made the hall of fame had he focused on solutions of problems that would really make a difference in our economic and social climate.
(1.) Secure the borders
(2.) Get rid of the IRS with its income tax monstrosity.
Posted by: Jayo | September 20, 2009 11:25 AM
The American public knows that this plan will not be deficit nuetral. I have challenged people in here to name a gov't run social program in here that meets the customers' needs and has come in lower than the original budget. So far no takers.
Add that on top of BO's own projection of a $9,000,000,000,000 projected deficit for the next ten years, and the American taxpayers is saying enough.
Posted by: Terry | September 20, 2009 11:33 AM
Acording to the Bible Jesus healed the poor for free. But as the richest most powerful nation on the earth, we refuse to do so. Where are all the pro life Jesus loving people?
Posted by: DRB | September 20, 2009 11:49 AM
Please. The two reasons that are mentioned for voting for President Obama, are, childish at best. One of the reasons that I voted for him because he offers something that we haven't had in years, openness. True. It hasn't been as open as we want, but that takes time. And he should be allowed some time. If someone else had acted the same way, or proposed the same things, including Senator McCain, I would have voted for him/her.
The effort being brought forth as to the health care debate is being written by folks that we put in office, and not by President Obama. He has given some mandates that he requires, but the bills, as they are being written, are by the men and women that we elected. And anyone that doesn't see we need some redirection or reform in health care, is, no doubt, a stock holder, and not a patient.
Lastly. Enough with the 'birther' theory. If you were to go to the county and request a copy of your birth certificate, you would receive the exact same thing that he has already offered. For years, that piece of paper has been acceptable to whomever has asked for it. Honestly, if that's the best you've got, you have nothing.
Posted by: ratman | September 20, 2009 12:02 PM
It is very basic ... If the health plan is not good enough for the President, the Senate, and the House, why shoud we want it?
Posted by: CHARLIE | September 20, 2009 1:44 PM
Unfortunately, the substance of the product does not meet the hype of the message. Fixing the product being sold to meet American needs could go a long way to acceptance. We just don't want to buy a pig in a poke because we are told to do so.
Posted by: libertyville | September 20, 2009 1:45 PM
He has "broken through". The problem with this egomaniac is that he can't fathom that the majority just doesn't like his idea.
Posted by: Tom | September 20, 2009 1:53 PM
Once again I repeat, if Obama's health plan is so excellent then he should show the leadership he lacks and cancell his tax payer supported health coverage and tell the country he will take the Obama-care plan he endorses..the rest of congress should follow suit.
Posted by: de kingfish | September 20, 2009 1:57 PM
Oh, you;re getting through, finally. The public now knows who you are, a marxist radical lawyer. Your lies are more and more blatant. You didn't know about ACORN getting all that federal money; that's really funny. Either you are completely lying or incompetent. You pick.
Posted by: Gary | September 20, 2009 2:09 PM
He's broken through plenty. We're just not buying what he's selling.
Posted by: beth | September 20, 2009 2:22 PM
Inky you are the reason this country is not going anywhere. You believe everything you are told by morons. And I bet you do not make more than 50,000 a year. You are white trash who is racist.
Take a look around the world or how about just a few countries England, and Canada they have Health Care.
Also let me know how you are doing when you get into your 70's and go on medicare.
JinKC
SOCIALISM? We have medicare now? Is it SOCIALISM in Canada, England? I think that you do not know what you are talking aabout!
Posted by: Mark on this planet, | September 20, 2009 2:32 PM
So those who disagree with your healthcare policy and voiced them, you call "vitriol." Get a life dipstick! Those in opposition have "actually" read that ridiculous piece of legislation (H.R. 3200), unlike your leftist, lemming-like followers who choose to trust your interpretation of what it contains. You've already been called on your "lies" so what is it that we can believe coming from the mouth of a "liar?"
Posted by: Shamus | September 20, 2009 2:45 PM
I'm with MG.
Baseless comments like these on boards, on TV, etc. are clearly what President Obama meant by "rude".
Have we become so attention seeking in this country that we can't conduct a respectful public conversation? When will we (the audience) start to take offense to unacceptable behavior and refuse to support those who give it attention?
I'm an independent. I'm cynical of all politicians because I think the profession lacks integrity. That said - Mr. Obama seems to speak plainly and seems to set clear, consistent goals for what he wants.
So the question to this forum is: Do you agree with the goals he's set for health care (outlined in the above article)?
If so it's our responsibility as Americans to speak up with our representatives, get them to cut the crap, and pass something that actually makes sense.
If not - let's have a smart discussion about the goals rather than propaganda and perception.
Posted by: Karma | September 20, 2009 3:03 PM
ATTENTION!! Congress Has The Votes Needed To Pass A Public Option - TODAY http://bit.ly/TCq7O
Why A Strong Public Option Is Essential - By jacksmith - Working Class
Robert Reich explains the pubic option: http://bit.ly/dDYSJ http://robertreich.blogspot.com/
John Garamendi on the Public Option and the Grassroots: http://bit.ly/TJMty
It's not just because more than two thirds of the American people want a single payer health care system. And if they cant have a single payer system 77% of all Americans want a strong government-run public option on day one (86% of democrats, 75% of independents, and 72% republicans). Basically everyone.
It's not just because according to a new AARP POLL: 86 percent of seniors want universal healthcare security for All, including 93% of Democrats, 87% of Independents, and 78% of Republicans. With 79% of seniors supporting creating a new strong Government-run public option plan, available immediately. Including 89% of Democrats, 80% of Independents, and 61% of Republicans, STUNNING!!
It's not just because it will lower cost. Because a strong public option will dramatically lower cost for everyone. And dramatically improved the quality of care everyone receives in America and around the World. Rich, middle class, and poor a like.
It's not just because it will save trillions of dollars and prevent the needless deaths of millions more of YOU, caused by a rush to profit by the DISGRACEFUL, GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX!
It's not just because every expert in every field, including economist, and Nobel laureates all agree that free market based healthcare systems don't work. Never have and never will. The US has the only truly free market based healthcare system in the World. And as you all know now, IT IS A DISASTER!
It's not just because providing or denying medically necessary care for profit motivations is wrong. Because it is WRONG! It's professionally, ethically, and morally REPUGNANT!, Animalistic, VILE and EVIL.
THE REASON THE PUBLIC OPTION IS ESSENTIAL:
The public option is ESSENTIAL because over 200 million of you are trapped in the forest of the wolves. Which is the forest of the DISGRACEFUL, GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX! With no way out except through needless inhumane suffering, and DEATH. While the wolves tear at your flesh, and rip you limb from lib. Then feast on your lifeless bodies like a dead carcase for transplant parts.
At the most vulnerable times of your lives (when you were sick and hurting), millions of you have had to fight and loose cruel, but heroic battles. Fighting against the big guns of the DISGRACEFUL, GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX! in the forest of the wolves. All because you have no place else to go. You have no other CHOICE!
But the PUBLIC OPTION will give you someplace safe to go. And it will give us someplace safe to take you. The public option will be your refugium (your refuge). Where the wolves cannot get at you when your down, hurting, and vulnerable. Where everyone who needs it can find rest, security, comfort and the care they need. Protected by the BIG GUNS of We The People Of The United States. THE MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE AND COUNTRY ON EARTH.
This is why it is so critical that we do not lead another 50 million vulnerable, uninsured Americans into the forest of the wolves, without the protections of a Strong Government-run public option. We The People Of The United States MUST NOT LET THAT HAPPEN to any more of our fellow Americans. If healthcare reform does not contain a strong public option on day one. YOU MUST! KILL IT. Or you will do far more harm than good. And millions more will die needlessly. Rich, middle class, and poor a like.
To those who would continue to obstruct good and true healthcare reform for the American people, and who seek to trap millions more vulnerable Americans in the forest of the wolves. We will continue to fight you. We are prepared to wage all out war against you, and will eagerly DESTROY! you. Time...is...UP! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! No Co-op's! No Triggers! NO INDIVIDUAL MANDATES! without a Strong public option on day one.
Healthcare reform can be the GREATEST! Accomplishment of our time and century. A time when future generations may say of us, that we were all, AMERICAS GREATEST GENERATIONS.
BUT WE MUST ACT!
I therefore call on all my fellow Americans and the peoples of the World. To join us in this fight so that we may finish becoming the better America that we aspire to be for everyone.
SPREAD THE WORD!
I have been privileged to be witness as many of you fought, and struggled to take your first breath, and your last breath on this earth. Rich, middle class, and poor a like. Life is precious.
Whatever the cost. WE! MUST SUCCEED.
God Bless You My Fellow Human Beings
jacksmith - Working Class
Things You Can Do To Help NOW! http://www.everydaycitizen.com/2009/09/tired_of_watching_people_die_n.html
No Triggers! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-rosenbaum/a-trigger-for-the-public_b_277910.html
Triggers http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sirota/weve-seen-these-triggers_b_283583.html
Krugman on heathcare (http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/25/why-markets-cant-cure-healthcare/)
Senator Bernie Sanders on healthcare (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSM8t_cLZgk&feature=player_embedded)
Posted by: jacksmith | September 20, 2009 3:36 PM
Please tell the President he is getting through. We just don't like what he has to say. He needs to shut up and leave us alone.
Posted by: Dave | September 20, 2009 3:55 PM
Please read what the President has stated again, slowly and calmly. Search for the facts, no one human being has all the answers but Mr. Obama is trying with all his might to help those who need it most, he has been in office for a very short time and I am impressed by all he has taken on in this time. Stop the hatred, educate yourself and then make a comment for the good of all. Please also do your research on ACORN, google is a great search engine and make sure you get the names of who is saying what.
Posted by: Elizabeth Ficarelli | September 20, 2009 3:57 PM
DRB: you asked where are all the Jesus loving people? WORKING hard to take care of themselves, protect their freedoms under the Constitution and shutting their ears to all the lies flying around Washington. If there were no lies Obama would not have to waste his time on Sunday morning TV when he should be in Church politicing. He's already President so why continue campaigning?
Posted by: annjilly | September 20, 2009 4:05 PM
All the republicans can do is throw spitballs at the adults who are trying to solve the problems the GOP created and are causing real suffering to real Americans. Barack Obama is a truly intelligent man with a conscience who is trying his best to save our country from the disaster of sinking under an ocean of debt (health care, the Iraq war, unnecessary spending on outdated and misguided missile "defense" systems as useless as a door in the forest), while the people who are the most at risk allow themselves to be duped by those who have been and continue to fleece us all with insurance premiums which buy the illusion of insurance and defense spending on programs that give us the illusion of security. The choice is to keep giving our hard-earned money to those who specialize in con games and illusions, or to change the way we do things before it is too late. America balks at President Obama's policies at our own peril. That is called reality.
Posted by: Patrick | September 20, 2009 4:06 PM
I'm not convinced that this Obama administration is as open and "transparent" as some on this message board suggest.
The White House web sites of both President Clinton and President Bush were very open and included a wide range of policy information.
Plus, both Clinton and Bush wanted people to SEE them in action.
Obama and his handlers do not share this point view.
Posted by: skeptic | September 20, 2009 4:06 PM
Ratman---Obama's administartion is anything but transparent and open. Canceling the missle shield for poland on the 70th aniversity of Russia's invasion of Poland-----priceless.
mg---just because the republicans lost does not give Obama and company permission to dun this place straight into the ground like carter did. 2010 is right around the corner and at the rate the dems are doing the midterm could be their waterloo.
Posted by: darryl | September 20, 2009 4:13 PM
The President didn't know that ACORN was getting so much federal money? Does he actually think people will believe that statement? ACORN worked their butts off to see he was elected and you can bet he knew damn well that they were going to be reimbursed and exactly how much. Mr. President, if you don't want to be called out as a liar then don't sit there and lie!
Posted by: vla | September 20, 2009 4:50 PM
I think the part where Obama wants to legalize 20 million illegal aliens "to ensure coverage to all Americans" says it all. Incredibly cynical and America (it's citizens anyway) are onto him.
This was not about healthcare, but stuffing the ballot boxes once again. With ACORN on the ropes, he is going to need the votes.
Posted by: David Patterson | September 20, 2009 5:10 PM
He's "breaking through" just fine. The problem is that the people don't like what they're hearing!
Posted by: Suzanne | September 20, 2009 5:11 PM
Simple- The public is getting to know wnen he lies.
The Birth Certificate a great example.
Posted by: Inky | September 20, 2009 10:24 AM
I have more than few problem with the health cra plans. But your mind is an ink blob. There was nothing wrong with the birth certificate.
Posted by: Disgusted | September 20, 2009 5:22 PM
Seriously Obama - get a clue! You "broke through" loud and clear and WE DON'T WANT YOUR PLAN. period. Stop talking about it and get to other business.
Posted by: sara | September 20, 2009 5:39 PM
DRB - do you remember that Jesus also said that "if you don't work, you shouldn't eat." He gave freely to show God's love, not to encourage getting free stuff from the government or any other entity. And, if this administration keeps taking everything the wealthier people have, they won't be able to continue supporting charities of good works.
Posted by: sara | September 20, 2009 5:44 PM
He had "Trouble breaking through"? I interpret this as " Oh crap, they're not as gullible as I thought they were". Anyone who voted for a Chicago machine politician for the office of President of the United States is a damn fool.
Posted by: Mike | September 20, 2009 7:03 PM
I think Congress and President Obama need to start calling this what it really is, health INSURANCE reform. I personally think the USA has the best health care in the world, it's just very expensive. And I do believe that we need insurance and tort reform. I also hope that the "plan" does not remove incentives for small companies to continue to provide health insurance options for it's employees as there are many small companies out there that do an excellent job of providing affordable options.
Posted by: csk | September 20, 2009 7:55 PM
O'bama keeps going on the wrong tv shows. He needs to go where people are at his lever...Sesame Street!
Posted by: morton mike | September 20, 2009 8:02 PM
Does President Obama have a plan? Right now the only plan the man has is to make something out of a political disaster and call it a win. The entire Congress is controlled by his party and he still can't anything passed. Why is that? Maybe, just maybe, Obama is not the leader so many hoped he'd be.
Posted by: Joe Landers | September 20, 2009 8:15 PM
According to the prevalent media this is the smartest man that EVER graced the White House. Now to find out HOW LITTLE HE KNOWS OR UNDERSTANDS is quite the story. It is the message that is being understood and the people can see through the B.S. It IS because the people cannot be fooled ALL of the time that the teleprompter reading empty suit is now being exposed and rebuffed.
Posted by: senator dirksen | September 20, 2009 8:33 PM
Sara: Why do the wealthier people need to support charities? Oh, that's right- because charities help take care of the poor. Wait, wouldnt the poor be taken care of if this plan passed? Wait, so then we wouldnt need 5% of Americans to have 95% of the wealth? Okay, I think I got it now! Thank you, your idiocies really helped me grasp that one!
Posted by: kristen | September 20, 2009 8:35 PM
Well, I think it's terrible that he's focusing on this healthcare now when something like 85% of people are happy with their insurance and millions of people are out of work.
He should be focusing on the economy. Changing the healthcare system while we are all down is not going to help companies hire people.
I can't stand him. He's even worse than I thought he'd be and the elections can't come soon enough.
Posted by: Alz | September 20, 2009 8:51 PM
Let me get this straight, Pres. Bush and conservatives pushed forward their policies for 8 years. Obama gets 69 million votes on his pledge for "change" and yet he is supposed to listen to the polls and those who voted against him? Did Pres. Bush listened to polls while he was in office? I thought that was one of the things people liked about him, how he set forth with his agenda and didn't pay attention to the polls. Why should conservatives have any say in this? Did democrats have any say in Bush's foreign policies or domestic agenda? Didn't think so.
Posted by: Jose | September 20, 2009 9:16 PM
Anyone who says we don't need health insurance reform in this country has either been living under a rock or is completely self-absorbed and has never had the misfortune to have themselves or someone in the their family get ill and not be able to afford health coverage.
People should not have to forgo necessary medical treatment because they can't afford it. People should not have to worry about switching jobs or health insurance and not having pre-existing conditions covered. People should not have to quit their jobs due to medical conditions that prevent them from working that arent covered by insurance! I can't believe that everyone out there doesn't know someone who has had to deal with this.
At least Obama and the Democrats are trying to do something to help this situation! All I hear from Republicans is no, no, no, no - they don't want to help all Americans have adequate health care coverage.
Posted by: Katie | September 20, 2009 9:48 PM
The naivity of some of the comments from the people for a perfect world is hilarious.
"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
-- Dr. Adrian Rogers
Posted by: Gary | September 20, 2009 9:49 PM
Katie @ 9:48PM, you said "Anyone who says we don't need health insurance reform in this country has either been living under a rock or is completely self-absorbed..."
I think most people agree the system need fixing, but the problem is Obama is pushing an amputation and he wants to amputate now!. Why is he so bent on the government taking the system over?
And why isn't he focused on jobs now?? MILLIONS of people are out of work and the transition to his new system will be very disruptive to ALL businesses. So we can expect a good number of people to not get jobs because Obama is screwing with 1/7th of the economy while we are down.
So this is why many people are opposed to his plans. Hopefully, more people will be against it.
Posted by: Alz | September 20, 2009 10:14 PM
@DRB Acording to the Bible Jesus healed the poor for free. But as the richest most powerful nation on the earth, we refuse to do so. Where are all the pro life Jesus loving people?
Yea- Any Christian who works in any health care related profression should work for free!! Greedy nurses! Who are they to think they should be able to put food on their table and shoes on thier kids feet!
Posted by: Matt J | September 20, 2009 10:28 PM
I have challenged people in here to name a gov't run social program in here that meets the customers' needs and has come in lower than the original budget. So far no takers.
Posted by: Terry | September 20, 2009 10:38 PM
"Not breaking through" should be the people are finally figuring out what he's trying to do. Not supporting Obama policies is not a personal thing for him to fail. Not listening and using bogus claims that his opposition want him to fail personally will turn things personal because he's rallying the opposition with the same old tired rhetoric.
Posted by: John Kelly | September 20, 2009 10:43 PM
Kristin - Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know you were a socialist. Let me explain: right now, people have the FREEDOM to give to charities of their CHOICE...not to buy health care for other people. DUH.
Posted by: sara | September 20, 2009 10:59 PM
Kristin - Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know you were a socialist. Let me explain: right now, people have the FREEDOM to give to charities of their CHOICE...not to buy health care for other people. DUH.
Posted by: sara | September 20, 2009 11:00 PM
Of course healthcare needs reform. And of course the government should help craft the policy and regulations to do so. But they shouldn't be in the healthcare business, period. Or any business for that matter, there just not good at it. And, he knows about Acorn:
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NDZiMjkwMDczZWI5ODdjOWYxZTIzZGIyNzEyMjE0ODI=
Posted by: Scott | September 20, 2009 11:02 PM
In the past not too many Americans and legal residents were unaware of the happenings in Congress. Today instant contact is a way of life for anybody who has access to a computer. In 1986 other than the paper media, tv and radio gave any evidence of the Immigration Reform package and that was surely limited? The US population was isolated from the truth that was to befall them, after the Simpson/Mazzoli bill passed because the politicians hid the truth? 2 million guest workers were to be given citizenship, but the process became full of corruption and 5.3 million was eventually approved for blanket AMNESTY. Expeditiously the guest workers moved away from agriculture and joined the mainstream of workers. BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES ARE EQUALLY TO TAKE BLAME FOR THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OCCUPATION OF OUR NATION.
The people who picked the fruit and vegetables in the farms vanished, so that meant more floods of illegal workers to take the empty places. Today Obama wants to pass another miserable immigration reform bill, even though the main author Edward Kennedy insisted there would never be another path to citizenship. Millions of honest voter don't believe the rhetoric or lies that spill from the politicians anymore. Again behind closed drapes they have been having a secret summit, with little or no participation of the press or pro-sovereignty groups. When lawmakers declare no more Immigration reform than they better stick to their words. Both parties contain corrupt legislators who care nothing for the working man/women and are ready to present in the House and Senate a new immigration reform bill.
287 G, was a lifeline to train local police authorities to arrest and question people, but that may have seen the end of days. The no-match letter may also have been sold out, as well as ICE raids to pander to extremist groups such as La Raza. A recently released report by the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 42 states lost jobs last month with Indiana alone losing 9,500 jobs! With 15 million Americans out of work and most states continuing to lose jobs on a monthly basis, it is completely obnoxious that the United States hands out about 100,000 green cards each month! THIS IS NOT RACISM THIS IS ABOUT SURVIVAL!
President Obama is holding the reins, this time and already confusing the American people over health care. Joe Wilson was right to some degree about no mechanism in the health care package to identify illegal aliens. After the fact and bombarded by livid Americans they added amendments that would cut off all access. That why our legislators need to amplify the verification procedures, to remove foreign nationals from cheating the system.
I trust neither Sen. Harry Reid, House speaker Pelosi and all those who fumble along behind the major conspirators. Harry Reid's Nevada has hospitals in dire need of funds, because of the massive illegal alien population there. The same with California that's having release 20.000 prison inmates, because they were on the edge of bankruptcy, owing to indifferent assembly in Sacramento who allowed unfettered benefits to millions of illegal immigrant families feeding out of the waning state money trough.The businesses that draw them here, pay nothing to their living conditions. Those expenses are left to the taxpayers. Call your Senator or Representative at 202-224-3121 and demand no more Immigration Reform. If you want real facts find out about the corruption and other sinister issues at NUMBERSUSA & JUDICIAL WATCH. Only your irate voices will curtail another AMNESTY travesty and stop millions more arriving illegally in America?
Certainly I would like a Public option for some family members, but not if illegal aliens can benefit from US taxpayers paying the bill?
Posted by: Brittancus | September 20, 2009 11:15 PM
There is a perfectly logical reason why Obama is having trouble "not breaking through."
He is having the same problem a used car salesman has: trying to sell a product that people know is a sham and a lie. If the used car salesman tells you he has an old piece of junk for $100,000, and it will do 90 mpg, you laugh and move on. The same thing happens when Obama tells us that "illegal aliens aren't covered by the health care reform" and "it won't add one dime to the budget." There's two lies in two sentences, Obama.
Posted by: Anthony Riviera | September 21, 2009 12:59 AM
I know this is probably too simplistic, but couldn't this whole health insurance mess be solved if congress passed a bill that ensured the current health care companies do the following:
1) Can not turn anyone down for any reason.
2) Put a ceiling on the maximum amount of money any person could be charged per year.
3) Make it a law that insurance providers give the exact same plan to everyone.
Wouldn't this work? I know, I always see things too simply in my little world.
Dude Angus
Author
www.dudeangus.com
Posted by: Dude Angus | September 21, 2009 1:25 AM
I can tell the President why he is not breaking through but he doesn't want to hear it.
His Administration is corrupt. He is using "health care" to take away more money from Americans and allow his to decide how that money is to be spent for them. In addition, he will make sure that the money he takes from us will hold up the economy for the time being because he already stole most of our money and allowed Goldman Sachs and Soros to benefit from that money....and it needs to be replenished.
This is not about health care any more than "Cash for Clunkers" was about better air standards. It is all about money.
Confiscate tax payers money, then lend it back to them and charge them for using their own money.
Double taxed on every single dollar just from the Federal Government alone. Given the fact that creating jobs outside of government is not a priority, the amount of money coming in from tax payers will be less and less. But the money owed to government, based on the taxes confiscated in the early Obama programs, then lent back to people through college loans, Cash for Clunkers, Health Care, and govt jobs, will be taxed again.
Taxing our tax money for gov. Good old USSR...I mean USSA.
Now he is offering the media a buy out? If we don't watch it, read it, of pay for it ....WE DON'T WANT IT.
WE DON't WANT it because Obama has rendered every media organization worthless as far as getting real news and information. Only Fox attempts to get real news out.
The rest of the media are as sightless as Obama...they just don't "see" tea parties or they mock the real people of this country who pay for it all.
How do you think that will work out in the long run?
Attacking those who you are dependent on is hardly a smart move by the media or Obama.
Posted by: Libby | September 21, 2009 1:26 AM
Terry, name one For profit corporate enterprise that doesn't put the management and stockholders interests above the consumers. Then tell me why you want to entrust your healthcare to a for profit insurance company. If it comes down to some middle manager's bonus and raise, and your need for an expensive course of medical treatment, which do you think is going to win out?
Posted by: Larry | September 21, 2009 9:35 AM
Larry,
In order for a for profit corporate enterprise to meet the needs of its shareholders, it must meet the needs of its customers first or it is out of business.
Try again.
Posted by: Terry | September 21, 2009 11:26 AM
He's not breaking through because he's trying to sell the same old socialist vision of medicine. He was supposed to have assembled a cabinet of the "best minds". Some post are yet to be filled. He regurgitating the same old phony - it's our responsibility. Well,no it isn't. Medicine's as a whole? Maybe. Doctors doing Pro-bono? Maybe. Family of 6 barely getting by? No. Should the rich HAVE to pay for the less fortunate? No. Could we create incentives for them to? Yes. Could we find other creative ways to make sure THE REAL NUMBER OF LEGAL RESIDENTS UNABLE TO GET INSURANCE are cared for? You bet!
Posted by: Mark B. | September 21, 2009 12:46 PM
Terry-
Only in fantasy world is that true. Corrporations regularly work against the interests of their customers in order to increase profits. A few examples, Tobacco companies covering up that their products are deadly, Auto companies fighting against including safety features, chmeical companies polluting the ground water, banks providing loans to people they know cannot afford them, health insurance companies denying valid claims, health insurance companies denying needed procedures, health insurance companies dropping the coverage of the seriously ill. How many of those companies are out of business Terry? Does the fact that RJR sells their customers dearth hurt their profits? Are you really naive enough to believe that corporations and their management put the cutomer first? Do you really buy that corporate propaganda Terry? Are you really that foolish?
Posted by: Larry | September 21, 2009 12:52 PM
VISIT: www.ameritianity.com
See video and hear in their own words:
Obama says he wants a “Single Payer Healthcare System”
Obama on the failures of the US Constitution to “Redistribute Wealth”
Obama on Black Liberation Theology talking about “Whittie”
Alan Keyes warning about Obama being a “Communist”
Obama on wanting a “Military Style Police Force” inside the USA
From our readers:
I love this site because factual articles, links, statements are made. I try to post a link to this website for on every post i make on left-wing blog spots, hoping the messages here will wake them up and make them aware as to why they need Christ and to make them aware as to the damage Obama and Congress are causing our nation. God bless those at www.ameritianity.com Ken H. in Alabama 06/08/09
What a wonderful website. It needs to be broadcast for all to read. I am beginning to feel hope.So much of the anger, frustration, and defeat I have been experiencing is written on this site by others. I am beginning to feel there is hope , we will survive this mess, and triumph again, with Gods help. He had a reason for allowing this President to enter office. It was to wake us up and get us on our feet and working to restore this country to what it once was!!We need to understand that freedom isn’t free.
VISIT: www.ameritianity.com
Posted by: Ameritianity | September 21, 2009 1:11 PM
Larry,
If a company works against its customers, another business will come along and take them. Unless of course that business is gov't that has a monopoly on services and we can see what a beacon of effciency that is.
Funny you bring up in your examples banks making loans they could not afford. Why do you think a bank would do that when they know a high % of those loans will go belly-up? What would posess a businessman to do that? Could it be gov't prodding?
As far as the cigs, who do you think makes a bigger profit on the pack of cigs - the manufacturer or the gov't. Since cigs are so bad, ask you democratic Congressmna why they haven't been outlawed? The dirty secret is that the gov't is the bigger addict in this equation - addicted to the tax money.
Posted by: Terry | September 21, 2009 4:38 PM
That's right obamanation...And by the grace of God you NEVER WILL! You are a liar and a traitor to this great nation and we all are not stupid like you think! You are as transparent as glass!
Posted by: DENNIS MARKS | September 21, 2009 5:02 PM
Terry, do you think the bank managers may have approved the loans because their pay and bonuses were directly tied to the business they brought into the bank? They needed to make the numbers that their bosses expected them to make. If that meant making some bad loans, that wouldn't show up for years, so don't worry about it now if you are getting pressured by your CEO to meet certain goals. The CEO wants to meet thpose goals so that his pals on the Board of directors will give him his even bigger bonus. Does he care if the loans are good? Heck no. He has a massive golden parachute that will leave him wealthy even if the bank doesn't do well. That's why the banks took the loans Terry. Greed. Pay wasn't tied to results. It still isn't. Yet the right, and I'm sure you, defends the bonus culture at the big banks. They scream when anyone questions why the management of banks that are losing money should be paid bonuses.
The same thing happens in insurance companies. Employees are rewarded for denying coverage and finding reasons to rescind care to those who are sick.
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jun/17/business/fi-rescind17
Your response? De-regulate! Give the companies more power to screw their customers! Trust the company, they're on your side, right Terry? How terribly, terribly naive you are.
Posted by: Larry | September 21, 2009 6:35 PM
ummmm.....Pres Obey-Me just can't get it through his (rather large) head that we Americans DO hear and understand him....we just aren't buying what he's selling. Very, VERY dangerous to have such conceit in the White House....
Posted by: tino valenti | September 21, 2009 7:07 PM
Larry,
That is where it is the responsibility of the shareholders to hold the BOD accountable for constructing a bonus plan that is not tied to earnings. Sometime management should be held accounatble with their jobs for making bad loans - unless of course their hands were tied by gov't regulation that "encouraged" the banks to make these loans.
However, the ultimate accountability should be the shareholders by dumping the BOD or selling their shares.
Posted by: Terry | September 21, 2009 10:35 PM
Larry,
Speaking of banking fraud, the libs are leading the way
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE58K5A420090921?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true
Posted by: Terry | September 21, 2009 10:46 PM
Anyone that believes that the purpose of this health care scam is to help people, are being led down the primrose path and are going to be thrust into a big brier patch, yelling ouch! ouch! ouch!
Posted by: Jackie | September 21, 2009 11:15 PM
Will you please wake up, before you are awakened and you do not like what you are awakened to! Here is my plea, let’s end the Healthcare Reform cold war before it escalates because We the People want to make our own choices about our own Country let alone our healthcare coverage!! If our elected officials truly want us to have healthcare and that is truly their impetus for all of this travail, then they will not even think twice, but to allow us this personal freedom. The People are capable of writing a healthcare policy at the grassroots level where it should be written. We the People are intelligent, caring, loving, empathetic, and sympathetic and do have the heart of our Country as the good seed needed for a healthy Reform. Good seed planted in good American soil will yield only a healthy crop which truly is the best crop, but plant bad seed in barren, heartless soil, I dare say what kind of crop one might anticipate reaping. One sows what one reaps.
The only way to disarm what appears to be a cold war effort is to have a citizen based, green grassroots cooperative that only has the best interest and the true heart of We the People of the United States in mind and find what they truly want and put it to a vote for the People and by the People. Truly, it’s just that simple! Because what Universal Healthcare coverage sounds to the People is a GIGANTIC stepping stone or a portal to either socialization and or globalization. Truly, the People believe Universal healthcare is a euphemism for globalization. Stop! We the People of the United States do not want anything socialized or globalized! The People are not stepping stones to socialization which can quickly turn into the hedge for Communism. We are a Democracy and we will always be a Democracy and all that it stands for which is freedom of choice!
Socialization and globalization are the daydreams of those hungering and thirsting for wealth and power! Will you ask yourself, why does it take a lengthy document to explain healthcare? Sounds like a complicated war plan to keep the proxy, The People, in a state of confusion! It sounds like the perfect vehicle for a covert sabotage. Just think about it, how easy it is to place some simple lines of deceit in very complicated language that requires interpretation for the interpretation. The real impact of sign here, right now doesn’t appear in a few days, weeks, or months as the dust is settling, but one day it occurs and it isn’t as it was explained, but now it is too late. Then you will stop and think, and sadly realize, this is happening to me, this is happening to us.
Ask yourself this question: “What will the cause and effect be inasmuch as we witness daily so much of our citizenry fighting about everything and the growing tension within our borders is building and building yet this type of building is dismantling this country at its very foundation: the Constitution.” There are so many amendments and bills and so many ways for interpretation that the interpretation needs to be clearly interpreted. All that this beautiful country has built and created and stood for since its foundation seems to be falling apart or weakening and we ask why! Because we all want what we want in our own way no matter what the cost might be and we want it right here, and right now! Do we ever think what the cost might be down the road? Think what we will pay in interest and think about that in exponential terms, throw in the fine print of a contract and growth and decay of what you are buying and what do you end up with in the end? Stand up before it’s too late as we are talking about the health of our country!
Posted by: T Strom | September 22, 2009 1:10 AM
HYMN TO A WELFARE STATE
The government is my shepherd.
Therefore, I need not work.
It alloweth me to lie down on a good job.
It leadeth me beside still factories.
It destroyeth my initiative.
Yea though I walk through the valley of laziness
and unnecessary deficit spending.
I will fear no evil, for the government is with me.
It promiseth an economic Utopia for me by
appropriating the earnings of my own grandchildren.
It filleth my head with false security;
My inefficiency runneth over.
Surely the government will care for me all the days
of my life!
And I shall dewell in a fool's paradise forever.
Posted by: Tommy | September 22, 2009 2:14 AM
Well Terry it's pretty obvious that shareholders have failed miserably in that job isn't it? But do you blame them fior anything? Nope, It's all the fault of government regulations. That fact is that the market, and the companies did not adequately regulate themselves. Are you going to trust the shareholders of an insurance company to protect you against the management of that company Terry? Do you really think the shareholders of the insurance companies care if the company actively works to drop people who have become seriously ill?
Posted by: Larry | September 22, 2009 7:33 AM
You know, usually it's seen as a big deal to have the President on TV doing an interview. President Obama is overexposing himself, and people are growing weary. Any time Bush or Clinton held such an interview, I tuned in to watch, but I didn't watch a single Sunday interview with Obama -- it's just not a big deal to see him on TV anymore.
Posted by: Brad | September 22, 2009 10:26 AM
Larry,
If the shareholders have failed miserably, then the price of their investment goes down (unless of course they get bailed out).
Yes I will trust the shareholders of the insurance company - it is their company, not your company, not my company, and not the gov'ts company. If mgmt starts dropping clients for short-term profits, the company will lose customers in the long run and the investment will suffer.
Have you ever taken any buisness classes?
Posted by: Terry | September 22, 2009 11:03 PM
Terry, the insurance company won't lose clients. You know why? Because YOU don't choose your insurance company, the company you work for does. Guess what Terry? Your company is focused on the bottom line too. If an insurance company with a reputation for dropping clients makes the lowest cost proposal for your company's insurance coverage, your company will take it in a heartbeat, because it will make the companies books look better, your CEO will get a bigger bonus, and the share holders will all be happy as clams while your coverage is being dropped when you get cancer.
That's the real world, not the theoretical world of MBA classes and corporate propaganda about how much they care about you. Do you ever read a newspaper? You should. It would help cure your amazing naivete about the business world and how it really runs.
Posted by: Larry | September 23, 2009 10:17 AM
Larry,
I would agree that insurance companies should not be able to drop sick customers.
Having said that, from a free market point of view, corporations will lose employees if their health insurance (part of overall compensation fails them)fails their needs.
As for reading newspapers, I read the WSJ and IBD daily.
Why is it trust the gov't running your life? Back to my original question, which you never answered - Name the one social program that the gov't has run to the benefit of its customers and below its original budget?
Posted by: Terry | September 23, 2009 6:49 PM
Terry, try reading a paper that isn't completely pro-corporation sometime. Challenge yourself. Try to learn, rather than just absorbing more corporate propaganda about how much big companies really care about you and your interests. I know it's scary, after all you might just find out that your whole life is built around a myth, You might find out that you've been slaving away to make others rich, others who would toss you aside without a second thought. You might find out that companies are continually cutting the healthcare that their employees (non-executives of course) recieve without concern about what happens to them. You might find out that corporations do horrible things with no consequences at all, none from the market, none from shareholders. You won't find that out by only reading two newspapers dedicated to being cheerleaders for corporations. When was the last time you read an expose about a corporation harming the public or their employees in one of those papers Terry? Do you suppose that's because corporations never do that, or is it because they are biased? Has either of those papers reported about insurance companies dropping the seriously ill? Have they helped the market regulate itself by exposing the flaws of the free market? Or do they just feed you your "It's all the governments fault. Deregulate, deregulate!" nonsense?
It's time to be an adult Terry and to stop believeing that the Corporate Santa Clauses are going to take care of you.
I havde no illusions that government programs are perfect, as you do about corporations and the free market. I have no illusions that the government is wwithout flaw, and wholly dedicated to my interests like you do about corporate management. I do know that I at least have a means of of affecting how the government behaves, what it's policies are, and who is calling the shots. Can you say that about the market and the corporations you so dearly love? No, instead you show your pride in being the pawn of corporations that you cannot control. You don't want to control them, you are happy to let them control you. It's sad really.
Posted by: Larry | September 23, 2009 10:44 PM
Larry,
Since you can't name a gov't social program that has met the customers' needs and came in below budget, then why should we turn 1/6 of the American economy over to them?
The gov't will either fail miseraby at providing health care or the $9,000,000,000,000 deficit will grow bigger - which we can't afford.
My work is done here.
Posted by: Terry | September 24, 2009 6:50 AM