by Mark Silva
President Barack Obama is not giving up on that "public option."
Adressing a Labor Day picnic of the AFL-CIO in Cincinnati today, Obama stuck to the framework of a health-care insurance overhaul that he has been promoting all year:
""I see reform where Americans and small businesses that are shut out of health insurance today will be able to purchase coverage at a price they can afford,'' Obama told the AFL-CIO. "Where they'll be able to shop and compare in a new health insurance exchange-a marketplace where competition and choice will continue to hold down cost and help deliver them a better deal. And I continue to believe that a public option within the basket of insurance choices would help improve quality and bring down costs.''
Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, acknowledged today that opponents are advancing legislation without a public option but said the White House will be looking to draw elements from all the legislation out there this fall.
"Having an option, government option, public option, that provides increased choice and competition and that provides a check on insurance companies, the president continues to believe is an important part of this proposal,' Gibbs told reporters today.
The president, who will address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night, made it clear today that he views the coming legislative season as a window that cannot be lost for reforms that people have been seeking for decades.
"Now, I'll have a lot more to say about this Wednesday night, and I don't want to give it all away. But let me just say this. We've been fighting for quality, affordable health care for every American for nearly a century-since Teddy Roosevelt. The Congress and the country have been engaged in a vigorous debate for many months. And debate is good, because we have to get this right. But in every debate there comes a time to decide, a time to act. And Ohio, that time is now.
"We've never been this close,'' he said. "We've never had such broad agreement on what needs to be done. And because we're so close to real reform, the special interests are doing what they always do-trying to scare the American people and preserve the status quo.
"But I've got a question for them: What's your answer? What's your solution?'' the president asked of his opponents. "The truth is, they don't have one. It's do nothing.
"And we know what that future looks like. Insurance companies raking in the profits while discriminating against people because of pre-existing conditions and denying or dropping coverage when you get sick. It means you're never negotiating about higher wages, because you're spending all your time just protecting the benefits you already have.
"It means premiums continuing to skyrocket three times faster than your wages. More families pushed into bankruptcy. More businesses cutting more jobs. More Americans losing their health insurance-14,000 every day. And it means more Americans dying every day just because they don't have insurance.
"But that's not the future I see for America. I see reform where we bring stability and security to folks who have insurance today. Where you never again have to worry about going without coverage-if you lose your job, change your job or get sick. Where there is a cap on your out-of-pocket expenses, so you don't have to worry that a serious illness will break you and your family. Where you never again have to worry that you or someone you love will be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
"I see reform where Americans and small businesses that are shut out of health insurance today will be able to purchase coverage at a price they can afford,'' Obama told the AFL-CIO. "Where they'll be able to shop and compare in a new health insurance exchange-a marketplace where competition and choice will continue to hold down cost and help deliver them a better deal. And I continue to believe that a public option within the basket of insurance choices would help improve quality and bring down costs.
"I see reform where we protect our senior citizens by closing the gaps in their Medicare prescription coverage that costs millions of older Americans thousands of dollars every year out of their own pockets; reforms that will preserve Medicare and put it on a sounder financial footing by cutting waste and fraud and the hundreds of billions of dollars in unwarranted public subsidies to an already profitable insurance industry.
"I want a health insurance system that works as well for the American people as it does for the insurance industry. They should be free to make a profit. But they also have to be fair. They also have to be accountable.
"Security and stability for folks who have health insurance. Help for those who don't-the coverage they need at a price they can afford.
"Finally bringing costs under control. That's the reform we need.
"That's the reform we're fighting for. And that's why it's time to do what's right for America's working families. To put aside the partisanship. To come together as a nation. To pass health insurance reform now-this year.''
Comments
"Believe it will help_
Obama and the unions are the main reason unemployment is so great, helping to push the jobs out of the country.
Posted by: Inky | September 7, 2009 6:01 PM
Mr. BO,
Here is the opposition's plan:
Health care reform should have at least the following:
Individuals should be able to deduct their health care costs from their taxes just like corporations
Health Savings Account should be encouraged.
Barriers between states shoudl be removed. Therefore, more competition becomes available for the individuals. So if someone doesn't want a specific item covered, they should be able to buy an insurance policy w/o it. For example, in the link below you will see that state of Alaska has mandatory coverage of Alcholism in its health insuarnec, while the state of Arizaona does not. If someone from Alask wants to opt out of that coverage, they should have the choice and take that risk.
http://www.cahi.org/cahi_contents/resources/pdf/HealthInsuranceMandates2008.pdf
Tort Reform - There needs to be a loser pay system and a cap on attorney's fees from the settlement. The settlement should go to the victinmized patient, not the trial lawyer.
Health Insurance should be portable and not deny pre-existing conditions.
For those that truly can't afford health insurance, vouchers s/b issued so private insurance can be bought.
the last thing that s/b done is expand gov't as the provider of health insurance. Since there isn't one gov't run program that has satisfied the customer and stayed below its original cost estimate. Not a single one!!!
You are welcome for the advice and I won't even request becoming one of your dozen czars.
P.S. - Silva, thanks for doing some work on this Labor Day.
Posted by: Terry | September 7, 2009 7:38 PM
President is entitled to the health bill he wants.
First popularly elected president with a substantial margin of victory in 25 years.
Coattails for days.
Like any new president in first year, he is entitled to the tax rates he wants in the tax bill he wants.
He is also entitled to the big domestic bill he wants.
Additional bonus for this particular president:
he is entitled to the emergency economic legislation he wants because economy was sliding off the cliff.
Any Democrat not voting for his bills should be punished n ways that would make Cheney squirm.
Posted by: ornery | September 7, 2009 8:03 PM
Throw The PUBLIC OPTION Obstructionist Out!
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.
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!!
We have the 37th worst quality of healthcare in the developed world. And the most costly. Costing over twice as much as every other county. Conservative estimates are that over 120,000 of you dies each year in America from treatable illness that people in other developed countries don't die from. Rich, middle class, and poor a like. Insured and uninsured. Men, women, children, and babies. This is what being 37th in quality of healthcare means.
I know that many of you are angry and frustrated that REPUBLICANS! In congress are dragging their feet and trying to block TRUE healthcare reform. What republicans want is just a taxpayer bailout of the DISGRACEFUL GREED DRIVEN PRIVATE FOR PROFIT health insurance industry, and the DISGRACEFUL GREED DRIVEN PRIVATE FOR PROFIT healthcare industry. A trillion dollar taxpayer funded private health insurance bailout is all you really get, without a robust government-run public option available on day one. Co-OP's ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A GOVERNMENT-RUN PUBLIC OPTION. They are a fraud being pushed by the GREED DRIVEN PRIVATE FOR PROFIT health insurance industry that is KILLING YOU!
YOU CANT HAVE AN INSURANCE MANDATE WITHOUT A ROBUST PUBLIC OPTION. MANDATING PRIVATE FOR PROFIT HEALTH INSURANCE AS YOUR ONLY CHOICE WOULD BE A DISASTER. AND UNETHICAL, CORRUPT, AND MORALLY REPUGNANT. AND PROBABLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL AS WELL.
These industries have been slaughtering you and your loved ones like cattle for decades for profit. Including members of congress and their families. These REPUBLICANS are FOOLS!
Republicans and their traitorous allies have been trying to make it look like it's President Obama's fault for the delays, and foot dragging. But I think you all know better than that. President Obama inherited one of the worst government catastrophes in American history from these REPUBLICANS!
But Republicans think you are just a bunch of stupid, idiot, cash cows with short memories. Just like they did under the Bush administration when they helped Bush and Cheney rape America and the rest of the World.
But you don't have to put up with that. And this is what you can do. The Republicans below will be up for reelection on November 2, 2010. Just a little over 13 months from now. And many of you will be able to vote early. So pick some names and tell their voters that their representatives (by name) are obstructing TRUE healthcare reform. And are sellouts to the insurance and medical lobbyist.
Ask them to contact their representatives and tell them that they are going to work to throw them out of office on November 2, 2010, if not before by impeachment, or recall elections.
There are many resources on the internet that can help you find people to call and contact. For example, many social networking sites can be searched by state, city, or University. Be inventive and creative. I can think of many ways to do this.These are your neighbors. And most will want to help.
I know there are a few democrats that have been trying to obstruct TRUE healthcare reform too. But the main problem is the Bush Republicans. Removing them is the best thing tactically to do. On the other hand. If you can easily replace a democrat obstructionist with a supportive democrat, DO IT!
You have been AMAZING!!! people. Don't loose heart. You knew it wasn't going to be easy. :-)
God Bless You
jacksmith — Working Class
Twitter search (#welovethenhs) Check it out.
Krugman on heathcare (http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/25/why-markets-cant-cure-healthcare/)
Republican Senators up for re-election in 2010.
* Richard Shelby of Alabama
* Lisa Murkowski of Alaska
* John McCain of Arizona
* Mel Martinez of Florida
* Johnny Isakson of Georgia
* Mike Crapo of Idaho
* Chuck Grassley of Iowa
* Sam Brownback of Kansas
* Jim Bunning of Kentucky
* David Vitter of Louisiana
* Kit Bond of Missouri
* Judd Gregg of New Hampshire
* Richard Burr of North Carolina
* George Voinovich of Ohio
* Tom Coburn of Oklahoma
* Jim DeMint of South Carolina
* John Thune of South Dakota
* Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas
* Bob Bennett of Utah
Posted by: jacksmith | September 7, 2009 9:40 PM
The best health care system in the world is controlled by the U.S. military, is completely socialized and overseen by the United States government.
And, to think the people of the United States cannot do as well for our general population is ludicrous.
But, ludicrous we are: Here, we send billions upon billions in war profits to the pockets of the military/industrialists. Billions more go to Israel to buy weapons from the same war profiteers while Israelis build "settlements" on disputed land certain to create more profits for the same merchants.
Oh yes, plenty of loot for war profiteers; however, no dollars for our general population when it comes to universal health care.
We could prohibit war profits and use the savings to end the needless loss of 20,000 Americans each year for lack of health care; but, Republicans won't allow that. Will you?
Posted by: Steve Swimmer | September 7, 2009 10:12 PM
ornery -- you WERE kidding, right? Please tell me you were...
Posted by: beth | September 7, 2009 10:13 PM
Hey Bozo, how you gonna pay for it?
If you wish to unbalance the “How do we pay for it?” detractors, as an option when in heavy disagreement, use the following Hosea Williams’ Civil Rights teaching:
Dr. King’s favored Field Lieutenant, our friend, Rev. Hosea Williams taught us: Early on, Dr. Abernathy, Dr. King, he and others, in the Civil Rights inner circle could see the horrific consequences the Vietnam war poured on the Poor. As their thoughts evolved, it became clear: war profits motivated the carnage. Studying the economic beneficiaries (follow the money) of war profits showed an endless flowing of Federal dollars; quietly funneled to an influential wealthy few. Here, poor folks suffer immeasurably while rich military/industrialist along with their ilk, without compunction and with complete impunity, slop up blood soaked dollars by the barrel full.
Rev. Williams would go on to teach: A Civil Rights consensus was developing whereby war profits must be prohibited in order to stop this primary war generator. Without war profit: dollars wasted on war would be utilized for health care, education and other constructive measures.
An assassin’s deadly aim ended this philosophical train of thought for many years. However, just before Rev. Williams left us to again be Dr. King’s Lieutenant, he gave us this answer for ending war for profit.
Amendment XXVIII
Sec. 1. War profit is hereby prohibited.
Sec. 2. Congress will enforce this article with strong legislation.
Tell the detractors: “Together we can ease health costs with war profit savings.” Here, truth will stymie the doubters to the point of distraction.
Not even a conservative Republican can justify war profit over health care.
Posted by: Steve Swimmer | September 7, 2009 10:15 PM
Ornery with the that words liberals just adore "entitled". I guess you need that reminder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dVo3nbLYC0
Posted by: Terry | September 7, 2009 10:41 PM
Unions are the reason for the unemployment in this country !!? What have you been sniffing, The Bush&Cheney fringe !!? I have read your whack-job, posts before, but this one comes right out of the liar's poker manual ! Your Princes, Bush&Cheney, gave us these criminal unemployment numbers. Their legacy to America, after they slinked off into the moonlight !! Don't listen to those giant heads, Beck and Limpbag, they will just fill that vacuum you got between your ears with more lies !! Try thinking, and thinking for yourself and I know you'll be feeling much better !! Give President Obama and Vice-President Biden a chance, you may agree with their policies before they have completed their terms in Office.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | September 7, 2009 11:18 PM
It's time for the Swamp, the Chicago Tribune, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, NYTimes, LA Times et al. to close their doors. If they don’t report both sides of a national debate, why are they in business?
Posted by: Bruce | September 7, 2009 11:25 PM
Terry- All great ideas and Obama claims no one has any other ideas. Your points have been brought out numerous times over the past 2-3 months by opponents of Obamas & congresses plan. Obama has said they don't have any ideas, which is a bald face lie. HE just doesn't want to hear it. The American people do not trust this president. He has over-reached and Americans are waking up, that he wants it's his way, or no way. Chicago style politic at its best.
THATS why, Mr jacksmith, that the true, TRUE polling numbers show that 60% DO NOT WANT government run healthcare "option" (option, ha, those who say option haven't read this bill very carefully).
Does the AARP poll also mention that their members have been dropping their membership with them in droves? They are not being honest with their membership, either.
Posted by: MAJMark | September 7, 2009 11:54 PM
If obama sticks with the "public option" ... he's toast.
Doctors are telling their patients how it will bring down the greatest healthcare system in the world and the patients don't want it, so it won't happen...bet on it.
Obama works for us, not the left wing communist base he adores and loves.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | September 8, 2009 1:53 AM
Why A Strong Public Option Is Essential - By jacksmith — Working Class
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!
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
Senator Bernie Sanders on healthcare (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSM8t_cLZgk&feature=player_embedded)
Posted by: jacksmith | September 8, 2009 2:17 AM
@jacksmith
Thanks for the wall of text cut and paste hack job.
Does anyone really think that republicans are the obstacle to a government option? NPR's Mara Liasson pointed out that there are no liberal Democrats who will lose their seats if the public option is left out, while there are many moderate Democrats who could lose their seats if the public option is included. The public option is dead. And there's only 45 votes, at best in the Senate, way short of the 60 needed for a filibuster proof majority. There's always reconciliation, you say? Gut the bill, hope to pass non budgetary items later? Lol, bring it on...by that time you could blame the republicans, because they'd have control.
Posted by: Matt J | September 8, 2009 7:13 AM
Does anyone really think that republicans are the obstacle to a government option?
Posted by: Matt J | September 8, 2009 7:13 AM
No it was the death panel. It certainly wasn't the truth.
Posted by: bill r. | September 8, 2009 7:43 AM
OK, any Democrats who don't support Obama's bill won't be waterboarded.
They'll just be sleep deprived and made to listen to recordings of Newt Ginger's speechs played 24/7.
Posted by: ornery | September 8, 2009 8:02 AM
"ornery": Are you serious? "President is entitled to the health bill he wants". Since when did we elect a dictator? Is that still true if his popularity falls below 50%? Are there any limits or is this just for health care? What if his "want" is to eliminate health insurance all together? Would he still be entitled to get what "he wants" or does that only apply if what "he wants" is what you want?
That statement is indefensible. You might want to withdraw it.
Rick
Posted by: Rick Caird | September 8, 2009 8:09 AM
"bill r": You say "No it was the death panel. It certainly wasn't the truth".
How do you reconcile that with England, in fact, doing exactly that:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6127514/Sentenced-to-death-on-the-NHS.html
I am astonished to see you think that the US will end up with none of the problems with the health care system in Canada, France, and England. We will end up with exactly the same problems because the politicians are in control.
Rick
Posted by: Rick Caird | September 8, 2009 8:14 AM
" jacksmith": What is stunning is your source of the cut and paste leaves off a reference to the polls you cite. I have looked at the first poll and it is useless. It asks a couple of very generic questions and then attempts to extrapolate support from there. It is worthless.
The AARP is the same. You will notice AARP is losing membership because of its push for any national health care plan. It's membership does not want that.
So, give us the references to the polls and I will be happy to tear them apart for you.
Posted by: Rick Caird | September 8, 2009 8:18 AM
Obama says his opponents do not have a plan. Actually, they do. It's Obama who does not and never has had a plan. He has never produced anything except platitudes and support for the Pelosi extremist public option (government control) plan which he admitted he hadn't read and did not know the details. Only 15 percent of Americans do not have health insurance. A plan? Extend Medicaid to cover those who cannot (NOT "will not") pay for insurance; all interstate insurance companies to produce competetition and lower prices; introduce tort reform (which Democrats abhor) that also would reduce prices. Simple as one-two-three.
Posted by: Hamilton | September 8, 2009 8:19 AM
If you support a strong public option, call, write, blog repeatedly. End all contact with "NO PUBLIC OPTION" "NO DEAL". We want a collective identity that they think about and dream of every day.
Posted by: polly jones | September 8, 2009 9:14 AM
t's time for the Swamp, the Chicago Tribune, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, NYTimes, LA Times et al. to close their doors. If they don’t report both sides of a national debate, why are they in business?
Posted by: Bruce | September 7, 2009 11:25 PM
For sure ABC and The Chicago Tribune are nothing but mouthpieces for Obama's Socialism.
Posted by: Inky | September 8, 2009 9:21 AM
It seems Jim Greer, the lame republican from Florida had no problem himself going to school to preach HIS agenda. It takes guts and a ton of hypocricy to make his claims.
The insanity continues.
Posted by: bill r. | September 8, 2009 9:58 AM
Let me get this straight, Obama’s health care plan will be written by a committee whose head says he doesn’t understand it, passed by a Congress that hasn’t read it, and whose members are exempt from it, signed by a President who smokes in secret, funded by a Treasury Chief who did not pay his taxes, overseen by a Surgeon General who is obese, and financed by a country that is broke.
What could possibly go wrong?
Posted by: Chris | September 8, 2009 10:47 AM
Attention, all of you, of the Bush&Cheney fringe !! You omitted a most important fact: Your Princes, Bush&Cheney, caused this mess !! Although, I can always count on the Bush&Cheney fringe, to present only their facts, which, of course, always distorts the truth !! Let's go and look for some WMDs or shall we celebrate " Mission Accomplished " !!? We would have more success on that fishing expedition, than we would discussing seriously, any of the questions that confront America and, therefore, President Obama, presently !! The Fringe doesn't want President Obama to succeed and they will spend all the money the Corps are willing to throw at them, in order to prevent President Obama and his administration from success !! What a sorry bunch of people, living in America and taking up space !! Where is HUAC, when you need them !!??
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | September 8, 2009 1:21 PM
Terry,
Why couldn't you Repiglicans come up w/ Health Care reform during the Bush years when 6 of 8 years you controlled all 3 branches??? Could it possibly be because your party was more interested in Terry Schiavo and tax cuts????? You folks don't give rat turds about the uninsured. Admit it!
Posted by: simply the truth | September 8, 2009 2:00 PM
Chris, you rock!!!!
Posted by: Corey | September 8, 2009 2:48 PM
Republicans:
* Republicans approve of the American farmer, but they are willing to help him go broke.
* They stand four-square for the American home-- but not for housing.
* They are strong for labor-- but they are stronger for restricting labor's rights.
* They favor minimum wage--the smaller the minimum wage the better.
* They endorse educational opportunity for all--but they won't spend money for teachers or for schools.
* They think modern medical care and hospitals are fine-- for people who can afford them.
* They consider electrical power a great blessing--but only when the private power companies get their rake-off.
* They think American standard of living is a fine thing--so long as it doesn't spread to all the people.
* And they admire of Government of the United States so much that they would like to buy it.
- Harry S. Truman
Posted by: Planet Wingnuttia | September 8, 2009 4:11 PM
Don Fitzgerald "Your Princes, Bush&Cheney, caused this mess !! Although, I can always count on the Bush&Cheney fringe, to present only their facts, which, of course...blah blah blah blah blah"
Guess what, Republicans never want socialized healthcare.
This is Obamas show. This is Obama debacle. This is Obamas disaster.
So get used to this fact.
Posted by: MAJMark | September 8, 2009 6:01 PM
Check out "Twenty Minutes with the President" by Charlie Sheen at infowars.com
Posted by: Frank | September 8, 2009 6:21 PM
Simpleton,
You can't even get the "truth" correct in your own statement "during the Bush years when 6 of 8 years you controlled all 3 branches".
Dimwit - the GOP did not controll all three branches (Execustive, House, and Senate) during the first six years. Google Jim Jeffords and see what you find.
The GOP couldn't have passed a market oriented solution to healthcare, since they had no where near the 60 votes in the Senate.
Posted by: Terry | September 8, 2009 6:57 PM
If Stephen Hauking had been English he would be dead! period..
Posted by: Bushman | September 8, 2009 9:53 PM
If Stephen Hauking had been English he would be dead! period..
.
Posted by: Bushman | September 8, 2009 9:53 PM
.
Who is Stephen Hauking? I mean, I've heard of Stephen Hawking, the famed theoretical physicist who is almost entirely paralyzed from muscular dystrophy / amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). But you couldn’t be talking about him. He is English and still very much alive.
Posted by: John W. | September 8, 2009 10:26 PM
Yes, I meant the part about President's entitlement to bills he wants in his first year in office.
I was kidding about waterboarding Dems who fail to support him.
They should just be challenged in primaries and denied re-election.
Obama's election was historic.
Elections have consequences.
Those who were elected on his coattails owe him big time.
Programs he campaigned on--he's entitled to those bills in the first year in office.
Because, lest you forget, he WON.
Decisively.
In such circumstances such a President is entitled to Congressional deference and passage of a significant part of his program. Also, if he wants to raise taxes on the rich, as Obama does, or lower taxes on the rich, as Reagan did, he's entitled to that legislation.
After the first year, well.......
we'll see.
Don't hold your breath for a Jebidiah/Sarah victory in 2012, however.
Rather, just ask yourself: who could get up on a platform and debate the President?
No one.
That's all.
Posted by: ornery | September 8, 2009 11:25 PM
"ornery": You said (again) "Yes, I meant the part about President's entitlement to bills he wants in his first year in office." Then we can dispense with the legislature for the the first year of a President's term since it is merely a rubber stamp. Does that also apply to the first year of the second term? The President did just win an election, you know. How do you like your Social Security private accounts.
I am glad to see you reaching for purity in the ranks. I believe there are about 50 "Blue Dogs" in the House. By all means, replace them with "true blue" candidates. But, say goodbye to the Pelosi majority. You might even manage to say goodbye to the Reid majority. I heartily approve of your push for purity.
Obama did not campaign on a single payer health care system. In fact, he was, as usual, very non specific and only advocated a few, unspecified "common sense" changes. If Obama had had specified only a few of his positions during the general election, there would be no way he could have won. He won by misleading the electorate. That will not happen forh him again.
Finally, lots of people could easily debate Obama. Prior to this last election, he barely had a record. He had nothing to defend. Now he has to defend not only the weak positions he has taken, but the very fact he has shown no leadership, unless you want to count the way to many speeches as leadership. Obama's first, and only, instinct is to give a campaign speech.
Rick
Posted by: Rick Caird | September 9, 2009 2:59 PM
Rick, it is true that Obama did not campaign on single payer. However it is also true that the currently debated plans are NOT single payer, and Obama has made it very clear that single payer is NOT on the table. So what's the problem?
Posted by: Mike | September 9, 2009 5:36 PM
" Mike": I think if you listen tonight, Obama will say that he would like a public option which leads inevitably to a single payer system. It leads that way because as part of the public option, Congress will set uniform requirements for health insurance plans (one size fits all) and then subsidize the public option making it less expensive that private options.
Rick
Posted by: Rick Caird | September 9, 2009 6:21 PM
Pres Obama: Drop your gov run Public Options Plan and in general listen to the people vs inventing your own solutions. Your popularity isn't improving and will degrade significantly with the policies you are proposing!
Posted by: C B Terry | September 25, 2009 1:26 PM