Hatch: House's health care going Postal

Out of the tens of thousands of times I've used the US Postal Service, I can only think of a few times when they failed to perform to my expectations.
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Out of the one hundred times I've used my health insurance, I can think of several dozen times when it failed totally.
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I'll take the USPS any day when compared to private insurance companies.

This soda jerk from Utah, Senator Hatch can joke about the general public's healthcare, in spite of the some deaths, due to the greed of these Corporations. How unfortunate for one, who is getting free coverage from the taxpayers of America, on his " government run " healthcare !! What a sorry joke, he turned out to be !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

As the follow-up to Speaker Pelosi's victory on health care I would hope that she introduces legislation that will document and implement the 500 billion dollars in savings that will be realized in eliminating fraud, waste and abuse in Medicare.

It will be interesting that if the Democrats in Washington will follow up on this promise to the American people. I doubt that they will!

Why won't members of congress include themselves and their families in this bill? Why do they get to keep their Rolls Royce coverage while they dictate what we will get?

Ask your reps if they voted in favor of being included and if not, why not.

If the House Bill passes the Senate with the Public Option in it the United States will have Socialized Medicine. Will the quality of health care in this country go down? The Private Health Insurance Companies will never be able to compete with a government subsidized Health Insurance Program. The U.S. Government controls the printing press and the will just build up a Trillion Dollar Deficit Plus to pay for the program. The American worker and people that actually pay taxes will be hit with the bulk of this new entitlement through higher taxes. . And more people, those that work in the Health Insurance Industry, will be thrown out of work. Where are the new jobs going to come from for those new unemployed workers? Anybody out there that thinks this new Health Entitlement is going to be free also mush believe in Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny.

The post office is a money losing operation, that has not been an innovator in new products and services. It is mired in the past and has to be dragged kicking and screaming into the modern age.

Did you know that as email usage increased and first class mail declined, the post office thought it was a good thing to try and tax email to support their losses?

I love it when politicians talk about "the real world".

BC
You're comparing postal service with the MUCH MORE complicated health insurance services? Why not compare the U.S. Post Office with FedX or UPS?

This is all I've been reading - a mealy mouthed apples to oranges debate.

A government health insurance system won't affect your private health insurance. Oh really? What if my employer decides now that it's cheaper and less of a headache to drop private coverage and have you go on the government plan? In other words, government, through legislation mandate, can affect the private health industry. Imagine COMPETING with a governing body that regulates your business. Doesn't sound fair. Does it?

Has the gov't ever run a social service program that has met its customers' needs and come in under budget?

The $9,000,000,000,000 BO deficit is about to go higher.

Keep an eye on this if the bill becomes law.

http://www.usdebtclock.org/

Nice sentiment but really?????

Out of the tens of thousands of times I've used the US Postal Service, I can only think of a few times when they failed to perform to my expectations.
'
Out of the one hundred times I've used my health insurance, I can think of several dozen times when it failed totally.
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I'll take the USPS any day when compared to private insurance companies.

Posted by: BC | November 9, 2009 9:51 AM

Mr. Apple - meet Mr. Orange!

Delivering mail vs. health care?? are you serious?

Let's take a look at another analogy proposed by this grand Legislature. How about the Billions in waste at Medicare? Now there's a fine government run system that they claim is frought with waste. If that's the case, then how will another government run health program be any more efficient?

So, you would rather trust the USPS with your mail, that's OK. Do you trust the other government run programs like Medicare with your health care??

Another point not mentioned by the "Yes We Can" people is this, most every senior citizen on Medicare (including my parents) have to have suplimental insurance to cover all the things Medicare does not cover. Those who will be forced to take the government provided care package will also have to have supplimental insurance to cover all the things the government plan will not cover.

Now think about this little factiod! Did you notice that AARP has come out to endorse the House plan and is also pushing most of the Senate plan? Can you figure out why? they sell supplimental insurance policies to all those Senior - Members or at least push it to them. AARP is in business to make money off senior citizens folks.

We already have for-profit insurance companies standing between me and my doctors. I would rather have a non-profit entity (the gov't) rationing my healthcare, than a for-profit insurance company rationing my healthcare-- which is what we have now.

If I was actually going to be paying for insurance and the insurance offering was what I could get through my work, or a government option such as what is offered through medicare. I'd pay for private insurance, even if the government option was cheaper. It would only be until the private option was too unaffordable, or if I was enemployed would I opt for a government option. I work for the government and what I can't understand is why the government can't mandate the current federal insurance contracts to accept an unemployed/uninsured american at the same rates a federal employee was offered, or threatened to drop the plan from the federal option. The insurers would lose most of their business if the government dropped them. I will add, for those that think the federal government insurance plans are cadillac plans, they are good, but not cadillac. In fact, I use my husband's company's insurance plan, because its better.

It's hilarious that the GOP are saying that a public option will drive the private insurers out of business. The GOP have always said that government run operations are less effective than private business, being the rationale for outsourcing. If the big insurers can't compete against a government option, that speaks volumes about their own inability to compete on a cost basis. If the other limited-player industries were in the same boat. they'd laugh off concerns about competing against government. Think about what Caterpillar. Case or Deere would say if the gov't announced a government run heavy equipment manufacturing business -- likely "bring it on!"

The Medicare funding and fraud problem is based in the private sector's belief and endorsement of the fee for service model of reimbursement. Overhaul the reimbursementmethodology and return medicine to doctors and patients and cost issues will disappear. No more unnecessary tests or services intended only to drive up reimbursements to megaclinics. No more Medicare fraud or abuse. Anyone interested in pushing for single payer health reforms should email me at policywonkgal@yahoo.com. It's time for the majority of voters in this country to march on Washington and let the Senate know that we want a public plan in our health care package. Srew those who blather on about why it won't work when their only allegiance is to the money lining their pockets that is being place there by the lobbyistst from the health insurance industry. And to all those workers who will lose their jobs when the health insurance industry fails....you will all be in a position to apply for the government jobs that will open up in health care. Plus those jobs will probably pay better and offer you better job security than the insurance industry ever did!

Dear Boy George,

You do know that Medicare is frought with Billions in waste, right? According to president Obama and his team, eliminating this waste will be the financial boon to pay for the upcoming government run health care plan. That and taxes on "Cadillac" insurance plans, fines on individual's for not having health insurance and fines on small businesses for not providing health insurance to their employees.

I assume then that of course you know this and that's just fine because they are a non-profit entity, albeit filled with corruption and waste? We're still waiting for them to produce a "list" and monetary savings based on their findings of waste but then, these things obviously take more time to put together than 2,000 pages of wonk.
It's easier to say there is Billions in waste in a government run program and that will support this take over based on the thought (or lack of) process of the sheeple.

Please take a minute or two to think about that.

If passed, Obama care will be more screwed up, an excellante comparison.

Comment's like Hatch's miss the point.

If the government-run insurance program isn't good, then (a) people will choose private plans if they can afford them and (b) there will be pressure on the government to improve service over time.

However, people who cannot afford private insurance will be better off with the government-run insurance - even if it is inefficient - than they are with no insurance.

This is why I will vote for Sen. Burris over Mark Kirk any day: Burris has pledged to not sign any health reform bill that doesn't include a public option, while Kirk has vowed to fight "government takeover of health care". I trust my government more than a soulless corporation whose only concern is to make profits any day.

Senator--it's YOU that doesn't live in the real world!!!! How much money has the health insurance cartel put in YOUR pocket? Sorry, you're an idiot and oh so out of touch.

Ok. I havn'e finished reading the bill yet, but so far I haven't figured out how this bill is actually going to lower prices. Back in the early months, the POTUS used the the healthcare portion of the military budget as a means to rationalize the need for healthcare reform. At the time, approximately 50% of the military's budget was being used for healthcare. An impressive call for the need for healthcare reform if the numbers are true. This being said, how does HR 3962 (?) lower those costs? For that fact, where does the HR 3962 mention anything about cost reductions? There's a lot of information about how we're going to pay for healthcare, but very little about how we're attempting to control the costs of healthcare. So far, this bill does nothing except add additional costs. Is this the best that our House of Reps can do then?

The postal service seems to work pretty well. So do our armed services, our firefighters, our police forces, our sewer systems, etc.
If the Republicans are so convinced that the government can't do anything right, why do they want to run the government? And if the government is going to inevitably do a terrible job at health insurance, why are the Republicans so sure that the government is going to put private insurance companies out of business?

Interesting, policywonk.

You say you want to cut out the middle man - insurance companies. So, how will the government reimburse doctors? No fee for service?

Are you blaming private insurers for the waste and fraud of Medicare, which strangely, Obama and the Democrats claim they will stop, and the money saved there will supposedly help pay for this government insurance program?

Another question, why aren't Obama and Democrats stopping fraud and waste in the Medicare system RIGHT NOW?

Smoke and mirrors, my friends. Smoke and mirrors.

Tim,

Insurance companies compete with state governments all the time in property and casualty lines of business. They've been doing this for decades and, contrary to what you might think, in so doing it has stabilized lines of business that were difficult to rate due to the unpredictability of the risk. Gov't participation in health care (beyond Medicare/Medicaid) would have the same effect.

As to the effect on you, if the coverage via public provider is cheaper and just as effective as the former coverage doesn't that assuage your cost concerns? If the coverage provided is inferior but cheaper, wouldn't that contain costs and improve the overall competitiveness of your employer and thus stave off the flow of jobs overseas as employers look to defray the rapidly increasing (7%+ per annum) health care expenses. In ten years, ceteris paribus, the average cost of a health care plan for a family of four is forecast to more than double. We won't be a leading economy with a lead albatross around our necks like that.

Posted by: tim | November 9, 2009 10:45 AM

Posted by: springfield | November 9, 2009 11:24 AM

Did you Morons read this article or not? You're insulting BC for his reply to foamer Hatch's comment regarding the US Postal Service. Why don't you scold psycho Hatch for comparing oranges with apples with your moronic insults? Huh??

P.S. Springfield, how's that Constitution and the Census working out for you? ;-)

If you think the postal service is good then you haven't lived in Evanston. It's atrocious here and seems to have gotten worse since I complained. Magazines routinely arrive days or weeks late and sometimes not at all. We get our neighbors mail at least once or twice a week. It's never delivered at the same time. We've given up trusting them. So, we never let them deliver outgoing mail. This is what you can expect from the government. Book it.

It is amazing how some people that have posted have made personal attacks on Senator Hatch of Utah when they come from Illinois, known for crooked elections and politicians. Some people have even praised Burris, who is a major embarrassment for Illinois. There should have been a Special Election for that Senate Seat, but the crooked politicians in Illinois did not want the people to decide. Hatch has never been involved in scandals such as our elected officials from Illinois. We got Blago, Burris (Let's buy a Senate Seat and have NO elections) and the rest to just name a few. Three of our last seven elected Governors (Kerner, Walker & Ryan) have gone to jail. And there is a good possibility that that impeached and convicted Blago will be joining them. So before we start calling elected officials from other states names we should clean up our own House First.

If Obama and Pelosi think that there is 400 billion in waste going on on Medicare then why have they waited to do anything? Also if Obama thinks there is 400 billion being wasted by Medicare why wouldn't his health care plan do the same? I am going into Medicare, and if there is 400 billion in waste then take it out, but don't shortchange senior citizens on any care Obama. I suggest Obama you put that in writing so that all senior citizens won't feel threatened by your changes.

Am I the only one who finds it ironic that this man is chidding the government for not being up to par, and he is, himself, a US Senator? Hey Orin, where do you get your healthcare from? Have you ever been denied coverage for anything? I love these gov't employees telling us how the gov't doesn't work. Well then quit Orin!!! Get out of there and put someone in there who will make it work.

And those that are the making the apples and oranges argument about healthcare vs the Post office, I agree completely. It is apples and oranges, but we're only responding to the ridiculous comparison that Mr. Hatch put out there. And if he's going to use it as a basic for his argument, then we'll hammer it.

To bad here in Illinois we are stuck with Durbin and Burris, to party lackey's Durbin will go along with the party on this bill, he won't even hold town hall meeting on it for us the PEOPLE he represents can tell him we don't want this bill, and Burris well he is just looking for the best deal he can get for his vote, it's a shame that he will become an important player in the senate and for this BAD BAD BILL ! He has stated he "won't be an OBSTRUCTIONIST" on the bill, in other words they got his vote for the right price. I've called and sent emails to both these Senators, no response what so ever from Durbin, Burris at least sent out a BS form letter thnking me for my interest ! Call them flod their mail, emails and phone lines with your thoughts on this bad health care bill. You can easily find their numbers on a search for U.S. Senators. DO IT NOW don't count on anyone else voicing their opinions

If this bill passes the Senate then ALL Americans will be giving up their last bit of personal freedom. COngress does not worry about the Constitutional right of the American people. Where in the Constitution does it say that government has to provide health care to the citizenry? Take the time to clean up MediCare and MediFraud so that some real savings can be realized.

Don't forget that Congress is NOT covered by this plan but by a PRIVATE plan that you and I pay for. I think they feel that they are too good to be treated like the people that pay for everything. Vote these bastards out of office and do so every election. IF cONGRESS OR THE STATE HOUSE WON'T GIVE UP TERM LIMITS THEN WE AS VOTERS SHOULD DO IT OURSELVES.

Hey -- I'm all for the $500 billion cut in Medicare. To think this was a Democrat idea, their argument being that the cut will cause it to run more efficiently.

Way to go Dems! Now, let's apply that logic to the rest of the federal budget!

Eliminate the Department of Energy -- it's done nothing, nothing to reduce our dependency on foreign oil -- which was its mission when it was created during the Carter administration.

Let's drastically cut or eliminate the budget for the Department of Education! We've poured hundreds of billions of new tax dollars into that department with worse performance and even more bloated bureaucracies to show for it -- not to mention that it's really a stealth PAC for the Democrats.

I think the Republicans should support every good idea proposed by the Democrats -- we're not the party of NO! after all! If a little cutting improves government efficiency and reduces fraud, why stop with Medicare????!!!!

Great comparison Orrin. The postal service, expensive? Have you tried sending a letter via Fed Ex or UPS lately? Our health care system is a mess due to private insurance and corporate hospitals.

If your insurance is so bad, BC, drop it. ONE incident, and you'll be wishing you had it back!

Bad example, Mr. Hatch. Until recent years, the USPS usually operated in the black ... or even with a surplus. Current financial problems are, largely, the result of the Internet being used instead of the USPS.

As for the gov't running health care ... I'd trust it. As someone who recently lost a brother because he had "preexisting conditions" that his insurance wouldn't cover, I hope the bill passes the Senate.

it's very disingenious of Sen Hatch to claim that the government can't do it right because they're too beauracratic. Isn't he part of the government. Does he contribute to the beauracracy part or the getting something done part?

Let private insurers control health care, and it will be like Enron, Lehman Brothers, and General Motors. They will screw everything up, and a government bailout will be needed.

@Peter Williams.

Health insurance is a bloated, bureaucratic operation that is mired in the past, that WOULD be losing bucketloads of money if it had the kind of competition the Post Office faces in the form of UPS, FedEx and electronic transactions over the Internet. However, insurers get away with their antiquated practices through being exempt from antitrust and having monopolies in most states in which they operate -- and also because even where there is "competition", most people are stuck with a particular insurer through group plans that are difficult to change.

Whereas if the government requires insurers to abide by the same antitrust rules as everyone else, provides the additional choice of a public option, and establishes the principle that your health insurance should travel with YOU, not be tied to your job, we might actually have real competition.

I find it ironic that for all the comments about how poorly Medicare/Medicaid is managed all we hear from Medicare/Mdicaid recipients is "don't touch my program". They must like something about the program.

Merv,

The reason the Repubs are saying people will switch over to the public option has nothing to do with the possibility that the public option will be better.

What they are saying is that companies, faced with the prospect of a public option, will price their "private" option so high, that people will be forced to take the public option. Companies might do this to save themselves the high cost of their share of insurance benefits.

Whether this would happen remains to be seen IF the senate passes a bill.

No one will be forced to take the government health plan. Asking congress to 'take the same plan they are forcing on us" is impossible because they aren't forcing a plan on us.
The cry of 'don't let the government get between you and your health care. is specious. does anyone really think they have free choice in hearth care? only if you are filthy rich and pay for everything yourself. Insurance companies make the decisions now and the government is already involved up to it hips. A public option is just that an option. the 'sky is falling" cries are just like the ones heard when medicare was started. And who would want to get along without it now?

All those smart guys asking how the government could possibly give a better or cheaper plan, should be asking why our wonderful private system is so much more expensive and less effective than the "inferior" foreign plans? The insurance business just wants to keep selling less for more. Medicare and Medicaid are run better and cheaper than any private insurance.

No one will be forced to take the government health plan. Asking congress to 'take the same plan they are forcing on us" is impossible because they aren't forcing a plan on us.
The cry of 'don't let the government get between you and your health care. is specious. does anyone really think they have free choice in hearth care? only if you are filthy rich and pay for everything yourself. Insurance companies make the decisions now and the government is already involved up to it hips. A public option is just that an option. the 'sky is falling" cries are just like the ones heard when medicare was started. And who would want to get along without it now?

Has anyone thought to look into the number of health insurance "lobbyist" who make "contributions" to those who voted against the overhaul? Just worth mentioning.

Terry, et al Republican rubes, and just plain haterz,
For the last 6 years running the overall leader in a Customer Satisfaction Survey has been the VA medical system. This survey includes all PRIVATE insurance companies. Suck it!! The government can run a medical insurance plan better that the private industry. This proves it. 6 TIMES!!!!! in the last 6 YEARS!!!

Since you asked:

"The top recipients of health industry campaign contributions from 2000 to 2008 are new Democrat Sen. Arlen Specter, Pa., and Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., at $7.3 million and $6.3 million respectively. All of the campaign finance data used in the report came from the Center for Responsive Politics. "
http://undertheinfluence.nationaljournal.com/2009/06/health-industry-lobbying-tops-1.php

http://www.commoncause.org/atf/cf/%7Bfb3c17e2-cdd1-4df6-92be-bd4429893665%7D/COMMONCAUSE_HEALTHCAREREPORT2009-1.PDF

In case you don't realize it, this plan will force Americans and business to buy / provide insurance or be taxed/fined for not doing so.

"Posted by: Facts are Fun | November 9, 2009 1:35 PM "

Do you honestly believe that government can run a medical insurance paln better?

What happens when private companies have a horrible business plan and ignore the customer? They will go out of business.
What happens when government makes a horrible business plan/budget? They raise your taxes.

The postal service seems to work pretty well. So do our armed services, our firefighters, our police forces, our sewer systems, etc.
If the Republicans are so convinced that the government can't do anything right, why do they want to run the government? And if the government is going to inevitably do a terrible job at health insurance, why are the Republicans so sure that the government is going to put private insurance companies out of business?

Posted by: beatrice | November 9, 2009 11:43 AM

Very poor attempt at misdirection. The federal government does not run; our firefighters, our police forces, our sewer systems, etc.

the post office yes, military yes but the rest is nothing but an attack on the repubilcan party. At least spew some semblence of truth, please.

This IS the problem as I see it. Pure partisan politics and the great Uniter is pushing the partisan not the bi-partisan side of things.

and the winners are: Congress, Unions, Immigrants (legal and illegal), all government workers (federal and state), and welfare "earners". The losers are the middle class, working people and taxpayers.

Scot - put down the pipe! I can't figure out which way you're going in your incoherent rants.

Posted by: tim | November 9, 2009 10:45 AM

Posted by: springfield | November 9, 2009 11:24 AM

Did you Morons read this article or not? You're insulting BC for his reply to foamer Hatch's comment regarding the US Postal Service. Why don't you scold psycho Hatch for comparing oranges with apples with your moronic insults? Huh??

P.S. Springfield, how's that Constitution and the Census working out for you? ;-)

Posted by: Scot S. Blakeley | November 9, 2009 12:03 PM

In any case, you need some help with your ability to comprehend what you read. The Moron stuff is juvenlie.

Rant on Scot - it makes you look so grown up.

Funny Facts,

And is the VA medical coverage under its original budget?

How's this gov't run health care program doing?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tim-giago/indian-health-care-a-nati_b_97666.html

To Roundlaketom who said"Where in the Constitution does it say that government has to provide health care to the citizenry?"
Hey Jackass...where in the Constitution does it say the government will provide schooling, police, postal service, or firefighters? Some people don't think before they speak, just ask Orin Hatch. Its amazing that so many people are putting their trust and faith into for-profit insurance companies, which estimates show will criple our economy in the next decade, rather than the government which represents the people. Yes, their is inefficiency with government, but Americans need to take it upon themselves to hold government accountable with regard to this legislation. Get out of the cheap seats and make a difference.

There are supposed to be three separate but equal branches to our federal government. Our founding father's did this to insure there would be an adequate checks and balances on the awesome power a government has. Speaker Pelosi abrogated her responsibility to the people when she forced this bill becoming a tool of the executive branch.

Merv,

The reason the Repubs are saying people will switch over to the public option has nothing to do with the possibility that the public option will be better.

What they are saying is that companies, faced with the prospect of a public option, will price their "private" option so high, that people will be forced to take the public option. Companies might do this to save themselves the high cost of their share of insurance benefits.

Whether this would happen remains to be seen IF the senate passes a bill.

Posted by: Gina L | November 9, 2009 1:06 PM
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I think it would be helfpul if you understood the difference between a SELF-INSURED plan and a FULLY-INSURED plan.

SEC 101.h.2
INSUFFICIENT FUNDS- If the Secretary estimates for any fiscal year that the aggregate amounts available for payment of expenses of the high-risk pool will be less than the amount of the expenses, the Secretary shall make such adjustments as are necessary to eliminate such deficit, including reducing benefits, increasing premiums, or establishing waiting lists.
***********************************

WOW and they said this would not happen.
_________________________

SEC. 307.c.1.A

TAXES ON INDIVIDUALS NOT OBTAINING ACCEPTABLE COVERAGE- The amounts received in the Treasury under section 59B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to requirement of health insurance coverage for individuals).
***********************************
Hope its not like MA?
_________________________
SEC.765.d.2

Training individuals who are from disadvantaged backgrounds (including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among public health professionals).

**********************************
Money (grants and contracts) provided for public health workforce training will be awarded with racial preference.
_________________________

SEC.2531.a.4.B

the law does not limit attorneys’ fees or impose caps on damages.
***********************************

A Democrat pay off to all the lawyers for their support.
_________________________

And that is just a few things. There is a lot of stuff about taxes on just about everyone.

It's not quite the same, since I don't think that the poor and people who make bad lifestyle decisions get free stamps from the post office.

Orrin Hatch has a point. The government that pays his salary is so messed up that perhaps we need to start by firing Orrin Hatch and all the other sitting politicians and start with a clean slate. He is so quick to remind us how the establishment that he has worked for for a zillion years is ineffective and unable to run anything - can you imagine saying that to your employer? Fire him. He is admitting his own incompetence and trying to bring the rest of the government down with him. By the way, the mail service in this country is fantastic. I can ship a package or get my Netflix movies with little thought or attention unlike dealing with my health insurance provider. If we could have a health care service in this country that ran nearly as well as our postal service we'd be taking a big step up. Orrin Hatch is clueless.

SEC.765.d.2

Training individuals who are from disadvantaged backgrounds (including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among public health professionals).

**********************************
Money (grants and contracts) provided for public health workforce training will be awarded with racial preference.

Posted by: Crooks_In_DC | November 9, 2009 2:33 PM

What part of the word ''Including'' do you not understand? Where in the bill does it say ''Racial Preference'' ??? LIES! You people just distort and twist and make up lies to suit your own agenda's and what's the scary part, your base is dumb enough to believe your lies.

Your Bla bla bla's are so over.

roundlaketom hysteria-peddling:
If this bill passes the Senate then ALL Americans will be giving up their last bit of personal freedom. (end snip)

what " personal freedom " do you speak of ? please explain.
How exactly would your personal freedom be impacted by an un-insured American receiving medical care ?

Always Wrong,

Wnem a gov't bill uses the word "shall" 3,400 times, do you think that bill creates choices (freedoms) or limits choices that the individual can enjoy?

You should just put down the shovel

14 Democrat Senators running for re-election in 2010. This bill has no chance in passing the Senate anytime soon....THANK GOD!

@BC I can think of plenty of times I have had problems with the post office.

Hilarious.

This bill forces people to get health insurance, forces the insurance companies to cover them.

Which means... health insurance premiums are going to SKYROCKET, as the insurance companies salivate over people being FORCED to buy insurance through companies that can charge whatever they want.

HAHAHAHA what a joke this "reform" is...

I can't wait until 2010, to cast my vote to boot these bozos that voted "yeah" into their own unemployment line.

Senator Hatch is living proof that many government institutions have gone awry and no longer work well for the american people.
The massive infusions of cash from corporate america is prima facia evidence that Politicians are on the take. Money buys their votes, not what is best for all citizens.

Here people are complaining about passing Healthcare Reform. U did not have this much rhetoric about how much the irresponsible war has cost us and still costing us. We should have reform to make sure that our citizens don't have to be worried about how am I going to stay alive, how am I going to stay here to take care of my family. Why do you think the emergency rooms are over crowded and hospitals don't get their money back because of the UNINSURED!!! What happened to capitalicism is the insurance industry afraid of real competition. I thought competition makes the economy stronger. U also need to look at those opposing the bills (THEY HAVE INSURANCE TO COVER THEIR HEALTH NEEDS). Loose your job and talk about not having health reform then!!

Here people are complaining about passing Healthcare Reform. U did not have this much rhetoric about how much the irresponsible war has cost us and still costing us. We should have reform to make sure that our citizens don't have to be worried about how am I going to stay alive, how am I going to stay here to take care of my family. Why do you think the emergency rooms are over crowded and hospitals don't get their money back because of the UNINSURED!!! What happened to capitalicism is the insurance industry afraid of real competition. I thought competition makes the economy stronger. U also need to look at those opposing the bills (THEY HAVE INSURANCE TO COVER THEIR HEALTH NEEDS). Loose your job and talk about not having health reform then!!

Why does Orrin Hatch hate the post office?

Way to insult over 650,000 hardworking Americans, senator!

Perhaps the Senator would like to voluntarily give up his "government run" insurance?

No?

I'm shocked, shocked!

What happens when government makes a horrible business plan/budget? They raise your taxes.

Posted by: Eli | November 9, 2009 1:55 PM
;
Ummm we live in a democratic system. You get to vote out the office holders if you disagree w/ how things are run. Can you vote out the leaders who write your beloved Private Insurance policy?
;
Terry,
Customer satisfaction my friend. It appears you can't argue the FACT that more people like, enjoy, love the way their GOVERNMENT run VA healthcare works versus those who have Private Insurance. Suck it!

Has the gov't ever run a social service program that has met its customers' needs and come in under budget?

The $9,000,000,000,000 BO deficit is about to go higher.

Keep an eye on this if the bill becomes law.

http://www.usdebtclock.org/

Posted by: Terry | November 9, 2009 10:54 AM

Terry, I think the President who oversaw the huge increase in the deficit did not have the initials BO. Maybe you can remember who that man was?

'"One big joke in Washington is, if the government ends up running health care, it'll be just like the U.S. Postal Service,'' the Utah Republican [Hatch] told Don Imus this morning in his new saddle at FOX Business Network.'

This is an out right lie, and he knows it!

The U.S. Government is not going to run health care, they are going to run health care INSURANCE!

Freedom of speech does not give anyone, especially one of our representatives in our federal government the right to lie with impunity.

Hatch should be impeached and removed from office for this!

I have asked Senator Durbin 3 times if he would support being covered by the same plan being proposed for ordinary people in the US. Although I'm still waiting for a response to my third email, the first 2 times he resoonded about how great his plan was and that he had many choices and then said that it was very important to pass this legislation. He has never answered my basic question of would he support federal employees having the same plan being proposed for us and if he would not support such a proposal, why not?

Typical, stupid Hatch. Republicans defend our wasteful, inefficient, over-expensive system that rewards insurance companies but bankrupts 700,000 per year, lets 47 million go without insurance, and denies medical care to millions of Americans.

Hey Hatch, the Post Office usually delivers. And in France has Government-involved Universal Health Care that covers EVERYBODY and costs FAR LESS than ouridiotic, system and the French live longer and healthier too.

I guess that your expectation are pretty low then.

"Out of the tens of thousands of times I've used the US Postal Service, I can only think of a few times when they failed to perform to my expectations.
'
Out of the one hundred times I've used my health insurance, I can think of several dozen times when it failed totally.
'
I'll take the USPS any day when compared to private insurance companies.

Posted by: BC | November 9, 2009 9:51 AM"

Medicare will be broke in 2016. Social Security is the world's biggest ponzie scheme and out of money in 2028. The government pays $215 for a toilet seat I can buy at Home Depot for $14. The USPS tracking system with tell you where your package is two days after you receive it. UPS and FedX tell you where it is along the entire delivery route. The Secretary of the Treasury can't use TurboTax. Sen. Chris Dodd doesn't know what a VIP is. Congressman Rangel forgets to declare a million or so in income on rent and he's not in jail.

I'm 66 and never denied a claim by my private insurance company. Now on Medicare I've had 2 claims denied and they don't cover preventative medicine; they would rather pay for things that cost more and are avoidable.

Kobie,
The Constitution says that the government shall provide for the common defense. It's not a stretch to fit police and firefighters into that category.
As far as schools and postal service, you're right. Government should get out of those businesses, too, just like it should not get into the health care business. If the government did such a great job educating people why would most people send their kids to privates schools if they could afford to?
Thanks for making the anti-government health care point for us.

I don’t agree with the White House statement that “everyone will have better coverage under the health-care plans that it is supporting.” I am over age 65 with a Medicare Advantage plan and the cuts under the House bill will affect my current coverage. Currently, I review Medicare options available in my area using the zip code search tool at http://www.PlanPrescriber.com. There are many choices now for 2010, but with cuts to Medicare Advantage, I am concerned about the quantity, quality and affordability of Medicare in 2011 and beyond. Medicare Advantage plans are an important alternative to seniors who are unable to find a doctor willing to accept government Medicare.

Posted by: Scot S. Blakeley | November 9, 2009 2:57 PM

What part of the word ''Including'' do you not understand? Where in the bill does it say ''Racial Preference'' ??? LIES! You people just distort and twist and make up lies to suit your own agenda's and what's the scary part, your base is dumb enough to believe your lies.

Your Bla bla bla's are so over.
***********************************

Do you have a clue how it works in DC. None of the bills from DC that lead to "Racial Preferences" never use the term. I see you never hear the statement; "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me". I voted for the 1st time in 1980 and will not play the fool but, you go right ahead and play the part. The crooks in DC will love for it. So once you're done playing fool came back with something not so e-z to shoot down.
_________________________

Posted by: Ange | November 9, 2009 4:31 PM

Here people are complaining about passing Healthcare Reform. U did not have this much rhetoric about how much the irresponsible war has cost us and still costing us. We should have reform to make sure that our citizens don't have to be worried about how am I going to stay alive, how am I going to stay here to take care of my family. Why do you think the emergency rooms are over crowded and hospitals don't get their money back because of the UNINSURED!!! What happened to capitalicism is the insurance industry afraid of real competition. I thought competition makes the economy stronger. U also need to look at those opposing the bills (THEY HAVE INSURANCE TO COVER THEIR HEALTH NEEDS). Loose your job and talk about not having health reform then!!

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Ange you make it to e-z.
1) Right off the top, it is NOT real Reform. For reform insurance companies should able to sale across state lines.
2) Read SEC.2531.a.4.B and you will find that the Democrats are giving the lawyers a pass and more.
3) Capitalism and insurance, read number one again.
4) Emergency rooms are over crowded. I would like to ask the people there a few things and I bet I will found one of the following three for 75% of them.
a) They could have insurance but, chose not to(the young and dumb mostly), I know I did it too and ended up in Cook Co. emergency room.
b) They dropped out of High School.
c) They are illegal aliens.
4) Real competition, once more read number one again.
5) I lost my jobs and still know this is not reform. I will back real reform once the crooks in DC put that bill up there.
________________________

FunnyFacts,

And you can't seem to acknowledge that gov't run health care on the Indian reservations is at the bottom in terms of quality.

Do you kiss you mommy with that mouth little boy?

Fippy,

Once again another flatliner with no facts. That $9,000,000,000,000 deficit projection is from the BO administration for the years 2010-19. President Bush has nothing to do with this spending.

When you leave fifth grade, come back to the SWAMP?

Posted by: Crooks_In_DC | November 9, 2009 6:38 PM

Nothing like an empty head shooting off empty thoughts. Not very optimistic are you Crook. Hmm let me guess, you have a white sheet hanging in your closet, a confedeerate flag hanging on your bedroom wall, and a swastica tatooed on your forehead right?

You certainly sound like that guy to me with your posts. So, your first vote was in 1980? Mine was in 1974, what's your point man??

Posted by: Scot S. Blakeley | November 9, 2009 8:30 PM

Nothing like an empty head shooting off empty thoughts. Not very optimistic are you Crook. Hmm let me guess, you have a white sheet hanging in your closet, a confedeerate flag hanging on your bedroom wall, and a swastica tatooed on your forehead right?

You certainly sound like that guy to me with your posts. So, your first vote was in 1980? Mine was in 1974, what's your point man??
***********************************

I can understand being young and acting a fool and posting childish remarks. But, i see you do not need to be young to be a fool. But, if you lib its the nor Scottie boy.

OK Scottie show me where I'm wrong and back it up. Because if you're as old as you say you are then know the wording in this bill would lead to "Racial Preferences". It has in every bill (and there are a lot) with the wording "(including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented )" or like wording. So please proof me wrong.

Here are just a few bills:
H. R. 6275
S. 4024
H.R. 2497
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
H.R.45
H.R.1256
H.R.3648
H.R.1913
H.R.1207
S.578
H.R. 2242

And lets not forget these;

Executive Order 10925 makes the first mention of "affirmative action"

Executive Order 11246

And anyone with half a brain know "including racial and ethnic minorities" means "affirmative action".

Posted by: Crooks_In_DC | November 10, 2009 12:26 AM

Yo Sheet head, you've already proven yourself wrong by your bigoted and xenophobic presumptions. Prove me wrong and show me where in this bill or any other bill it says ''Racial Preference'' Those exact words dumbo not what you read into them.
Oh and P.S. your attempt to be smart and insulting is more like a bad SNL joke.

Posted by: tim | November 9, 2009 10:45 AM
'
'
tim, Sen. Orrin Hatch started the comparison; I added my personal experience with both systems.

Posted by: Scot S. Blakeley | November 10, 2009 7:45 AM

Yo Sheet head, you've already proven yourself wrong by your bigoted and xenophobic presumptions. Prove me wrong and show me where in this bill or any other bill it says ''Racial Preference'' Those exact words dumbo not what you read into them.
Oh and P.S. your attempt to be smart and insulting is more like a bad SNL joke.
***********************************

Scottie go back and reread the post but, this time read S-L-O-W-E-R and then maybe you're see were you're wrong.

Show me where I post that "Racial Preferences" was in a bill. I posted wording leads to "Racial Preferences". Now please show me where I'm wrong on the bills I listed. And the wording is "(including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented )" that lead to "Racial Preferences". Now reread this last part and go slow so you understand it and not look like a fool again.

Sorry I know I'm asking a lot of a liberal. Asking a liberal to do fact checking and this is not even a SNL skit and you are not CNN.

I had health care at the VA facilities in Portland, OR in September! When the bill was submitted to the insurance company, they denied the claim because the care was outside the United States. When they were called they said that was not what the code said, they said that code was for a previously submitted claim. This was the first time I had been to the VA in 2 years! What previously submitted claim. We need the public option to keep these companies from messing over any and everyone. My medical cost are less that $1000 per year. My insurance through work cost about $9000 per year. The insurance companies lie any and every way possible to increase their profits. The public option will work, and it will keep the insurance companies honest. At least until they figure our new ways to reject the claims. The Congressmen and women, and the Senators that are against the public option are in the pockets of the insurance companies!

This is for the people that say the Postal Service has not been an innovator in new products and services need to check the law. The Postal Service paid for the development of handwriting recognition software. They developed the high speed sorting machines that the presort and bulk mail companies use. The law does not allow them to make a profit on this technology. If they did, first class postage would be free. The Post Office delivers more than 99 percent of the mail on time, and all of the mail is tracked. So the crack about the Postal Service by the great Orin Hatch is purely false! Hatch has exceeded his time in the Senate, boot the fool out!

Posted by: Crooks_In_DC | November 10, 2009 10:02 PM

Suggeasting something means or leads to a situtation is the same as saying it is what it is not. Same could be said of Obama and his proijected deficit, maybe what that projection really means is that there will be a surplus right?
The bottom line is all youhave to offer is maybe, might, could, will possibly, will lead to, bla bla bla. ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz.....

Posted by: Scot S. Blakeley | November 11, 2009 7:38 AM

Suggeasting something means or leads to a situtation is the same as saying it is what it is not. Same could be said of Obama and his proijected deficit, maybe what that projection really means is that there will be a surplus right?
The bottom line is all youhave to offer is maybe, might, could, will possibly, will lead to, bla bla bla. ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz.....
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Scottie so sad. I give you a list of bills that show I'm right. That they (the bills) did just what I said and all you got is no its not so.

OK seeing how the other post are above you try this.

Only 25% Strongly Support the plan while 42% are Strongly Opposed.

The latest numbers show support from 81% of those in the president’s party. The plan is opposed by 90% of Republicans and 58% of unaffiliated voters.

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 30% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty percent (40%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -10.

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of likely voters say it is at least somewhat likely the next president of the United States will be a Republican, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

Voters not affiliated with either party continue to heavily favor Republicans, 43% to 20%.

And before you say Rasmussen is wrong take this in. They have been the only pollsters to got it right the last 8 times people voted.