Health care: 2010 elections start here

Our healthcare system, any part of it, is broken and needs to be fixed. We, Democrats, hope the Republican-Libertarians can get on board and help fix a destructive healthcare system. By some accounts, 30-40,000 American citizens die each year because they can't afford healthcare, or the healthcare they have, has been grossly misrepresented and will not cover their serious healthcare needs. In 2009, that is unacceptable. In any year, that is vehemently unacceptable !! We are a nation. We, the taxpayers, bailed-out the wealthy, Wall Streeters, when they needed help, because it affected our nation. Now, we, the tax-payer, ask that helping hand to be extended back to us. At the moment, here, in America, there is a silent war going on, the Healthcare Industry against the client/ patient/ citizens of America and we are losing, in some tragic cases, dying. For what, for the passion of greed !! That must stop. We must have a healthcare system that serves America, not America serving the Healthcare Industry !! That is what the Healthcare Reform bill is all about. To stop the onslaught of the Healthcare Industry's denial, in some cases, a death sentence, against the citizens of America. We can not have anything less, the public option is the remedy for a sick and dying nation. Call your public servants in Washington D.C. and demand that they support the Healthcare Reform bill that will be debated in the next several weeks. America's life depends on it !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

0.1 of the uninsured die each year. When it comes to women and breast cancer and approx the same number of deaths, these same people are willing to throw them under the bus for cheaper reforms. People need to put real thought into reform which doesn't create more wasteful government spending and state monopolies. Page 24 of the health bill from the house was all the farther you needed to read to find where they were limiting health care for people based on the bottom line. Wake up sheeple, wake up this isn't a bad dream it is a nightmare.

Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | November 22, 2009 8:56 AM

Can you come up with any thing on your own. What left wing site did you pick your post from, because they say about the same thing.

Our health-care system need reform and this bill is not it. No tort reform in it. No open market in it, we do not have a real open insurance market now.

I agree about all the denials. But, this bill is not reform and if it passes we will be needing to reform it within a few years. You can count on that.

"Gloat" No other word needed , you said it all.

The bills presented so far by the Party of Taking This Country Over the Cliff will add trillions to the deficits over its lifetime. It meets the balancing of teh CBO by using two deceitful accounting gimmicks: First, it counts only seven years of expenditures against ten years of revenues. Second, the cuts in Medicare of $400 - $500 billion will be funded in a seperate bill with no offsetting revenues or reduced expenditures.

All of this growth in government and increased taxes on the country's job creators at a time when official unemployment is over 10% and real unemployment is over 17%.

Hey, Ho, Way to Go, O-bom-O

Why can Democrats not understand that health care, like education, is a commodity to be paid for?

The government should not be concerned with whether people have health insurance, much less actual care.

But then, the Republicans don't seem to understand that either, given their recent defense of Medicare, which should be abolished, along with Social Security.

And the government should NEVER have bailed out the banks, or the auto industry, and the fact that BUSH started that process makes me sick.

If the President & 60 members of the Senate feel so strongly about the health reform bill, Then why do they not show thier faith in thier bill by writing into the bill that all Federal elected officials, and all thier appointees will be covered under this health reform program. Both while they are in office and when they retire. This would also go a long way to help pay for this health care reform. It would also show that they themselves will be subjected to the same criteria that they want the average taxpayer be placed in. And what better way to get the American people to get behind the healthcare program they want to put through and be paid for by us!

Medicare has been cut this year. Why does the legislation have to cut Medicare to supposedly "improve" the system?

So sad. Will anyone spending our money ever, ever say please don't try to buy my vote. Especially when they are using other people's money. Are you listening Congressmen and Senators. Republican or Democrat; your both do it. It it has merits, vote yes.If the disadvantages out-weight the merits, vote no and have the courage to leave my pocketbook alone. HAHAHAHA. Wow. What was I dreaming about $100 Million Dollar baby Sen. Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana?

I am hoping by all those that oppose the health care bill calling the blue dog Democrats even they aren't your representatives and let them know to vote NO (they will keep track of all those out of their districts who feel their representatives DON'T represent them). Health care reform is need and it should NOT take anymore than 100 pages to do that.. what this bill does it tax,tax,tax, fine,fine, fine and will raise the COST.. they have NOT addressed Hospital HUGE costs nor Pharmaceutical costs.. as a Newly DECLARED INDEPENDENT I will be voting for any and every Republican in 2010.. and I was a strong Democrat my entire life and now I see their true colors.. They lie when they say the Republicans have not put forth any idea's.. however if people would put party aside read, watch and use logic to see the deception Democrats are trying to say is the only way to go.. When I see the ahead to what is coming down the road the DEMOCRATS are hiding I am afraid for my kids.. What I don't see in this GREAT plan are ANY of those elected officials putting themselves and their families on it, they will exempt and keeping their Cadillac plans taxpayers pay 3/4 of the bill on..If the Democrats are insistent on pushing this through it will be shortly we vote in those that will REALLY fix it by overturning the junk in it making the Democrats look even more foolish than they already look

More tax & spend democrats. More government programs courtesy of a government who proves they cannot administer or manage (see medicare, banking, international trade, job losses). We don't need a new healthcare program. It's the economy stupid! You gave the money center banks OUR money & now they won't lend it - typical. O.K. If they don't want to fulfill their role (lending) - fine - then rescind their charters. More shell games courtesy of the American legal system & those who (don't) represent the public interest or fulfill their responsibilities. Tick - Tick - Tick - It's time to return power to the regional & local interests & stop catering to the big money interests who just take more & more. Healthcare insurers & their lobbyists who want the taxpayers to pay for the coming "boomer" medical bill wrapped in the flag & healthcare insurance for all - bullsh*t. David Axelrod's payoff for insurance provider's contribution to the campaign - how stupid do you think we are, David? I mean talk about obvious - It's the first thing the new administration brings up ignoring the 800lb. gorilla in the room economic crisis courtesy of BofA & Countrywide. You gave those scumb*gs OUR money - when they should be staked out in the public square, they stick it in their pockets, say thanks "SUCKER," and you fools do nothing. What are you guys smoking? You don't need advanced degrees, you are the strawman & you need a brain. I take that back - you need some guts. Maybe you could borrow some from Oprah.

NOTE TO SELF:
1. Borrow guts from Oprah!

Coming Attractions; More insurance industry tactics to avoid any meaningful oversight or legislation concerning their profits, or the medical standards they control. We make the decisions concerning your healthcare? We decide medical necessity, We author the healthcare contract with little or no "negotiation,"
We pay according to usual & customary treatment standards (meaning as little as possible in accordance with "objective" proof i.e. medical testing which inflates the cost of healthcare.
These tests, supposedly, are intended to provide "proof" in a legal sense. More to the point they provide profits for the healthcare providers, are often unnecessary from a medical standpoint, provide protection from lawsuits for doctors & hospitals, & moreover create a more complex, costly, & aberrated healthcare system. An ongoing dance to create more testing to provide profit for doctors & hospitals, lower costs by automating record keeping & thereby reduce staffing needs, pose as not-for-profit when profit is their main goal, drug makers who provide endless treatment but no cures, insurance providers who reduce liability but at the same time increase premiums, who lobby against any real transparency, oversight, or legislative controls & work endlessly to craft & maintain virtual monopolies, and a legal system that supports & maintains this extremely complex, profitable, & low value patchwork of patient care. The patient & employers are left out of the process. Massive paperwork & record keeping costs that insurance providers caused in the first place. Insurance providers who keep two sets of books, one for public consumption. Providers who avoid legal standards like price fixing laws, Cost & staffing reductions that ultimately offers little for the patient. An emergency based medical model created by our legal system (liability based), university trained doctors, and insurance providers who only maintain liability if absolute proof is provided has created a morass of problems. This sytem cries out for transparency, legislative control, & rational oversight. More importantly we must have independent review, no special accounting standards for insurance/healthcare providers, no funds kept off the books, & timely claims arbitration (a much cheaper alternative - paid equally by insurance providers & patients) free from the politically influenced, agenda charged atmosphere which corrupts our entire system. We need change not more lies, smokescreens, & positioning. Like most crimes just follow the money & it will lead you to the truth. Force these entities, hospitals, insurance providers, equipment manufacturers, to open their REAL books or take their licenses. They operate in the public realm & therefore they are subject to public scrutiny, period.

The time is NOW!!!

Wow. What was I dreaming about $100 Million Dollar baby Sen. Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana?

Posted by: Neil Adelman | November 22, 2009 10:56 AM

Aren’t we all being a little unfair to Landrieu?

I assume that even most right wing Republican Senators are in favor of Medicare and the VA system. I suppose a bunch of them are against SCHIP and Medicaid but I would think you would get over 95 votes against the repeal of Medicare.

So isn’t every single Senator who claims to be against a public option in the same class as Landrieu?

Congratulations Senator Reid on the success of your hard work in seeking to put hardworking American families on a level playing field with GOP protected monopolistic profit gouging health insurance companies.

Why can Democrats not understand that health care, like education, is a commodity to be paid for?

The government should not be concerned with whether people have health insurance, much less actual care.

But then, the Republicans don't seem to understand that either, given their recent defense of Medicare, which should be abolished, along with Social Security.

And the government should NEVER have bailed out the banks, or the auto industry, and the fact that BUSH started that process makes me sick.

Posted by: David | November 22, 2009 10:02 AM
Reply- One writer , Wall Street Journal, wrote more or less if the Democrats can pass healtcare(Obanacare), they can controll the middle class in America , you go from their-
A nice weelend--

Congress has a deaf ear to the country. The President along with his immoral majority will bring to ruin our great nation. The sheeple gather around a sing praise to their own demise.

How long does it take swamp to update their comment board?

Hey Crooks_In_DC: since you're doing nothing more than repeating right wingnut website sound bites, try reading this first:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/6733287.html

Tort reform was passed and FAILED in Texas, so what makes you think it will work at the federal level?

david:(snip)
Why can Democrats not understand that health care, like education, is a commodity to be paid for?(end snip)

Because over 47 million of your fellow Americans do not have medical insurance or make enough to bay for their long cancer surgery with cash.
Healthcare insurance equates to healthcare access. Meanwhile, insurance companies routinely practice medicine without a license by interfering in Dr.-patient relationships while still others lie, cheat and deny claims. Our government has a constitutional responsibility to make laws for the common good. Obama made this a campaign promise and the voters will hold him to his promise. Meanwhile, the republicons are doing the bidding of the medical and insurance lobby because they seem to have this value system which promotes a survival of the fittest mentality, wether it's ones health or wealth, and that the unfit or disenfranchised simply lose because they deserve to lose for not being fit healthwise or financially and to wrap this class warfare in God and the American flag is outrageous.

This is about whats right and whats wrong.

david:(snip)
Why can Democrats not understand that health care, like education, is a commodity to be paid for?(end snip)

Because over 47 million of your fellow Americans do not have medical insurance or make enough to bay for their long cancer surgery with cash.
Healthcare insurance equates to healthcare access. Meanwhile, insurance companies routinely practice medicine without a license by interfering in Dr.-patient relationships while still others lie, cheat and deny claims. Our government has a constitutional responsibility to make laws for the common good. Obama made this a campaign promise and the voters will hold him to his promise. Meanwhile, the republicons are doing the bidding of the medical and insurance lobby because they seem to have this value system which promotes a survival of the fittest mentality, wether it's ones health or wealth, and that the unfit or disenfranchised simply lose because they deserve to lose for not being fit healthwise or financially and to wrap this class warfare in God and the American flag is outrageous.

This is about whats right and whats wrong.

So, what did Obama do Saturday, as his approval rating dropped below 50%? From Reuters:

"President Barack Obama on Saturday urged Americans to show patience over the economy and argued that his just-concluded Asia trip was critical for U.S. exports, countering criticism he had returned empty-handed.

With unemployment at a generation high of 10.2 percent and once-lofty popularity ratings down, Obama said a December White House forum will leave no stone unturned in the hunt for jobs.

"Even though it will take time, I can promise you this: we are moving in the right direction; that the steps we are taking are helping," Obama said in his weekly address, amid signs that the public is getting impatient for results."

So how did Mr. working his tail off, Mr. no stone unturned, spend his Saturday? Lynn Sweet reports:

"Your pooler has been informed that POTUS golfed at Andrews with trip director Marvin Nicholson, legislative affairs staffer Eugene Kang and campaign photographer David Katz."

Everyone needs some down time, but being president is a tough job, and a lot is required. Particularly when you vow to the public (another pledge discarded?) that you're working night and day on unemployment.

Gee, if this is what it's like with the dems in the majority, think how bad it will be with the dems in the minority. Pelosi and Reid--worst majority leaders ever. The dems have squandered their time with the bases loaded--a dem Pres, a dem House and a dem Senate. They all need some Viagra. Not to worry--Viagra will be left in the health reform bill for big Pharma--while all things to keep women healthy are being stripped out of the bill. Dems are weak and anti-women. Time and power squandered will never be recovered. We didn't elect all these dems so they could squander our votes, and be wasteful, women-hating sloths.
*
And, while only 94% of American citizens will get health care--illegal aliens will be getting it. So, what American citizen in the 6% not getting health care will have to die so an illegal alien can have the American health care? TOTAL BS. Huge scam as it stands. I'm calling my reps this week to ask them to vote no--nay--if the bill is anti-women and if it gives any care to illegals or, those made into quick citizens by quick amnesty. No re-election for politicians putting women down, or for those raising illegals up above American citizens.
*
Why do the dems listen to the Catholic Bishops--a huge block that doesn't pay tax on billions of holdings in America? Now that could generate tons of "war" and health care funding. The Vatican is a seperate nation. It has its own vote in the UN. Why should the Vatican--another nation--have ANY say about American domestic policy? Have Canada, France, The Netherlands or Germany weighed in on whether or not birth control and abortion should be covered in OUR health bill? Of course not, and shame on all the Catholic arm-twisters and all those cowering to the Catholic arm-twisting terrorists. Catholic bishops want illegals taken in--no questions--and to be given our health care because most illegals are from Catholic nations. The Catholic church has lost many, and now want American citizens to pay--so Catholic pews can be made full. This is more theft by the Catholic church.

For Vermont it means a possible Senate challenge for 2010.
http://www.rt100vt.com/politicsblog/

So sad. Will anyone spending our money ever, ever say please don't try to buy my vote. Especially when they are using other people's money. Are you listening Congressmen and Senators. Republican or Democrat; your both do it. It it has merits, vote yes.If the disadvantages out-weight the merits, vote no and have the courage to leave my pocketbook alone. HAHAHAHA. Wow. What was I dreaming about $100 Million Dollar baby Sen. Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana?

Posted by: Neil Adelman | November 22, 2009 10:56 AM

It would be great if politicians had any courage at all, but they don't. I and millions of other Americans agree with you. Republican or Democrat you either listen NOW to what people want or you are gone, next election. I'll vote for whoever has a ear to listen to what the people want, not lie and tell them what they want to hear, and I don't care if they have a D, R, I or whatever after their name.

100% of people die... now there is an alarming statistic.

How can we know who would or wouldn't have died because of health care? That is as a bogus a statistic as claiming "jobs saved" verses "jobs created" under democrats reckless spending bing.

The party of no? learning to say no is what what healthy people learn to do in life. Always saying yes is what addicted, irresponsible people do. Life 101

Again one new election, again new things to be followed, to be implemented. Elections comes and fake promises. Can anybody object against elections, and bring this system to an end.

Yes we need things to changes, starting with Litigation reform. Then the real debate can begin.

Sick and tired of having the government run everything in my life!

Sen. Landrieu said 100 million is not the correct amount - she's getting 300 million and she's going to give a fundraiser for Dingy Harry. Landrieu gets 300 million and it looks like we get a bunch of terrorists.

Oh my . . . SNL actually takes on NoBama. If it wasn't so true, it would be funny.
*
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clips/china-cold-open/1178451/
*

60 is an appropriate number because it will be the over 60 crowd that will be voting for the 60 who are taking Medicare funding for this turkey.

I think most voters' minds are already made up. We've seen enough.

The Democrats are the party of NO.

The Republicans put forth a more sensible healthcare plan, consisting of 200 pages. The Democrats voted NO.

Americans 2-1, do not want the Democrat's proposed healthcare plan. The Democrats, calling these concerned Americans as Nazis, mobsters, liars, racists, astroturf teabaggers, terorists, say NO.

Next year, the Democrats will ask for voters support. The voters will say - HELL NO!!!!

We need to put in 2010 election agenda two things.
First, all senators, congressmen, President & Vice President will have the same healthcare as a normal citizen.
Second, government will have to publish balance sheet before each general election for healthcare, and military expenses.

Control of the congress? Democrats don't have control of the congress. They have roughly 40 liberals and 20 people who are moderate to conservative, leaning more conservative. Republicans actually have a more solid block. The only guarantee at election time is for a republican, because except for 3-4 of them, they vote as a block every time.

Obimbo spent another day having fun and relaxing and playing golf over the weekend? Gee, I wonder if the media will count those as vacation days?

I am so sick and tired of the Congress doing business as usual I could puke.When I heard Gov. Huckabee say on television last night that the 300 million dollars that Landrieu is getting for supporting the Healthcare bill, I thought this is exactly why most Americans our fed up with this B.S. coming out of Washington. Its not just Democrats or its not just Republicans its all of them. Now our crooked AG wants to put the unspent 200 billion dollars in a special fund that they can tap into, I say its our "MONEY" and it should go back into treasury. Its time also to rid our government of special interests and lobbyists.

Posted by: BC | November 22, 2009 2:26 PM

Tort reform was passed and FAILED in Texas, so what makes you think it will work at the federal level?
***************************************

Jim Landers writes for the Dallas Morning News that since Texas passed tough tort reform laws in 2003, the costs of medical malpractice premiums paid by doctors have fallen by more than 30 percent. This indicates there is a real reduction in malpractice suits.

But tort reform is only part of it, stop pulling an Obama. What about opening insurance so it can be sold across state lines, that would lower cost. What about all the un-needed testing. What about end of life, I know I just had to deal with it for my late father. We do need reform but, this bill is not it. I read the house bill and it was not reform.

And the Republicans did put up a reform bill (H. R. 2520) in May but, the Democrats stopped it and the MSM has not reported on this, WHY? Its only 300 pages not the 2000+.

What’s included? First, Title 1 is based entirely on a concept which most Democrats seem to back… focusing on incentives for preventative medicine and healthier lifestyles. Title 2 deals with one of the great problems in health insurance, allowing for state based health care exchanges and federal incentives for multiple states to band together, crossing state lines, to offer more choices. And the state based exchanges would be charged with providing group rates to people across a multitude of circumstances to reduce rates.

Title 4 provides for supplemental health care assistance to low income families, along with both tax credits and advancement vouchers so they can purchase health insurance through these group plans. Limits are also placed on excessive premium charges by private insurance companies.

Why won’t this ever see the light of day? (That is, aside from the fact that the GOP suggested it.) Among other reasons, because Titles 4 and 5 also include fiscally responsible proposals which too many Democrats despise. First, they mandate means testing for the direct government assistance in the form of grants and advancements which would cover every American citizen who can truly not afford health insurance. Why this is such an abomination to my liberal colleagues I will never understand. Also, Title 6 has a provision to encourage the reform and limitation of frivolous lawsuits which, along with other waste and abuse, drives up costs across the board.

That last one is apparently a real deal breaker for most Democrats, who rely on a group mentality where everyone will eventually slip and fall on the sidewalk of a rich person and hit the lottery. None of these, of course, will come to an open vote and likely never even be read by the public. But you should know that one of the biggest lies being foisted off on you by supporters of Obamacare is that Republicans are unwilling to get involved in a better solution. They already have. But nobody is listening or talking about it, either in the majority or the lion’s share of the media.

Just 38% of voters now favor the health care plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. That’s the lowest level of support measured for the plan in nearly two dozen tracking polls conducted since June.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% now oppose the plan.

Half the survey was conducted before the Senate voted late Saturday to begin debate on its version of the legislation. Support for the plan was slightly lower in the half of the survey conducted after the Senate vote.

amazing the lack of intelligence on this board - "I don't want govt. involved in my life - ok - no police protection for you, no medicare, no mail delivery and it goes on and on. the cost of health care will go up and up unless something is done. Do you have any better ideas- all see is no ideas - must be republicans here I believe the polls indicate that most of us want a public option. Mitch McConnell and his republcan friends continue their lying - think, people, think you must have a brain - somewhere find it and use it!

The GOP Congress has indeed become the best Congress money can buy!

Saturday night's Senate Vote Just to have a debate on Healthcare, was a small victory for the "agents of change" (democrats) and reflects very poorly on the state of the Party of No & Fear that they would not even allow a debate on this issue to move forward -- thereby belying the title of being the greatest deliberative body on earth!

It is noteworthy, that in the past, the Party of No & Fear, also fought against Social Security Reform and Medicare, and true to form or color, they are fighting against healthcare reform today! Yes, Social Security and Medicare are subject to abuse and fraud, but that is one of the reforms in the healthcare bill to address this problem! Millions depend on Social Security and Medicare and they are glad that it is there. They want it improved upon not done away with.

The naysayers have even tried to Sabotage the reform by introducing a phony abortion debate (we all know Nancy Pelosi will never allow abortions to be done away with) , and another womens' issue (how time appropriate) was introduced (I smell a rat) into the debate -- that of Mammograms and the fear that we are somehow on our way to healthcare rationing, when we all should know that we are already experiencing healtcare rationing every time someone is denied healthcare because of a Preconceived Condition or some other phony condition like they weigh too much, etc. The aforementioned debates are false and designed to produce fear, to immobilize and to paralyze the masses to do nothing. We must come to recognize that "Fear is the dark ones’ most powerful weapon against the light because the energy of fear not only forms a barrier between the consciousness and the soul, it refuels the darkness to keep it thriving." [Matthews Messages].

We must also recognize that "as money has in the past ministered to personal and family need, so in the future it must minister to group and world need. The time has now come when money must be re-valued and its usefulness channelled into new directions. The voice of the people must prevail, but it must be a people educated in the true values, in the significance of a right culture, and in the need for right human relations. It is therefore essentially a question of right education and correct training in world citizenship – a thing that has not yet been undertaken." [Money, The Medium of Loving Distribution, A Compilation from the books of Alice A Bailey ]

Thank God for the Agents of Change who try to make a difference in the lives of ordinary human beings, whose intentions and Duty are to uplift the conditions of the people and to serve the people.... They try to raise the minimum wage, they try to extend unemployment benefits, they try to make sure there is clean water and clean air, but its hard and there is always a fight from the best Congress money can buy, whose mission is to stall and to obstruct and to incite fear! And, at this time in our history, like so much else, Healthcare reform is Crying Out for Change. And, as Science teaches us to do nothing and to be static only leads to decay -- only leads to death.

>>>amazing the lack of intelligence on this board - "I don't want govt. involved in my life - ok - no police protection for you, no medicare, no mail delivery and it goes on and on. the cost of health care will go up and up unless something is done
Posted by: cjr | November 23, 2009 11:53 AM
*
Nice red herring, lib. Handing 1/6th of the economy over to the national gov't and the affects everyone is a far cry from police protect (state and local). Yeah, national gov't does things really well, post office, losing 3-4 BILLION per year.
*
There are ways to real reform without handing control to the gov't: interstate competion, tort reform, reducing fraud.
*
That's a long way from messing up the whole thing and taking trillions of tax payer money to find some insurance for 10 million people that actually need it. (not all the illegals, and not the people that don't want it)

Posted by: cjr | November 23, 2009 11:53 AM
amazing the lack of intelligence on this board - "I don't want govt. involved in my life - ok - no police protection for you, no medicare, no mail delivery and it goes on and on.
**************************************

What is amazing is that you and the Left keep posting that dumb line.
**************************************

Do you have any better ideas- all see is no ideas - must be republicans here I believe the polls indicate that most of us want a public option.
**************************************
Look another dumb line from the Left. The Republicans put a real health care reform bill (HR 2520) in May of this year. The Democrats will not even let a vote on its debate and the MSM will not report this.
**************************************
I believe the polls indicate that most of us want a public option.
**************************************
Who is lying NOW, why you are and have been for weeks about the polls.
__________________________
Just 38% of voters now favor the health care plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. That’s the lowest level of support measured for the plan in nearly two dozen tracking polls conducted since June.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% now oppose the plan.

Prior to this, support for the plan had never fallen below 41%. Last week, support for the plan was at 47%. Two weeks ago, the effort was supported by 45% of voters.

Intensity remains stronger among those who oppose the push to change the nation’s health care system: 21% Strongly Favor the plan while 43% are Strongly Opposed.

Only 16% now believe passage of the plan will lead to lower health care costs. Nearly four times as many (60%) believe the plan will increase health care costs. Most (54%) also believe passage of the plan will hurt the quality of care.

As has been the case for months, Democrats favor the plan while Republicans and voters not affiliated with either major party are opposed. The latest numbers show support from 73% of those in the president’s party. The plan is opposed by 83% of Republicans and 70% of unaffiliated voters.

Other recent polling shows that Democrats consider health care reform to be the top priority for the president. Republicans and unaffiliated voters see deficit reduction as most important.

Among the nation’s senior citizens, 34% favor the health care plan and 60% are opposed. A majority of those under 30 favor the plan, but a majority of all other age groups are opposed

Support for health care has declined along with President Obama's approval ratings. For the first time in the Obama era, the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Approval Index has been in negative double digits for nine straight days.

Despite the decline in support for the health care plan, 50% still say it is at least somewhat likely to become law this year. That figure includes 17% who say passage is Very Likely.

While Senate Democrats this weekend assembled enough votes to begin debate on the plan, many challenges remain. All Republican Senators and several Democrats, for example, have expressed opposition to the so-called “public option.” Sixty-three percent (63%) of voters nationwide say guaranteeing that no one is forced to change their health insurance coverage is a higher priority than giving consumers the choice of a "public option" government-run health insurance company. Most liberal voters say giving people the choice of a "public option" is more important. But most moderates take the opposite view and say guaranteeing that no one is forced to change their health insurance is the top priority.

Overall, 46% favor the creation of a government-sponsored non-profit health insurance option that people could choose instead of a private health insurance plan. However, if the plan encouraged companies to drop private health insurance coverage for their workers, support for the public option falls to 29%, and opposition rises to 58%.

As Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, wrote in the Wall Street Journal: “The most important fundamental is that 68% of American voters have health insurance coverage they rate good or excellent. … Most of these voters approach the health care reform debate fearing that they have more to lose than to gain.”

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/september_2009/health_care_reform
*************************************

And Rasmussen has been the only pollster to get the last 8 Novembers right.

since Texas passed tough tort reform laws in 2003, the costs of medical malpractice premiums paid by doctors have fallen by more than 30 percent.
Posted by: Crooks_In_DC | November 23, 2009 11:41 AM
;
Great! Can you now please explain how that has resulted in insurance premiums being cheaper? All I can see is that doctors are now making more money.

Republicans don't want health care reform to pass for one reason - they know people will like it....and that means their electoral goose will be cooked for at least a generation.

Republican Congressman who oppose universal health insurance should immediately relinquish their federal health insurance. After all, these members of Congress have long enjoyed taxpayer-subsidized health insurance, a privilege that they apparently believe tens of millions of working, uninsured Americans and their families don't deserve.

If Republicans don't think being uninsured is a big deal, then they should go right ahead and try it out. And if they really believe a public plan is such a bad option, maybe they can persuade their parents to give up Medicare too.

For 6 of the last 8 years the Repubs had complete control of everything. My insurance premiums doubled in that time span. I don't give a rats arse what the Republipuke party thinks or wants. Their only motivation is to protect the insurance companies and corporate America.

Americans Can't Trust Republicans With Medicare

You want a simple message to counter dishonest Republican fear mongering on healthcare? How's this, Republicans want to do away with Medicare. They've always wanted to take it away, and if they get half a chance in the future they'll get rid of it then. It's not hard to find examples of them saying so in their own words since Medicare started.

Saint Ronny Raygun in the 60s: "if you don’t [stop Medicare] ... you and I are going to spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it once was like in America when men were free."

Republican Bob Dole openly bragged in 1996 that he was one of 12 House members who voted against creating Medicare. "I was there, fighting the fight, voting against Medicare ..."
.
http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/07/29/medicare-44/

GOPer nutjob/ "guru" Newt Gingrich said of Medicare, "We don't get rid of it in round one because we don't think that's politically smart, we don't think that's the right way to go through a transition, but we believe it's going to wither on the vine." He then went on to propose cutting Medicare by 14% and forcing millions of senior citizens to seek out private HMOs or go without, all to help make sure Medicare would 'wither on the vine.' And it continues right into present day.
.
http://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/16/us/gop-s-plan-to-cut-medicare-faces-a-veto-clinton-promises.html?sec=health&spon=&pagewanted=all

Roy Blunt: "You could certainly argue that government should have never have gotten in the health care business, and that might have been the best argument of all, to figure out how people could have had more access to a competitive marketplace."
.
http://www.firedupmissouri.com/content/radical-roy-blunt-it-would-have-been-best-if-medicare-and-medicaid-never-existed

Former Republican House Majority Leader the Dick Armey reaffirmed this week on MtP that he thinks Medicare is "tryanny" and if that's not worrisome enough, he wants to "phase out" social security too.

Republicans want to do away with Medicare because they're against government healthcare, always have been, always will be. That's a core plank in GOP ideology, they hold it as dear and precious as some holy theology. Just yesterday, when asked about government healthcare, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said the "government is a predator, not a competitor" and went on to note he wouldn't vote for any healthcare reform bill as a matter of conservative principle, even if it has everything he wants in it. So when a Republican talks about "reform," says we must "get the government out of healthcare," pitches convoluted tax schemes and private accounts for the affluent, or spits out terms like "socialized medicine," like a dog whistle they all mean the same thing: getting rid of Medicare.
.
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/2009/08/sen-grassley-on-health-care-the-government-is-a-predator.php?ref=fpblg

Forget about grandma being unplugged, grandma won't be able to afford being seen, much less be able to pay for hospital admission. Grandma is on her own. All so that conservative zillionaires and their Republican congressional lackeys can save an extra 0.0145 of their gross, bloated paycheck, the same flat rate we all invest to keep millions of senior citizens alive and healthy today.

We all remember the commercials that were made by Republicans and their pals at the Big Insurance Industry to trick Americans into thinking that health care reform would hurt average working families. We now see what has happened to the health-care system. CEOs rake in the big bucks from the huge profits they take in as health-insurance costs have skyrocketed.

FierceHealthcare reports the following top 10 CEO salaries for 2008:
------------------------------------------------------
* Ron Williams - Aetna - Total Compensation: $24,300,112.
* H. Edward Hanway - CIGNA - Total Compensation: $12,236,740.
* Angela Braly - WellPoint - Total Compensation: $9,844,212.
* Dale Wolf - Coventry Health Care - Total Compensation: $9,047,469.
* Michael Neidorff - Centene - Total Compensation: $8,774,483.
* James Carlson - AMERIGROUP - Total Compensation: $5,292,546.
* Michael McCallister - Humana - Total Compensation: $4,764,309.
* Jay Gellert - Health Net - Total Compensation: $4,425,355.
* Richard Barasch - Universal American - Total Compensation: $3,503,702.
* Stephen Hemsley - UnitedHealth Group - Total Compensation: $3,241,042.

My rates go up and coverage goes down every time I turn around. And then they just decide not to cover certain medications without an explanation. Even scumbag criminals are resurfacing, like Big Healthcare Insurance Lobbyists like Rick Scott, to try and con America for a second time.
.
http://crooksandliars.com/john-amato/dont-let-third-way-ben-nelsons-or-repub
.

> 44,230 more people are losing health coverage each week.

> 191,670 more people are losing health coverage each month.

> 2.3 million more people are losing health coverage each year

Republicans know that a successful health care reform that achieves universal coverage will bury them electorally for a generation, that's what has them Foaming at the Mouth (see the nutjob above), they could care less if people die because they can't afford healthcare.

Health Insurers and their Lobbyists and Big Pharma know that a powerful public option and a Medicare bargaining for prices will kick them off the gravy train permanently. Republicans and Big Insurance Company propagandists know their scare tactics aren't nearly as scary as reality is for the large majority of Americans.

paul:
Yes we need things to changes, starting with Litigation reform. Then the real debate can begin. (snip)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, in other words, if a medical error- malpractice cost you your life, you will instruct your estate beforehand not to pursue a cause of action ?
How generous of you ! The insurance companies call people like you " useful idiots"
So, go right ahead and be a useful idiot for the insurance industry; thats your right. Put it in writing:
I, Paul, the useful idiot of the insurance lobby do solemny swear not to sue if the doctor
screws up royally and buries their mistake called Paul.
Go ahead, do it. But don't you dare expect anyone else to go along with your benevolence.

Given that the trillion dollar Obama/Democrat welfare bill disguised as "health care" will be financed by borrowing all of it from the Communist Chinese, this seems to be a fully fitting 2010 election issue. Do Americans really want the U.S. to be
a skid row cousin of China?

Healthcare reform is Crying Out for Change. And, as Science teaches us to do nothing and to be static only leads to decay -- only leads to death.

Posted by: angellight | November 23, 2009 12:33 PM

I agree. We should reform this idiotic and hyper-expensive government take over off our healthcare. Doctors and patients should make the healthcare decisions, not a government bureaucrat or a former ACORN employee. What possible good can a government cubicle worker do to improve our healthcare system? NONE.

Cuts and rationing decisions will be made, just as we have seen the last few weeks with mamograms, etc. Politicians will decide who gets healthcare based on whether it will hurt their chances for re-election. That's what they base ALL their decisions on, because they are gutless weenies. Just look at all the weenies scrambling for cover, or trying to make a deal right now. You want these little government weenies to decide healthcare issues? THAT'S NUTS.

Ed,

Is this the Senator Reid you are congratulating? This senator that believes paying income taxes is voluntary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7mRSI8yWwg

Snoop Doug,

The GOP had control of both houses of Congress for about 4 1/2 years of President Bush's two terms. Does the name Jim Jeffords mean anything to you?

Posted by: Not stupid cuz I use my brain | November 23, 2009 2:55 PM

Great! Can you now please explain how that has resulted in insurance premiums being cheaper? All I can see is that doctors are now making more money.
*************************************

Did you read the whole post? Did you even understand it? I give a list of thing needed for health care reform. And we need tort reform for a lot more reasons then just health care. Tort reform would only play a small part in over all health care reform.

The one thing we need in tort reform is loser pays in most cases.
_________________________

Posted by: Raymond | November 23, 2009 3:10 PM

Republicans don't want health care reform to pass for one reason - they know people will like it....and that means their electoral goose will be cooked for at least a generation.

************************************

REALLY!!! Why did the republicans put up a bill (HR2520) in MAY 2009 that is a real reform bill if they did not care. The democrats will not let the bill move because they have control now and the MSM will only cover the democrat's bill. But the bill is there, they can not hide it anymore. Funny thing you can read HR 2520 but, not the one in the senate.

So as long as the left keeps trying to say its a reform bill the rest know its not. And the polls show what the people want and this bill is not it.

Bring out HR2520 and lets see where the people stand.

*****************************************************
Cuts and rationing decisions will be made, just as we have seen the last few weeks with mamograms, etc. Politicians will decide who gets healthcare based on whether it will hurt their chances for re-election. That's what they base ALL their decisions on, because they are gutless weenies. Just look at all the weenies scrambling for cover, or trying to make a deal right now. You want these little government weenies to decide healthcare issues? THAT'S NUTS.

Posted by: Free to Watch Whatever I Want | November 23, 2009 6:39 PM
************************************************

I realize that this is your latest given BS right talking point but the Mammogram thing has absolutely NOTHING to do with healthcare reform. Wrong again, Teresa.

"Cuts and rations" already happen, you already have someone standing between you and your doctor - A Corporate Health Insurance Bean Counter.....who will drop your policy just as soon as you get sick and need it.

You want these little corporate health insurance bean counting weenies to decide healthcare issues? THAT'S NUTS.

Posted by: Try again, Teresa | November 24, 2009 12:03 AM

"Cuts and rations" already happen, you already have someone standing between you and your doctor - A Corporate Health Insurance Bean Counter.....who will drop your policy just as soon as you get sick and need it.
___________________________

I agree to a point. But this bill is not reform. Look at HR 2520.

I started watching have a look its from Frontline:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundtheworld/?utm_campaign=homepage&utm_medium=bigimage&utm_source=bigimage

Try Again,

Read the story here of the woman from Oregon dealing with her state-run insurance:

http://www.wral.com/golo/blogpost/5755842/

I agree to a point. But this bill is not reform. Look at HR 2520. I started watching have a look its from Frontline:
Posted by: Crooks_In_DC | November 24, 2009 11:43 AM
_____________________________________

Clown in DC,

Unlike you, I really have been involved in healthcare reform from the very beginning. And I can tell that you don't know what the hell you're talking about other than spouting right wing talking points and posting links to nutjob right wing "news' sights.

You lost Clown, deal with it. Some day if the Repukelicans ever regain power again you can push for more tax cuts for the rich and wars, but for now you're just another Wingnut cry baby.
.
http://www.carnivalofpolitics.com/Left/ABC-WaPO-Poll-Public-Option-STILL-Popular-More-Important-than-Bipartisanship
.

freetowatch: (snip)

And, as Science teaches us to do nothing and to be static only leads to decay -- only leads to death.

Posted by: angellight | November 23, 2009 12:33 PM

I agree. We should reform this idiotic and hyper-expensive government take over off our healthcare. Doctors and patients should make the healthcare decisions, not a government bureaucrat or a former ACORN employee. What possible good can a government cubicle worker do to improve our healthcare system? NONE.

writer: Now you know perfectly well that none of this is true but I guess if you repeat a lie e'nuf times, it becomes truth to you, anyway.
Typical kneejerk hysteria, especially the ACORN part. ;)
Do you think that ACORN employess will be performing heart-lung transplants ? Get real. The fact is the big business of *medicine* needs reform. All Americans need to have access to medical care, like it or not. If we the people can bail out the banks and wall street, we can help our own.

freetowatch:
Cuts and rationing decisions will be made, just as we have seen the last few weeks with mamograms, etc.

writer:
many of us who support healthcare reform take strong issue with this recommendation and are free to ignore. I hope you are not trying to scare women because either way, in Illinois there is a wonderful program
" We Care" which screens and treats women who have no or limited coverage. I have to tell you, though, that your attempt to spread panic in women is both patronizing and thoughtless.

free to watch:
Politicians will decide who gets healthcare based on whether it will hurt their chances for re-election. That's what they base ALL their decisions on, because they are gutless weenies. Just look at all the weenies scrambling for cover, or trying to make a deal right now. You want these little government weenies to decide healthcare issues? THAT'S NUTS.

writer:
Whats "nuts" is the fact that the lack of healthcare access has nearly destroyed the middle class in this country, thus resulting in a financial meltdown and people like you think this is perfectly OK. Thats nuts.

****************************************************
Read the story here of the woman from Oregon dealing with her state-run insurance:
Posted by: Terry | November 24, 2009 3:25 PM
*****************************************************

Terri,
Read the story here of the woman from Illinois dealing with her Republican supported private insurance company and tell us how great they are.

At a town hall in Illinois on Nov 14, Dan and Midge Hough told the story of how their 24 year old pregnant daughter Jennifer who died while uninsured. Their daughter ended up missing out on prenatal care, and when she developed a condition that went undiagnosed she was ushered to the emergency room where it was already too late. Her unborn daughter died and weeks later Jennifer Houghs passed away as well.

If this story does not make you feel pity and compassion, you are a monster. Plain and simple.

And what did the right wing monsters in our society do when they heard this story? They laughed. They heckled. They didn't believe it, and those that might have didn't care enough to say something or do something to help.
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl5Jo0GnX-k

Our society can NOT remain civilized if it is not compassionate. Not that the Teabagging Right gives a damn about that.

"Catherina Wojtowicz, of Chicago's Mount Greenwood community, an organizer for a Tea Party splinter group, Chicago Tea Party Patriots, falsely claimed that the Houghs fabricated their story. In an e-mail, she called them operatives of President Barack Obama who "go from event to event and (cry) the same story." [...] The audience, Wojtowicz later explained, was exasperated by stories of isolated tragedies that cloud debate over the health care bill itself."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/23/tea-party-patriots-attack_n_367475.html

It's impossible for stories like this to be true in the minds of the uninformed twits who compromise the Republican base. They watch Fox News, and if Fox doesn't report it how can it be real?

The fact that people may actually be suffering is not reality in the land of the brainwashed Republican base. America has the best health care on earth, and since it was on the news it must be true. Somehow, that makes it okay to laugh at people who have LOST THEIR LOVED ONES.
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl5Jo0GnX-k

This is sick sick sick stuff, and these people are flat out brainwashed, to put it lightly. The Television has rotted their brains and they are going to vote Republican. Worse than that, they actually believe without question the lies they are told. Greed is good, Government is evil and George W. Bush did a heckuvajob, so this is all Obama's fault. The most important lesson the teabaggers have learned is that empathy is for suckers, so, if the reality that people actually suffer is too much to deal with, it can be easily laughed off. Thus does Rome burn while the Republican party and it's brainwashed, misinformed base fiddle itself into euphoria.

How does America solve it's problems when a section of society doesn't believe in the reality of those problems? It is the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality that has our nation circling the drain while these right wing nitwits prattle on about death panels, spending and their gonna take our guns.

Idiot is putting it lightly. Heartless, clueless, corporate manipulated fools is a more accurate term.

The story of Midge Hough is a familiar one to those of us more concerned with saving lives than scoring political points. Our nation's profit driven health insurers killed her child and her grandchild for profit. They used a pen instead of a sword.

I weep for her loss.

Do brainwashed Republican plebians care? Not at all. They have problems of their own, and tops among them is "Taking their (white) country back."
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl5Jo0GnX-k

The teabagger idiots are greedy, heartless, clueless a-holes, led by a political party of greedy, heartless, clueless a-holes. The only saving grace teabaggers might have is that they are brainwashed by the Corporate media (Fox, Rush etc) into acting against their own interests. That naive foolishness might be forgiven, but when you laugh at a mourning mother and call her a political operative you lose the right to be treated with pity. At that point I say screw these tea baggers, they should be allowed to opt out of the economic recovery when it happens, health care reform and any other limitation on the freedom of profiteers to rob you blind that might be turned back in the next few years. If they want to live in the 1920's so be it, but I'll be damned if they drag me and my country , our country down with them.

And THAT is the difference between right and left. The Right think it is their country, for them and their kind alone, and with greed and self righteousness we can like it or leave. The Left thinks this is our country, for all of us, and when EVERYONE does better EVERY ONE does better. The right is motivated by greed and has no shame. The left is motivated by compassion and has empathy. The brainwashed right are motivated by NOTHING but the puppeteers strings that sway above them, and we can NOT be held back by these duped, clueless right wing retrogrades.
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl5Jo0GnX-k
.

Whats "nuts" is the fact that the lack of healthcare access has nearly destroyed the middle class in this country, thus resulting in a financial meltdown and people like you think this is perfectly OK. Thats nuts.

Posted by: writerofwrongs | November 24, 2009 5:54 PM

OK writer, prove it. Give me some independant data to back up all your BS.

Here's my source:

Most reputable studies are based on the Survey of Consumer Finances, published by the Federal Reserve, which lists different types of consumer debt. Medical debt rose slightly from 5.5% of all debt in 2001 to 5.8% of all debt in 2007, according to the Fed.

A study by the Department of Justice examined more than 5,000 bankruptcy cases between 2000 and 2002. It found that 54% of bankruptcies involve no medical debt, and more than 90% have medical debt of less than $5,000. Even among the minority of bankruptcies that report medical debt, only a few have enough to cause personal bankruptcy.

Wrong again writer.

Trickled On John E Girls Name,

Just because one does not have health INSURANCE, does not mean they do not receive health CARE. Emergency rooms can not turn away anyone in need of medical assistance. Also, since you mention Chicago in your article, there is the Cook County Stroger Hospital that is there for the uninsured.

Facts are a stubborn thing.

terry of teabagerstan:

Just because one does not have health INSURANCE, does not mean they do not receive health CARE. Emergency rooms can not turn away anyone in need of medical assistance. Also, since you mention Chicago in your article, there is the Cook County Stroger Hospital that is there for the uninsured.

Facts are a stubborn thing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So your answer to the 47 million+ uninsured Americans is to send them to the emergency room, where the uninsured have a 50% chance of dying:
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2009/nov/16/health/chi-ap-us-med-injuredanduni

but in the rightwing nut world of survival of the fittest, thats just one method of population control, right? After all, they're losers who deserve to lose, wether it's their jobs, house ot healthcare access, and.....better them than you. In your world of your kind, all resources should be diverted to the wealthy, employed, white middle age "contributors"
and as for the others, who cares. Let them get sick and die quickly and quietly. More for those that really matter, thats your mantra.
Healthcare access equals healthcare insurance. To expect the hospitals to accomodate the multitudes of uninsured is both impractical and unfair, expect to you.

Always wrong,

47 million? Why did BO say only 30 million in his address before Congress a couple of months ago?

As the article states "The researchers couldn’t pin down the reasons behind the differences they found". In other words, they found a corelation, but could not prove any cause and effect.

Everything after this in the article is spectulation. Also, the rest talks about the quakity of CARE at the institutions, not the INSURANCE of the individuals. I'll speculate that many of those folks went to the GOV'T run health care facility of Stroger Cook County Hospital - run by the democratic machine gov't bureaucracy.

"Healthcare access equals healthcare insurance." - That's plain wrong, unless you are to standardize the hospitals across the country and the quality of the medical care is equal. That will never happen unless the gov't tells the medical workers on where they MUST work. Another freedom lost because of teh democrats.

terry the teabagger: (snip)

Always wrong,

47 million? Why did BO say only 30 million in his address before Congress a couple of months ago? (end snip)

According to the census bureau, est. 47+ million of your fellow Americans are without healthcare insurance. In our society, that equates to a lack of healthcare anyway you choose to slice it.

teabagistan terry continues:
Everything after this in the article is spectulation. Also, the rest talks about the quakity of CARE at the institutions, not the INSURANCE of the individuals. I'll speculate that many of those folks went to the GOV'T run health care facility of Stroger Cook County Hospital - run by the democratic machine gov't bureaucracy. (end snip)

Terry: you are totally grasping at straws with these arguements, which tells me that you are not only desperate but rattled that I exposed the truth behind the thought process of people like you and simply put that it: more for you and the heck with those...those losers who deserve to get sick and die for being jobless and without healthcare access and somehow in your twisted logic, thats one way of getting rid of ...those ..those unwanted losers who are draining our resources from the rest of "us ".
I hit a nerve, didn't I ?

terry the bagger goes on:
"Healthcare access equals healthcare insurance." - That's plain wrong, unless you are to standardize the hospitals across the country and the quality of the medical care is equal. That will never happen unless the gov't tells the medical workers on where they MUST work. Another freedom lost because of teh democrats. (end)

Strange logic. Try registering for cancer treatment without insurance. Or a broken leg. One of the first ?'s asked is:
" who is your insurance carrier"

Terry: you are twisting yourself up in knots trying to explain your position. I clearly spelled it all out for your convenience in this post.

Always wrong,

You didn't answer my question - Why did BO say 30 million if the number is 47 million?

The 47 million you quote includes 9.5 million illegals and 18 million people that earn more than $50K per year (could pay for their own health insurance). Now your number is down to 20 million out of 300 million or just under 7% of the population. Take these folks and put them on the existing gov't run health insurance - Medicaid. Problem solved.

You didn't hit a nerve. I exposed you lack of knowledge of statistics in that you don't know the difference bewteen correlation and cause and effect.

If you have cancer or a broken leg, you will be treated. If you say you have no insurance, does the emergency room send you back out onto the street with a bone sticking out from your leg?

The only knots being twisted in this one-side debate (since I'm kicking your behind) are your panties that are getting in a bundle.

GAME, SET, MATCH

terry the teabagging turkey:

You didn't answer my question - Why did BO say 30 million if the number is 47 million?

writer:
How should I know ? I am not Obama's official spokesperson.Why doncha e-mail the white house if you are serious about wanting clarification but you won't.
My information comes from the census bureau and the figures have remained consistant since around 2004.

The 47 million you quote includes 9.5 million illegals and 18 million people that earn more than $50K per year (could pay for their own health insurance).

And you alone know everyones personal business and reasons for not having health insurance coverage because you interviewed each on of these un-insured Americans ? when?

Always wrong,

If someone is earning $50K/yr or more, then their financial priorities should include some form of health insurance. Health insurance should come before expenditures such as cable, internet, cell phones, restaraunts, etc... If these folks get their healthcare paid for by the gov't, then what the gov't is truely subisdizing is their cable, internet, cell phones, restaraunts, etc...? However, that's economics, and you have proven you don't understand that. Sorry for going over your head. Have fun at the kids table today.

terry the teabagger:
Always wrong,

If someone is earning $50K/yr or more, then their financial priorities should include some form of health insurance. Health insurance should come before expenditures such as cable, internet, cell phones, restaraunts, etc... If these folks get their healthcare paid for by the gov't, then what the gov't is truely subisdizing is their cable, internet, cell phones, restaraunts, etc...? However, that's economics, and you have proven you don't understand that. Sorry for going over your head. Have fun at the kids table today.

Again, you have no knowledge of anyone personally who handles their financial affairs in a reckless and irresponsible manner, according to you the expert,thus causing you who knows all to have your rights taken away ? hmmmmmm

Always wrong,

Yes I do have knowledge of people that handle their financial affairs in a reckless and irresponsible manner in the way they describe.

I'm glad you acknowledge that I am the expert, at least between the two of us, in things economic.

Yes, tax payers would have their rights and freedom taken away.

Since you are a proponent of the public option, ask yourself, how did public housing work out for those that used it? Would you have like to have lived in public hosuing projects such as Cabrini Green or the Robert Taylor Homes? There's a gov't run social program at work.

Also, can you name a gov't run social program that meets the customers' needs and has come in under original budget?

Social Security? When Social Security first started in 1937, the tax rate was 1% of someone's first $3,000 of earnings - or a maximum of $30/yr. Now the rate 6.2% of the first $106,800 or a maximum of $6,621/yr. That is 220 times higher. Under budget? I don't think so.

Medicare started out in 1966 with a tax of .35% of the first $6,600 or $23.10. Now the rate 1.45% on unlimited income. The rate has quadurupled and the income base has no limits. Under budget? I don't think so.

I forgot, double those amounts since I forgot the employer's match.

So as Harry and Nancy and BO concoct their scheme to nationalize health insurance, and BTW none of the plans cover all the uninsured citizens, ask yourself the question, what happens in 10 20 years when the prices doubles or triples? Can this country afford it? Take another look at the debt clock.

http://www.usdebtclock.org/

It's time for you to get your lazy fanny of the economic wagon and start helping to pull it.

Just 38% of voters now favor the health care plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. That’s the lowest level of support measured for the plan in nearly two dozen tracking polls conducted since June.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% now oppose the plan.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/september_2009/health_care_reform

____________________________

Let the Left keep doing what they are doing. They keep making fun of the Tea Party Movement but, it keeps growing.