Obama signs healthcare reform into law

Hey, TeaBaggers? Repeal deez nutz!

Ed Rollins, CNN senior political contributor, senior presidential fellow at the Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency at Hofstra University and White House political director for President Reagan:
-
The Democrats did it. President Obama and Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi battered and cajoled a majority of Democrat House members to pass one of the most far-reaching and expensive entitlement programs in our history. The speaker said Sunday, "We're doing this for the American people."
-
It would be far more correct if she said we're doing what we think is best for the American people. According to polls, most Americans don't want this plan. But what we want certainly doesn't matter to Pelosi and those "smart Congress people" in Washington who think they know more than we do.
-
And telling the whole truth would be a new exercise in selling this program. Never has so much misinformation been spun to the public. We don't have to read the 2,000-page bill to find out the truth.
-
These are the facts, and they are not debatable. For those who have health insurance, you are in all probability going to pay more and get less. The American public is getting a tax increase -- and not just the rich ($200,000 is defined as rich). The so-called "Cadillac" health insurance plans will be taxed, and there are a variety of other taxes on businesses that will undoubtedly be passed on to consumers.
-
Doctors and hospitals are going to be paid less for services. Forty-six cents out of every dollar spent on medicine is paid for by you the taxpayers. Just know you're going to pay more.
-
Small and large businesses are going to have to pay more for their employees' health insurance plans. And every American is mandated to have health insurance whether we want it or not.
-
The elderly on Medicare will see their benefits changed dramatically. The biggest item being used to pay for the new program is more than $500 billion in cuts to the Medicare program at a time when 72 million baby boomers become eligible for it in the next decade. The second biggest move to pay for this is by raising and expanding the Medicare tax.
-
It is true some Americans will benefit. By 2014, according to the Congressional Budget Office, this bill will give 19 million uninsured Americans subsidies averaging $6,000 to help pay premiums and other medical charges. This is in addition to the federal government already picking up the tab for nearly 100 million Americans through Medicare (the elderly) and Medicaid (the poor, disabled and many children).
-
The "smart" people in D.C., including the president and the speaker will be long gone (as well as a bunch of Democrats who will lose in November) when the debts come due. But our children and grandchildren will be left with the tab.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/03/22/health.care.roundup/index.html?hpt=Sbin

Finally, the Dems have grown a spine. Usually they get bullied by the Repubs. This time they bullied back!

Go ahead republicans, keep saying no and yelling immature comments from the gallows and crying with Beck and your fellow tea-partiers. You thought all those assault rifles brought to town hall meetings and goofy rants about death panels was going to scare us? Voters are going to be saying no to republicans this year and continue saying yes to change.

Wait! I thought we had 5 days to read and comment on bills before they are signed?

Ah shucks - that's just a campaign promise and I was stupid to believe anyone actually keeps those. My bad.

Congratulations Mr. President for bring our country into the 21st century. The insane GOP and Tea drinkers proved that they had no morals and their lies were built upon scare tactics. The American public saw what they were made of, and rejected them. Thank you sir, for helping all of "real" America!

Have you Obama "voters" bothered to find out what's in the deathcare bill YET? Well it's too late now!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcBaSP31Be8
(copy & paste)
Tell me how you're going to like it, as this bill states that the government
Will have access to your personal checking & savings account. It states
That the government will be able to take out your money from your bank at
Any time! It states that the government will have full access to your
Personal medical files. Forget about your HIPAA rights! Still like that, you
Obama "voters"?
Like the fact that Page 114 Line 22 states that Obama, Michelle, Congress,
Senate and their families are exempt from this deathcare bill, like that?
Tell me, why is it not good enough for them? I do not want to pay $5,000 a
Year for anything I do not want! Why should I have this crammed down my
Throat? If you are a healthcare professional (nurse) as I am, I'm sure you
Are scared because our pay will no longer be the same, it will be lowered.
If you are a brain or heart surgeon, I'm sure you will also be scared and
Outraged that the deathcare bill states that you will no longer be paid the
Same amount, but rather the exact same as a General Practitioner at a
Walk-in clinic.
We need to take back America because it indeed has been taken away from us.
This is so frightening it's not funny. I'm not alone in my grief for
America.
Dictator Obama has now forced this upon the American people. You'd better
Find out what is in store for you. You didn't do this when he was on his
Campaign trail. You didn't realize that what he meant by "Change" had
Nothing to do with the good of this country. He meant change America's
Economical, financial and the welfare of our security and society by
Dismantling it and making this once great nation one like the rest of the
World in poverty. This man is so treacherous and treasonous. You people
Who still see him as a man in gleaming Armour are just plain pathetic and
Dangerous to our country by having voted for all these socialists.
We need to fight what has now happened to us. I'm sure many millions upon
Millions of people woke up yesterday, March 22nd to read how our freedom was
Taken away from us and our Constitution ignored. This is Obama's
Change=Trash America".
I want to know when the bias media will wake up and realize that this
Deathcare means them too while they've been in LaLaLand shielding and
Protecting these Socialists from We The People!

Cold, Hard Truths from Rush Limbaugh

Rush Limbaugh is an angry man today. He’s an unhappy man as well. He’s also a fearful man.

What happened in the peoples’ house Sunday night, in the House of Representatives of the United States of Ameerica, wasn’t the mere passage of a bill, an appropriations bill or a civil rights or defense bill. What passed with a narrow Democrat victory margin of 219-212 won’t just hit you in the wallet, won’t be one of those hundreds of measures that have little or no effect on the average Joe or Jane.

It won’t become a law anyone will soon forget.

No matter one’s opinion of Limbaugh, (mine is that he’s a bombastic blowhard, but OUR bombastic blowhard), his views on the passage of Obamacare are well worth consideration no matter where you stood on the issue, or stand on the issue since the president’s scheme will not be a done deal even after he signs it into law.

Limbaugh’s points on what transpired Sunday night in Washington are cogent as well as angry, unhappy, and fearful:

1) He believes “America Hangs by a Thread” after the Obamacare bill squeaked through and that our country is in this position because of the election of Barack Obama and a Democrat congress.

2) He believes Bart Stupak “needs to be hounded out of office” . . .
(Read more at http://www.genelalor.com/blog1/?p=1581)

We already have mandatory healthcare, we just didn't have mandatory coverage. You don't see people dying on the sides of American roads, you see them being cared for in our emergency rooms. The mandatory coverage under the Affordable Health Care for America Act enables us to meet the healthcare needs of all Americans -- earlier and cheaper... and I'm willing to bet that earlier (and preventative) care will provide better outcomes, which should correlate to a higher quality of life. God bless America.

President Obama truly speaks softly and carries a big stick.

He will continue to foster positive advancement, and yes, change in this country, whether the irrelevant lunatics like it or not.

Calling all Crackpots! That's you--right wing, racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, paranoid losers.

This is your call to action! Just try to repeal this. While you're at it, you may as well repeal Civil Rights, voting rights, laws outlawing slavery, women's right to vote, and for good measure the repeal of prohibition. Then you can live in your padded little room in the world of 1810. Enjoy!

Thank God we have pulled back from the brink after 8 years of horror... We are back on track and moving forward...

For the T-Boogers: LOL, repeal it?!? We all know that won't happen... This will be here for ever... for ever and ever, and ever and ever... this will be here for ever... For the rest of your lives, and the rest of your childrens' lives, and their chidrens' lives... IT WILL BE HERE FOREVER...

AND IT WILL BE EXPANDED...

There's a typo in the headline. It said historic and I believe they meant horrific.

I pay for my own insurance and this bill (law for now) makes me ill.

B.Swinford. did you get this from RUSH. We as a people need this, the insurance company's have been in the drivers set for to long. I worked in that industry for 25 years and let me tell you they could give a shit about you and your family, all they want is your money and no service to you. We would have meetings on how to deny a claim. If you dont like what this country is doing for all of use, i am sure they will welcome you in IRAN.

Love that change!!!!!
And it's my bet that the Tea baggers and Repub wing nuts who are now frothing at the mouth are among the first in line when it comes to applying for benefits!
Yes, it will cost money. Healthcare is not cheap. But those with pre-existing conditions are now guaranteed insurance coverage. Delaying this law will only end up costing us more down the road. So keep screaming that most Americans don't want this plan...and then keep quoting yourselves to justify yourselves. But remember: Change in healthcare law IS what the country voted for when we elected Obama as our president.

Here's the video of Obama's remarks followed by him signing the health care bill:
http://bit.ly/cFmZMc

Sad day.

I do not see "victory".

I see in the current government: corruption, oppression, narcissism, disrespect, hatred.

This a very sad day for America

" We don't have to read the 2,000-page bill to find out the truth."

This is one of the most idiotic statements ANYONE has ever perpetrated. But it IS typically Republican.

A ways back I pointed out the relevance of Kenya's long distance runners.

Howard Fineman agrees, I guess.

A very bad day today for the Party of No.

Americans know this has nothing to do with "reform" and everything to do with power and control over our lives as a revenue driver for Obama's nanny state, socialist fantasy. But Obama's fantasy is not setting well with the American people. A new Rasmussen Poll just out shows that a whopping 49 percent of voters nationwide want their state to file suit against the federal government to stop ObamaCare. This is a wildly unpopular bill (and corrupt process) that is going to tarnish Democrats for many years.

Ok, I can tell you one thing, the GOP is energized and we are ready to pound the pavement, hit the streets and throw these bum Democrats out. Just remember folks the GOP has a message of promise, of forward thinking progress for America. Now please go out and tell everyone you know the GOP stands for:
Forcing children up to 26 to fend for themselves.
Any man, woman and child w/ a preexisting condition...you're on your own.
Were you dropped because an insurance corporation thinks you're too expensive?...you can figure out what you're going to do yourself.
Are you a senior impacted by the doughnut hole?....screw you, you're on your own.
Can't afford insurance?....Suck it up and don't come crying to us about debt from medical bills.
You see America, the GOP knows middle America. We know what's right. This is the message that will transform America into a great Libertarian nation. Perhaps we can achieve greatness like Somalia. With your help, we can! Now get out there and sell this winning message.
;
Sincerely,
The brains behind the GOP
Frank Peabody Luntz

No JOE, I did NOT get this from Rush Limbaugh. I got it right from the healthcare bill itself because I took the time to READ IT. Read the bill yourself if you literate enough to understand it. That's the problem with you illiterates, you have your mouths flapping the loudest and yet you are so incredibly ignorant of what the bill actually says. So shut up and read it before you start bragging on it and Obama. You will see and you will be very embarrassed and sorry and feel dooped by your savior. Too bad for all of us.

This is a sad day for our country, and yesterday ms pelosi said that this is just the beginning.

Mark your calendars - 32 weeks from now is Tuesday November 2. That's the day when WE have our say.

It won’t become a law anyone will soon forget.

No matter one’s opinion of Limbaugh, (mine is that he’s a bombastic blowhard, but OUR bombastic blowhard), his views on the passage of Obamacare are well worth consideration no matter where you stood on the issue,"

Anybody who cites Limbaugh is beneath contempt. Limbaugh is a hate-filled lie-mongerer and tantamount to the worst traitor this country has ever known for the simple reason that he disseminates lies about this country as though truth and incites to hatred. He is the spiritual guide of the "birthers" and "Tea Bags."

And meanwhile in the real world, the Obama presidency continues to collapse among the American public. For the first time, a CNN poll has found that a majority of Americans disapprove of President Obama’s job performance. According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Monday, 51 percent of respondents disapprove of Obama’s job performance and 46 percent approve of it. Obama’s approval rating has dropped steadily each month since December, when it was 54 percent. His highest approval rating in a CNN poll was 76 percent in February 2009 shortly after he took office. Obama has plunged 30 points in 14 months, even in the left-skewed CNN poll. Let's keep the pressure on, folks.

You're probably right George Watson. I don't think any Democrat has the brain capacity to know how to read, so they can't read the bill.

OHHHHHHH NOEZ! It's the death of our nation!!! AAHHHHHH!!!! Head for the hills!!!! Give me a teabag!!!!! Where's my foil hat?! The sky is falling; people cannot be excluded from health insurance! What a sad day for America!!!

It's nothing short of a total travesty that those wonderful insurance company executives are now bound to regulations governing their exploitative practice. What are we thinking that the government mandates that companies have to abide by certain rules?! You wouldn't want to give the impression that this is a nation of laws.

/sarcasm

Right wing teabagging nutcases would be hilarious if they weren't so arrogant to vote and do damage to our nation. They'd be a wonderful source of humor if they weren't so disastrous to society.

-Conservative is not an ideology; it's an excuse.

Only an idiot (or a freeloader) would think another entitlement program is good news when there is high unemployment.

The male-chauvinist Republicans are picking on a woman: Ms. Pelosi.

Guys: Shame on you. Can't you fight other men?

Lipinski is gutless.

The Obama Kool Aid Kids here are fooling themselves into believing Americans are going to forget about the lies, backroom deals, corruption and brutal tactics to ram this horrendous bill down our throats. You will be awakened from your Kool Aid slumber in November. The backlash against Obama is only just beginning.

Despite bi-partisan opposition, Obama signed into law today Health Care reform that will mandate that 31 million uninsured Americans buy insurance from private companies.

Sorry, Silva. This does not "offer" insurance to anyone. You will be required to buy it by law.

I got it right from the healthcare bill itself because I took the time to READ IT.

Posted by: B.Swinford | March 23, 2010 12:53 PM
;
If you read this from a bill (no Presidential signature), it's meaningless. SHOW US THE LINKS FROM THE LAW. PROVIDE PROOF!

I have a previously existing condition, having survived a heart attack at age 31. I've undergone two quintuple by-pass surgeries and four balloon angioplasties. Had it not been for the fact that my wife received health insurance as a benefit at the school where she works, I'm sure I would have been entirely excluded from "the best healthcare system in the world". Today, that is not true.
This is a victory!

This bill will blow a hold right into the pockets of the middle class when our employers drop our coverage and pay the cheaper penalty to the government instead of insuring their employees. Then we will have to purchase insurance, barely subsidized, ourselves through the "gov market place", which can cost upwards of $500 - $700 monthly. My family is considered middle class and we can not afford this cost. Obama, what now???

There are no "entitlements" in the bill.

Do any of you right wingers actually read anything, or do you just parrot the talking points that others have conditioned you to repeat on cue, kind of like Pavlov's dogs?

IF you don't know what you're talking about, as it is very apparent most of you right wing fanatics do not, then you really should step aside and let the informed, intelligent people guide the debate using relevant terms and not your misleading rhetoric and flat out lies.

There's nothing wrong with being wrong; it becomes a problem when you're not smart enough to realize that you're wrong, yet you are so arrogant to keep blathering on anyway. Either get a clue or give up.

Thanks president Obama

Thanks for doing nothing for the last year Republicans we will remember you in November

Thank you Obama and socialist Democrats for jolting America's silent majority into action. Conservatism and the Republican Party are stronger today than they have been in years. Keep up the good work.

betheny, wake up!! what are u going to do when the dems hold their majorities in both houses??

the repugnican party is finished as a national party... large minority tho it is, u no longer have the numbers to win on a national election...

your own boy patrick buchanan has been saying it for years -- the demographic shifts occurring in america have reached the point where u just don't have the votes...

right in front of your eyes -- its all coming -- immigration reform is next...

what'cha gonna do about it?? LOL, your kids and their kids' kids will live their entire lives in an ever more progressive america...

Yes, more entitlement because we are all victims. These rich Democrats fool us poor people yet again. More Nanny State because there's another victim born every minute.

VOTE OUT DEMOCRATS, VOTE 'EM OUT OFTEN, AND POST DAILY.

Pelosi is at 11 percent approval among voters today. Just 11 PERCENT! It is unreal, but understandable, how quickly and vigorously the public is turning against Democrats.

This is a sad day for America. For you diehard obama/pelosi lovers, be careful what you wish for. This will put us so far in debt that the chinese will have a coporate takeover of our government in just a few years.

You liberals are some sweet sweet cats. Hope your happy.

Some things you guess about and some things you just know - here's what I know:

1. Obama and the Dems are going to get a bump in the polls from the health care passage.
2. Unemployment rates will continue to drop for the next 6 months and will be in the 7-8% range in November, as the bulk of the stimulus money takes effect. Another bump in the polls for Obama and the Democrats.
3. Republicans will gain a few seats in the Senate and a few in the House, but not enough to gain majorities in either, as their far-right candidates fail to win over many independent voters.
4. Legal challenges to the health care bill will become increasingly unpopular as more and more parts of it take effect. It's one thing to misrepresent what's in the bill, it's another to try and take away someone's benefit.
5. The 2012 Presidential campaign will be the ugliest to date with the limits taken off corporate advertising. In the end, the Republican candidate will fail to capture the hearts and minds of the majority of Americans and Obama will be elected to a second term.

Obama is at the wheel. See hard-left California, Democrat-controlled Illinois and socialist Greece to see where he intends to drive America. You see, once we collapse under the weight of entitlement programs we can't pay for, it will be easier for Barack Chavez to remake the country in his image. Wake up, Americans.

The Hare and the Tortoise - In my opinion the UK faced similar health care changes to what the US is now going through health care was just for the chosen few who could afford it, and massive opposition from those who could look no further than the end of their noses - Then following the second world war in which the UK faced massive debt the National Health Service (NHS) was born on July 5, 1948. It was the brainchild of Aneurin Bevan, Minister for Health in the pioneering Labour government which swept into power after the Second World War. The NHS was one of the first initiatives of its kind in the world, providing a government-run, comprehensive health service for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. “Its founding principles…reflected the best British characteristics of fairness, decency and respect.” just like the USA's core principles today - However just like the UK at that time the US new health bill will quickly run into trouble, spiralling running costs, the huge difficulties of co-ordinating so many different services and the fact that by doing its job properly the New health care bill will create more patients for itself, and will frequently put the service under intolerable strain. In 1945 Bevan had foreseen this: he said “We shall never have all we need. Expectations will always exceed capacity.” But it is still a remarkable achievement and the envy of the world, however much we may like to grumble about it...Despite me being a UK Conservative myself (or Republican in US speak) the NHS is one of better things to come out of the UK – metaphorically speaking the Tortoise wins through in the end.

I love how if anyone opposed the Health Care Bill, they are a, what is it, Gibster, "right wing, racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, paranoid losers."?

Funny thing is, the bill itself seems pretty sexist when it comes to women. Women can't be entitled to an abortion, which is perfectly LEGAL in this country if any portion of their medical insurance is paid for by the government. Seems pretty sexist to me, don't you think. I mean, men don't have to worry about that do they. Wonder if this little bill will cover Viagra though.

Obozo will use the plan to quit smoking...Nancy Pinhead for more facelifts...HANG ON TO
YOUR WALLETS!!!

Good point Al Strap. It's not like the Liberals have ever made fun of a women; Sarah Palin. Way to play the victim. Just like every other Democrat I've ever met.

Once the Supreme Court rules in the favor of Republicans on the notion that the legislative branch CAN NOT force the American populace to buy or receive subsidized health insurance, the program/bill will fall apart.

The left knows this, they set this up to make the Republicans look like fools on their pending 2010 takeover.

If anything the left set this bill up to fail either way and stick republicans with their failure.

The only way for this bill to be remotely successful if at all is to mandate that every American citizen partake in it, but demanding such a measure is unconstitutional.

The bill will have to be repealed and if republicans cant get it repealed their stuck with THIS CRAP which will be an economic disaster all the while trying to create jobs.

Yeah, I know what I just said makes absolutely ZERO sense to the libs.

How the hell can you be a lawyer, play dumb and act like you didn't know the legislative branch under the constitution CAN NOT force people to buy health insurance?

The left used playground methods on this bill.

Al wrote-
The male-chauvinist Republicans are picking on a woman: Ms. Pelosi.

Guys: Shame on you. Can't you fight other men?

If she can't take the heat (she is the speaker of the house) then she should get out of the kitchen.

B.Swinford, glad to hear you read it... perhaps you could enlighten the rest of us as to the "Page 114 Line 22" reference -- given that the "healthcare bill" you purportedly read requires you reference the Act name by Section number; that is how law is referenced. Your page and line number is useless as far as I can tell.

Both political parties are money grabbing power hungry liars. Liberals just do it with feel good tactics, which I find 100 times lower than what repubs do. Handing out goodies to the idle hand open mouths of our ghettos, illegals and slackards just concretes their power base. The changing voter base is clear. *I* had children when I KNEW I could support them. NOT because I knew the GOVERNMENT would support them. If you think this will wash out for the good, enjoy your health now before the lines are around the block.

@Al Strap: This is the same Nancy Pelosi who said in her speech Sunday that this bill would mean that women are no longer 2nd class citizens??? As a woman, that was really insulting, the last thing I need is Nancy Pelosi telling me I'm a second class citizen.

One of the basic principles of economics is people face trade offs. So what are we willing to give up for pushing this monstrosity through? The country is already in debt and there are rumors the U.S credit rating could be lowered, China isn't going to like that.

Let's call this bill exactly what it is . It is a new social contract that requires every American to buy health insurance from a private insurance company. For those who cannot afford it , the federal government will give out a subsidy. This will be a new cost to being an American citizen.

The three most insufferable people in DC just got more insufferable. All the doors in the WH and the capitol will have to made wider to get their enormous egos through.

*********************
No doubt he will go down in history , i hope he gets more done . better to be a 1 term president that

brought big changes for a lifetime, Than a 2 term president who sit on his hands and did nothing and you don’t REMEMBER THEM FOR ANYTHING...

Something tells me he will be around for awhile , Americans respect people who are bold and get things done even if they don’t agree with them.

PRESIDENTS NEVER GET VOTED OUT BECAUSE THEY DID TOO MUCH , ITS USUALLY THE OPPOSITE.

Well folks, we sold a little bit more of our freedom yesterday. It went cheap, so we should all feel a little sticky today. Once again, we lowered the bar of personal responsibility. No longer are we to be expected to do what we believe is correct for ourselves and our families. Not only will we be forced to purchase what the government tells us to, we'll be forced to pay for the slackers and under achievers.

One of the sound bites I heard was from an African American Representative who proclaimed that the 'right' to healthcare is finally available to everyone. With all do respect to the gentleman, if you believe that healthcare is a right, you need to repeat 8th grade civics class. Then there is Ms. Pelosi who believes that the Founders and Framers would be proud. Again, with all do respect to the lady, the Founders and Framers that I know about aren't named Marx and Alinsky.

Trying to instill a sense of pride, independence, self reliance and a work ethic in my young daughter while those around her will have only been taught 'entitlement', will be not be a small task. But I'm up to the challenge. Her future depends on it.

Here's another poll for media Democrats to hide. From the latest CNN:
"Washington (CNN) – For the first time, a CNN poll has found that a majority of Americans disapprove of President Obama's job performance.

According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Monday, 51 percent of respondents disapprove of Obama's job performance and 46 percent approve of it."

The Obama Kool Aid Kids here are fooling themselves into believing Americans are going to forget about the lies, backroom deals, corruption and brutal tactics to ram this horrendous bill down our throats. You will be awakened from your Kool Aid slumber in November. The backlash against Obama is only just beginning.

Posted by: Betheny | March 23, 2010 1:03 PM

Keep telling yourself that Betheny. I can assure you, the surprise in November will be yours. Democrats will still control the House, Senate and White House. It may not be by as large a margin as it was before, but there's no possible way that Republicans are taking control of both houses of Congress. You heard it here first. You keep trying to make yourself feel righteous by saying that "Americans will remember". Guess what? Americans voted this government into place, and some of them will vote for the same people all over again. The backlash against Obama may just be beginning from the right, but the overwhelming backlash against the tremendous damage done by Republicans for the bulk of the last decade isn't over by a long shot.

Relax, folks. This still has to go through the reconciliation process. During that time, fiscal amendments to any subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee can be added to the original bill, and this process of approving amendments is handled by a non-partisan parliamentarian. This person decides on the legitmacy of an amendment strictly on the basis of it being an amendment that is budget based and whether or not it falls under the jurisdiction of the SFC--no other concerns are considered. Once any single amendment is attached, the original bill has then been modified and must go back to the House for another full vote. All it takes is one well worded amendment to break apart the bloc of 219.

All the above is a detailed explanation of the statement that this bill is nowhere near final and still stands a very good chance of being stalled.

If there is anyone out there naive enough to believe that this is settled, let me quote the eminent nancy p. (source - The Examiner 3/19) during a conference call with liberal bloggers she said "Once we kick through this door, there'll be more legislation to follow."

Whatever anyone says, let us right now state some facts - this bill was passed with not a single republican vote and in the face of mounting public opposition. Once again the democratic congress has shown its contempt for us, the gum-chewing public.

So

32 weeks, 224 days, 5376 hours, 322,560 minutes, 19,353,600 seconds until

mid-terms

One battle does not a war make.

No one says this bill is perfect. But we had to start somewhere, and we had to do something now, and NO! We couldn't start over which is simply another delay tactic by the Puebies to avoid their responsibility to provide BASIC Human Services to ALL the citizens of this country--not just to those who have a job at a large employer and/or money to pay for healthcare on their own. And of course its going to cost taxpayers money--just as Medicare and Social Security have this since the time of their implementation; why/how does anyone think simply pointing out that fact is enough of an argument against it? We are an embarassment as the Industrialized nation with the worst record on Healthcare. Even some second world countries surpass our breadth and depth and affordability of care. Wake up Puebies!

Guess what? Stocks have gone up two days running since Healthcare passed. So it appears the Markets like it.

Health Bill Spreads the Pain, Benefits. That is the exact USA Today article title. It says it all and is the medical equivalent of "from each according to his ability, to each according to their needs." IT IS SOCIALISM AND UNLESS THIS PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS ARE STOPPED IT WILL KILL THIS REPUBLIC !!

Did you want Health Care Reform ? Even the left leaning press have reported that the overwhelming majority of Americans DO NOT WANT THIS BILL. Everyone of us has been slapped in the face by the Congress and President because they have told us we do not know what we want. They are in Washington DC to do the business of the people not decide for themselves what we need !! WAKE UP ! YOUR FREEDOM IS AT STAKE.

The snowball was pushed down the hill today with Obama's signature. More Government, more IRS, more taxes, more, more, more. The student loan program was also taken over by the Imperial Federal Government with the signing of this bill. Can anyone explain the connection ? I will attempt. Both increase the Government and decrease personal freedom. Now, only the Government can determine who can obtain a student loan. You don't think this will be abused ? WAKE UP AMERICA !!!

Executive Order preventing federal funding of abortions ? You hve to be kidding me Mr. Stupak !!! How can you be so naive ??? The EO is not law. It cannot be in conflict with any law. It can be changed at a moment's notice. WAKE UP AMERICA !!!

The Government has taken over segments of the manufacturing industry (GM, Chrysler) and financial industry (AIG) with no regard for fiscal responsibility. The Government has just taken over 17% of the GDP wih the arrogant promise that the rich will be taxed to pay for health care. WAKE UP AMERICA !!!

If you did not want this bill, and most of us do not, the solution is simple. Vote them out. Kick their pompous sorry rear end out on their ear. How dare they tell us what is best for the American people. The only positive outcome of Health Care Reform will be the awakening of the American people to boot the arrogant Democrats out of office. WAKE UP AMERICA !!!

I love it. I love it. I love it. Republicans, you LOSE. Why? Because last November, more people in and across America disagreed with you than agreed with you. We had to deal with that absolute idiot in the White House for eight years, a man who will go down as one of the worst presidents in the history of this country. In the history of this country. Now the tables have turned. And to stupid people, read this bill. It is for you. Forget about 'bortion and homos and whatever the Republicans force feed you to get your votes. This bill will be beneficial to you and you will eventually see that. Republicans don't care about you, they just like to scare you into voting for them. Insurance companies that charge $800 for a blood test? See ya!

A bill so hideous it had to be rammed through on a partisan vote in the Senate on Christmas Eve then jammed through the house with corrupt backroom deals, bribes, threats and lies all leading to the wholly inappropriate reconciliation vote of 51 instead of the honorable 60 votes. And Democrats couldn't be happier. Wow. That certainly says a lot about Democrats, but the American public won't stand for this Chavez-like power grab.

Kim1969 asked: So what are we willing to give up for pushing this monstrosity through?

Um - I'm willing to give up the ridiculously expensive and pointless wars that Bush got us into.

Where were all these bitter people when a war based on Presidential lies and an economy shattered due to Republican inspired deregulation? To the victor the spoils.

Sit down and shut up. You can vote Obama and the entire congress out when the elections come up but for now go away!

All you liberals, I hope you enjoy bringing home less in your paychecks, assuming you have paychecks. The Democrats creamed Illinois. $1.8 BILLION more in Medicaid costs, and we get to pay for Nebraska, Louisiana, Tennessee, Connecticut and everyone else's special deals.

Of course, this assumes you will have jobs. This bill kills whatever competitiveness Illinois had. Tax increases are assured, killing more jobs and driving more business out of the state.

Illinois is for all intents a welfare state. Hope you enjoy working for your Democratic leaders in the statehouse and beyond. Because that's all you're working for. Dopes.

You asked for it, you got it, America: COMMUNISM!!!

Healthcare reform will be VERY challenging given the fact that physician re-imbursements will continue to drop while compliance costs skyrocket. Drug and insurance giants (who sculpted the legislation) will enjoy HUGE profit$. The solution was simple and that was to include physicians in the debate and legislation . . .... If you give citizens Medicaid coverage that nobody accepts, how is this really reform?

Come November, this nation will see the largest turnout of "baby boomer" voters for any previous issue(s) or candidates than ever. They will be voting to defeat the individual Representatives in Congress who had the audacity to vote "yea" on an issue that the majority of the citizens of the United States of America do not favor. Woe be to those who have awakened the "sleeping giant". Your days as legislators are numbered. Cut your final deals while you can, for you will be ousted in November of 2010.

Everyday American: Exactly how is a bill that will "allow more lower-income Americans to take part in the federally subsidized Medicaid program" and "offer subsidies to consumers who purchase insurance through new commercial exchanges" a bill that has "no entitlements?" Yes, DO PLEASE know what you're talking about or step aside and let the informed, intelligent people guide the debate...

The IRS is now the most powerful government office. And growing by 16,000 agents.

I am proud to be an American!!!!!!!!!

GOP: Going Out of style Politically.

Sure as the sun sets in the west, the r-cons and baggers will demand to be the first in line for their " socialized medicine " . The truth is they are soulless and selfish and couldn't care less about anyone but themselves and they know it. They are also arrogant to think they are somehow the majoroty party in this country. They are basically still in campaign mode, failing to grast the fact that Obama won.
meanwhile, back in the real world, President Obama made good on his campaign promise and signed healthcare reform. Thank you, Mr. President and Speaker Pelosi, as well as the dems who voted YES for healthcare reform. Today is a great day in the USA !
The voters need to throw out all r-cons and enact campaign finance reform while there is still time.

OK, bag heads, you can cut the empty threats now. You lost again. You should be getting used to it.

If you repugnants on the right can't start living in reality then there will never be civility ever again.

On the heels of health care, a new Harris poll reveals Republican attitudes about Obama: Two-thirds think he's a socialist, 57 percent a Muslim—and 24 percent say "he may be the Antichrist."

How are we ever to have a discussion if you morons actually think like this? 57% think he's muslim? Really? wow....

"Cold, Hard Truths from Rush Limbaugh"

Funniest line I've seen in days. BTW, is he leaving? I thought he said he would if this passed.

If it's now a law, certainly our lawmakers should read it. Written by staffers, lobbyists, ex-senators, special interest groups, etc. and reviewed with big pharma and more lobbyists and special interest groups, approved by unions, and endorsed by those who felt they'd gain something (AMA, AARP, etc.) it's time the actual people now responsible learn what they have to administer.

There are thousands and thousands of pages, and hundreds of vague paragraphs that give some yet to be created unknown offices, agencies and new bureaucracies vast power over the entire healthcare system. Do the senators and congressmen know who will do what? Do they know what it'll cost, and how and when we have to start paying more taxes?

Will they delegate the nuts and bolts to their office staff, who were smart enough to write themselves out of the bill? Unknown people now the power (and the requirement) to create rules and regulations to go into effect in 18 months, or before 2014. They must delegate and deputize all kinds of things to the 50 states, and exactly how many states have the money to hire more regulators and bureaucrats to assume the hundreds of functions they've now been given to administer.

We know the first order of business will be to start collecting cash from our pockets, this was sold to citizens and congress as a deficit reduction and wealth redistribution plan, so let's get all the 'wealth' we can out of taxpayers pockets, get all the taxes and fines we can impose on businesses and start reducing that deficit!

Later on, in a couple of years, we'll see some czar or secretary determine exactly what a 'qualified insurance plan is'. If we like the policy we have, unless it's on that list, we won't be able to keep it.

Hopefully, by then the "affordable" $12,000 policy should be ready for all the 27 year olds to buy (or pay the $75 fine), chock full of mandates for things young people don't need but hey, who is going to subsidize the 50 and 60 year olds? But, americans don't care about these little details, the president told us so.

This is a sad day for our country, and yesterday ms pelosi said that this is just the beginning.

Mark your calendars - 32 weeks from now is Tuesday November 2. That's the day when WE have our say.

Posted by: terry | March 23, 2010 12:56 PM

YOU had your say 16 months ago and YOU are the minority party and YOU need to accept that the majority voted for healthcare reform and for Barack Obama and YOU lost and will lose again this november because YOU voted against helping Americans.

Yay! Three cheers for socialism!!!

For all the people who applaud this bill: This is the nail in the coffin for America. All the cheering and high fives and you haven't even read this bill. What a joke, you just believe what they tell you without knowing the facts. You'll all be sorry when the US dollar will be destroyed, not by this bill alone, but by BUSH'S 8 years in office and the prior 30 years. There will be BIG change in the near future, and not the change you hoped for.

For all the people who applaud this bill: This is the nail in the coffin for America. All the cheering and high fives and you haven't even read this bill. What a joke, you just believe what they tell you without knowing the facts. You'll all be sorry when the US dollar will be destroyed, not by this bill alone, but by BUSH'S 8 years in office and the prior 30 years. There will be BIG change in the near future, and not the change you hoped for.

This bill will be beneficial to you and you will eventually see that. Republicans don't care about you, they just like to scare you into voting for them. Insurance companies that charge $800 for a blood test? See ya!

Posted by: pfnerd50

pfnerd50: You will eventually see that the insurance companies will be making more money because they will have 32 million more customers by law! Also, insurance companies don't set the $800 charge, that's on the hospitals and doctors. But, I forgot that the hospitals and doctors aren't a big corporation that is the enemy. Do you guys ever think about where this government subsidy money comes from?

There are no "entitlements" in the bill.
Posted by: Everyday American

How is a government subsidy to only certain people not an entitlement? Please explain.

This is a sad day. Obama compares this to social security. Excellent comparison! Social security - now that's a financially sound program. Social security is going to get bailed out by the taxpayers in the next few year and so will healthcare.

THIS MOMENTOUS DAY!

Not one day in anyone's life is an uneventful day, no day without profound meaning, no matter how dull and boring it might seem, no matter whether you are a seamstress or a queen, a shoeshine boy or a movie star, a renowned philosopher or a Down's syndrome child.

Because in every day of your life, there are opportunities to perform little kindnesses for others, both by conscious acts of will and unconscious example.

Each smallest act of kindness - even just words of hope when they are needed, the remembrance of a birthday, a compliment that engenders a smile - reverberates across great distances and spans of time, affecting lives unknown to the one whose generous spirit was the source of this good echo, because kindness is passed on and grows each time it's passed, until a simple courtesy becomes an act of selfless courage years later and far away.

Likewise, each small meanness, each thoughtless expression of hatred, each envious and bitter act, regardless of how petty, can inspire others, and is therefore the seed that ultimately produces evil fruit, poisoning people whom you have never met and never will.

All human lives are so profoundly and intricately entwined - those dead, those living, those generations yet to come - that the fate of all is the fate of each, and the hope of humanity rests in every heart and in every pair of hands.

Therefore, after every failure, we are obliged to strive again for success, and when faced with the end of one thing, we must build something new and better in the ashes, just as from pain and grief, we must weave hope, for each of us is a thread critical to the strength - the very survival - of the human tapestry.

Every hour in every life contains such often-unrecognized potential to affect the world that the great days for which we, in our dissatisfaction, so often yearn are already with us; all great days and thrilling possibilities are combined always in THIS MOMENTOUS DAY!

Excerpt from Dean Koontz's book, "From the Corner of His Eye".

It embodies the idea of how the smallest of acts can have such a profound effect on each of our lives.

The health care act just passed by congress and signed by President Obama will not accomplish it' goals. Why? Because it does not address many of the issues. Everyone in america deserves health care, no question. However, we have alienated health care providers with this legislation and will live to regret it. Payment cuts for care and higher malpractice and no tort reform equals fewer doctors and less care. We have destroyed quality for the sake of making insurance companies and pharaceutical companies wealthier from this act.

We will all live to regret this bill and its ramifications. America we are in deep deep trouble.

The health care act just passed by congress and signed by President Obama will not accomplish it' goals. Why? Because it does not address many of the issues. Everyone in america deserves health care, no question. However, we have alienated health care providers with this legislation and will live to regret it. Payment cuts for care and higher malpractice and no tort reform equals fewer doctors and less care. We have destroyed quality for the sake of making insurance companies and pharaceutical companies wealthier from this act.

We will all live to regret this bill and its ramifications. America we are in deep deep trouble.

I don't know why people complaining over trivial matters. It's about time to change a failing poor system. Anyways, it's always to have something potentially good rather than nothing at all. Good luck President Obama and I have faith in you!

Today, yes, indeed We Have Overcome!

*claps*

woohoo.

And what do the polls today say? Gallup has 49-40 approval for the legislation passed. No surprise the numbers were gonna shoot up after passage. Will only get better in the coming weeks.

I agree that this might help the people that are working their butts off and can't afford anything. But what about the people that are out having tons of kids and just living off of what is not truthfully theirs?? I think people need to realize what is really going on here. I can honestly say that I am somewhat ashamed to be an American today.

I don't think any American would argue that our health care system needed reform -well-planned reform that the majority of people were behind -a bill that took time and diligence to craft and was simple, efficient and straightforward. Sadly, this is not it.

As a physician I lived through the disaster of Managed Care which only produced poorer quality of care and record profits for insurance companies. As a result of that debacle, I and most of my colleagues and all of my personal doctors do not participate in any insurance plans and do not accept insurance. None of us ever took medicare or medicaid because of all the red-tape which made it nearly impossible to treat your patient appropriately.

All this health care bill will produce is an underground economy of health care where the wealthy will enjoy the services of so-called "concierge" or "boutique" medical practices (they are already starting in my area) -the poor will continue to receive medicaid and as is customary -the middle class and working poor will suffer the highest costs for the sub-standard care they will receive from overworked and underpaid paraprofessionals.

America -we deserve something better than partisan politics, emotional tirades on the left and on the right

When managed care (or "mangled care" as we referred to it!) put the profit of the insurance company between the doctor and their patient -the results lead to the health care problems we have now. Can you imagine what will come of putting the government (as monitored by the IRS) between you and your doctor?

President Obama he try to make shure America come back to the Super power.It is mater of trust him. Her made history president Obama and people give him more time and more Trust 100%. The bill he is signing is not money gos to Obama pocket is to make shure America the have Health Care,good tritemant and more...
Obama is more than you think...
Vive Obama Vive Obama

Ok, what's wrong with people being told they must purchase health insurance? At the point WE(tax payers) are now paying for thier visits to the emergency rooms across the country. So isn't it a good thing that our tax monies can be used for other needs? You republican are always talking about pulling one's self but when the goverment(Obama)agree's now you not for it. You guys are like that kid we all knew on the playground who whine's and cries because it didn't when the game. You have two choices with that kid, LET him win or smack him. The passing of this Healthcare Plan was you SMACK(DOWN).

With the passage of this bill. It appears from www.HealthInsuranceSource.net and www.AHealthInsuranceQuote.com analysis that employers nationwide will be assessed a $2,000 penalty for every employee not offered group health insurance or commonly referred to employer sponsored health insurance. Does this include part time employees that traditionally didn’t qualify or buy health insurance in the first place because of the cost vrs. Hours worked? How in the world is an employer going to absorb this cost? So if an employee doesn’t want to participate in paying their share, the employer is penalized $2,000?

The commentators keep reminding us that Theodore Roosevelt was the first president who tried to bring universal health care to the American people. That's not quite true. He never really expressed the idea while he was in office. In 1912 Roosevelt had been out of office for four years when he attempted to reclaim the presidency from William Howard Taft, the man he had picked to succeed him. Once in office, Taft began to dismantle most of the progressive reforms that Teddy had put into place. When he sought the nomination once again, his campaign slogan was "a square deal for every man and every woman in the United States." Part of the "Square Deal" was health care for all. He arrived at the convention that summer with all the delegates he needed (and then some) to seize the mantle of standard bearer. It was not to be. His party would betray the people by giving the nomination to Taft in spite of his victory. They had had enough of Theodore Roosevelt and his progressive reforms. 1912 was the year that the progressive wing of the Republican party died. He was the last great Republican president - the very last.

A generation later TR's distant cousin Franklin attempted to pick up the torch of universal health care. In his 1944 State of the Union address, he told the American people that his major goal for the post war world was national health insurance. Unfortunately for you and I, FDR did not live to see the war's end. A film of that speech can be viewed in Michael Moore's film, Capitalism: A Love Story. It's is now out on DVD and is essential viewing.

The new health care bill is not perfect - far from it - but as the old Chinese saying goes, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." There will be improvements made on it down the years - there absolutely needs to be - but this is a fairly good first step. We're on our way! The Conservatives will whine, but that's what they do best. They'll whine just as they whined when Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965, or the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Just as they whined when Harry Truman desegregated the army in 1947, or when Franklin D. Roosevelt brought Social Security into being in 1935. They'll whine just like they did when Woodrow Wilson tried to form the League of Nations in 1919 - or when Abraham Lincoln ended the institution of slavery in 1863! They whine a lot. Did you ever notice that?

http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com

Tom Degan