Medical Bankruptcies: A Data-Check
Email(3 p.m. update: See italicized items with responses from the lead author of the Harvard study, Dr. David Himmelstein.)
President Obama’s kicking off his health care reform today in the worst possible way: with a mischaracterization of data.
“The cost of health care now causes a bankruptcy in America every thirty seconds," Obama said at the opening of his White House forum on health care reform. The problem: That claim, based on a 2001 survey, is simply unsupportable.
The figure comes from a 2005 Harvard University study saying that 54 percent of bankruptcies in 2001 were caused by health expenses. We reviewed it internally and knocked it down at the time; an academic reviewer did the same in 2006. Recalculating Harvard’s own data, he came up with a far lower figure – 17 percent.
A more recent study by another group, approaching it another way, indicates that in 2007 about eight-tenths of one percent of Americans lived in families that filed for bankruptcy as a result of medical costs. That rings a little less loudly than “one every 30 seconds.”
The extrapolation of Harvard’s data to “a bankruptcy every 30 seconds,” which Obama also mentioned in his address to a joint session of Congress last month, comes, per the White House, from a 2005 Washington Post op-ed by Prof. Elizabeth Warren, a co-author of the Harvard paper. Fact-check.org has noted that even using Harvard’s numbers, it’s more like a bankruptcy every minute; indeed if you add up all bankrputcies in a year you barely get one every 30 seconds. (I've e-mailed Warren for comment.) But more to the point is that the Harvard data are clearly inflated, or at best, mischaracterized.
Himmelstein tells me that the reason for the difference is a change in federal law that sharply reduced the number of bankruptcies. In 2005, the year he and Warren wrote their op-ed, there were just over 2 million bankruptcies. Data out just today say that in 2008 there were 1.1 million (up sharply, by the way, over 2007). So this error in the White House claim stems simply from the fact that it's using out-of-date information. The next question is whether the estimate of “medical bankruptcies” is reliable in the first place.
A good part of the problem is definitional. The Harvard report claims to measure the extent to which medical costs are “the cause” of bankruptcies. In reality its survey asked if these costs were “a reason” – potentially one of many – for such bankruptcies.
Beyond those who gave medical costs as “a reason,” the Harvard researchers chose to add in any bankruptcy filers who had at least $1,000 in unreimbursed medical expenses in the previous two years. Given deductibles and copays, that’s a heck of a lot of people.
Moreover, Harvard’s definition of “medical” expenses includes situations that aren’t necessarily medical in common parlance, e.g., a gambling problem, or the death of a family member. If your main wage-earning spouse gets hit by a bus and dies, and you have to file, that’s included as a “medical bankruptcy.”
When I asked the lead author, Dr. David Himmelstein, about his definitions of medical bankruptcy back in 2005, he said, “It’s a judgment call,” and added that any death, for example, “to our mind is a medical event.”
A last problem was sampling: The Harvard researchers surveyed bankruptcy filers in five federal court districts accounting for 14 percent of bankruptcies nationally; projecting this to the other 86 percent is sketchy. Said Himmelstein: “Obviously the extrapolation is rough.”
Of such rough extrapolations are presidential pronouncements made.
Himmelstein today told me that he’s comfortable saying medical costs, as his study defines them, are “a cause” but not “the cause” of bankruptcies. In his view, “It’s accurate to say medical problems cause half of bankruptcies. There may be other conditions as well but medical problems were causal. I wouldn’t be comfortable with it as the ‘only’ cause.”
Worth keeping in mind is the fact that no one (apparently) disagrees about the pain medical expenses can cause to uninsured Americans. Prof. David Dranove of Northwestern University, who wrote the 2006 paper picking apart the Harvard study, noted that he has a new paper in the works showing that uninsured people who have a severe illness lose a substantial portion of their retirement assets.
"There is general agreement: Being uninsured and getting sick in the United States is really a bad thing,” Dranove told me today. “But for academics the validity of the research matters.” In the Harvard paper, he says, "The methods were so poor they gave cover to those who want to dismiss the problems of the uninsured – they can say the only paper out there uses a suspect method."
There’s been a fair amount of academic back-biting about this issue. On one hand Himmelstein, the lead Harvard researcher, is a co-founder of Physicians for a National Health Program, created to promote a government-run single-payer health system. On the other, Dranove took $5,000 from the nation’s health insurance industry for his report, which he says he now regrets for the criticism of his impartiality it’s engendered. Both papers were peer-reviewed.
“It stinks to be uninsured. I don’t want to be quoted saying anything else,” Dranove says. “But there are correct studies, and incorrect studies. For academics, the validity of the research methods matters.”
It should for the rest of us, too.
Himmelstein’s referred me to a 2006 paper in which he replied to Dranove, whom he accuses of “several out and out errors.” Says Himmelstein: “They were paid by the insurance industry to make this critique… They were hired guns out to try and make a point, and used a variety of illegitimate techniques to make that point.”
Science marches on.
(…and a 4 p.m. update: Elizabeth Warren, Himmelstein's co-author, is serving as chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel on TARP. Per spokeswoman Shanan Guinn, she's not currently giving interviews on her previous research.)
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Obama is full of spit.
Posted by: Kitty | March 5, 2009, 1:02 pm 1:02 pm
Obama likes to rule with fear. I nolonger support him, honeymoon is over and I’m not impressed. Tally me as “against” obama now. Kathy from NY
Posted by: Kathy | March 5, 2009, 1:06 pm 1:06 pm
Plenty of presidents and politicians have made these innocuous rhetorical slips. They’re easy to do and relatively harmless.
Give Obama a break – this isn’t the Drudge Report…
Posted by: matt | March 5, 2009, 1:08 pm 1:08 pm
Obama is a fool. Fix the financial crisis first before going on to health care. He was elected for 4 years but he acts like he has only 4 months.
Posted by: Herb | March 5, 2009, 1:18 pm 1:18 pm
Let’s not forget that health care is expensive -because- of government interference in the industry.
So, of course, it makes sense that we need -more- government interference.
What?
Exactly.
Posted by: lorien1973 | March 5, 2009, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm
I belive it is true I know family menbers and friends that have been pushed off the edge by medical bills I am very close myself I may have to sell house to maintain healthcare.I spend 15% of my gross income of medical thats obove,what my insurance paid.I cost of meds alone was is outrages.one of the meds is 1200$ for a 30 day suppy
Posted by: Daniel orr | March 5, 2009, 1:26 pm 1:26 pm
Immaterial. Obama haters will love it but, the fact is, we need health care reform stat.
I’m about to be eligible for Medicare — and I smoke. You want to pay for the bills I’m about to incur? Better get costs down and write some new rules. The baby boomer are about to sink you.
Posted by: Debbieqd | March 5, 2009, 1:38 pm 1:38 pm
One thing that has to change is the American diet. When you consume poison expect to get a severe ailment down the road.
Posted by: Huh | March 5, 2009, 1:40 pm 1:40 pm
We are witnessing the end of the United States of America. This President is trying to out-Chavez, Chavez! I hope all of you Obamamaniacs are happy with your one Socialist one party government. You wanted change and now we are all getting change we don’t need.
Posted by: Robert Weathers | March 5, 2009, 1:45 pm 1:45 pm
”
Immaterial. Obama haters will love it but, the fact is, we need health care reform stat.
I’m about to be eligible for Medicare — and I smoke. You want to pay for the bills I’m about to incur? Better get costs down and write some new rules. The baby boomer are about to sink you.
”
Actually I’d prefer it if you paid for your own medical bills. I don’t know you and frankly I wouldn’t care enough in person to pay for your healthcare, and the only reason you’re getting any assistance from me is because Government demands it at the point of a gun.
Posted by: Dave | March 5, 2009, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
Perhaps someone should take President Obama to taks for being so imprecise. But I think the larger question is why should any medical problem – from illness,to death, be a catalyst for someone to lose their home? Instead of elivating our standard of living, I see people who seem hell bent on dragging everyone down. ‘Misery loves company’ is not an excuse.
Posted by: Micheal W Smith | March 5, 2009, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
even 17 percent is a travesty of pain and suffering due to this government (the only first world nation with out universal health care) failure to ensure the health and wellbeing of it citizens and contrary to what negative press given for those other countries that have universal health care the real truth is the average citizen of those county’s are severed better as it better to wait a few months for a non critical issue then never in the USA if your lack health insurance plus they have no financial worries from the bills after they get out which is so much better for recovery. And the argument is we cant afford it sure we can we spend 50% more on the limited health care here then Canada does supporting everyone and if we spend our current amount we be the shining example of health care in the world
Posted by: David Hardingham | March 5, 2009, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
It’s news that Obama is a liar? For the person who said it was an “innocuous rhetorical slip”; You’ve got to be kidding. You’ve got to admit he really is only the same old bs, no CHANGE at all.
Posted by: j | March 5, 2009, 1:56 pm 1:56 pm
Well Robert Weathers you now know how I have been feeling for eight long years. I knew we where going to suffer for Bushes years in office and I feared for my country everyday, and I was right. I think I voted for soemone I can trust to at least care about how much it will cost me to bale us out. Bush did not care that I paid a 1/4 of my income for medical coverage nor did he care that I do not smoke am not fat and have never done anything to deserve an old age with no 401K and only medicare to help with my remaining years. You are wrong and I hope I live to see the day you have to eat your words.
Posted by: Bonnie Kimberly | March 5, 2009, 1:57 pm 1:57 pm
” But I think the larger question is why should any medical problem – from illness,to death, be a catalyst for someone to lose their home? ”
Right, why should anyone have to pay for medical care at all.
Lets get round up all the doctors, nurses, etc.; chain them to their hospitals, and force them to work for us for free.
How dare they work for a decade learning enough to try to turn a profit in medical care; I have a right to their time and effort and they must give it to me at no cost.
Lets enslave farmers too. We all need food; they shouldn’t be charging for it.
Any segments of society who you don’t think should be enslaved by the Government for the “good of the people” and “fairness”?
Posted by: Gekkobear | March 5, 2009, 2:02 pm 2:02 pm
I have been a practicing bankruptcy attorney for a few years in three states, and have clerked for a bankruptcy judge. I can tell you that the claim is impossible. I work on both debtor and creditor cases and of all the cases I have seen or reviewed this year, not one was caused by medical bills. A lot of times medical bills are included as a debt, but it is not the cause. Medical bills are just a debt for my clients, just like credit cards. The usual cause is too much debts, i.e. credit cards, an imploding mortgage, death or divorce. President Obama’s charge is highly inflated and a little irresponsible. Yes we need medical reform, but there is no need to lie or exaggerate to accomplish reform.
Posted by: Rob | March 5, 2009, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
REAL CLEAR POLITICS poll.62% say country is on the wrong track
DO NOT REPORT THIS COMRADE ABC
Posted by: bawl knee phwank | March 5, 2009, 2:07 pm 2:07 pm
The clarification of the bankruptcy rate is interesting, and helpful for keeping accuracy in this matter. I think many people will be appalled that even with a reevaluation of the Harvard data, so many people are bankrupted by basic healthcare needs.
Additionally, I hope that ABC News will apply this level of scrutiny to the figures and statements of those who will surely be working to oppose healthcare reform. There will be a host of intentional distortions down the line. The debate will be furthered by a vigilant, prominent “truth squad.”
Posted by: TruthSeekr | March 5, 2009, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm
Bonnie: You want someone who cares? I want someone to actually do something—and not be dishonest in his justification. If he is honest, most of the silly stuff he talks about won’t happen.
Also, the government isn’t responsible for your bad job choice and investment decisions—just as we shouldn’t be bailing out AIG, GM, etc.
Posted by: j | March 5, 2009, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
Truth seeker: “so many people are bankrupted by basic healthcare needs.”
About how many. Sounds like dogma trumps data.
Posted by: j | March 5, 2009, 2:25 pm 2:25 pm
Debra: So by your own admission, you think ABC had to go to Rush for the truth. The truth is an ugly think when it disagree with your pre-conceived notions isn’t it.
Posted by: j | March 5, 2009, 2:29 pm 2:29 pm
Moreover, Harvard’s definition of “medical” expenses includes situations that aren’t necessarily medical in common parlance, e.g., a gambling problem,
SWEET. Does this mean Barry O is going to reimburse me for my losses at the craps table? Call it the “Pass Line Bailout.”
Posted by: CTD | March 5, 2009, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
Well, as ballerina Rahm Emmanuel said, “We can’t let a crisis go to waste.”
These dolts that voted for hopenchange just wanted a liberal to do more damage to our country than they thought Bush did! They don’t CARE about America, they only want more handoutsike Bonnie there. Here’s a tip, BONNIE, stop smoking, get a job and quit sponging off our country! Uhhbama can’t even introduce an appointee without a teleprompter! Yeah! Wow is he smart! Have you read all of that brilliant writing he did as editor of the Harvard Law Review? Yep, me neither, CAUSE HE DID NOT WRITE ANYTHING!! Thanks, Tapper, for having the ###### to print this
Posted by: T | March 5, 2009, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
Gee, actual professional journalism is too much for some of you folks to take, isn’t it.
Posted by: huerfano | March 5, 2009, 3:16 pm 3:16 pm
A lager question here in terms of the study itself is why were these Havard researchers determined to cheat the numbers in order to make this problem look worse than it is?
Obama took it and flew with it in his ongoing strategy to make EVERYTHING into a crisis! We just have to act right now, before the crisis becomes a catastrophe! This has already become the motto of this administration.
Posted by: Mike_C | March 5, 2009, 3:22 pm 3:22 pm
“Himmelstein today told me that he’s comfortable saying medical costs, as his study defines them, are “a cause” but not “the cause” of bankruptcies. In his view, “It’s accurate to say medical problems cause half of bankruptcies. There may be other conditions as well but medical problems were causal. I wouldn’t be comfortable with it as the ‘only’ cause.”
Interesting Logic!! Does he then equate half of the bankruptcies to EVERY cause category????
That could make for a lot of “halves” !!!!
Posted by: Mike_C | March 5, 2009, 3:25 pm 3:25 pm
The biggest change to medical expenses will come IF there is true Tort reform. When the loser of a medical, (or any frivilous)lawsuit has to pay court fees the number of lawsuits will diminish greatly. Doctors have to spend way too much for malpractice insurance and have to pass that along to their patients and bill insurance for it.
Posted by: Bonnie | March 5, 2009, 3:25 pm 3:25 pm
I say: “Kudos to ABC!”
This is an example of fine, in-depth reporting with a ballanced viewpoint.
The question is: Will this story make it onto the airwaves? Or will it languish on the web, where fewer people will get the chance to explore the deeper truth of the situation?
I encourage ABC News — and ALL broadcast news — to: (1) expand their news broadcasts to at least an hour each night, in order to bring us more in-depth reporting on important stories; (2) eliminate the fluff they serve up each morning, and replace it with hard news of this calliber; and (3) stop treating the viewing public as if we all have a “Jethro Bodine 6th Grade Edu-ma-ca-tion.”
Posted by: Dixon Hill | March 5, 2009, 3:29 pm 3:29 pm
To Dave:
“Immaterial. Obama haters will love it but, the fact is, we need health care reform stat.
I’m about to be eligible for Medicare — and I smoke. You want to pay for the bills I’m about to incur? Better get costs down and write some new rules. The baby boomers are about to sink you.
”
Actually I’d prefer it if you paid for your own medical bills. I don’t know you and frankly I wouldn’t care enough in person to pay for your healthcare, and the only reason you’re getting any assistance from me is because Government demands it at the point of a gun.
_________________________
That’s exactly my point, Dave. But the gun is pointed and will remain so because most Americans demand it. Since that is the case, we’d better work very hard to reform the system.
In addition, I don’t need any assistance from you or the government. I’m a multi-millionaire so, if I’m going to get Medicare, I should be charged for it accordingly. And I’m happy to pay it. What I’m not happy with is being ripped off by the insurance and drug companies.
Posted by: Debbieqd | March 5, 2009, 3:37 pm 3:37 pm
Bonnie:—-and the real cost of an out of control tort system are the tests, appointments, done to avoid a lawsuit.
Posted by: j | March 5, 2009, 3:41 pm 3:41 pm
I think ABCNews should fact check itself. See yesterday’s article about people who want to earn less money so that they’ll have a smaller tax burden, when that’s not how marginal taxes work at all.
Posted by: Ben | March 5, 2009, 4:30 pm 4:30 pm
Love, Love,Love this report!!!! Love some of the comments too!! Glad to see that people are finally realizing that Obama sold all those that voted for him a bill of goods – although it’s too late now for figuring it all out, we’re all stuck for the next 4 years. Isn’t Castro about dead? Maybe Obama can do the next for years in communist cuba, he’s already trying to make us like them!! He should be a shoe-in!!
Posted by: Kathy | March 5, 2009, 5:17 pm 5:17 pm
I forgot to mention about medical costs: It is trul amazing how no one cares what is causing all the sickness; how no one cares that so many are dying because their insurance doesn’t cover this proceeduse or that proceedure; heck nno, the cure is just around the corner!
Posted by: Philip Gurrieri | March 5, 2009, 5:19 pm 5:19 pm
O’Dumbo the First, the Munificent, the Telepromptered cannot be wrong!! Woe to you little ones!! Tremble and be afraid!!
Posted by: jerome clam | March 5, 2009, 5:22 pm 5:22 pm
First, you have perfected hate speech. There may be a position at the Daily Kos–you could get some of the Soros fortune.
Second, in regard to “not being able to get procedures, name one. Now if it was Canada or the UK, you’d be right. Whoops, that can’t be true, they have socialized medicine.
Grow up!
Posted by: j | March 5, 2009, 5:31 pm 5:31 pm
I have never believed what he said, he is a stage performer, his “adolescent” like decisions is going to put us and future generations in trouble, we need to stop his and congress spending spree and bribery (earmarks are bribes), that are the changes we need, not the radical ideas.
Posted by: concern asian texan | March 5, 2009, 6:03 pm 6:03 pm
ABC saying the savior is wrong? I am shocked!
Posted by: daf62757 | March 5, 2009, 6:47 pm 6:47 pm
“Ignorance is the most expensive commodity in this country”
~R. Limbaugh~
And it goes all the way to the white house. ~me~
Posted by: Gregor | March 5, 2009, 6:55 pm 6:55 pm
I’m still waiting for Obama to do something, anything, to stimulate the economy, rather than package up entitlements, public sector spending bumps, billions for ACORN, corporate welfare, and earmarks, call it ‘stimulus’ (although its the exact opposite of stimulus) and then jack up taxes (which is actually de-stimulating) to pay for it.
Thanks Obama. Thanks a lot. Real swell. Yay Democrats. I’ll never forgive them for this travesty.
Of course, we all assume he actually wants to improve the economy… fact is, he probably doesn’t- every new person on the expanded welfare rolls, and every new gov’t employee, will vote Democratic to secure their goodies.
Posted by: America | March 5, 2009, 6:59 pm 6:59 pm
A local radio show ran a special on Canadian style health care, which is one BO is driving towards. If people knew the looooooonnng waits and delays in health care, (for those you now and former military dependents, you remember spending ALL day for a routine clinic visit), they would think otherwise regarding his proposed mess.
I said this once, I’ll say it again. Medical care is NOT a right! Never has been and never should be. It is a PRIVILEDGE.
So make those important choices in life. Don’t hang out with the thug crowd and for DANG sure, don’t fornicate until you can afford your offspring!
Posted by: Glubber | March 5, 2009, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm
If only ABC as well as NBC, MSNBC, CNN,and AP had questioned what the “Messiah” had said before he was elected, we may not be in this mess.
Posted by: Rook | March 5, 2009, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm
@matt said
“Plenty of presidents and politicians have made these innocuous rhetorical slips. They’re easy to do and relatively harmless.
Give Obama a break – this isn’t the Drudge Report…”
Sorry, Matt. I can’t give Obama a break. This “innocuous” slip is a justification for his health care policies. This misinformation is the fuel for the power to destroy. Were it not for articles as this, this story would be repeated until it becomes “truth.”
Posted by: Chris | March 5, 2009, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm
Immaterial. Obama haters will love it but, the fact is, we need health care reform stat.
You’re right Mr. Orr:
Let’s start with tort reform. — Rush Limbaugh
Posted by: LittleOrby | March 5, 2009, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
It seems like many of you are glossing over the existent facts here. No one is arguing that those who end up filing bankruptcy have medical debt.
The slippery little fact that keeps getting glossed over is whether or not that debt caused the bankruptcy. And the truth of the matter is very few people have to file because of pure medical debt. I know what it costs to have insurance, I am self employed and have to pay every month for it. However, if the government ran it, it would be 100 times worse than it is today.
Yes you may not have to directly pay for it as a monthly bill, but I can guarantee that you will pay..with a decline in your health. Every country that has a state run health care system funded by taxpayer dollars has a decidedly lower quality of care than a private or semi private system. You may get your Motrin when you hurt your arm, but God forbid quality care if you have a life threatening illness. I have seen the effects of that first hand and folks..it ‘aint pretty.
Posted by: drblake | March 5, 2009, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
Did you give Bush a break for saying Saddam had weapons of mass destruction when we knew for a fact he gassed his own subjects? Do not give a liar a break. The whole political system is corrupt. The best chance we had at any real change was electing an Washington outsider.
Posted by: Logan | March 5, 2009, 7:08 pm 7:08 pm
ATTN: Barrack Obama supporters, the President does not have a clue. Why can’t you folks be intellectually honest with yourselves and the folks commenting on this site. We need to deal with facts not your feelings. Every emergency room in this country offers free medical heathcare if you cannot pay for services. Let’s get real!
Posted by: PoliticalCircusBlog | March 5, 2009, 7:08 pm 7:08 pm
“Socialism is inseparably interwoven with totalitarianism and the object worship of the state. It will prescribe for every one where they are to work, what they are to work at, where they may go and what they may say. Socialism is an attack on the right to breathe freely. No socialist system can be established without a political police. They would have to fall back on some form of Gestapo, no doubt very humanely directed in the first instance.”
-Winston Churchill
Posted by: wma | March 5, 2009, 7:09 pm 7:09 pm
Of those medical bankruptcies, how many were attributed to lack of health insurance, and how many to lack of disability insurance? That is a key question.
Posted by: Writer Dave | March 5, 2009, 7:09 pm 7:09 pm
“Plenty of presidents and politicians have made these innocuous rhetorical slips. They’re easy to do and relatively harmless. ”
Yeah, sure they do. It’s an outright lie and Obama knew it and now you do, too.
Posted by: Sigmonde | March 5, 2009, 7:09 pm 7:09 pm
98 % of what Obama says is a mis-character….. otherwise BS… Do Not trust what he says now or during the election. Couldn`t tell the truth even when it matters.
Posted by: Bob M | March 5, 2009, 7:10 pm 7:10 pm
OBAMA LIED! Impeach!!!
Posted by: tony | March 5, 2009, 7:10 pm 7:10 pm
Wake me up when it’s over. Between his parties, his teleprompters, and his wife’s biceps, I have had my fill of Obama.
Posted by: Hillary Fan | March 5, 2009, 7:11 pm 7:11 pm
People who smoke will incur large medical bills down the road. Thats your problem. Not my problem and should not be something that comes from my paycheck. You created your own mess annd you, or those you spawned, should pick up the bill. If you want universal coverage, go to Cuba. Michael Moore seems to think their medical care is way better than ours. WE are a free people, free to make our own choices. The caveat is that you have to live with those choices. To shield men from the effects of their folly is to create a world of fools. I dont think I need to tell you what will become of America if we all become fools.
Posted by: Logan | March 5, 2009, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
Gee, I wonder if Global Warming OR it’s new name, Global Climate Change, has the same “factual” reliability? Highly doubtful, Liberals will fabricate means to meet their political measures.
Posted by: Oracle | March 5, 2009, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
Obama is totally OFF-MESSAGE, in case you haven’t noticed. We’re in the middle of a stock market dive and bank crisis. Obama needs to pay attention to that!!!
Posted by: midwestlady | March 5, 2009, 7:13 pm 7:13 pm
Obama it our savior!
Change you can believe in!
Yes we can…. do whatever we want!
Posted by: slobber | March 5, 2009, 7:13 pm 7:13 pm
Another example of not letting the truth get in the way of a sound bite. How many Obama voters out there believe they made a huge mistake in voting for this guy?
Posted by: Hurricane Bob | March 5, 2009, 7:14 pm 7:14 pm
Of course, the previous comment was tongue-in-cheek…
Posted by: slobber | March 5, 2009, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
All of The Chimp’s rhetoric is aiming toward one thing: Declaring that Medical Professionals are government property from this point on. In order to “solve the crisis’,” you know.
Posted by: renm | March 5, 2009, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
Posted by: matt | Mar 5, 2009 1:08:43 PM:
“Plenty of presidents and politicians have made these innocuous rhetorical slips. They’re easy to do and relatively harmless.
Give Obama a break – this isn’t the Drudge Report…”
…but, but President Obama uses a telepromter…can’t he read either?!?!?
Posted by: Really, Really | March 5, 2009, 7:19 pm 7:19 pm
PoliticalCircusBlog: Even better:
Socialism is a great system until you run out of places to get the money.
–Maggie Thatcher
ps: that is an approximate quote
Posted by: j | March 5, 2009, 7:22 pm 7:22 pm
I just have to ask everyone: do you know of one thing government runs well? Obama’s claims are normal for any politician, and clearly he has learned well, give fake numbers repeatedly and often until you get what you want.
It is clear with the lawyers and the illegals in our ER’s affecting our health costs any price savings will look good to normal paying folks. The problem is if government gets involved it will become a super medicare mess.
Posted by: Jeff G | March 5, 2009, 7:23 pm 7:23 pm
Republican misrule? Hardly…the economic mess we are in is mainly due to greed. Simple human greed. From the trading floor of Wall Street, to the back rooms of Washington D.C. to the guy down the street who just HAD to have the big house..forget about how he was going to pay for it. Quit looking for the demon in a political party and start looking in the mirror.
Posted by: drblake | March 5, 2009, 7:23 pm 7:23 pm
Debbieqd
Why should I have to be penalized for your bad habit? You should be surcharged for your choice of knowingly doing something harmful.
Posted by: Babs | March 5, 2009, 7:23 pm 7:23 pm
hey barton fink,
Don’t acknowledge the fact the dem’s have been in power going on 3 years now. Keep the deflection of your party going and please don’t accept any responsibility.
You must be very proud of your leaders.
By the way have you paid your taxes or are all you exempt from any responsibility?
Posted by: Observer | March 5, 2009, 7:27 pm 7:27 pm
debbieqd – then you are going to be so happy about the changes to Medicare – a little stickler went under the radar with the Stimulus Package – spending is greatly curtailed for all you older people and the older you get the less medical care you will get, the cost will be put up against your age and it will decided if it cost effective to treat you…the next thing will be to look at life style…..
Posted by: Emlee | March 5, 2009, 7:28 pm 7:28 pm
Everyday its something new with Obama, the excitment has wore off for me personaly.
Posted by: yoodles | March 5, 2009, 7:28 pm 7:28 pm
David
The Canada remark is not accurate. It is actually France that is 50% of what we pay. Medical School is free and France has tort reform. You can’t sue- do you think the trial attornies that own so many politicians will allow that? Check to whom those attorneys contributed to. Doctors in France make 2x the average wage while in the USA they make 5X. You are quite wrong about waiting for services for non urgent medical. One of my classmates had to wait for 3 months for an MRI. When he finally had it they found that he had broken his neck. In France you can choose your own doctor. Other countries that have socialized medicine you don’t choose your doctor. You go where they tell you to.
Posted by: Babs | March 5, 2009, 7:29 pm 7:29 pm
To all my fellow citizens:
I AM SO SORRY I VOTED FOR THIS GUY!
You were right, I was wrong.
I sincerely apologize.
Posted by: Susanna | March 5, 2009, 7:31 pm 7:31 pm
Again more fear mongering and false information from Obama so that he can get his agenda through…NO DIFFERENT THAN BUSH!!! Change we CANNOT believe in. Obama honeymoon is over!
Posted by: Mary | March 5, 2009, 7:31 pm 7:31 pm
He is a liar and makes me miss hillary.
All of you that voted for him, ha, ha, ha it will get so much worse
Posted by: Real American | March 5, 2009, 7:31 pm 7:31 pm
If Bush changed his mind it was a “flip-flop”; if Hillary changed her mind she was “evolving”.
If Bush presented wrong data “he lied”; if Obama presents wrong data it is a “mischaracterization”.
And the media can’t figure out why they are losing subscribers?
Posted by: CharlieO | March 5, 2009, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
No change at all. He’s just another politician (in the worst sense of the word). Fear mongering and lying to suit his cause.
It amazes me that anyone fell for it. He’s been a politician for a few years.. he’s been in the senate for a couple. Why would anyone expect him to act like an “outsider” just because he’s relatively new? Biden’s been in Washington longer than McCain.. how is that change? Who does he put on his cabinet (the ones that don’t drop out for some sort of corruption charge or tax problems)? Former President Clinton administration members and other longtime politicians. Theres change for ya.
Posted by: NoChange | March 5, 2009, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm
barton fink:
The housing issue has been roaring for over 10 years. W requested congress to fix it and frank and dodd laughed it off.
W sent an energy bill to resolve the oil price issue. The dems kissed it off.
The economy was doing great until the dems took over congress in 2006.
Finally, since 1/20/09, the S&P(eg, our 401K’s, union retirement funds, personal savings, etc is down 20%.
Try to be honest in your communication.
Posted by: j | March 5, 2009, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm
“I swear, by my life and my love of it, that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.”
- John Galt
Arm up
Posted by: Real American | March 5, 2009, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm
I think what Margaret Thatcher said was “Socialism is great until you run out of other people’s money”
Posted by: Emlee | March 5, 2009, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm
President “Smoke & Mirrors” strikes again! Now, pay attention to Rush while he jams universal health care (that we can’t pay for) down our throats. Yeahhh!
Posted by: Jeff | March 5, 2009, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
As has been said before,
“you think healthcare is expensive now, wait until its free.”
Posted by: gimmee, gimmee, gimmee | March 5, 2009, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
QUOTE “Obama is a fool. Fix the financial crisis first before going on to health care. He was elected for 4 years but he acts like he has only 4 months.”
—————————————-
only 4 months….We should be so Lucky !
.Welcome to the “Socialist States of America” Home of the Poor.
Posted by: Doug Rose | March 5, 2009, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
Emlee, I completely agree w/you. My bother-in-law is going to be medicare eligible in August. He is so spoiled with the healthcare he has. Daschle has written that those covered by private insurance are actually over insured. I have 2 boys w/aspergers-it’s bleeding us but I actually looked to see what services we would have in Canada. It would actually be worse. Canada is a mixture of private and social and each Province is independent of each other. Most medical school graduates leave there to come and practice in the United States. Even if you can pay out of pocket for medical care providers can not treat you. You must wait your turn. That’s why so many cross the border to seek care here in the states. My cousin in Spain has private insurance because she says the care is so bad. She uses the socialized part for prescriptions. You are definitely correct about the rationing of healthcare. The older you are the less likely you will receive treatment because the govt. is getting less results for its money. Premies would not receive the care they get in the USA and the elderly would not get the extraordinary treatments to prolong their lives. Ever seen a hospital in a European country? LOL!! And people complain about the hospitals we have here!
Posted by: Babs | March 5, 2009, 7:41 pm 7:41 pm
Could it be that the higher cost of health care in this country is due to our being on the cutting edge of medical technology and innovation. Maybe Americans want to continue the advances in this area, with the hope that they will benefit from new medical devices and treatments. Remember: all those medical procedures (MRI’s, etc, etc) cost money. In Canada, MRI’s & other sophisticated tests aren’t as readily available. Be sure of one thing all you utopians. When “universal” health comes, you will have rationed health care. The responsiveness of your health care system will decrease. There will be more red tape. You will have to wait longer for tests. The health care workers will care less about treating you nicely, as they do when there’s a financial incentive to do so, because you will truly be a number. Private health care organizations compete for you. They want to keep you happy. Publicly run hospitals will not have this incentive. The morale of the health care workers will suffer, because salaries will surely drop, as they are much lower in Canada, Britain, etc. This will lower demand for top notch medical personnel. Why would they choose suffering through years of medical school for average/capped salaries? Be careful what you wish for.
Good Luck
Posted by: gman | March 5, 2009, 7:41 pm 7:41 pm
Hmmm, Harvard over-inflating data for more sensational results, you say. Now that couldn’t have any other academic equivalents, could it? *cough* Hansen at Nasa *cough*…almost makes one wonder if the researcher who famously (perhaps infamously) designed his own program to simulate climate change could have possibly shaved the numbers to make things pop out a bit more… Just for a hoot, check out the findings of ALL 5 of the IPCC scientists, the majority of which are against the theory of global warming, oh i mean, climate change.
Posted by: Geologist13 | March 5, 2009, 7:41 pm 7:41 pm
I think we all know by now Obama speaks exclusively in half-truths, embellishments and exaggerations. You know, whatever he needs to say to pull the wool over our eyes.
Posted by: Tony | March 5, 2009, 7:41 pm 7:41 pm
Hey liberal Larry – We’ll give your Prez the same respect from the outset that your ilk gave Bush everyday for eight years. Get used to it, but hopefully in Obama’s case it will only be four years. the Dems have been in charge since Jan. 2007…thanks for the “leadership”…pitiful!
Posted by: Norm | March 5, 2009, 7:45 pm 7:45 pm
Emlee:
Thank you, I knew my version wasn’t as good as thr real one.
Posted by: j | March 5, 2009, 7:46 pm 7:46 pm
Mr. Obama is absolutely mad (in the sense of chemical brain imbalance)! It almost appears as if he is purposely bringing America down to some level with which he may be comfortable. He cares nothing for those Americans who work hard every day, pay taxes, and raise their children without government help (thank God!). PLEASE EVERYONE, READ ATLAS SHRUGGED!!!
Posted by: Tye | March 5, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
It is about time the ABC does not take the liar Obama at his word. Now they will be in a fight with NBC who will testify to the truthfullness of Obama and has for 2 years. That is why nobody buys GE stock even on good market days. GE and the associates at NBC have kissed Obama with plaudits and lies since Obama became a candidate. My opinion is they thought Obama would make their wind energy strength very profitable. Now nobody believes them.
Posted by: rick | March 5, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
drblake- You are right on!!! It really upsets me when I hear people say that “the govt” should pay our healthcare, dental, homes, etc. The pork filled legislation is all about greed. Where do people think the money is coming from? taxpayers. They think we should just milk the rich. What happens when we run out of rich people? The Great Depression was due to debt and here we are again. People think that the Great Depression was just in the USA- it was global- again it was about debt. I look around and so many people are driving in cars they can’t afford and homes they’ve refinanced to pay for vacations or pay off bills from living beyond their means. Believe me I know since I am also guilty of it. However, I’m not expecting GOVERNMENT to bail me out.
Posted by: Babs | March 5, 2009, 7:49 pm 7:49 pm
There are two types of O’bama suporters. Those plain downright dumb and those that know better but support him anyway. I don’t think our country will survive his administration as our president.
Posted by: Ron | March 5, 2009, 7:49 pm 7:49 pm
You are the ones that allowed him to liue relentlessly during the campaign. Oh, now that you cannot hide it you are trying to cover your tracks. Go bankrupt. Have a nice day.
Posted by: rich s | March 5, 2009, 7:50 pm 7:50 pm
Obama has never once told the truth. What is amazing is how gullible you people are.
Well at least now you are finally getting a clue. Too bad it’s too late.
Posted by: reason | March 5, 2009, 7:51 pm 7:51 pm
Unfortunately many people gamble by not buying health insurance or long term care insurance. When they have health problems and lose their gamble, they often go bankrupt.
Posted by: S, J. | March 5, 2009, 7:51 pm 7:51 pm
ABC being critical of Obama…WOW…!
Posted by: Bob Narvaez | March 5, 2009, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
“Mischaracterized the data” of an already bogus, biased study. Such a genteel way to say Obama lied.
Posted by: James | March 5, 2009, 7:59 pm 7:59 pm
The savior wants to save health care now on top of everthing else. Give me a friggin break!
Why dont we start with the tanking world economy. Oh thats right, they don’t care what the market does!!!
Were under the thumb of a bunch of elected clowns and we are all so screwed!!
Posted by: mike | March 5, 2009, 8:00 pm 8:00 pm
I firmly believe Obama does not want to fix the financial crisis. The government gives banks money at no cost to lend. As Cramer said, “give everyone a 4% mrtge and see what happens”. Banks still make money and a lot of burdens are lifted. It is too simple.
Posted by: Mark | March 5, 2009, 8:00 pm 8:00 pm
What surprises Anyone that the administration throws out quotes and numbers with no back up. Clinton did it all the time-pulled numbers out of the air. Obama has been a huge disappointment, including all the losers he’s appointed to his cabinet. Geithner is in over his head. Now comes card check and nationalized health care. Atlas Shrugged, Animal Farm and 1984 all rolled into one. Sal Alinsky would be proud!
Posted by: Dee | March 5, 2009, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
Obama lied, 401k’s died
Posted by: mSMITH | March 5, 2009, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
Classic – The entitled liberal below gets a dose of reality and probably can’t eve appreciate the truth in the response. Nicely dont Dave.
Robert said:
“Immaterial. Obama haters will love it but, the fact is, we need health care reform stat.
I’m about to be eligible for Medicare — and I smoke. You want to pay for the bills I’m about to incur? Better get costs down and write some new rules. The baby boomer are about to sink you.
”
Daev responded:
“Actually I’d prefer it if you paid for your own medical bills. I don’t know you and frankly I wouldn’t care enough in person to pay for your healthcare, and the only reason you’re getting any assistance from me is because Government demands it at the point of a gun.”
Posted by: Joe | March 5, 2009, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm
So What’s New?? Obama Tells Alot Of Stories And Half Truths…. And He’s Only Been In Office For A Few Months.
Posted by: as if | March 5, 2009, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
on second thought, i could have done without all the “change”. i no longer support obama, he’s constantly lying to us.
Posted by: Ben | March 5, 2009, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm
If Obama truly wanted to fix health care and a major flaw in our society he would demand tort law reforms. The legal system and insurance companies are what are bankrupting the system. Governments idea for the fix is to promulgate more laws because they will not do their job of enforcing the ones they have already legislated! It is a big scam so the lawyers (experts of all and anything) can all keep making the dollars. When have you ever seen anything the government has been in charge of that they actually ran in a competent and economical manner? It can be fixed by a leader beyond reproach with a strong conviction, I just don’t see it happening here and now. GBA!
Posted by: Hugh | March 5, 2009, 8:09 pm 8:09 pm
Yes of course.Nixon lied.Bush lied.Obama “mischaracterizes data”. Gotcha
Posted by: Jennifer | March 5, 2009, 8:09 pm 8:09 pm
Babs, I have a nephew who doesn’t have aspergers but he has elements of it – I know how expensive all the therapy can be for one much less two, hang in there – recently he went on a low dose of Prozac (he is now in his upper teens) and for some reason he is doing so much better – God bless – off to help the hubby with chores
Posted by: Emlee | March 5, 2009, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm
The scary thing is that public educators have taught our young people for years that capitalism is bad and it is better for the government to take care of them. In the past people would do anything to avoid taking a handout. Now we have entire generations taught from birth to expect “big brother” to take care of them.
What happened to making your own way in life? What happened to being self-responsible? What happened to personal growth, ambition and responsibility?
We have a President, Administration and Congress that are true believers in Big Government and are now in the first stages of transitioning us to Socialism.
Ironic that the U.S. is moving this direction after we watched the recent collapse of the ultimate form of socialism….Communism.
And what comes with Socialism and total Government Control…. Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism.
These risks used to be things that educated and enlightened people were aware of and fought against. How many people anymore have read “1984″ or “Brave New World” or “Atlas Shrugged”?
I am encouraged by the comments in this thread. We must find active ways to rise up and make our voices heard and fight back against the deceitful Administration moving us swiftly in directions few Americans want to go…
Posted by: WhoisJohnGalt | March 5, 2009, 8:11 pm 8:11 pm
Let our great Savior fix Social Security, Medicare, burgoning entitlements and the endless crappy service and lines at the post office.
Don;t hold your breath.
Posted by: walljasper | March 5, 2009, 8:13 pm 8:13 pm
Obama is a liar. But of course he’s a post-partisan liar and completely transparent, which is exactly what he promised us after all.
Posted by: Jez | March 5, 2009, 8:13 pm 8:13 pm
I am a bankruptcy attorney and two overwhelming reasons why people file bankruptcy are credit cards and mortgage debt. End of story.
Posted by: Ron Tough | March 5, 2009, 8:13 pm 8:13 pm
Everytime Obama gets on TV with his doom and gloom, the market spirals downward. Tell him the campaign is over, and to get to work. Quit scaring people.
Posted by: Jan | March 5, 2009, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
I wonder if Acorn really did provide Barry Hussein with enough voter fraud to make his victory look decisive
Just say No to Oblahma
Posted by: Mark A.M. | March 5, 2009, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm
Impossible future projections of growth and whoppers like this.
Either Team Obama is not very good with numbers or they like to lie.
Posted by: Reaganite | March 5, 2009, 8:22 pm 8:22 pm
Speaking of health care. How about Obama releases his medical records? Why is he the only President that gets a free pass on that? Is there a problem? How come nobody cares? If it were a Republican I’m sure there would be a liberal out-cry! Oh God the Hypocracy from the left is making me want to puke!
Posted by: EMC | March 5, 2009, 8:24 pm 8:24 pm
I voted for him and urged others to do the same — I now regret this.
Posted by: silence dogood | March 5, 2009, 8:25 pm 8:25 pm
“Plenty of presidents and politicians have made these innocuous rhetorical slips. They’re easy to do and relatively harmless.
Give Obama a break – this isn’t the Drudge Report…”
directly lying to the public about made up figures to scare people is cowardly. Obama is spineless. it was evident before he was even voted into office. besides, Obama has a little head and big ears.
‘The mere sight of him would only encourage an enemy to take over the whole country.’
-Longshanks, Braveheart
Posted by: expero | March 5, 2009, 8:25 pm 8:25 pm
Continuing lies from the Messiah thereof.
Posted by: Jareel | March 5, 2009, 8:25 pm 8:25 pm
The really scary part is in the last “update” paragraph… the woman that did the dishonest and flawed Harvard report in the first place is IN CHARGE OF THE TARP MONEY!!!!
Morons are now running our country!!!
Posted by: Kenny Smith | March 5, 2009, 8:26 pm 8:26 pm
How many people per second file for bankruptcy due to federal, state, and county taxes?
Posted by: sailman | March 5, 2009, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm
I have “Barry’s” remorse.
Posted by: silence dogood | March 5, 2009, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm
“mischaracterization of data”? HA! If he was a Republican it would be an out and out lie!! He “misspoke”, right? The wealth of this country is disappearing daily and this administration meets daily to attack Rush Limbaugh. Could they be trying to create a distraction so the uninformed masses don’t notice their complete ineptitude?
Posted by: Get Real | March 5, 2009, 8:35 pm 8:35 pm
The Democrats have been shameless liars for the last 100 years. FDR blamed the Great Depression on Hoover, and then prolonged it for years. Now the Democrats tell us free market capitalism has failed, yet they have been undermining free markets for years. Then there is the global warming hoax. Health care has been undermined by government, eventually the liberals will be in charge of who lives and who dies. Not unlike their support of abortion.
Posted by: Eric | March 5, 2009, 8:37 pm 8:37 pm
This will be a interesting 4 years Woohoo!!!
Its been 4 months and I’ve lost that tingiling feeling up my tight.
By the way, I think BO needs a new helicopter fleet because he was photographed hitting his head on the doorway. I’m sure he was embarassed and was mad at that doorway being so low. I’m sure the news ones he’s having us buy him will have a taller doorway.
Posted by: Mike | March 5, 2009, 8:38 pm 8:38 pm
Did he have a teleprompter? Perhaps someone was playing a trick on him and put the wrong data in the teleprompter. Can’t they blame this on the last adminstration as well?
Posted by: Belle | March 5, 2009, 8:38 pm 8:38 pm
Thanks Gary for the honest analysis. We need much more of it if we’re going to save our country from Socialism. Now, can you tell us how to calculate a “saved” job–from the Obama phrase “we will create, or save…millions of jobs”
Posted by: moonrocker | March 5, 2009, 8:43 pm 8:43 pm
Things are getting worse. Washington is out of touch with America. Obama works in a bubble with a distorted reality. The chaos this guy is causing is unimaginable. Obama, I can not find one person and my daily life that support ANYTHING your doing. I see people scrapping Obama stickers off there cars. You’re a fake and a failure.
Posted by: ratdog | March 5, 2009, 8:43 pm 8:43 pm
GALLUP has Obama at 62% Approval with 28% Disapproval.
At this same time in 2001, George W. Bush had 63% Approval with 22% Disapproval.
Obama is less popular than Bush was in early 2001.
Why must the media lie about Obama’s Phantom “Unprecedented Popularity”?
Let’s tomorrow see how many jobs were lost under Obama’s watch in February.
Posted by: Gonzales | March 5, 2009, 8:48 pm 8:48 pm
Should we really be surprised? FDR did the same thing with his famous quote, “I see one-third of a nation ill-housed, ill-clad, and ill-nourished.” At the Depression’s peak (caused by FDR’s policies), unemployment was at barely 22%. Of course he’s mischaracterizing data. It’s what socialists do.
Posted by: David | March 5, 2009, 8:48 pm 8:48 pm
Bill had Monica. BO has his community organizer friends. Unfortunately we all have to witness it.
Posted by: BO | March 5, 2009, 8:48 pm 8:48 pm
Another case of smoke and mirrors put on by the Obama administration. Smoke and mirrors.
Posted by: WendyinOK | March 5, 2009, 8:51 pm 8:51 pm
Let me try to recall the constitution: “certain inaliable rights of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and HEALTH CARE”?? Somehow I missed that part in grade school civics.
Posted by: JCIll | March 5, 2009, 8:51 pm 8:51 pm
Didnt he also say that their were no earmarks in the stimulus bill? Didnt he als say to Trust him? Isnt it un American to questions our leaders?
Posted by: Bertha | March 5, 2009, 8:52 pm 8:52 pm
Fact-check.org has noted that even using Harvard’s numbers, it’s more like a bankruptcy every minute.
Well if Fact-Check.org says that then it must be true. LOL
Posted by: Trisha | March 5, 2009, 8:55 pm 8:55 pm
I think it is the truth! You know why? Because he said it was! It seems to me if one questions this great man then then that one is unpatriotic. Until he comes out and says it is not true, i will beleive, beacause I believe in him!
Posted by: Nadia | March 5, 2009, 8:56 pm 8:56 pm
Ah, the world according to Obama:
To solve a debt crisis, go further in debt.
To bring peace to the middle east, appease the terrorists.
To create jobs, penalize the job-creators.
Tell Americans we must sacrifice, while raising agency budgets 8% across the board.
Change indeed.
Posted by: Donttreadonme | March 5, 2009, 8:57 pm 8:57 pm
Did someone miss sending the network their KoolAid this week? Miscalculation? Synonyms:
Lie
Bald face lie
mis representation
falsehood
blunder
fault
boo-boo
Posted by: Yeeeech | March 5, 2009, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm
WTG Marv
Posted by: JCIll | March 5, 2009, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm
Top 10 reasons I hope Obama fails…..
1. The stock market will turn around
2. We won’t have spread our wealth
3. Utility prices won’t skyrocket
4. Taxes won’t get raised through the roof
5. Bankers won’t be trashed
6. Las Vegas won’t be shuned
7. This crisis will gets worse before it gets better won’t happen
8. J- zee won’t be pimpin out the lincoln bedroom
9. Abe lincoln can turn back over
10. We won’t become a socialist state
Posted by: dean | March 5, 2009, 9:00 pm 9:00 pm
my party is being slowly ruined by the ditto head type comments on any issue. Complain, attack yes, but offer a solution. If you think there is no problem it gets my party where we have been heading lately. To a minority position and soon to a regional party and soon no party. Thank God there are a few republicans to act responsibly and put forth our parties position on how to solve the problem. Say no no no more mnoney without saying where we would cut is irresponible. So is there a health problem or NOT. In my opinion one family is too many familes to go brankrupt due to health care costs. Be truthful you dittos each one of you know a family in trouble due to health costs. No need to count precisely. They exist.
get real and offer some solutions like Newt G did or step aside. Something is going to happen and squawks of sidelne finger pointers just keeps my party on the sidelines
Posted by: Repfaithful | March 5, 2009, 9:01 pm 9:01 pm
This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it. Abe Lincoln
How ironic….
Posted by: dean | March 5, 2009, 9:02 pm 9:02 pm
What another Obama hoax! I can show that the health expenses are not the cause, taxes are. More money is spent on taxes each year than on health care.
Posted by: john | March 5, 2009, 9:02 pm 9:02 pm
That Harvard study is stunningly dishonest, and Obama is just as dishonest to use it. No real surprise there though. And Debbie on medicare, and the smokers should be aware that rationing is coming. If you are elderly, or a smoker, or overweight, you will be denied care, as it will not be ” cost effective”. You will die soon anyway. New and more effective medicines? Not cost effective. Too bad for you. Just read Daschle’s book, and be very afraid.
Posted by: CS | March 5, 2009, 9:07 pm 9:07 pm
How was I so dumb to be conned by this man?
Posted by: Larry Sarbato | March 5, 2009, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm
Obama’s sheople may have voted for change but I’m sure a majority of them didn’t vote to gut the Constitution (greatest set of founding principles ever to be worded), tear down the US economic infrastructure, steal every working American’s hard earned life savings to give away to the rest of the world and create a cradle to grave nanny state and destroy the greatest, most free nation in the history of the world. But then again… I could be wrong. ;)
Oh BTW, all of you who like the idea of universal healthcare, get ready to be denied service, rationed meds, waiting list of up to 10 months for cancer surgeries, sub qualified medical workers ( no money in gov. run medicine)and lots of other goodies you all will find out as Obamatopia comes crashing down on us all.
Enjoy.
Posted by: wales | March 5, 2009, 9:12 pm 9:12 pm
How often does this guy have to bend the truth until people realize how bad this guy is?
Posted by: kid | March 5, 2009, 9:13 pm 9:13 pm
Obama Lied. Stock market died.
Posted by: Protest | March 5, 2009, 9:14 pm 9:14 pm
Invest in communism. Vote Democrate!
Posted by: stldan | March 5, 2009, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm
It’s the modus operandi for Obama. He is used to saying anything and getting cheered for it. He has never been subjected to any scrutiny. When his policies are questioned he sends out his attack dogs to personally besmirch. He is just a Chicago thug, but what did you expect? You elected an academic with zero practical knowledge. It’s all theoretical and he’s practicing with our economy and screwing it up royally. The honeymoon phase is winding down rapidly. The blinders are coming off and he looks just like what he is: a rank amateur.
Posted by: Russ | March 5, 2009, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm
Obama will say or do anything to advance his agenda, whether it’s true or false. His main goal is to win at all costs; never mind the cost to the country. Every day that passes I’m more convinced that he is a very clear and present danger to this nation.
Posted by: Glennis | March 5, 2009, 9:25 pm 9:25 pm
Lies, damned lies, and Obama
Posted by: Duke N | March 5, 2009, 9:29 pm 9:29 pm
Some of you need to remember this finance crisis didn’t start Jan. 20th nor did it start a year ago or two years ago. This meltdown began four years ago when the only country we could get a loan from was China. That was to pay for a war that still no one knows why. If you really want to know the true do your reseach and go back to the Reagan era, with Ollie North and the rest of the “all might good old boy club” and see who did what. This mess was started thirty years ago.
Posted by: R. Young | March 5, 2009, 9:33 pm 9:33 pm
so the WMD’s info was misused and Bush knew it. both Democrats and Republicans had the info, could look at it, but they all vote ok. In the end though, Bush is bad…
Obama’s info is false, uses it to put fear into everyone, we must do this. yet now this type of justification is ok, or a slip of the tongue (as if a teleprompter affords that excuse).
yeah, ok, this “change” you liberals speak of can get put up where there is no sunshine. he is a liar like the rest of them. you can excuse it any way you want to sleep at night. but in your core, you know this is all bull.
Posted by: goodwood | March 5, 2009, 9:34 pm 9:34 pm
the problem today is that all of the major chronic illness in America today is the result of lifestyle CHOICES. We don’t consume food, we consume products filled with high fructose corn syrup that contains mercury, artificial sweetners that are neurotoxins, sugar, and all kinds of junk that we are not supposed to live on. Not to mention that we don’t exercise, we are way too stressed out which has probably the most damaging affect on health and it’s not goin to change anytime soon.
So, no. I don’t think that I should have to pay for someones bad lifesyle choices. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease are all caused by the choice to not become educated on what we put into our bodies and how we live.
Hard to swallow I know. The truth usually is.
Posted by: clearly | March 5, 2009, 9:34 pm 9:34 pm
Obama lied and the economy died…
Posted by: Bert Convy | March 5, 2009, 9:36 pm 9:36 pm
It looks like as Obama lied – market-based healthcare died!
Posted by: frasier crane | March 5, 2009, 9:37 pm 9:37 pm
Based on the 2007 information ( one tenth of one percent) 13 million families will go into bankruptcy this year, not the 1 million President Obama keeps stating in his teleprompter speechs. Health care is a cause, but losing your job, being under employed, or having massive debt (credit cards) have more to do with the problem than medical expenses. President Obama should get his facts straight and stop using scare and fear mongering to get his social adgenda passed.
Posted by: Don | March 5, 2009, 9:40 pm 9:40 pm
==========================
=
= DON’T TRY TO CONFUSE OBAMA
= WITH THE FACTS
=
==========================
Posted by: N Waff | March 5, 2009, 9:40 pm 9:40 pm
R. Young, sorry buddy, as you liberals so often said,”What happened in the past doesnt matter. Obama’s President NOW, and it’s his fault I’ve lost half my retirement.”
Posted by: Clem | March 5, 2009, 9:40 pm 9:40 pm
Obama has lied about everything. He needs to be impeached now before he does more damage.
Posted by: brian | March 5, 2009, 9:45 pm 9:45 pm
This really says something about how great Harvard is. Any community college can do a better job collecting accurate data.
Posted by: ben | March 5, 2009, 9:48 pm 9:48 pm
Obama is starting to come across as a “say anything to get elected and then say anything to retain support” kind of politician. This is not what I voted for. This is not what he promised. This is not transparency and truthfulness. I’ve lost interest in supporting him and have lost faith in his abilities. I feel we’ve been conned by him and his ‘gushing’ media supporters. God, help us. This is a mistake in the making of epic proportions!
Posted by: MStracka | March 5, 2009, 9:50 pm 9:50 pm
Two words: TORT REFORM
Posted by: Brian | March 5, 2009, 9:55 pm 9:55 pm
OBAMA AND THE MEDIA ALL LIE ABOUT THEIR FACTS.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, HEALTHCARE ISSUES DO NOT MATTER AT THIS MOMENT. ITS THE ECONOMY, STUPID.
MOST PEOPLE ARE GETTING SOME HEALTHCARE.
MORE ARE LOSING THEIR JOBS AND ARE GOING TO BE UNABLE TO GET HEALTHCARE INSURANCE. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN REFORMING INSURANCE FOR HEALTH CARE, AND REFORMING HEALTHCARE. LOTS CAN BE DONE TO MAKE HEALTHCARE CHEAPER IMMEDIATEDLY, TORT REFORM WOULD REDUCE COST OF MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE AND ENABLE DOCTORS TO CHARGE LESS. THIS IS NOT A TIME FOR A PRESIDENT THAT SO FAR HAS NOT SHOWN THE ABILITY TO LEAD THE COUNTRY IN DIFFICULT TIMES, TO RUN AROUND LIKE HILLIARY CLINTON WAVING THE HEALTHCARE REFORM FLAG. MR. PRESIDENT, FIRST THINGS FIRST. IT’S THE ECONOMY!!!!
Posted by: RUFUS | March 5, 2009, 9:59 pm 9:59 pm
Wow!!! ABC critizing the president on facts, then explaining the real facts in an easy-to-understand way. I am impressed. I had just about given up on ABC News as a powerhouse. I may check back in with you all once in a while.
Posted by: Chris Donaldson | March 5, 2009, 10:00 pm 10:00 pm
All of you idiots who voted for obama — do you get it now? The guy is full of it. And you and all of us who voted against the moron are going to pay for it for the next four years.
Posted by: Patrick C. | March 5, 2009, 10:02 pm 10:02 pm
Great article. Very fair and informative.
Posted by: Tom | March 5, 2009, 10:02 pm 10:02 pm
Socialists/communists use what is called “disinformation” to achieve their evil goals. Get “New Lies for Old”, written by Anatoliy Golitzn, a Soviet defector. It will boggle your mind, and you will never trust the government again.
“Fear government, pray for the country. That is the duty of the patriot.” Author unknown
Posted by: William | March 5, 2009, 10:04 pm 10:04 pm
FINALLY, I understand hope and change … I hope to have some change left after Obama, Frank & Co. destroy this country, freedom and capitalism.
Posted by: Rod Miller | March 5, 2009, 10:07 pm 10:07 pm
As usual, Obama is a liar, he is creating fear to shove his agendas down our throat.
Also Mr. Obama, you don’t have time to be jacking with Rush, we need you to do your job. I know you are intimidated by Rush, but grow up and do what we sent you there to do or we will release you!
Posted by: Darrell | March 5, 2009, 10:09 pm 10:09 pm
If bush had said something as mischaracterized as this you know the demagogues and mainstream press headlines would be “Bush Lied”
I’m surprised ABC even has this on their webpage at all about obama…
Posted by: bob | March 5, 2009, 10:09 pm 10:09 pm
The guy in a month has destroyed more wealth than all Presidents combined. He has become the Great Divider … while we all suffer he parties on like there is no tommorrow.
Posted by: Tee | March 5, 2009, 10:09 pm 10:09 pm
Socialists/communists use what is called “disinformation” to achieve their evil goals. Get “New Lies for Old”, written by Anatoliy Golitzn, a Soviet defector. It will boggle your mind, and you will never trust the government again.
“Fear government, pray for the country. That is the duty of the patriot.” Author unknown
Posted by: William | March 5, 2009, 10:10 pm 10:10 pm
Lets see what this country has in store under an Obama administration:
National bankruptcy
The collapse of Mexico
Hyper-inflation
International run on the dollar
Higher interest rates
Amesty for millions of illegal aliens
Higher income taxes for everyone
Higher property taxes for everyone
Higher payroll taxes for everyone
Capital flight to Asia
Global warming hoax tax
Higher gas taxes for everyone
Stock market collapse
Legalized drugs
Double digit unemployment
Saddling children with massive debt
Regulating jobs out of existence
Energy rationing for the hoax
The rationing of medical care
Decling graduation rates
In a nutshell:Liberalism
Posted by: constitutional guy | March 5, 2009, 10:15 pm 10:15 pm
Typical Obama. Use false information and threats of doom to stampede people into supporting his agenda. What a slick, deceitful man.
Posted by: student1776 | March 5, 2009, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm
No wonder Massachusetts hospitals are full of Canadians paying out of pocket for work. There’s a good reason why we have the most advanced medical technology in the world. You get what you pay for.
Posted by: Dwindle | March 5, 2009, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.
-Winston Churchill
Government always finds a need for whatever money it gets.
-Ronald Reagan
The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help.
-Ronald Reagan
Unemployment insurance is a pre-paid vacation for freeloaders.
-Ronald Reagan
Amen
Posted by: cincy kid | March 5, 2009, 10:20 pm 10:20 pm
The truth is, our country is being sold down the river by the politicians – aided and abetted by our Marxist-influenced media and school system. It won’t stop till we decide we are not going to accept it any more.
Posted by: LC | March 5, 2009, 10:21 pm 10:21 pm
Leave him alone. He really doesn’t know what he’s saying, he just reads what his handlers feed him through the teleprompter.
He’s so busy trying to push his leftist agenda, he doesn’t even realize the economy is crumbling around him. Every time he or one of his minions opens their mouth about their radical agenda the stock market sells off 4%. He will inflict maximum damage to this country. I just hope there’s something left to save.
Posted by: Marx My Words | March 5, 2009, 10:22 pm 10:22 pm
Thank You Gary Langer for having the guts to speak the truth and it’s good to see ABC is coming around with some very good reporting…I think this President and his supporters will say or do anything they can get away with to get his socialist agenda through.
Joe Biden said that “Bobby Jindal’s state was loosing over 400 jobs a month”…the truth is his state is one of the few that the unemployment numbers are falling, and just look at what Obama did to the CEO of Caterpillar…a total misrepresentation. I knew it would be a Jimmy Carter administration on steroids. He has validated everything I have talked about so much…all of my friends and family think I’m clairvoyant…NO…I listen to talk radio.
Posted by: Carol V | March 5, 2009, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm
I am amazed that anyone at ABC would post an objective column.
BRAVO!
Posted by: Rusino | March 5, 2009, 10:27 pm 10:27 pm
Obama lied, the economy died.
Posted by: kO | March 5, 2009, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm
One NY’er that is starting to wonder about this birth certificate scrap. Why pay lawyers a couple $$million to stop it being looked at and authenticated. ABC, why don’t YOU find out for us? You ARE the Founding Fathers protectors of liberty after all. Two and two are adding up to five and it isn’t working well for me anymore
Posted by: NY Dan | March 5, 2009, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
obama is a pathogenic liar. he has to have a telepromter or he can’t remember what to say.
Health insurance is not the number one ptiority in obama job title. Protecting America is his only job.
There was 57,000,000 people out here on his campaign trail that was saying we don’t want socialized medicine. We have the finest medical system in the world. obama don’t listen to anybody but ol Sol the Marxist and the majority of the tax payers want nothing to do with those nembucils.
It time to call your Senator and Congressman and stop this mad man. obama does not represent the interest of the taxpayers of this great nation. In 45 days he has become the worst President in the History of the Nation,
Stop this mad man Now.
I don’t know if there will be time to save America from all the Marxist polices that have been allowed the last 2 years under a Democrat controlled Senate and Congress. Conservative do have to stand for what they believe in and define the liars, crooks and theives for what they are.
The sky is not going to fall tomorrow. Climate change being man-made is a hoax and only keeps foney tenured professors in theire lofty postions promoting more ilth.
How in the L does a man that don’t pay his freaking taxes and is obama treasurey muck, know a darm thing about normal global warming and cooling. Greed folks Greed is obamas government.
And today 2 more of his potental treasury candidate workers dropped. People don’t want to work for obama corrupt team either that or they are tax cheaters.
I do not understand why obama Hates the Hard Working America middle class. Obama has had a free ride all his life with free college, etc Rezco but yet obama hate is emerging as the driving force. obama there are professinal people that can help you through your troubles. obama you have been like a bully in the playground with your actions or people actions you have directed such as rambo the vulgar and baghdad bob. Obama you was a major creator of the deficit you didn’t inherit jack.
Rush isn’t your problem obama, you are your own problem We have no respect for you, just the office of the President and we will have to clean out the elcrapo after you are gone.
We can hope Pray for obama and make plans to reform all the obama and the Democrat have been allowed to heap on our children and grand children.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Posted by: jake | March 5, 2009, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm
What do you expect from a guy who affirmative actioned his way through life? Do you expect such a guy to be bothered with reasonable interpretation of data?
Posted by: Gary | March 5, 2009, 10:31 pm 10:31 pm
Lets look at the un insured. My company employees just under 450 people. We offer health dental and vision insurance. A single employee pays about 60 dollars a month for their portion. Now out of those 450 people more than 70 opt out of the plan and elect to get the company match paid to them in cash. Now when these folks get sick it does not take long for them to go under and go bankrupt but it was a gamble they took to pay for the new SUV or Mc Mansion and they lost. So when you start talking about the un insured you have to remember that a percentage of these people are that way voluntarily.
Posted by: Ron B | March 5, 2009, 10:31 pm 10:31 pm
I used to think people who voted for Obama were incredibly stupid voting with their emotions rather than with their brains. Now I am beginning to also understand the power a conniving, dishonest con artist has over the electorate. Have you ever met a con artist who wasn’t convincing because they were well spoken, believable and likable? Millions of Americans have succumbed to the con artistry of Obama including staunch Democrats like Jim Cramer of CNBC who thought he would govern as a moderate but has turned into the greatest radical destroyer of wealth in the history of the Presidency. Americans will either get their heads out of their rear ends soon or watch their futures and that of their children destroyed. If Americans wake up, Obama will sink fast and take the Democrat party with him. I’ve got to believe there are some very nervous conservative and moderate Democrats in Washington right now. It may be only a matter of time before they start bailing on him.
Posted by: Jerry M | March 5, 2009, 10:35 pm 10:35 pm
Trying to address the need for more equitable health care coverage at a time when the world economy is on its way to a complete collapse is a bit like the captain of the Titanic trying to sell health insurance to his passengers instead of trying to steer the ship away from the iceberg! Doesn’t Obama understand that a collapsed Wall Street will doom the lives and livelihood of those on Main Street?
Posted by: Expat in Tokyo | March 5, 2009, 10:37 pm 10:37 pm
Is it too much to ask for an upfront and honest president?
I thought this was the new era of transparency?
What’s transparent to me as that this president, will say anything to get what he wants.
He’s lied over and over and over, done exactly what he said he wouldn’t do and then turns around and says he didn’t.
And why is he so concerned about what people say about him? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a president try to shut up the press in this way.
I think this guy is scary.
Posted by: Jan | March 5, 2009, 10:39 pm 10:39 pm
Politicians and news reporters are used to lying. Spinning is lying! A mischaracterization of data is a lie! Stop spinning and start calling a mischaracterization of data what it really is a lie.
Posted by: henry | March 5, 2009, 10:39 pm 10:39 pm
Reminds me of a recent post on the Obamessiah:
Q: How do you know if Obama is lying?
A: His lips are moving.
Politics as usual.
Posted by: TT | March 5, 2009, 10:39 pm 10:39 pm
Facts are irrelevant to this administration. Isolate, intimidate, and scare…the OBAMA doctrine. Memo to team OBAMA: Get Rahmbo, Carville, Begala, and Stephno on this ASAP, reduce and ridicule this reporter, just like we did with Santelli, Cramer, and Rush. Get OPIE Gibbs out of the closet, we need this fool on the podium again…what a tool this guy is. Hey OPIE watch out for the bus, I feel you will have tire tracks on your back soon enough. Don’t forget the teleprompter, I’m getting stock in that company. Do you fools see how dangerous this guy is, criticize him and they put a media hit job out on you.
Posted by: Tim | March 5, 2009, 10:40 pm 10:40 pm
Joe Biden said it best… “The office of President of the United States does not lend itself to on the job training.”
Posted by: Maxwell Smart | March 5, 2009, 10:44 pm 10:44 pm
We need to take action to get Obama and Congress out of office NOW!
Here is my vote of non-confidence.
Posted by: Help | March 5, 2009, 10:44 pm 10:44 pm
American produces more medical advances than any other country. Universal health care will destroy the medical advances that we make here. As a Doctor universal health care will only hurt my patients.
Posted by: rob | March 5, 2009, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm
Its simple:
conservatives tend to be self supporting, self responsible people.
Liberals live on the government dole, they get their living on govt money and wont bite the hand that feeds them.
therefore, these kind of Obama lies are swallowed greedily by teh brainless Liberals who depend on their god for their life.
The economic crash, opposition from the Media and COngress will do this lying socialist in, we dont need to do a thing.
His own promises (Change = LIES) will haunt him quickly.
WE PAY $13000 and get back $13?
IS THAT CHANGE?
You bet, all well have left is CHANGE.
Posted by: DC | March 5, 2009, 10:51 pm 10:51 pm
We have more to fear from Obama than
from Osama!
Posted by: Jane | March 5, 2009, 10:55 pm 10:55 pm
Mischaracterization ? Can’t we just call it a lie, an exaggeration of statistics to support a position, to lie about a fact, is this what Obama learned at law school?
Columbia must be proud.
Posted by: DK Bateman | March 5, 2009, 11:03 pm 11:03 pm
Wanna significantly cut the cost of healthcare? Tort Reform. Period. End.
Posted by: Dr. P | March 5, 2009, 11:05 pm 11:05 pm
What a truly wretched & fear-mongering diet the Obama administration serves-up to an unsuspecting still trusting public.
Posted by: AMR1960 | March 5, 2009, 11:11 pm 11:11 pm
Obama has demonstrated on a regular basis to exaggerate the views of his opponents with straw men, fear mongering to ram through his agendas, mischaracterize and mislead on the contents of his spending bills, and now, outright lie. And it’s not even two months into this administration yet. At the 30 day mark he had already essentially bankrupted the country and indebted the future magnitudes beyond Bush.
God help us with what is still ahead. I’m not sure America will survive 2 years of a radical leftist congress and President before the mid-term election. I don’t know if that election will even matter if the leftists get what they want now and make structural changes in America that are immune to elections in the future. I think it might be too late then.
America really blew it last election.
Posted by: SamIam | March 5, 2009, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
You sheeple just lined up and voted for this fraud! I love how he campaigned that 95 percent of Americans would get a tax cut which would average 600 to 800 dollars per family. In the mean time he is planning on instituting a cap and trade tax that will raise the average house hold utility bill by 1400 to 1800 hundred dollars. You see how this works now?
Posted by: Stephen | March 5, 2009, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
This is another example of Obama’s rushing to make an impression on all of us that Health Care is in “dire straits” by using false data to prove his point!
I hate this administration’s habit of using FEAR as the the tool to pass all kinds of sloppy, wasteful, and wrong legislation!
Health Care….I’ll make it easy for you Obama….I want the same health plan that all members of Congress have!
Posted by: Mary | March 5, 2009, 11:14 pm 11:14 pm
If you like the way he is fixing Wall Street you are going to love healthcare.
In 41 days he has crashed the stock market, offended Britain, forced Isreal in to probable war with Iraq, embarased Pakastan, been suckered by Russia and pissed off most of Nato. I can’t wait for healthcare. He is most likely to cure cancer by cutting off your head. But at least he will cure the cancer.
Posted by: SoWhat | March 5, 2009, 11:16 pm 11:16 pm
“Good luck getting an appointment in Canada…only a 6month wait…who knows how long in Britain.”
I’ll can tell you that some waits here in Canada are much too long, others are reasonable.Depends largely on where you are and what sort of specialist you need.Despite this,no politician here is willing to try and abolish medicare because they would be looking for a new job very quickly.The US health care system is great if you are one of the shrinking numbers who can afford it.Otherwise, it will kill you
Posted by: The Voice of Experience | March 5, 2009, 11:17 pm 11:17 pm
i am sorry i voted for this empty suit. it’s a shame because i always liked mccain even though he is a republican. i don’t know why i let the media talk me into voting for this guy…
Posted by: jimmy | March 5, 2009, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
Farnkly I don’t care what he has to say or do to get goverment paid medical. I have been on unemployment for seven months I lost my health insurance last month. I have a preexisting diabetes and the last time I went to a doctor he was checking me for COPD (I smoke). I need to get my meds for free and my doctor visits. Unemplyment just doesn’t pay enough. Thanks god for Obama!
Posted by: Joe Oregon | March 5, 2009, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
Well imagine that, the ObaMessiah lies about anything to scare his socialist agenda through. He’s filled his posts with liars, tax cheats and empty headed rubber stamp jockies.
If this empty suit doesn’t destroy this nation, he will surely damage it for decades. Hope and change, is this what you thought it would be?
Posted by: Red Ruffansore | March 5, 2009, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
Obama will not stop until every wealth creating industry in America is put out of business starting with the oil and gas industry, just remember when you are paying $9.00 gallon that we are targeted for termination because the product that we find creates CO2 when burned. How are we going to run ships, trucks, planes and trains on solar and wind energy. We need alternative energy, but if we 10 fold increase these alternative energies every year it will take over 10 years to switch not 1 year! These Obama administration policies are the intentional destruction of the United States. Osama could not accomplish it but Obama will!
Posted by: Greg Wilson | March 5, 2009, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
Obama needs to be impeached now.
Posted by: Dgleon | March 5, 2009, 11:24 pm 11:24 pm
Some of the folks here are entranced by the Prez’s health care proposal. For the many boomers who now have insurance, it will potentially spell a shorter lifespan with diminished quality of life as government determines that the older among us shouldn’t be getting treatment for various ailments, including osteoporosis. Get your policies out of our healthcare!
Posted by: herdzcatz | March 5, 2009, 11:25 pm 11:25 pm
Is there any aspect of our country that Obama sees as NOT in crisis? Now, if the teleprompters malfunctioned, that would be a real crisis.
Posted by: Mike | March 5, 2009, 11:25 pm 11:25 pm
Once again Barry uses the BIG lie technique to scare people into doing what he wants. It’s similar to the one that goes like this: “There are 40 million Americans without health insurance”. As i recall the “big lie” is a Marxist trick. Tell a lie often enough and people will believe it. Another good example of this is “Bush lied people died”.
Posted by: sudmuf | March 5, 2009, 11:27 pm 11:27 pm
A good part of the problem is Barry doesn’t know how to tell the truth.
Posted by: zekethewonderdog | March 5, 2009, 11:28 pm 11:28 pm
I can’t wait for our very own NHS, that way our free care for all can be just like Canada, where your treatments get denied with no appeal because they’re too expensive, or like England, the land that aseptic technique forgot.
Posted by: shane | March 5, 2009, 11:29 pm 11:29 pm
Bush looks better every day.
Posted by: Mike | March 5, 2009, 11:29 pm 11:29 pm
Health care is not a right, it is a privilege that you buy with money you EARN. Obama is a socialist and so most of the people who still support him. One problem is that people go to the doctor too much and there is not enough doctors. With Obama’s confiscatory tax policies and lowered reimbursements, there will soon be a whole less doctors. So good luck with that. Be ready for more unemployment too when the tax increases hit. I guess the government can just take care of everybody. Wait that was Obama’s plan all along. 52% of you guys are such dupes.
Posted by: Mikey D | March 5, 2009, 11:37 pm 11:37 pm
I’m getting better at repeating the talking points:
“Everyone agrees that we cannot afford to not agree that doing something is better than doing nothing with the situation we inherited”
Posted by: nonein2008 | March 5, 2009, 11:41 pm 11:41 pm
God help us all.
Posted by: NoObamaMama | March 5, 2009, 11:42 pm 11:42 pm
Don’t let the truth get in the way of a funny story….
Errrrr Political agenda
Posted by: Howard Ino | March 5, 2009, 11:42 pm 11:42 pm
Apply premium healthcare costs to the following groups, and reduce the costs to the health minded clean living group.
Fat people
Tobacco users
Gays
The above group all display high risk behavior and they should shoulder the costs associated that result from their risky behavior.
That’s fair imo.
Posted by: Jesus | March 5, 2009, 11:42 pm 11:42 pm
Our health care system is simply out dated and it grossly misrepresent our young, our poor and our seniors.
By comparison The French and The Brittains systems provide far superior coverage for their citizens. Again, our president is correct, we must address our health care system and overhaul it.
Posted by: Steven Kennedy | March 5, 2009, 11:43 pm 11:43 pm
The same guys that brought us K-12 education, the bankrupt social security system, medicaid, medicare, VA medical, and the post office are going to bring us more free medical care.
Trust the new geniuses on the block.
Posted by: Jack | March 5, 2009, 11:44 pm 11:44 pm
George Soro’s puppet President is trying to keep up the fear and crisis with lies, lies and more lies. When are people going to stand up and say we aren’t going to let them take our country away.
Posted by: Joan | March 5, 2009, 11:48 pm 11:48 pm
Just cut through the crap. The Premier is trying to scare everyone to get his awful Socialism policies approved.
Posted by: rocco | March 5, 2009, 11:52 pm 11:52 pm
In the end, governments historically take on more and more responsibility and collapse under their own weight. It can be communist countries that take on all the burdens of society. It can be militaristic countries like Germany under Hitler or the Roman Empire.
Eventually the nanny states of the world will collapse under their own weight as well. We are starting to see the concentration of wealth shift to Asia. This is the beginning of the end for western “capitalism” or I mean “socialism” or whatever you want to call it.
Posted by: Collapsing USA | March 5, 2009, 11:55 pm 11:55 pm
People can buy health insurance as low as $100 per month. Is it great insurance? No.. Usually with a $5K deductable, but up to $6MM in coverage. I looked it up for myself (I’m 38) and it was fairly inexpensive. But, if you get REALLY hurt you will not be wiped out. Most people just refuse to buy it and throw the dice… when something does happen.. “The GOVERNEMENT SHOULD PAY FOR IT”.
Posted by: Cody | March 5, 2009, 11:55 pm 11:55 pm
I’m so embarrassed and ashamed I voted for this buffoon. If I could undo it I would in a heartbeat. We don’t need health reform since a very large number of people can afford and have access to health insurance – they don’t get it because it would hamper their lifestyles. I put off buying it in the past so I could afford satellite tv and my cell phones. I realized how selfish this was and changed my ways.
Posted by: Roberto | March 5, 2009, 11:57 pm 11:57 pm
I get to pay for televisions, cars and vacations of others. AWESOME. That is change I believe in. And fair, too!
That is much better than the current system where I pay for MY insurance with the money that I earn through the fruit of MY labor after an honest effort.
I should be forced to pay for the will-nots because they just deserve what I work for. So what they didn’t graduate from highschool? Highschool was hard and they should be allowed to loot based on birthright.
So what they don’t want to look for a job… just steal from me. Hope and change.
And why shouldn’t they be allowed to loot my earnings? They voted fair and square to take it.
That would be so awesome.
Just like it says in the constitution in article ?? section ??.
Hopey changemas everyone, hopey changemas!
Posted by: Matt in Chicago | March 6, 2009, 12:03 am 12:03 am
Amazing. . .
The vast majority of posts at an ABC news story are strongly AGAINST Obama and his policies.
Who woulda’ thunkit?!?
Posted by: thaDeetz | March 6, 2009, 12:04 am 12:04 am
I sure wish I could take my vote back.
What a failed leader this guy has turned out to be
Posted by: Phil | March 6, 2009, 12:07 am 12:07 am
does it matter ?He is an extreme leftist. facts do not matter, just intentions
Posted by: ishka4me | March 6, 2009, 12:07 am 12:07 am
What many here (and in the White House) AREN’T telling you is that trial lawyers are the number #1 reason costs have ballooned out of control.
Democrats are tied to this group. Demons are alive and well- and practicing law.
Those here advocating universal healthcare are quite ignorant. The system is failing in all nations practicing it- doctors are fleeing for nations that will actually (GASP!) pay them a fair living for their years of knowledge.
Obama and congress maight as well pass a law mandating ‘mediocre healthcare.’
Posted by: Simon | March 6, 2009, 12:09 am 12:09 am
Okay, so based on the ‘correct’ stats offered by the author, there is a bankruptcy due to medical bills every 2 minutes, not every 30 seconds. That’s much more acceptable.
Posted by: stepper | March 6, 2009, 12:11 am 12:11 am
Obama will push as hard as he can for his first two years, before congressional elections. None of obama you are seeing is a mystery or surprise, his voting record and background all point to hardcore East Coast liberal. He’s not a fiscal democrat and he firmly believes in government as the answer and solution. Dig in folks.
Posted by: kevin | March 6, 2009, 12:17 am 12:17 am
What’s a little lie in a good cause. Obama’s heart is in the right place. He wants to socialize medicine so that all Americans will be equally miserable.
Posted by: paulejb | March 6, 2009, 12:18 am 12:18 am
Add one more name to the Obama “enemies” list – Gary Langer! LOL
We’re not even 2 months in to a 4yr term and Obama has taken what was a problem and turned it into a disaster! Who knows how many decades it’s going to take to reverse the damage that man has done in under 2 months!
Two words: buyer’s remorse.
You reap what you sow…
I’m hoping and praying a rabbit is going to be pulled from the hat at any second and all this insanity will make complete sense and turn the country around…but I really doubt it. You don’t stop a speeding car by applying more gas!
Posted by: timr1271 | March 6, 2009, 12:22 am 12:22 am
Just ask any GI or military dependent about government controlled health care. I suffered with asthma for 20 years because my symptoms did not fit their narrow, government mandated, criteria for asthma. I had several attacks that were so bad I could barely breathe. I am now going to a civilian doctor who is not controlled by the governments restraints and I’m on a regimin of meds. that controls it. Remember, the government never does anything well because the government does not have a personal stake in the outcome. If we have nationalized health care, we will allow the government to define our illnesses for the doctors and to control what kind, or even if, we get treated.
Posted by: arose | March 6, 2009, 12:27 am 12:27 am
The obvious first step would be to remove the illegal aliens from the equation. They are a major cause of the bankruptcies of hospitals and many county budgets. All illegal aliens are currently included in the data for “uninsured Americans” due to the unwillingness of our officials to address this problem that is bleeding our nation of resources. This also is further skewed by the anchor babies that are now figured in as “American citizens”. The impotence of our elected officials to secure our borders, deport illegal aliens and reverse anchor baby citizenship is the most critical component of the health care crisis. By making a national plan, Obama and the demodummies will further obscure the truth and bury the data since the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy will continue. Americans will again suffer by lowering our healthcare quality in order to cover the benefits of those that have no rights to be here in the first place. Just go to any emergency room and get back to me on what you see. Lets not mention the diseases that are also coming into the US from the Third World countries….that would be too revealing. Keep you head in the sand and wonder why healthcare costs keep rising. Healthcare gets more expensive when there are more parasites than contributors….connect the dots.
Posted by: Marge Wood | March 6, 2009, 12:36 am 12:36 am
Simply, Politics as usual. Say what you need to make a point. We will deal with the truth later.
Posted by: Ben | March 6, 2009, 12:37 am 12:37 am
Fear mongering, mis-information, mal-information these are the hallmarks of the Obama administration. His lack of experience is becoming quite obvious as is his quest for power. No, I didn’t vote for him (not that Mc Cain was much better) he scared me then, he scares me now. We are on the express train to socialism, NAY Marxism! One can only hope that he is a one termer and hope the country survives that long.
Posted by: Smilinjack | March 6, 2009, 12:44 am 12:44 am
I heard that comment and immediately though this was the same number crunching that certain people normally get away with in a certain party. Good for ABC news to check the numbers. I ran the numbers in my head quickly and at 2 every second that is roughly 120 per minute, 7200 hour, 172800 per day or just over 63 million people per year and every American would go bankrupt in less than 5 years. Not even close to an oops slip of the tounge, but a concerted effort to distort the facts to scare people. Well maybe under his new tax increases we will be headed in that direction.
Posted by: David M | March 6, 2009, 12:48 am 12:48 am
Obama lied. The stock market died.
Posted by: Longo | March 6, 2009, 12:59 am 12:59 am
Let’s just call it what it is. Lying to the public to push a personal agenda.
Posted by: Bill | March 6, 2009, 12:59 am 12:59 am
I’m amazed so many Obama votes are jumping ship so soon! hahaha you voted for him I think there should be a tax on those dumb enough to vote have voted for Mr. Obama!!! Pay up Sheep!
Posted by: Didn't Vote For Obama | March 6, 2009, 1:09 am 1:09 am
We are truly in a surreal time.
While the country descends into a true Depression, Obama can’t seem to stop finding ways to spend money we don’t have! Universal Health Care? Social Security is already bankrupt – but that doesn’t stop Obama from proposing a multi-trillion dollar Socialist health care system. Green energy funded by Cap & Trade? Is he insane? It will raise each household’s energy costs by around $1500 per year – for no particular reason, other than to pander to his eco-kook fringe. New taxes on the wealth-creators and more benefits for the parasites?
In the business world, the fear is real and palpable. Businesses are frozen. Our economy is business, not government. Businesses create wealth – government can only confiscate it. Obama must be the stupidest, most dangerous man on earth to be pushing his radical, left-wing, Socialist/Marxist agenda while the country is desparately trying to recover from the latest failed liberal experiment – encouraging banks to securitize risky loans backed by Fannie and Freddie. The failure of Fannie and Freddie destroyed Lehman Brothers, which really started the dominoes falling – leading us to where we are now.
Anyone with a bit of gray matter up top would recognize that threatening to raise taxes and spending to record levels at a time like this could be devastating to the economic recovery. The market has spoken. Obama is the worst President of all time, and he hasn’t even been in office two months.
Think of the difference in confidence if he had offered to provide government-backed refi’s at 4% fixed for all homeowners? Reduced personal tax rates and capital gains taxes across the board? That would have put billions back in the hands of the people that drive this economy. But that can’t happen because of all the liberal extremists Obama is beholden to.
Liberalism is a cancer and eventually kills everything it touches. Hope and Change has turned into Hopelessness and Fear. Obama is either too stupid to recognize it or too weak to fight the radicals in his own party and do what’s right for America.
The unions drove GM into the ground rather than admit they were the reason for GM’s failure. And I’m afraid Obama will drive American into the ground rather than admit liberalism’s failure.
Posted by: Scott | March 6, 2009, 1:10 am 1:10 am
First the Global Warming Fraud, now this. Welcome to “1984″. And still no mention of the fact that world oil production peaked four years ago. I guess it’s no big deal compared to Global Warming.
Posted by: John A. Jauregui | March 6, 2009, 1:11 am 1:11 am
What do you expect from a guy who has no business sense. He’s never run anything that even remotely resembles a business….and it’s really showing. He’s prioritizing his efforts based upon his ultra liberal ideology and his political agenda; no surprise and no real “change” whatsoever. How are all you pathetic emotionally driven liberals/lemmings “feeling” now??????
Posted by: ML | March 6, 2009, 1:14 am 1:14 am
Liberals should call this initiative by the appropriate terms.
Maybe it will be called:
“The Mandated Mediocrity In Health Care For the Purpose of Expanding The Welfare Class Bill.”
Welcome back Carter!
Posted by: Simon | March 6, 2009, 1:16 am 1:16 am
Here in Canada we have government run healthcare, and they really cut costs…..
People die waiting for tests, treatment etc.because you wait, and wait, and wait.
But it cuts costs.
Posted by: Richard | March 6, 2009, 1:17 am 1:17 am
A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.
Thomas Jefferson
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson
And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.
John F. Kennedy
The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.
John F. Kennedy
This guy is the ‘antithesis’ of Kennedy.
‘Nuff said.
Posted by: Big Lou | March 6, 2009, 1:30 am 1:30 am
Let’s call this man what he really is…….a LIAR!!!!
Somebody start the impeachment process please…before it’s too late!
Posted by: Jimmi | March 6, 2009, 1:31 am 1:31 am
Obama’s medical bankruptcy every 30 seconds. Pelosi’s 500 million monthly job losses. Now that’s fuzzy math.
Posted by: free2day? | March 6, 2009, 1:38 am 1:38 am
Y’Know, there’s another name for “a mischaracterization of data”…. It’s called LYING.
IMPEACH NOW!
Posted by: Stozzel | March 6, 2009, 1:38 am 1:38 am
At 1 bankruptcy per second, we get over 1 million per year. Since 2005, the year of the report, that’s over 4 million individual/family/business bankruptcies due to cost of healthcare. Consider Enron, Worldcom, Merril Lynch, AIG, etc. Their sickness: greed. Cause: Wall Street crooks.
“Something is wrong somewhere.”
“Formal education is not synonymous with intelligence.”
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
Posted by: PJ | March 6, 2009, 1:44 am 1:44 am
Re: At 1 bankruptcy per second, we get over 1 million per year. Since 2005, the year of the report, that’s over 4 million individual/family/business bankruptcies due to cost of healthcare. Consider Enron, Worldcom, Merril Lynch, AIG, etc. Their sickness: greed. Cause: Wall Street crooks.
“Something is wrong somewhere.”
“Formal education is not synonymous with intelligence.”
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
====================================
There are many reasons for bankruptcy and I doubt your figures that 4 million are due to the cost of healthcare.
The market weeds out greed because greed translates into risk. “Wall Street crooks” are not much different from liberals who demand “fairness”, and “equality” and “shared prosperity” (which translates into wealth confiscation and new and costly entitlment programs). Both are greedy and both are destined to eventual failure.
In their place rise new and less-risky ventures. Unfortunately, the liberals want to prop up what is proven bad and inefficient (unions, entitlement programs, etc.) rather than let them fail and let the market equalize.
At the end of the day, personal integrity and responsibility are the real basis of success.
Posted by: Scott | March 6, 2009, 1:55 am 1:55 am
What did you expect. This administration is relying on several things: 1) a press that will report – without question – anything he says; 2) an ignorant public who, after at least 2 decades of dumbing-down by the NEA, cannot analyze anything; 3) creating a climate of fear and smear. We have got to wake up and realize what we have done to ourselves.
Posted by: TJ Cadden | March 6, 2009, 2:10 am 2:10 am
Langer wrote:
A more recent study by another group, approaching it another way, indicates that in 2007 about eight-tenths of one percent of Americans lived in families that filed for bankruptcy as a result of medical costs. That rings a little less loudly than “one every 30 seconds.”
Do the arithmetic. If 0.8% of American households in 2008 filed for medical bankruptcy, that works out to one every 33.6 seconds.
Posted by: newsboy | March 6, 2009, 2:12 am 2:12 am
Scott, I’m only basing figures on the article. Not that I agree with the Harvard report.
Posted by: PJ | March 6, 2009, 2:12 am 2:12 am
I’m a Republican, but I agree with Obama. Look, who cares if there’s a medical bankruptcy every 30 secs or every 5 minutes. I can tolerate rhetoric like that to make a point. The point is that the cost is too high. It’s totally preposterous that 17% – almost 1 in 5 – of bankruptcies should be the result of unmanageable medical expenses. Come on, seriously! What do you selfish peeps say, “let ‘em die!?” If we pay a little extra all around to have a healthy society, that benefits me and everyone else. Bless the day when we don’t have to worry about losing our homes because we had an unpredictable – and costly – infarction in our brain that made one of us those poor statistical victims.
Posted by: Reform healthcare | March 6, 2009, 2:16 am 2:16 am
This is typical Obama. Whether it is mischaracterization of data or outright lies, he uses fear to create a ‘crisis’ that will turn into a ‘catastrophe’ if Americans don’t roll over and let the State dictate the course of our lives. And don’t forget, the media is running interference for him. Thanks to Gary Langer for exposing Obama and his methods.
Posted by: lastmanonthewall | March 6, 2009, 2:32 am 2:32 am
Re: I’m a Republican, but I agree with Obama. Look, who cares if there’s a medical bankruptcy every 30 secs or every 5 minutes. I can tolerate rhetoric like that to make a point. The point is that the cost is too high. It’s totally preposterous that 17% – almost 1 in 5 – of bankruptcies should be the result of unmanageable medical expenses. Come on, seriously! What do you selfish peeps say, “let ‘em die!?” If we pay a little extra all around to have a healthy society, that benefits me and everyone else. Bless the day when we don’t have to worry about losing our homes because we had an unpredictable – and costly – infarction in our brain that made one of us those poor statistical victims.
=======================================
Utopia doesn’t exist. Why not substitute “college” for “health care” in your argument? Far more people are impacted by not going to college than lack of health care. Point: there are many things it would be nice to have others pay for.
The problem with health care is that it’s not a matter of just “a little more all around” to make it work. If it was that easy, it would be done that way everywhere. And universal health care doesn’t work ANYWHERE.
It sounds like you would have us all reduce our quality of care in order to cover the people without insurance. That’s what happens EVERYWHERE universal health care exists.
As soon as the government agrees to provide coverage for the uninsured, the scope creep will begin. People will demand better coverage and the illegals will want in. The system quickly spirals out of budgetary control and rationing beigns. This is true everywhere it has been tried.
The best solution, is to have the government pay a PORTION, based on need, in order to obtain private insurance. Not a cadillac policy, just a ford pinto policy. You should have to pay the difference to get the coverage you demand. There is no free ride, and if health care is a priority for you, you should sacrifice to have the coverage level you desire.
Government run health care is and will be a disaster for all Americans. Do you really want the jack-##### who are responsible for our financial meltdown in charge of your health care?
Posted by: Scott | March 6, 2009, 2:40 am 2:40 am
Obama lied, industries died…
and jobs, and income, and freedoms, and democracy…
Posted by: Uly | March 6, 2009, 2:45 am 2:45 am
Obama please stop lying to us!!!!!
Posted by: Bill Basani | March 6, 2009, 3:00 am 3:00 am
If Liberal Larry is “sick and tired” he better watch out or he will have to file for medical bankruptcy, LOL.
Don’t worry folks. When it all hits the fan at least we will have our bibles to cling to…hey where the heck is my gun anyway? Feelin’ bitter? Voter’s remorse anyone?
Posted by: NY Keith | March 6, 2009, 3:06 am 3:06 am
Impeach Obama now
Posted by: Sluggo | March 6, 2009, 3:29 am 3:29 am
Why are people so surprised, by all this shock and lies. He is fear mongering, in hopes that people will be so afraid they will follow him right off that cliff. Can anyone tell me why when the “Messiah” speaks, the market takes a dump? One would think, that if he saw this trend, he would shut the hell up and let the market recover, but he is poised to make the stock market crash, so he can institute all his plans to take over the banks, car companies, and huge insurance companies. It’s called socialism. It’s been a little over a month now, and I would have to say 50% of the people that I know voted for him, are regretting it now. They believed the media hype about him and his teleprompter speeches. We will be lucky if by the time he leaves office, he doesn’t get us into a war, that spills onto our soil. Iran, N. Korea, Mexico, take your pick. Mexico is already encroaching into our border states with drugs, human trafficking, and human smuggling. Phoenix is now the kidnapping capitol of the USA, they kidnap Americans take them across the border and call the families for ransom. And Obama and Homeland Security does nothing. Napolitano, says it hasn’t spilled over into the USA… LOL….tell that to the families of the kidnapped American Citizens! Obama since day 1, when he chose to run for President. He promised, no earmarks, he promised transparency in government, promised bipartisanship, promised all bills will be put up on a website for us all to view for a full 5 days before he signs them, he promised fiscal responsibility, he promised no pork…..it’s all lies, every bit of it. I hope he gets impeached before we have to wait out an entire 1,416 more days of his junk.
Posted by: ghostsouls | March 6, 2009, 3:47 am 3:47 am
Anyone who thinks the government will bring down the cost of health care or anything else for that matter, need to take a look back in history and try to find a single thing that government has successfully lowered the price of. In fact, the opposite is the case. The cost of any goods or services is directly dependant on the money available for those things. Can you imagine the money available if the government is footing the bill. Take a look at the cost of health care after the government instituted the Medicare program. You will find that at the exact time the government started that program, the cost of health care began its upward spiral. The government is the world worst manager of any program. How would you like to have the same mentality fooling around in health care that brought us the immigration fiasco? No thanks!! It’s all about power folks.
Posted by: Bill | March 6, 2009, 3:50 am 3:50 am
Former Pres. Bush made up or mispronounced words which made him sound uneducated. I guess sounding uneducated is worse than outright lying.
Posted by: Steve | March 6, 2009, 3:52 am 3:52 am
OBAMA LIED AND THE ECONOMY DIED
Posted by: Jack Kennedy | March 6, 2009, 4:14 am 4:14 am
Daniel, 15% of your income does sound brutal to spend on medical expenses, but it pales in comparison to what I pay in social security every month here in Europe…and I’ve never even been to a doctor in three years here! I don’t think government intervention will bring true costs down.
Posted by: Jake in Belgium | March 6, 2009, 4:18 am 4:18 am
Don’t blame me, I didn’t vote for… etc.
This is sad. You people probably know the people who yell at you if you criticize Obama, which is bizarre to say the least. Especially, when it’s someone you know and care about. It’s scary, he’s not supposed to be a regular politician, he’s a god or something. God help us.
Posted by: Alex | March 6, 2009, 4:20 am 4:20 am
The Messiah continues his fearmongering with repeated cliches that have been debunked long ago. Why his cult followers refuse to open their eyes defies comprehension.
Posted by: Mauricio Villablanca | March 6, 2009, 4:25 am 4:25 am
Obama Spoke Now We’re Broke
He will go down as the worse president in the United States history.
I am enjoying the realization of the Obamaites that their change man is a pernicious liar.
Posted by: IC Atlanta | March 6, 2009, 4:31 am 4:31 am
My wife is an internist and part of her practice is teaching people that, yes, you can bargain and price shop in the healthcare field. The number of people who think nothing over price negotiating a car but won’t even call around to see where to get a cheaper x-ray but rather go to the hospital and get shafted by the most expensive provider for miles around is shocking.
Pick up a phone book or use google. You can get the exact same tests done for far less if you just use your basic shopping skills.
I’ve negotiated radiology, chemotherapy, blood panels, pretty much anything that isn’t a dire emergency. You can too. But most of you don’t and that inflates costs. Whose fault is that?
Posted by: TMLutas | March 6, 2009, 5:03 am 5:03 am
I already knew Obama was a socialist radical.the history is all there from whom he hanged out with to his voting record and actions.The LEftwing media sold u this socialist and u bought it gladly.A center left socialist Amrerica is a defeated Empty America.Now Im starting to feel like mitchell Obama before she was proud of this freedom loving strong confident capitalist nation.
Posted by: TYRONE | March 6, 2009, 5:13 am 5:13 am
Everybody carps about the high cost of medical care, but no one bothers to look at the primary drivers for the cost. Medical costs are what they are for two primary reasons, medical malpractice awards, and the uninsured. We don’t need the government to come in and dictate what treatment everyone should get. What we need is tort reform and to stop treating the uninsured. Most of the uninsured are that way by chioce. The would rather have a plasma TV than pay for their medical insurance. You can bet these folks would get a quick education at the school of hard knocks if the emergency room sent them packing.
Posted by: WS Raleigh | March 6, 2009, 5:19 am 5:19 am
Though I agree with most everything that has been said, I find it odd that someone in the media in charge of interpreting surveys can point to any one else and say that they are misrepresenting the numbers.
Posted by: jason | March 6, 2009, 5:30 am 5:30 am
We don’t need Medical coverage anymore today than we did in the 40′s & 50′s. My Father was the single wage earner for an 8 member family. We made it through it all. In spite of the fact I had to see a Dr. twice a week for shots & 2 meds. WE MADE IT BECAUSE WE WEREN’T COUNTING ON ANYONE TO TAKE CARE OF US BUT OUR SELFS. In case anyone has forgotten Slick Willie LIED AND RULED by using the FEAR tactic. Am I the only one remebring?? Crisis after crisis after crisis!!!
Posted by: Lynn | March 6, 2009, 5:51 am 5:51 am
More fear mongering by Obama! Question; for what purpose and end???
Posted by: Alfonso Barrs | March 6, 2009, 5:58 am 5:58 am
THIS IS ‘CHANGE’ WE CAN’T LIVE WITH!!!
Posted by: Alfonso Barrs | March 6, 2009, 6:02 am 6:02 am
“a mischaracterization of data”
A more accurate description is to say that Obama is lying.
Posted by: Johnny H | March 6, 2009, 6:06 am 6:06 am
It is funny how a lie by President Obama is merely “inflated data” or a “mischaracterization” and is held with no responsibility of it. The hypocrisy in the media is so blatant it is laughable. Imagine if Bush threw out a statistic like that, in order to sell something… “A person will die every 30 seconds if we do not wiretap phone calls, okay.” If president Obama has to use scare tactics and lies in order convince America’s finest (sarcasm intended) that we need government run health care like all the other countries that only wish they could have what we have, (I now from experience I have lived in Spain for 3 years for the military) I “HOPE” that people do not buy into it. He reminds me of a sleaze ball salesman going to uneducated poor people offering them the world as long as they follow his lead which is one that shouldn’t be followed. God bless America at least for now.
Posted by: Ted | March 6, 2009, 6:07 am 6:07 am
Amazing how a politician will rely on words in an editorial which itself was based on a long discredited study. All this misinformation to nationalize 1/7 of the economy. So much for “change”. He seems to be the same inept and lying politician they all are. Had enough of this man yet? Lord knows I have.
Posted by: stop2think | March 6, 2009, 6:14 am 6:14 am
Just Words.
Folks you elected an empty suit that needs a telepromter to order a Happy Meal.
Posted by: Budzy1911 | March 6, 2009, 6:15 am 6:15 am
I called that he’d be like another Jimmy Carter before the election, the problem is I was wrong, with this congress he’s worse. A new generation of youth learn the truth about voting liberals to unchecked power. I hope they are paying attention. He’s not backing down for a second either cramming all this crud down our throats as soon as possible no matter what it does to the economy. I wonder why he has not done the gay thing in the military yet, maybe that’s lined up for next week.
Posted by: Josh In Faheel | March 6, 2009, 6:15 am 6:15 am
Why is health care so expensive? The biggest reason is health insurance. Health insurarnce is true socialism at work.Shared pain and benefits. Insurance allows for people to believe there is not cost. People tend to do unesessary procedures and doctors will order unesessary test.There are lawsuits with jury awards that are beyond reason. Why? because the payee is the insurance companies and no one likes them any way. But that is collectivelt our money. I have heard so many people on different post who proclaim all Americans deserve free national health care. I’m sure most people have heard this before but it’s worth repeating and I would give credit to the author if I knew who it is. “If you think health care is expensive now, wait until it’s free”
Posted by: Waldob | March 6, 2009, 6:25 am 6:25 am
How many ways can one man make a fool of himself. You wanted change America… you got it.
Posted by: Terrance | March 6, 2009, 6:29 am 6:29 am
OMG What have we done! Give the people little pieces of socialism over a period of time so they wont notice the communism as much when it arrives. The government does not care one bit about your health care, its all about their control over us.
Posted by: David J | March 6, 2009, 6:34 am 6:34 am
I think everyone, including Obama, have missed one point of unintended consequences.
Once the govt. takes over every aspect of our lives, and Obama becomes the source of all things, good and wonderful, who will the personal injury lawyers have left to sue, when some dislexic surgeon, who got ramrodded through medical school, just to be fair to all, cuts off the wrong leg.
We will no longer need such things as OSHA or the FDA because these only exist to regulate, and keep in check, private industry.
As we have witnessed, by this current mess, that the govt. has absolutely no interest in regulating itself.
Posted by: Royd | March 6, 2009, 6:36 am 6:36 am
Daniel orr, consider this; the way they’ll get costs down is by denying treatment to older Americans, and those with dangerous lifestyles, including smoking and obesity but not promiscuous deviant sexual practices or drug abuse.
Posted by: steve8714 | March 6, 2009, 6:50 am 6:50 am
Unless this socalist gets a handle on the economy, stock market and the cause–toxic assets–there will be no money for health care, no wealth to tax and spend and another giant tea party.
What a dissapointment!
Posted by: doppler | March 6, 2009, 6:52 am 6:52 am
It does seem like everytime Obama want’s to get something done he’s comes up with some urgent number’s to scare everyone. I have heard this all before with the Cinton’s. I don’t think it will go anywhere this year. Maybe, Obama should just stick with keeping our country out of recession first and maybe think about how we are paying for that.
Posted by: John S | March 6, 2009, 6:54 am 6:54 am
What an impressive litany of excuses, rationalizations and sycophancy. The article was about gross misrepresentaion of data to create a sense of panic and a large number of “useful idiots” loudly change the subject, distract and redirect. Can’t really blame you as that was what the Messiah was doing with his interpretation…sorry, misinterpretation of the data. He pulled a Biden. Comment on the article and not your talking points. There’s no such thing as free health care and places where it is “universal” have staggering wait times. “If you think health care is expensive now, wait until it’s free”.
Actually he didn’t really pull a Biden. Biden’s gaffes are because he’s a boob. Obama’s are intentional and well thought out, right out of “Rules For Radicals”.
Posted by: theDuck6 | March 6, 2009, 6:55 am 6:55 am
So the Harvard “data” is wrong. That downgrades the “study” to the level of “rant.”
B.O. has his head so far up his diverseness, he is going to have a hard time getting it out of there so that he can have a much needed awakening. Too bad for all of us and future generations.
Posted by: J W E | March 6, 2009, 6:56 am 6:56 am
To quote Mark Twain:
Figures don’t lie, but liars can figure!
Posted by: Wowbagger | March 6, 2009, 6:58 am 6:58 am
My Rock Star lied to us? Not President United Barrack Hussein Obama (PUBHO). He would never fudge the facts. He would never use bad statistics. He is so positive and uplifting. He is wonderful. Yes we can! Change we can count on. No business as usual. Mo money. I can’t wait for a new health care system. I have some tatoos I want modified and I could use a tummy tuck. Where’s my check?
Posted by: Gnarly Fnurn | March 6, 2009, 7:03 am 7:03 am
“Immaterial. Obama haters will love it but, the fact is, we need health care reform stat.”
Pretty much sums it up doesn’t it? Don’t let facts get in the way of “facts”. It is only a lie if it doesn’t advance the liberal agenda.
Posted by: Ben | March 6, 2009, 7:06 am 7:06 am
I realize health care is expensive but most of that is the result of gov interferance. Why didn’t this report talk about the bills people had from Macy’s and Verizon? We have the best medical care in the world and you have to make choices. People won’t make choices as long as we pay for their medical bills!! Adding 47mil to health care without them paying won’t reduce prices…
Posted by: Dan | March 6, 2009, 7:08 am 7:08 am
Thanks for getting your hands around the correct data. I believe you and your staff have filed your taxes also and therefore had the time to get it right.
Posted by: Thankful | March 6, 2009, 7:10 am 7:10 am
Perhaps the column should be titled: “Weapons of Math Destruction”!
Posted by: Bob Smith | March 6, 2009, 7:10 am 7:10 am
What I get from the article is that Pres. Obama, who was lauded as a savvy high-tech man, and who could, had he wanted to, use the correct data, chose to use old data to make a point. What I am trying to figure out is what will the next target he wants to Nationalize be…so far it’s our Banks, Sources of Energy, Medical care, so, what’s next…. our food supply?
Posted by: joanne | March 6, 2009, 7:13 am 7:13 am
President Obama is a scaremonger to push the agenda du jour; that scares me.
Posted by: GBRich | March 6, 2009, 7:14 am 7:14 am
Obama is an incompetent liar. America fell for it, though many tried to warn you. Ah well, enjoy the collapse. Idiots.
Posted by: DB | March 6, 2009, 7:15 am 7:15 am
Amazing – The obamazombies will never EVER admit the truth. They voted for a fantasy. We’re now seeing the reality.
OBAMA LIED, THE ECONOMY DIED
(i’m sure the sufferers of BDS (Bush Derangement Syndrome) are desperately trying to sensor me… they believe in Freedom of (LIBERAL) speech, anything else is “HATE” speech in their pointy-headed mindes.
Posted by: glitch | March 6, 2009, 7:16 am 7:16 am
A mischaracterization of data? Why doesn’t Mr. Langer simply the man has no idea what he’s talking about?
Posted by: James | March 6, 2009, 7:23 am 7:23 am
Do you people hear that sucking sound ala Ross Perot?
It’s the sound of our economy thanks to the Marxist/Socialist and the Democrats “reforming” everything they are touching or about to touch….
Be smart get what little money out of your bank accounts and hide it in our mattress before Obama has a bank holiday.
Posted by: Obama is a fraud | March 6, 2009, 7:25 am 7:25 am
Obama lied?? Im shocked!!
Please, every word that comes out of that man’s mouth and this administration is a bold face LIE!!
Hope you morons are happy out there! This is what you get when you don’t check under the hood!
Welcome to the new Omerica! I hope you all like Socialism and koolaid b/c that’s all we’re gonna get for the next 4yrs!
Posted by: Bob | March 6, 2009, 7:27 am 7:27 am
Trying to keep an open and mind and being totally honest I was willing to give Obama a chance once he won the POTUS position. Today I can honestly say that he needs to stop campaigning and start to be president for all the people.
The best interest of the country is to become more directly involved with what is happening to everyones 401K’s. Most 401′s have a strong element of the stock market involved. Fix the market and the banks and the rest will follow.
First things first.
Posted by: Dave Hamlin | March 6, 2009, 7:31 am 7:31 am
Impeach Obama Now! He attacks and erodes our Constitution daily. He has already broken his oath to preserve and protect our Constitution with his socialist agenda.
Posted by: Oil Driller | March 6, 2009, 7:31 am 7:31 am
President Obama,tell the truth! “We The People”, will learn to live with it.
Posted by: Eric Drexil Holland | March 6, 2009, 7:39 am 7:39 am
Smokers are more cost effective than people who don’t smoke. They often die quicker rather than languishing. Lung cancer patients may die even quicker in the times of rationing. Prostate cancer 5 year survival rates in the US are 80% in the UK they are 40% (longer waiting for care) Think of all these people that don’t now need health care.
Posted by: Gasman | March 6, 2009, 7:46 am 7:46 am
What is the difference between a mischaracterization and an out and out lie. As long as no one questions his data he “skates free”. When will CBS, MSNBC, CNN and the others challange Obama’s deceptive statements?
Posted by: Greg | March 6, 2009, 7:46 am 7:46 am
Obama cares about Obama and nothing else. He has an agenda, and that’s it. Facts? Don’t bother him with facts! This mean spirited liar will destroy America and blame it all on BUSH!
Posted by: Nona | March 6, 2009, 7:47 am 7:47 am
I’m poor.
I’ve voted Democrat all my life.
I’m still poor.
Posted by: Terrance | March 6, 2009, 7:55 am 7:55 am
“Plenty of presidents and politicians have made these innocuous rhetorical slips. They’re easy to do and relatively harmless.
Give Obama a break – this isn’t the Drudge Report…”
First of all, Drudge predominately links to articles already written in the world media. As for the other ridiculous comment that insinuates this was some how a harmless slip let me assure you: politicians do not slip. They are skilled at manipulation and every word of a speech/statement is chosen to exact a specific reaction be it fear, sympathy, pride or outrage. Teleprompters don’t slip; they display exactly what they are fed!
Posted by: YaGottaBeKiddingMe | March 6, 2009, 7:58 am 7:58 am
He also conveniently fails to mention all the bankruptcies that are saved when medical providers write off fees as uncollectable or as charitable cases as was done with my sister, a breast cancer survivor, who did not have insurance and had incurred medical expenses in excess of $100,000. It was unbelievable how much assistance like this and grants she recieved. We live in a great country. Obama just wants us to think it sucks so he can stay on the path to screwing it up. He is well on his way and he will unflinchingly use false data fed into his teleprompter to make the case for his agenda.
Posted by: AK | March 6, 2009, 7:59 am 7:59 am
His PUPPET MASTERS do not trust him to speak about anything unrehearsed, including responding to press questions. HENCE, this is the reason why he will not respond to questions from many members of the press; his ongoing avoidance of the press and his need for use of teleprompters. He’s an empty suit – another display of NO TRUST.
Posted by: TommyRIchards | March 6, 2009, 8:14 am 8:14 am
Great article. The author did a great job pre-defending possible arguments.
Someone still argued against this article and claims we need health care reform. That statement is so broad it’s dangerous. What we need to say is that we need to lower costs instead of government covering those costs.
Get rid of patents for medicine. Put a cap on malpractice lawsuits which George Bush already tried to do. Force Insurance companies to get rid of group plans and allow individual policies. Create a consumer policy watch group that will assist citizens in defending against hospitals’ erroneous charges.
Posted by: BT | March 6, 2009, 8:22 am 8:22 am
Liberal Larry, 53% is NOT a vast majority. Given the number of protest votes against the Democrat-nominated liberal Republican canditate, It was anything but a landslide.
Posted by: Shawn | March 6, 2009, 8:27 am 8:27 am
I’m not a Harvard grad- but wouldn’t it have been smarter and more expedient, and possibly more accurate, to just have polled the bankruptcy lawyers?
Posted by: Steve | March 6, 2009, 8:41 am 8:41 am
Of course, Hammelstein had to have “data” that would support his cause for the nationalization of Healthcare. If one has to skew(lie) results to support the premise,I wonder, why that very same person can’t accept that maybe his original premise is flawed?
Posted by: Steve | March 6, 2009, 8:53 am 8:53 am
Every day its another new lie….
Wvery day a new scare tactic….
No Doubt Americans are sick, stressed from the government BS and lies….
Time for Obama’s impeachment now…
Time to impeach Congress now….
Time to impeach All of the Supreme Court Justices for not protecting us or Our Constitution….
Time to Impeach the Senate now….
Posted by: cabletool72 | March 6, 2009, 9:10 am 9:10 am
I have never in my life, with the exception of Bill Clinton, heard so may lies and half truths and outright falsehoods stated by a President. I think this guy is so far in over his head he can’t see the grass. It’s too bad that people are lacking the knowledge or undertstanding of what is happening to our society and the country we live in. I guess if you’re one of those that depends on the government for everything, your life in Smallville is just peachy.
Posted by: jim | March 6, 2009, 10:04 am 10:04 am
I WORK IN MEDICAL BILLING AND I SEE HOW INSURANCE COMPANIES PLAY GAMES WITH THE CLAIMS. THE PATIENT AND THE DOCTOR GETS SCREWED . WHY ARE WE PAYING ALL THE HMO’S TO HANDLE THIS? THEY ARE THE ONES MAKING THE MONEY. GET RID OF THEM AND YOU WILL SEE MAJOR IMPROVEMENT. KEEP SCREWING THE DOCTORS AND YOU WILL HAVE NO ONE WANTING TO STUDY FOR 12 YEARS AND HAVE GREAT DEBT WHEN THEY FINISH AND THEN NEVER WANT TO BECOME A DOCTOR. YOU WILL SEE OBAMA’S RELATIVES IN AFRICA TREATING YOU. (MEDICINE MEN) NOT DOCTORS .
Posted by: LINDA | March 6, 2009, 10:21 am 10:21 am
How, other than voting out dishonest politicians, then voting in others exactly the same, do we change the pattern of ridiculous spending?
Posted by: Kathy | March 6, 2009, 10:55 am 10:55 am
Unfortunately, President Obama is prone to exaggerate in order to make a point. In this case, it probably doesn’t make much difference. I think most think the healthcare system needs reform what worries some of us is whether it will get better or worse after the government gets done “fixing” it.
Their track record for fixing things isn’t very good.
Posted by: John | March 6, 2009, 11:18 am 11:18 am
I hate it when statistical data is presented in “real-world terms” such as “one medical bankruptcy every 30 seconds” or “one rape every 3 minutes.”
What is supposed to be a helpful common-sense yardstick is in fact a barrier to proper understanding of the data. I finally broke down and calculated what “one every 30 seconds” comes to. It’s a little over $1 million. Out of a population of 300 million. Is this really shockingly high? I don’t think so. Would it be “confusing” to the average American to just tell us that 0.3 percent of Americans file for bankruptcy because of medical costs? I think we could process that data, and I think we would collectively yawn over it.
Posted by: Diane | March 6, 2009, 11:23 am 11:23 am
IMPEACH OBAMA NOW.
Posted by: Joe C | March 6, 2009, 12:06 pm 12:06 pm
We as taxpaying American citizens do not have to settle for this deception. We were supposed to be able to view the stimulus package for 3 days, that didn’t happen cause O bum A has to get his way, everything is an emergency. So is tattoo removal considered an emergency or will that fall under his new Medical/Health care emergency. We have available to us the IMPEACHMENT process and I hope Americans will finally pull their head out and use it. Let’s get rid of this LIAR. If we were illegal aliens we would have all kinds of medical available free of charge. IMPEACH OBAMA
Posted by: cabletool72 | March 6, 2009, 12:22 pm 12:22 pm
This article is an irrelevant distraction. The healthcare system has problems that need fixing. I hope Obama frames it that way: Here’s the problem. What would you Republicans do about it? There are millions of Americans who cannot buy health insurance because of pre-existing conditions. What is the Republican solution? Etc.
Posted by: Karen | March 6, 2009, 1:24 pm 1:24 pm
“the reason for the difference is a change in federal law that sharply reduced the number of bankruptcies.” If I’m not mistaken, bankruptcy in this context means “bankruptcy protection” or something similar/some people file for with the government. People are still going bankrupt due to medical bills, they just don’t have protection from creditors (something only the superwealthy now enjoy)
Posted by: homerule strategies | March 6, 2009, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm
Spend says Obama
Healthcare and Fairness Doctrine
The U.S. demise
Posted by: CamillusUSA | March 6, 2009, 5:07 pm 5:07 pm
To TG Cadden who wrote “Do the arithmetic. If 0.8% of American households in 2008 filed for medical bankruptcy, that works out to one every 33.6 seconds” – That WASN’T the claim. Rather it was “that 54 percent of bankruptcies in 2001 were caused by health expenses – which was calulated to on every 33 secs. BUT the real mumber is .8% of all Bankruptcies are due to healtcare costs NOT .8% of all American families!!! C’mon.
Posted by: CamillusUSA | March 6, 2009, 5:26 pm 5:26 pm
If healthcare is so terrible in Western Europe and Canada then why do they live longer than us? The United States ranks 45 in life expectancy.
Posted by: keith | March 6, 2009, 7:36 pm 7:36 pm
No Linda health care is up because I’m paying for the millions of dead beats who use the hospital for free all day long. I had a medical scare recently and was taken for a 2 mile ambulance ride for $800. The reason it was $800 is because I was told is because %65 of those who wind up in an ambulance are NOT even citizens or have no money or they have 5 different last names and they take a beating on all of these other passengers. So , when they get a regular jerk like me with insurance they bill me to cover the dead beats.
This comes from a VeRY HONeST director of the ambulance company ( who also said they are going broke )The USA has THE BEST health care in the world by far . Yes, there are problems to solve but dont for a second believe the bull about how well social medicine works in Europe it DON”T WORK VERY WELL AT ALL.
Posted by: Lee | March 6, 2009, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
Obama’s misjudgement is overwhelming. His ad hoc adjustments to hope and change is intolerable. That he would use Rahm Emanuel to intimidate his critics is unacceptable. We are finally vulnerable to destruction from within. Our elected leadership is agonizingly incapable of saving us. Obama is not man enough, bright enough, or even moral enough to lead us successfully out of this mess. (He doesn’t care.) He’s driving us in exactly the wrong direction as he ignores his economic advisors. Plan on very troubling times ahead. Obama, you are leading us into dispair. This will be world-wide and ‘last days’ discussions will become common.
Posted by: picomanning | March 7, 2009, 2:46 am 2:46 am
Our founding fathers resorted to armed rebellion against their own government to free themselves from that similar tyranny which we now begin to feel and fear from our current government. Our founders gave us the gift of the 1st and 2nd amendments as necessary safeguards against a potential wayward government that we see evolving now. It’s time to assess whether we ought to consider personal protection from our very own government. Our founding fathers feared uncontrolled government and our government is becoming a tyrant with what it requires of you. But this was a government for the people, not for the government. The time is here now to arm ourselves. It is time to talk with friends and at least loosely organize with small groups in case crisis develops. You’ll know your government is becoming your enemy when you get more courtesy and respect at the 7/11 than you get at your local Court House. If you are a blue-collar type you know what I say is true. Too many white collared types just haven’t been exposed or just don’t get it yet. They’ll learn soon enough. Meanwhile, quietly get your guns.
Posted by: picomanning | March 7, 2009, 3:12 am 3:12 am
Has Obama considered tort reform? Any idea how much doctors pay for malpractice insurance. It’s huge! Cut the insurance required of them to merely repair mistakes. If you want better insurance from your doctor, you should have to pay for it as you go. Man up! Fix America.
Posted by: picomanning | March 7, 2009, 3:21 am 3:21 am
You mention, “A more recent study by another group, approaching it another way, indicates that in 2007 about eight-tenths of one percent of Americans lived in families that filed for bankruptcy as a result of medical costs. That rings a little less loudly than “one every 30 seconds.””
Those ‘characterizations’ of the numbers may ring differently, but the numbers themselves could be very similar. A bankruptcy every 30 seconds means 1,051,200 in a year. Picking a round number of 300,000,000 as the population in 2007, eight-tenths of one percent (.008) would mean 2,400,000 people. If the average family size in these bankruptcies was 2.28 then you have have almost exactly the same number of bankruptcies as “one every 30 seconds”. In a quick search I couldn’t find a definitive average family size in bankruptcy filings, but 2.28 strikes me as in the ballpark.
If you think a problem is significant you will naturally want to characterize it in a way that evokes that significance rather than a way that masks it. But clearly, the way to resolve dueling characterizations is to get to the underlying numbers.
Posted by: David | March 7, 2009, 12:02 pm 12:02 pm
Lee, according to the World Health Organization, the US is far down the list (37th) in health care. Your life expectancies, infant mortality, and other benchmarks are the same as some third world countries. Health care costs per capita are the highest in the world for some of the worst statistics, and account for over 17% of your GDP. Preventative medicine in the USA is an oxymoron (look at your obesity rates, your smoking rates, etc. You have the highest pharmaceutical costs in the world. It seems as though your profit driven system makes more money by making sure that you are really sick than my socialized system that wants to make sure that I stay healthy.
Posted by: Canajun | March 7, 2009, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm
My health is worth more than money, Our health is more important than wall st. profits.
Posted by: charlie | March 8, 2009, 11:07 am 11:07 am
comenting from the UK I have never come across any one who believes we should adopt the US system fo financing of helth care
Posted by: ian in london | March 8, 2009, 5:37 pm 5:37 pm
What could people possibly be thinking, how could anyone actually favor our Government running health care. Look at the efficent manner in which they run EVERY ONE of their other programs, i really don’t want healthcare turning out like my social security checks i’ll probably receiving when i turn 84!! Face it, thebusiness world is not a perfect place, but how does it compare with the powerful, non ethcal, lying politicians. I was told by my childs preschool i should look into spech therapy for my 3 year old. I applied through the county over 5 weeks ago, through numerous follow ups, NOTHING. I called a private therapist who was very friendly, courteous & accomidating getting us a visit the next day!
TO all the sheep – be careful what you wish for!
Posted by: BO Stinks | March 9, 2009, 12:16 am 12:16 am
It is terrifying how STUPID Barack Obama really is. Those of you who have supported this IDIOT cannot grasp the extent of the HARM that an ill-informed and nearly irrational FOOL can inflict on our society from the office of President of the United States. The first thing that a scientist and/or statistician and/or economist is taught is to analyze problems from the perspective of ORDER OF MAGNITUDE: if one cannot SCOPE THE PROBLEM, one will have difficulty analyzing the problem for “reasonable” solution(s). The sheer LUNACITY of Obama’s statement that there is a medically-related bankruptcy every 30 seconds tells me (and should tell you, Obama supporters) what a FOOL he is. Let’s see: 120 30-second increments per hour; 2,880 30-second increments per day; 1,051,200 30-second increments per year. And so, during an 8-year window (as in a 2-term presidency), 8,409,600 medically-related bankruptcies would take place. Given that there are 120 million (or so) households in the U.S., Obama is suggesting that nearly 6% (SIX PERCENT!) of American households have filed medically-related bankruptcies. This is crazy, and it certainly is FRIGHTENING that this FOOL has been elected by an ILL-INFORMED public to permanently DAMAGE what was once the greatest economy on the planet.
Posted by: edwardwaibel | March 9, 2009, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
Could it be that the practice of eugenics is starting to be brought to light?
Posted by: lisa | March 10, 2009, 1:06 pm 1:06 pm
Great numbers work! For your next project, analyze the claim that “100,000 Americans die each year from medical errors.” That figure came from a NE Journal of Med study that had many biases. The true number is probably more like 1,000 per year. That may still be too high, but at least it is based on reported deaths, not ex post facto critiques and extrapolated.
Posted by: Daniel C Smith | March 11, 2009, 2:13 pm 2:13 pm
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | March 13, 2009, 7:43 am 7:43 am
I think it unlikely that anyone knows how much medical costs contributes to personal bankruptcies. Americans have so heavily indulged in personal debt for all reasons, that medical costs are only a small part of the total. When a bankruptcy does occur, should one blame the medical costs, the costs of recreation, the costs of expensive homes, or ??? A very painstaking study would be required to make even a credible estimate. The Harvard study appears to have been done on the cheap, by researchers who may not have exemplified the highest professional standards of objectivity.
Posted by: Marvinlee | March 15, 2009, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Alessandra
Posted by: Alessandra | March 18, 2009, 8:58 am 8:58 am
yes, Obama has four years but why not tackle all the hard issues in the first years and give America the other three years to forgive and forget the mistakes. That also gives three years to fix the mistakes and get re-elected. Smart man to take that approach, especially since it will give him time to make the case that someone else fouled up his great plans.
Posted by: Richard | March 18, 2009, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm
It’s clear that bias and spin trump numbers but not the way most of you seem to think. The report cited in paragraph 4 “about eight tenths of one percent” which “rings out less loudly” shows that 2.2 million Americans were in families which were driven bankrupt in 2007 by medical expenses. That works out to 730,000 medical bankruptcies, roughly 2000 per day or one every 45 seconds. Given the increases in bankruptcies and medical costs since 2007 the Presidents numbers are good and supported by the very numbers used to try and debunk him.
Posted by: drbob | August 20, 2009, 3:57 am 3:57 am
So instead of a bankruptcy EVERY 30 SECONDS, BUT EVERY 60 SECONDS the message should be overlooked.
You all don’t find it to be shameful that homes are being lost at a rate of one EVERY minute?
D@mn that President Obama for trying to bring illumination to a national problem and for trying to a create an urgency.
Posted by: Ann | August 23, 2009, 7:49 am 7:49 am
It seems that Mr. Langer’s figures are suspect in view of the later data from the American Journal of Medicine which states that 62.1% of Americans file medically related bankruptcies. Regardless…it’s a lot. And, many more people die. What is the actual cost to the country in terms these bankruptcies. And, what would this add to the tax base and GDP if we had 94% coverage? Are these figures included in the CBO estimates of the budget?
Posted by: Bill Bradley | December 1, 2009, 1:37 am 1:37 am