Tears and Fears: Health care push stirs debate among Democrats
Email By Rick Klein: What’s the opposite of hype? (Hope?) No reason to shed a tear: Anything you might have expected out of Thursday’s health care summit has already been drained out of it. And it’s only Wednesday. But one upshot, since this whole process is really only about the Democrats anyway: The Democrats’ great debate of 2009-2010 will play itself out. That’s the debate between the too-much and the too-little camps — those who blame the party’s sagging fortunes on an overambitious president who’s turned off the center, vs. those who see an overly cautious president turning off his base. No matter the seating arrangements, neither side will be thrilled with what comes out of the health care summit and beyond. But one way to get an answer to whether what’s being done is too much or too little is to do something — and that’s what’s on track, again. It took an invitation to Republicans to realize anew that all the White House needs are Democrats: “The real target of presidential bidding is his own party — specifically House Democrats. The White House hopes that Blair House will be the new Baltimore, a venue, like Obama's meeting with the Republican caucus, where a nimble president outdebates the opposition, thus stiffening Democratic spines for the difficult legislative road ahead,” Ruth Marcus writes in her Washington Post column. “For a Democratic House member in a swing district, the politics counsel against voting yes. ‘This is a career-ending vote,’ one Democrat told me — and this was a lawmaker who voted for the original bill,” Marcus writes. The counter — or at least cutting in the other direction: “Driving the two sides’ behavior more than any policy details is this: The White House and many Democrats really want a major bill to pass, and the Republicans really don’t,” David Leonhardt writes in The New York Times. “A bill would snatch victory from defeat for Mr. Obama, and it would be a victory that eluded Bill Clinton, Richard Nixon and Harry Truman. No bill would make the Democrats look incompetent.” White House officials “hope the session will embolden rank-and-file Democratic lawmakers who face re-election this fall amid worries that public opposition to a full-scale overhaul of health care could doom them,” the AP’s Chuck Babington writes. “Failing to pass a bill would be even worse, party leaders say.” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.: “They should stop crying about reconciliation as if it's never been done before.” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.: The process is a “rather really arrogant, if you will, effort to say to the American people we're smarter than you are, we know you've followed this debate for six months, but we're going to give you this anyway.” A flat prediction that Democrats will fall flat: “With all due respect to my vote-counting counterpart on the Democrat side, the House Republican Whip Team and I think he’s wrong,” House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va., writes in a memo to colleagues on Wednesday, pegging the Democrats’ whip count at “as few as 205 yes votes.” “Americans have overwhelming and repeatedly asked Democrats to shelve their take-over and start again. We believe that fact will continue to weigh heavy on House Democrats, and as a result, Speaker Pelosi will not be able to muster the votes needed to pass a Senate reconciliation bill in the House.” Democratic consensus? (Or not.) “House Democrats met at noon yesterday to review the president’s proposal, and afterward House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the president’s plan had been well received. House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Henry Waxman appeared encouraged after the meeting and said he thought Democratic leaders were ‘very close’ to getting majorities in the House and Senate behind a bill,” Lisa Wangsness writes in The Boston Globe. “Liberal Democrats worn down by the yearlong debate over health care appear resigned to backing Obama’s bill despite the lack of a public option, while Members of the party’s pivotal, fiscally conservative Blue Dog wing generally kept their powder dry,” Roll Call’s Steven T. Dennis and Jennifer Bendery report. In the not-so-much camp: “The sweeping health-care package unveiled this week by the White House appears to face big hurdles in the House, with abortion and unease among moderates potential stumbling blocks to winning passage of the legislation,” Janet Adamy and Greg Hitt write in The Wall Street Journal. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.: “We may not be able to do all. I hope we can do all.” “How this is done is not clear to me at this moment,” Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., told McClatchy’s David Lightman. The critical movement: “An idea that seemed toxic only weeks ago — using a parliamentary tactic to ram health reform through the Senate — is gaining acceptance among moderate Democrats who have resisted the strategy but now say GOP opposition may force their hands,” Politico’s Carrie Budoff Brown reports. Ready to go: “The American people don’t want bipartisanship just for the sake of bipartisanship,” SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger said on ABC’s “Top Line” Tuesday. “They want action, and it’s time for the Democrats — if that’s what it takes — to step up and vote and get this done.” Firing up: “The Virtual March on Washington: A Million Voices for Change”: “The nation’s leading progressive organizations are joining forces today for ‘A Virtual March on Washington’ to send Congress one million messages urging action on health care reform. This will be the single largest day of action yet in the health care fight.” Marking a passing: “After months on life support, the public option died Tuesday,” The Hill’s Jared Allen writes. “The White House and House leaders on Tuesday pronounced the government-run health program dead even as some Democratic senators continued their effort to resurrect it.” White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs: “There isn’t enough political support in a majority to get this through.” Keeping an enemy alive: “Executives from California health insurance giant Anthem Blue Cross, under fire for scheduled rate hikes of up to 39%, insisted Tuesday that their premiums were fair and legal, and they told lawmakers they expected that the increases would go forward,” the Los Angeles Times’ Duke Helfand reports. Jousting with that enemy: “President Obama today announced he’s supporting the move in Congress to repeal the antitrust exemption currently enjoyed by health insurers,” ABC’s Jake Tapper reports. “One health insurance industry official said the exemption really had very little to do with health insurance, and the announcement seemed more political than anything else.” Not going to help the White House right now, at least not on the Hill: “President Barack Obama’s top advisers are quietly laying the groundwork for the 2012 reelection campaign, which is likely to be run out of Chicago and managed by White House deputy chief of staff Jim Messina, according to Democrats familiar with the discussions,” Politico’s Mike Allen reports. Time for some LBJ? “Ever since his days as a young community organizer in Chicago, Mr. Obama has held fast to the belief that by listening carefully and appealing to reason he can bring people together to get results, an approach that in Washington has often come up short,” The New York Times’ Sheryl Gay Stolberg reports. “He is not showing any signs of changing his style. … Mr. Obama has not been the sort to bludgeon his party into following his lead or to intimidate reluctant legislators.” The presidential day: President Obama will address the Business Roundtable’s 2010 First Quarter Meeting at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, where he will “lay out our vision for a more competitive America, where the interests of workers, businesses, and government are aligned around the common goal of ensuring a growing prosperity that is widely shared,” the White House says. “We need to build an economy where we borrow less and produce more,” the president will say, per ABC’s Sunlen Miller. “We need an economy where we generate more jobs here at home and send more products overseas. We need to invest and nurture the industries of the future, and we need to train our workers to compete for those jobs.” Bloomberg’s Nicholas Johnston and Julianna Goldman: “Obama will be making his remarks at about 1 p.m. Washington time after a private dinner last night at the White House with 17 chief executive officers, including Verizon Communications Inc.’s Ivan Seidenberg and State Farm Insurance Co.’s Ed Rust, the chairman and vice chairman of the business group’s executive committee; General Electric Co.’s Jeffrey Immelt; JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s Jamie Dimon; and American Express Co.’s Kenneth Chenault.” Media firestorm on the Hill Wednesday: Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s chief executive, faces down members of Congress. “I fear the pace at which we have grown may have been too quick,” Toyoda plans to say, in prepared testimony submitted to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. “We pursued growth over the speed at which we were able to develop our people and our organization, and we should sincerely be mindful of that.” ABC’s Mark Schone: “In remarks prepared for Congress, two top Toyota executives pledge a renewed commitment to quality — but do not address what critics say may be the cause of sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles. Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda says he takes full responsibility for any safety problems in Toyota vehicles, and pledges to renew the company's commitment to quality, but does not address the reasons for cases of sudden acceleration.” “We’ve got to get this right going forward,” Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., the ranking Republican on the oversight committee, told George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Wednesday. “NHTSA’s problem is it abandoned known problems and proposed fixes, either here or around the world, and know it’s trying to play catch-up.” Following this: “Toyota's top U.S. executive told lawmakers on Tuesday that he is not certain the company has fixed its runaway car problems even though it has recalled millions of vehicles around the world,” The Washington Post’s Peter Whoriskey and Frank Ahrens report. “In the end, the hearing outlined but did not resolve the controversy that has rocked the world's largest automaker in recent weeks: What exactly has caused Toyota cars, in rare but occasionally fatal instances, to rev and accelerate out of control?” Gun battles — despite silencing from Washington: “Mr. Obama has been largely silent on the issue while states are engaged in a new and largely successful push for expanded gun rights, even passing measures that have been rejected in the past,” Ian Urbina reports in The New York Times. In Florida, former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., (almost) takes sides: “Gov. [Charlie] Crist is a talented guy. He's about the nicest person I ever met in politics. But there's one thing he's done that I just find unforgiveable. That I'm aware of he is the only statewide political leader that embraced the stimulus package when Republicans were fighting to suggest an alternative,” Bush told NewsMax. “He did it the day before the vote, it was a mistake, and then he denies that he would have supported the bill. I know I'm supposed to be politically correct and I said I was neutral and all that … I got a problem with that.” And on his own political future: “As a candidate — right now, I don’t see it,” Bush said. “In life, you just can’t just be pursuing your own ambitions. I’m mission-driven…. Now I’m on a different mission…. Even my mother, you know, wants me to stay involved, which — that’s a change in the last year.” News from the NRSC: Former Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson will serve as cochairman of the “Majority Makers” program. From the press release going out Wednesday: “The Majority Makers program includes individuals who contribute the maximum annual donation of $30,400 to the NRSC each year. The program is currently led by U.S. Senators Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and Pat Roberts (R-KS).”
The Kicker: “Everyone likes the president to twist arms, unless it’s their arm getting twisted.” — White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod. “To say I've sold out any particular party or interest group, I think, is certainly unfair.” — Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., three votes into his Senate career.
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Virginia Ultrasound Bill Hits Nerve
as a independent im telling you dont pass this piece of crap bill start over just a little at a time dont throw this monstrosity at us these dems know if it passes their done its over for them listen to the people thats whats wrong with these politicians today they dont listen perk those ears up boys and girls or its over for you and the president.think moderate
Posted by: natale from mass. | February 24, 2010, 10:13 am 10:13 am
“Mr. Obama has not been the sort to bludgeon his party into following his lead or to intimidate reluctant legislators.”
Everyone likes the president to twist arms, unless it’s their arm getting twisted.” — White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod.
Mr. Klein, you need to lay off the Kool Aid.
Posted by: wheresmymoney | February 24, 2010, 10:24 am 10:24 am
Mr. Obama has held fast to the belief that by listening carefully and appealing to reason he can bring people together to get results, an approach that in Washington has often come up short,”
If he were LISTENING, he would have HEARD that the people don’t want this bribery laden monstrosity.
Posted by: wheresmymoney | February 24, 2010, 10:27 am 10:27 am
wheresmymoney: Could you please enlighten us on the ‘bribery’ in the just released President’s proposal?
Posted by: New Wave | February 24, 2010, 10:39 am 10:39 am
WHAT WOULD REV JEREMIAH DO?
Posted by: rking | February 24, 2010, 10:41 am 10:41 am
More likely than not, Obama is going to promise some Republican goodies in the bill in an effort to make a public overture to the GOP and to secure centrist support for health care. House Dems need to understand that more palatable provisions will be added once the Senate bill gets past the House.
Posted by: matt | February 24, 2010, 10:41 am 10:41 am
I doubt anything will get done on this, whatsoever. It must become a dead issue.
Time for Obama to move on.
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | February 24, 2010, 10:56 am 10:56 am
I have healthcare. The hell with everyone else.
signed – A Christain
Posted by: Jackson | February 24, 2010, 10:58 am 10:58 am
Pass the public option through reconciliation and get it over with!
Posted by: rightbehind | February 24, 2010, 11:04 am 11:04 am
This better stir more than “debate” among democrats. It better stir action!! I have never seen a majority party do so little and fear so much just because the minority party are being bullies. Third party never looked so good!!
Posted by: Marty | February 24, 2010, 11:12 am 11:12 am
I depend on the governement. The hell with everyone else who pays for their healthcare.
signed – A Liberal
Posted by: Brian | February 24, 2010, 11:16 am 11:16 am
President Obama is only thinking of one person, himself. The evidence is everywhere. We are in the midst of the worst recession in decades. Millions of Americans are out of work. The prospects of strong jobs that last a lifetime dwindle everyday. The nation is spending more than it’s taking in. In other words, the financial footing of our nation is crumbling. Yet only lip service is being paid to this situation.
The last thing the USA needs at this time is more financial stress, however the President continues to spend his time on an issue that:
* will cost hundreds of billions of dollars we don’t have
* is an issue a majority of the citizens clearly don’t want
Does that kind of behavior remind you of a child that is laser focused on just one thing and constantly asks for it? You bet it does.
Selfishness is the root of all evil. Do an autopsy on any crime, misdeed, or immoral act and you’ll almost always trace the cause of it to some selfish motivation.
President Obama and the leadership of the Democratic Party are currently displaying some of the most egocentric behavior ever seen in the public spotlight. Recently Tiger Woods drove into the beam’s path, but now our President is back in the limelight. The longer he stands in it soaking up those infrared rays of public opinion, the sooner he’ll catch on fire.
Posted by: Ed Taylor | February 24, 2010, 11:26 am 11:26 am
Hope Senators and Reps against providing health insurance to the uninsured would give up their won government-run health insurance. Why don’t they want other Americans to have the same access that they have?
The need for term limits is becoming clearer by the day.
Posted by: New Wave | February 24, 2010, 11:27 am 11:27 am
Why we don’t want government run anything, much less healthcare.
Recently, during research at Cystal Falls laboratory, they discovered the following element. They are reasonably confident that other like-minded individuals have uncovered this same truth, however they have been able to publish our findings ahead of the rest. You may all use your own capable scientific minds in applying simple logic to confirm our results.
“ This is the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (Gv) has one neuron, 25 assistant neurons, 85 deputy neurons, and 198 assistant deputy neurons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.
A minute amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second to complete to expand from four days to four years. Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2-6 years, it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neurons and deputy neurons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium’s mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neurons, forming isadopes.
This characteristic of moron promotion suggests that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass. When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administration, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons…….”
Posted by: BubblerDad | February 24, 2010, 11:28 am 11:28 am
It should be implemented in increments. Both party incumbents beware, regardless of wht happen with health insurance now. Pelosi and Reid have stunk up the process and the President is the one who will pay for it in 2012. Too late.
Posted by: lfrichar | February 24, 2010, 11:29 am 11:29 am
Im an ignorant fear mongerer who didn’t even read the bill but am I’m against it cause I was told to be by a radio talk show host.
Signed – a republican
Posted by: b | February 24, 2010, 11:30 am 11:30 am
The smartest thing that President Obama can (should) do right now……. CANCEL all efforts at reforming health care. Leave our health care system as is…status quo! Blue Cross is currently increasing their premiums around the country by 25% average/39% the highest. Additionally, since 2000, premiums have climbed 70 percent.
The country will not be ready for health insurance reform, until everyone’s become fed up with the continued, significant, rate climbs each year. Apparently, the country is happy with the status quo to this point.
By the 2012 presidential race, based on the trend of the past 10 years, you can fully expect that premiums will have, by then, climbed another 15 to 20%. And when this becomes another election year issue, all that Obama needs to say is, “well, I tried, but the republicans blocked it as usual”.
As I said, dropping this push for health insurance reform is the smartest thing that President Obama can do right now…. LOL!
Posted by: X-Republican Because of Bush | February 24, 2010, 11:32 am 11:32 am
Rick Kline already summarized perfectly… “The Democrats’ great debate of 2009-2010 will play itself out. That’s the debate between… those who blame the party’s sagging fortunes on an overambitious president who’s turned off the center, vs. those who see an overly cautious president turning off his base.” —– TOO FUNNY!!! — Truth hurts!!! — And the Dems call the GOP “obstructionists”!! — Ha-ha!!
Posted by: TheLoyalOpposition | February 24, 2010, 11:35 am 11:35 am
I hang out and smoke pot for a living. I know our government is broken, and bankrupt. Why won’t they pay for my medical expenses.
Signed – a liberal
Posted by: Brian | February 24, 2010, 11:36 am 11:36 am
I thought the focus was going to shift to the economy and jobs? Reid stripped the jobs bill and wants to do it in increments, but the insurance bill has to be the whole ball of wax? Reid is a fool along with Pelosi and they alone are stinking up the Democratic party.
Posted by: lfrichar | February 24, 2010, 11:37 am 11:37 am
I hang out and smoke pot too. Right after I tell people how to live their lives.
signed – a republican, christian, conservative
Posted by: Jackson | February 24, 2010, 11:40 am 11:40 am
Harry Reid five years ago when the GOP were trying s “nuclear option” —- “When the Democrats take back the Senate, I will hope you will never see this kind of naked grab for power”!! — How things change when the Dems want to push something! Ha-ha! — The difference, the GOP wanted to LOWER TAXES ON AMERICANS, the Dems want to INCREASE TAXES AND GRAB POWER!!
Posted by: TheLoyalOpposition | February 24, 2010, 11:45 am 11:45 am
I sit around judging other people all day and eating too much. I like most americans am obese and I don’t care. I am slowly bankrupting the health care system cause I love my freedom… and keep your government hands off my medicare.
signed- a republican
Posted by: dave | February 24, 2010, 11:48 am 11:48 am
Borrowed:
As this week culminates in some kind of fiasco; I suspect, at the Health Care Summit, as Obama and the Democrats continue with their War against the American People; We the People have some realities to face. Yes, ‘They’, want to control our lives and in so doing so Guarantee the Permantanization of the Progressive Party as our Socialist Ruling Class forever. And that Party is a mix of Democratic and Republican Elected Officials in all Federal, and State held positions, that feel our Constitution is a Breathing Living Document that can be Expanded and Changed, by ignoring its built in limitations, to fit the aspirations of those who Govern.
Well, in terms of realities, as stated above, We the People[The Good Guys], may lose some battles as it appears the Progressives and their Liberal and Moderate recruits are willing to fall on their swords for the Winning of Ideological Positions. But the bigger War is on the Horizon, and it could be that only some sort of Divine Intervention can save ‘We the People’.
As a refresher for those not counting, we owe now 14Trillion on our stated National Debt. The Budgets put forth for the next 10 years adds another 8-10 Trillion Dollars, Freddie and Fannie are on the hook for 6 Trillion, but guaranteed by the Treasury, which is the Fed printing money as Freddy and Fannie need it. 2.3 Million Americans are now going thru Foreclosure–so I guess Fannie and Freddie will need more printing of money. We have accumulated a balance of payments Debt of near 10 Trillion Dollars over the last 20 years, called our Trade Deficit with the World. Our unfunded liabilities to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and Government Pensions, along with the 13.1Trillion owed the Social Security Trust Fund—and excuse me if I missed a few Trillion—so that if a Health Care Mandate comes upon our Heads—it will be just a drop in the overall bucket, adding another 2 Trillion Dollars, to an overall funded and unfunded Liability for ‘We The People’ of somewhere totalling 110Trillion Dollars. Health Care is just an extra nail in a Coffin that is pretty well nailed shut now.
The total worth of our Country today which is the total value of all of ‘We The Peoples’ assets which includes the value of all the lands of the United States as well as all the assets of all our businesses is 50 Trillion dollars–I am sorry to say. Thats it! Our Gov’t owes over 2 times the total value of our Country and its Peoples Assets.
Our gov’t will be taking in as projected 2.4 Trillion Dollars and we have a Budget of 3.8 Trillion—for this year. So if we ever balanced our Budget, do we ever catch up and pay off our debt? I say not! We cannot pay it off even with Zero % interest. So how will we pay it off when the Fed soon will not be able to Print anymore Money and Inflation then adds so much weight to our Debt Service, which instead of being 350 Billion a year now, may reach in the near future aTrillion a year in Interest.
In Physical Astronomy we have a Term called the ‘Event Horizon’. This refers to a Black Holes’ Outer Orbit, where the Balance of Matter outside of the Black Hole is Safe from rushing into the Middle of the Black Hole to its utter destruction, as long as it does not pass the Event Horizon Line. Once the Gravity gets a Hold of any Matter[In This Case I am Referring to The USA], there is no power except God’s Power that can stop the Destruction. My Friends, Have we Passed the Event Horizon? Some say we have, others say it is close. I say whichever– it is Critical. The Patient is Dying!
Now for the Bad News–the Title above. The De-industrialization of America. Many have said–we just need to stop spending, and let Ameican Industry put people back to work. Well for the Spending, we would have to cut 40% just to balance our Budget. How is that going to happen with Entitlements about 60% of the Total outlays of the USA. O.K. lets increase our intakes by putting Americans back in Jobs, so they can increase the Income of our Government. Wrong! We have De-Industrialized America. We do not have enough places to put people back in jobs that produce Real Goods that can be Consumed{Bought}, and Exported{Bought}. We have exported our jobs, and shut down our Plants, because of costs of Labor Unions, Regulations and Extreme Business Taxes. Foreign Countries, now have those Plants and Jobs. We import what we consume, we do not consume much anymore that which we make here in the USA. Service jobs do not produce a thing. If we do not make things we cannot exist as we once did. Digging holes and filling them up as make work Gov’t Projects does not produce anything. We have no place to put our unemployed, and if it gets worse, if we do not find some way to have a Manufacturing Revival in this Country–then the Event Horizon will be passed and our destruction as a Nation we once knew will cease.
Can we have a reset Button. Some say it can be done. We can let the Dollar Collapse, and with this the Currencies of the rest of the World would have to go down with the Dollar. We then create a new World Currency, while we forgive each others debt, that is International, National, and Personal. I do not know how you prevent War when you collapse the Dollar–I mean real War. But, there are many out there that are more acutely financially smarter than this writer. All of ones gold may not be as you think. In the Great Depression, the cost of an ounce of seeds was more than the cost of an ounce of gold. I end with a Simple Prayer–May God have Mercy and offer his Grace upon our Nation.
Posted by: Ed Taylor | February 24, 2010, 11:57 am 11:57 am
X-Republican – Everyone agrees that reform is needed. Reform of the health CARE industry as well as the health Insurance industry.
What we cannot agree on is the assumption/declaration that this ridiculous bill provides either one. What it does is redefine the insurance industry; it mandates the purchase of a service and yet I still hear people talking about how the insurance companies are opposed to it. “The Reps are in it with the insurance companies.” Do you really think they are opposed to getting an additional 30 million customers?
What I do not see in this bill are any plans for reducing the actual cost…of…health…CARE! Nowhere does it address the monopoly our pharmaceutical companies enjoy against foreign manufacturers. It does not deal with the extensions of patents past their normal life to prevent generic drugs from competing. There is nothing to deal with the high cost of medical devices, from imaging systems to catheters. I noticed a bit of lip service in the news about helping out with the education of new doctors but I cannot find it in the bill.
Are you starting to see why this is not the answer that we are seeking to the problem we all know we are facing.
Posted by: War919 | February 24, 2010, 11:59 am 11:59 am
PO has completly lost the original momentum he enjoyed a year ago in forcing the issue of health care. He has lost the hearts and minds of the American people, and with it their trust. Saving face now is a very thin cover for his 2012 reelection attempt.
He has allowed the opposition to regroup and “Dig in”. Now on top of this, Congress has slipped to it’s lowest public rating ever.
How can he continue to be thought of as smart, by ignoring what is foremost on the minds of the people who elected him?
Jobs! Financial security! Family protection – housing!
He is using himself up in the public eye, and abroad. His magic has evaporated.
Posted by: JY | February 24, 2010, 12:02 pm 12:02 pm
“GOP wanted to LOWER TAXES ON AMERICANS”
And we all know what the Bush tax cuts got us into, right?
Posted by: New Wave | February 24, 2010, 12:06 pm 12:06 pm
Jackson Said: “I have healthcare. The hell with everyone else. signed – A Christain”
=====================================
Had to laugh at your comment, because it is so TRUE.
The funny thing is that the majority of those opposed to a plan that includes a “public option” (i.e., the radical “right-whiner” screamers at the town hall meetings this past summer) are those that are already on a public option health care system —> MEDICARE.
Other, currently existing, health care systems that may be considered “public option” health insurance are:
The Federal Employee Health Benefits program —> Health insurance for federal employees.
The military’s health benefits program (TRICARE) —> Health insurance for military members.
But then, there are those ignorant people who aren’t under any of these plans (MEDICARE, FEHB, TRICARE), and still are against a “public option” being included in the health care legislation just because their party is opposed to it. To them, I say this….
“Good for you! You keep getting the 25% increases to your health insurance premiums each year, and I’ll keep making use of my public option plan (TRICARE)!”….. LMAO!
Posted by: Military Guy | February 24, 2010, 12:06 pm 12:06 pm
i depend on your hard earned money to pay for my health care, public education and deportation.
signed an illegal liberal
Posted by: catman | February 24, 2010, 12:21 pm 12:21 pm
anyone else hear about the politician from Canada that went to Florida for heart surgery because he didn’t want to wait and he didn’t want to “cut in line”?
Posted by: whatsgoingonhere? | February 24, 2010, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm
whatsgoingonhere: we also heard about plane-loads of Americans going to other parts of the world for surgeries to save money. You can google ‘Health Tourism’ and know more.
Posted by: New Wave | February 24, 2010, 12:28 pm 12:28 pm
Whatever became of the UNITED States of America. There is a problem, but instead of trying to solve it, we have become the DIVIDED States of America, with the Republicans closing their eyes, looking to get brownie points by defeating this country’s leader. One thing that says to me is that none of them could ever be a leader. I’ve heard they have somme good ideas. Why aren’t they on the table instead of people like McConnell, & Boehner, trying to belittle any attempt at a solution. The Democrats don’t have this perfect either, with this one-sided attack on the health insurance cos. without looking at all the rest of the people involved. They have Michelle out there trying to drum up support on prevention which is 50% of the problem, without anything in their bill, except to give more money to the doctors, who really don’t get their money from healthy people.
Posted by: parma hts gary | February 24, 2010, 12:33 pm 12:33 pm
CATMAN WROTE – i depend on your hard earned money to pay for my health care, public education and deportation.
signed an illegal liberal
————–
I agree. Anyone illegal should get out of this country!
Posted by: Jackson | February 24, 2010, 12:37 pm 12:37 pm
If I lose my job and heathcare I’m going to ask a wealthy Christain if they’ll foot the bill for my healthcare until I can get another job that offers healthcare. I’ll start with Rush Limbaugh. Wonder how far that’ll fly?
Posted by: Jackson | February 24, 2010, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
Its time for impeachment. America has spoken and Obama is not listining.
Posted by: Billy Bob | February 24, 2010, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm
jackson..it wont fly far but you can go to an emergeny room and receive excellent care. what ever happened to THE PROMISE THAT WE WOULD HAVE THE SAME HEALTH CARE AS ANY MEMEBER OF CONGRESS?
Posted by: catman | February 24, 2010, 12:45 pm 12:45 pm
Government may be broken, and if something can’t be done by Washington to stem the soaring cost of healthcare, it definitely is broken/ineffectual and the nation will too will be broke in the near term. We’re no longer talking about our kids being broke; we’ll be broke!
Posted by: Kent | February 24, 2010, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
Ed Taylor, regarding your long, “borrowed” post of 11:57:28 AM, I have two questions:
(1) Incapable of original thought?
(2) Is the author a commentator at Fox News? I’m just wondering, since it’s a lot of useless “hot air”…. LOL!
Posted by: Military Guy | February 24, 2010, 12:58 pm 12:58 pm
CATMAN WROTE – jackson..it wont fly far but you can go to an emergeny room and receive excellent care. what ever happened to THE PROMISE THAT WE WOULD HAVE THE SAME HEALTH CARE AS ANY MEMEBER OF CONGRESS?
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I understand the emergency room option. However, I have a family member who was diagnosed with Lukemia three years ago. His company’s healthcare pays for $6,0000 PER MONTH for his treatments. Which is great. But I don’t think an emergency room visit would provide that type of coverage. Who is going to pay that kind of money when it becomes a pre-existing condition? There’s were my problem with it all lies.
Posted by: Jackson | February 24, 2010, 1:04 pm 1:04 pm
@Jackson, I am NO Christian, but you are correct. I went the Marine Corps right out of High School, busted my rear to save my Money, so that when I got out, I put myself through 4 years of College (while working part time AND in the USMCR) to get a VERY WELL paying job to be able to afford a nice house, health care to to take care of my family. I WORKED HARD and EARNED everything I have, so I guess YOU THINK I should SHARE my Hard Earned Money with someone that did not want it bad enough to work hard for it?
Posted by: ajax | February 24, 2010, 1:18 pm 1:18 pm
Ajax – First, good to know that you’re not a Christian. More of us need to speak up. Second, I’m actually voicing my concerns at those Christians who go on about love and joy and God and be good to your neighbor, etc, etc. But then show contempt for the many they could actually be helping. I agree. I’m not for handouts either. I’ve made life work for me. I think others should be able to do the same thing.
Posted by: Jackson | February 24, 2010, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
If Obama truly wanted bipartisanship, he would have the conference a means for the democrats to present what they feel is most important in reform, the GOP leaders to present their most pressing needs and concerns, then form a joint congressional commission to come up with a bil.
he has done NADA!!! instead he has his bill that he is going to drive through congress like a speeding out of control Toyota!
This is not bipartisanship! this is not the lesson from NJ, VA, and MA! He does not get it!
Posted by: scott jeffries | February 24, 2010, 1:33 pm 1:33 pm
Jackson — You asked “Who is going to pay that kind of money when it becomes a pre-existing condition? There’s were my problem with it all lies.” —- My state has a guaranteed issue policy through a state pool… paid for by insurance company fees, state taxes, and individual premiums… set up after the 1996 HIPAA legislation — Anyone in my state canget coverage if they are willing to pay the premiums — check out your state’s plan!!
Posted by: TheLoyalOpposition | February 24, 2010, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
Something needs to be done about health care because it has more than doubled in cost in the last ten years and there is too much rationing of health care. However, that does not mean that I am in favor of any of the existing bills. I am looking forward to Thursday televised discussion of health care because it is not being done behind closed doors or on a political opinion program. I wish more issues were handled in this manner. I have no idea if anything useful will come out of this meeting, but at least it is a step in the right direction for how government operates.
Posted by: MikeMo1947 | February 24, 2010, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
Remember the Beer Summit? That’s when Obamma “acted stupidly” and tried to craft an “intellectual negotiation” between the Harvard Law Professor and the Cambridge Police Officer. Well, here we go again: This is just Beer Summit II: Much “to do” about nothing. Only this time, if Obamma hauls along his teleprompter, he’ll look even more stupid!
Posted by: G | February 24, 2010, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
Cantor, McConnel and the like in the
Republican party suggest that the
Health Care bill should be started over.
The last time that was done was 1994.
The Republicans got to put it off for
16 years….16 years of insurance companies making fortunes for a very few
stock holders…That cannot happen again. If the Republican don’t want
to lead then they should get out of the
way..If the American People don’t like the results then The President will face
the consequences..His was the only name on the nation wide ballot…not Eric
Cantor, or Mitch McConnel or Scott Brown.
America needs this desperately….
Let the President have his way…
Posted by: Blackie | February 24, 2010, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
G: Save that Teleprompter line and salvage what remains of your credibility.
The President did not have a Teleprompter when he took the GOP Reps to the cleaners at their Baltimore retreat.
Posted by: New Wave | February 24, 2010, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm
I ashamed that the Democrats are afraid to work on health care. I fully expect it from the GOP, but this is the time for Dems to step up to the plate and behave honorably, not run from improving the lives of millions of Americans because they’re up for re-election. This process stinks.
Posted by: CarolB | February 24, 2010, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
I despise Mitch McConnell, can’t even bear to look at him. Nothing gets me to change a channel fast than seeing him or Boehner, the perpetual tan boy.
Posted by: CarolB | February 24, 2010, 2:42 pm 2:42 pm
I am glad that Chenney survived the heart attack. Let us all remember that Chenney has been using Government-run healthcare since 1967.
I hope that such access will be made available to all Americans.
Posted by: New Wave | February 24, 2010, 2:43 pm 2:43 pm
The Democrats have turned into the party of “Who Me?”
Posted by: george CT | February 24, 2010, 3:28 pm 3:28 pm
Most in the goverment don’t care about people…
Posted by: yev75 | February 24, 2010, 5:58 pm 5:58 pm
Looks like the stormfront ran the previous “Balanced Group of Participants” off to the woods. I’ve always thought that was the game-plan for the hard-right-edge-radical fringe.
Posted by: bobj72 | February 24, 2010, 6:38 pm 6:38 pm