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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 9:26 PM CDT
LETTER: Time for reform in health care system

JON COIT, Charleston

In considering health care reform, I hope readers of this newspaper will trust their own eyes rather than the fantasies of the AP. I cannot remember the last time I went in to a business in Charleston and did not see a flyer asking for donations for someone’s catastrophic injury or illness. This is the true cost of our ridiculous health care system, and it’s all around us if you care to look.

Pundits and politicians are fond of saying the U.S.’s health care system is the best in the world.

Poppycock.

The U.S. spends more than double the amount of money, per person, than any other comparable country. For this huge expenditure the average insured person gets inferior outcomes (shorter lifespans and higher mortality rates), inferior access to care, and we are far more likely than citizens of any comparable nation to forgo medical care because of cost. The one of every six U.S. citizens who are uninsured are denied even these poor services.

Do we have lazy doctors and bad nurses? Of course not. We have a system which gives corporations financial incentives to deny care, and which prevents any competition which might lower prices. We have a system which prioritizes Viagra rather than regular checkups and preventative medicine.

As we consider health care reform, we’d all be best served by observing carefully our friends, neighbors, families. Unlike the bank bailouts, we know who will benefit from a reformed health care system with a strong public option.

JON COIT

Charleston

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jackinthebox wrote on Jul 29, 2009 8:06 AM:

" Are you for real? Know what facts are?
If your going to support something get your facts straight before you post it in the JG with a bunch of made up crap. "

just watching wrote on Jul 29, 2009 8:36 AM:

" Jon those cans and flyers are just a lazy way of panhandling didn't cha know? "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 29, 2009 8:54 AM:

" Jon makes some excellent points. The insurance companies are scrambling like crazy to protect their golden gravy train. Their willing allies on the radical and extreme right such as Fox news are doing their bidding, and as usual, are making it their mission to look out for the interests of corporate America by putting those interests ahead of those of the average American.

Having said that, I would point out that the so called "begging jars" are often used to help families
cope with the additional costs usually associated with catastrophic illnesses and injuries. Under normal circumstances, no matter how good of insurance you have, the costs for such things as travel and lodging etc. are not covered for those families dealing with these sorts of situations, which usually call for out of town hospitalization.

The biggest problem with our health care system is that too many are denied access to it. For trying to rectify that, I appreciate what our president is trying to do. Unfortunately. it looks like the opposition is succeeding in their efforts to derail any help for the poor of this country. Will the 1.6 million the health care industry spends daily on our politicians pay off again? "

All The Way wrote on Jul 29, 2009 12:50 PM:

" It's not the best system, it's the best health care. To compare life expectencies is a straw man argument as life expectencies in poorer nations are the roughly the same as ours. However, survival rates for things like various types of cancer, leukemia, diabetes, spina bifida, and countless other conditions, are head and shoulders better here in the U.S. than other countries. That includes the much ballyhoo'd British and Canadian systems. "

Jim1969 wrote on Jul 29, 2009 1:08 PM:

" While I agree the US health care system does need some fixing, just providing insurance to everyone will not do it. Also have you even read anything that is in the health care bill? What Washington is proposing at this point will only make things worse. "

Becky wrote on Jul 29, 2009 2:26 PM:

" I agree with Jim. Our healthcare system is totally broken but this 1000 page behmouth of a bill is way over the top. It will only create so much red tape that it will take 70 more people to process one claim creating even more of a cluster..well, you know. It's ridiculous and we expect more from DC. Why??? I don't know, but even a little common sense is expected from them and not this 1000 page joke of a so-called bill. "

Danny Boy wrote on Jul 29, 2009 3:12 PM:

" I know one thing, I cannot afford health care,I'm laid off, and exuasted my cobra, it's only for 18 months.

I'm also an Ex Marine, and I cannot get health Care from the V.A.,

I have 3 screws, 2 metal plates, and 2 pins in my left arm, and I can't get any health care, because of the injury.

I don't care how it is done, but ,I sure would like to have health care some way, some how. "

Danny Boy wrote on Jul 29, 2009 3:18 PM:

" and why is it always 63 degrees on the web site?.....LOL "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Jul 29, 2009 3:50 PM:

" Guess it's time to "reform" the local rag's website, Danny Boy.
LOL!

Good one! "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 29, 2009 4:48 PM:

" According to the World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked the worlds health systems and according to WHO the best ranked system is that of France, with Italy a close second. But wait! Does not the conservatives use of Canada and France as examples of a poor health system? Do not hurt yourself.yes, they do.

But where does the US rank with WHO? The US ranks 37th behind Third World countries like Dominica and Costa Rica. Oh yeah, just for your information, Canada ranks 30th. Oops! That is still ahead of the US.

Is there more? You betcha! On health performance, the US ranks 72nd, again according to WHO. Oman ranks number one. The US finished behind such countries as Bosnia and Argentina.

Surely the US leads in something as it pertains to health care. Uh huh, it does. The US leads in expenditures as per capita..so we are spending more than anyone in the world and we are basically receive nothing in return.

If your opinion is still that the US has the best health system in the world, then you most likely have insurance and believe the hype of the health care opposition.

Something to think about... "

what? wrote on Jul 29, 2009 7:25 PM:

" Unchecked greed is at the core of the problem. Revoke their licenses to to steal and affordable health care for all may very well be doable, till that happens I don't have much faith in the affordable part. "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Jul 29, 2009 8:55 PM:

" There is a lot wrong with healthcare in the U.S. I don't think that this bill will fix as much as many of us would like, shoot how many politicians are going to read over 1,000 pages to know everything this bill says?? Why not make a bill that is precise and clear and easy to read and understand then let the American People vote on it for ourselves! Put it on a ballot have a special election.

DannyBoy thank you for your service to our country as a Marine and I am sorry you are having such a difficult time with things. There is indeed something wrong in our nation when our Military Personal are left to want for anything. Soliders past and present deserve to be taken care of for the rest of their life by our goverment. Those in the military risk their lives every day they serve, they deserve to be well cared for. By the way I laughed at the 63 degrees that was great. =) "

unknownjoe wrote on Jul 30, 2009 1:20 AM:

" Forget the 1000 pages of BS, forget what the world health organization says. Let us take a look at two health care systems which are actually run by the Government. The VA. and Tri-care. VA government hospitals are notorious for being underfunded, inefficient and incompetent. Tri-care is the same way. Under both systems you wait in line. All procedures or medications must be put through cost benefit analysis. The doctors that the military has shouldnt be doctors. You would get better treatment from your local veterinary clinic. Not many doctors locally will even take Tri-care. I know of one. But you go ahead and fall victim to the fear and doubt created by this administration about your health care....see what it gets you..have fun standing in line with the rest of us...remember as we get older we start to slide on the cost benefit scale...I personally would rather pay for my own health care, choose the Doctors I wish to choose, get my shoulder fixed without it being put under the scrutinization of whether the procedure is necessary. This one you can't take a pill for. "

kamfong wrote on Jul 30, 2009 10:12 AM:

" I agree with you HP on the jar issue,my family was depended upon them some 12yrs ago,I was admitted to Barnes,St Louis,being treated for Leukemia, and the overwhelming outpour of support from this community alone was awesome and i still thank everybody very much. The economy was much better then.Nowadays I'd say it would be fair to say that a lot of the money collected seldom makes it to where it's intended,unless the jars are placed in a reputable business.With most quick stop workers not even being considered for any kind of health care let alone make enough money to even afford even the fuel that they are in charge of selling.After about 2 1/2 week trip to the southern states and witnessing what I have, all i got to say is gee it's great to be HOME. "

even steven wrote on Jul 30, 2009 11:07 AM:

" Our health care system isn't broken, but it's been severely damaged by greedy, ambulance chasing lawyers. Tort reform is the first issue to tackle when dealing with health care.

Also, while at the grocery store a while ago, I stood in line behind a grossly obese woman who had a shopping cart mounded with a bunch of junk I wouldn't even think of ingesting on purpose: fatty hamburger, snack cakes, sugery soda, cookies, packaged microwave meals... just total crap. Then she swiped her LINK card for the $160 worth of junk. She waddled out of the store, loaded all that slop into a mini van that was newer than the vehicle I drive, climbed behind the wheel, took a big chug of Coca Cola, and lit a cigarette before driving off. Yeah... I should have to pay more in taxes and have less choice about my health care just to take care of her sorry butt. I don't think so. "

just watching wrote on Jul 30, 2009 12:18 PM:

" Even Steven whats even worse, is we'll have to pay for her burial after she explodes.lol "

The Question wrote on Jul 30, 2009 3:40 PM:

" You right wingers just stroll into your local convenience store and note the cans on the counter, those ones with the children's photos on them and the pleas for spare change being begged by families bankrupted by their child's illness.
If you run across one of those families, be sure and thank them for sacrificing all their wealth and well-being to save you from "socialism." "

The Question wrote on Jul 30, 2009 3:42 PM:

" The insurance companies are parasites who are destroying the health of their hosts. "

Cognitus wrote on Jul 30, 2009 5:06 PM:

" Becky:"I agree with Jim. Our healthcare system is totally broken but this 1000 page behmouth of a bill is way over the top."

Becky, HOW do you know?? Have you managed to get a copy that even newsmen haven't been able to get hold of.

QUICK!! Run to NBC and tell them what
you've found by reading all of the bill
last night!!!!!!!!!!! "

Cognitus wrote on Jul 30, 2009 5:21 PM:

" Did you read this morning's article on
health??
I've often wondered: when they say ins companies cannot deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions --- but nobody has said what the cost will be.
Today in the paper (p2):"A White House
fact sheet left room for insurers to continue charging HIGHER premiums based on prior health problems."

So they can't turn you down, but can set a rate so high you can never afford it.

FURTHER, if you get a Dreadful Disease, when your next premium comes due, it can be set at a level based on your "prior health problems".

SOMEBODY is taking care of the insurance companies. This sounds like
the sort of thing the Blue Dogs would fight for.... It's unclear whether this is something the president supports OR a description of the bill
that seems now favored by Congress.

TQuest has it right; the parasites are going to be living in our bodies.... "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Jul 30, 2009 6:00 PM:

" " The insurance companies are parasites who are destroying the health of their hosts. "

TQuest has it right; the parasites are going to be living in our bodies.... "
______________

Words spoken from the lips of parasites who've leeched off of the medical benefits afforded them by the State Government of Illinois....and PAID FOR BY THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

....Tu quoque, hupokrisis. "

Jim1969 wrote on Jul 30, 2009 6:14 PM:

" For your reading pleasure

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3200ih.pdf

All 1017 pages of the health care bill. "

father bob wrote on Jul 30, 2009 8:18 PM:

" great letter!! "

steve senteney wrote on Jul 30, 2009 10:09 PM:

" Our daughter who has cancer was recently advised by her doctor that if she did not have insurance his medical group would negotiate the bills, but since she has insurance even though she has a very high deductable and a very high co-pay, his medical group would not negotiate as they have a contract with her insurance company. He told her she would be better off with no insurance if she was only dealing with his medical group.

He advised he could not speak for any hosptial, lab or xray services, but I suspect the same goes for them also.

Why can't everyone be charged the same by the medical providers? Determine their cost and profit, then charge everyone the same final fee.

If you have insurance and the insurance company does not have a contract with the medical provider, you are responsible for some very high fees. An example is Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)does not have a contract with Carle Clinic, but does have with Carle Foundation Hospital. Be seen by any physician at Carle in Mattoon and you are covered by BCBS, you only have a small co-pay. See any physician at Carle Clinic in Urbana-Champaign and look out when you get your bill. It will be the full charges with no discounts for insurance and BCBS will only pay a small amount of the bill.

The new medical legislation does not address this issue even though it effects thousands of people across the country in a negative way.

We need changes in medical coverage in our country, but not that proposed by the Democrats who have complete power in our country today. Hopefully over the Congressional break, the Democrats will hear from their constitutes what is needed in medical legislation and return with good amdendments to the current bill. We need medical legislation, everyone needs to have medical insurance at an affordable rate regartdless of any preexisting condictions, but the Democrats have not crafted a suitable bill at this time. But the Republicans need to get their heads out of the sand and come up with some reasonable amendments that will be good for American citizens. The Republicans have denied a need for medical legislation for years, they need to see the light and support reasonable change.

There is a reason Kings from Sauda Arabia come to the U.S. for medical care, we have the best in the world regardless what the World Health Organization may say. The wealthiest in the U.S. do not go to Canada or France for medical care, they come for the best care in the U.S. at facilities like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. I have spoken to Candandians and they advise the U.S. has better care if you have a serious problem. Everyone regardless of their financial status should get that same outstanding medical care in the U.S. "

what? wrote on Jul 30, 2009 10:26 PM:

" Oh well, so what if we consume ourselves? I mean it's such a bother anyway. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 30, 2009 10:39 PM:

" NEW DEMOCRAT TALKING POINT NOW REPEATED BY ALL OBAMA-DRONES: VILLAINOUS, IMMORAL INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE THE PROBLEM!

Translation: Private insurers are selfishly defending themselves from a statist boondoggle that will likely drive them out of business and create a government monopoly.

In other words- the government's here to help. What could possibly go wrong? "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Jul 30, 2009 10:45 PM:

" Just in...

Tarp banks award billions in bonuses

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ff921710-7d2a-11de-b8ee-00144feabdc0.html

Yup!

The MAGNIFICENT LEADER OBAMA-LAMA-DING-DONG's just paying off his rich liberal cronies on Wall Street... "

what? wrote on Jul 30, 2009 11:01 PM:

" What we need is more pills, yes, that's it, more pills. "

The Question wrote on Jul 31, 2009 7:18 AM:

" At a recent town hall meeting, a man stood up and told Representative Bob Inglis to "keep your government hands off my Medicare."
That's just exactly how stupid right-wing Americans are. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 31, 2009 9:59 AM:

" Hey kam, my favorite "jar" story is one I heard about a businessman in Charleston who set one up to help his son raise money for an engagement ring for his girlfriend. And then there was one I saw asking for money to help a young woman who's "illness" was her pregnancy.

I'm not knocking the concept, because as you pointed out sometimes they are a great help for families in need, but I think some folks get carried away at times. Good point about where these jars are put.

Glad you made it home safely. I too am planning a trip out west, but plan to wait for fall. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 31, 2009 10:26 AM:

" Washington Post-

On June 19, Rep. Mike Ross of Arkansas made clear that he and a group of other conservative Democrats known as the Blue Dogs were increasingly unhappy with the direction that health-care legislation was taking in the House.

"The committees' draft falls short," the former pharmacy owner said in a statement that day, citing, among other things, provisions that major health-care companies also strongly oppose.

Five days later, Ross was the guest of honor at a special "health-care industry reception," one of at least seven fundraisers for the Arkansas lawmaker held by health-care companies or their lobbyists this year, according to publicly available invitations.

The best government money can buy? "

just wondering wrote on Jul 31, 2009 11:03 AM:

" Let me see now, the White House is bringing in sixteen soccer teams from around the country made of homeless people to play in a tournament on the White House lawn. The "cash for clunkers" program is a real clunker itself. And now you want these people to be in charge of health care for the country?? You got to be kidding. "

kamfong wrote on Jul 31, 2009 11:36 AM:

" Thanks HP, Its extremely TOO hot there now,drive safe, tons of ticket happy police trying to pay their salaries.Also I'd like to suggest to all who are currently without health care and experiencing cancers of any sort,too shop around I know Barnes has an excellant experimental program,with many volunteers and Dr.s from all around the world who take care of you and will treat you for FREE. They saved my life for participating in their research,with Free follow up care to boot,+ 6mos stay in hosp,plus all meds.I know the programs still exsist. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Jul 31, 2009 11:43 AM:

" Just in...

Another guffaw from the
OBAMA-LAMA-DING-DONG, BIDEN, REID, PELOSI CLOWN SHOW....

http://wcbstv.com/consumer/cash.clunkers.success.2.1108544.html

"CASH FOR CLUNKERS" CAME TO A SCREECHING HALT THURSDAY, after only six days on the road.

In a shocker, the government announced it would suspend the program at midnight because demand was TOO GREAT.

AAAHHHHH yeah...and we should really feel safe trusting government bureaucrats with health care reform when they can even do a "CASH FOR CLUNKERS" program correctly... "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 31, 2009 12:59 PM:

" U.S. Still Spends More on Health Care than Any Other Country-

Researchers Rule out Supply Constraints and Litigation as Cause-

Gerard Anderson, PhD-

The United States continues to spend significantly more on health care than any country in the world. In 2002, Americans spent 53 percent per capita more than the next highest country, Switzerland, and 140 percent above the median industrialized country, according to new research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The study authors analyzed whether two possible reasonssupply constraints and malpractice litigationcould explain the difference in health care costs. They found that neither factor accounted for a large portion of the U.S. spending differential. "

even steven wrote on Jul 31, 2009 1:14 PM:

" I see the Question has resorted to calling people stupid again. That's really typical of some little, powerless person who was probably picked on as a child, didn't really do all that well with the opposite sex, and generally had no identity until going off to college where he convinced himself he was some sort of intellectual. I can just envision him flailing those little noodle-arms furiously as he pounds out his lame, childish little diatribes and insults on the computer from the safetly of his mom's basement. Typical little underachiever with a great big chip on his narrow little liberal shoulders... how sad. I pity people like that. "

The Question wrote on Jul 31, 2009 2:08 PM:

" Anyone who thinks that Medicare is NOT ENTIRELY a government program is, by self-definition, an ignoramus who knows nothing about the basic facts concerning the public issue he claims to be judging. His statements are worse than worthless, and a complete waste of time.
If I state that humans breathe air, and Fox News states that humans breathe pure methane gas, that is not a difference of opinion. One statement is a fact, and the other is a completely uninformed and ludicrous fantasy. It is the responsibility of people who presume to comment on public issues to KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THEM. "

Danny Boy wrote on Jul 31, 2009 2:37 PM:

" Doctors working in Hospitals are just as much to blame as anybody. My Mother died in 2001, after surgery she was in a Hospital in Springfield, I will not say the name. She did not die there, we did get her home for awhile.

But while there,.. every Doctor that could, got in on the insurance "action".

If any one of them had seen her even one time, they would bill her insurance every week as long as she was there.

We had Doctors who would sign their name every day to a clipboard, saying that they had "examined" her, but they never did, and some we had never even met!! We were with her 24/7, so we would know....and these Doctors just got on the gravy train insurance to make money period.

Total bill $381,000 Dollars. Thats just the Hospital, and the slag Doctors who got on the gravy train....... "

Rohn Gordon wrote on Jul 31, 2009 3:16 PM:

" LOL @ Even Steven way to funny, but I would agree that would look funny. But I was under the understanding the he and HP was the one and same, what do you think of that?? "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 31, 2009 5:09 PM:

" Hey Rohn, if you want to join in with even's inane remarks about TQ that's fine with me. But kindly leave me out of it. TQ is a big boy and does quite well, especially with the likes of perpetual whiners like even steven. lol! "

The Question wrote on Jul 31, 2009 5:14 PM:

" Republican Conference Chairman Rep. Mike Pence, on MSNBC yesterday, complained that the Democrats' health care plan will cost "literally nearly a trillion dollars in higher taxes."
The CBO's preliminary estimate is in fact $540 billion, so Pence was doing what Republicans usually do, nakedly lying. "

just wondering wrote on Jul 31, 2009 7:55 PM:

" Oh great question. We were so honored by your presence to tell us how great you are. Even though you have told us this many times, we are still waiting for some proof since we cant really take your word on that subject. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 31, 2009 8:28 PM:

" SURPRISE: STIMULUS NOT STIMULATING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIR

WASHINGTON POST (July 31 2009) President Obama's $787 billion stimulus plan is having little effect on job creation within the general-construction industry, the trade association for the sector said Thursday.

Construction spending was "disappointingly slow" five months into the recovery program, with firms working on stimulus-funded construction projects hiring at no greater rates than those without such work, according to the Associated General Contractors of America, known as AGC.
------------------

Uhm.....let's refresh our memories shall we? Does anyone remember the "shovel ready" buzzword that this a**clown President was repeating ad nauseam last January? This oft repeated catch-phrase was the paramount justification for Rahming his giant $787 billion Porkulus t*rd through Congress- unread. Do you Obama-Drooling Simpletons recall that? "

The Question wrote on Jul 31, 2009 9:29 PM:

" Thank you for your admiration, gentlemen. It is well placed. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 31, 2009 10:44 PM:

" " Republican Conference Chairman Rep. Mike Pence, on MSNBC yesterday, complained that the Democrats' health care plan will cost "literally nearly a trillion dollars in higher taxes."
The CBO's preliminary estimate is in fact $540 billion, so Pence was doing what Republicans usually do, nakedly lying. "
------------

Hey uhm.....Question?

POLITICO (July 29 2009) Nearly lost in all of the publicity about the Congressional Budget Offices finding that proposed health care legislation would worsen the current-law deficit by $239 billion over the next 10 years is something far more troubling: The proposed legislation would actually worsen the imbalance in federal health care programs by more than $800 billion over the next 10 years and far more thereafter.

CBOs analysis shows quite clearly that the proposed changes to federal health care commitments would worsen the deficit by $1.042 trillion, with proposed health care savings netting only $219 billion. The net effect of these health care "reforms," therefore, is to dig the financial hole in federal health care programs deeper not by $239 billion but by $820 billion over the next decade.

Worse yet, by the 10th year of the analysis, the additional annual costs of the proposed health care changes would be more than four times the expected savings worsening the imbalance by more than $150 billion in the 10th year alone. Thus, the more than $800 billion gap would only grow larger over time, with no end in sight.
--------------

Ahem. "

The Question wrote on Aug 1, 2009 6:04 AM:

" According to a University of Minnesota study, up to 47 percent of all the money going into the health-insurance system is consumed in "loading fees, which are things other than medical carepaperwork, marketing, profits and so forth. That's half of it all, folks. Flushed. "

Hound Dog wrote on Aug 1, 2009 6:24 AM:

" I understand about 80% are happy with their current coverages, so why are they proposing to change the whole system? I don't want the government getting between the doctor and patient. The government has mis-managed everything they have touched so far. Obama and company needs to get the economy fixed first. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 1, 2009 7:55 AM:

" It seems pretty obvious that green is the favorite color of your fans, TQ. And how about that analysis from the mental midget? I guess that's what happens when some folks are in denial of the truth. Do you think he got a peek at his own records? lol! "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 1, 2009 8:36 AM:

" Look DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE OF OVERLOOKING THIS VIDEO.
========================================
http://video.pbs.org/video/1201678913
========================================
I hope you saw it last night on Bill
Moyers Journal. It's a man who was an
insurance company executive but "reformed"
and is telling the story of how insurance companies find ways of canceling your policy when you are found to have a serious illness, how they eliminate a small business's coverage when one employee has a serious illness.
Some are making outrageous remarks about government "bureaucrats" running
a health plan; would you prefer having a CORPORATE "bureaucrat", who stands to make $$$$$$$ by cutting your coverage,
making the decisions???
The health "industry" is spending a million dollars a day in lobbying to convince you that you are safe and snug
in their cradle and should NEVER think of changing anything while their computers are searching out those likely to cost them money.
In this video you'll see one new
insurance executive who, since assuming his post, has dropped 8 MILLION policies and greatly increased the earnings of his company -- and the price of its stock.
SEE THIS VIDEO; it's a story told by a former insurance executive who, when he saw the desperation of people for health care in the part of Virginia where he grew up, "reformed" and is now telling the whole truth about what REALLY goes on. This video MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 1, 2009 8:52 AM:

" steve:"here is a reason Kings from Sauda Arabia come to the U.S. for medical care, we have the best in the world regardless what the World Health Organization may say. The wealthiest in the U.S. do not go to Canada or France for medical care, they come for the best care in the U.S. at facilities like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. I have spoken to Candandians and they advise the U.S. has better care if you have a serious problem."

IF YOU HAVE UNLIMITED $$$$$$$
IF YOU HAVE UNLIMITED $$$$$$$

If you live in some west coast cities,
you can pay thousands of dollars to "retain" a doctor, a medical concierge, who has few patients, is on call 24 hours a day to run to your house to
rub your back.

No doubt we have the technology and the knowledge. But most people do not have the money, and your insurance company will dump you at the smallest excuse.

You've seen the story on TV of the woman when young who had a tiny
"pimple" which the MD wrote on the chart might be "pre-cancerous". When years later she got breast cancer which needed immediate treatment, the insurance company could prove that she -- never knowing the "pre-cancerous" was written on her record -- was charged with fraud, and they canceled her police.
YOU never know what might be on your record that you don't know about that would let your insurance company declare you had attempted a fraud and chancel your insurance at the moment it looked like the money stream was going to reverse. "

Rohn Gordon wrote on Aug 1, 2009 8:53 AM:

" You miss understood Harry I "asked" Even Steven what he thought of tq supposedly being you, a very fair question.
And yes the mental picture he described about tq I thought sure would look funny as all get out. "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 1, 2009 8:59 AM:

" steve:"We need changes in medical coverage in our country, but not that proposed by the Democrats who have complete power in our country today."

I see you have a partisan view which will not let you see the entire truth.

It is true there are some Democrats who are in the harness of the insurance companies, like Baucus. The conservative Blue Dogs are also in the lap of the insurance companies.
The Republicans are even worse; they are
now claiming they won't even propose a
health plan, leaving things JUST AS THEY ARE, which is exactly what the
companies want. AND time after time they are parroting the insurance company line, trying to SCARE people out of the possibility of changing the system for the better.
If you will distinguish carefully, it is the liberal Democrats who want to give you a program similar to Medicare,
but the conservative Blue Dog (southern, mostly) Democrats who are telling the wildest stories in an effort to stop any changes in the system. "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 1, 2009 9:07 AM:

" To Harry Potter:"Glad you made it home safely. I too am planning a trip out west, but plan to wait for fall. "

HP, so am I.
I live in the west, the Colorado mountains, every fall. Let me advise you that the very best time is the last week of September when the Aspen are turning and the elk are coming down from the high country. One morning last fall I looked out the window as I ate breakfast and had 69 elk in the my front-yard meadow.
The time will vary a bit whether north or south, and with the altitude at which you are going to live -- AND it varies some with the seasons. I recall
one year I had my camera tuned up, was going to spend the entire next day taking aspen pictures and there was an overnight storm w high winds; the next morning the fall color was ALL GONE. "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 1, 2009 9:13 AM:

" NeoCon:""CASH FOR CLUNKERS" CAME TO A SCREECHING HALT THURSDAY, after only six days on the road."

Yes, NeoCon, all of us reading the newspapers (you know, those things thrown on some people's doorsteps in the morning) KNEW that a LIMITED amount of money was appropriated for it AND that it would come to an end eventually.

I'm sorry, even a bit teary for you, that you didn't get in on time. BUT if you had asked someone to read a paper to you you would have known it would
end. I ask only that you not drive your clunker past my house, with the smoke contaminating the neighborhood. "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 1, 2009 9:17 AM:

" "We had Doctors who would sign their name every day to a clipboard, saying that they had "examined" her, but they never did, and some we had never even met!! We were with her 24/7, so we would know....and these Doctors just got on the gravy train insurance to make money period."

yip, I had that happen once at S Bush.
When I called the office of an MD whom I had not even heard of, the answer was that it was "his day to read charts".
So I guess they sort of pass the goodies around from day to day. "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 1, 2009 11:48 AM:

" YOU MUST watch this video:

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/profile.html

A high executive in a health insurance
company went to a small community near where he grew up in the South, and was
appalled at the need for health care as shown at a free "health fair". He repented his evil ways and TELLS the ways in which his company, and others,
avoid paying claims, get rid people who MAY cost them money.
Ron Williams of Aetna shed 8 Million
policyholders soon after he took over,
reduced the "payout" and was rewarded
on Wall Street for his wise judgment. "

The Question wrote on Aug 1, 2009 12:14 PM:

" GOP Rep. Eric Cantor blames the spread of birtherism not on the actual whack-a-doodles who BELIEVE IT or on those politicians playing along with it, but instead on Chris Matthews, MSNBC, news outlets and bloggers.
As a friend of mine observed, thats like the bank robbers blaming the depositors. "

M wrote on Aug 1, 2009 5:07 PM:

" This healthcare bill is a joke but none of us will be laughing for long if it passes. The joke will be on us...all of us. We definitely need to make changes to our system but this bill isn't the way to go.

"Instead of creating a massive, tangled web of bureaucracy to address obstacles arising from government overregulation, we demand that Congress actually allow the free market to work."
We need to support healthcare reform that:
" Gives Americans control over their health care by giving them control over their health care dollar via tax credits and deductions similar to those outlined in Congressman Ron Paul's Comprehensive Health Care Reform Act (HR 1495).

Protects privacy rights by allowing patients and physicians to opt-out of any government-mandated or funded system of electronic health care records, and repeals the federal law creating an "unique patient identifier" by adopting the policies contained in Congressman Ron Paul's Protect Patients and Physicians Privacy Act (HR 2630).

Empowers doctors by softening antitrust law restrictions on health care professionals when they negotiate with insurers and medical providers. Our current system gives drug companies and corporate interests all the power.

It is vital that freedom-loving individuals tell their Representatives and Senators that they oppose this Big Government Healthcare power grab and support a free market solution. We must voice our opposition to tax hikes, government mandates, and redistributive taxpayer-funded public options." C4L "

M wrote on Aug 1, 2009 5:12 PM:

" I should have added this to my previous post.

"Call your Representative and Senators through the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to voice your dissent." "

tempwayfarer wrote on Aug 1, 2009 7:13 PM:

" Lies, "damn lies" and statistics. Remove illegal aliens (oh, sorry, I mean Foreign Nationals residing in USA without benefit of official documents) from your statistics and you will see a much more positive picture. Emergency rooms in the Western States will stop going out of business, cost per (paying) person decreases without that drain on the system, wait times are less, infant mortality is less frequent, lifespan lengthens, you won't have to learn a foreign language to read the signs AND I believe a significant health risk would be greatly reduced if these 'visitors' stopped bringing communicable diseases into USA which we had wiped out decades ago and once here, stopped throwing used toilet paper in the corner of the stall in public restrooms because they were raised with outhouses.

As for your EU Socialist Paradises, if we get what they have I don't think Americans are going to like waiting an average of 17 weeks between being referred by the GP and seeing the specialist. That's just not going to work here.

You do make a good point about the benefits of increasing competition. Insurance companies are licensed by the States. So for example, a Nebraska outfit can not offer insurance coverage in New York without obtaining permission (license) from NY which it can't get because NY is protecting its own businesses.

As the House Bill is written now, the "public option" is no option at all, as on page 16 it pretty much guarantees total extinction of the "private" system within several years. So much for competition, when the public option becomes the only option. "

The Question wrote on Aug 1, 2009 8:47 PM:

" Let's have a countdown to the moment when Sarah Victim blames liberals and the media for the fact that she's quitting her God-ordained, holy-holy-holy marriage. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 2, 2009 6:37 AM:

" The Unspeakable: Republican 'Kill Granny' Campaign of Terror

by: Libby Shaw
Sat Aug 01, 2009 at 05:35 PM CDT

Just when you think the Republicans and their love mates in big insurance and pharma have sunk to the lowest hole in a snake pit, they manage to creep into an even deeper one. Their latest stunt goes beyond the pale in much the same fashion as the GOP did in the Terri Schiavo case. But the Schiavo incident was child's play when compared to the cruel and sinister stuff Republicans and their love mates are up to today.
In a recent multi-million dollar PR campaign to kill off health care reform, insurance companies, special interest groups and Republicans are lying to and scaring the daylights out of senior citizens in the most appalling manner. The self-serving, unconscionable and greedy ghouls are telling older folks that health care reform will literally kill them. They will be euthanized, or they will be required to have five- year medical reviews that could result in death sentences.

I am not making this up or telling a really sick and inappropriate joke. This ruthless fear and smear campaign is happening while I type. And, as I mentioned in a diary posted below, Republicans in Congress are completely on board with this beyond the pale campaign of terror against senior citizens.

And just when you think they couldn't sink any lower.... "

father bob wrote on Aug 2, 2009 8:08 AM:

" OH MY!!!

TQ did you know the government is wanting to kill old people and babies?

ROFLMAO!!! "

father bob wrote on Aug 2, 2009 8:15 AM:

" TQ and HP, did you notice how the anti-reform platform is always quoting data provided to them by the LEWIN GROUP??? and their whole argument is based on what the lewin group feeds them daily...??

did you know the lewin group is owned by United Healthcare???....

OH MY!! what a coincidence!! LMAO!!

politicans bought and paid for by the healthcare industry. reminds you of the banking industry making oversight policy and regulating wall street.... "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 2, 2009 9:49 AM:

" The Question wrote on Jul 31, 2009 5:14 PM:

" Republican Conference Chairman Rep. Mike Pence, on MSNBC yesterday, complained that the Democrats' health care plan will cost "literally nearly a trillion dollars in higher taxes."
The CBO's preliminary estimate is in fact $540 billion, so Pence was doing what Republicans usually do, nakedly lying. "

Disagreeing with the presidents ideas is one thing TQ, but running around the country outright lying is another. Why is it the the GOP insists on telling outright lies over this issue?

Starting with Reagan's fibs then continuing with Nixon and Agnew all the way through Bush jr the GOP is better known for lies than anything. That party hasn't had a decent leader since Ike.

And look who's leading them now, Limbaugh, Palin, Gingrich. No wonder all the Republicans on this site are now pretending to be independents. LOL! "

The Question wrote on Aug 2, 2009 4:06 PM:

" Those who resort to empty personal insults instead of answering arguments confess to me that I've won, Harry. Gratifying. I thank them. "

The Question wrote on Aug 2, 2009 4:46 PM:

" Intellectual dishonesty is the hallmark of the Republican Party. They lie outright about everything they can get away with, for example leading the elderly to believe that Democrats intend to euthanize them.
They dissemble when they cannot lie, for example renaming torture as "enhanced interrogation."
And they confuse when they cannot dissemble, for example branding the victims of racism as racists.
Leading neocons have made themselves a virtue of lying, claiming that the ignorant masses must be lied to and hoodwinked with simple-minded religion.
Republicans lie because they have to. If they revealed their real motives, they'd be out of office and, in many cases, right into prison. "

father bob wrote on Aug 2, 2009 6:46 PM:

" The Question wrote on Aug 2, 2009 4:06 PM:" Those who resort to empty personal insults instead of answering arguments confess to me that I've won, Harry. Gratifying. I thank them. """"

and so do i.....clean your guns and bookmark your bibles... conservatives!! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 2, 2009 8:12 PM:

" Those who resort to empty personal insults instead of answering arguments confess to me that I've won, Harry. Gratifying. I thank them. "

Amen, my friend! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 2, 2009 8:28 PM:

" Sarah Palin's lawyer threatened to serve a blogger with libel papers at the kindergarten where he works for writing a post saying the former Alaska governor was getting divorced.

Gryphen, who writes a blog called "The Immoral Minority," wrote on Saturday that "according to my source Sarah is finished with Todd and has decided to end their marriage."

Palin's lawyer, Thomas Van Flein, wrote a letter to the blogger, asking "if you want to be served with the summons and complaint at the kindergarten where you assist or at your residence."
Huffington post-

Seriously foks, could this woman's antics possibly get any funnier? It going to be a lot of fun just trying to keep up with her lunacy.

I just hope she doesn't come after me with her lawyer. lol! "

Stanley Stetson wrote on Aug 2, 2009 9:51 PM:

" * hope and change * libbys hope 2 change the topic evrey hour on the hour * it would be funny if it werent so sad * lol * "

just wondering wrote on Aug 2, 2009 10:31 PM:

" Quoting from studies at the University of Minnesota?? Up in the land where quacks like Jesse Ventura and Al Franken are elected to office. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 2, 2009 11:22 PM:

" WHAT IF 100 YEAR OLD WOMAN NEEDED PACEMAKER?

OBAMA: HEY JUST TAKE PAINKILLERS INSTEAD

Jane Sturm told Barack Obama that her mother had needed a pacemaker implanted at 100 years of age, but got denied by the first doctor she saw. She found a doctor who would do the surgery, impressed by her spirit. When Sturm asked Obama if her mother would have received a pacemaker under ObamaCare....well...

OBAMA: "I dont think that we can make judgments based on peoples' spirit," . ... "Maybe you're better off not having the surgery, but taking painkillers."

VIDEO: http://tinyurl.com/me9vcy
--------------

I swear, where on earth do you people get the idea that Mr A**clown President doesn't want the very best for Granny?

Geez.... "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 2, 2009 11:33 PM:

" OBAMA: HEY, YOU CAN KEEP YOUR PRIVATE HEALTH INSURER- WE'LL JUST PUT THEM OUTTA BUSINESS

SHOCK UNCOVERED VIDEO: Obama IN HIS OWN WORDS saying His Health Care Plan will ELIMINATE private insurance:

Let's roll the tape- shall we:

http://tinyurl.com/l282pj

-----------

Just about everything this A**clown President and the Democrat Party tells you is an unmitigated lie. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 3, 2009 3:19 AM:

" " Intellectual dishonesty is the hallmark of the Republican Party. They lie outright about....
___________________________________

Hey how about laying off of the meth pipe....

2 OBAMA OFFICIALS: NO GUARANTEE TAXES WON'T GO UP

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-Obama-officials-No-apf-2491158742.html?x=0&.v=7

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama's treasury secretary said Sunday he cannot rule out higher taxes to help tame an exploding budget deficit, and his chief economic adviser would not dismiss raising them on MIDDLE-CLASS AMERICANS as part of a health care overhaul.

CHANGE (LIES).... YOU CAN BE SURE OF!

Blah haha...blah haha...blah haha "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 3, 2009 3:48 AM:

" I HAVE HAD A CHANGE OF HEART...

I no longer want to be a Neo-Conservative.

No more NEOCON ACADEMICIAN for me! No sir! No way!

PLEASE REFER TO ME NOW AS...

NeoLiberal Academician.

With deference to all of my now follow liberal posters on these blogs...

I will officially begin my Neo-Lib rant starting.... NOW...

-I am a "victim". I want hand outs. I hate Bush, Cheney, Palin, Christians, Fox News, and the rich, and this country is terrible because of Republicans.
-I am a "victim". I want hand outs. I hate Bush, Cheney, Palin, Christians, Fox News, and the rich, and this country is terrible because of Republicans.
-I am a "victim". I want hand outs. I hate Bush, Cheney, Palin, Christians, Fox News, and the rich, and this country is terrible because of Republicans.

There.

My transformation is NOW complete.

...as the above rantings are just about all my follow liberal colleague posters ever say on these blogs...I will now fit right in with my follow liberals here.

ROFLMAO! PIMP! "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 3, 2009 3:54 AM:

" I'm sorry, even a bit teary for you, that you didn't get in on time. BUT if you had asked someone to read a paper to you you would have known it would
end.
---------

What?

What?

Oh, I'm sorry, Cognitus.

I didn't hear you until now, over your Kazoo playing. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 3, 2009 4:23 AM:

" From Harry Reid: " We've been the most productive congress since FDR"

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/aug/02/active-senate-working-swiftly-reverse-nations-cour/

The Democrats Controlled Congress since 2006 as a majority (and controlled it thru parliamentary rules since 2001)

1 - Brought the National Debt from $600 billion to over $2.4 Trillion (not including the "Stimulus"), and in just a matter on months

2 - Destroyed the American Automobile Industry

3 - Changed the definition of Rich to include anybody who pays taxes

4 - Started upon the destruction of Health-care as we know it in the US, which says a lot...especially as the democrat-controlled congress has exempted themselves from participating in there own "health-care" schemes

5 - Destroyed the value of the Dollar

6 - Embraced the creation of Czars to bypass the congressional nominating process for cabinet positions

7 - Started upon the destruction of the Constitution

8 - Pushed through false man-made Global warming legislation

9 - Tried to create Cap and Steal (Trade) Tax so their supporters, like Al Gore and Goldman Sachs, can make millions from the tax

10 - And passed a Stimulus Bill of nearly $800 Billion dollars that's done absolutely nothing to turn the economy around

And finally...

11 - Proved to the American people that they don't even know what they are voting on, not reading the legislation they present, before the vote upon it, toward the governing of the people of the US

Yup...it's been a banner freaking year, Harry Reid.

Karl Marx would be proud of you! "

PumpkinSeed wrote on Aug 3, 2009 5:32 AM:

" Tisk, tisk...shame on those evil lying republicans for not rolling over and accepting every wretched spoonful of this poisonous plan with no questions asked! Are we really going to swallow the article 'front paged' by the biased MSN about "kill granny?" Do facts not matter? I mean can you seriously accuse any group of a smear campaign when the facts are right there in black and white??? So here are some 'friendlier' options for the evil right wingers;
A.) we should give the administration some outrageous benefit of the doubt that they have not thought through the consequences of their proposals
B.) They were hoping out of politeness, americans would just play nice and we would all just go along with this disasterous plan and not question their intentions/reasons for doing what they were doing
C.) Perhaps these promoters of fear should reconsider there pursuit of the truth, because after all, the government bureaucrat's do know best when it comes to medicine.
I hate to resort to such sarcasm, but with an article like this-GIVE ME A BREAK!
If Libby Shaw thinks letting seniors, ahem-AMERICAN CITIZENS, know the truth AND, is considered fear and smear tactics, God help her! If one could not see that there is profound alarming intent to dictate our lives at work here, then your truly in denial. This is some sort of twisted mentality, to think the entire population of the elderly are incapable of understanding, not to mention have the right to know what the plan proposes. Obviously there is also a large majority of seniors and the mentally disabled who depend on other's judgement. In their case especially, they should be protected and have SOMEONE intervening on their behalf!
And in case you think I'm one sided, I will be the first to express that there are many bureaucrats who are sincere and true public servants. They are deserving of our appreciation and respect. Having said that, what kind of position would we be putting them in to have to decide who is going to get treatment, who is going to have to go on a waiting list and for how long, and to mention the terrible responsibilty of deciding who are they going to have to just let die? That is quite a burden to put on anyone's shoulders!
"Terror campaign against seniors?"
"Just when you think they couldn't sink any lower?"
Yea, let's stick our heads in the sand. And while were at it, grab grandpa and shove his head down in it too, that way he won't have to listen to the fear mongers trying to scare the truth into his ears. He won't know the better anyway, right?
The truth is "hate speech" only to those who have something to hide. "

PumpkinSeed wrote on Aug 3, 2009 5:51 AM:

" The "Immoral Minority"....that kinda made me chuckle HP :) "

PumpkinSeed wrote on Aug 3, 2009 6:19 AM:

" Honestly I hate the insults on here so PLEASE dont take offense to this TQ especially since I am a newbie and am not totally famaliar with who's who in here...
BUT-
"I can just envision him flailing those little noodle-arms furiously as he pounds out his lame, childish little diatribes and insults on the computer from the safetly of his mom's basement"
OMG! THAT CRACKED ME UP!!!
Not that I agree with even steven, but just the vision he painted with his words were stinkin' hilarious!!!
ahem...sorry TQ "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 3, 2009 7:49 AM:

" Michelle Malkin, for some reason, was invited to be a part of today's THIS WEEK panel, maybe because she was wandering through the Newseum or something. Anyway, she took on the issue of unemployment benefits by saying that "If you put enough government cheese in front of people, they are just going to keep eating it," which explains why America has never grown tired of cheap cheese and why it's totally led to nobody wanting to strive or excel or have a job in the past three decades.
Huffington Post-

For those of you who have lost your job, here is what a typical conservative thinks of you and your plight. Disgusting to say the least. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 3, 2009 8:08 AM:

" Hey TQ and fb, do you think someone is pouting over his inane Obama rants being ignored. Poor little fella. lol! "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 8:13 AM:

" VIDEO: OREGON SAYS NO TO CHEMOTHERAPY, OFFERS ASSISTED SUICIDE INSTEAD

WATCH VIDEO: http://tinyurl.com/lcewux

Saving money IS the emphasis of single-payer systems, and the incentives all drive towards that decision. Single-payer systems have to handle medical services as a shortage market, rationing them by using "comparative effectiveness" paradigms to determine who gets medical attention, and who gets "physician-aid-in-dying" instead. Oh but hey- this is just fear-mongering isn't it folks. National ObamaCare couldn't POSSIBLY come to this, I'm sure. After all, with Democrats keeping the bottom line in mind while crafting the national health care plan- what could ever go wrong? "

The Question wrote on Aug 3, 2009 8:16 AM:

" In Congress, those who wanted to keep the F-22 jet fighter boondoggling along raised an uproar over cutting a measly $1.5 billion out of a military budget that has swelled to over $630 billion. And there are many voices in this same Congress that tell us we cannot afford to spend a fraction of that sum on the health of our citizens, even while fifty million of us have no health coverage at all.
The staggering costs of maintaining a global empire is eating away at the innards of this country. ... Senators are wrestling with saving a penny here and a penny there when they're aimed at bolstering people's health, but they believe the sky is the limit so long as the money is being funneled into imperial pursuits and foreign occupations.
Author and History Prof. Joseph Palmero "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 8:28 AM:

" UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE SUCCESS STORY OF THE DAY: PATIENTS FORCED TO LIVE IN AGONY AFTER BRITISH AGENCY REFUSES TO PAY FOR PAINKILLING INJECTIONS

TELEGRAPH (Aug 2 2009) Specialists fear tens of thousands of people, mainly the elderly and frail, will be left to suffer excruciating levels of pain or pay as much as 500 each for private treatment.

The NHS currently issues more than 60,000 treatments of steroid injections every year. NICE said in its guidance it wants to cut this to just 3,000 treatments a year, a move which would save the NHS 33 million.
-----------

Now remember Granny- the Democrats hold the European Health Care Systems in high regards as shinning examples of successful Universal Health Care.

So who's ready for ObamaCare? Granny? Are you ready? Come on now- the governments here to "help" you. What are you afraid of? "

Becky wrote on Aug 3, 2009 8:55 AM:

" Cognitus asks:Becky, HOW do you know?? Have you managed to get a copy that even newsmen haven't been able to get hold of.

http://blog.flecksoflife.com/2009/07/19/the-hc-monstrosity/

PG 506 Lines 19-21 The Center will recommend policies that would allow for public access of data

Pg 504 Lines 6-10 The Center will collect data both pub & unpub (that means public & ur private info)

PG 448 Lines 4-17 Govt will set performance targets 4 ALL Accountable Care Organizations incl. private.

And this is just a few of the hundreds of new rules. Rules take people to get the sheeple to obey. It also means mountains more paperwork which also takes even more people.

I am surprised that you think that a THOUSAND page bill shouldn't be looked at and siphered over. It's too big, it's too confusing and it's going to break what little's left of our country. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 3, 2009 10:27 AM:

" ....as the money is being funneled into imperial pursuits and foreign occupations. Author and History Prof. Joseph Palmero "
-------------------------

WOW! And all this from someone who's salary comes from the government (TAXPAYERS). Who'd a thought he'd be such a liberal?

I wonder how this liberal historian would survive in "the jungle" most people live in, known as the private sector, where people actually have to go out and EARN A LIVING?

From Wikipedia: As an Associate Professor of History at Sacramento State University, Palermo makes frequent contributions to the Huffington Post which have been primarily liberal in outlook and critical of former American President George W. Bush.

Wow! He's critical of George W. Bush and a LIBERAL. That's weird....a GROUPTHINK member critical of George W. Bush.... "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 3, 2009 10:32 AM:

" I'm going to urge everyone to see the program I'm going to describe below:
it's a story told by a health insurance executive who "came to Jesus", realized how his HI company was cheating patients just to increase its profits and the price of its stock on Wall Street.

1. Go to pbs.org
2. Click on Bill Moyers Journal; in list on lower left.
3. You'll see a set of movies rotating in front of you, wait until the one comes past with the card "Mr Potter" in front of the man. Click on the picture.
4. Below the picture you'll see
Watch the movie
Read the transcript. Click on your choice and prepare to be shocked at how health insurance companies are raping the public. "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 3, 2009 10:34 AM:

" All the way:"...countless other conditions, are head and shoulders better here in the U.S. than other countries. That includes the much ballyhoo'd British and Canadian systems. "

Not so; the World Health Organization says the French have the best system in the world.

Our system is Very Good Technically -- is you're rich. But our averages are way way down compared with many countries. "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 3, 2009 10:36 AM:

" Jim 1969:"Also have you even read anything that is in the health care bill? What Washington is proposing at this point will only make things worse. "

You've of course read all of it before spouting off????????????? "

Demoman wrote on Aug 3, 2009 11:38 AM:

" Why must people find fault with President Obama ? We the people should rally around him . We the people should embrace him and his ideas to help the great country of America . "

ed miller wrote on Aug 3, 2009 11:56 AM:

" * In the 1920s, over half of the families would have been officially "poor" by today's standard (adjusted for inflation).
* The average "poor" American lives in a bigger house or apartment, eats far more meat, owns more appliances, has more amenities such as indoor toilets, than the average European (note that "average" includes all, not just the poor).
* Today's poor are more likely to own common appliances such as televisions and refrigerators than the average family in the 1950s.
* Government reports show that the poor actually spend 2 to 3 times as much as their official income. Amazing!
* As a group, the "poor" are far from being chronically hungry and malnourished. In fact, poor persons are more likely to be overweight than are middle-class persons. Nearly half of poor adult women are overweight. Most poor children today are in fact super-nourished, growing up to be, on average, one inch taller and ten pounds heavier that the GIs who stormed the beaches of Normandy in World War II.

The Government will send out a welfare check to someone and pay for their health care along with any children they have or keep having unless they find a job, or marry someone employed. Gee, that really motivates one to better themselves, doesn't it?.

My wife encounters many people on aid through her job. They always seem to have satellite TV, a nice Harley and plenty of beer and smokes. They admit they don't have to buy clothes and food for the kids, because charity will take care of all that.

I'm not saying some people do not need assistance during hard times, but the system encourages dependency, not self-reliance. The war on poverty has been the longest and most expensive war in our history and "the poor" are no better off now than when it started.

Now, pass me the Gubment cheese. "

cedric66 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 12:01 PM:

" READ MY LIPS!!!

Sound familiar?

unemployment
HAD ENOUGH?
healthcare that "kills"
HAD ENOUGH?
socialize the banks
HAD ENOUGH?
socialize private companies (GM)
HAD ENOUGH?
calling law enforcement "stupid"
HAD ENOUGH?
Freddy & Frannie debacle
HAD ENOUGH?
Higher taxes
HAD ENOUGH?
cash for clunkers
HAD ENOUGH?
BH Obama?
I'VE HAD ENOUGH!!!!!! "

jayce wrote on Aug 3, 2009 1:17 PM:

" This health bill would put the most defencesless ones among us at risk. It has killed the defensless unborn. Just think if these inconveniences would have lived they would have been working and paying taxes by now. Some of them would have been teachers, lawyers, business owners, inventors, etc. etc.
Also the older people who inconveniently take up space and food, and don't forget those who have been given a longer life of more value and less pain because of chemo. Those who think this is alright had better watch out --- they might be expendable at some point too. "

Stanley Stetson wrote on Aug 3, 2009 1:25 PM:

" * we the sheeple should just fall into line right demoman * just like you did with bush * "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 3, 2009 2:50 PM:

" Today, House members are back home to begin their month-long recess. The far right has indicated that they plan to welcome many of their representatives with large, angry throngs (town halls gone wild). The corporate lobbyists engineering these grassroots efforts have indicated their harassment strategy is to yell, stand up and shout, and rattle the members. Politico reported that Democratic members of Congress are increasingly being confronted by angry, sign-carrying mobs and disruptive behavior at local town halls. This past weekend, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) was the latest victim of the rights strategy, where protesters followed him and chanted just say no to health care.
Huffington post-

Oh yeah, the GOP at it's finest. lol! "

goldie wrote on Aug 3, 2009 3:34 PM:

" What is wrong with you Harry Potter? Poll after poll has shown that Democrat voters hate this health care plan too. To claim that all the angry voters showing up at town hall meetings are Republicans is just plain stupid. Do you read anything besides Huffington? "

The Question wrote on Aug 3, 2009 3:48 PM:

" Infant mortality is a disgrace in the U.S., which ranks 29th in the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The U.S. ranking for letting children die has sunk past 17 other countries since 1960, and now ties with Poland and Slovakia.
If the Republicans and the right-wing Democrats manage to block real public-option health care, that rate will continue to sink, and more children will continue to die here, and more millions of adults will spend years in pain because they cannot afford health care. And many, many more will be bankrupted by medical costs.
But that's all right, because Republicans know that unless you're rich, you deserve to suffer and your children deserve to die. It's their God's way. They know that what their God holds most sacred are those hundreds of billions in health insurance profits. "

Demoman wrote on Aug 3, 2009 3:49 PM:

" Goldie I am guessing you only watch Fox News ! The Huffington tells the story as it is . No need to make up lies and propaganda . You should slide at least to the middle there is so much more you could learn . I have seen many posters on here use quotes and information from many different news sources . The worst is Fox by far . More lies and made up material on it than all the others combined . "

goldie wrote on Aug 3, 2009 4:00 PM:

" Demoman, yeah we shouldn't ever criticise the president should we. That's never happened before has it. "

goldie wrote on Aug 3, 2009 4:06 PM:

" Demoman, I've read polls from various sources including Fox and they all say the same thing, the country doesn't like the government taking full control of the health care. You go ahead and stick with Huffington, because all you people on the far left want is an echo chamber anyway. See you in 2010. "

red,white,blue wrote on Aug 3, 2009 4:40 PM:

" And the liberals and those on the left have not been doing the same thing for years, shouting down those they disagree with? I am not advocating that the citizens of this country use that tactic but, unlike the paid 'protestors' of the past, these people are genuinely angry and you might be surprised to find that they are not all from the right. I cannot understand why the Democrats are so afraid of an honest discussion....or maybe I know all too well why they are; people are waking up to what is happening to their country and they don't like it. "

The Question wrote on Aug 3, 2009 4:47 PM:

" All together now, little righties: "Y'all keep your cotton pickin' government hands offin mah Medicare!" "

AnnaNiemaus wrote on Aug 3, 2009 5:52 PM:

" You're citing Fox news as a reliable source?

The attorneys for Fox, owned by media baron Rupert Murdock, successfully argued the First Amendment gives broadcasters the right to lie or deliberately distort news reports on the public airwaves.

http://tinyurl.com/o8sg8s "

Stanley Stetson wrote on Aug 3, 2009 6:00 PM:

" * lol the onion i mean the question is a racist trying not to be and failing miserably * "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 3, 2009 6:02 PM:

" These demonstrating type folks must be the same ones that showed up for Palin and screamed kill him, kill him, while Sarah just smiled and waved back at them. But then maybe poor Sarah didn't know the were talking about Obama. Perhaps she thought they were talking about a moose or a wolf or one of those other poor creatures Palin likes to mow down from the safety of a helicopter. "

The Question wrote on Aug 3, 2009 6:20 PM:

" Question: Which side of history has the Republican Party been on?
Opposed the legislation to create Social Security. (Roosevelt administration).
Opposed civil rights legislation (Johnson administration).
Opposed Medicare.
Opposed universal health care for 40 years.
Answer: The wrong side of history. "

PumpkinSeed wrote on Aug 3, 2009 6:25 PM:

" LOL-Oh my, never a dull moment in here is there? :) "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 3, 2009 7:20 PM:

" More on the disruptive right wing nutters:

Unfortunately, though, a well-organized, belligerent and loud group of right-wingers stood in the aisles and across the back and disrupted the town meeting throughout. They yelled, shouted and jeered, and it was clear that they were not there to participate, but instead to try to disrupt the meeting and make it difficult as possible for anyone else to ask questions. They jeered from the moment the director of the Constitution Center stood to welcome everyone. For a few days leading up to the town meeting, e-mails circulated around Philadelphia warning that the "tea-baggers" were planning to protest the meeting and, although there were fewer of them than there were supporters--they made more noise shouting about "socialism," "abortion," and "assisted suicide."

Oh yeah, I'll bet the were Democrats...lol! "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 8:13 PM:

" OBAMA: UHM, YOU KNOW WHO ACCOUNTS FOR 80% OF HEALTH CARE BILL- GRANNY

TheNewRepublic (April 29 2009)

OBAMA: ...I actually think that the tougher issue around medical care its a related one is what you do around things like end-of-life care--

LEONHARDT: And its going to be hard for people who dont have the option of paying for it.

OBAMA: So thats where I think you just get into some very difficult moral issues. But thats also a huge driver of cost, right?

I mean, the chronically ill and those toward the end of their lives are accounting for potentially 80 percent of the total health care bill out here.

LEONHARDT: So how do you how do we deal with it?

OBAMA: Well, I think that there is going to have to be a conversation that is guided by doctors, scientists, ethicists. And then there is going to have to be a very difficult democratic conversation that takes place. It is very difficult to imagine the country making those decisions just through the normal political channels. And thats part of why you have to have some independent group that can give you guidance. Its not determinative, but I think has to be able to give you some guidance. And thats part of what I suspect youll see emerging out of the various health care conversations that are taking place on the Hill right now.
---------------

Don't worry Grandma- Obama's going to make sure your appointed physician has a very difficult democratic conversation with you before he lets you die. Because Barry cares. Now doesn't that make you feel better? "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 8:23 PM:

" POLL: PEOPLE STARTING TO APPRECIATE EXISTING AMERICAN HEALTH-CARE SYSTEM

RASMUSSEN (Aug 3 2009) Forty-eight percent (48%) of U.S. voters now rate the U.S. health care system as good or excellent. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 19% rate it as poor.

These figures reflect a significant increase in support for the health care system over the past few months. In May, just 35% of adults nationwide rated the system as good or excellent. A year ago, just 29% of Likely Voters rated the system in such positive terms.

The new polling also shows that 80% of those with insurance rate their own coverage as good or excellent. Thats up from 70% in May.
-------------

Nothing like the hostile threat of the horrendous ObamaCare Bill to make people appreciate what they already have. Good work Barry. You are a uniter after all! "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 8:41 PM:

" This deserves a second look. Here's a montage of Obama clips (as well as several other Democrats) fully admitting that the intention of their Health Care Plan is to ELIMINATE private insurance:

http://tinyurl.com/l282pj

Video proof that this President and his Party are lying through their teeth in an effort to ram their agenda down our throats. And of course- the Obama Sycophants in here ignore these inconvenient facts as usual. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 3, 2009 9:07 PM:

" WASHINGTON -- Frustrated with the pace of bipartisan talks, Democratic leaders on Monday promised to push a sweeping health care bill through the Senate whether they get Republican support or not.
Fox news-

Oh my!

All of that 24/7 propaganda from Fox and the health care giants may have been for nothing. lol! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 3, 2009 9:10 PM:

" WATCH: "Birther Queen" Melts Down On MSNBC, Blames MSM "Brownshirts"

This is a must see. Get the link at Huffington on line. Absolutely hilarious, this woman has worse verbal skills than Sarahcuda. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 3, 2009 9:13 PM:

" An astute blogger noted this on McCain's decision not to vote for Sotomayor for the SC vacancy:

This is the same guy that can be the last to consider a MLK holiday bill, then run for president and photo op with black people and say '....I was wrong, I was wrong..', ......and who can vote to confirm that empty suit Clarence Thomas as a cosmetic substitute for a retiring judicial legend....and fail to support proper equipment for troops in Iraq....and choose Sarah Palin as his running mate.....

Is it no wonder that his judgment on other important matters could show a crack or two? "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 10:04 PM:

" RealClearPolitics (Aug 3 2009) - A few years ago, an Emory psychologist scanned the brains of self-described partisans. Partisans were able to notice the hypocritical statements of the opposing candidate but not the inconsistencies of their preferred candidate. Ideology, it was determined, showed effects similar to drug addiction.
-----------

This would explain the blind partisan stupor of Harry Potter and his merry band of personalities. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 10:10 PM:

" " WASHINGTON -- Frustrated with the pace of bipartisan talks, Democratic leaders on Monday promised to push a sweeping health care bill through the Senate whether they get Republican support or not. "
-----------

Uhm.....Harry? It's not the Republican support they need. It's the support from their very own Democrat Party that's waning. And if you think ramming a health care bill through the Senate against the will of the American people won't have dire political consequences for the Democrat Party- then ram away. I'm going to enjoy this. "

The Question wrote on Aug 4, 2009 5:42 AM:

" No surprise, Harry. John McCain is the great "anti-torture crusader" who voted for torture, the wonderful regular-guy populist who can't keep track of how many houses that beer heiress has bought for him. He is the lily that always festers. "

parky1 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:05 AM:

" I believe alot of the problems we are facing in health care is the pharmacutical companies that offer a kick back to the medical professions for every 5 scripts they write, and the greed these participating medical experts that partake. Or the hospitals that will only see you for one symptom at a time, you have to return to be seen for any more that one symptom. Cog I know what you mean by Drs. not being present during the supposed examinations. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:06 AM:

" OBAMACARE SCARE TACTIC: THERE ARE 47 MILLION AMERICANS UNINSURED!

CHICAGO EXAMINER (July 23 2009) According to the 2007 census data the amount of Americans who cannot afford health care is approximately 21.5 million or 7% of our population, a much more accurate number. President Obama says we have 46.7 million uninsured in America. His phrasing of that statement is calculated to hide the truth. If Obama, instead, said that we have 46.7 million Americans who cannot afford health insurance, hed be lying:

-There are over 9.7 million non-citizens (both illegal and legal workers) living in America who are not insured. Take the non-citizens away and there will be 37 million uninsured, 12 percent of our population.

- Take away the 9.1 million who can afford insurance but dont get it from the 37 million who are American citizens and were left with 27.9 million Americans who cant afford medical insurance, 9 percent of our population.

- Then, there are the so-called Medicare and Medicaid undercounts. The undercounts were acknowledged in the Current Population Survey (CPS). They said that estimates of Medicaid enrollment are 43 percent lower than raw Medicaid program enrollment counts.
Some say the government insurance undercount is as high as 6.4 million, which would mean that up to 6.4 million either dont know they are on Medicare, Medicaid, S-CHIP, or other state insurance or that they dont know it is considered insurance. If we go with that amount, we can subtract the 6.4 million from the 27.9 million Americans who cannot afford health insurance. Our new total is 21.5 million, 7 percent.

- We are not discounting any other subgroups like young adults or those who are eligible for government health care but either do not know it or do not use it. We just took away the non-citizens, those earning over a certain amount yearly, and the underreported. This leaves just 7% of Americans who cannot afford health care, which means 93% of Americans can afford health care. President Obama and the Democrats want to start yet another big government program that will require all Americans to join, will cost us trillions of dollars, and will change the face of our country for 7% of Americans who cannot afford health care. Surely, there must be a better way.
-----------------

And if you read the hysterical posts of the Obama-Drones in here- you'll see that they are now upping the ante by throwing around a "50 million Americans uninsured" meme. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:39 AM:

" OBAMA WILL LET YOU KEEP YOUR PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE- FOR NOW- UNTIL HE RUNS THEM OUT OF BUSINESS.

Let's look down the ole memory hole- shall we kids?

OBAMA 2003: "I happen to be a proponent of single-payer, universal health care plan. Single-payer health care plan, universal health care plan. That's what I'd like to see."

OBAMA 2007: "My commitment is to make sure that we've got universal health care for all Americans by the end of my first term as president. I would hope that we can set up a system that allows those who can go through their employer to access a federal system or a state pool of some sort, but I don't think we're going to be able to eliminate employer coverage immediately. There's going to be potentially some transition process. I can envision a decade out or 15 years out or 20 years out."

Obama and the Democrats know what's good for you stupid unwashed masses- whether you like it or not. Now just sit down, shut up, and pay your ever-rising taxes. M-kay? "

The Question wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:44 AM:

" More than 450,000 doctors support health care reform, as well as The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and Herndon Alliance, a nonpartisan coalition of more than 200 health-care provider organizations including the AARP, Mayo Clinic and Families USA. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:55 AM:

" ANOTHER GOVERNMENT-RUN SUCCESS STORY: POST OFFICE LOOKING AT CLOSING UP TO 1,000 OFFICES

AP (Aug 3 2009) The postal service is considering closing as many as 1,000 local offices as it battles staggering financial problems. More may be added, the postal service says.
-----------

Hey, I know! Let's give the government complete control over our health care!
Yeah!

What could possibly go wrong? "

ed miller wrote on Aug 4, 2009 8:08 AM:

" Typical,

The Obama fanboys on here have no defense for him or his policies so they go on the offensive against McCain, Palin and Fox News. I guess a Hannity or Limbaugh post will be forthcoming. "

Rohn Gordon wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:49 AM:

" The $100,000 tool bag (The tool bag weighed about 30 pounds (14 kg) and was about the size of a small backpack. It contained grease guns, trash bags and a scraper tool.) was burnt up entering the Earths atmosphere after being lost in space.
$100,000 bag?? Now does anyone see problems with government ran programs?? "

The Question wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:52 AM:

" How do you know if someone is an elitist? Well, there's a mathematical formula.
You are an elitist if you have at least two to five more houses your beer heiress wife bought you that you don't remember than the five planes you were permitted to crash when you were in the military, thanks to your admiral daddy's connections. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:56 AM:

" " More than 450,000 doctors support health care reform, as well as The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and Herndon Alliance, a nonpartisan coalition of more than 200 health-care provider organizations including the AARP, Mayo Clinic and Families USA. "

What does that bunch know, TQ. Better we should listen to the nutters at Fox news to tell us about the health care fiasco in this country. "

The Question wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:59 AM:

" The GOP Birther Party of No needs fresh faces to run for office! Come on, throw your hood in the ring! "

All The Way wrote on Aug 4, 2009 11:01 AM:

" Cognitus wrote on Aug 3, 2009 10:34 AM:

Not so; the World Health Organization says the French have the best system in the world.

Our system is Very Good Technically -- is you're rich. But our averages are way way down compared with many countries. "

If you would have pulled my whole quote you might have noticed I said we have the best helth care, not the best helth care system. That makes a world of difference. Cutting what I said to make it fit your template is, well, dishonest to say the least. Makes me question the honesty in your other posts.

Also, if you look at the counties you seem to like so much, you will notice there are private hospitals there as well. And those with money choose them over the government run systems. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 11:08 AM:

" I'm sure everyone, including the disgruntled Obama bashers, will want to join me in wishing our President a happy birthday. lol! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 12:29 PM:

" With Republican party leaders so constrained by ideological blinders that none of their positions is likely to produce gains among non-white minorities, especially Hispanics, the GOP is finding it has no real alternative but to revert to a "white voter" strategy.
Huffington post-

Maybe that's what Palin was all about. lol! She certainly appeals to the uneducated and ignorant element of her party. "

coonbug wrote on Aug 4, 2009 12:29 PM:

" It was BUSH and the GOP that passed the LARGEST expansion of socialized government:

"Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.) asserted Tuesday.

Ross, a leading member of the centrist Blue Dog Democrat coalition on health issues, said that it was Bush, not President Obama, who pioneered the expansion of government's role in healthcare.

"It was George W. Bush that passed the largest socialized expansion of our government in my lifetime," Ross argued in an interview with a Fox affiliate in Arkansas. "It was called Medicare Part D prescription drug program. The 10 year period for it was well over a trillion dollars."

He said that program exceeds the cost of the healthcare reform bill now before the House.

"The price tag is now under a trillion. That is over 10 years," Ross said. "That is less money than what George W. Bush passed."

http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2009/08/04/ross-bush-not-obama-pioneered-socialized-medicine-in-us/

Very Good Point! How do you excuse BUSH and the GOP? "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 12:40 PM:

" Since you asked, ed:

WASHINGTON The White House is turning to the Internet to hit back at a Web posting that claims to show President Barack Obama explaining how his health care reform plans eventually would eliminate private insurance.

The three-minute White House video features Linda Douglass, a former network television correspondent and now White House Office of Health Reform communications director, sitting in front of a computer screen showing the Drudge Report Web site. That site carries a series of video clips from another blogger who strings together selected Obama statements on health care to make it appear he wants to eliminate the private health insurance business.

In the video Douglas says the site is "taking sentences and phrases out of context, and they're cobbling them together to leave a very false impression."
AP-

Hey, what else is new? Creative splicing of videos has been perfected by Hannity, no doubt with the blessing of the higher ups at good old Fox news. Limbaugh doesn't resort to that dirty tactic, he just makes up stuff as he goes along. Stay tuned for another of my popular informative updates on the moose queen. A quick check on the Net shuld result in a juicy tidbit on the good old Alaskan redneck gal Sarahcuda. I'm sure she's threatening to sue somone today. lol! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 12:49 PM:

" A group of prominent health care experts, including members of a Congressional Budget Office
advisory panel, are taking the Obama White House's side in a dispute it is having with the CBO over how much money could be saved by reforming a key aspect of the Medicare system.

In a letter to the president that was made public on Tuesday, 13 academics and experts, including eight members of the CBO's own Panel of Health Advisers said that significant reductions in health care costs could be achieved by creating an independent council to moderate Medicare costs.
Sam Stein-

Oh my! I'll bet none of these folks could get a job a Fox news. lol! "

AnnaNiemaus wrote on Aug 4, 2009 12:54 PM:

" ed miller wrote on Aug 4, 2009 8:08 AM:
" Typical,

The Obama fanboys on here have no defense for him or his policies so they go on the offensive against McCain, Palin and Fox News. I guess a Hannity or Limbaugh post will be forthcoming. "

Do you really think it's okay that Fox News sued for (and won) the right to tell lies and present them as news? Do you think I am opposed to that because of some (non-existent) political affiliation? I'm opposed to it because it's wrong. And there was a time a few years ago when I had some admiration for John McCain and thought he might be someone I could support, so that shoots your theory out of the water. "

The Question wrote on Aug 4, 2009 2:23 PM:

" It was President George W. Bush who presided over the largest socialized expansion of government-supported healthcare, Bluedog Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.) asserted.
"It was George W. Bush that passed the largest socialized expansion of our government in my lifetime," Ross argued. "It was called Medicare Part D prescription drug program. The 10-year period for it was well over a trillion dollars."
He said that program exceeds the cost of the health care reform bill now before the House.
That one was all right with Republican lawmakers, of course, because it was a massive, unjustified giveaway to the drug companies who line their pockets. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 4, 2009 3:52 PM:

" ANYBODY SEE THE NEW OBAMA POSTER?

The new poster kinda speaks for itself...doesn't it?

See http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-obama-posters,0,940643.story

Let's see if the moderator showss their liberal bias and censors this post.

Chances: 30% no-censoring/ 70% censored post "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 6:11 PM:

" I checked it out, and I would imagine all of neo's buddies down at the KKK hangout ordered a stack of them. "

Bps wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:16 PM:

" Gee, maybe our own Liberal Cadre of One has been so busy posting his idiocy under all of his different names here he hasnt had time to visit one of his favorite site:

Quote- "Traffic at President Obama's official White House Web site--whitehouse.gov--has fallen from a post-Inauguration peak to nearly the same level it was during the waning days of the Bush administration." End Quote

This dramatic drop in traffic has happened despite the fact Obama spent a ton on a complete redesign of the site. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:17 PM:

" July 21st, 2009 4:13 pm ET

I am a US citizen ..have lived in Canada for 40 years. I now have dual citizenship. I have given bith to children, had surgery, my husband has had 3 bouts with cancer. We have always received excellent health care from our physicians and hospitals. My parents and family lived in the U.S. and worried about how they were going to pay for their health care needs. I have lived in both countries. I wouldnt trade my health care, the Canadian kind for the American system. I know that I and all Canadians have equal access to good medical care. I am not naive enough to think that the Canadian system is perfect, no system is but. I can go to bed at night knowing that I, my family and all Canadians have equal acess to carerich or poor none of us have to lose our homes in order to have health care we need.
Canadian blogger- "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:21 PM:

" Tom Campbell, former Ontario health and economic minister, has a piece in the Toronto Star this week headlined, "U.S. Has Much to Learn From Our Health Care." He notes:

Canada spends more than a third less per capita on health than the United States and still covers everyone, whereas the U.S. system leaves 46 million people without insurance. "Since our health statistics are markedly better, average Americans would be healthier and live longer if they lived in Canada. Here, doctors do not have to waste time seeking insurance approvals. Medical need is the only requirement and pre-existing conditions don't matter." But the system's not perfect, Campbell says. But, he adds, Canadians are so happy with it that: "Our main obstacle to reform is the very success of the system to date. Politicians admit privately that reforms are needed but they hesitate to speak out. This does not make for thoughtful debate."

Hmmmm... Could Fox news and the right wing nutters possibly be lying? "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:31 PM:

" MAYO CLINIC ONLY FAVORED VALUE-BASED CONCEPT OF INDEPENDENT MEDICARE ADVISORY COUNCIL IN OBAMACARE
CBO SAYS NO VALUE AT ALL

THE HILL (July 25 2009) The Congressional Budget Office told House leadership on Saturday that a White House plan for an independent advisory council to rein in Medicare spending would do little to save the government money over the next 10 years.
------------

Once again the ObamaDrones in here distort and exaggerate the facts in order to give ObamaCare a false image of effectiveness. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:32 PM:

" Fox News poll repeats falsehoods that a Fox News reporter debunked.
Last week, ThinkProgress noted that Fox News reporter Wendell Goler thoroughly debunked conservative fearmongering about President Obamas supposed 30 czars, which they often claim dont need to be confirmed by the Senate. There is no constitutional issue and many of these czars are confirmed by the Senate, reported Goler. Despite this, a new Fox News poll asserts that Obama has appointed over 30 czars and Czars are advisors to the president who work outside of the cabinet and do not have to be confirmed by the Senate

Holy cow, even their own reporters are debunking their ongoing lies about Obama. lol! "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:38 PM:

" TEN LEADING INDICATORS OF AMERICAN HEALTH-CARE SUPERIORITY

From The Hoover Institute's Scott Atlas (Head of neuroradiology at Stanford University Medical School)

1. Americans have better survival rates than Europeans for common cancers.

2. Americans have lower cancer mortality rates than Canadians.

3. Americans have better access to treatment for chronic diseases than patients in other developed countries.

4. Americans have better access to preventive cancer screening than Canadians.

5. Lower-income Americans are in better health than comparable Canadians.

6. Americans spend less time waiting for care than patients in Canada and the United Kingdom.

7. People in countries with more government control of health care are highly dissatisfied and believe reform is needed.

8. Americans are more satisfied with the care they receive than Canadians.

9. Americans have better access to important new technologies such as medical imaging than do patients in Canada or Britain.

10. Americans are responsible for the vast majority of all health care innovations. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:55 PM:

" Gee, maybe our own Liberal Cadre of One has been so busy posting his idiocy under all of his different names here.......

Hmmm...let's see now...Doh, Stanley Stetson, Bps, BlueDog, old school, 7x, neo...etc etc etc... ( I've lost count) As our friend jrRussell said, talk about the pot calling the kettle...Looks like someone is trying a little transference. lol! "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:58 PM:

" VIDEO: CANADIAN WARNS AMERICANS ABOUT HEALTH-CARE REFORM

Canadian brain-tumor survivor Shona Holmes describes how the American health-care system saved her life - after the Canadian system did its best to kill her through delays:

WATCH: http://tinyurl.com/n6dut8

Yeah Harry, that Canadian-Care is really superior to our system. The Canadians told this woman she had to wait six months to see a specialist about her brain tumor. Mayo told her she would be dead before six months. She then traveled to the U.S. where she received "world-class treatment".

Now she's warning us about government-run health care. "

AnnaNiemaus wrote on Aug 4, 2009 8:36 PM:

" 7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:58 PM:
" VIDEO: CANADIAN WARNS AMERICANS ABOUT HEALTH-CARE REFORM

Canadian brain-tumor survivor Shona Holmes describes how the American health-care system saved her life - after the Canadian system did its best to kill her through delays:

WATCH: http://tinyurl.com/n6dut8

Yeah Harry, that Canadian-Care is really superior to our system. The Canadians told this woman she had to wait six months to see a specialist about her brain tumor. Mayo told her she would be dead before six months. She then traveled to the U.S. where she received "world-class treatment".

Now she's warning us about government-run health care. "

Except that, in the words of the esteemed GOP Governor of California, "It's not a tumor!"

She didn't have a life-threatening tumor; she had a cyst. She's being paid by lobbyists to go on the air and tell her fake sob story. Even if the story were true, Canadians are free to pay for health care just like we do, but she chose to wait.

Somehow I'm reminded of the Mattoon woman who claimed to have had a brain tumor removed through her ear. "

Locke wrote on Aug 4, 2009 8:54 PM:

" "Let's see if the moderator showss their liberal bias and censors this post..."

Media is out to get you! They're out to get your guns! They're out to get your religion! They're out to get you!

You want some tissues? "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 4, 2009 9:08 PM:

" I checked it out, and I would imagine all of neo's buddies down at the KKK hangout ordered a stack of them. "
------------------------------------

I hate to indulge in even a single iota of dialogue with you, but since I find your response so typical, I will engage on this occassion.

Describe anywhere on the Obama "Socialism" poster http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-obama-posters,0,940643.story
where there is a single racist connotation.

You can't, because it's not there.

Oh, I'm sure it is there in your mind, and that's because you leftists make up such garbage claims because you're perpetually "victims", always being oppressed by...something.

How does it feel going through life constantly blaming others because you don't have it as easy, make more money, or have it better than other people?

It must be rough, eh, constantly being a "victim"?

And boy, I bet if it were GWB, Cheney, or Palin shown in parody as "the Joker" in the poster it would be absolutely comical, wouldn't it?

So go ahead and spout off about the KKK, in leftist "victim" fashion. It's all too typical...and pathetic. "

Bps wrote on Aug 4, 2009 9:08 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 7:55 PM:
" Gee, maybe our own Liberal Cadre of One has been so busy posting his idiocy under all of his different names here.......

Hmmm...let's see now...Doh, Stanley Stetson, Bps, BlueDog, old school, 7x, neo...etc etc etc... ( I've lost count) As our friend jrRussell said, talk about the pot calling the kettle...Looks like someone is trying a little transference. lol! "
---------------

I didnt mention any handles so I guess you were just the one up and active huh?

Sigh, you started accusing me of this back in January when I first posted on this site. Is there anyone who differs with you on this site you havent accused of this?

Sorry to have to remind you yet again, but I still dont need a bunch of names to try to play games like some.

I make my own points and it is just little ol me.

Poor old HP, you are just so mistreated it seems everybody just wants to pick on you

Of course we all believe you that you only use two names, really we do.

Besides my post was about the big news that the Prezs web site popularity is going down the tubes like everything else associated with his short time in office.

Seriously, you and your little cadre better start hitting the Prezs site!

He is as low as the hits Bush got in the last year. Surly you dont want your Prez to be thought of as unpopular do you?

With all your friends that seem to post here, your college professor and NASA friends, you could really raise the hit rate and save your anointed ones honor. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:14 PM:

" I guess we must have the best system in the world, after all Rush Limbaugh and the troll says so. lol! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:17 PM:

" But of course depicting Obama in white face isn't racist. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:19 PM:

" So go ahead and spout off about the KKK, in leftist "victim" fashion. It's all too typical...and pathetic. "

Guess I hit a nerve, huh? A little too close to home? "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:34 PM:

" SHONA HOLMES STORY

MayoClinic.org "Shona Holmes was in trouble: The list of her symptoms included headaches, sleeplessness, dizziness, low libido and, worst of all, rapidly deteriorating vision. Her family doctor in Canada ordered an MRI, and A BRAIN TUMOR was detected. But it would take months for her to get on the appointment calendar of a neurologist or endocrinologist in Canada.

"I knew in my gut that I had to see someone and could not wait five to six months," she says. So she called Mayo Clinic and got an appointment the same day.

For Holmes, a 31-year-old native of Waterdown, Ontario, traveling far from her husband, other family members and friends was difficult. She knew there would be several appointments and a battery of diagnostic tests. But she knew it had to be done. So, flying solo, she headed for Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Once there, her fears were instantly calmed. "I received the most humane treatment of my entire life," she says. "Everything was wonderful the ambiance from my treatments to my first encounter at the check-in registration desk, every physician and nurse, was absolutely out of this world."

Dr. Naresh Patel, neurosurgeon, diagnosed Holmes as having a Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC). The rare, fluid-filled sac grows near the pituitary gland at the base of the brain and eventually can cause hormone and vision problems. Dr. Patel joined forces with Drs. David W. Dodick, neurologist, and Michael D. Whitaker, endocrinologist, to work on Holmes' case.

Their further tests revealed an increase in the size of her cyst over a short period of time as well as progressively worsening vision. "I was concerned that the pressure on Shona's nervers was causing her to become blind," says Dr. Patel. "We needed to remove the cyst to save her vision."

---------

So the Canadian Health-Care system originally misdiagnosed her condition as a tumor- and was still going to make her wait six months for treatment. What a great government health care system they've got up there. Let's get that here ASAP. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:58 PM:

" POLL: 54% SAY OBAMA'S REACTION TO GATES-GATE WAS STUPID

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Fifty-three percent of those polled felt Gates acted stupidly in the incident, with 30 percent saying no. Broken down by race, 58 percent of whites said Gates acted stupidly, with African-Americans split on the question: 44 percent said yes and 43 percent said no.
-----------

Golly! 44% of African-Americans are racist towards Gates? Harry Potter's head must spinning- more so than usual. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 4, 2009 11:19 PM:

" " But of course depicting Obama in white face isn't racist.
----------------

With typical verve you leftists reduce everything down to your "victimized" conditions... to compensate for your inadequacies...

In Batman, Heath Ledger wore "white face", with red around his exaggerated mouth... but of course you "victimized" leftists can see that....you have to reduce it down so you can capitalize on the incidence in some way...and label it...of course...racism.

And now as we've gotten Locke to chime in...all we need now is Father Bob to spout off...and we'll have the perfect trifecta...of victims. Victims have to run in groups because there's strength in numbers...don't you know...

Heath Ledger, as "The Joker" in the movie, was out-of-control reeking havoc...just like Obama...but of course you leftys can't see that parallel...because... well...you're perpetually victims... "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 4, 2009 11:27 PM:

" Media is out to get you! They're out to get your guns! They're out to get your religion! They're out to get you!
--------
Nah...there not out to get me. I'm not a "victim" like you.

I'm just aware of the arbitrary censorship policy methology.

Now, "impress" us with some of your "profound" legal tripe... "

what wrote on Aug 5, 2009 12:00 AM:

" The purpose of our entire health care system is to squeeze the last penny from anyone squeezable. Not a good starting place, uphill indeed, as long as they don't just throw more slop to the hogs it would be in our interest to reform that mess. Them hogs are good and fat now, they need butchering. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 5, 2009 6:09 AM:

" You are an elitist if you have at least two to five more houses your beer heiress wife bought you that you don't remember than the five planes you were permitted to crash when you were in the military, thanks to your admiral daddy's connections. "
------------------------

Awwwwwwwwwwwww... poor "victim"...bo ho...bo ho

Just can't seem to get over the fact that some people are actually successful in the world.

Bo ho...bo ho... "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 5, 2009 6:39 AM:

" Using anecdotal cases to prove a point is a tactic right out of the Rush Limbaugh playbook on smear and propaganda.

And I see their new tactic is to disrupt any politician attempting to discuss this issue with his constituents. That money being spent by the insurance companies and pharmacy industry in this effort appears to be paying off, as the forces from the right appear to be at least somewhat successful in cutting off public debate on the health care issue with their yelling and screaming.

I wonder if the Dems shouldn't copy the Repubs tactic and hire their own protesters to yell and scream at any Republican event? "

AnnaNiemaus wrote on Aug 5, 2009 7:06 AM:

" A U.S. ad featuring an Ontario woman who spoke out against the Canadian health-care system may be exaggerating the severity of her condition, say medical experts.
Canadian experts say that had Shona Holmes's case been deemed an emergency, she would have received care in Canada within days.Canadian experts say that had Shona Holmes's case been deemed an emergency, she would have received care in Canada within days. (CBC)

Shona Holmes has appeared in U.S. ads saying she had to go to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona to be treated for a rare type of cyst at the base of her brain a Rathke's cleft cyst. She mortgaged her home and paid $100,000 to be treated there because getting care in Canada involved a six-month wait, she said. She is currently suing OHIP to recoup those costs.

Holmes, from Waterdown, Ont., said she would have died had she relied on the Canadian health-care system and waited to see a specialist.

But the director of the brain tumour research centre at the Montreal Neurological Institute says he thinks that claim is "an exaggeration."

Dr. Rolando Del Maestro says the lesion Holmes was diagnosed with is benign, and usually slow-growing. It typically does not require urgent attention, he said.

"If it's a real emergency in the sense that the patient's visual function is getting substantially worse, the patients would be brought in immediately and would be operated on the next day," he said.

In 2005, Holmes, complaining of headaches and vision loss, went to see a Canadian doctor and was put on a six-month waiting list to see specialist.

After trying unsuccessfully to expedite the process, she was diagnosed and treated at the Mayo Clinic. Holmes said U.S. doctors considered the cyst a tumour, and that it would cause death if not removed immediately.

But neurosurgeon Michael Schwartz of Toronto's Sunnybrook Hospital says he's never seen or heard of a death from a Rathke's cyst. He told CBC News symptoms can be alleviated if the cyst is drained or part of it removed to take pressure off the optic nerve. "Then the person's vision almost always improves.

"If somebody called me about a patient that was losing her vision or had a structural abnormality of the brain I would see them within days."
Opposition to Obama

The contentious advertisement is being run by a conservative lobby group, the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, opposed to U.S. President Barack Obama's plan to involve the government playing a role in reforming U.S. health care.

It warns that Washington wants to bring in Canadian-style health care that would cause "deadly" delays for people waiting for important medical procedures.

Holmes denies taking any money from Americans for Prosperity for her message. Her publicist, paid for by the lobby group, says she's now declining interviews.

But Holmes told CBC News in an earlier interview she believes Canadians are not speaking up about the problems in the health-care system. She said that every time she thinks about stopping her criticism of the system, she gets "another really sad phone call or desperate phone call of somebody who is tragically trying to get treatment in Canada and can't."

Americans for Prosperity says it has spent nearly $1.8 million US running the ad in Washington, D.C., and 11 states with key senators who are either writing health-care bills or wavering on the issue.

It is one of a handful of commercials that are expected to grow in number and criticism this summer as detailed health bills emerge from the U.S. Congress and dozens of interest groups, companies and labour unions tussle to influence legislators.

Through June 27, $31 million has been spent for roughly 47,000 TV ads on health care this year, says Evan Tracey, president of the Campaign Media Analysis Group, a firm that tracks issue advertising.

So far, Tracey said about $15 million has been spent on ads favouring the Democrats' push to revamp the health-care system and $4 million to oppose it. Another $12 million has gone to ads generally favouring better health care, nearly all of it from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, representing drug makers, which hopes its market will expand if more people have insurance.

Tracey estimated that $250 million will ultimately be spent on the campaign this year.
With files from The Associated Press "

AnnaNiemaus wrote on Aug 5, 2009 7:16 AM:

" Oh and the good people of the Mayo clinic agree with Mr. Coit, that it's time for reform. From their open letter to Congress:

"Dear Members of Congress,
We wholeheartedly support President Obamas call for healthcare reform, and agree with his position that the
status quo is the one option that is not on the table. We applaud the House and the Senate for their ongoing
efforts to obtain universal coverage for all Americans.
The President challenged you and your colleagues to look to high quality efficient healthcare providers for ways to
improve health care. Congress must encourage all U.S. physicians and hospitals to focus on quality, not quantity,
and ultimately deliver better health for all Americans at lower cost."

There's more; read it for yourself at
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthpolicycenter/pdfs/open-letter-to-congress-7-22-09.pdf "

The Question wrote on Aug 5, 2009 8:51 AM:

" Interesting to note that the Democrats, who tend to believe in free speech instead of just paying lip service to it, let the paid corporate-Republican swine deliberately disrupt their public meetings.
Bush loaded his with hand-picked shills, and roped off protesters a mile away in "free-speech zones." If anyone had talked out of turn, he would have had them Tasered.
Fascism can be so efficient at times. "

father bob wrote on Aug 5, 2009 9:30 AM:

" NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 5, 2009 6:09 AM:
"Bo ho...bo ho... """""

spoken like a true illiterate conservative. it's "boo hoo, boo hoo"

the comedy continues!! "

julio wrote on Aug 5, 2009 9:32 AM:

" I just paid almost $500 for a tube of cream no bigger than a tube of tooth paste.
Now why would we need health care reform? "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 10:19 AM:

" Sorry AnnaNiemaus, your "facts" about Shona Holmes' case don't quite square with Mayo's version. Mayo clearly states that the *Canadian health care providers* misdiagnosed her condition as a "brain tumor". She had every reason to believe her life was in peril.

Again from MAYO CLINIC.org

"Shona Holmes was in trouble: The list of her symptoms included headaches, sleeplessness, dizziness, low libido and, worst of all, rapidly deteriorating vision. *HER FAMILY DOCTOR IN CANADA ORDERED AN MRI, AND A BRAIN TUMOR WAS DETECTED.* But it would take months for her to get on the appointment calendar of a neurologist or endocrinologist in Canada.
-------------

I'll take Mayo's version over the Canadians- who are clearly trying to cover their own legal a**es. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 10:33 AM:

" Oh and AnnaNiemaus, Mayo's main emphasis of support of the last version of ObamaCare was based on the newly proposed legislation of value-based payment methods and independent agencies- BUT shortly after Mayo's letter to Congress the Congressional Budget Office clearly stated that the proposed independent advisory council to rein in Medicare spending would do none of that.

First, the emphasis of Mayo's open letter to Congress (July 22 2009):

"We believe that this legislation is an important first step to a healthcare system where value, not volume, prevails, so that future healthcare expenditures do not expand the Federal budget deficit. For the long term, we are also encouraged by other ideas that move toward paying for value, including an independent agency that could develop value-based payment methodologies for Medicare."

And now the CBO's analysis:

The Hill (July 25 2009) The Congressional Budget Office told House leadership on Saturday that a White House plan for an independent advisory council to rein in Medicare spending would do little to save the government money over the next 10 years.

In a letter sent to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) concluded that the Independent Medicare Advisory Council Act (IMAC) would yield savings of $2 billion between 2010 and 2019 -- with all of the savings realized between 2016 and 2019. The overall healthcare overhaul is expected to have a price tag of $1 trillion.

Elmendorf explained that the way the IMAC is envisioned in its current form reduces "the likelihood that the council would recommend reductions in payment rates or reforms in the delivery system for Medicare
services that would yield much greater budgetary savings."
---------------

And keep in mind that this was the THIRD time the CBO shot down a version of ObamaCare. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 5, 2009 10:37 AM:

" I wonder if the Dems shouldn't copy the Repubs tactic and hire their own protesters to yell and scream at any Republican event? "
----------------------------

Here we go again, more victimology...wah, wah, wah, wah...

Let's see... shall we list all of the leftist whiners repubs have had to put up with....

1) Cindy Sheehan
2) Code Pink, who's leader Medea Benjamin is an ardent support of Hugo Chvez.
3)Jesse "it ain't my baby" Jackson protesting Nike shoes
4) Al "Tawana Brawley" Sharpton
5) Not In Our Name, anti-war group that protests at soldier funerals (reeeaaaal classy)
6) MoveOn.Org
7) PETA
8) Prop 13

...and on and on and on "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 10:47 AM:

" And with ObamaCare, julio, your cancer treatment would *only* consist of a tube of cream. But hey- it would be free. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 5, 2009 10:54 AM:

" spoken like a true illiterate conservative. it's "boo hoo, boo hoo"

the comedy continues!! "
--------------------------

well thanks...I knew you'd be the "victim" who'd show up to demonstrate how to properly whine...

...now go into some diatribe about how indispensable you are to the US military, with your existence in east central Illinois... "

Becky wrote on Aug 5, 2009 11:01 AM:

" 7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:34 PM:

" SHONA HOLMES STORY"

So you don't think that misdiagnosis' happen in the US? And then, if that person was broke, how could they pay the hospital bill of astronomical proportions? Half of the bankruptcies in our country are due to medical bills of which around 75% of them had insurance. We need reform. We need universal coverage. Just not in a 1000 page bill with all sorts of laws and rules in it that goes way beyond what's needed. "

father bob wrote on Aug 5, 2009 11:35 AM:

" NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 5, 2009 10:54 AM:
"now go into some diatribe about how indispensable you are to the US military, with your existence in east central Illinois... """"""

ROFLMAO!!!....first of all i don't work for the military, and secondly i live in Albuquerque New Mexico if you really must know. "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 5, 2009 12:53 PM:

" According to the poll by Harris Interactive conducted between July 9 and 13, 52 percent of the 2,276 interviewees said that they were in favor of the government-run health plan, while 30 percent opposed.

That's why we will be getting health care reform. This is going to happen despite all the moaning and whining from the right wing extremists. Bet on it. lol! "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 5, 2009 1:56 PM:

" WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Americans appear split over President Barack Obama's health care proposals, according to a new national poll.

Fifty percent of those questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey released Wednesday morning say they support the president's plans, with 45 percent opposed.

Of course the Fox polls tell a different story. lol!

Don't worry folks, it's gonna pass with or without the GOP on board, and despite the opposition on this site by the disgruntled losers. lol! "

even steven wrote on Aug 5, 2009 2:04 PM:

" The organized effort to belittle average Americans who have been bringing Democrats to task over their proposed health care takeover is appalling. Good, tax-paying citizens with legitimate concerns about this horrible piece of legislation the vast majority of people don't want just shows how arrogant and out of touch Democrats are. How dare elected officials lambaste and scoff at the average citizen. The "astroturfing" of John Q. Public won't work this time, Democrat toadies. No one is buying it. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 3:06 PM:

" " So you don't think that misdiagnosis' happen in the US? "
----------

Did I say that Becky? No I didn't.

What I am saying is that Universal Health care in other countries has resulted in inferior treatment for the more serious cases and rationing that leads to long waits for vital treatments and tests, and there is every reason to expect the same outcome in this country. And the CBO has consistently said that the added expense of ObamaCare would drastically increase the deficit. And guess who pays for that, Becky? "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 3:15 PM:

" POLL: MAJORITY OPPOSE OBAMA-CARE

RASMUSSEN (July 13 2009) 49% Oppose Health Care Reform Plan, 46% Favor It.
Forty-nine percent (49%) of U.S. voters now at least somewhat oppose the health care reform plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats, while 46% at least somewhat favor it, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
--------------

What were you saying Harry? "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 3:22 PM:

" LATEST POLL: OBAMA-CARE DRAWS MAJORITY DISAPPROVAL AND SINKING

Aug. 5 (Bloomberg) -- President Barack Obamas effort to revamp the U.S. health-care system is drawing increasing disapproval from Americans worried about higher deficits, a Quinnipiac University poll shows.

The July 27-Aug 3rd poll found that 52 percent of American voters disapprove of the way Obama is handling the health-care issue and 39 percent approve. Thats a switch from the 46 percent who approved and 42 percent who disapproved in late June, the universitys polling institute said.

Almost three-quarters of the respondents said they don't believe Obamas promise that Congress can pass a health-care measure without adding to the budget deficit. And 57 percent say the legislation should be dropped if it adds "significantly" to the deficit, Quinnipiac said.
---------------

Gosh Harry.....what were you saying? "

red,white,blue wrote on Aug 5, 2009 3:36 PM:

" received in an email from a friend:

"FROM THE MAYO CLINICS:

It doesn't say much for a "reform" plan when the example used to promote it explicitly warns against it. But that's what happened when the
Mayo Clinic on Tuesday refuted the Obama administration's sales pitch for a 1,018-page health care reform bill, promising everyone a Mayo-like program.

The clinic warned the proposed reforms won't create anything like the low-cost system for which Mayo is envied worldwide.

"The proposed legislation," Mayo says on its policy blog, "misses the opportunity to help create higher-quality, more affordable health care
for patients. In fact, it will do the opposite.

"In general, the proposals under discussion are not patient-focused or results-oriented. Lawmakers have failed to use a fundamental lever - a change in Medicare payment policy - to help drive . . . improvements in American health care.

"Unless legislators create payment systems that pay for good patient results at reasonable costs, the promise of transformation in . . . health care will wither. The real losers will be the citizens of the United States."

Coming from a legendary, 120-year-old clinic, that's a damning assessment the president and Congress would do well to heed." "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 3:37 PM:

" " Don't worry folks, it's gonna pass with or without the GOP on board, and despite the opposition on this site by the disgruntled losers. lol! "
-----------

*psssst* hey uhm......harry? i know you're slow....but, the democrats can't even get their own members on board this clusterfark. and that's the real problem here isn't it, champ? well yes.....yes it is....... "

red,white,blue wrote on Aug 5, 2009 3:39 PM:

" And what are the numbers for those who are satisfied with the health care they have? 80%? something like that.

Not to say there doesn't need to be reform but some of the proposals in the current bill are onerous and downright ridiculous. Republicans have offered alternatives that can be boiled down to much simpler solutions but those on the left are not willing to compromise or give up any sort of 'power'. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Aug 5, 2009 5:23 PM:

" ROFLMAO!!!....first of all i don't work for the military, and secondly i live in Albuquerque New Mexico if you really must know. "
------------------

Did I say you worked for the military? No, I guess I didn't, but I do recall your past missives on here.

BTW, you never did get around to providing that IP address of yours... "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 6:08 PM:

" " ROFLMAO!!!....first of all i don't work for the military, and secondly i live in Albuquerque New Mexico if you really must know. "
---------

Oh yes, of course father bob. Of course you live in New Mexico. That would explain why you roost on this little ole newspaper blog located out of Central Illinois and spout off about all things local like Futuregen and Coles county court cases.

But of course- you also BS-ed about a lot of things didn't you bob. Like your claim that you were really an African American didn't you bob.

Uhm....yes you did.

You're slipping Harry....... "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 7:30 PM:

" WHITE HOUSE SNITCH CENTER TO OBAMA DRONES: HEY, IF YOU SEE ANY "FISHY" TRUTHS ON THE NET- LET US KNOW SO WE CAN MONITOR THEM. M-KAY.

WhiteHouse.gov - "There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we cant keep track of all of them here at the White House, were asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov."
--------------

How typical. It's just what you would expect from those civil-liberty trampling fascist thugs in the Bush Adm.....? Wait. What?

This wasn't from the evil fascist duo of Bush and Rove......this was from... Obama?

Ohhhhh. Well. In that case- never mind. It's all cool. Nothin' to see here folks. Move along now.......... "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 7:44 PM:

" NEW DNC AD: MOBS OF RIGHT-WING LUNATICS WHO OPPOSE OBAMA-CARE WANT TO FEAST ON YOUR FLESH...OR SOMETHING....

DNC VIDEO: http://tinyurl.com/nnaepe

No fearmongering here.....huh.

　
And this coming from the Democrat Party, whose Hope-N-Changey President said this little piece of hypocritical jacka**ery on the campaign trail:

OBAMA- "I need you to go out and talk to your friends and talk to your neighbors. I want you to talk to them whether they are independent or whether they are Republican. I want you to argue with them and get in their face."

Isn't it amazing how dissent is no longer the highest form of patriotism now that the Far-Left Wacko's control all of Washington? Funny how that works huh. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 8:14 PM:

" DEM SENATOR BOXER: OBAMA-CARE PROTESTORS MUST BE FAKES- TOO WELL DRESSED TO BE SINCERE.

And uhm....No, I'm not kidding.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) appeared on Hardball last night in support of the Left's attempt to discredit the people showing up to townhalls in protest of ObamaCare. Boxer says she can tell that theyre fakes, because theyre too well dressed. How does she know that this is a problem? Because well-dressed people apparently told her to get the he!! out of Florida in the Bush-Gore recount, too:

VIDEO: http://tinyurl.com/ntzsya

Can you believe how dishonest and disconnected these Democrats are? "

Hammbone wrote on Aug 5, 2009 8:24 PM:

" Leave health care alone,Stop the graft and greedy way things are run first.10 dollar band-aides from hospitals have to stop first before we have government stick it's nose in.They will just make it worce "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 5, 2009 8:25 PM:

" Wow! THe moonbats are flying tonight...

Wonder what they'll say when health care passes? lol! "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 8:41 PM:

" " Wonder what they'll say when health care passes? lol! "
---------

Don't worry Harry, you'll get their response in the elections of 2010 and 2012.

Say it with me now Harry:

Barry O

Barry One-term. "

G-MAN wrote on Aug 5, 2009 9:04 PM:

" cedric66 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 12:01 PM:

" READ MY LIPS!!!

Sound familiar?

unemployment
HAD ENOUGH?
healthcare that "kills"
HAD ENOUGH?
socialize the banks
HAD ENOUGH?
socialize private companies (GM)
HAD ENOUGH?
calling law enforcement "stupid"
HAD ENOUGH?
Freddy & Frannie debacle
HAD ENOUGH?
Higher taxes
HAD ENOUGH?
cash for clunkers
HAD ENOUGH?
BH Obama?
I'VE HAD ENOUGH!!!!!! "
---------------------------------------Well,well! I see Mrs.cedric66 is back with her lame posts.What do you think about this Mr.harry potter?I would be willing to bet that she is still waiting for"moe money".---hee hee. I'll be waiting for ur answer on this one.lol "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 10:01 PM:

" ABCNEWS AT HEALTH-CARE TOWNHALL: GEE, THE ANGER HERE SEEMS AUTHENTIC

ABCNEWS (Aug 5 2009) There were no lobbyist-funded buses in the parking lot of Mardela Middle and High School on Tuesday evening, and the hundreds of Eastern Maryland residents who packed the schools auditorium loudly refuted the notion that their anger over the Democrats health care reform plans is "manufactured."

"I went to school in this school," a man named Bob told me. "I don't see anyone in this room that isn't from Mardela Springs right now."

"We've been quiet too long," said a woman named Joan.
------------

Let's see now: Poll after poll after poll after poll clearly shows that opposition to ObamaCare is coming from across the political spectrum; Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.

So what does the Obama Nazi Administration do? Label them all as hired Mobs, dismiss them, and monitor them on the web. And on top of all this- Congress will *still* ramrod this clusterfark down America's collective throat.

Come election time- people surely won't remember this little insult- will they? "

Harry Potter wrote on Aug 5, 2009 10:04 PM:

" To tell you the truth, like most of the stuff the troll and his personalities post, I usually don't bother to read her inane comments. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 10:24 PM:

" " To tell you the truth, like most of the stuff the troll and his personalities post, I usually don't bother to read her inane comments. "
----------

TRANSLATION:

HARRY: "I really can't counter the documented factual statements by my political opponents in here- so I simply disregard them as silly and irrelevant. That's much easier for my fragile pride than admitting defeat. Besides, I'm really not mature enough to engage in any other course of debate because truth be told- I'm the real troll in here. Maybe you've noticed that all my other names have magically disappeared from this thread this evening while I've been sulking."

And now Harry will try to steer away from the beating he's been taking- by posting some manufactured Palin gossip.

In 3.....2......1....... "

father bob wrote on Aug 10, 2009 2:19 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Aug 5, 2009 10:04 PM:
" To tell you the truth, like most of the stuff the troll and his personalities post, I usually don't bother to read her inane comments. """""

i swore off reading it's posts soon after it started the maniacal rants...

too many good adversaries to banter with than to waste time with an obsessive-compulsive-manic-depressive who never changes the tune. "

Cognitus wrote on Aug 16, 2009 10:01 PM:

" Neo Con"
ROFLMAO!!!....first of all i don't work for the military, and secondly i live in Albuquerque New Mexico if you really must know. "

You scoundrel. you don't deserve to live in ABQ, my favorite town. When I was a young man, made an effort at a position at Univ NMex, but they never had openingswhen I was availale.
But I visit often -- Pueblo Cultural Center - Maxwell Museum - Old Town -- the Salinas Missions parks SW of town,
the Three Rivers Petrogloyph area near Almagordo. But the BEST of AlL is CHACO!!!!!!!!! I'm sure you've been there. Have you hiked to the symbol representing the Nova of 1066?? "

father bob wrote on Aug 17, 2009 11:25 AM:

" Cognitus wrote on Aug 16, 2009 10:01 PM:
" Neo Con"
ROFLMAO!!!....first of all i don't work for the military, and secondly i live in Albuquerque New Mexico if you really must know. "

You scoundrel. you don't deserve to live in ABQ, my favorite town. When I was a young man, made an effort at a position at Univ NMex, but they never had openingswhen I was availale.
But I visit often -- Pueblo Cultural Center - Maxwell Museum - Old Town -- the Salinas Missions parks SW of town,
the Three Rivers Petrogloyph area near Almagordo. But the BEST of AlL is CHACO!!!!!!!!! I'm sure you've been there. Have you hiked to the symbol representing the Nova of 1066?? "

i have never been to Chaco, but there are many places we've not been yet. we have only been here 7 years, really free to "go" about 2, we've seen a lot, but much much more to see and many places to go. made a day trip south to san antonio, new mexico and had lunch at the Buckhorn Tavern and then across to Carazozo and on to Lincoln and the Billy the Kid sites before ending up in San Patricio at the Hurd Gallery. those trips are a fun way to spend the day. "