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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 9:49 PM CDT
LETTER: What's wrong with this health reform picture?

JIM BOPP, Mattoon

I seem to have opened up a can of worms regarding Medicare as my primary insurer. It really is primary.

I’ve had to fill out a ton of forms to confirm that. Please don’t misunderstand what I said.

We need better healthcare. I never said some people shouldn’t have it. But some big picture facts make it difficult.

Politicians’ primary job is getting re-elected, even if it means lying to the public. The country is getting older, with senior citizens living longer. Good jobs have been exported. Temp agency jobs have become permanent jobs with no fringe benefits, so traditional employers don’t have to keep paying large unemployment taxes and increasing health care costs.

Any health care bill passed will be written by lobbyists, voted on by elected officials who haven’t read it, and signed by a president who was tutored by Emil Jones and Rezko.

What’s wrong with that picture? It should be mandatory that all elected officials have to switch their personal coverage from what they voted for themselves to what they vote for us.

Obama just attended a fundraiser courting Wall Street, the same greedy folks who marketed junk mortgage packages.

To the person who disliked an Illinois state employee complaining about health insurance since his taxes paid my salary, consider this. Federal funds pay most of it so unemployed people can get help. My taxes also help pay my salary, just as they did when I flew 1,000 hours of combat in Vietnam with the air commandos.

JIM BOPP

Mattoon

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cedric66 wrote on Oct 29, 2009 12:19 AM:

" Thank you for your service Mr. Bopp
I certainty agree with your post! I also believe they should pay into SS also and make them pay for their own healthcare and knock out some more of the perks they enjoy that we can't!!!! "

father bob wrote on Oct 29, 2009 9:18 AM:

" what a load of crap. "

HeinekenMan wrote on Oct 29, 2009 12:21 PM:

" I'm fine with everything in this letter except for the cheap shot the writer takes. I think it's a little much to claim that Obama's politics aren't his own. After all, he has a Harvard law degree. The man thinks for himself.

I don't understand why the writer has to say he was tutored by two individuals. Even if they did influence him, they aren't the only people who did. He just mentions them because they are controversial. He could have mentioned hundreds of other associates of Obama who aren't controversial.

It's true that lobbyists are involved in much of what Congress does these days. But that is not new. It's been that way for a long, long time. All we can do at this point is pass some healthcare reform and take it from there.

I think a lot of folks fail to understand that nothing in life is perfect. Any health care reform will be carefully scrutinized, and Congress will make changes down the road. But we have to do something now. We can't wait. That's not an option. "

Loki813 wrote on Oct 29, 2009 1:32 PM:

" I would really like to know why the goverment officals are not going to use the health insurance that they create for the public, if its so good they should be first inline to use this but, since they are not going to use it why should the public want to or have to use this if thier aren't. "

Traveling Circus wrote on Oct 29, 2009 4:32 PM:

" " I would really like to know why the goverment officals are not going to use the health insurance that they create for the public, if its so good they should be first inline to use this but, since they are not going to use it why should the public want to or have to use this if thier aren't. "

You're missing the point of the public option. Well, simply put - this public option is for those people who have been totally left out in the cold by insurance companies and the general pubic. It's not a golden egg, it's a panacea to cover the wounds we as a nation have inflicted on the poor and insurance-less folks. It will meet people's basic needs in health care who had NONE before. "

Loki813 wrote on Oct 29, 2009 4:59 PM:

" I just don't like the idea of the goverment having its hand in something else it is sure mess up and if you want insurance get a job. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 29, 2009 7:41 PM:

" Health care will soon be a reality for everyone. We're getting closer by the day. Another loss for the GOP and a win for the people. "

Cognitus wrote on Oct 30, 2009 12:03 AM:

" Loki'" I just don't like the idea of the goverment having its hand in something else it is sure mess up and if you want insurance get a job. "

'...something else it is sure [to] mess
up...."

I guess you're another one of those who
think the landing on the moon was faked???
It wasn't as simple as driving to Mattoon, you know. "

warrior wrote on Oct 30, 2009 8:06 AM:

" Harry Potter never ceases to amaze me. I would just about bet he still lives at home with his parents who control his life, just like he needs his socialist president to help him pay his bills.
Here's the picture HP and try to keep up.
Cash for Clunkers cost us taxpayers $24,000 for each car bought.
The $700 billion stimulus package that was suppose to create 3 million jobs, actually only created 50,000, which ended up costing us taxpayers $14 million for evry job created.
Medicare has denied more people with pre-existing conditions that any private health insurer and has been bilked by fraudulent people to the tune of $60 billion a year.
Social Security when it started was a good thing, but the government has stuck their greedy little fingers into the dish so many times to help pay for pork packages that it will run out by 2025.
One can hardly imagine what this health reform bill will actually cost with millions of people like HP needing the government to run and control their lives.
One more thing to think about Harry, what are those thousands of people who work for those health insurance companies going to do when the government puts them out of business. Go to work for the government? Which in turn will mean less people in the private sector paying those lazy government workers.
How about drawing unemployment for 3 years or more?
Seriously wake you arse up HP. "

Jeremy wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:17 AM:

" A win for the people.....interesting concept.

I think I would rather have cross state portability for coverage that opens up more competition between carriers. Competition will drive down prices and allow the people to have more say in what is best for their families.

I don't think we need a rewrite of the entire health care system. More bureaucracy doesn't drive down prices. It can set artificial prices that drive out competition, which leads to shortage of doctors. The incentive to go to medical school and practice medicine is to make a better life for you and your family. Believe it or not, it might even involve making a profit!!

That aside, I feel that this country should start with smaller reforms that help the good parts of our health care and solutions to the not so good parts.

A complete rewrite of health care is unnecessary. "

Loki813 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 12:03 PM:

" Cognitus so I forgot to put in the (to) sorry still don't like the idea of the goverment having the ability to mess p that like it does everything else it touches, and no I don't believe the moon landing was fake. PS how do you know I drive to Matton you never know I may live in Matton. "

father bob wrote on Oct 30, 2009 12:42 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Oct 29, 2009 7:41 PM:
" Health care will soon be a reality for everyone. We're getting closer by the day. Another loss for the GOP and a win for the people. """""

i'm with ya brother.. "

Cognitus wrote on Oct 30, 2009 1:39 PM:

" Loki813:"why should the public want to or have to use this if thier aren't."

What could I say about this which would say more than just calling it to your attention? "

Loki813 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 3:52 PM:

" Why don't FB, HP, and CG go find and nice quite padded room and start singing (We are the world) and then maybe everthing might be all right in thier little fantasy land they want to live in. "

Danny Boy wrote on Oct 30, 2009 4:11 PM:

" Loki813 wrote:

if you want insurance get a job. "

yeah right..in Mattoon, where? selling pencils at the mall? "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 30, 2009 4:12 PM:

" Medicare has denied more people with pre-existing conditions that any private health insurer and has been bilked by fraudulent people to the tune of $60 billion a year.

Oh really? Get that from from the Faux news channel?

It sounds like someone else has their head up their "arse", warrior. Care to support that outright lie. I'll await your reply.

And by the way are you aware that one of the leading groups opposing reform is being led by a man who ran a corporation that was accused of bilking Medicare out of hundreds of millions of dollars?

Try sticking to the facts next time. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 30, 2009 4:16 PM:

" Loki813 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 3:52 PM:

" Why don't FB, HP, and CG go find and nice quite padded room and start singing (We are the world) and then maybe everthing might be all right in thier little fantasy land they want to live in. "

Just think of us as your friendly neighborhood muckrakers. Sorry you can't handle the truth. "

Loki813 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 4:50 PM:

" HP (so now you quoting movies ok) but you still cant handle the truth that I think you three should be in padded cell some where since you three already live in your own little worlds of make believe. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 30, 2009 5:34 PM:

" Loki813 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 4:50 PM:

" HP (so now you quoting movies ok) but you still cant handle the truth that I think you three should be in padded cell some where since you three already live in your own little worlds of make believe. "

Au contraire, little grasshopper. Truth is a matter of perception at times. Certainly you are entitled to your opinions, just as I am. I don't make it a habit of discouraging anyone from expressing their opinions. If everyone thought alike this site would not be much fun, would it? Not everyone is satisfied with the status quo, as you seem to be.

A better approach for you might to to tell people why you disagree with them, and you might have a bit more credibility, but if your padded room scenario is the best you can do, I can accept that too.

In conclusion, welcome to the zoo... "

Mama says wrote on Oct 30, 2009 5:54 PM:

" I finally 65 and receive medicare A and B. Looking for a prescription drug program like to bankrupt and take all the social security check. SS takes $96 a month. I had to pay $200 just for insulin.

Well I found Medco which now I pay smaller copay and not $720 month on medications. I can stand $1.10 each or $3.20 each if brandname on drugs. "

loki813 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 7:01 PM:

" HP: You know how annoying it is to have cut and paste everything I saw, it shows so little creativity. I never said I was satisfied with the status quo once now did I. So know you want to quote TV and sevties TV at that. Whats funny is you qouted it did you read the reports on how Carridine died just just wondered. I am not here to dedate anyone, just as my name states to cause trouble to anyone I can and when did Mattoon take that nickname from New York I think they want it back. "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 11:29 PM:

" As we have been told over and over again; this plan is not about health care it's about government control.

How else will the lib's be able to pay the Chinese back other than stealing the wealth of all Americans?

Who, in their right mind would sign a contract with a health insurance company that had 1,990 pages in it?

Do Obama-Reid-Pelosi truly believe that we will buy this crap? "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 11:38 PM:

" The question isn't which plan is the best, or if a gov'mt run option is good for the country or who will pay for whatever option is passed.

The question truly is - what is the constitutional authority for it?

In Mark Alexander's article today, he sites 3 instances last week where leading Dems were asked this question - their answers were:

"Are you serious? Are you serious?" replied House Speaker Nancy Pelosi when asked specifically about the constitutional authority for Obama's health care proposal. Pelosi's spokesman later clarified, "You can put this on the record: That is not a serious question. That is not a serious question." (Apparently, there was an echo in the chamber.)

Democrat House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer attempted to answer the question by demonstrating his illimitable ignorance on the subject: "Well, in promoting the general welfare the Constitution obviously gives broad authority to Congress to effect [a mandate that individuals must buy health insurance]. The end that we're trying to effect is to make health care affordable, so I think clearly this is within our constitutional responsibility."

Perhaps Hoyer should take a basic civics course on the "General Welfare" clause in Article 1, Section 8, as written by James Madison. On the limitations of the Constitution, Madison wrote: "I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents..."

We are going to lose this fight eventually - Congress will end up passing something even if they have to change the rules to do it. We must stop asking which plan is good for America, and START DEMANDING Congress show us proof they are constitutionally allowed to do it at all. "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 11:41 PM:

" Absolutely brilliant piece!

All slight of hand, deception, lies, trickery, refusal to listen to opposition, closed doors, hidden mandates, penalties, taxes on medical equipment, paybacks to Unions, not able to opt of public option pg. 92 and 118, etc!

Has anything changed in this health care bill? No! It is just what Obama wanted all along. Abortion coverage, illegal immigrant coverage, End of Life counseling, drastic cuts in medicare, new taxes and penalties, unionization of medical facilities/doctors/clinics if they have thier way,accessibility by the IRS into our bank accounts, government accessibility to all of our health records, etc.

This is only the first step in Obama's quest to fundamentally change America into a Socialistic/Marxist country and it cannot be done without this takeover of our health care industry with the government calling the shots and not our doctors!

Our voices are already being censored by the media who will not discuss any negative events or stories as if they didn't happenexcept for Fox News and soon the Internet, which has been the engine of opposition to Obama's radical changes, will be silenced as well as Conservative talk radio. We know it will be just a matter of time

The transformation of our country has begun already with the vilification of Corporate America, class warfare against the wealthy, takeover of industries who are targeted if they fail to cut deals behind the scenes, government mandates on large industries, long standing anti-trust exemptions threatened!

And this is just the beginning! Wait until Cap and Trade comes into play which is the next on Obama's agenda of transforming America!

Sound like anyone familiar? Can you say Chavez! "

sammy wrote on Oct 30, 2009 11:45 PM:

" By 2-to-1 Margin, American Women Prefer Private Health Insurance Over Government-Run Plan, Poll Finds

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a real eye opener to me! Maybe these women know that the health of their families is at stake because they realize the devastating effects, especially to Seniors, thier parents, when they are most vulnerable and in order to cover 25 year olds and that cutting 500 billion from Medicare will cause rationing while an additional 30 million baby boomers will be coming into the Medicare system!

I agree with these women that they need to take this issue on slowly because with just a few changes and not this huge bureaucracy that the Democrats want in order to control every issue on our health decisions and our lives and coming between our health care and our doctor, a decent health bill can be accomplished without all the mandates, fines, fees, taxes and penalties, paybacks to Unions whose benefits will not be touched, and other provisions that we are not even aware of in this huge health care bill that was written behind closed doors with leader and sub groups in private committee. "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 11:53 PM:

" The Medicare end-of-life planning provision that 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin said was tantamount to 'death panels' for seniors is staying in the latest Democratic health care bill unveiled Thursday.

The provision allows Medicare to pay for voluntary counseling to help beneficiaries deal with the complex and painful decisions families face when a loved one is approaching death.

For years, federal laws and policies have encouraged Americans to think ahead about end-of-life decisions, and make their wishes known in advance through living wills and similar legal documents. But when House Democrats proposed this summer to pay doctors for end-of-life counseling, it touched off a wave of suspicion and anger. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 31, 2009 6:22 AM:

" I think I would rather have cross state portability for coverage that opens up more competition between carriers. Competition will drive down prices and allow the people to have more say in what is best for their families.

I don't disagree with that, in theory anyway. That one seems to have become a GOP talking point, but that doesn't address the issue of some of the practices used in the current system that closes the door to so many, particularly those with pre existing conditions. I recently read that over 60 percent of all personal bankruptcies are the result of medical bills, and a lot of those cases involved people who had insurance. The simple truth is that under the current system the insurance companies are getting away with their practice of not insuring sick people.

The problem, in my mind anyway, is that politicians have been talking about health care for over 50 years and nothing ever gets done. What did the Bush administration do in the area of health care in it's eight years? The answer to that is simple: NOTHING! "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 31, 2009 7:00 AM:

" " Harry Potter never ceases to amaze me. I would just about bet he still lives at home with his parents who control his life, just like he needs his socialist president to help him pay his bills.

Sorry to disappoint you, warrior, but my parents have been deceased for many years now. As far as my bills go, I require no help. I have been successful in my chosen career path and am now in a position of having everything I want or need. I have paid my dues to society, and by perseverance and hard work am now in a comfortable position, particularly financially. I came from a modest background, and have been guided through out my life with the core values of hard work, honesty and being wise with my income that were instilled in me by my parents. I have never relied on unemployment, and in my younger days I worked more than one job to support my family. Unlike so many others, I have no problem with helping the less fortunate. Do you? You sound like a very bitter person, warrior. If you're not satisfied with you lot in life, get off your butt and do something about it. Whining on the Internet will not make life any better for you. The only limitations a person has are those they place upon themselves. "

red,white,blue wrote on Oct 31, 2009 8:46 AM:

" Jeremy, you have it exactly right. I notice HP does not challenge you. AS for Medicare fraud just wondering if some regular poster is denying that it takes place, is rampant and costs us millions if not billions a year? As for all being right with the world once this lousy health care reform passes, is it really because you think it will be better for all or is it all about your thinking that this will be a loss of the GOP? If that's your standard, that says it all.

I believe it will probably pass in some form and will be a loss for the Dims in the long run but, more importantly, it will be a loss for you and me, the average citizen.

For one side of the aisle to be so obviously out of tune with what their constituents are telling them also tells us a lot about what kind of people they are and how they view us. "

red,white,blue wrote on Oct 31, 2009 8:53 AM:

" Heiniken Man: Please list some non-controversial people who have influenced Obama. Besides being tutored and mentored in the 'Chicago way' by all those that involves and the aforementioned Emil Jones and Tony Rezko, there is Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, Saul Alinsky to name a few. And he continues to surround himself with controversial figures in the czars he has named. Those who are avowed Communists and others who admire the mass murderer Mao, not to mention others with controversial ideas. Do you see a pattern here? I certainly do. "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 31, 2009 9:48 AM:

" Observations from
an astute blogger:

Certainly a big improvement over the last administration's lack of transparency.

When Dick Cheney reveals the details of which big-oil executives sat in on, and wrote the Bush administration's energy program then, and only then, will anyone take seriously any complaints by the far-right on this administrations openness. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Oct 31, 2009 1:26 PM:

" if you want insurance get a job. "

yeah right..in Mattoon, where? selling pencils at the mall? "
---------------------

When our respective ancestors got off of the boats on the east coast in ages past a vast majority didn't have 2 pennies to their name...and they made out okay.

But I guess you're part of the "entitlement generation" right where somebody should give you a job, right? "

Harry Potter wrote on Oct 31, 2009 5:18 PM:

" For one side of the aisle to be so obviously out of tune with what their constituents are telling them also tells us a lot about what kind of people they are and how they view us. "

Good point, reddy. Joe Lieberman is going against his constituents with his siding with the Republicans. But that's OK with you, right? Hey you're not one of those teabaggers, are you? "

cedric66 wrote on Oct 31, 2009 10:01 PM:

" By Thomas Sowell
October 27, 2009

Just one year ago, would you have believed that an unelected government official, not even a Cabinet member confirmed by the Senate but simply one of the many "czars" appointed by the President, could arbitrarily cut the pay of executives in private businesses by 50 percent or 90 percent?

Did you think that another "czar" would be talking about restricting talk radio? That there would be plans afloat to subsidize newspapers-- that is, to create a situation where some newspapers' survival would depend on the government liking what they publish?

Did you imagine that anyone would even be talking about having a panel of so-called "experts" deciding who could and could not get life-saving medical treatments? "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 1, 2009 2:06 PM:

" When our respective ancestors got off of the boats on the east coast in ages past a vast majority didn't have 2 pennies to their name...and they made out okay.

It's too bad that those whose ancestors arrived in shackles are still having to struggle to get their share of the pie, Neo. "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 1, 2009 2:13 PM:

" red,white,blue wrote on Oct 31, 2009 8:46 AM:

" Jeremy, you have it exactly right. I notice HP does not challenge you.

No reddy, I don't usually respond to GOP talking points, and that's all they were. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Nov 1, 2009 8:03 PM:

" It's too bad that those whose ancestors arrived in shackles are still having to struggle to get their share of the pie, Neo. "
-----------------------

Yeah you're right. It's too bad the Democrat party takes advantage of them and keeps them shackled to welfare entitlements. "

Mama says wrote on Nov 2, 2009 3:06 AM:

" We received a gel topper to tune of $611 and medicare coverage. A manual wheelchair $899 and just like one from Walgreens for $199. I lookedup on internet for gel toppers and this one is $299 online with $30 shipping. So don't tell me medical supplys don't make money. A motorized wheelchair was $6900, online are $2100 and free shipping. But if have medicare, medicare pays. I think this is where MEDICARE is nutzzzzz. The medical supply bedding sheets are $99 a set, and the Walmarts $19 set fits perfect. A commode from supply much higher and one from local store is $39 up to 250 lbs weight and 400 lb weight one $69.
MEDICARE needs have a budget shopper to save money and stop the over-expenditures. "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 2, 2009 7:45 AM:

" There's a reason most minorities don't vote for the party of old white men, Neo. Probably the same reason a chicken wouldn't vote for Colonel Sanders. "

father bob wrote on Nov 2, 2009 9:57 AM:

" sammy wrote on Oct 30, 2009 11:45 PM:
" By 2-to-1 Margin, American Women Prefer Private Health Insurance Over Government-Run Plan, Poll Finds """""

hmmmm.....interesting, since we don't have a government run plan to compare to.

unless they passed it and put it into place last night while we were all sleeping......so what is it sammy??? "

father bob wrote on Nov 2, 2009 10:02 AM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Nov 2, 2009 7:45 AM:
" There's a reason most minorities don't vote for the party of old white men, Neo. Probably the same reason a chicken wouldn't vote for Colonel Sanders. """""

has anyone bothered to look at the red states and where most of them lay geographically? that in itself speaks volumes. why would any minority vote for a party that represents the absolute worst of our american culture? "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 2, 2009 12:51 PM:

" has anyone bothered to look at the red states and where most of them lay geographically? that in itself speaks volumes. why would any minority vote for a party that represents the absolute worst of our american culture? "

And to add insult to injury, guess which states get more back from the fed than they pay in? That was a rhetorical question for you fb, because unlike our right wing friends on here, I know that you know the answer. "

Jeremy wrote on Nov 2, 2009 3:10 PM:

" HP - "No reddy, I don't usually respond to GOP talking points, and that's all they were. "

What is wrong with fixing just the broken parts of health care and leaving the successful parts alone?

That would be like going in to the dentist to get one tooth pulled and the dentist pulling all of your teeth.

I don't think this country needs a full set of dentures when we can just fix the problem tooth.

You can call it talking points if you wish. Doesn't make them any less correct. "

Texas T wrote on Nov 2, 2009 5:14 PM:

" Loki813 wrote on Oct 30, 2009 12:03 PM:

" PS how do you know I drive to Matton you never know I may live in Matton. "

Loki813, we know you don't live in Mattoon because if you did you would not misspell it. :) LOL "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 2, 2009 5:23 PM:

" What is wrong with fixing just the broken parts of health care and leaving the successful parts alone?

The problem is that the whole system is broken, Jeremy.

Insurance companies routinely reject people that they think will not be profitable. Horror stories abound, such as denying coverage for babies that are too fat, and rape victims for example.

People with preexisting conditions are left out in the cold. Is that fair?

Insurance clerks are making decisions on what medicine and treatment types our doctors can do for their patients.

After years of Republican leadership nothing has been done. Of course now the Republicans are yelling we have a plan. Where have they been all the time the costs have been spiraling out of control.

It's impossible to have a public debate when the opposition is telling out and out lies over such rediculous things as "death panels".

Left unchecked, insurance companies will continue to drive up the costs of health care. It's already out of the reach of millions of people.

Over 60 percent of the bankruptcies are due to medical bills. Should sick people lose everything just because they get sick?

Yes, allowing people to purchase health insurance across state lines would help, but it won't address the unscrupulous actions of the insurance companies.

Considering the small percentage of costs from lawsuits, the issue of tort reform seems like a red herring to me too. Doctors are forced to pay just as high of premiums in states that have enacted cap limits on law suits. That would seem to negate the idea of blaming the high costs on malpractice insurance.

So far, those two ideas seem to amount to the only thing the Republican party has come up with.

There is a reason the the health care industry is spending 1.6 million dollars per day in their attack of any sort of reform.

The old adage if it ain't broke don't fix it does not apply here, in spite of what's being claimed by those in opposition to real health care reform.

In summary, we have the greatest doctors and hospitals in the world, and there are a lot of people who would like to see everyone have the same opportunity that those of us who are fortunate to have good coverage have. "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 3, 2009 6:53 AM:

" Republicans are preparing to unveil their own health bill in the next few days. Minority Leader John Boehner (R., Ohio) said Monday that the plan wouldn't seek to prevent health-insurance companies from denying sick people insurance -- a key plank of the Democrats' legislation.
Wall Street Journal-

Sounds like the insurance companies wrote the Republican alternative bill. Figures... "

Jeremy wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:03 AM:

" Employers choose what benefits are payable by the insurance plan. The insurance plan administers what the employer wants. Employers have to make these tough choices when setting up insurance for their employees.

Insurance is available for high-risk individuals. For example THIP (Texas Health Insurance Pool)in Texas and Hallmark in Illinois. By spreading the cost of high risk insurance across the pool, it lowers cost for the individual.

Private Health Insurance are not making the large profits you think they are. I have spoken to individuals who work for the largest NIO (non investor owned) insurance company in the US and have verified this fact to me. The loss of jobs has created fewer individuals to insure. That is less people to spread the administrative cost to, so costs go higher.

Setting policy criteria for when and what procedures are available without individual consideration could be deemed like a death panel. Policy makers are taking the decision out of the doctor and patients hands. I am not sure I agree with the term though.

Insurance companies are already one of the most regulated and scrutinized businesses in the country. You are showing your ignorance of the industry.

The though of TORT reform scares the democratic party. Lawyers are where most of their money comes from.

Yes, there is a reason the Health Care industry is spending money to get their point across to congress. It is the only way congress will listen.

I think we see reform differently HP. I see it as fixing the bad parts and you see it as rewriting policy for the entire industry. Seems heavy handed and unnecessary to me.

If our government forces the health care reform you seek, HP, no one will have great health care. "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 3, 2009 10:34 AM:

" I think we see reform differently HP. I see it as fixing the bad parts and you see it as rewriting policy for the entire industry. Seems heavy handed and unnecessary to me.

You're right about seeing it differently, Jeremy. Obviously I'm not going to change your mind nor will you change mine. I guess we will just have to agree to disagree, and let it go at that. It would be a waste of our
time to continue arguing the issue. I respect your views, but simply disagree with them. "

Hound Dog wrote on Nov 3, 2009 10:35 AM:

" Seems a shame the Democrats are so afraid of putting Tort Reform into one of their bills. We know they get a lot of money from the trial lawyers, but in order to reduce costs, some malpractice restraint needs to be included. Employers "pooling" employees can reduce costs too, and buying across state lines will help. All this adds nothing to the cost. Pelosi's boondoggle is about 1.2 to 1.5 Trillion dollars. No way, Jose. "

The Question wrote on Nov 3, 2009 12:28 PM:

" "Tort reform" is a red herring designed to keep you off the scent of the billions insurance companies accumulate by taking your health care dollars and then denying you health care. "Tort reform" won't touch those misspent, lost billions - but it will make sure people who are killed or maimed by medical malpractice don't get any justice. "

ben of 101739 wrote on Nov 3, 2009 2:25 PM:

" their are three people in the equation that make the the whole thing wrong,

1. obama (or nobama bin laden)
2. nancy pelosi
3. harry reid

and for a supplementery reason, all the people out there that think obama can walk on water, such as you harry potter.

ben "

Bernie wrote on Nov 3, 2009 3:04 PM:

" Everyone should have access to the same treatment if they are sick, just like in every other civilized country on Earth except ours. Period.

"Of all forms of injustice, inequality in health care is by far the most shocking and inhumane." Martin Luther King "

sammy wrote on Nov 3, 2009 3:18 PM:

" Yep. My Senator called Osamabama out on his ever enlarging hit-list comparing what he is doing to what Nixon did - only worse! LOL! You know that made him crazy and probably earned Sen. Alexander a place on the hit-list.

The thugocracy has a lot to hide and they are unable to do so as long as someone is reporting exactly what they do with a blow by blow description. Since they are currently unable to operate in the shadows they are now trying to silence those who expose them for what they really are.

Now they are looking at subsidizing out of touch and out of money newpapers (using of course your tax dollars); they planning their takeover of the interent, under the guise of net neutrality (a new way to tax you); and then they want to destroy talk radio by requiring localism (letting ACORN take over radio stations).

However, we still have our First amendment rights. And try as they will, they can't shut us up. Oh, they may make it difficult to communicate but I have no fear we can overcome such communist tactics with good ol' American know how and resourcefulness.

Perhaps we could start planning for Radio Free America (see the movie Pirate Radio). Heck yeah, a big ship just outside of international waters on the east coast and one on the west coast, then a big tower in Canada and one in Mexico, or even another ship in the gulf -as long as there is enough wattage Radio Free America could cover the entire country. That would make them insane.

Anyone with some tech skills should be able to develop an independent ISP that the government cannot control.

Start thinking of all the ways we can fight this Obama Fascism. This could be fun! "

father bob wrote on Nov 3, 2009 4:50 PM:

" sammy wrote on Nov 3, 2009 3:18 PM:
" Start thinking of all the ways we can fight this Obama Fascism. This could be fun! """"""

wow!.....your brain is completely mush. lay off the glenn beck and get out and get some fresh air. "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 3, 2009 7:06 PM:

" Everyone should have access to the same treatment if they are sick, just like in every other civilized country on Earth except ours. Period.

By far the best comment on this issue. "

Traveling Circus wrote on Nov 3, 2009 9:59 PM:

" Wow Sammy, you really have drunk deep of the loser cable installer Beck and the druggie liar Limbaugh.

Take a deep breath. Open yourself up to listening to stuff other than the garbage that Faux News (that's Fox no-News, in case you can't interpret) to get the FACTS.

Even Fox admits that most of the programming is ENTERTAINMENT. The only "news" is on from 6-8 pm. And guess what? The "news" guys quote "people are saying" as fact - and guess who those "people" are? The idiot talking heads that they have spewing their own vitriolic hatred over the airwaves.

Not one darn thing you said was correct. For goodness sakes, get a backbone and get information from somewhere else other than Fox. "

jrhendren wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:35 AM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Nov 3, 2009 7:06 PM:
" Everyone should have access to the same treatment if they are sick, just like in every other civilized country on Earth except ours. Period.

By far the best comment on this issue. "

Harry I agree all deserve to be treated when sick. My question to you is do you think someone who has never smoked, should pay the same as the person who smoked for years and now has lung cancer? How about the guy who has drank his liver away, should he get the same as the person who took care of themselves? That is my problem, the almost concept of not making anyone liable for their own actions. I would like your honest opinion on the matter. No names, or crap like that, just your honest opinion. Does the person who took care of themselves deserve to pay the same as the one who didn't? "

JWT wrote on Nov 4, 2009 6:29 AM:

" What does Obama have to gain from giving us healh care?
What do Republicans have to gain by siding with insurance companys? Campaign contributions. "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 4, 2009 6:55 AM:

" Acorn taking over the radios stations?

Wow, another mission for Orly Taitz.

I'm sure she can find some fake documentation for that too.

Thanks for some good laughs this morning, sammy. "

shumphreys wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:05 AM:

" Mr. Hendren Health Insurance isn't an award for "good" behavior. It is a necessity, a right in this complex world we live in. Haveing everyone covered is to my benefit in more ways than one. "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 4, 2009 10:45 AM:

" Harry I agree all deserve to be treated when sick. My question to you is do you think someone who has never smoked, should pay the same as the person who smoked for years and now has lung cancer? How about the guy who has drank his liver away, should he get the same as the person who took care of themselves? That is my problem, the almost concept of not making anyone liable for their own actions. I would like your honest opinion on the matter. No names, or crap like that, just your honest opinion. Does the person who took care of themselves deserve to pay the same as the one who didn't? "

The bottom line is that we are paying for those that don't live a healthy life style now, jr. So what are you suggesting? How about those that live on the type of crap McDonald's puts out and other junk food? How about people that are grossly obese? There are those that argue poor eating is just as much of a health problem as smoking and drinking. Where would you draw the line? I assume that you neither smoke or drink excessively, so is your insurance company rewarding you for that? Of course they aren't and they never will. In theory, I agree with you, but that is not going to happen, regardless of how this issue plays out.

Just think of how much money we could save if the uninsurable didn't have to use the ER's for primary care. In order for the hospitals not to go broke, they are passing those costs off to the rest of us, and it reflects in our having to pay higher insurance rates.

The bottom line is that we are the ONLY developed country in the world that doesn't insure the health of all it's citizens, and I'm not satisfied with that, surely you're not.

Your point about people not taking responsibility for them self is right, but that problem is not just limited to this issue.

And hey, what was that bit about no names or crap like that? lol! "

lostinbago wrote on Nov 4, 2009 2:55 PM:

" Warrior on Oct. 30th offered some factums.
"Here's the picture HP and try to keep up.
Cash for Clunkers cost us taxpayers $24,000 for each car bought.
The $700 billion stimulus package that was suppose to create 3 million jobs, actually only created 50,000, which ended up costing us taxpayers $14 million for evry job created.
Medicare has denied more people with pre-existing conditions that any private health insurer and has been bilked by fraudulent people to the tune of $60 billion a year."

I would appreciate knowing the sources of them. "

jrhendren wrote on Nov 4, 2009 3:04 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Nov 4, 2009 10:45 AM:
" Harry I agree all deserve to be treated when sick. My question to you is do you think someone who has never smoked, should pay the same as the person who smoked for years and now has lung cancer? How about the guy who has drank his liver away, should he get the same as the person who took care of themselves? That is my problem, the almost concept of not making anyone liable for their own actions. I would like your honest opinion on the matter. No names, or crap like that, just your honest opinion. Does the person who took care of themselves deserve to pay the same as the one who didn't? "

The bottom line is that we are paying for those that don't live a healthy life style now, jr. So what are you suggesting? How about those that live on the type of crap McDonald's puts out and other junk food? How about people that are grossly obese? There are those that argue poor eating is just as much of a health problem as smoking and drinking. Where would you draw the line? I assume that you neither smoke or drink excessively, so is your insurance company rewarding you for that? Of course they aren't and they never will. In theory, I agree with you, but that is not going to happen, regardless of how this issue plays out.

Actually they do reward us for good health, and good health habits. Which is something I believe should happen. That is partly why I believe there should be differing rates.
________________________________________

Just think of how much money we could save if the uninsurable didn't have to use the ER's for primary care. In order for the hospitals not to go broke, they are passing those costs off to the rest of us, and it reflects in our having to pay higher insurance rates.

I agree, something does need to be done regarding this. Health care does need reformed.
________________________________________

The bottom line is that we are the ONLY developed country in the world that doesn't insure the health of all it's citizens, and I'm not satisfied with that, surely you're not.

No I am not, I just do not like the idea of the government being in control of one more of its citizens lives. I have great health care, something I have never had at this level. With a "public option", my health care could diminish because it would be cheaper to go with the government for the company. Why would any company take a huge amount out of its profits, when the government offers it free? That is my fear, one I believe is legitimate. One I have heard no good answer to.
________________________________________

Your point about people not taking responsibility for them self is right, but that problem is not just limited to this issue.

Absolutely, I have seen in other posts are agreement on that.
________________________________________

And hey, what was that bit about no names or crap like that? lol! "

I did not necessarily believe you would go there. The comment was to try and show my sincerity in the question. That I wanted an honest opinion, not how some on here do and just want an argument. I figured with you giving your honest opinion, and me mine, maybe it could help someone with the same questions. Who knows maybe someone in Congress will see that two people can be on the differing sides of and issue and still be civil to one another. LOL!!! Like that will ever happen on Capital Hill. "

jrhendren wrote on Nov 4, 2009 3:06 PM:

" shumphreys wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:05 AM:
" Mr. Hendren Health Insurance isn't an award for "good" behavior. It is a necessity, a right in this complex world we live in. Haveing everyone covered is to my benefit in more ways than one. "

Maybe you missed my first sentence, "Harry I agree all deserve to be treated when sick.". It is not a matter of an award, but fairness, something you say you are always for. Read the entire post and maybe you will see that, or are you one who just wants to argue and not solve issues? "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:24 PM:

" I'm still waiting to hear about Medicare denying coverage for pre-existing conditions, warrior.

I think you're a bit like Martha aka red,white,blue in that when the questions get tough, you run and hide. "

ed miller wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:33 PM:

" Wow, haven't got to check in much since I am deployed overseas again. I see Harry's still on his holy war against FOX news. BTW, what's Sarah Palin up to lately? lol! "

shumphreys wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:49 PM:

" What is your definition of "fairness" Mr. Hendren? Is it getting what one deserves? Isn't that rewarding good behavior and punishing bad behavior? Which is what your example is about, the virtuous non-smoker and non-drinker deserves better treatment than the non-virtuous smoker and drinker. I see fairness as equal opportunity? "

jrhendren wrote on Nov 5, 2009 12:51 AM:

" shumphreys wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:49 PM:
" What is your definition of "fairness" Mr. Hendren? Is it getting what one deserves? Isn't that rewarding good behavior and punishing bad behavior? Which is what your example is about, the virtuous non-smoker and non-drinker deserves better treatment than the non-virtuous smoker and drinker. I see fairness as equal opportunity? "

It is not like your definition of "fairness" which is "Even though you work for a living, and take care of yourself we are going to give part of yours to those who didn't". Which is what you have said in your post. To think the person who willfully behaved bad deserves the same as the person who worked hard and behaved good deserves the same is ignorant. Anyone want to guess if Susan is a smoker and a drinker? Your logic is so out there. You really do believe in "share the wealth", no matter if you worked for it or not. What a socialistic idea you have.
I believe that everyone deserves to have the same medical coverage, I do not believe that if I never use it I should have to pay the same as the man who is slowly killing himself and in the hospital every other day. "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 5, 2009 5:49 AM:

" ed miller wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:33 PM:

" Wow, haven't got to check in much since I am deployed overseas again. I see Harry's still on his holy war against FOX news. BTW, what's Sarah Palin up to lately? lol! "

She's doing just what she said she would do when she quit being governor half way through her term, eddie. She promised to help people elected to office, and so far she's 0 for 1 with that brilliant idea. She sold a ghost written book for a lot of money, and was being discounted even before it came out. She bombed on the lecture circuit. She demanded a hundred thousand dollar fee to speak to a group of conservatives in Iowa. She's involved in a war of words with the guy who got her teenage daughter pregnant. She's lined up a bunch of talk show gigs and of course she's staying away from any place that might ask her tough questions, you know the type like what books have you read lately. For guaranteed softball questions, she going to be on Fox Opinion news. After embarrassing herself with incorrect and uninformed statements about health care reform, she's not talking about that issue anymore. Lastly, rumor has it that she will be guest hosting the Jerry Springer show. "

shumphreys wrote on Nov 5, 2009 7:48 AM:

" What do you not understand about fairness as equal opportunity Mr. Hendren? That seems pretty straightforward to me. Do you drive on public roads Mr. Hendren? Do you expect to have safe drugs when you need them? Do you want to be able to buy groceries and have some assurance that the food you buy will be safe to eat? The federal government steps in to insure the public safety and access in regards to road systems, drug supplies and the food we eat and they tax us to cover the cost, to spread the cost among all consumers. Health care is just another area of public safety that the federal government has no choice but to get involved in to insure equal opportunity to access health care and insurance for ALL. "

shumphreys wrote on Nov 5, 2009 7:56 AM:

" Here I always thought that helping those in need, those who are less fortunate was one of those key "Christian values" and one of those "founding principles" that many writers on these pages think we should go back to. GOOD people will find in the Bible and use their religion to do good things (to help make the world a better place for ALL people), BAD people will find in the Bible and use their religion to justify and sanctify their actions. Once again Mr. Hendren has shown us what kind of a Christian and a person he is. "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 5, 2009 7:59 AM:

" Some definitions of Sarah "Going Rogue" Palin for my friend ed miller:

noun 1. a dishonest, knavish person; scoundrel.
2. a playfully mischievous person; scamp: The youngest boys are little rogues.
3. a tramp or vagabond.
4. a rogue elephant or other animal of similar disposition.
5. Biology. a usually inferior organism, esp. a plant, varying markedly from the normal.

verb (used without object) 6. to live or act as a rogue.

verb (used with object) 7. to cheat.
8. to uproot or destroy (plants, etc., that do not conform to a desired standard).
9. to perform this operation upon: to rogue a field.

adjective 10. (of an animal) having an abnormally savage or unpredictable disposition, as a rogue elephant.
11. no longer obedient, belonging, or accepted and hence not controllable or answerable; deviating, renegade: a rogue cop; a rogue union local. "

Jon Vanatta wrote on Nov 5, 2009 8:12 AM:

" Harry that 0 for 1 record of helping people get elected is considerably better than Obama's "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:00 AM:

" Harry that 0 for 1 record of helping people get elected is considerably better than Obama's "

Oh really? I believe he sent Biden to campaign for both of the congressional seats up for grabs (California and New York). So wouldn't that be 2 of 4?

And hey Jon, why did you ignore the rest of my message? Perhaps you agreed with it, huh? "

Loki813 wrote on Nov 5, 2009 4:32 PM:

" Loki813, we know you don't live in Mattoon because if you did you would not misspell it. :) LOL " in a way this is correct TexasT I don't live there now but I did grew up there and I graduate from MHS class of "90" and still have family there as well. PS.Would have posted this earlier TexasT but haven't had a chance to read the posts till now. "

jrhendren wrote on Nov 6, 2009 12:44 AM:

" shumphreys wrote on Nov 5, 2009 7:48 AM:
" What do you not understand about fairness as equal opportunity Mr. Hendren? That seems pretty straightforward to me. Do you drive on public roads Mr. Hendren? Do you expect to have safe drugs when you need them? Do you want to be able to buy groceries and have some assurance that the food you buy will be safe to eat? The federal government steps in to insure the public safety and access in regards to road systems, drug supplies and the food we eat and they tax us to cover the cost, to spread the cost among all consumers.

Yes, but different states tax different for roads their is not a set tax for all. Also, the worse your driving record the more you pay for insurance. Drug supplies can be gotten in different ways, ie. name brand or generic, not only one choice. Groceries you can choose the store and what kind of foods you want to eat, not only what is given you. In all cases you choose what you spend. Each individual get the freedom to choice, not told what they have to take.
________________________________________

Health care is just another area of public safety that the federal government has no choice but to get involved in to insure equal opportunity to access health care and insurance for ALL. "

I have not said that noting needs to be done. I have said the complete opposite. What I am saying is I don't want the government choosing for me and my family what they believe is best. They are not the best ones at choosing for people, just look at the past centuries.
________________________________________

shumphreys wrote on Nov 5, 2009 7:56 AM:
" Here I always thought that helping those in need, those who are less fortunate was one of those key "Christian values" and one of those "founding principles" that many writers on these pages think we should go back to. GOOD people will find in the Bible and use their religion to do good things (to help make the world a better place for ALL people), BAD people will find in the Bible and use their religion to justify and sanctify their actions. Once again Mr. Hendren has shown us what kind of a Christian and a person he is. "

Nice try on turning this into a religious post against me as you try and fail so many times. Even in the Scriptures those that did wrong had to "pay the piper" eventually. To believe that bad behavior, and self destruction of oneself should be awarded is ignorant. To think that a person who tries to do good to themselves should be punished if ignorant. When my children mind and do as they should they are rewarded. When they do wrong the are punished. You would have it, "reward them no matter what they do". Heck, by your logic if you were on a murder jury you would have the victims family pay for the guilty parties court costs if you could. It is all a matter of fairness, something you supposedly stand for. Problem is your definition of fairness is "take from the one who earned what they have, and give to those that have not earned". As for Health Care all deserve the best Health Care, but not in a "you can have this only" way. That is what I am afraid will happen with a government option. "

Hound Dog wrote on Nov 6, 2009 6:25 AM:

" Tort Reform is missing from Pelosi's bill, along with many other things. Hope and pray this fails this weekend with her rush, rush mentality.
DanaWalshforcongress.com is running to take Pelosi's worn out House seat, and hope she wins. We (most of Americans) are tired of Pelosi's lack of governing, and her dictatorship. "

shumphreys wrote on Nov 6, 2009 10:46 AM:

" Health care and Health Insurance is not about rewarding bad behavior Mr. Hendren. It is about public health and public safety. Your federal taxes pay for public highways (whether you use them or not), your federal taxes pay for regulators that govern health and safety issues from cars (whether you drive or not) to medicine bottles (whether you use medicines or not), to childrens sleep ware (whether you have children or not), to....... I don't have children but I pay school taxes. It is the business of the federal government to "promote the general welfare" and to see that no one is discriminated against for any reason. "

shumphreys wrote on Nov 6, 2009 10:50 AM:

" Quite honestly this "isn't fair" argument is something I'd expect from a grade school child. You should have grown up and matured by now Mr. Hendren. People shouldn't expect to be rewarded for "good" behavior they should just behave in a goodly fashion because it is the right thing to do. AND this desire to punish those whom you disaprove of, that really is juvenile. I suspect that is what is really behind the concept of "rapture", getting even with those who you feel slight you because they don't believe what you believe, or don't behave as you think they should behave. Grow up. "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 6, 2009 6:06 PM:

" DanaWalshforcongress.com is running to take Pelosi's worn out House seat, and hope she wins. We (most of Americans) are tired of Pelosi's lack of governing, and her dictatorship.

Who's we, the 20 percent who are willing to admit to being Republican? Sorry Snoopy, but the people of her district will decide her fate, and what you, or me for that matter, think doesn't mean squat. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:43 PM:

" HEADLINE: Immigration may threaten health vote

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/66649-immigration-threatens-vote

The illegal immigration issue is emerging as the biggest threat to passing healthcare reform in the House.

Congressional Hispanics have threatened to vote against the bill because of a last-minute threat from within the Democratic Caucus to bolster the House bills immigration restrictions to match those included in the Senate Finance bill. "

jrhendren wrote on Nov 6, 2009 11:39 PM:

" shumphreys wrote on Nov 6, 2009 10:46 AM:
" Health care and Health Insurance is not about rewarding bad behavior Mr. Hendren. It is about public health and public safety. Your federal taxes pay for public highways (whether you use them or not), your federal taxes pay for regulators that govern health and safety issues from cars (whether you drive or not) to medicine bottles (whether you use medicines or not), to childrens sleep ware (whether you have children or not), to....... I don't have children but I pay school taxes. It is the business of the federal government to "promote the general welfare" and to see that no one is discriminated against for any reason. "

I agree, but their is a difference in the government overseeing, as is done in your above examples, and running the program. I have said it once and will again, maybe this time you will get it. Something does need to be done with the Health Care system. However, I'm don't think the Government is the best ones to run it.
________________________________________

shumphreys wrote on Nov 6, 2009 10:50 AM:
" Quite honestly this "isn't fair" argument is something I'd expect from a grade school child. You should have grown up and matured by now Mr. Hendren.

That is your stand point. You are the one who says it's not fair. You are the one saying all should have the same no matter what.
________________________________________

People shouldn't expect to be rewarded for "good" behavior they should just behave in a goodly fashion because it is the right thing to do. AND this desire to punish those whom you disaprove of, that really is juvenile.

Wait, so now believing everyone should strive to be their best is punishment? How is believing the person who knowingly hurts themselves should still be allowed health care, but should not pay the same as the person not using it punishment? You really can't see the trees for the forest can you?
________________________________________

I suspect that is what is really behind the concept of "rapture", getting even with those who you feel slight you because they don't believe what you believe, or don't behave as you think they should behave. Grow up. "

****(Notice it is Susan again, not me trying to make this a religious thing.)

You really ought to know what you are speaking about before you speak. The concept of the Rapture has nothing to do with getting back at people, or even Health Care. I need to grow up you say. LOL!!! You are the one sounding more like my youngest when he is losing an argument with his friend. You know the whole, "Shut up stupid head." LOL!!!!
I can actually see Susan doing that on here. LOL!!!
Of course, even though you believe he should be rewarded, he does get punished for being rude to his friends. He is being taught respect for others, something some on here have never learned. "

The Question wrote on Nov 7, 2009 10:06 AM:

" Republican Rep. Peter King told MSNBC that health care is "not a major issue among the American people." And Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx held a press conference to gray, "There are no Americans who don't have health care."
Republicans. Are they lunatics, or just bald-faced liars? Or are they BOTH? "

Harry Potter wrote on Nov 7, 2009 11:28 AM:

" Will health care reform get passed today? Hang on folks, it's coming. "

father bob wrote on Nov 7, 2009 3:36 PM:

" yadda yadda yadda.....more blaming the pushback of health reform on minorities. what a load of crap that is!

the pushback has been those, mainly republicans, who are getting their pockets lined by big business.

GOP dirty trick # 1. when all else fails blame the minorities. "

Hound Dog wrote on Nov 9, 2009 6:26 AM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Nov 7, 2009 11:28 AM:

" Will health care reform get passed today? Hang on folks, it's coming. "

Don't get too carried away, H.P. as the excitement will be short-lived. All the praise for Pelosi is funny, as I doubt she had even read the monster bill. Bills should be under 100 pages long, and actually readable for the congress and public. America, we can do better. "

jrhendren wrote on Nov 9, 2009 11:49 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Nov 7, 2009 11:28 AM:
" Will health care reform get passed today? Hang on folks, it's coming. "

That's right Harry. The American public spoke and the House said who cares what you want. We know better. Next election it's coming alright. "

Trashman wrote on Dec 15, 2009 1:21 AM:

" Here is what is wrong with it:
According to a compendium making the rounds of the internet out of the 535 members of Congress: 36 have been accused of spousal abuse; 19 have been accused of writing bad checks; 21 are defendants in lawsuits; 117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least two businesses; 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit; 3 have done time for assault, 7 have been arrested for fraud, 8 for shoplifting, 14 for drug-related charges, and 84 for drunk driving (in the past year alone).
Having said that, Congress really is the best at a few things: 1) stealing from those who work; 2) lying about it when challenged; 3) winning election; 4) winning re-election by spreading stolen pork.
Washington D.C. and the two party machines have been corrupt for generations. Congress pulls in $3,600,000,000,000 annually; defrauds and intimidates the productive sector, then feeds and enlarges the parasite sector (rich and poor) that gets it re-elected. "