GOP pre-buts Obama speech

Posted: Monday, June 15, 2009 11:56 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: White House, Republicans, Economy, Barack Obama

In a pre-buttal to President Obama's speech today before the American Medical Association, Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) -- a non-practicing orthopedic surgeon who's attending the AMA conference -- criticized the president's support for a public/government option that would compete with private health insurance.

"The content of the speech will be looked at with some suspicion and concern," the congressman said on a conference call sponsored by the Republican National Committee.

According to Price and other GOP critics, such a government "takeover" would crowd out private insurers and compel Americans to sign up for government-run health insurance.

Video: Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wy.) expresses his concern with Obama's healthcare reform proposals.

In the Q&A session, Price admitted that there is no legislative language yet for the public/government option. But he said that any plan that introduces the federal government into the equation will crowd out private companies.

However, moderate Democratic senators -- like Kent Conrad (D-ND) -- are floating compromise solutions that would prevent a public entity from crowding out private insurers.

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Comments

Looking at the picture of President GHW Bush sailing through the air - I can't help but think of Mel Brooks, who said - If God wanted us to fly, he would have given us tickets.

Lol.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:04 PM)

In a pre-buttal to President Obama's speech today before the American Medical Association, Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) -- a non-practicing orthopedic surgeon who's attending the AMA conference -- criticized the president's support for a public/government option that would compete with private health insurance.

My point excatly...Price has some nerve. He made a s*** load when he was practicing. He was an orthopedic surgeon. "Surgeon" is the key word here, someone should pull his old billing records to see how much he hauled in by padding his billing. People it is folks like him that make a fortune from private insurance companies, drug manufactures and Medicare.

The only way that they can rape Medicaid is through surgical billing. What a bunch of losers.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:07 PM)

Obama's plan to nationalize health will absolutely kill the economy. The economy will not be able to absorb the hit it takes to pay the taxes to support this massive white elephant.

J. Wright, Kendall, Texas (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:07 PM)

How many Repukes are tied to the health/health insurance/drug industries? This information would be great to know to understand why those idiots are so opposed to health coverage for ALL Amercians! I propose we the people strip Congress of their right to health coverage for LIFE!

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:09 PM)

Kent Conrad is either an idiot or a liar. This so-called 'non-profit co op' would take taxpayer funds to start up, need additional taxpayer funds to stay in business, and require taxes on private health care programs just to keep afloat-all while charging less than what is necessary and paying doctors and hospitals less than they charge, which will drive up the costs of private health care programs.

It is the camel's nose under the tent. When it goes broke in five or ten years, the only option will be a government single payor program.

If he REALLY wanted to make insurane more accessible, he would propose legislation allowing chambers of commerce throughout the nation to form groups for health insurane, and opening up local municipalities' plans to residents of those towns.

Unfortunately, this idea would not provide jobs for bureaucrats, so it is a non-starter for demorats.

no joe, no bo,nj (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:09 PM)

"According to Price and other GOP critics, such a government "takeover" would crowd out private insurers and compel Americans to sign up for government-run health insurance. "
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If private insurers cannot do what they are being paid to do, then they should be "crowded out".

This is not about the private insurers, this is about a healthcare system built to protect profits instead of people.

What about the millions of people who have been "crowded out" of having any healthcare at all?

The health insurance industry has had YEARS to address this problem, and they HAVE NOT.

So now, OUR government will protect US from the FOR PROFIT HEALTH RATIONING industry.

Isn't that what government is for?

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:11 PM)

"According to Price and other GOP critics, such a government "takeover" would crowd out private insurers and compel Americans to sign up for government-run health insurance."

Ummm... yes, DUH, that's exactly the idea!!

The health insurance companies are actually EXEMPT from anti-competitive laws. They can collude, they can price fix, and there's NO LEGAL RECOURSE for the consumer.

PLUS, there's 47 million Americans uninsured. And even if you CAN afford it, does paying $12,000 a year for coverage that you may never use sound like a really good deal to you? If you make minimum wage, and worked full-time for a year, you STILL couldn't afford to pay that (never mind eating or having a roof over your head!). My auto and homeonwners insurance - COMBINED - comes to less than 1/10 what health insurance costs for a year.

Oh, and where is this brilliant Congressman's alternative to help struggling businesses and consumers find affordable health coverage? What is his genius plan to cover the 47 million uninsured? "Get a job?" Ha! Small employers are DROPPING health insurance!! What is his rocket scientist idea for ensuring that unemployed Americans still have access to health care? Part time workers?

Ask seniors if they like how Medicare works. It consistently gets HUGELY positive responses. And, unlike insurance companies, it has low overhead costs. (Amazing, the government DOES do some things for less money and more efficiently than the private market!)

I fail to see what the problem is with a government option, except that lobbyists for insurance companies are putting fat checks in these guys' hands for re-election campaigns. (Oh yes, and the far-right wingnut ideological bent too.) Cause the far right has never put out ONE good idea for covering those who are presently uninsured. (McCain's "$5000 tax credit" idea was DOA - that wouldn't cover half of what actual premium costs are for anything resembling comprehensive coverage. )

Jose Von Hussein - The United States of America (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:13 PM)

FR >> In the Q&A session, Price admitted that there is no legislative language yet for the public/government option. But he said that any plan that introduces the federal government into the equation will crowd out private companies <<

Well imagine that? A Q&A session. You don't see that with the Democrats. They have yet to have to defend their positions for the government takeover of the health care industy. Same thing today, Obama will lecture the AMA, and the media will frame any AMA response as it being a "medical lobbying group", while Obama is left off the hook as being an "advocate for change". Yeah, change alright. The change is tht all of America will be bankrupt.

George, New Jersey (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:13 PM)

Whatever it is, the GOP IS AGAINST IT ??

Without a Government/Public option
HOW DO YOU LOWER MEDICAL COSTS ??

That's basically why the AMA opposed the public option
They don't want doctor payments LOWERED

But, the AMA has ALWAYS OPPOSED Health care for the public

They opposed proposals from FDR and Harry Truman to Medicare and Medicaid to the Clinton proposals to Obama's proposals

The Question is: Without the Public Option, HOW DO YOU LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS ??

We ALL have to sacrifice
We ALL Have to do our part
The AMA DOESN'T WANT TO

HOW ELSE DO YOU CONTAIN OR LOWER COSTS ??

MSierra, SF (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:13 PM)

Bobbie T., Mobile AL (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:15 PM)

As soon as someone uses the term government "takeover" it is clear that he/she is using the talking points provided by the right. There is no interest in a rational debate to produce something the people want and that would be good for the country. Rather, the fight is to keep the status quo and maintain the wealth of those who've grown rich from our existing health care system. How shameful.

BOQ, Dania, FL (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:15 PM)

It is facinating why someone would want to pre-butt a speech that hasn't been given. It looks like President Obama will have the last word.

I don't believe the AMA speaks for all physicians. Last month I was talking to my own doctor and he(a republican) was saying the system surely is broken. He is wishing for reform.

BTW, Notice that we are less than 200 days into this administration and Congress is dealing with healthcare. Why so early? Much of it will be in place by 2012. When you don't have a leader and no ideas, you lose...again.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:18 PM)

My point excatly...Price has some nerve. He made a s*** load when he was practicing. He was an orthopedic surgeon. "Surgeon" is the key word here, someone should pull his old billing records to see how much he hauled in by padding his billing. People it is folks like him that make a fortune from private insurance companies, drug manufactures and Medicare.

The only way that they can rape Medicaid is through surgical billing. What a bunch of losers.
Anita, Birmingham, Alabama

Wow, how bitter can one person get? A man dedicates his life to the profession and you're throwing rotton tomatoes at him. God forbid you ever need a orthopedic surgeon of Prices' caliber once Obama prices the best people out of existence, and then you have to depend on some hack named Dr. Nick.

Bart Simpson, Springfield (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:18 PM)

Alan, NJ (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:19 PM)

If Rep. Price has credibility as a physician, perhaps he could offer suggestions on how best to give everyone access to affordable health care. He is apparently only looking at the issue as one of "loss of private insurers." Why, as a physician, would this be a loss? would it be only a personal loss (to doctors)? How would it be a loss for subscribers? What insurance companies out there does he know that are considered wonderful for giving people access to top health care at an affordable price?
Most of the talking points regarding insurance seem to assume that if there IS a public option, the private sector would be pushed out, claiming that employers would drop private programs and expect employees to use the public system. Why is this a realistic scenario?

let it be (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:19 PM)

Run chicken little, run,,,,The sky is falling, the sky is fallen,It's the wolf,it's the wolf,of coarse the party of torture will protect the back side of there largest supporters.Pense is a step below Can'tor,more blow less info.And haven forbid someone compete with the insurance bunch.They ,the torture party is already aware that we have government health care.The military has it's own medical staff's,all four branches,some of the best care around,we also have medicare,also run by the government,the problem here is that the Medical industry has had it there way for years,and there lobbyist spend millions whining and dinning our elected ones.It's like asking them to give up the golden goose,and they ain't having non of it.

jesse St Paul MN (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:20 PM)

Obama's plan to nationalize health will absolutely kill the economy. The economy will not be able to absorb the hit it takes to pay the taxes to support this massive white elephant.
J. Wright, Kendall, Texas (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:07 PM)
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I see the GEENOPEE has loaned you their all powerful crystal ball? I asked the question last week and not a one of you stepped up to the plate to answer it – and you know this HOW?? And spouting Limpballs & Faux & Freaks talking points don’t count.

So save us your heroic fear mongering campaign… cause it’s not going to WORK this time!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:20 PM)

Robert Gibbs routinely swats away legitimate questions asked of him with a smirk and a joke. Just once it would be nice to see a reporter say 'I asked you a question and it deserves a response.' Instead, the reporters never follow up. As a result, we the American people are underserved.
Elizabeth, Short Pump VA

I think the press has also started bowing to Gibbs, seeing he his Barack Obama's representitive.

KJQ - LA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:20 PM)

When will people realize the biggest flaw in our health care "system" is the absurd fluctuation in costs for identical procedures. I'm not criticizing more talented surgeons for charging more due to their chances of success. What bothers me is that those with no insurance are charged many times more than the same practitioner is compensated for by an insurance company.

The insurance companies need to cheat like this or they would not be able to demand such outrageous premiums. If we can put price limits on basic milk, why should there not be a bottom line cost for basic health care. Are insurance companies somehow more noble than dairy farmers? There should be facilities available for those of us blue collar types in need of heart surgery by a competent surgeon without having to give up our homes if not properly insured. Elite surgeons should be allowed to set their price based on demand, but basic care should be at the low end of the price structure rather than the highest rate, which is what we have now.

Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:22 PM)

The Repubs are taking the wrong approach. In today's world, the argument of a government 'takeover' of health care that would 'crowd out' private insurers doesn't resonate at the grass roots. Insurance companies and conservative ideologues might like it, but just plain folks will just roll their eyes.

A better approach is to laser beam in on the cost. Health care 'reform' is going to cost a bundle, no matter what the ultimate shape of the plan. In particular, it's going to be really hard to avoid the option of taxing health care benefits folks currently receive from ther employers. That approach adds up to serious money, and the Obama people need serious money to fund their grandious plans because just adding to the deficit is a non-starter in today's environment.

When folks understand that their tax bill will increase by thousands of dollars, that's when Obama's health care 'reform' will crash and burn. I can just see the modern version of the 'Harry and Louise' adds from the Clinton years. Louise is aghast as Harry totes up the higher taxes on his calculator. Furrowed brow on Harry 'I'm not sure we really want this....'

Health care 'reform' circa 2009: dead as a doornail.

Bill, Fairfax, VA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:25 PM)

Price has some nerve. He made a s*** load when he was practicing. He was an orthopedic surgeon. "Surgeon" is the key word here, someone should pull his old billing records to see how much he hauled in by padding his billing.
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It would be less than what John Edwards made by chasing ambulances.

Elizabeth E (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:26 PM)

Wasn't it 41 that suggested that American's start the IRA's that have since tanked? These people are crooks. Wasn't it 44 that was advocating Social Security be give to the citizens (us) to invest into the stock markets? I don't suffer from short term memory loss...evidently he does.
Anita, Birmingham, Alabama

IRA are still around. It's what people roll their 401Ks into when they leave their employer. IRAs and 401Ks are the backbone of individual retirement accounts, hence the name "IRA". Tanked? Hardly.

Bush II did attempt to relieve some of the pressure on SS going under by giving people the option to invest some of their contributions in the market. It was a completely optional element, up to the individual. It was shot down by the Democrats because if people could invest a portion of their SS money, that meant the government could not have it to spend on all their goodies.

Clay Fields, RI (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:26 PM)

The non-profit model can work, run by the private sector not the government. Go back to the old Blue Cross model, most states already have non-profit plans. The big issue will be many hospitals and drug companies are also getting huge profits from the system, insurance profits are just a small piece of the pie.

Va Ind (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:27 PM)

Bill, Fairfax, VA - A better approach is to laser beam in on the cost.

The Democrats haven't presented a plan yet. And they won't until the last possible minute, trying to pound the votes through before people can get a look at what it will cost them. See the Stimulus Bill for details on how this will be done.

But once a plan is introduced, then the Republicans will focus on the cost. Hoepfully they'll be able to get their point across in time before Pelosi and Reid try to hoodwink the American people again.

HW Winks, PA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:29 PM)

Wow, how bitter can one person get? A man dedicates his life to the profession and you're throwing rotton tomatoes at him. God forbid you ever need a orthopedic surgeon of Prices' caliber once Obama prices the best people out of existence, and then you have to depend on some hack named Dr. Nick.
Bart Simpson, Springfield

My butt, you are countering a person that knows how the system is operated. When you go to your physicians office and he writes a prescription for medication...have you ever second guessed his reasoing for writing you a brand name prescription? Have you ever wondered whay you get so many samples? Whe you can answer that then debate by comments...educate yourself.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:30 PM)

THESE GREEDY, HMO & PHARMACEUTICAL ALLIES ARE GOING TO SEE THAT ALL AMERICAN PEOPLE WILL NEVER HAVE HEALTH CARE BECAUSE THEY DO NOT CARE! ANYONE WHO BELIEVES THAT IT WILL BANKRUPT THE COUNTRY HAS FALLEN ONCE AGAIN FOR THEIR LIES!! YOU AND THEM OUGHT TO BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES.

CHERYL CAMPBELL LOUISVILLE, KY (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:31 PM)

I see the GEENOPEE has loaned you their all powerful crystal ball? I asked the question last week and not a one of you stepped up to the plate to answer it – and you know this HOW?? And spouting Limpballs & Faux & Freaks talking points don’t count.

So save us your heroic fear mongering campaign… cause it’s not going to WORK this time!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

Because Democrat House Ways & Means chairman Chalie Rangle came out and said it would cost a trillion to start the nationalized health care program. And that's just the start.

You really need to start paying attention to what's going on in the world.

J. Wright, Kendall, Texas (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:32 PM)

no joe, no bo,nj - You need to get the facts dear sir/madam. I have a "premier" medical plan. I am very healthy, only issue is a knee injury I sustained in high school, 4 surgiers later, still have major pain and swelling. My insurance company will only pay for drugs. Oxy! Great, they want to make me an addict. Some bean counter (CPA) has decided I don't need a knee replacement, which wouldn't of happened if they had paid for my rehap! My story is non life threatening, how many are not, because "of CPA's". I will be getting my surgery in Canada!

Try the truth (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:33 PM)

Anita, have you ever had Orthopedic Surgery? Are you saying Doctors can't be trusted but BoBO can? I have had the orhto surgeries more than I care to. However, when I receive the bill, it is not the Doctor that gets paid too much. The doctors fee was very minimal once the insurance chopped it in half. This is why cosmetic surgery is so lucrative since insurance companies don't get involved and the doctors can charge whatever they want. If I was a doctor with BoBO in control. I would be swithching practices ASAP. There aren't enough Doctors now for BoBO's
plan. One of my doctors went back to teaching because he could not make enough as a doctor once he paid his med malpractice insurance. If BoBo wants to reduce costs, he can start with eliminating non compensitory damages. But, since he will be taking money out if his fellow attorneys pocket, there is little chance of that happening. Blindly follow BoBo at your own peril

MB, Valpo (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:34 PM)

How does this proposed Healthcare reform lowers costs? It may lower insurance premiums but there is nothing being proposed that will lower the overall cost to the country. No limits on how doctors treat or diagnose. The last time it was tried it was called HMO's and we loved that. So maybe one of the supporters of the Public option can explain how it will lower costs. All I see is a program that will cost $100 a month up front in premiums, and $200 a month in taxes so that the overall cost is still around $3600 per year per person.
Alan, NJ
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Who do you think pays for all the bill collection activity that doctors currently do for those who have received services and not paid?

Who do you think pays for all the staff to verify benefits with insurance companies BEFORE any medical treatment is provided?

Who pays for all the lawsuits leveled by folks who are PERMANENTLY INJURED by being DENIED CARE when they HAVE INSURANCE?

How can you MAKE A PROFIT providing health care access without RATIONING CARE?

Why are Republicans opposed to the government providing guidelines for care but don't have a problem with health insurance companies doing it for a profit?

And this is not even TOUCHING all the drugs that are prescribed because of quid pro quo arrangements with drug reps.

Our current system is a DEREGULATED FOR PROFIT HEALTH CARE RATIONING nightmare.

There is LOTS OF FAT to be cut, and that is why all these lies are being told in an attempt to scsre us into accepting the pitiful status quo just a little while longer.

Not. This. Time.

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:34 PM)

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA
- How many Repukes are tied to the health/health insurance/drug industries?

About as many as the Democraps tied to the same. Unless you count the health care sue lawyers, then the Democraps are way ahead.
Bobbie T., Mobile AL (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:15 PM)

Explain why the Repukes are dead set against it? Why do they seem hell bent against anything? Why are they always trying to block something when this country needs help? Why are they always suggesting their option only? Why are they dead set against compromise? Why are they gloating when their ranks vote no? Why would a political group not want to help fix this country? Why not? My point is this current lot of Repukes are hell bent on their fortunes and that is the real truth. They are about PARTY FIRST country second. I know this works both ways! I am questioning (when the country is in need of help) why this group is hell bent on NOT HELPING!!!!!!!

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:36 PM)

Have any of you had to use your insurance lately? I have and it sucks. I pay out of my insurance through my husbands company $3500 per year. We have a $5000 deductable out of pocket expense, because that is what the company will pay for. So after paying $8500 out of pocket just to use the insurance that we have and then add in the additional charges the insurance company won't cover we are in debt over out heads. Now, when you look at the bills the hospital over charges for pills and the almost care you get you can see why the doctors and hospitals don't want to change the insurance options. If doctors and hospitals don't get to overcharge people for their sevices how are they going to keep making the profits they are making?

Anyone that doesn't want to change the insurance system is either in the market to make a huge profit or they watch Fox news and are being told that insurance companies need to keep the big business in the business to keep overcharging you.

Cindy Mason, Irvine , CA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:36 PM)

Health care 'reform' circa 2009: dead as a doornail.
Bill, Fairfax, VA

Medicare faced the same opposition as HCR is facing. Do you think that we expect to get something for nothing. I would prefer to spend my money on something that benefits taxpayers rather than giving it to insurance companies.

Blue Cross, United Healthcare...do you participate in either program?

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:36 PM)

Does everyone decrying health care reform know that over 18,000 people die every year just because they can not afford health insurance? No, this is not a mis-statement.

Matthew, Houston, TX

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Is that number from the same people that are telling us they saved 150,000 jobs this year?

Save A Job (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:38 PM)

I am not a fan of either Democrat or Republican when it comes to HCR. Yes, both have been guilty of political gain with the insurance companies.

It is time to stop the abuse and misuse of taxpayers. Insurance is big business in this country. Didn't McCain suggest deregulation of the insurance companies? Just imagine where we would be now. I want the boot off of my neck.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:44 PM)

Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:44 PM)

So save us your heroic fear mongering campaign… cause it’s not going to WORK this time!

Feisty, what do you call a speech to the AMA, where the president tells the audience that the US economy will go the way of GM if we don't enact his health care plan? Fear mongering, or is it different when Obama does it?

Doctor Kildare (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:44 PM)

Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:46 PM)

You know the cost of that new car and you can compare prices online.

You know the cost of that new dress and the cost of your home owners insurance and auto insurance and can price compare.

You can get prices for hotels and airline tickets.

Do you know how much a routine physical would cost you? How about a two day stay to have a baby? Anybody?

When you don't know the cost, how is this free market enterprise? Publish the costs for hospital services online and do not make it up depending on my insurance. Until then this is not a free market system.

Becky, CA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:50 PM)

The idea of a co-op is a cop out from Democrats and Republicans who are too scared to challenge the very powerful drug and insurance companies. There is NO WAY that a co-op could ever be as powerful as the insurance companies, which are near monopolies right now. 2 companies own 2/3rds of the entire industry. They have the racket all to themselves, so they price gouge, putting businesses, citizens, and our government into bankruptcy. A public option would be competition that is desperately needed.

Right now 60% of medical bills over charge patients. Right now 70% of people who are bankrupt are because of medical bills, and 60% of those people HAD health insurance when they got sick. It is time to end this massive fraud.

Kristina, Los Angeles (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:52 PM)

My neighbor had a persistent cough. No insurance, does not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. The cough became pneumonia. Off to the emergency room and three days in the hospital. The hospital, to cover costs of indigent paitents, does not absorb these costs; they pass them on to those who are insured by private carriers who in turn raise premiums. Those of us who have insurance are paying for the 'safety net' that has evolved. I would rather pay into a system where costs are reduced by 'insuring' that minor ailments are treated before they become major expenses. To continue as we are now will result in just more of the 'let 'em eat cake' syndrome that too many Americans seem to have. Are so many other nations with universal health care so much smarter than we are? Or do they take to heart the concept that people who are sick or injured should have appropriate health care? We take better care of our property with government financed fire and police protection than we do our neighbors with health protection. Kind of shows where our priorities really are.

Bruce Oregon (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 1:00 PM)

Hey No Fact Joe, other than complaining, do you have any other solution to our medical crisis. Same with any of the republicans that offer no solutions but typical repuke scare politics. honestly, what do you losers offer than cute slogans and villifing anyone that disagrees with you. Why do republicans hate their fellow americans. Why is it so hard to help the poor ans down trodden. I thought religious freak were republicans and who was Jesus helping the poor or the rich. Well we know the republicans protect and care for the rich and blame all the country's problem s on the poor. How can any religious person be republican if you care about the poor and less fortunate. the republican party has never produced one piece of legislation that helped the poor. What you get from republican policies is massive tax cuts to the rich and a recesion during every republicna prsidency since before 1900. Eisenhower had only 1 recession during his 8 years, but every republican preident has had a recession or depression happen during their term since before 1900. Why does anyone vote republican if you are not wealthy. Why do the rich matter more to republicans than your fellow americans?
To be republican like the posters, you have to be proud to be stupid, blindly repeat what you are told, and never use facts, information, or data in you arguements. Always attack the person you are debating and villify them and not the issues. Republicans have no values, no honor, and no ideas.

bobf (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 1:10 PM)

Hey, the government is doing a bang up job with the postal service, right? Biden is the ultimate set man for Obama. He throws it out there, they see the reaction and then Obama follows with a response based on the Biden reaction. Clever, clever! Will illegals be afforded or receive health care also? Does anyone know?

Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 1:12 PM)

Alan, NJ: '...So maybe one of the supporters of the Public option can explain how it will lower costs. All I see is a program that will cost $100 a month up front in premiums, and $200 a month in taxes so that the overall cost is still around $3600 per year per person...'

Alan, the health insurance companies have administrative costs of 31% on average
This includes profits, CEO pay and overhead

The public option has to cut that 31% to offer equivalent service at a lower cost
This will force private insurerers to lower their Admin overhead, lowering costs
It's basic efficiency (AKA 'the Miracle of the 'Free Market' (sic))

Got that ??

Msierra, SF (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 1:13 PM)

I would welcome reform if it included tort reform and was based on honest root cause analysis of the factors that increase costs and not just implementation of price controls set by politicians that will reduce the quality of medical care provided.

How many of you are aware that the statistics on "over 50% of all bankruptcies are medical bankruptsies" included any bankruptcy where there was over $1000 in medical bills Or where the person was a drug addict or gambling addict or if there had been a birth or death in the family during the year before bankrupts.

If you had $1000.00 worth of medical bills and $100,000.00 of other debt – it was a medical bankruptsy.

If you had $0.00 in uncovered medical bills and your wife gave birth to a child and you bought a house that declined in value and you lost your job and couldn’t pay the mortgage – this was also a medical bankruptsy.

If this is typical of the government’s analysis I fear the results.

Jennifer, San Diego, CA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 1:15 PM)

Anybody on this blog know about a little government program called Medicare? Covers 43milliion people; is GOING BROKE.

Now, if the government, which has been in the Medicare business since the '60's, can't run that program efficiently,why would you hand them the rest of the healthcare system?

I guess it is true, liberals never look back.

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 1:17 PM)

Bush II did attempt to relieve some of the pressure on SS going under by giving people the option to invest some of their contributions in the market. It was a completely optional element, up to the individual. It was shot down by the Democrats because if people could invest a portion of their SS money, that meant the government could not have it to spend on all their goodies.

Clay Fields, RI
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Are you debating the fact that thousands upon thousands lost their retirement funds in the stock market. What if, people had invested their Social Security into the stock markets? This is not debatable...do you have something that substantiates
my counter?

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 1:19 PM)

Pete in Albany, a skeptical press corps protects Americans.
Elizabeth, Short Pump VA (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:00 PM)
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Then how do you justify it protecting the 4000+ Americans that have died for this country in a bogus war?

Robert Gibbs routinely swats away legitimate questions asked of him with a smirk and a joke. Just once it would be nice to see a reporter say 'I asked you a question and it deserves a response.' Instead, the reporters never follow up. As a result, we the American people are underserved.
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Just curious but doesn’t that ‘door’ swing both ways? Never saw a reporter ask that of say Tony Snow or Twiggy Perino?? But that was okay...right???

Ahh… the selective memory syndrome is in full bloom!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 1:21 PM)

There is LOTS OF FAT to be cut, and that is why all these lies are being told in an attempt to scsre us into accepting the pitiful status quo just a little while longer.

Not. This. Time. Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 12:34 PM)
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It's simple, make all health insurance or medical operations mandatory non-profit. With a ruling that no one can be denied health coverage for any reason.

Lets cut that admin cost(profit) from 27% down to the 3% that medicare has...let em stay private, but make them follow strict regulatory guidlines that medicare does.

That will save about 700 billion to 1 trillion a year.

NOBODY SHOULD MAKE MONEY ON HARDSHIPS THAT A PERSON CANNOT CONTROL. PERIOD...IT's DISGUSTING.

GP NW Indiana. (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 1:22 PM)

it is so obvious that those who speak out against healthcare have yet to read tha various and many facts about healthcare in our nation.

those of you who come out against it in a political partisan form of reasoning are being blinded from the facts. politicians and lobbyists that are against healthcare reform are foes of it because they are worried about their profit margins and political donations!!!!!!!!!!!

it is amazing that they paint a picture of the boogeyman and you people just fall in that trap. it is sad. people have to start educating themselves with all the facts and not just the speeches, writings and commercials of those who are against healthcare reform for their self benefit.

THESE FOLKS DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT IF YOU, YOUR MOM, YOUR WIFE, SISTER, NIECE, DAUGHTER, GRANDMOTHER, GRANDFATHER, SON, DAD, BROTHER, UNCLE, NEPHEW OR JUST A CLOSE OR GOOD FRIEND NEEDS A OPERATION, DOCTOR OR DENTIST.

you peopLe need to stop fighting everything just because of politics. that is ignorant and hurtful to yourself. ignorance of facts is the best thing those folks (officials, doctors, some hospitals and insurance companies) have to use as a tool against you to help them get healthcare to fail.

then they sit back and laugh at you because you don't have healthcare or quality healthcare and they keep getting their pockets lined. when you need to go to a doctor and have no coverage, blame your own stupidity and ignorance.

for those of you that have healthcare that you like think about this. you could keep your healthcare but it would cost you a little less or are you richer than those who charge you for your coverage?

cut the gop and dem crap and start thinking what will benefit you most. in other words pull your head out of your butt.

common sense and truth (Sent Monday, June 15, 2009 1:33 PM)

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