Five single-payer protestors arrested

World Peace — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:02:37 GMT

See where Obama is planning a Vegas fundraising trip? This while at the same time he blasts CEOs for their junkets. You know Obama will have the taxpayers pick up the tab for it too.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Mike T., Iowa — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:04:21 GMT

Just a bunch of liberals whining that they want to get even more things and not have to work for them. Some real Obama Nation charter members these wingnuts.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Greg Hines, NY — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:06:09 GMT

I want a guaranteed right to keep a portion of what I earned. Who do I go see about getting that? Obviously no one in Washington DC.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Deficit Dan — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:08:43 GMT

FR: "The Senate Finance Committee hearing was a roundtable discussion between senators and experts on the best way to pay for health-care reform."

How to pay for it? The same way Obama is paying for everything else. Tax the producers and give it to the non-producers. If that doesn't cover the price tag, then just sell T-Bills to the Chinese, or just print more money.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Pam, San Pedro, California — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:09:40 GMT

Perhaps if the greedy Corporate Insurance companies weren't crooks, they would buy into what this NY Doctor is doing; instead, they gave him a big "slap in the face"!! What did he do wrong? His motive is to give something back and provide a model of how healthcare can be more efficient!!"

When do we bury the multibillion $$ insurance megatrons??!!

http://www.collegenews.com/index.php?/article/ny_doctor_offers_flat_rate_health_care_for_those_without_insurance_050324/

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Sara G., Hendersonwille, GA — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:09:49 GMT

I wish I had time to go to Washington to protest something I don't like. Instead, I have to work, and pay my taxes.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Code Blue — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:10:29 GMT

Code Pink. No doubt that's who those people are members of.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

D.H., Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:11:02 GMT

Silent and orderly protests - great for the cause.
Shouting disruption - counter productive.

The worst thing those of us in favor of single payor system can do is give the opposition an opportunity to characterize us as a lunatic fringe.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:11:11 GMT

As the hearing opened, about 25 women, who identified themselves as nurses stood up, turning their backs to the senators. Taped to each of their red shirts were signs that called on Congress to pass what's called a "single-payer system," a system in which the government alone would run health care -- no private insurance.

"Nurses say patients first," the signs read. "Pass single payer."

Way to go ladies. That's right! Patient's first. These are the people that "really" know what is broken in the system.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Sally, Denver — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:11:53 GMT

How come everytime Washington tries to save us money - it cost us more money?

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Scott — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:12:45 GMT

Is it cowardice that prevents them from even exploring this option? Stop arresting people - and just take a look at the option.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:14:06 GMT

I'm glad there are brave health care providers who will stand up for single payer health care. I find it despicable that the industry lobbyists have made sure that there are no single payer advocates at the table to represent the tens of millions who want single payer health care, as promised by candidate Obama. The biggest reason I supported candidate Obama was he promised to bring us health care as good as he had as a Senator. I certainly hope that he does not renege on this most vital of campaign promises.

I'm also a bit miffed that now the big deal seems to be cost cutting instead of insuring the tens of millions who can't afford or trust private health insurance. Cost cutting is very important but cutting costs does not help those who are uninsured. Only a single payer government plan will keep the private insurers honest and it's about time we held the private insurance companies to higher standards. We can never trust these freemarket freeloaders from gouging us once the dust settles and this issue becomes less important.

Support Single Payer Health Care!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Suck it up socialists — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:14:40 GMT

Waterboard them and get to the bottom of who is pushing this sissy socialist agenda on us.

Healthcare coverage for all indeed.

We are the only civilized nation without healthcare coverage for everyone but this is the greatest nation on earth and god loves us and americans just need to suck it up and pay for their own healthcare...jeez

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Gray V. Trane — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:15:22 GMT

Nurses are like teachers. Just looking out for themselves, getting a healthy paycheck and 12 weeks off a year. Plus a big pension with a COLA after 20 years of "work".

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:16:19 GMT

Private insurance is gutting the system and a great number of dishonest "managed care facilities" are abusing the Medicare system too. The Medicare fraud and abuse that is happening can be tackled if measures are put into place to to do so. We need Health Care Reform.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Fred, Framingham — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:16:25 GMT

If you would like to help pressure Congress to pass single payer health care please join our voting bloc at:
http://www.votingbloc.org/Health_Bloc.php

Five single-payer protestors arrested

We'll See — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:16:58 GMT

This has "Obama PR Stunt" written all over it. Now the in-the-bag-for-Obama media will hype it up.

I wonder if they were REALLY doctors and nurses.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Nonunion Leader — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:18:23 GMT

We're close to being in a depression, and these leeches want more money out of the hardworking American taxpayers!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

DG, Houston, TX — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:19:55 GMT

Ridiculous. It could make sense financially to move to a single payer system, but its not really debatable that the quality of healthcare in America will decline under a single payer system. The government doesn't run anything well. I would think that doctors and nurses are generally against single payer because they care about the quality of healthcare in our country. These protesters were probably ACORN members dressed up as nurses.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

DG, Houston, TX — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:21:24 GMT

Looking at pictures of these protesters, its clear that these people are not doctors and nurses.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Fran H., Billings MT — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:22:21 GMT

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Holly Innes — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:23:26 GMT

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:25:09 GMT

I find it despicable that the repugnant ones in Congress whine about single payer government backed taxpayer paid health insurance when they have single payer government backed taxpayer paid health insurance. If they don't like single payer health care then the hypocrites need to foreswear their own taxpayer paid health insurance and go to private insurance paying it themselves. Oh yeah the hypocrites believe that what's good for them isn't good for the rest of us.

Support Single Payer Health Care!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Judy in AZ — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:26:05 GMT

I guess that is what the people wanted when they voted for Obama. Healthcare for all is LONG OVERDUE.
I'm glad we have an intellegent president who wants to help us get that. Thank you, President Obama!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

BT Warren,Ohio — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:27:13 GMT

"Nurses say patients first," the signs read. "Pass single payer."

Way to go ladies. That's right! Patient's first. These are the people that "really" know what is broken in the system.
Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:11 PM)

Really? These "nurses" do the books do they?

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Save the USA — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:27:43 GMT

What ever happened to freedom of choice? I want the right to choose my own insurance and doctors and procedures.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Question Mark — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:29:30 GMT

Would the single-payer system cover Rush's failed kidneys?????

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Your mom — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:30:56 GMT

I wish I had time to go to Washington to protest something I don't like. Instead, I have to work, and pay my taxes.
Sara G., Hendersonwille, GA (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:09 PM)

Didn't your mother ever tell you, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"?

Five single-payer protestors arrested

BJ, CA — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:30:56 GMT

Universal Health Care is pipe dream...and real health care for reponsible people is a real possibility..but it's those tight wads and fakers that ruin it for those that pay as they go..every one should get what they pay for and vote for..That's the American way..
Kind'a like evolution in action.....The sick should be helped but no free rides for the users and abusers
of the system...sure looks like more taxes are on the way..
If the congress and the president can pull this one off with out raising taxes (now or later)..we should make them gods for a month...

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Broker today than yesterday — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:30:57 GMT

I'm tired of paying for all of this. I'm going to quit my job and let everyone else pay for me.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Wilson, Seattle — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:31:38 GMT

I'm personally tired of paying huge premiums to and getting denied payments by companies that are in no way accountable to me because my employer provides my healthcare. Competition and capitalism? Yeah right, when was the last time you shopped around for the best price when your kid broke her arm?

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Go crawl back under your rock — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:33:00 GMT

Nurses are like teachers. Just looking out for themselves, getting a healthy paycheck and 12 weeks off a year. Plus a big pension with a COLA after 20 years of "work".
Gray V. Trane (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:15 PM)

My mom is a nurse. When was the last time you worked a 12 hour shift, shifting morbidly obese patients from side to side so that they don't get bed sores.

You are a horrible human being.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

MSierra, SF — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:35:40 GMT

Sara G., Hendersonwille, GA: '...I wish I had time to go to Washington to protest something I don't like. Instead, I have to work, and pay my taxes...'

YEAH !!
I had to work when those JOKERS were TEA BAGGING !!
I have to pay my mortgage and can't AFFORD to TEA BAG !!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Emily, Natick — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:38:00 GMT

Great way to accomplish things. Protest, agitate, scream and shout. Just the way their community organizers taught them.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

BJ, CA — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:38:15 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVN5rEEPhdY

enough jackin' jaws..listen to the man..he's right

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Pam, San Pedro, California — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:38:57 GMT

wish I had time to go to Washington to protest something I don't like. Instead, I have to work, and pay my taxes.
Sara G., Hendersonwille, GA (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:09 PM)

Oh PLEASE!! What makes you think these people don't work; perhaps they used "vacation pay"?? That's the problem with the RETHUGS, which is why you guys got your butts whooped in the last two elections, and will, for many elections to come!!

But keep that mindset, it only helps us democrats; you people, and the GOP, are really the gift that keeps giving!!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:43:22 GMT

When Medicare was passed years ago, I wonder how many were in opposition that are benefiting from "socialized medicine" and Social Security benefits? What do those opponets that oppose Health Care Reform can explain to their parents about Medicare?

Didn't the republicans try to scare seniors into thinking that President Obama would take away those same benefits that they cae calling "socialized healthcare", socialized government"?

Thank God that there are a great number of us that see the need for change and know that this is not socialized government anymore than the first Social Security Act that was passed years ago.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Pam, San Pedro, California — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:44:21 GMT

This has "Obama PR Stunt" written all over it. Now the in-the-bag-for-Obama media will hype it up.
I wonder if they were REALLY doctors and nurses.
We'll See (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:16 PM)

Most Americans HAVE seen!! The Tea Party halfwits excluded, intelligent Americans did not vote for the shifty eyed Bush because they knew exactly what he’d do upon arriving in the proximity of the U.S. Treasury. Bush has always been endowed with a kind of reverse Midis touch. But in spite of other glaring defects in his character, he nonetheless charmed the nation’s remedial elements.

Arlen Specter even came to realize his party was an embarrassment to any thinking person, and realizing it would stay stuck in the same track forever unless a DNA splicing party transpired, he got the Hell out.

So as far as an "Obama PR stunt", you're nuts!!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

A Voice from Michigan — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:49:25 GMT

Dear Gray V. Trane:
Anyone who calls what teachers and nurses do as, "work", has no children in a public school and has never been REALLY sick in a hospital. It is difficult to imagine anyone not having the utmost appreciation for these two thankless jobs (amoung others). Especially in this, "enlightened" day and age.

As for "vacations and perks", these items are earned just like anyone else's jobs. I know teachers and they tell of unruly, disobedient, mouthy brats as well as well trained polite children in their classes. As for nurses. You can't just drag a body off the street to do this job, and they are sure not in it for the money. Shame on everyone who thinks this way!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

mexed, san antonio, texas — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:52:44 GMT

Do Europeans pay more taxes. Yes. Do they all have basic health care yes. Do they have beautiful cities that are renovated and preserved by taxes. Yes...and the people pay. Do they have great social services and good education. Yes. Do they have good safe roads..yes. We have lower taxes, poor schools, poor roads and bridges, no basic healthcare, less vacation time, more work time. Why do people cry "socialists" when Europe is clearly a great mix of systems that work very well. I wish we had cities as attractive, parks as attractive, equally clean air. I love my country but we don't take very good common care of it. Trying to imagine our cities after 1000 years of low taxes, poor services is frightening. I lived in Europe, plenty of Americans visit Europe. I can't figure out why there is this opposition to a well run society and a great life style as exists in Europe. We have not done a perfect job with the beautiful land that once existed.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

New Independent — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:54:12 GMT

Fred, Framingham - I joined Fred! If Americans would stop being so apathetic maybe Congress would finally do what we want. What amazed me while watching the movie Frost, was how many Americans protested against Nixon breaking the law. Now it seems there are a lot of Americans making excuses for the Bush Admin. regarding the breaking of the law with torture, illegal wiretapping, rendition, no habeas corpus, etc. How sad that Americans have become so cynical.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Alan, NJ — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:55:13 GMT

The big question about any health care system is "Who decides who gets treatment and who doesn't". This is particularly true when it comes to end of life decisions and experimental treatment options. It is always easy to decide in the abstract that old people should not get tests or treatment, but when it comes to your family who decides? Government, Doctor or you? As much as the private insurance system is hated, you can pay for what you get (if you can afford it). In other countries it is the government that decides who and what will be treated, or it is left to the discretion of the doctor. In the UK for instance they will not allow a doctor to use an unauthorized drug, even if the patient is paying for the drug. I am not saying this is wrong but before we jump into a new system I want hear what the alternatives are, and what it will mean in the future.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Pete - Albany, NY — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:55:40 GMT

Nurses are like teachers. Just looking out for themselves, getting a healthy paycheck and 12 weeks off a year. Plus a big pension with a COLA after 20 years of "work".
Gray V. Trane (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:15 PM)

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

If you think it's so easy then you go do it.

Why do you think there is a shortage of nurses and teachers? I know enough folks who work in both occupations and it's no picnic.

Teachers have to bring work home with them...those tests and term papers don't grade themselves. Not to mention they have to deal with unruly kids who get no discipline from their parents at home.

As for nurses, how would you feel after working 12 hour shifts having to deal with God knows what from helping mothers bring children into the world to having to deal patients with terminal illness and trauma. Sound like fun?

So, if you think it's such a cushy job, step up!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:58:05 GMT

To be a nurse is a special thing. A nurse will be the first person that will complain to Administration that there aren't enough of them to deliver the care they want their patients to receive.

A majority of nurses are extremely dedicated to patient care and take pride in being the service of others. How many can perform the duties of a nurse?

A nurse is usually the one that informs the doctors what is happening to their patient. They usually play an important role in saving your life and the life of a loved one.

A nurse is the first person that understands that people should not be turned away due to lack of insurance coverage. A nurse doesn't see cost when it comes to saving lives, they see people that are in need of medical care.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:06:10 GMT

It is disappointing to see so many illinofrmed comments on this blog about the single most important issue in this country-Healthcare REFORM.

Eric-Obama never promised or endorsed a Single payer system and cutting costs has everything to do with covering the uninsued. The best and really only way to cover those people is to get costs under control. Them being covered will also lead to lower costs for everyone (because right now it is the insured who must pay for the free emergency care, that the uninsured utimately receive, rather than cheaper preventitive care).

For those who say this is an "Obama PR Stunt" or that "leeches wanting more out of the American taxpayer". You are really so off base. Healthcare reform is in the best interest of every constituency (including the American taxpayer), except the Health insurers. This is the only hope of sustaining Medicare coverage for Senior citizens. This will help businesses compete in the global economy. This is goign to help America balance the budget in the long-run.

Although I am a liberal, I have to say that I am glad a single payer system isn't really being considered. Although I think the Dems should have kept it on the table as a bargaining chip. The best way to ensure reduced costs, while maintaining a high standard of care, is for a new public plan to compete with the private insurers. That will keep private insurers from being able to collude and continue to increase premiums by 6% per year. And it will ensure that the government program doesn't become wasteful and bloated.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Obama the Bankrupter — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:08:10 GMT

We're close to being in a depression, and these leeches want more money out of the hardworking American taxpayers!
Nonunion Leader (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:18 PM)

NO - they went and purchased 20,000 new printing machines and hired hundreds more employees to print more money

The bad news is your dollar is now worth a quarter!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Philly RN — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:08:41 GMT

I've worked as an RN for 12 years and I've never had a job where I've had a pension, or a COLA, or the opportunity to retire after 20 years, as alleged above. I also know of not one of my colleagues who does floor nursing who has any package described above. Nor do we get "12 weeks off" a year, a laughable concept, paid or unpaid. What I have done is work double, back to back shifts, which was what I did my first day on the job, evenings, weekends, on-call, nights, unpaid overtime, and I am still paying my student loan. I would teach, but I'm not sure I can recommend nursing as a profession above others that require the skill, tenacity, and intelligence. If nurses are protesting to enact single-payer, they've got my attention.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Cicero — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:09:40 GMT

Boy, you gotta love their committment and belief in government. Noble. Misguided, yet noble.

How's this for a different approach? I just like 'stirring the pot'.
http://www.catostore.org/index.asp?fa=ProductDetails&method=cats&scid=33&pid=1441272

Here's Michael Cannnon's take on that proposed $2 Trillion in "savings" and the industry's possible motivation for "stepping up" at this point in time.
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=10192

Again, I just like "stirring the pot".

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Pam, San Pedro, California — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:11:18 GMT

We're close to being in a depression, and these leeches want more money out of the hardworking American taxpayers!
Nonunion Leader (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:18 PM)

Well aren't you a charming, compassionate REDNECK!!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Josh D., Columbus, OH — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:11:27 GMT

The "Leaches" are the insurance companies between your money and the healthcare that you are overpaying for. Do the following and we will all be better off; get rid of:
1)Insurance companies
2)Lawyers
3)Repeat 1,2 until we have healthcare parody with every other industrialized nation.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Eric Hoyt, Madison, Wisconsin — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:11:45 GMT

Single payer now!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

SAM, USA — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:15:27 GMT

Everyone on this post that is complaining about single payer health care - guarantee that you have great health care through your job.

Everyone on this post that wants single payer health care are probably like me where I work (over 55 hours a week so don't say I am lazy), they do not offer health care. How would you like to pay for your family's heatlh care each month - OUCH! It is extremely expensive even though we have high deductible.

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Chris - IL — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:16:32 GMT

I wish I had time to go to Washington to protest something I don't like. Instead, I have to work, and pay my taxes.

Sara G., Hendersonwille, GA (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:09 PM)
--------------------------------------------------------

Did it occur to you that perhaps these people are using vacation or scheduled time off to go to Washington and protest for something they think is important?

*****************************************************

Nurses are like teachers. Just looking out for themselves, getting a healthy paycheck and 12 weeks off a year. Plus a big pension with a COLA after 20 years of "work".

Gray V. Trane (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:15 PM)

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If you think teachers and nurses are overpaid and under worked, perhaps you should spend a few days in their shoes!

Those are typically improper republican characterizations of an easy job with too much pay and very little work. You are so, so wrong!

Good teachers work way beyond the 8-3 that you think they work. They spend their evenings and weekends developing lesson plans, looking for ways to keep their students interested in important subjects, grading papers, and talking to parents that care enough to be involved in their children's education.

Nurses typically work long hours, while standing on their feet, working with difficult patients, and in often hazardous (or at least disgusting) conditions. Many of them work nights and weekends.

Stop feeling so sorry for yourself and have some respect for other careers besides whatever it is you do!

Five single-payer protestors arrested

Chris - IL — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:20:33 GMT

Just a bunch of liberals whining that they want to get even more things and not have to work for them. Some real Obama Nation charter members these wingnuts.

Mike T., Iowa (Sent Tuesday, May 12, 2009 1:04 PM)
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Tell that to my mother in law who can't get coverage for her back because as an owners of a small business, they can't find an insurance company that will take on someone with a pre-exsiting condition. That sure sounds like health care rationing to me.

The current system is broken and something needs to be done to fix it. I'm guessing it is going to take more than a tax cut, a preemptive war, or torturing someone.