Senate Republicans blast bill

Interested Patriot — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:08:52 GMT

Question for Jonathan in Flint: I'm really curious about your incessant question. Maybe my constitutional knowledge is a bit stale but help me understand how Cap & Trade is unconstitutional. Your question is so bizarre, it's laughable that you keep repeating it.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Just Wondering in Juneau — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:11:51 GMT

To all those (such as Chihuahua) flacking for big insurance & pharma companies: do you get paid for your mindless backing? Doesn't it get embarrassing to be shilling for someone who makes millions more than you do and will likely deny you critical coverage at some point in your life (if they haven't already)? They laugh at you and you just keep lickin' their boots...

Senate Republicans blast bill

Andy Hillard,SC — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:11:58 GMT

When are liberals going to realize that you can't have government funed benefits without prosperity? The HCR bill not only kills prosperity in the United States, but it does so in a time when our economy is at it's worst since the Great Depression.

Senate Republicans blast bill

American Capitalist — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:15:05 GMT

Rationing care is not the way to go. But that's what is happening with this bill. Less money for the hospitals, doctors and nurses, that means there will be less of them - that's the reduction in costs Obama is forcing on the health care providers. Add in that millions of more people will be using the system, and what you end up with is rationed healthcare.

Too bad for America.

Senate Republicans blast bill

GO2, DC — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:15:57 GMT

You don't say...

This is news???

Senate Republicans blast bill

Chandler W. — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:16:44 GMT

What a shock.....the Republicans don't like it.

What is their alternative?

Besides saying no.....

Those Senators, if they think health care is fine the way it is, should give up their government, tax-payer funded health care, and throw their lot in with the rest of us.

I'd like to see John McCain do that. And let's just send his medical records without his name to a few companies. With his pre-existing conditions, I bet he wouldn't get health care - or it would cost him thousands of dollars.

Anyone can be smug about health care if they have it and pay very little. A lot of Americans are no so lucky.

Yes, I have health care, and though I am not in the tax bracket who may be taxed, I would gladly give some tax money to help others.

Isn't that what America is all about?

Senate Republicans blast bill

watching — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:16:46 GMT

All Nopublican scare tactics.
I'm scared of the nopublicans, fighting for the wealth insurance lobbyists spending over a million a day to fight reform.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:18:51 GMT

And we expected something different from these clowns how?? Go sit back down at the kids table! Or here’s an idea… why don’t ALL these bozo’s give up their concierge health care plans and have to function in the REAL world like the rest of America? It’s bad enough I’m paying to take care of the Dick’s heart problems!

Fact of the matter is WE HAVE the votes and this HRC WILL PASS!

I know it’s not easy always being on the losing end… but elections have consequences and if you thought 2008 was bad for the Party of Male Stale & Pale… just keep playing your game of NO! It will be much worse in 2010!

People are paying attention this time! The collective coma of the last 8 years has ended and change is in the air!

Change I can Believe In!

Senate Republicans blast bill

Katie — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:18:52 GMT

Everybody needs to pay their fair share for this health care plan. Everyone! You can't take the money from one set of people, in this case the small business owners, and expect the system to succeed. The taxing of small business owners will further erode the jobs in the country, and the small businesses will close shop. Tax revenues will sink, and the government will have to raise taxes further to fill in the funding gap.

If you liberals don't see this particular problem, then you obviously can't think.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Cicero — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:20:02 GMT

I can understand the GOP not fighting the Sotomayor bid because it won't result in a major shift to the Court.

But this is one area that the GOP must fight hard, and articulate the case to the American people.

My gut tells me that the Dems thru out a bill that was "not quite ready for prime time". They took an unpolished bill and thru it out there.

Senate Republicans blast bill

MSierra, SF — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:20:58 GMT

What a SURPRISE !!!

'..."Elections have consequences. This is a glaring example of that. We have now again committed another act of generational theft. Of laying an unsustainable fiscal burden on future generations."...'

$1T over 10 years for Health Care

$1.8T over 10 years for the Bush Tax cuts for the RICH

$?T for Bush's Iraq War Fiasco

WHICH is the Greater 'Generational Theft' ???

Senate Republicans blast bill

Andrea, Hillard Ohio — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:22:37 GMT

Government run health care. The Grand Daddy of all Entitlement Programs. What a massive tumor on the American people.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:22:57 GMT

From NBC's Doug Adams

McCain-- Your solution to HCR was issuing vouchers of $5,000 dollars to families to purchase health care. Is that reform? Will that drive the cost down? I don't think so. It helps the insurance companies and Wall Street investors.

Mike Enzi-- It doesn't drive doctors out of the system. Doctors don't set the cost of health care and procedures. That is determined according to cost generated by the physician. You special interest groups won't profit from HCR.

Orrin Hatch-- You have been in the Senate as long as I've been in my career and you know that your part is the party of deficit spending on projects and useless scams that have long since robed this nation. Put your money where your mouth is.

You were around and voted for the worst cluster f***s this Nation has had to endure since its conception.

HCR NOW!!!

Senate Republicans blast bill

Care about Others — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:24:43 GMT

Senator McCain has free government health care as well as the others. We pay for their health care. I am blessed to have health care, but know many others that do not. Some Americans may as well be living in a third world country due to lack of health care. "Shame on those that oppose health care for all.

Senate Republicans blast bill

mary dale, clinton, iowa — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:24:52 GMT

Astonishing, amazing, unbelievable!!! Republican leaders are negative about a bill to help American health care. How unlike them - not. I dont understand why this gets a headline everyday, they are negative about everything since the last election.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Fiscal highjacking — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:26:15 GMT

Clearly with his radical push to rush health care reform, the president is putting his pride and desire to be exalted in front of what's best for the people of this country. His lack of true concern for the staggering deficits of this country is hypocritical after he promised to be fiscally responsible if he became president. But then again, after you break enough campaign promises (hiring of lobbyists, reform of earmarks, 5-day public viewing of all bills before signing, end of "petty politics", integrity in Washington--remember the tax cheats he nominated, bills which allowed bonuses to AIG execs,...etc etc), breaking some more like fiscal restraint becomes easier and easier. And where is the much needed tort reform in these Dem bills and talking points???? Oh year, can't do that because you might upset the trail lawyers who fund your campaigns.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Erle Stanley Gardner, Malden MA — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:27:24 GMT

Health care professionals have been put on notice. They are the enemy, they are the ones causing health care costs to be too high, at least according to Obama, Reid, and Pelosi. It might be better if the doctors go back to school to become lawyers. Then they can sue the remaining overworked and underpaid doctors, because tort reform is not even mentioned in any of the Democrats bills. Suing overworked and mistake prone doctors will be a great way to make a buck in this country.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Nashville_fan — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:29:52 GMT

"Mike Enzi said the bill, as fashioned, would "drive doctors out of the system." He criticized the public option part of the bill, saying it will ultimately lead to more than 100 million people being forced out of the private insurance they have now and into a government plan"
------------------------------------------------
Did Mr. Enzi offer any facts to back up this opinion, or are we just supposed to take his word for it?

P.S. We are supposed to care if people don't have "private insurance" because?

Senate Republicans blast bill

Greg P NW Indiana — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:31:06 GMT

"We have now again committed another act of generational theft."
----------------------------------------------------
Glad to see McCain including himself when he says "we"

Mike Enzi said the bill, as fashioned, would "drive doctors out of the system." He criticized the public option part of the bill, saying it will ultimately lead to more than 100 million people being forced out of the private insurance they have now and into a government plan.
----------------------------------------------------

No doctor is going to gone through years of med school
to quit because he makes a little less. I can see the headlines now. "doctor jumps off his huge pile of money and kills himself over pile growing more slowly"

Doctors become doctors to help people. Rebublicans become politicians to give doctors something to do.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Kyle Korning, Temecula, Ca — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:31:36 GMT

McCain: "This legislation has not ONE SINGLE provision that is aimed at reducing the cost of health care."

Senator McCain is wrong about that. Obama is forcing the hospitals to reduce costs by nearly a half a trillion dollars over time. Of course, then there won't be that many hospitals, or doctors, or nurses, or any fancy equipment like MRIs and dialysis machines. But who needs all those things, right? Maybe we can bring back leeches as a treatment?

Senate Republicans blast bill

MIchael — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:36:44 GMT

McCain should sharrap. Elections have consequences of course. And the consequence of the last election is that you shut up or put up!

Senate Republicans blast bill

Ted, Mid Michigan — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:38:28 GMT

Isn't a reasonably priced, controlled pricing, and across the board accessibility a price control.

If the big insurers can't make their price structure competitive, their customers will leave in droves.

I though competition was the life-blood of capitalism...

Senate Republicans blast bill

Stew Rutledge, Seattle WA — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:39:35 GMT

Once again, the party of NO. A golden paid for health care plan for me, but not for you. McSame, just go away. Your drivel has gotten so very old and tiresome.

Senate Republicans blast bill

katiec — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:40:21 GMT

Of course. The republicans will attack, attack, attack with no workable ideas of their own but to keep big business in control of us. They are out to destroy anything and everything that would be beneficial to the American people.
We cannot let them get away with this. Contact them in any way that you can and support those who are working for us.

Senate Republicans blast bill

dan Austin, tx — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:43:21 GMT

Yes yes yes
We know exactly what you have to say gentlemen. Maybe you could surprise us with a new idea instead of the same old same old.
If you guys were so great at your jobs what happened over the last eight years. obviously nothing was fixed on your watch. I'm sure this wasn't your fault because nothing ever is. Would you could you please STFU!!
Constructive criticism is what we are looking for if you really care about anything but yourselves.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Ruth Wolf Schererville IN — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:44:45 GMT

If we are going to give Medicare/Medicade type health care to families of 4 making under $88,000, where are the savings that this bill is supposed to be producing over our Medicade costs now?????????????

Senate Republicans blast bill

JJ Young, Cary, NC — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:46:58 GMT

Did anyone outside of those residing on the planet Pluto expect applause from these fruits? Their response to everything is "spending too much, taxing too much..." They don't even have to read to repeat that same line over and over....Yo! Drop all of them off in the Appalachian Mountains and let them hike their way out...let's leave directions. Betcha they can't find their way out! Congratulations, America! Someone in Washington cares about us!

Senate Republicans blast bill

Wanda Jones, Topeka, Kansas — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:50:05 GMT

These nuts (Republicans) needs to get a life. Every one of them has good insurance. They don't care about life. They don't care if people are losing everything because of health care. As long as their families are taken care of the rest don't matter. Republicans are heartless demons. There are no words to say for people who are elected in office by the people and yet every decision to help the people they are the party of "NO". For the Republicans it's just glamorization. Their election has nothing to do with the fact that they care about anyone except themselves. They are all basically rich. They're mad because the taxes that Bush gave them will now be taken away from them. It's sad that they even call themselves humans.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Steevn, New York — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:51:41 GMT

If Al Franken hadn't stolen that election this bill wouldn't be so extreme

Senate Republicans blast bill

Lou Dyer Jones — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:52:53 GMT

LOL at these buffoons. As I recall, the GOP plan was to wait and see if the private insurers changed their ways. Way to go, Obama! You make 'em eat it and LIKE it!

Senate Republicans blast bill

Lowell, Bloomington, IN — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:53:24 GMT

"And they're writing legislation that is totally partisan"

But it's OK when Republicans do it, isn't it Senator Hatch?

Senate Republicans blast bill

Jeff, Plainfield, Illinois — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:54:00 GMT

Hmmm! The Republican option over the last 8 years is an interesting one! Why is that? Because there isn't one.

The GOP will say anything and do anything to protect the private insurance companies. Do not let them make you think that this is a bad idea. This is the 1st step to a public health system that is less expensive and covers all Americans.

We spend more than any other country in the world now for Health Care but we don't have the best Health Insurance because 47 million are not covered.

This Health Insurance public option is why we voted for President Obama and this will go down as the beginning of a great Presidential Term.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Sueb, Bloomington, IN — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:57:01 GMT

The republicans speak like people who don't have to worry about getting sick---perhaps like people who have health insurance and who don't have to worry about going bankrupt because you have the temerity to have an accident or get sick. Even with insurance, the way prices have skyrocketed, we 'regular' folks don't have that luxury. Perhaps we don't worry so much about higher taxes because we're too busy worrying about losing our homes because we come down with a disease for which we have to seek medical attention!

Senate Republicans blast bill

Treena, NJ — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:57:16 GMT

That's right Senator McCain, elections do have consequences. You should have thought of that when you were running and laid out what your plans for health care would be instead of focusing on calling Obama a terrorist and impugning his character. I never heard anything negative or positive from you about policy, only negatitivity about Obama's character. I don't remember one idea or policy that you laid out during your campaign, all I remember is you stammering away and having your minions demean Obama's character. People were fed up with that. Elections have consequences.....

Senate Republicans blast bill

Judy in AZ — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:59:47 GMT

And so what is the republican proposal? All I hear them say is that someone wants a free ride and they don't want them to even walk near the road. I am so tired of the republicans and their refusal to see that we NEED HCR desperately. Furthermore, we ARE paying for the people who don't have it NOW. Why not provide healthcare for all, and be up front about it? I am willing to pay my fair share of the costs. I work and have worked since I was 14 years old, and do not need a handout. I have health insurance already. But the insurance I have needs an overhaul. The democrats have begun to address the needs of the common man. Republicans have not had a good idea yet. And as far as not being at the table: What are they doing then? They are in the House and Senate but just sleeping?

Senate Republicans blast bill

OneVoice, Frederick MD — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:00:08 GMT

Did any of use really expect anything different? The whole system is sick, from the multi-million dollar university chancellors to the million dollar malpractice insurance to the pill pushing pharmaceutical salesmen. The medical profession isn't about healing the sick anymore. its about lobbyist payouts, payoffs and junkets to the bahamas. If Hippocrates could see it, he'd be spinning in his grave right now.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Mary, Harrisburg, PA — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:00:33 GMT

No matter what the Dems come up with the Republicans will not support it...so go Dems to what you need to do to get us healthcare. I am so sick of these republicans they all act like idiots! They care nothing about the working class or the people that have no coverage! We put Obama in there to do a job so let him do it!

Senate Republicans blast bill

brian, houston tx — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:03:07 GMT

Implementing a public option which will hold the for profit HMO's accountable is reducing costs. Admin fees for Medicare/Medicaid are 3-6%, private insurers have 30$% admin costs. Guess what health insurance will get cheaper.

It's like the repubs think that health care is akin to buying cars, tvs or other material items.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Nina, Weston, CT — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:03:48 GMT

Republican threats and scare tactics are, once again, front and center attempting to prevent progress in addressing the health care needs of the American people. The “burden” of which John McCain refers, is not what the cost will be when we provide health insurance, but what the cost is when there is no health insurance.

Senate Republicans blast bill

A Voice — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:04:17 GMT

Please, try to look at this issue:

Some of you seem to think this plan will fix all your concerns. You may be taxed a little but then you can just step into a medical facility and be fully covered. That is not what they are offering.

The public plan does not provide full medical coverage. The public plan is insurance, nothing more. It does not remove co-pays. it does not remove deductibles. It does not remove premiums. It does not stop the "company" from saying what is or is not covered. Someone on this plan still has all the issues of today's healthcare.

What it does is mandate enrollment of some kind. They stated there would be a 2.5% gross income penalty for anyone not insured once this goes into effect. It is only projected to cover 16 million of the 45 million uninsured. What about the others? In fact, how will they determine who is to pay those fees? You'll have to register your insurance plan with the government. And how often? Every year? Every 6 month? What happens if they mess up and tax you that extra 2.5%?

Since those who will not be insured are more likely to be "lower income", it sure looks like this penalty is a slick attempt at taxing the poor.

The public plan fixes nothing. It takes a lot of money and does nothing. Healthcare reform is good. The public plan, as proposed, is bad. Even a full socialized medicine (which I don't support) is better than the proposed plan.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Kevin, Schenectady NY — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:04:25 GMT

Once again Republicans are extremely capable of criticism but offer no ideas for fixing this obvious problem.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Heather San Diego CA — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:05:50 GMT

Yes there are problems with any centralized plan. However there is a severe lack of access to care in the United States.

I would like to see McCain and Hatch and other opponents that are not exactly 'spring chickens' with little to no past medical history rely on the free market that they are so for, to get their own private health insurance. I wonder if they would be able to actually obtain health insurance? I don't question their ability to afford it as they are quite well off.

Why can't they model a system similar to their government sponsored plans (yes these men benefit from government sponsored insurance)?

Regular Joes and Janes frequently find themselves unable to obtain health insurance if they have a pre-existing condition. Cancer. High cholesterol. Past need of fertility treatments. Hypertension. The list can go on and on. If lucky enough to find insurance, it is very expensive. Perhaps the private insurance industry would not find themselves in this pickle if they offered affordable private coverage instead of worrying how to maximize profits and make a small group of shareholders happy with profits that increase year after year. Same for 'for-profit' hospital systems. Makes it less about the patients at that point when you are constantly thinking of new ways to make more and more profit.

Senate Republicans blast bill

no on national health care 1.877.SOBuSOB — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:06:32 GMT

no on national health care 1.877. SOB u SOB. That's the number for the congressional switchboard.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Annemarie, Sequim, WA — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:06:32 GMT

I watched HOURS of the committee meetings and the GOP had dozens upon dozens of ammendments accepted. In fact, 161!

The ammendment that was NOT accepted was the one that virtually replace the Democrats bill that would have privatized the entire health care system. Wasn't going to cost the government anything because it wasn't going to cover anything unless you bought their mandated insurance from the "approved" list of insurance companies.

Same old GOP answer to everything. The Dems have a plan to help individuals, businesses AND the medical community. If the insurance companies want to be viable, they let them find the niche that will want the "extras' paid for and not try to make a profit off the misery of people.

Senate Republicans blast bill

jsl — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:07:11 GMT

Please wake up America. If we accept Obamacare and Obamaenergy (cap, trade, and tax the heck out of every American), we will put in place policies that will be difficult if not impossible to be undone. Every government program winds up costing more not less! Stand up for America. Oppose these initiatives.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:08:27 GMT

I guess they just don't get tired of repeating the same old script in the Republican party. Senator McCain--you're right-elections have consequences and we are glad to be experiencing the consequences of having elected President Obama. I wish we had a robust economy and no wars overseas so that it was easier to enact health care reform but--it is a consequence of 8 years of Bush/Cheney that we're in the mess we are today and have to fix it.

Senate Republicans blast bill

James Colt, Depew, NY — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:08:35 GMT

Republicans originated the idea of HMOs. The HMOs
have been denying health care in order to increase profits. CEOs of HMOs are making millions by denying and limiting health care. Repulicans don't have a better idea, that's why they lost in 2008 and why they will lose again in 2010. The USA creates 25 HMO bureaucrats for every Doctor - that's where your health insurance premiums are going.

Senate Republicans blast bill

Brian L. Szary, Depew , New York — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:09:30 GMT

It is about time that the rich republicans be made to pay their fair share in taxes. It is to my understanding, and I may be proven wrong that the top 5% of the richest people in this country control over 50% of the money.

I support the Health bill passage and a restructuring of the tax schedule so many everyone can pay their fair share of taxes .

As our constitution states that all men are created equal and that universal health care will help enforce this constitutional right by making health care available to all Americans.

If you research you will see that after Ronald Reagan's presidency the middle class has been on a downward slope. enough of the Reaganomics! let's bring the middle class back, they are the backbone of this country!

please excuse any and all uncaught mistakes as this is typed with a voice to text program and they sometimes are overlooked in the editing.

Senate Republicans blast bill

F Furney — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:09:53 GMT

If the GOP doesn't like it then it has to be a good bill

Senate Republicans blast bill

Henrietta, Lafayette, LA — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:10:17 GMT

And yet, they have no alternative. How typical!

Senate Republicans blast bill

Union Baby, Tennessee — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:10:25 GMT

Writting legislation that is totally partisian? My goodness Orin, where were you the last 8 years? I bet you were quite busy yourself either writing or supporting your own brand of totally partisian legislation, wink, wink.
Lamar, lamar, lamar - sorry to remind you buddy but I'm a native of Tennessee and remember only too well your distain for the uninsured - you are no expert on health care, actually you are a Gasp Lawyer! you know those evil folks responsible for the health care crisis in the first place, yep, that's you lamar, still talking out of one side of your face and lying out of the other.