Obama's Speech: The Doctor Is In
With a powerhouse speech to Congress, Obama moves to take control of the health care debate. Will his political skills match his rhetoric?
Wed Sep. 9, 2009 6:34 PM PDT
Can a speech change a political dynamic?
President Barack Obama and his political wizards obviously hope so. Together they came up with an address that at least on Wednesday night made it seem as if Obama was in charge of the health care reform process—which has not been the case since he handed off the hard work to Congress months ago. Obama finally defined fully the debate, the policy, and the values underlying the need for reform. He was both practical-minded and passionate. He was combative at moments, and reasonable-sounding at others. He showed some of his cards, though not all. The question is, can a powerhouse of a speech at this point in the process—when various camps have dug their trenches—alter the terrain? Can Obama, with words alone, truly seize control of the messy endeavor of overhauling the nation's health care system?
Much of the speech was not a surprise. Obama outlined his own plan, as the White House posted it online. He craftily focused first on people who have insurance, noting that his plan would provide them "security and stability." Given that most Americans have insurance and many are somewhat satisfied (or used to) the coverage they have, a large chunk of the public is not responsive to a call for systematic change. After all, things can always get worse. But Obama zeroed in on the well-justified anxieties of the already-insured, noting that his version of health care reform would force insurance companies to end many of the practices that frighten and enrage consumers—such as denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, capping coverage, and refusing to pay for routine checkups and preventive care, such as mammograms and colonoscopies.
Obama hammered the insurance companies, reciting nightmare stories, such as the tale of a Texas woman whose breast cancer treatment was cut off because she had forgot to declare a previous case of acne. He made his point in a simple manner:
As one former insurance executive testified before Congress, insurance companies are not only encouraged to find reasons to drop the seriously ill; they are rewarded for it. All of this is in service of meeting what this former executive called “Wall Street’s relentless profit expectations.”
Even some Republicans stood and joined the on-their-feet Democrats when Obama blasted the insurance companies for such actions. This placed Obama in a combative role, and it served him well. It's tough—maybe impossible—to achieve significant change in Washington without mounting a fight, and one way for a commander-in-chief to show he is in command is to wage a battle. Obama looked like he was ready for a fight.
Yet he also came across as a fellow seeking the best deal that could be accomplished. He took polite shots at both the right and left, observing that proposals for a single-payer system and for a market-based system had their merits. And he positioned himself between these polar opposites, in the middle, eschewing any "radical shift." The message: I'm for conservative change, not revolutionary change. He equated the fear-mongers (read: Sarah Palin and the "death panels" brigade) with those who have "dug into unyielding ideological camps (read: the public-option-or-die progressives)—which probably ticked off some liberal House Democrats.
As for the public option, Obama hailed it as a valuable provision—while contending that setting up a new government-run insurance program was not the only way to hold down the cost of insurance. He called the public option "an additional step we can take to keep insurance companies honest"--not a step we should take. He urged both the left and the right not to exaggerate its significance, essentially pleading with progressives to keep their eyes on the "ultimate goal": making coverage available for those lacking it. Obama referred to other possible means to reach that end: a trigger that would set up a public option if insurance companies don't offer affordable plans, or some sort of co-op or non-profit entity that could provide low-cost coverage. This will likely not satisfy the House Democats insisting on a public option. Yet Obama did toss the left a grand promise: "I will not back down on the basic principle that if Americans can’t find affordable coverage, we will provide you with a choice." Democrats cheered that vow; Republicans were mute.
Obama covered all the bases. He reassured seniors about Medicare. He explained how his plan would provide coverage to the uncovered and how mandates would work. He maintained the measure would not add to the deficit, poking at his predecessor:
Part of the reason I faced a trillion dollar deficit when I walked in the door of the White House is because too many initiatives over the last decade were not paid for—from the Iraq War to tax breaks for the wealthy. I will not make that same mistake with health care.
And Obama offered Republicans a sweetener, saying he was open to demonstration projects involving medical malpractice reform, while remarking that he did not believe that such measures offer "a silver bullet" for bringing down health care costs. It's doubtful GOPers will renounce their rejectionism for a few malpractice reform projects, but this did make it seem that Obama was trying to work with the other side. Independents, please take note.
Throughout the speech, the imagery was all in Obama's favor. Several times, the cameras panned scowling GOP senators and representatives--mainly, a group of white guys--while Democrats applauded Obama's pro-consumer rhetoric. The president looked steely when he said of the "death panels" charge, "It is a lie, plain and simple." He came across as confident when he decried "those who have made the calculation that it's better politics to kill this plan than improve it" and declared, "If you misrepresent what's in the plan, we will call you out." As Obama denounced the charge that his reform effort will insure illegal immigrants, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) shouted, "You lie!"—which only helped Obama look more like a conquerer. And a major act of conquering still lies before him.
Perhaps with that in mind, Obama went big (and emotional) for his finish. He quoted from a letter that Ted Kennedy had written him in May, shortly after being told he was soon to die. The letter was not to be delivered to Obama until after Kennedy's death. Noting that health care "concerns more than material things," Kennedy had written,
What we face is above all a moral issue; at stake are not just the details of policy, but fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our country.
Obama proceeded with an eloquent defense—no, make that an explanation—of Kennedy liberalism. It wasn't about big government for big government's sake, Obama said, it was motivated by a "large-heartedness—that concern and regard for the plight of others." He put the spotlight on Republicans who had partnered with Kennedy:
Those of us who knew Teddy and worked with him here—people of both parties—know that what drove him was something more. His friend, Orrin Hatch, knows that. They worked together to provide children with health insurance. His friend John McCain knows that. They worked together on a Patient’s Bill of Rights. His friend Chuck Grassley knows that. They worked together to provide health care to children with disabilities.
Obama tied these efforts to the "history of our progress," noting that foes tried to block Social Security and Medicare with scare tactics. But, he added, just as rugged individualism is part of the American character so is the "recognition that we are all in this together; that when fortune turns against one of us, others are there to lend a helping hand" and "sometimes government has to step in to help deliver on that promise."
Acknowledging American skepticism of government, Obama wrapped up health care reform in a values-drenched context. Whatever happens with the public option, he was speaking the language of progressives, advancing and reinforcing their vision of America. That might win him a few chits from the left.
The speech did put Obama center-stage in the health care show. But the words will dissipate quickly. Politicians and pundits will not be quoting them next week. What matters now is how the president and his aides handle the ongoing deal-making. Obama has demonstrated he can make swell use of the bully pulpit—even if this exhibition came perhaps late. But with this speech, he probably set up the final stretch as best he could. Now Obama has to wrestle with the politicians of Capitol Hill and make good on all those powerful sentiments—to define the character of the country and the character of his presidency.
For another take on the speech see Jim Ridgeway's report. And Clara Jeffery ponders whether Joe Wilson's lie accusation is parlimentarian.
You can follow David Corn's postings and media appearances via Twitter.
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Comments
Well, we would have to wait until 2013 to find out.
Submitted by Something Stinks on Wed Sep. 9, 2009 7:47 PM PDT.
Suckers.
The public deserves the same health care that Obama and Congress gets.
The MSM, Democrats and Republicans have NO intention of granting that or even acknowledging it
Americans do not deserve what the rest of the civilized world has.
We vote for fascists and warmongers who bankrupt us, lie to us and seek to control us.
Hitler and Mussolini would feel right at home.
First we get rid of the old useless eaters . . .
Something Stinks!
Obamacare
Submitted by stan lippmann (not verified) on Wed Sep. 9, 2009 10:46 PM PDT.
Don't forget about the useless breathers.
Every breath you take Every
Submitted by FeralCat (not verified) on Wed Sep. 9, 2009 8:15 PM PDT.
Every breath you take
Every move you make
Every step you take
Obama wants to be controlling you
Every single day
Every word you say
Every night you stay
Obama wants to be controlling you
Oh, cant you see
He wants you to belong to the collective Obama we
To control all your life how his heart does ache
With every step you take
Every move you make
Every dollar you make
Every claim you stake
Obama wants to be controlling you
That is ridiculous.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 2:38 AM PDT.
That is ridiculous.
1. that is wrong, and I
Submitted by URK (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 7:08 PM PDT.
1. that is wrong, and I don't mean good wrong.
2. it doesn't scan for shit.
Cost of Ideals
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed Sep. 9, 2009 8:48 PM PDT.
What about the fact that creating this circus of an issue on top of an atempt to pull out of a recession has caused industries to freeze hiring as they wait and see what the government actually does? Does what we're all ready paying just to have this debate get added to the $900,000,000.00 bill?
Health care through fraud saving!
Submitted by valwayne (not verified) on Wed Sep. 9, 2009 9:32 PM PDT.
Life is so good in Obama's America. We can give every American free health insurance, and reduce the nations debt by Trillions just by eliminating waste in Medicare. If its that easy why do we have that much waste in Medicare? Just think if we can fund Obamacare and reduce the debt by trillions by eliminating waste in Medicare, once we are all stuck in Obamacare, exept for the President, Congress, and Federal Employees, we should be able to buy the world and maybe even the entire solar system by eliminating the waste we'll have in that that immense Government run program!!!! Did any elderly people dependent on Medicare buy this? :-)
Why bring up Wright again? Because the image never goes away!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed Sep. 9, 2009 9:40 PM PDT.
Does Obama's "I'll take them out" reflect a Chicago style attitude that works in Washington...I think not... It dosnt work in Chicago either, but they still elect them in Chicago, things working isnt a requirement. Public housing failed, schools failed, busing failed, welfare failed, families failed, police fail, there is no requirement to succeed in democratic cities with the unions and miniorities creating a plurality they just keep sending the same failing creeps back to screw them again.
Reverend Wright, Jesse Jackson, Obama and others have made a career of exploting their constituents. Imagine the harm these people do to their children, Imagine Obama's daughters going to this chruch? Imagine having to deal with Wright's next generation of proteges.
Seriously, the banality/fallacy of your arguments...
Submitted by justinhubbard (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 4:33 AM PDT.
astounds me! We'll take Detroit for example: public housing that would mix the poor and working class into middle-class neighborhoods was opposed by middle-class whites, who based their arguments on the fact that the housing would be open to Blacks, and public housing opportunities were crushed time and again by white neighborhood associations and the racist mayoral lineage. Similarly, in Newark, the white-controlled police force attended an attempted bulldozing of the New Ark public housing building. Your very racially charged language signals to me, in the words of Tim Wise: 'your whiteness is showing.'
All of these problems go to the heart of the matter, that for the majority of America, let alone the world, our economic/political/social hierarchy is just that: a hierarchy based on the subjugation of one or more groups to another. Great, kids have busing now! They can get to a different school, and then what, not have money for college? Oh great, they put more money into welfare? That's really gonna get me a job when I get off it to have access to decent pay. Sure, these are intended to be benevolent measures, but when politicians are stuck listening to a populace of herded animals who think the 'government is evil,' except when they are protecting my money, what are we left with? Unless you believe that being poor is in someone's DNA or in their culture, (ha! on both accounts), then you must acknowledge that poverty is more like a disease that gets doled out by a grown-up schoolyard bully generation after generation.
looming plagues
Submitted by Jay Taber on Wed Sep. 9, 2009 9:56 PM PDT.
Obama has steered health care into the ditch. Listening to bamababies defend his betrayal, you'd think the global microbial and viral plagues -- looming on the horizon as a result of Free Trade and privatization -- were science fiction, rather than epidemics already underway in regions where public health has collapsed. In this, the bamababies remind me of the innocent, wide-eyed Crakers, fictional characters created by Margaret Atwood in her novel Oryx and Crake.
Here you all are!
Submitted by Michele (not verified) on Wed Sep. 9, 2009 10:20 PM PDT.
As a child of hippies, I just posted this plea on Facebook: Whatever happened to question The Man? Which starts like this:
"Oh wild-haired, anti-establishment flower children, where have you gone? Too tired to question the man? Too busy waving your AARP cards, having put down your freak flags? Given up, have you? Eaten the establishment crap? Don’t question, don’t protest, don’t worry about the generations to come. Rush through policies that congress doesn’t even have time to read. Just believe, believe... Government's the new religion."
And gets progressively more pissed off about the swill Obama-bots have swallowed without question. Where, I've been wondering, are all the intelligent people who I remember who didn't trust govt.? And here you all are! As goofy Biden would say, "God love ya!"
nobama
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed Sep. 9, 2009 11:30 PM PDT.
I have a threat for Obama, since he threatened my respresentatives: try to force me into your nightmare of a third world health plan, try to fine me in any way. try to control me, Dear Leader, and you'll die trying to do so.....
xub, nyc
Anonymous Internet Threats? Really? How old are you!?
Submitted by justinhubbard (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 1:03 AM PDT.
A nightmarish third-world plan? Worse than the one we have right now? Laughable. Truly laughable. I guess all of Europe is the 'third-world'? Oh wait, even Cuba has one that surpasses our own? So the actual third-world has a plan better than ours. The state of the American healthcare system is more like the fourth-world. Maybe lower.
Oh, and your little threat, I'm glad you identified yourself, but too bad IP addresses can be tracked. And to think the right decried the factuality of the Security report some months ago that the right-wing was a danger to national security...
Are you threatening to
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 2:44 AM PDT.
Are you threatening to murder the president of the United States?
Are you old enough to remember November 22, 1963?
I am and it was terrible. Please don't make comments like that.
OMG!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 2:55 PM PDT.
President Joe Biden?
I don't think so.
Nah, the CIA is not likely to kill one of their own, but Joe Biden is the best insurance policy they could come up with..
What kind of Frankenstein
Submitted by driver scanner (not verified) on Sat Nov. 7, 2009 8:24 AM PST.
What kind of Frankenstein finance will manifest itself, and come crawling back out of the grave when Team Obama turn their backs and walk back to town? Maybe they need to consult Mary Shelley for help with the speechwriting...
Lots of nuts
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 1:38 AM PDT.
Obama has counted from day one on a lot of nuts in the population.
Unfortunately for him...a lot of the nuts have turned out to be thinking people who have a clue as to what he is trying to get past them, as he swindles every dollar out of their pocket and paycheck.
Dear President, we are the people who do realize that this is a country that depends on our Constitution to protect us.
You took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution and the people of this country.
It is now apparent that you do not really believe that is your duty, so we would like to take back our Constitution and our Country.
We will take care of it without Government help.
In 2010, if I see anyone employed by Acorn and the Federal Government coming to my house to take the Census, we will not be available.
The Census is not supposed to be run by the White House, under Rahm, and using the President's former homies at Acorn.
Health care is not a Federal Government concern.
Don't use my money to buy other people houses and cars again.
Don't use my money to save failed companies so that the unions can take over or money men can get millions in bonus money.
Don't tell me I need cap and trade to save our world. It is just another way for the Obama fortune banks to get more money.
Get out of my life and do only what the Constitution says you can do. If you can't do that then just get out.
Chicago politics are not welcomed in the WH.
You, sir/madam, sound like an ass.
Submitted by justinhubbard (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 4:03 AM PDT.
How exactly is healthcare swindling you of your money? As you say, the oath of office gives him the right to defend the people of America, how does healthcare reform oppose them? Do you complain about Medicare? Will you refuse access to it in your golden years?
If you are so concerned for the 'common man' and citizens of this country, why do you chastise unions? Is it really all that bad that organizations of workers own the means of their production? Is it because Fox News told you that UAW workers make $72/hr? Is it because you believe that lie? Or is it because you believe that the rest of Americans, whom you supposedly support, deserve to be left in utter desolation by refusing to float the companies they are employed by?
It's time for Reagan's (conflicted) legacy to be buried alongside him in Hell. Where were people complaining when Reagan was building up the prison system in CA as governor? Where was the outrage when under Reagan, the US saw the largest boom in incarceration in US history? Where was the outrage when Repub president after Repub president sent us into debt from one war after the other? Is it better that we use our state's military influence to enforce business interests? All of you Reaganites decry 'big government', while you ignore the massive buildup of government needed to carry out wars abroad, and wars at home. There's certainly no shortage of 'state capital' to accompany the massive amounts of monetary capital that buttress bloodlust.
I hope you assholes can recognize that, at least. If not, godspeed.
I'd be inclined to give
Submitted by Hail Mary (not verified) on Sun Sep. 13, 2009 5:54 PM PDT.
I'd be inclined to give Obama the benefit of the doubt....if he hadn't helped the banksters steal from me and the children. You really do only get one chance to make a good impression. And he chose the thieving banksters. Everyone of his economic policies is garbage for working folks and manna for the ultra rich, corporations, and banksters. Thanks for nothing, Obama. A#1 sellout.
The President's Speech
Submitted by ODIrony (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 3:04 AM PDT.
I have less confidence in the President's "plan" after hearing this speech. It won't have "death panels" but it will have committees to oversee prevention of 'wasteful spending'. At one point, I hoped he was about to raise the issue of tort reform, but no, just more linguistic juggling.
Honestly, the more Mr Obama makes speeches the more I think of this
obama's speech
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 3:49 AM PDT.
the majority of people are happy with their health insurance. surely, there are specific problems with health care but it makes no sense to alter the entire system when it is possible to remedy the specific problems that need addressing. since bho has taken office our debt has quadrupled; the economy has not measurably improved; employment has exceeded that which the president covenanted (8% to 9.7%); and the cbo has indicated that the health care 'reforms' would add another $900 billion to the debt and only cover a relatively small portion of the present uninsured. the obama administration is bankupting our country. since the president has not abandoned the public option lest anyone think the government can successfuly manage the health care industry, I think not. the government was unable to successfully switch the tv signals from analog to digital; has mismanaged the 'cash for clunkers'; and hired an avowed communist (van jones) and racial huckster.
under cobra the congress can authorize that when one leaves their employment the employee can take their insurance with them-not just for a limited time but with the stroke of a pen- for as long as congress allows. the critics who have said abortion funding would be included are correct: the court's have ruled that if abortion funds are not specifically excluded the funding for abortion is included. the house bill does not specifically exclude abortion. thus, abortion funding is included.
when medicare was initially proposed it was projected to cost approximately 12 billion. it turns out that when measured at the requisite time line the cost was in excess of 150 billion. the government's figures cannot be trusted. the obama administration cannot be trusted. fix what is broken and don't tell me the entire system is broken- it is not. fix what needs to be fixed and nothing more. and, has anyone figured out how with all of the additional people who will get insurance who will treat them. the number of doctors will remain the same. no matter how it is characterized there will be rationing to accommodate the number of newly insured when the number of providers remains unchanged: very simple economics.
Obama's Speech
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri Sep. 11, 2009 8:57 AM PDT.
Silly, there is rationing now..those that have, get, those that don't, don't. All resources are rationed when demand exceeds supply. That is the case, and will be the case with health care. The only way out is to reduce demand by adopting healthier lifestyles, better nutrition, more exercise, less stress.
justinhubbard's Comment above
Submitted by Michele (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 7:31 AM PDT.
When Obama supporter justinhubbard brings up Castro's healthcare in Cuba, he loses the argument.
They have no freedom, dingbat! Stuck on an island, given quotas of food, not allowed to run profitable businesses, spy on their neighbors. Yes, but they have health care.
I'd rather die than live like that.
PS My mom lives in France, their health care has it's problems, too.
Grow up!
justinhubbard's Comment above
Submitted by Michele (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 7:32 AM PDT.
When Obama supporter justinhubbard brings up Castro's healthcare in Cuba, he loses the argument.
They have no freedom, dingbat! Stuck on an island, given quotas of food, not allowed to run profitable businesses, spy on their neighbors. Yes, but they have health care.
I'd rather die than live like that.
PS My mom lives in France, their health care has its problems, too.
Grow up!
justinhubbard's Comment above
Submitted by Michele (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 7:33 AM PDT.
When Obama supporter justinhubbard brings up Castro's healthcare in Cuba, he loses the argument.
They have no freedom, dingbat! Stuck on an island, given quotas of food, not allowed to run profitable businesses, spy on their neighbors. Yes, but they have health care.
I'd rather die than live like that.
PS My mom lives in France, their health care has its problems, too.
how did i lose the argument?
Submitted by justinhubbard (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 10:57 AM PDT.
how did i lose the argument? by challenging that the commenter thought that obama's efforts would impoverish the company to the likes of the third-world, and implying that even in the legitimate third-world, health care exceeds our own, i have effectively negated the power of his own argument. michele, i'm really glad that you didn't engage with the argument at all, instead you just talk about how cuba has 'no freedom' and you don't 'want to live like that.' it's very palin-esque of you.
i'm no obama-lover, but i am a PEOPLE lover, and no not the magazine. but when 50,000,000 people are uninsured in this country, then the health system in a country like france or cuba has to be better. of course they aren't the best, you dummy, no one is saying they are perfect, just that they are the better of two worlds, when insurance companies make money from people's pain and death we all lose.
O-Zombies just do not get it
Submitted by Democratparty=GOP=corporatist America (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 8:22 AM PDT.
However socialists do understand thwe corporatist agenda of Obama
This is all a distraction, as Obama turns over the entire country to a for-profit insurance plan
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/sep2009/obam-s10.shtml
as long as sheep continue to defend the "D" instead of taking an actual positon, we are screwed. Obama is folling us, he caved into the Max Baccus/Grassley plav, which is nothing but forcing worknig people to buy a rip off for=profit plan with the co-op umberella. No public option will exist. Did you listen to him? He is slashing medicare. $3000 penalties for those who refuse to buy a plan. Can you see reality, without the obsession with Republicans? Screw Republicans... Obama is a corporatist, who cares about what GOP scum are shrieking. Obama is caving into them and the rich
The Centerpiece
Submitted by Thomas Dooley on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 9:13 AM PDT.
Let's see, single payer just tossed out the window without a glance. The anemic public option restricted to only those who the insurance corporations reject. And even at that Obama shows a willingness to "work together" and toss that little scrap overboard. What is the centerpiece of Obama's "plan?"
The mandate that citizens must purchase health insurance policies from the same corporations that have created the health care mess in the first place is the centerpiece of Obama's "plan." Everything else is small potatoes. Everything else is window dressing and distraction from the elephant in the room. The insurances corporations know it. It represents an enormous transfer of wealth to them.
The insurance corporations are besides themselves with joy. They have acquired the power of taxation in all but name. A law that uses the power of the state to force you to pay money or else be punished is a tax. There is no other name for it. A tax is a tax.
These corporations now have the power collect taxes directly without the interference caused by democracy and our elected representatives with the only role for government is as the enforcer.
The power to tax. What a plum! What a reward! I guess because these corporations have done such a fine job giving us the wonderful efficient healthcare system we now enjoy they deserve all this new wealth and stunning new power. We can all be assured they will be responsible with it. Why wouldn't they be? They are deeply concerned with our well being. It says so right in their ads.
something eerily familiar...
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 9:04 PM PDT.
There is something eerily familiar about the gargantuan gap between the opposing arguments in this debate, as well as the disagreement over 'facts'. There is a powerful campaign of misinformation being executed, and each side believes it is by the other.
It smacks of the run-up to the Iraq war, when a large enough part of the population believed Iraq was sheltering al Qaida and WMDs to compel legislators to vote for a war that wasn't in the country's best interest. As it turned out, and as most of the rest of the world already knew, neither of the alleged culprits was found after the invasion. But it was to late too turn around.
The motif of baseless fear - this time, that the government is on the verge of clawing back our personal freedoms - gives it away. How about discussing what's in the bill, instead of assuming Obama is a liar who wants to drive the country to ruin? I have difficulty taking those in opposition seriously when they leap right over the legislation to wild, foregone conclusions. Civilized debate is crucial to our democracy, but let's talk specifics instead of spitting venemous accusations back and forth.
Healthcare reform a little thin on facts and figures
Submitted by GarySeven on Thu Sep. 10, 2009 9:27 PM PDT.
Lots of people getting wrapped around the axle about all of this, not a lot of people asking very intelligent questions, which is how we ended up with the healthcare system we have now, or lack thereof, whatever.
Where is an honest, no-nonsense costing-out of the daily 24-hour operating costs of one single hospital? Where's a breakdown of cost of malpractice insurance, supplies, power, water, fuel for the ambulances? Let's get down to the um, 'gory' details of healthcare, then we can talk about reform. Flowery speeches don't prevent cost abuses, don't shine flashlights in dark little corners where various sorts of evil likes to hide, doesn't focus on fully eliminating things like Medicare fraud and systematic abuse of seniors for profit purposes. That 'Benz isn't going to pay for itself now, is it? Um, 'no'. But Grampa(yours) can sure help with the payments!
People, some people at least, do not enter the field of medicine out of the pure fresh-fallen goodness of their hearts. Some do it because they'd like a Large Boat, and Large House, and a Private Lake, and so forth, and so on. Preferably an Air Plane to go with all of that. In other words, life with 'the works'. Now, there's a couple ways to get there, and one way is to run an insurance company, another is to be a lawyer, and still another is to become a medical specialist, surgeon and so on. But, when you end up with a so-called healthcare system that excels at separating people from the contents of their pocketbook with surgical, digital precision, you've created A Monster that will come back and terrorize the villagers. Can Obama and his team of political specialists wield torch, and pitchfork to good effect, drive this monster back to the castle where it belongs, and put it out of our collective misery before we end up with millionaire doctors living the high life at expense of the taxpayers? What kind of Frankenstein finance will manifest itself, and come crawling back out of the grave when Team Obama turn their backs and walk back to town? Maybe they need to consult Mary Shelley for help with the speechwriting...
Klaatu marachas necktie
fully agree with Obama, his
Submitted by Admission essay writing (not verified) on Fri Sep. 11, 2009 12:16 AM PDT.
fully agree with Obama, his speech was really interesting!
Still can't believe...
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri Sep. 11, 2009 7:42 AM PDT.
As a Canadian, I still can't believe what I read and see everyday in the American media. Sure universal healthcare has its problems, nothing is perfect. What amazes though is how some people are TRULY against their compatriots getting proper healthcare. What kind of people are so egoistical as to believe that some people shouldn't have proper medical attention because of their social standing and how much money they have in the bank. This is pure DISCRIMINATION.
Unbelievable.
Im in total agreement
Submitted by Lucrecia (not verified) on Sun Sep. 13, 2009 6:38 AM PDT.
As a British citizen we had the National Health Service introduced into our country after reforms to rid our country of the imbalance between the haves and have nots. A healthy country starts with a healthy population, physically and mentally. Although our system isn't perfect it does mean people can get treatment free at point of contact with the service, a reduced rate of prescription charges for most and free for those that cant afford. Being hospitalised doesn't mean you have to worry if you can't afford treatment to stay alive. What do we have to do for this? Pay a small amount from our wage. No need for health insurance unless we WANT to pay a little extra for private care. Don't discriminate. It's so easy to lose financial stabilty in this economic climate and with it medical security under the American system at the moment. There is a need for reform. I totally agree with the sentiments of the Canadian's comment.
Lucrecia. Your words are
Submitted by Knepp (not verified) on Sun Sep. 13, 2009 6:10 PM PDT.
Lucrecia. Your words are like excretia. We aren't Brits anymore. The british population is ovine to the nth degree. We say Just because WANT it real bad doesn't give you the right to TAKE it. Besides we've got a cratering economy because the guy in charge panders to the money class. And they pay cash or self-insure on medical expenses.
Here's something for you to
Submitted by Knepp (not verified) on Sun Sep. 13, 2009 6:18 PM PDT.
Here's something for you to try on Anon. More and more people are seeing it as a scam. Big fat scam by big pharma big medicine. They saw how the bankers got a pile of money and they want "theirs" too. Americans are stupid, but not that stupid. Too much waste in Washington for so long that there is no trust left. The president's intentions are noble, but its too little too late.
Can't believe what you read
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun Sep. 13, 2009 6:24 PM PDT.
Can't believe what you read in the American press? Well welcome to the club, that's why we dont read the media. So stop reading that garbage. BTW, any way we can get married? I'm real sick with no insurance, no job, no money, and I could sure use some of that free health care up there. Are the lines long?
Where is an honest,
Submitted by cheap bape shoes (not verified) on Fri Sep. 11, 2009 8:56 AM PDT.
Where is an honest, no-nonsense costing-out of the daily 24-hour operating costs of one single hospital? Where's a breakdown of cost of malpractice insurance, supplies, power, water, fuel for the ambulances? Let's get down to the um, 'gory' details of healthcare, then we can talk about reform. Flowery speeches don't prevent cost abuses, don't shine flashlights in dark little corners where various sorts of evil likes to hide, doesn't focus on fully eliminating things like Medicare fraud and systematic abuse of seniors for profit purposes. That 'Benz isn't going to pay for itself now, is it? Um, 'no'. But Grampa(yours) can sure help with the payments!
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Obama and healthcare
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri Sep. 11, 2009 11:25 AM PDT.
Health care or not, I’m partisan to a president that can lower my taxes and fix what the housing market “greed” created… Just get the job market back up and avoid more scams…
Obama's Healthcare
Submitted by Karine (not verified) on Fri Sep. 11, 2009 2:25 PM PDT.
America used to be the land of the pround and the brave. Unfortunately it has turned into the land of the Stupid, Uneducated and Cowards. They follow Obama's his Hope and Change spiel just like th Germans followed when he gave them food, jobs and a car to boot .. Yes Americans followed the Pope of Hope like sheep going to the slaughter. Funny eh? we have not heard another word about hope and change as soon as he was sworn in .. The only way we will ever have change is when we vote outside the party lines.. Obama already sold us out with big Pharma and he is doing the same with the Insurance Moguls .. Revolutionary change is not good (his words ) Bullshit to that! Revolutionar reform is exactly what we need. His kind of reform places a band aid on a cancer that has been oozing for generations! I would take his insurance pln only if he has to take it for him and his family. And that goes for the members of Congress and Sente as well .. They are nothing but blood sucking criminals - lining their own pockets .. Remember they are supposed to work for us - and you just stand there and take it all ...
Obama's Healthcare
Submitted by Karine (not verified) on Fri Sep. 11, 2009 2:25 PM PDT.
America used to be the land of the pround and the brave. Unfortunately it has turned into the land of the Stupid, Uneducated and Cowards. They follow Obama's his Hope and Change spiel just like th Germans followed when he gave them food, jobs and a car to boot .. Yes Americans followed the Pope of Hope like sheep going to the slaughter. Funny eh? we have not heard another word about hope and change as soon as he was sworn in .. The only way we will ever have change is when we vote outside the party lines.. Obama already sold us out with big Pharma and he is doing the same with the Insurance Moguls .. Revolutionary change is not good (his words ) Bullshit to that! Revolutionar reform is exactly what we need. His kind of reform places a band aid on a cancer that has been oozing for generations! I would take his insurance pln only if he has to take it for him and his family. And that goes for the members of Congress and Sente as well .. They are nothing but blood sucking criminals - lining their own pockets .. Remember they are supposed to work for us - and you just stand there and take it all ...
Public need a better health
Submitted by Life Annuity (not verified) on Sun Sep. 13, 2009 10:57 AM PDT.
Public need a better health system which is affordable. And yes speech can change a whole civilization within a little time.
Answer me this: How you
Submitted by Knepp (not verified) on Sun Sep. 13, 2009 6:03 PM PDT.
Answer me this: How you going to MAKE doctors participate? Many are already facing lower revenues based on Medicare cram downs and that is followed by insurance company's basine their re-embursements to doctors on the Medicare rate.
And this gut buster: Savings which will pay for these handcuffs will come from eliminating waste. Har D Har! Three stooges at that speech, Biden, pelosi, President.
Did anyone tell him that the failed economic policies of his alone are dooming this legislation.
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A new order in force
Submitted by sirajul on Wed Sep. 16, 2009 7:10 PM PDT.
Obama finally explained to the people on the other side of the television screen exactly what is at stake. His monumental task is to comprehensively reshape America's ailing health care system. But, from now on, his plan is the measure of all things. On the other hand, he stood before the gathered congressmen and women and senators and told them straight to their faces that there is a new order in force. And in this new order, he said, there is no longer any place for Republicans who have either been fundamentally opposed to his plan or just fought it with lies. With his speech, Obama has defined the new centre in Washington, at least for the next three months. And, in the future, he will only tolerate people around him who are willing to play and not be spoiling the game. Of course, this means that he will also immediately have to lock horns with people inside his own party.
Health is wealth. We all
Submitted by Annuities (not verified) on Sat Sep. 19, 2009 12:49 AM PDT.
Health is wealth. We all need an affordable health system.
Informative perspective from
Submitted by chicago seo on Sun Sep. 20, 2009 4:31 AM PDT.
Informative perspective from the left about Obama's health care speech to Congress. This article clearly favors Obama's views and is a bit too gushing for my taste. I would have liked to see a more balanced perspective, comparing and contrasting key differences between the views from the left and right. But this piece offers useful context to help interpret this event from a liberal viewpoint.
Wow, Corn really drinks the
Submitted by chicago seo on Sun Sep. 20, 2009 4:36 AM PDT.
Wow, Corn really drinks the water here. Seems he can't quite decide whether this is about the "character of the country" or plain political calculus.Adjustable Beds.it's fascinating to compare this one with the opinion in the wall st. journal. this one takes the president's words at face value to explain them. he puts a positive perspective here, ending with "define the character of the country and the character of his presidency."
THE FACTS
Submitted by chicago seo on Sun Sep. 20, 2009 6:55 AM PDT.
document conversion
That's correct, as far as it goes. But neither can the plan guarantee that people can keep their current coverage. Employers sponsor coverage for most families, and they'd be free to change their health plans in ways that workers may not like, or drop insurance altogether. The Congressional Budget Office analyzed the health care bill written by House Democrats and said that by 2016 some 3 million people who now have employer-based care would lose it because their employers would decide to stop offering it.
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