Obama: Let’s work together to destroy American health care by year’s end
posted at 2:40 pm on May 16, 2009 by Allahpundit
This week’s communique from Olympus. Of all the examples of Obama Newspeak, none is more golden than the idea that deficit spending will become unsustainable unless we start nationalizing health care. They’re already struggling to figure out how to pay for it, the public’s already starting to recoil from big spending and bigger government, and yet it’s full speed ahead on, ahem, reform. Like the man said: “I won.”
And by the way, if you object to any of this, you’re a hatemongering “swiftboater.” Just so you know.
Blowback
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SEPERATE BUT EQUAL
The new healthcare plan. One tier for the elite liberals and one plan for the rest of us. You seniors will get the crumbs.
bloggless on May 16, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Cpmmie Bastard.
RalphyBoy on May 16, 2009 at 2:43 PM
I can’t watch. Makes my stomach churn to watch the a–hole.
txag92 on May 16, 2009 at 2:44 PM
This is where I veer off. Employment-based health care is clearly not viable anymore.
The world has changed.
We NEED a public policy that is reasonable and not subject to marketing devices that make it into a pretend policy.
Health care did not curb their own marketing.
I feel zip sympathy that this is coming.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 2:45 PM
/yawn
Look! Another manufactured crisis that can ONLY be solved by a massive outlay of taxpayer dollars.
The left often accuses the right of not having any solutions. But does anyone stop to think that the ONLY solution the left EVER proposes is increased government spending? Seriously. That’s all they know.
BardMan on May 16, 2009 at 2:46 PM
Um, they have the White House. They have a large majority in the House. They have all the votes they need in the Senate.
Even if every single voter in America hated this idea, the Democrats could still get it done by Labor Day.
And if ObamaCare is what they truly believe the country needs, they should pass it and damn the voter backlash in 2010.
myrenovations on May 16, 2009 at 2:46 PM
These pwople really have no fcuking clue.
blatantblue on May 16, 2009 at 2:47 PM
I keep hearing this moonbat talk about how our healthcare is “broken”
Then why do we have just about the healthiest population in the world?
why do people come here from countries with socialized medicine?
Our healthcare is envied by just about the entire planet, and he want to screw it up too???!!!
UNREPENTANT CONSERVATIVE CAPITOLIST on May 16, 2009 at 2:48 PM
Soros must have a time crunch…wall street, banks, cars, health care, media, shut down talk radio, census, illegal aliens, national defense, subversive appointments, moved pretty fast in 3 months.
nondhimmie on May 16, 2009 at 2:49 PM
The O-bots are organized to tyrannize.
Meanwhile, the Republicans are deeply involved in removing the lint from their navel.
Puddleglum on May 16, 2009 at 2:49 PM
We do not even come close to having the healthiest population, unrepentent.
In fact, our ratings are embarrassingly low. We in the third world tier.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 2:49 PM
I don’t think we need a welfare state. Not at all.
I do think we need a reasonable health care policy that people can afford.
It’s essential.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 2:51 PM
My 12 year old nephew has diabetes. I’ve already advised my sister that if ObamaCare passes she should just go ahead and pay for his funeral.
Percy_Peabody on May 16, 2009 at 2:51 PM
No we do NOT need a public system.
What we NEED is stupid government regulations regarding insurance out of medical care. (Frankly we just need insurance out of medical care period)
Then we can purchase our medical care on our own without union leaders telling us we NEED it as a benefit.
Skywise on May 16, 2009 at 2:51 PM
For anyone paying attention, this speech was the jump the shark moment in Obama’s presidency. To decry spending and debt that somehow has mystically appeared and then say the solution is nationalized healthcare? Come on! Even lefties will have a hard time defending that idiocy.
Christian Conservative on May 16, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Unlink the stinking medical insurance from employment! That solves a lot of the issue.
In my business, when my partner left to deploy to Iraq, I was left by myself. I found out it was actually cheaper for me to pay for the individual policy on myself than have the “group plan.” (Not much, but cheaper, and with a well-respected insurer.)
Was informed the reason for that was with a Group Plan, the Plan must accept everyone regardless of actual health condition, therefore to make up the difference, everyone pays higher rates. This may be different for those monsterous companies that can bring in hundred or thousands of new policies.
JamesLee on May 16, 2009 at 2:52 PM
I thought we were hateful, illiterate, nativist, racists?
I wish the Loony Leftists would make up their minds. Pick a slur and stick with it, please.
AZCoyote on May 16, 2009 at 2:53 PM
+100
becki51758 on May 16, 2009 at 2:53 PM
So you fault our health care system for us not being healthy? I fault our cushy lifestyles and unrestrained sex community for spreading diseases like AIDS and obesity.
Fortunately for the people with AIDS our health care system has provided enough money to PAY FOR the expensive treatment of a highly preventable disease.
We aren’t unhealthy because of the health care system. And if the government controls health care, it won’t make us more healthy.
Your arguments are absurd.
ThackerAgency on May 16, 2009 at 2:53 PM
I have a question for you AnnainCa. . . do you have health insurance? If you do, what is your problem with it? Who provides YOUR health insurance?
ThackerAgency on May 16, 2009 at 2:55 PM
I love your title for this, Allahpundit!
Alana on May 16, 2009 at 2:55 PM
I knew that Obama would try to make universal health care the primary goal and legacy of his administration. All this talk about the Fairness doctrine, Gun control, Card Check and cap and trade were just bunch of hot button issues to be traded off to enable the passage of Obama-care. Notice how no one on the left is really talking about the fairness doctrine or an assault weapons ban anymore? I wonder why that is? Especialy in light of the Obama’s administrations drive to get Obama-care pushed through as soon as possible.
Dreadnought223 on May 16, 2009 at 2:56 PM
If that’s the case, it’s a matter of diet and lifestyle, not the healthcare system. Ever lived and received healthcare in a country with a socialized heathcare system?
DarkCurrent on May 16, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Well, I’ll fight against this, sky.
I’m not for EFCA. I’m no longer a straight-ticket Dem.
But I’m definitely going to be for people on this issue. We’ve had our employment ripped out from under us. There’s no such thing as employment insurance anymore.
That lasts until you’re laid off.
What the current alternative is? They will pretend to take your premiums, but don’t dare to try to use it.
No way. No how.
This is wrong.
A public policy that’s not fancy is the solution. You want alternative treatment and better care? Buy a private insurance plan that actually delivers. Good luck on figuring out that , btw.
We just absolutely need a basic plan.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Yes, alna….I have a plan, but I don’t trust it. I think it would dump me in a heartbeat.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Folks, we could take care of a lot of the slop in the system if we passed tort reform. The reason healthcare costs so much is that you have lawyers at every turn trying to become rich off others mis-fortune.
As a matter of fact the entire American system could benefit from less laws & lawyers.
We need more non-lawyers running for office.
izoneguy on May 16, 2009 at 2:58 PM
He sounds like the teacher from the Charlie Brown holiday specials.
Tim
Tim_B on May 16, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Dark Current, if you’d like to continue with unhealthy habits, then earn the money to do so.
I have no problem with that choice.
But you pay for it
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 2:58 PM
AnnainCA, I can find you an inexpensive basic plan NOW. . . without the government controlling everything.
What is your problem with your health insurance plan? Please let me know all the problems you have had with your health care (ahem I mean insurance – there is a difference).
ThackerAgency on May 16, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Well he is getting on up in years.
Alana on May 16, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Exactly. He’s essentially saying, “we’re spending too much, so we need to spend a lot more.” I’d like to think this is too ridiculous for Americans to fall for, but I suspect it isn’t.
Infidoll on May 16, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Tort reform is a part of this overall picture.
I agree.
But…..we better stop quibbling over which comes first, chicken or egg.
This is serious.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 3:00 PM
If this is the case, your problem is with your ELECTED Commissioner of Insurance in the state of California.
If you have a problem with a government controlled plan, who are you going to sue? Uncle SAM? Good luck with that.
ThackerAgency on May 16, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Tort reform is a BIG part of the picture. It adds to the COST of health care while providing ZERO health care. Unrestrained lawsuits against doctors who have made mistakes doubles your health insurance premiums and pays for ZIP of health care.
ThackerAgency on May 16, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Agreed. The cause of most every problem facing this country is government.
Get the government out of our lives and out of our pockets.
darwin on May 16, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Personally I’m in ok shape. I think you missed my point entirely.
You also avoided my direct question: “Ever lived and received healthcare in a country with a socialized
heathcarehealthcare system?”DarkCurrent on May 16, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Dr. Rich says the Dems have put themselves between a rock and hard place with this one. They’re d@mned if they do and d@mned if they don’t:
Rae on May 16, 2009 at 3:04 PM
I’m self employed and insurance is expensive – about $700 a month. I worked for a gov. agency for 10 years quite a while ago and they keep encouraging me to retire early and tap into my pension. I declined because I don’t need the $$ at the moment. However, I took another look at it. Even though the pension is small and will be even smaller by early retirement, it offers me medical insurance at a reduced cost. For what would cost me $700 a month, I can have the same coverage for $40 a month. Such a deal! Now, I am afraid Obama is going to ruin it for me. The bastard!
Blake on May 16, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Has anyone acknowledged that the swift boat veterans kept John Edwards from the vice-presidency.
rob verdi on May 16, 2009 at 3:05 PM
I will say what I said before about health care.
The democrats focus is all wrong. They want to make it about “COVERAGE” (who gets what in health care)
The GOP must make it about CARE (making healthcare more affordible for all Americans)
Adding 20 million Americans to the health care rolls will not improve coverage or services.
Reducing costs for medications and hospital stays benefits all americans not just those without coverage.
By increasing supplies you increase care given. By increasing the number of people into the system you deplete supplies and reduce effectiveness.
Its why I dont get why the left so badly misunderstands capitalism when Capitalism is completely based on nature. You cant take more than nature provides.
The left really believes that we have star trek replicators that creates free medicines and foods and goods out of thin air.
William Amos on May 16, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Thackeragency…..are you kidding me? This is precisely like credit cards.
I’ve been in a hospital once in my entire life, to have a baby.
That’s it. Zip.
That’s NOT the issue.
It’s the entire system, based on employment, which is based on an old-fashioned system where we work for one employer for a long time.
Portable is the solution.
And a basic government policy, which nobody really likes, btw, is the solution.
Then, let the private companies compete for your “upgrading.”
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Why would Barry need anyone’s help destroying American health care? And why would it take till the end of the year? Is he slipping?
califcon on May 16, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Blake, they can alter your retirement benefits.
That’s allowed under the law.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Obama claims that we wouldn’t be having the financial problems we are having if only we had nationalized health care. But the U.K. has had nationalized health care for years, and they are in bigger trouble financially than we are.
Our current government-run health care programs (Medicare and Medicaid) are already deeply in debt and rife with waste and fraud — and we’re going to fix that by signing even more people onto the government’s rolls, including tens of millions of illegal aliens (who account for more than a quarter of those “47 million uninsured Americans” Obama and the Dims are always wailing about)?
Only an idiot would believe nationalized health care is going to fix any of our problems. Fortunately for Obama, there are plenty of idiots out there, as his election proved.
AZCoyote on May 16, 2009 at 3:10 PM
From the CBO blog
rob verdi on May 16, 2009 at 3:10 PM
what state are you in? Seriously, I can get a 64 year old undergoing cancer treatment a policy for less than that in North Carolina (that’s the highest premium you could pay).
I think the problem is that people don’t know about this issue. They know more about American Idol than they do about health care and the industry. There are solutions – different ones for different people. You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg even now.
If you are poor, you get medicaid. If you are sick, you can get disability. If you are old, you get Medicare. If you are employed, you get it from your employer. Our health care system is pretty good without the government.
My point is that our health care system could be a LOT worse. . . and will be if Congress gets involved. They don’t know any more about this issue than most other Americans. . . they just know they’d rather not have to pay ANYTHING for it. . . well, nothing is free.
ThackerAgency on May 16, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Isn’t this a bit odd if you think about it…
Part of the complaint about the current state of health care is that so many people are at times uninsured and recieve little or no care. They suffer from having to do without.
But an ObamaCare plan would have to require some rationing of medical resources, causing some people to suffer from being denied care.
myrenovations on May 16, 2009 at 3:11 PM
If you’re considered to be a drag on the system and treating you isn’t what they consider to be cost-effective, the government will dump you in half a heartbeat. Read Daschle’s book. That’s what we’re in for.
ddrintn on May 16, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Allow people to customize their healthcare plans, instead of having to buy all of these ridiculous state mandated lists and sets of healthcare.
Open interstate competition.
Tort reform
voila — you cover, in my mind, most of the uninsured.
blatantblue on May 16, 2009 at 3:11 PM
All I want to see is some kind of preventive health care plan, without all the bells and whistles, offered at a truly reasonable cost for people who are in transition.
That’s a great, great step forward, in my opinion.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 3:11 PM
This is about power, not healthcare for the poor!
The nation’s LARGEST EMPLOYER? The Medical Industry. Oh, and it accounts for 17% of GDP.
Will the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) please pick up the Red phone. Barack Obama is returning your call……
TN Mom on May 16, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Well let’s just rally around the one, and smile, and say YES HE CAN! Yes he can muck up social security! Yes he can, screw up medicare. Yes he can put us in hock so far over our heads, we’ll drown. Yes we can tax the hell out of everyone that pays taxes, while those that don’t reap …nothing, because there won’t be anything left to reap. Yes he can lie, manipulate, intimidate, and be a down right cowardly scum bag. Yes he can tell us one thing, and mean another. Yes he can, destroy our country, because the millions of us are horrible, and he’s the only one that’s been good, and honorable, and forthright, and innocent.
Barf!!!
capejasmine on May 16, 2009 at 3:14 PM
dd…….that’s where I disagree. I do think that any government plan, however awful, won’t be able to dump people like private insurance has proven they are willing to do.
This is not a subject I’m sympathetic to private busines over.
They have proven to be simply unscrupulous, very much like credit card company sharks.
Sorry…..I do not agree with most of you on this issue.
They are responsible for turning this into a scam.
Now, it’s time to straighten it out.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Anna, I agree with you that a very bad government plan might be a good idea (10,000 deductible, no copayments for nothing).
However, we HAVE PORTABILITY with COBRA (Hilary’s baby from the mid 90′s) Now Obama pays for 65% of COBRA if you lose your job.
Let me educate you on another thing. I make my living finding health insurance plans for INDIVIDUALS. There is a VERY VIBRANT MARKET FOR INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE (meaning outside of an employer).
I have had my own health insurance for 20 years and pay for it myself. When I go to the doctor, they happily take me.
You mention you used your insurance when you had a baby. That’s great! It looks like the system worked for you! It works for more people than it doesn’t work for. THAT’S MY POINT!
The VAST MAJORITY of people in this country have health care that works for them. That’s not ‘broken’ in any stretch of the imagination.
ThackerAgency on May 16, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Since you still seem to be here, I hope you’ll noticed I asked you a direct question twice (2:56 & 3:03PM). I’m still very interested in your answer.
DarkCurrent on May 16, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Obama’s health insurance coverage is another Trojan Horse.
Obama wants to get the 12 million illegals covered and the other
20 million that don’t work or cannot get coverage. It’s about buying
votes. It is not about saving money. If Obama really wanted to help the
country save money he should resign now along with the rest of the socialists in government.
izoneguy on May 16, 2009 at 3:16 PM
PSST! The GOVERNMENT is the biggest scam in history. Social Security is a ponzi scheme that dwarfs Madoff. Medicare is a government health care system that depends on enslaving young people to pay for old people’s health care. They do all this taking of your money ‘for your own good’.
I wish I could go rob someone and tell them it is ‘for their own good’ like the government does. I assure you I don’t get as much from the government as they get from me.
ThackerAgency on May 16, 2009 at 3:16 PM
It is not that they will dump you, it is that they will deny you care. But we will all still be paying for it.
myrenovations on May 16, 2009 at 3:17 PM
The first step to improving health care is to take the lawyers out of the system. If health care becomes no-fault, less needless disgnostics will be used so that physicians won’t have to worry about CYA.
Secondly, train more physicians. Except the AMA won’t like this.
Next, deny medical care to illegals.
Lastly, everyone should pay something towards a medical visit. Hopefully, that would somewhat discourage the medical freeloaders.
Special Forces Grunt on May 16, 2009 at 3:17 PM
True, and on top of that, lawyers ::cough:: John Edwards ::cough:: now file suit even if the Dr. didn’t make a mistake, knowing they might hit it big in court anyway, or that malpractice insurers will just pay off to avoid litigation costs.
Patrick S on May 16, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Can’t be done without decreasing quality of health care in sectors considered to be a poor investment of health dollars. Age would be one of those sectors. When all members of the government legislative, executive, and judicial branches are forced to use the same health care system as the general public, get back to me and we’ll talk.
a capella on May 16, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Healthcare for Allahp !
William Amos on May 16, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Meanwhile Rush isnt only rich guy abandoning NY for greener pastures
William Amos on May 16, 2009 at 3:18 PM
You are right that malpractice lawsuits are a problem, but not for the reason you think – unbridled judgments. The problem is the system; specifically, the “American Rule” on attorney’s fees. The English Rule is much better (they’ve screwed up their system in other ways): the loser pays the winner’s fees.
Most malpractice suits are horrendously expensive – on both sides – and most are settled because of the in terrorem effect of large judgments and because even a successful defendant loses big-time under the “American Rule” – successful defense of a serious-injury malpractice case can run into seven figures.
If an innocent defendant could defend and recover those costs, much of the in terrorem effect would be dissipated. And – believe it – once a few “not guilty” verdicts come in for defendants and plaintiffs have to shell out big bucks for defense legal fees, the system will straighten around pretty well.
But, you say, what injured plaintiff is really at risk for that kind of sanction? Answer: his attorney. You see, another problem is that American legal ethics prohibit attorneys from “investing” in a client’s case. That really makes no sense. If a plaintiff has a good case, the plaintiff’s bar will pony up (they do now, they just have ways to hide it). So, require a plaintiff to post a bond for fees before he can file his suit – financed by the plaintiff’s attorney. Now – believe me – only the meritorious suits will get filed; the strike suits won’t be filed.
And – come on, be honest – if a plaintiff is really seriously injured by a medical hack, he deserves compensation. And those cases will be handled more expeditiously under the English rule as well. Part of it is that a defendant can make a settlement offer; if plaintiff turns it down, and fails to win more after a trial, plaintiff forfeits his right to fees from defendant.
In short, we don’t need government regulation here, we just need to let good old conservative (read “market”) forces/principles operate.
ManUFan on May 16, 2009 at 3:19 PM
This will be the tipping point…watch and see.
SouthernGent on May 16, 2009 at 3:20 PM
You should realize that the health care plan is not designed to destroy American health care, but to destroy America, itself. It is the huge cost of health care that is being counted on to help to bankrupt us, with the disruption of the health care system, itself, only serving to demoralize people as it is all happening.
progressoverpeace on May 16, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Shout out to all:
Go check out Keemo’s excellent post in the Greenroom on another cog of this Socialist takeover of our country….
http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2009/05/16/david-a-noebel-how-the-socialist-are-destroying-america-from-within/#comment-6762
elduende on May 16, 2009 at 3:21 PM
You guys seem to want to dismiss me by making this personal.
I’ve never been dumped.
And if you think even the current rates of COBRA are “REASONABLE,” let me say now…..we are just so not on the same page.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 3:21 PM
I agree with those calling for tort reform.
I also believe that once a drug has FDA approval, drug companies can no longer be sued over the proper use of that drug. Far too much of what we pay for drugs goes into lawyer’s pockets. But of course this will never happen, lawyers being what they are to the Dems.
I, like most others, have zero confidence that the government will improve or maintain medical care in the US. It will be much, much worse – if you can even get the care you need.
chalons on May 16, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Well done sir! The newer Urgent Care facilities are doing more to increase access to health care, and insurances are paying for them more and more. But you are correct sir about the AMA keeping supply low and their doctor rates up. People don’t usually talk about that though.
ThackerAgency on May 16, 2009 at 3:21 PM
You are correct. Obama needs to focus on the folks that don’t have coverage. Not the ones that do. Pushing everyone into a one size fits all plan will not work. Many people that could afford coverage just don’t buy it. Young single people in good health usually don’t bother with health insurance. They are included in the figures as poor souls who are punished by our current system. But the biggest lie is that the democrats always throw in 12 million illegals to pump up their 35,000,000 uninsured claims….
With 320,000,000 people in America it looks like only 8% are uninsured.
Why penalize the other 92%??? – This was about the same percentage
of people who stopped paying their mortgages….
Until the 92% get really outraged then the democrats will always play the 8% against you.
izoneguy on May 16, 2009 at 3:23 PM
a capella, that’s my position. Go ahead. Offer people a policy that those of you with premium insurance would blanch at.
That’s OK.
Believe me, it’s better than what’s going on now.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 3:23 PM
If there is to be a line in the sand, to quote a Qaddafism,
It needs to be drawn here.
No Government Healthcare.
Kini on May 16, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Even the dumbasses HAVE to see this “URGENCY” as BS by now, right?
marklmail on May 16, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Everybody knows that hastily made, reckless decisions are the best- such as kicking a tiger in the crotch or screaming “fire” in a crowded theater.
MaiDee on May 16, 2009 at 3:24 PM
I think, oddly enough, Republicans are falling into the same vat of Big Gov thinking as liberals.
Sort of odd to watch.
Everything is extrapolated to the extreme.
What would work is simple. A public policy that covers basics.
You want terrific coverage?
Pay for it.
AnninCA on May 16, 2009 at 3:25 PM
psst . . . check out the link in my name. I’ve been finding alternatives to COBRA for decades. I KNOW how much COBRA is, but it is just the same cost it always was. . . but instead of your employer paying for it YOU pay for it. HOWEVER, as of two months ago, the GOVERNMENT will pay for 65% of your COBRA premiums for you for 9 months. That takes my business and makes insurance companies richer. . . but that’s what government health insurance will do.
I’m not making this personal Anna, I’m just trying to explain to you by the facts. This is my industry. I KNOW this industry. It is the most boring topic in the world. . . but it is a topic I am well versed on. People want free health insurance that covers everything. Sorry. . . I’d like a free ferarri and the ability to drive as fast as I want. . . but it doesn’t work that way.
ThackerAgency on May 16, 2009 at 3:25 PM
FIFY
rockmom on May 16, 2009 at 3:26 PM
One would think, but I just saw a liberal moron parroting this line today on a business show. It’s pure insanity, but they don’t seem to care anymore. As to whether the public is buying this obvious lie, I would never have thought it possible, but they seemed to buy the Porkulus – which was a joke beyond jokes, itself. People even seemed to buy the urgency of passing that insane legislation without reading it, while The Preecedent ran off for a little vacation before signing it. I would have thought that was too much idiocy for anyone, but …
progressoverpeace on May 16, 2009 at 3:26 PM
AnninCa:
I actually have a job in health care and it is absolutely untrue to say our health care system is third world, or that our population is as unhealthy as a third world country.
That is absurd. A good many of the health care problems in this country do not have any thing to do with the health care system.
I have taken care of people who are on medicaid and whose health care is completely covered by the state and many of those with chronic health problems eat too much, smoke, drink, or have done drugs in the past.
Terrye on May 16, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Social Security and Medicare were already going to break the bank in the near future. That was even without TARP, the “Stimulus,” and all the other spending initiatives they’re tossing onto the bonfire. The entitlements we already had on the books were going to exceed 100% of the federal budget within a decade or two. The idea of “universal health care” being added to that already-unsustainable burden is retarded at best and suicidally insane at worst.
aero on May 16, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Yes, I recall all of the US citizens flocking to Canada, Mexico and Cuba for their superior health care.
Please cite your source and data for claims of third world health in the US.
obladioblada on May 16, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Government mandates on healthcare have the NASA problem…
You can have it affordable.
You can have high quality.
You can have it readily available.
Choose 2 out of 3 if you are lucky.
You get 1 out of 3 if you aren’t so lucky.
And 0 out of 3 if you get it the government way.
You cannot mandate affordability…and government is the worst way to mandate anything or run anything, due to its overhead problems. Doing otherwise is King Canute trying to stop the tide coming in: very dramatic and pointless.
As government ‘help’ hasn’t worked, how about we stopped getting ‘helped’ and get rid of tax breaks for health care and let the market figure this out. Better than some political whimsy trying to hold sway, thats for sure.
ajacksonian on May 16, 2009 at 3:28 PM
If people really want to help our health care system, the first move would be to declare that illegals have no right to any care, at all. They suck up more health care dollars than anyone can imagine. This idea that we have insurance, but everyone must be treated whether they have insurance or not is nothing but theft. In my city, I don’t think we have more than a singel trauma center left, because of the insanity of forcing them to service all comers.
progressoverpeace on May 16, 2009 at 3:29 PM
17% of our GDP goes to health care, to say it is third world is just ridiculous.
Terrye on May 16, 2009 at 3:29 PM
The problem with health insurance is not the cost. You probably consider ‘basic’ coverage to include copays and preventive care. That’s like expecting auto insurance to pay for oil changes and brakes, and tire rotations.
It wasn’t until the mid 90′s that we started having copays. Before that, everything was subject to the deductible and co-insurance. When we added copays, the COST of health care went up because people were divorced from the COST of a doctor visit.
The problem with health insurance is that you can’t cover sick people and make a profit. The problem is not with the cost of health insurance, it’s that sick people can’t get it. If the government wants to get involved, they need something that everyone can get regardless of their health care. That type of plan would be TOO EXPENSIVE for the FEDERAL government. However, 35 states already have a risk pool that addresses sick people who need insurance. The risk pool is funded by private insurance companies and administered by the department of insurance in the state.
The federal government was not designed for this problem. The states are handling it pretty well. . . but people don’t know that. It’s boring. But our health care system is the envy of the world. . . that’s why they come here from all over to get treatment when their lives are in danger.
ThackerAgency on May 16, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Trillions here, trillions there, who really cares?
Certainly not the Repubs. The party has known since last year–hell, for years– everything that has transpired these last seven months and where is their coordinated response? Where is their contract that espouses fiscal restraint and small government in all actions?
They have none. They are a bankrupt wannabe dem party. Meanwhile we waste our time on Pelosi and assorted trivia.
Obama is getting his health care so bend over and grab your ankles. Tell me again how smart Rove and Newt are or why Crist and the tax and spend moderates are the best direction.
Strangely enough a depression is probably the only thing that can save us from Cap and Trade, health care etc. We are definitely not capable of saving ourselves with the current leadership.
patrick neid on May 16, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Third time’s the charm they say…
“Have you ever lived and received healthcare in a country with a socialized healthcare system?”
Give me a simple Yes or No and in return I’ll happily clue you in on how that complicated quote thing works.
DarkCurrent on May 16, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Ann, it sounds like you think you’d be happier and more comfortable in a nanny state. Which many of us find terrifying in more ways than I can count.
I lost my job several months ago. COBRA would have been well over $1000/mo (this was before Obama decided to use tax dollars to “assist” people). I shopped around and, as Thacker notes above, was able to find a good plan. It’s high deductible and it pains me to pay for it every month, but that’s what responsible people do.
I see far too many people complaining about the cost of health car when they are happy to pay for recreational travel, big screen tv, cable, cell phones, dining out, etc. etc.
It’s a matter of priorities and a lot of Americans have had their priorities completely backwards for a very long time.
califcon on May 16, 2009 at 3:31 PM
The boot licker media is just playing change the topic with any bad news. 600,000 Americans lose their jobs every month and all they report about is how “confident” everyone is feeling. Same with the overspending. All they report about it is how “confident” everyone is that spending more than you earn will work.
Mojave Mark on May 16, 2009 at 3:31 PM
There is a distinction between how healthy people are, and the quality of care and its accessibility.
blatantblue on May 16, 2009 at 3:31 PM
2:04 was as much as I could take. The guy is selling shitsickels.
TheSitRep on May 16, 2009 at 3:32 PM
TennCare almost bankrupted the State of Tennessee. Flawed from the beginning, it was put together by Dem Gov McWherter in the early 90′s (which many thought was a shout out to Hillary’s healtcare), and Dem cronies who left out the medical profession.
TennCare required poor people to pay a small monthly premium, and were shocked when poor people would rather buy food, gas, pay rent, etc than pay for health insurance.
Faced with a growning shortfall, TennCare then punished the doctors/hospitals by only reimbursing a small fraction of their claims and taking 6-9 months to reimburse them.
Due to not being paid, droves of doctors dropped out of TennCare, leaving patients to drive hours to find a doctor who accepted TennCare.
Poor people and people who make hourly wages can’t afford the gas and time from work to drive long distances for medical treatment. As a result, TennCare went bust, nearly taking the Great State of Tennesse down with it.
TN Mom on May 16, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Yup, and as soon as this Destroy America’s Health Care Act passes, they will dutifully report the polls showing more Americans feeling confident about the future, approving of Congress, etc. etc. Of course, the presstitutes will be long gone when the bills come due and the rationing starts.
rockmom on May 16, 2009 at 3:42 PM
The problem is that health insurance is not longer insurance, it is health care. Insurance deals with risk and probabilities of things that may or may not happen. Our current health care plans are structured to encourage usage and guarantee that the plans will be used and expenses incurred.
With a $300 deductible and an 80/20 plan I would find a home remedy for toenail fungus. With a $20 copay, I will see a dermatologist for a $180 visit and run up expenses for Lamisil and the lab costs associated with the frequent blood tests needed to know if the Lamisil is killing my liver. Instead of paying less than $5 for a jar of Vicks rub, I have turned the ordeal into roughly $500 in medical expenses.
We can, and in some places do, have separate government-subsidized risk pools or plans for those who are otherwise uninsurable, but they need to be constructed in ways that don’t encourage people to avoid insurance until they have a catastrophic event. If you don’t contribute to the system when you are well, it is not “insurance” when your illness causes you to seek a plan, it is welfare.
obladioblada on May 16, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Those of you who have parents in their 60s and 70s, beware. When they get into their 80s, they will not get any treatments for anything. In fact, within 10 years I predict there will be significant government approval of, funding for, and encouragement of assisted suicide.
rockmom on May 16, 2009 at 3:45 PM
2010 Democrat Campaign Slogan:
Elderly Americans are costing our National Healthcare to skyrocket and we can no longer justify treating them but hey, FREE Healthcare for ALL illegals.
TN Mom on May 16, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Like what?
bluelightbrigade on May 16, 2009 at 3:47 PM
That is the key. The federal government has no business in health care, at all. In addition to that, it is unfortunate that the federal judiciary is more than happy to hand down rulings, all day long, about health care that cost enough to kill any systems we might have.
progressoverpeace on May 16, 2009 at 3:49 PM
as a cancer survivor who still spends many days in Drs offices this scares the crap out of me. i was able to choose my treatment 8 yrs ago & by the grace of God I am alive today. It’s hard enough being sick, dealing with Drs, family, medical bills, etc while sick, however throwing in the Govt will be a horrible thing to do. I’m not saying that the medical world is perfect – it does need help but throwing in Red Tape and stupid Govt workers isn’t the way to make it happen. I intend to fight this as hard as i fought cancer.
poppieseeds on May 16, 2009 at 3:50 PM
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