Quotes of the day
posted at 10:30 pm on June 10, 2009 by Allahpundit
“As the health care debate heats up in Washington, we as a nation have to answer two very fundamental questions. First, should all Americans be entitled to health care as a right and not a privilege – which is the way every other major country treats health care and the way we respond to such other basic needs as education, police and fire protection? Second, if we are to provide quality health care to all, how do we accomplish that in the most cost-effective way possible?
I think the answer to the first question is pretty clear, and one of the reasons that Barack Obama was elected president. Most Americans do believe that all of us should have health care coverage, and that nobody should be left out of the system. The real debate is how we accomplish that goal in an affordable and sustainable way. In that regard, I think the evidence is overwhelming that we must end the private insurance company domination of health care in our country and move toward a publicly-funded, single-payer Medicare for All approach.”
***
“Any health care reform plan that Obama signs is almost certain to call for nutrition counseling, obesity screenings and wellness programs at workplaces and community centers. He wants more time in the school day for physical fitness, more nutritious school lunches and more bike paths, walking paths and grocery stores in underserved areas.
The president is filling top posts at Health and Human Services with officials who, in their previous jobs, outlawed trans fats, banned public smoking or required restaurants to provide a calorie count with that slice of banana cream pie…
To some, it smacks of a ‘nanny state on steroids’ — but for others who fret that America is turning into one big Overeaters Anonymous meeting, Obama’s prescription is like a low-fat dream come true.”
Blowback
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From a very unpopular Huffpo commenter tonight:
Can we recruit this guy?
Rovin on June 11, 2009 at 1:18 AM
I seriously doubt that Americans put up with THIS level of government intrusion into… everything.
Especially considering the fact that the fattest and laziest amongst us probably voted 80% Obama.
wildcat84 on June 11, 2009 at 1:23 AM
Does anyone see the irony in a man who can’t quit smoking deciding on health care for the entire country?
ktrush on June 11, 2009 at 1:27 AM
Leave us alone with the socialist crap. Health care is not a right. In order to bust the private system and fund everyone in single payer you have to dig into everyone’s pockets till we’re in an even deeper recession.
You do not have that right. sorry.
Fix medicaid and medicare and put the people who can’t afford healthcare insurance there. And dammit, stop giving cosmetic surgery coverage, I don’t care if your boobs are dragging on the floor, you’re probably ugly anyway. Another thing, stop giving illegals a damned pass on everything. They’re costing a fortune in Cal, and with their budget problems they still won’t stop the illegals from sucking the system dry.
There are some common sense answers that will work in healthcare, we don’t need to go socialist to fix the system.
…go ahead, reach for my wallet again, see what happens next.
Spiritk9 on June 11, 2009 at 1:27 AM
Typical liberal politician thinking. Everything applies to everyone but them, including the obligation to pay the taxes they love to collect.
Felonious Monk on June 11, 2009 at 1:31 AM
Can we recruit this guy?
Rovin on June 11, 2009 at 1:18 AM
.
I say yes.
Americannodash on June 11, 2009 at 1:43 AM
Look, it’s simple: If you all don’t start losing weight right now, the government medical system will have to operate on you. It’s for your own good.
I’m not sure whether to put a sarcasm tag on that or not.
theCork on June 11, 2009 at 2:30 AM
HuffPo has an article about how detainees at Gitmo lost huge amounts of weight, starvation tactics. Obama doesn’t have to close it now, all over weight folks can be shipped there while the detainees get released here. Problem solved.
msmveritas on June 11, 2009 at 2:36 AM
“msmveritas on June 11, 2009 at 2:36 AM”
er, only one problem — the avg. inmate at club gitmo gained like 20 lbs. [!!]
Buckaroo on June 11, 2009 at 3:26 AM
“I think the answer to the first question is pretty clear”.Yes the answer is clear–health care is a responsibilty,not a right.Dumba$$.
DDT on June 11, 2009 at 3:45 AM
I think only basic care should be provided for things such as cuts and burns. The immediate life threatening things. Anything more than that should not be not be covered by the US government.
Yes, the fire department comes and puts out the fire for free. But do they repair the damage? If someone is breaking in to your house the police come and arrest him. But do they repair the broken window?
It is all about solving an immediate problem. Long term solutions should be left to those who are actually involved.
SnakeintheGrass on June 11, 2009 at 3:50 AM
I am a nurse presently living and working in England (hubby is British). I can say from experience that if we in the US adopt universal healthcare there will be sacrifices in the quality of care recieved. It is inevitable due to the cost of healthcare. I have had several patients admitted to the hospital who get diagnosed with terminal cancer who all tell a similar story…they went to their GP with various symptoms and got given painkillers. No tests to find out the cause of the problem! When the tests finally get done it’s too late! And about cancer treatments…only certain ones are paid for by the NHS. A recent controversy over here is about certain cancer meds that will prolong your life. These are NOT paid for by the NHS. The controvery is this…if you decide to pay out of your own pocket for these medications you are considered to be “opting out of NHS treatment” and so therefore must pay for ALL OF YOUR TREATMENT!!! The reasoning behind this is that it’s “not fair” to those who can’t afford to pay for these medications out of pocket! The goverment also approves some medications but denies others. This mainly comes down to cost. And this is only one issue! Be prepared to wait for tests and any surgery you need done…be prepared for less nurses taking care of more patients…be prepared to lose your right to decide if you are to be resuscitated in the event of a cardiac arrest (the doctor makes that decision)… Be prepared to be denied certain surgeries based on your age. This happened to my father-in-law. A very fit 80 year old with an inguinal hernia who was given a truss to wear instead of getting surgery. He ended up paying for his surgery privately because his quality of life was impaired by this hernia causing him so much discomfort! I could go on and on! This is what happens when the goverment controls healthcare! I do feel for people who don’t have health care due to the high cost. I have family members who fall into that category. But having the government run our healthcare system would be a mistake.
qballacus on June 11, 2009 at 4:22 AM
I think we’re looking at this the wrong way. I figure I can make a fortune in the coming junk food black market. Probably enough to pay for illegal private medical care.
Now, that’s knowing how to ‘work the system’.
trigon on June 11, 2009 at 4:22 AM
Psst! Buddy, you want some Cheetos? It’s the good stuff!
trigon on June 11, 2009 at 4:24 AM
Texans may not secede over taxes, but if you try to take away their pan-fried round steaks and peppered milk gravy, there will be a battle.
TMK on June 11, 2009 at 5:21 AM
….The evidence is OVERWHELMING that this approach has worked so well EACH AND EVERY SINGLE TIME IT HAS BEEN TRIED ELSEWHERE.
……
Sorry. Tried the all caps approach to see if maybe that would make the idea sink in.
I live in the real world, so no dice.
Hawkins1701 on June 11, 2009 at 5:50 AM
Oh, and I will have no ounce of sympathy for the individuals who are responsible for bringing this monstrosity upon us, when they suffer for it. When they die because the government cannot or will not treat them.
None.
Hawkins1701 on June 11, 2009 at 5:53 AM
Still can’t figure out why the people who believe this don’t believe being born alive is a right.
Hawkins1701 on June 11, 2009 at 5:55 AM
The only way you can guarantee the “right” of universal healthcare is to have the power to compel health care workers and systems to provide that care against their will. This is a clear violation of the 4th Amendment of the US Constitution. Not that that should slow them down…
Spike72AFA on June 11, 2009 at 6:29 AM
Hawkins1701 on June 11, 2009 at 5:53 AM
You are forgetting,people are stupid and reflect what the media tells them. Best example is the coal miners of Penn, WV,Kentucky and southern Va. Even after Bambi said he would kill the coal industry they voted for him anyway. Now they are shocked he’s nixing new clean plants. DOH!
faol on June 11, 2009 at 6:41 AM
Close your eyes and you can easily envision detention and retraining camps for overeaters.
drjohn on June 11, 2009 at 7:05 AM
Please indicate where this exists in the US Constitution.
Thanks
drjohn on June 11, 2009 at 7:07 AM
And his wife appears to have a particular fondness for junk food based on reviewing her overall size. Hopefully she’ll smack his hand when he signs the bill that will outlaw her cream pies.
sheesh on June 11, 2009 at 7:10 AM
i keep saying this:
1: call to the phones: sit in at your congressman’s office, call, write & email them.
2: and think of this in terms of breast cancer mortality. its alot higher in countries with socialized medicine. we are the world’s leaders in detection, treatment & cure of that disease. are we willing to throw that away?
tell the breast cancer example to a woman.
kelley in virginia on June 11, 2009 at 7:40 AM
Ah, that explains why she wore her apron outside in public yesterday. I was wondering. Just didn’t want to get her proper dress dirty. Good thinking. That Michelle is sharp.
JiangxiDad on June 11, 2009 at 7:44 AM
<blockquote are we willing to throw that away?
No, we are not. Our government however……
Bloo on June 11, 2009 at 8:03 AM
And his wife appears to have a particular fondness for junk food based on reviewing her overall size
She’s not fat. She’s big boned. Wow look at those arms, drool…
faol on June 11, 2009 at 8:36 AM
If we get a food czar, will he force the fatties in Congress like Barney Frank to lose weight? No, of course not. Only us plebes will suffer the consequences of nationalized health care while our betters in the government will be exempt. Just look at the Canadian & UK governments for examples of abuse of power. When will liberals understand that the more power the government is given, the more opportunity for corruption exists?
drflykilla on June 11, 2009 at 8:41 AM
TMK:
Louisiana will follow the minute they go after beignets and cafe au lait. Not to mention pralines,fried shrimp, boiled crawfish…. heck basically everything we cook down here.
sdan on June 11, 2009 at 8:55 AM
Nanny State. Individual freedoms are for stupid people.
Jaibones on June 11, 2009 at 8:58 AM
Word.
Terrorists have “Miranda” rights and innocent babies get cut up and vacuumed into a garbage bag.
Jaibones on June 11, 2009 at 9:02 AM
If health care is a right, then how can they justify rationing it?
petefrt on June 11, 2009 at 9:04 AM
And to think that this man was elected by folks who didn’t want to pay their mortgage and buy their gasoline. These fools are the same ones that actually believe he is going to provide them with the same health insurance that he and congress have. No wonder this Michael Moore crowd now looks up to Obambi.
bluegrass on June 11, 2009 at 9:07 AM
Just wait till the government decides pit smoked bbq has to go along with grilling any kind of meat. Hey, it will also cut down on global warming so it’s a two for one deal for them too!
Don’t forget no more ice cream either! Or apple pie, little debbie snack cakes, Mcdonalds, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, etc.
Everyone will be forced to eat organic, raw foods like fruit, veggies and sushi. Good times ahead! Sorry, no fois gras or kobe beef for you either. Thats reserved only for your overlords.
FireFly on June 11, 2009 at 9:37 AM
We have a right “to keep and bear arms.” Is Uncle Sam gonna buy me a Glock?
Akzed on June 11, 2009 at 9:50 AM
you assume that those who support universal healthcare consider the letter of the constitution as the ideal structure. its not that they’re imagining a right in the constitution where none exists…they’re saying it ought to be a right provided to every citizen.
ernesto on June 11, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Facism 101!
Johan Klaus on June 11, 2009 at 10:42 AM
This is just for AnninCA
Schadenfreude on June 11, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Healthcare is a right, IMHO.
SouthernGal on June 11, 2009 at 11:55 AM
I’m just soooo glad we have somebody who’s going to give us more rights! I weep with joy at the thought of Dear Leader’s beneficence.
Dr. ZhivBlago on June 11, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Agreed, I think all conservatives should want more rights, not less.
SouthernGal on June 11, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Your opinion might be humble, but it ain’t sound.
Schadenfreude on June 11, 2009 at 1:34 PM
Ok.
SouthernGal on June 11, 2009 at 1:36 PM
They do. Only plankton brains don’t get it, because…well, they’re plankton for a reason.
Schadenfreude on June 11, 2009 at 1:36 PM
True, all conservatives embrace healthcare as a right.
SouthernGal on June 11, 2009 at 1:40 PM
Logic took a dive, but you wouldn’t know.
Schadenfreude on June 11, 2009 at 1:53 PM
True, all conservatives believe being pro-life extends after the baby is born.
SouthernGal on June 11, 2009 at 1:59 PM
SDan, you are so right but don`t forget boudin, crawfish bisque or pecan pie, oh h ll now I`m hungry. I will move to Texas if need be they have some good food too.LOL
LSUMama on June 11, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Is that southern gal or does it really mean southerncal I`m just asking?
LSUMama on June 11, 2009 at 2:19 PM
I live south of the Mason-Dixon line.
SouthernGal on June 11, 2009 at 2:20 PM
What makes you think all conservatives think healthcare is a right? Emergency care should and is provided in this country with or without ins.One massive drain on the costs is all the illegal emigrants getting free and I mean free healthcare which the Hospitals must cover the loss. So they increase prices to people with ins.Furthermore we all know anything the govt runs becomes a giant cluster**** .
LSUMama on June 11, 2009 at 2:32 PM
All conservatives are pro-life. Being pro-life doesn’t stop when the baby is born.
SouthernGal on June 11, 2009 at 2:44 PM
The rights in the Constitution are negative rights, rights that recognize our freedoms and limit the government’s control over us.
Rights such as health care are positive rights which require that the government give things to people, benefits that can only be gotten by the government coercing others into providing these goods. Positive rights increases the powers of government.
Laurence on June 11, 2009 at 3:01 PM
I don’t care.
SouthernGal on June 11, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Just as being pro-choice does`nt always mean pro-abbortion, being pro-life does`nt mean the govt should pay for and control every aspect of a citizens life. This arquement won`t hold water.
LSUMama on June 11, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Pro-lifers tend to be for government controlling every aspect of a woman’s life.
SouthernGal on June 11, 2009 at 3:47 PM
This is the BEST comment I’ve read in a while on the subject!
lovedinthekeys on June 11, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Who doesn’t believe that being born alive is a right? :|
SouthernGal on June 11, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Let’s see:
Smoking tobacco = Bad. All society pays for the damage.
Killing babies = A good choice.
Which one of these do is considered a conservative attempt to control a woman?
BobMbx on June 11, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Conservative old white men with receding hairlines think they know best when it comes to a woman’s reproductive decisions.
SouthernGal on June 11, 2009 at 9:28 PM
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