Protester: My family was threatened after I spoke up at Dingell town hall
posted at 5:05 pm on August 10, 2009 by Allahpundit
That’s what you get for being un-American, pal. Someone in the comments to our Headlines item on Pelosi’s and Hoyer’s op-ed this morning suggested it was part of a wink-wink-nudge-nudge scheme by Democrats to legitimize violence against protesters. I won’t go that far — questioning her opponents’ patriotism is actually par for the course for Madam Speaker — but it truly is amazing to think how many “climate of hate” pieces have been written about the right’s rhetorical excesses vis-a-vis the near total pass the left’s gotten over the past week. We’ve had congressmen screeching about “political terrorists,” “brown shirts,” and “rabid animals,” Senators denouncing “un-American” activities, the DNC running ads about “angry mobs,” the president himself telling his opponents to shut up and get out of the way, and the Democratic brain trust now setting up a “war room” to respond to health-care “attacks.” Glenn Beck’s said repeatedly on his show that he supports nonviolent resistance only, but a fat lot of good that’s done him with liberals more interested in the “subtext” of his messaging; pray tell, what “subtext” should we glean from the dehumanizing venom being spit by the Democratic leadership over the past 10 days?
Be happy, I guess, that they’ve finally found a war they can support unequivocally, where for once there’s no need to ponder the “root causes” that alienated the other side.
Blowback
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He was laid off from his job, he currently has no health insurance and he has been collecting money outside of the meetings.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:10 PM
I’m so glad to see this video posted here at HA. I saw it live this morning and it made my heart race. I’ve never seen such an explosive interview in my life. I got tears in my eyes over this man’s strength in the face of threats. I couldn’t get over him telling off the thugs who threatened him. I do worry that it will rile them up, but he seems to be able to take care of himself and his family.
God bless you, Mike!
-Aslan’s Girl
Aslans Girl on August 10, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Aristotle is turning over in his grave at your attempted syllogism here:
Meghan Kelly is a good lawyer
a good lawyer would have asked about the police report (???? in the middle of a TV interview? Who cares about a police report, get the story itself)
therefore, there is no police report and nothing happened
I knew people supporting ObamaCare were logic-challenged, but I had no idea the extent of it.
venividivici on August 10, 2009 at 6:11 PM
I dunno. I think this Obama DeathCare crap has opened some eyes and they’re looking for people to stand tall. I could be wrong, but since their only other option is socialist America, I think they’re rethinking.
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Three cheers for Mike Sola!
Jim Treacher on August 10, 2009 at 6:11 PM
I know I’m going to take a lot of flak for agreeing with you, but the “death panel” thing is stupid.
guntotinglibertarian on August 10, 2009 at 6:03 PM
The boards setting care standards aren’t going to be dealing with botox; they will be dealing with insulin, immuno drugs, liver transplants, cancer treatment. As such all Palin did was to cut to the chase. They are exactly what she has called them.
Jed_Eckert on August 10, 2009 at 6:11 PM
No.
Blake on August 10, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Okay. Since you demanded the police report, how about a link to verify?
Disturb the Universe on August 10, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Gee, you would think a jobless black guy with no health insurance would be hooting and hollering for Obamacare. Instead he tried to make a few bucks selling flags.
Guess he’s just another one of those Toms, like Sowell or Clarence Thomas.
guntotinglibertarian on August 10, 2009 at 6:17 PM
NEW YORK POST article which Sola references:
Disturb the Universe on August 10, 2009 at 6:17 PM
You have no shame you slimy troll.
The man was smart enough to sell flags outside of an event instead of joining the breadline/ handout line. This was an honorable man who was trying to make a living.
Damn you AprilOrk. Damn you to
HellChicago.portlandon on August 10, 2009 at 6:21 PM
That’s the point that she can’t grasp…..if he was there, selling flags, doing lap dances, or just standing there…it doesn’t matter. He was beat up by union thugs that called him an N-word because he was ‘on the wrong side’ as far as they are concerned.
That is the point, Orit.
HornetSting on August 10, 2009 at 6:22 PM
He should have called Dingle what he is, an ancient puffed up ass and tool of Pelosi.
JIMV on August 10, 2009 at 6:22 PM
The socialist left has gone completely insane. Their goal (lust?) is more power. Permanent power. They feel they are very close to achieving it with allies (thugs) like SEIU and ACORN. They can smell it. It’s no holds barred from now to the 2010 elections. As you always like to say, it’s on. I say to the leftist, bring it on. And bring your lunch.
Zorro on August 10, 2009 at 6:22 PM
Okay, I had to google him and he is one nasty piece of work, isn’t he? But conservative pundits are the angry ‘haters’? Yeah, okay…
pannw on August 10, 2009 at 6:22 PM
Bottomline – The Far Right has these people gassed up, here and at the meetings.
Last week it was the birth certificate, today it’s the death panels.
next week it will be some other outlandish lind of chicany.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:24 PM
The term moderate, in the thinking that their views are a middle ground of the two parties, is kind of absurd.
I think moderates are people who’s broader views tend to cross parties regularly (in a union but strongly pro-life, owns multiple guns but likes expanding the EPAs power)
OR
People who just don’t pay much attention to politics. People like these are what Steyn calls ‘cultural liberals’ in that they lean left as a result of the dominance of progressive thought in the media and public school system and not because they’ve thought about the issues at length and come to that conclusion as a result of some deliberative process. They only pay attention to the news right before Presidential elections, and even then only to CNN and The Today Show.
It’s group ‘two’ of moderates who represent a fertile ground for conservatism. The message of individual liberty is an amazing message, but it requires some thought, and prior to that it requires a good teacher (Think Reagan, or guys like Peter Schiff and Paul Ryan on economic issues). There is room for a new conservative revolution.
BadgerHawk on August 10, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Some people are swayed by rational arguments, others by emotion. For years the Democrats have been deliberately manipulating people’s emotions to get votes, and they weren’t too particular about telling the truth when they were doing it. Conservatives have relied on rational arguments and could be counted on to tell the truth while doing it.
In the case of our opposition to the government health care takeover, we have an opportunity to both appeal to emotion and back it up with rational argument. The emotional outbursts ordinary people are showing over this issue is resonating with a lot of people, and the fire is spreading fast. For once, the liberals are losing the emotional argument.
backwoods conservative on August 10, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Oh, and I should add, the reason the ‘progressive’ agenda is so easy to sell to the uninformed voter is because it only requires you to get mad at some vaguely defined group.
BadgerHawk on August 10, 2009 at 6:28 PM
…..And you still have Code Pink, Acorn, and Move On.Org on your side…..these are real Americans with real concerns. Why can’t you see that? Oh yeah, pull your head out first, April.
HornetSting on August 10, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Forgive me, but I have a question? Is AprilOrit a new troll, or a new sock puppet? I’m having trouble sorting them out.
Buford Gooch on August 10, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Nobody “gassed” these people up. They read, they are aware, they are concerned, they love America and they love Liberty.
No one has to give people like that a t-shirt, a manufactured sign, a bus ride and a box lunch.
Why don’t you go to HuffPost or Kos where your sort of blathering counts as widsom?
guntotinglibertarian on August 10, 2009 at 6:33 PM
She’s not a new anything.
Jim Treacher on August 10, 2009 at 6:33 PM
1. Will ObamaCare result over time in a single payer insurance program?
2. Will ObamaCare cover illegal immigrants?
3. How will we pay for the uninsured with raising the cost of health care exponentially?
4. Do you want the government involved in your health care decisions?
5. Do you want the government to be involved in the end of life decisions. Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney
6. Why was these bills ( I still don’t know which one we are arguing about) pushed through Congress without much debate?
7. Why is it imperative to completely reform health care? Can we make some fine tuning changes that a majority of Americans would accept?
8. Why are our elected leaders so arrogant and elitist? We don’t deserve to be savaged by leaders including the POTUS.
d1carter on August 10, 2009 at 6:35 PM
???? Ever think that it’s Obama and his failed stimulus, takeover of banks, take over of GM and Chrysler and now his Death Care plan that might have them a little riled up?
Oh no … it’s the Far Right according to noted expert AprilOrit.
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 6:35 PM
Buford Gooch on August 10, 2009 at 6:28 PM
She’s been around awhile. She tries to pass herself off as a “Moderate” but everybody saw through that a long time ago. She’s a Troll.
kingsjester on August 10, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Asked as a child what she wanted to be when she grew up … a not very shy and loud AprilOrit would reply “I wanna be an asshole when I grow up!”
Looks like little AprilOrit has had her dream come true.
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 6:38 PM
It’s clear to me the Dems are pushing for a civil war. If that were to happen, it would give them an excuse to suspend the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, and they no doubt would christen Obama with all sorts of dictatorial powers. These people are dangerous to the country and they need to be stopped – preferably at the ballot box.
jdawg on August 10, 2009 at 6:40 PM
One has to wonder when you google a subject and it says 1 out of 150,000 if Factcheck looked at all 150,000 before making a decision.
Then when you have former employees of CNN, AFL-CIO, NIH, Left Talk etc but don’t employ anyone from American Thinker etc where their truth starts.
journeyintothewhirlwind on August 10, 2009 at 6:40 PM
We surround them, it’s time we show that with our numbers.
tarpon on August 10, 2009 at 6:41 PM
On my side?? I think you forget who I supported during the mid-terms and the election. Oh right, you weren’t posting here back then.
As you know I have terminal cancer – I can speak freely about helsathcare, I have to deal with the insurance compnay almost daily. Hopefully most of you will never have to fight with them the way some of half to.
I agree with Bill O’Reilly – something has to give with the high cost of premiums.
I am hoping he starts going after these Insurance company exectutives the way he went after the oil guys, from my lips to his ears.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:44 PM
Why because I don’t follow the Far Right collective – like you all do? You are all addicted to group think, it pathethic.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:45 PM
Yes.
Well, of course.
Forget about it. It’ll be free, remember?
Not no, but HELL NO!
See above.
Remember who is pushing them – Democrats. Democrats do not believe in debate or opposing points of view.
In reality, it isn’t. This is not about “health care”, it is about controlling the American people and taking all our freedom from us. Not to mention giving liberals the door for all the wacky, fascist policies they drool over.
Because they are Democrats – and Democrats hold you and I in contempt. They hate democracy, they hate the USA, and they hate you and I. For them it is about thier power and thier ability to do to you as they wish. As long as people continue to act like sheep, they will have thier way.
It is time to wake up and smell the coffee. Stop re-electing these people to office and maybe something better can be done.
jdawg on August 10, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Sorry, I should have included the sarc tag in my post about AprilOrit. I’ve been here a while (came over with Ed), and recognize her for what she is.
Buford Gooch on August 10, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Right – you all had so much to say about the suto execs and Wall Street??
But nothing to say about the Insurcne execs….
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Totally agree. These people are determined to win by any means necessary.
infidel4life on August 10, 2009 at 6:48 PM
I was here long before that.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Many of the old posters are long-gone.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Better look again, april. It’s the libs who engage in “groupthink”, while those of us on the right who see this administration and the democrats are actually doing the real thinking. You see, we have read the bills, and we can detect “BS” when the left tries to push it on us.
jdawg on August 10, 2009 at 6:49 PM
But some reform has to be done – you just can’t show up at a meeting and scream and yell and accomplish nothing.
People should be allowed to cross over state lines to buy cheaper policies is the reform I am talking about, like Huckabee suggested when he ran.
But even if you say that you are told to shut up and are called a Democrat and a Socialist.
it’s like – why do these people feel the need to protect big insurance??
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:52 PM
AprilOrit, I have been here since day one. I have read many of your post, and I am truly sorry for you illness and the hell you must go through each day. I will pray for you and your family.
I would like some reform of health care. I have posted a series of questions about this messy process. Can you shed any light on my questions. Peace.
d1carter on August 10, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Holy sh!t. I think AllahPundit is actually waking the f-up.
TheBigOldDog on August 10, 2009 at 6:52 PM
You do realize that insurance companies make about 5 cents on the dollar in NET profit, right? And that some of that doesn’t even come from premium, it comes from investment portfolio income? The “problem” (which is actually a good problem to have) is that medical technology and innovation make health care expensive. That is just reality. You’ve got these brilliant people coming up with amazing technologies that take years to perfect. That is the perfect recipe for “expensive”. People get compensated for their value to society and doctors/pharmaceutical designers/medical device manufacturers are no different.
Insurers are essentially negotiators on behalf of their policyholders and do what they can to negotiate prices down, but they can’t force a provider to provide something below the provider’s marginal cost of production.
venividivici on August 10, 2009 at 6:53 PM
As an aside – I have read in a couple places that Gladney is covered by his wife’s insurance.
maninthemiddle on August 10, 2009 at 6:54 PM
What about the salaries of the executives??
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:54 PM
I see you practice selective reading.
What about insurance execs?
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Many have very high salaries.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Another poster was posting about this a few days ago and complained about the Wellpoint CEO’s bonus. When you do the math, his bonus was 0.25% of Wellpoint’s revenues. Again, just as with the net profits number I posted, these are not significant numbers in the grand scheme of things. What drives up cost is innovation (well, and malpractice insurance) and we don’t want that to stop.
venividivici on August 10, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Why do you care? It’s not YOUR money, it belongs to the stock holders and if they want to pay execs ALL OF IT they can.
Dork. People steal your lollipops when you were little or soemthing?
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Who cares? You want a high salary learn a skill that demands one.
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 6:57 PM
“High” compared to someone who doesn’t run a multi-billion dollar company, yes.
venividivici on August 10, 2009 at 6:57 PM
From all indications, it would seem that they are pushing us to it, but the problem is (for them) that the US military still overwhelmingly leans conservative. Unless I’m really missing something, this doesn’t add up.
pannw on August 10, 2009 at 6:58 PM
I am only interested in being able to cross ovewr state lines – out of NY – and being able to purchase insurance in a cheaper market – different state. Like Mike Huckabee proposed.
And I am only interested in getting rid of pre-existing conditions.
this is the reform I want. I am hoping I live to see it.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:58 PM
But everyone had a problem with the price gouging in the oil companies – these guys are doing the same.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 6:59 PM
I do. Just like you know that the father is a liar about being threatened. Why should I take you at face value when you freely accuse others of lying. You haven’t won your argument my shouting so now you try to play on our emotions. Give me a break.
chemman on August 10, 2009 at 7:00 PM
PRICELESS…
Ozprey on August 10, 2009 at 7:00 PM
You can buy insurance right now with pre-exisiting conditions. The premium is higher but you can buy it. Of course I hope you understand that the premium has to be higher to help cover the costs of frequent and expensive medical visits.
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 7:01 PM
See this is my concern – if everyone is screaming and yelling at these meetings – about death panels and outlandish mishigas – they will never get to the real reform.
Like allowing us sick individuals to buy our insurance outside of NY – in states that are more reasonable – without our pre-existing conditions.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:02 PM
I realize this. But some of us – who pay high premiums anyway – need a break. I already had my insurance – which I pay for – before I got sick.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:04 PM
“Price gouging” has a very specific definition, according to the FTC. As far as I know, no oil company was fined for “price gouging”. I have been reading up on the health insurance market and it is actually fairly concentrated, so it is not as competitive as, say, auto insurance. However, state regulators set pricing for health insurance companies and can reject requests for premium hikes. If there was price gouging going on, the state regulators would likely reject those premium hike requests. It is not a foolproof system, but to say that the health insurance companies can just raise prices at will is simply not true.
venividivici on August 10, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Damn it. Who the hell is holding people back from buying across state lines. The government. Who forces insurance companies to cover everything known to man in policies which make them expensive. The government. Who over regulates the insurance industry tying their hands. The government.
We don’t need reform we need to get the damn government the hell out of business and industry.
Point you frustration and anger at the damn government. They’re the ones that has caused virtually every problem we face today.
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 7:06 PM
But the prices have risen quite abit in the last 10 years – no?
And the executives pull very high salaries.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:07 PM
First off, I’m very sorry to learn of your plight. I can’t imagine living through that. I wish you comfort and peace.
I think many on the right would be willing to look into some reforms. Still, even that is a slippery slope. I think what you are seeing in these town halls is that people have been force-fed way too much way too fast from Washington. That will not work. Slow-it-down-DC. Smart individuals know that you go on a shopping spree (on credit) when you have a windfall, not when you have to ask your neighbor for grocery money.
MarkABinVA on August 10, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Those low life scum sucking cowards come to this mans home to threaten them in the middle of the night.This is appalling. There is NO WAY we should sit back and take this. I hope this mans neighbors arm themselves and I hope they shoot the SOBS that come onto this mans property.
Jeff from WI on August 10, 2009 at 7:08 PM
It’s not the Feds – it’s the individual States – it’s state regulated.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:08 PM
That is a state government problem. What I have read in HR3200 will not really help you because they allow for states to mandate more than the Fed basic policy. You might try lobbying your state about the problem you identify. BTW I agree that insurance should be totally free market. But like others have pointed out if a no preexisting condition mandate is put into law it will raise everyone’s rates. Costs will go up so the sharing of costs will raise rates.
chemman on August 10, 2009 at 7:09 PM
+ 3 more!
I wonder why we don’t have that problem in Texas.
Two words: Castle Doctrine
FREEDOM!
Blacksmith8 on August 10, 2009 at 7:09 PM
OMG Charles Sourkraut just said that the GOP is losing the argument because they are being too disruptive and the token, supposed right winger agreed that the shouting would turn people off. OMG what world do these fools live In. The lefty code pinkos throw a red substances on Condoleesa Rice, they disrupt congressional meetings, they send the Union to gang up and beat a black man for leavin the plantation and the Republicans are losin because they yelled?
I’ll tell what I think! I think the inside the beltway crowd has absolutely no idea WTF is going on in the real world!
Hangin politicians in effigy = bad in the inside D.C. world!
Well I’ll ef’n tell ya,
Hangin a few for real = good in my world!
dhunter on August 10, 2009 at 7:09 PM
A break? So because you have unfortuante circumstances the rest of us must share the pain?
What the hell does that mean? Screw us because you need a break?
There seem to be billions of charities and non-profits out there always asking for money. What good are these people if they can’t help people like you?
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 7:10 PM
But if I could purchase in another state – besides NY – I would still be saving enormously – I am sure.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:10 PM
The problem is that the government regulates the insurance industry now. Does it make any sense to have the government as the insurance company. What is in the proposed bills that make them seem to be acceptable.
d1carter on August 10, 2009 at 7:10 PM
The States do – about allowing people to cross over.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:11 PM
The states didn’t all get together and make up some rule where they can’t sell across state lines. That’s federal.
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 7:12 PM
It looked like you had a small typo.
FIFY
Blacksmith8 on August 10, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Allahpundit, I think the left are trying to talk themselves into violence and oppression, in the service of keeping control of a $3,000,000,000,000 annual flow of cash. They seem to know what they want to do, but they must still justify themselves to themselves and each other. Moreover, they must stoke their own courage by stoking their own anger, and angering their enemies helps them anger themselves.
Kralizec on August 10, 2009 at 7:12 PM
I agree. Once mandates are removed we could all shop for policies that better fit our needs.
chemman on August 10, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Of course you could. You need to be the old guy in the clip. YOU need to speak out and tell these people that it’s their interference that is doing more harm than good.
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 7:14 PM
I am too well off for a charity.
I was looking for a break in what I pay monthly – basically. I am not alone, New York City if full of people like me – most of them healthy and wealthy.
We are sick of being milked dry to pay our benefits.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:14 PM
What we are all needing is better choice – better deals.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Reform is one thing – taking over the entire health care system and destroying it the way Obama and the democrats want to do is disastrous. Lets start with tort reform, then lets take 26 billion from the stimulus and get insurance for Americans who don’t have it (not illegals), lets reform Medicare to eliminate waste. These things can all be done without a 1000+ page bill that will kill senior citizens, force Americans to pay for abortions, turn our bank accounts over to the gov’t and ultimately give us the same care they have in the UK.
Well, if the shoe fits – but seriously, when socialist policies are put forward, thinking people recognize socialism and should call it out. And sadly, the Democrats have declared war on the American people, and refuse to listen to them. So naturally, people get upset. Remember during the eight years of Bush? Back then, dissent was patriotic – now, you get union thugs assaulting you and threatening your family. It’s clear they want war.
Yes, lets demonize capitalism. It’s the liberal way. Why not LEARN from the insurance companies??? No, April, people aren’t trying to protect the big, mean, evil insurance companies, they are trying to protect thier very freedom and thier lives from government thugs.
jdawg on August 10, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Is it cheaper if you just pay out of pocket?
Look, I don’t mean to belittle you or your situation but asking for even more government control is not the answer. What we need is less. There is no reason people shouldn’t be able to benefit from a more competitive insurance industry.
darwin on August 10, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Most people are but more government interference is not the solution.
chemman on August 10, 2009 at 7:19 PM
I think there may be some reforms that would be acceptable to a majority of Americans, but our Congress can not turn the health care industry upside down in a two week period with no input from its citizens. That is what has caused the screaming and yelling at politicians that are so far out of touch that they are shocked by our response. This thing needs to slow down and our POTUS needs to have a bipartisan approach instead of his top down, ram it through, before anybody gets a chance to read this thing. Hang in there, we get cooler heads yet.
d1carter on August 10, 2009 at 7:19 PM
I’m tired of paying high premiums for insurance.
I’d rather pay higher taxes for my healthcare and everybody else’s.
And get the same wonderful service I get at the DMV.
Oh, and by the way, I’m tired of paying high prices for arugula, too.
Free arugula is a basic human right.
guntotinglibertarian on August 10, 2009 at 7:19 PM
So, Aprilorit is the one looking for a handout.
Blake on August 10, 2009 at 7:21 PM
I hope so, from your mouth to God’s ears!
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:21 PM
If the ‘living wills’ End of Life part is all about ‘care’ then why is it in the section of the bill under COST??
(via washington post)
Section 1233, however, addresses compassionate goals in disconcerting proximity to fiscal ones. Supporters protest that they’re just trying to facilitate choice — even if patients opt for expensive life-prolonging care. I think they protest too much: If it’s all about obviating suffering, emotional or physical, what’s it doing in a measure to “bend the curve” on health-care costs?
It isn’t a stretch (at all) to wonder that obama/dems who are using groups like ACORN/SEIU for everything now to put them in charge of Death Panels.
If that’s what YOU want, then by all means, sign up!
TN Mom on August 10, 2009 at 7:24 PM
I am sure that they have. The problem is that you’re assuming it’s because the companies are unilaterally deciding to raise them. Given the regulatory systems in place, that is almost certainly false.
As far as pay goes, I am sure there are some executives who are overpaid and some who are underpaid. However, given that an insurer’s first priority is building reserves to pay claims and second priority is providing dividends to shareholders, I can’t see how, if the executives were overpaid, the company’s reserves or shareholder dividends would be too low, prompting either the regulators or the shareholders to complain and drive that executive team out the door. There is a theory, which I happen to think has some validity, that employees at companies (in general, not just at health insurers) are actually paid less than what they are worth UNTIL they become executives and then they are paid more than what they are worth. If that theory is true, the ones who suffer from high executive salaries are not customers/policyholder/shareholders, but junior-level employees. The junior level employees who stick it out the longest then become executives and the whole cycle starts over. However, none of the “excessive” executive pay comes from out of the customer’s pockets. It can’t because markets are too competitive (although, as I mentioned, there are degrees of competitiveness across the various insurance and other markets).
venividivici on August 10, 2009 at 7:25 PM
You know what – you are so rude it’s unfathomable.
I am hardly looking for a handout, and I would never want one or would never qualify for one in this life, I have far too much, financially and in just in general.
But one thing is for sure – I want you to ignore me, please.
I am far too ill and trying so hard to remain positive in this life.
You are a major negative downer and a distraction – and I want nothing to do with you.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:25 PM
We as taxpayers are tired of our government not responding to us. They are out of touch with us and I predict there will be changes in Congress. Geez, buying jets in the middle of this recession is just plain stupid. They are arrogant and elitist. This too shall pass.
If the Dems and POTUS got his way, this thing would have already passed. That is just wrong. Obviously, this is very personal to you and it is to me. It’s my country too. I we find a way to solve your problem and those of others without destroying our country.
d1carter on August 10, 2009 at 7:27 PM
This is one of the biggest bogus arguments I have ever heard and those who buy into it are buying into socialism and misery for all but the elite ruling class.
The last I looked you could buy insurance for ANYTHING for a price.
You are FREE to make as much money as you want as hundreds of thousands of immigrants will attest to!
You are free to make 8.00 per hour at McDonalds or free to make $100.00 per hour as a salesman or $1000.00 per hour as a trial lawyer, inventor, actor, pro athlete, movie director, musician, or crooked ass politician!
This pre existing crap is BOGUS. If you run out of funds there is still medicaid and medicine for nothing!
Car prices aren’t based on your income or ability to pay, otherwise evryone would drive Lexus’s or Cadillacs, and neither should be Insurance.
Insurance is based on sound actuarial formulas that keep the companies solvent thus coverage available for all. What you advocate is affirmative action insurance like Fannie and Freddie was to housing and that is the road to a bankrupt industry and socialization of healthcare and then you will wish you had never bitched and moaned and asked for a bailout because your freedoms will be GONE!
Want better insurance? Make more money and pay for it.Your only limit as to income is your own blinders, the limits you put upon yourself. Ask the immigrants comin here of the American Dream!
dhunter on August 10, 2009 at 7:28 PM
What about the $TRILLIONS in our deficit, during a horrible recession, huge JOB LOSSES?
Our government is now running (read: proping up) Auto Companies, Student Loans, and Banks. Tax revenue is down by a huge drop compared to last year. For each dollar the federal gov spends this year, they have to borrow FORTY Cents! That has to be repaid. How much more can the USA afford before we go bankrupt.
TN Mom on August 10, 2009 at 7:31 PM
I already had a living will – my dad drew one up for me during Terri Schiavo; at that time I was recently back out of remission and unmarried.
Now I am married and we have a will togther stating our end of life wants.
But I can assure you the Death Panels are a distraction – there are no Death Panels. That’s like a Birthers deal, The Far Right throwing crap up on the wall and hoping it sticks.
Living wills are a good thing, had Terri Schiavo had one things may have been very different for her.
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:35 PM
No we don’t. Moderates are like infants; they’ll crawl to any bright, shiny object in their line of vision.
By definition, they value “moderation” over extremes.
Let the Left be extreme – that’s what pushed the polls in our direction.
guntotinglibertarian on August 10, 2009 at 6:07 PM
“Extremeism in defence of liberty is no vice!”
RIP,
Barry Goldwater
Archimedes on August 10, 2009 at 7:36 PM
I had to look for a while (seeing as how she’s pretty much hijacked this thread) , but I finally found something worth repeating.
Ms. Troll, there is a solution to your problem in New York.
“DLTDHYITAOTWO.”
Blacksmith8 on August 10, 2009 at 7:36 PM
That would only be eveyone who doesn’t know how to read an income statement. Personally, I don’t have much of a problem with a company that returns between 11% and 15% profit after taxes.
Fighton03 on August 10, 2009 at 7:37 PM
And what about all the yelling and hollering you did about the executives in Detroit and on Wall Street?
AprilOrit on August 10, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Damn, Boy it took you long enough.
This is exactly what Aprilorit thinks, you can see it by its retreat. Now someone has published the comment by Dr. Emanuel on those who are “less useful” for care.
The real dynamite is here:
See, if an older patient needs an expensive advanced antibiotic, well, it might just take too long to get the approval, right?
Took you a long time to draw your sword and deliver the blow though. Started to get worried.
GunRunner on August 10, 2009 at 7:39 PM
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