Democrats Could Bypass GOP on Health Care

The Obama administration seems to hell bent on making government as big and as expensive as possible. Why don't we just change the name of this country to the U.S.S.A. ?

Why we need Healthcare reform.
last year I was laid off my job and lost my insurance, couldn't afford COBRA, so purchased BSBC of GA. but when I got sick, they claimed pre existing condition, despite the fact that I had been continuously insured through work for the last 20 years, they canceled me, 3 operations latter and 1/2 a million in Doctor bills, Emory and DeKalb medical wrote off the bill as there was obviously no way I was going to pay it on social security, the operations left me on SS disability, which requires you to go six months disabled before it starts, and 2 years before you can get Medicaid. was able to liquidate my 401K and IRA to live on, despite them being at their lowest point ever, due to the crunch.
We Also need Mortgage company reform, Despite receiving Bail outs, Saxon Mortgage and wells Fargo refuse to help, Saxon says no loan Mod because it was a rental property, Lost that home, Wells Fargo says I don't make enough to qualify for a loan Modification, ( Like I have any control what SSD pays, or when I'll be able to return to work. ) May loose that one, will have to wait and see.
Despite being Handed millions in Bail outs, without the taxpayers say, guess who is going to end up paying ? Guess who pocketed all that cash, and isn't required to help anyone , and the only group that has shown any willingness to help, or compassion, are the hospitals, the ones getting blamed for charging too much. Despite all this I still have to feed and care for my wife, and 3 year old daughter, and try to explain to her, why Wells Fargo is trying to take her room.

go ahead dems, force the healthcare issure through. If you thought that the tide was turning against you now,do something like that. People are already tired of this administration and the big government approach to everything

Congress is there to represent ALL of us, not a power high. I am so tired of this pissing contest! If YOU aren't part of the solution, YOU must be part of the problem. Doing 'noothing' should not be an option!

if you are going to have a health care that works. it must be worked out.
if congress was desiging a rocket launch to space and tried to shove it through you would know the result. same for health care.

O "bam" a, O "ram" a democrats trying to ram healthcare down our throats. Since when is it said in the Constitution "we the congress", it does say " WE THE PEOPLE"

Robin, I support Obama's govt optional plan. I work for a major corp and every year our private insurance premiums with United Health Care have soared while our salaries and wages haven't. The items covered are also being reduced. The USA is the largest industrialized country without gov't provided health insurance as an option. The special interests and some lawmakers are spreading false statements about what the plan will do. It is time the USA comes into the 21st century.

I've recently had a 3 year battle with an insurance company, who was well within their legal right to send me to 11 different doctors to try and find 1 that would release me. The situation was only resolved with a court order. It is easier to fight a government entity then HMO or MCO administrators.

Those who fight these changes are being misled by those who follow the money. Insurance company execs are 3 of the 5 highest paid salaries in Indiana; I feel certain other states are the same.

The Republicans have used the simple majority tactic for years whenever they felt it was necessary, why stop Dems from using it? Obama's platform of change was supposed to be a good thing, right? Does it really matter which party uses legal loopholes?

If you're not part of the solution, then get out of the way. Republicans have contributed misrepresentation, fear-mongering, and incitement to violence. I say to the Dems – go for it!!

Insurance companies are counting on the Republicans to block this long enough for them to misinform and use scare tactics to turn the good people of the USA against helping people less fortunate than themselves. Are we really that selfish that we only look at just what is in it for ourselves and over look the less fortunate?

Health care reform is needed; The GOP tactics of No at any cost and Fear speech have cost the tax payer too much already. The Dems under the leadership of the President needed to take charge. There was a statement made in November and it was not bi-partisan at the expense of change.
-Scott
Lewisburg, WV

I think that the Dems should push it through.. I think most people are scared of the change.. And the Scare tactics of the elderly is a desperate act as far as I am concerned!!!

If the DEMs force a substandard health care bill through it is tatamount to political suicide. Our elected officials are turning a deaf ear to what the nation wants.

Don't the Dems see the public outrage against this reform?? I am amazed that the individuals that "we, the people" appoint can continue to force feed us. Why are these people still in office? If you want to talk reform, let's talk about reform in the House and Senate first!

The Republicans tried to scare Americans in the 30s about Social Security ruining America and again in the 60s about Medicare. Guess what? Our nation survived – in fact thrived – and most of our citizens now benefit from these programs. The Republicans don't fear socialism – they fear that Americans will wake up when healthcare reform works and realize that the Republicans only work for big business and the rich.

For those of you who oppose any health care reform...make sure you turn away Medicare coverage when you retire. Unlike SS, you don't pay into this ... "IT'S A GOV'T RUN HEALTH CARE PROGRAM!"

As a self employed contractor, my husband and I purchased our own healthcare insurance for almost 15 years. Although I'm grateful to have this now covered through my job, I've noticed that less is being covered and premiums have tripled. My son had major surgery 2 years ago. A tool (mouthpiece) that was needed to assist in his recovery was not covered by insurance. When I complained to the physician, his response was he had fought it in the past and knew it was non-negotiable with Aetna. I also needed to get my son therapy related to the surgery and when I inquired about it, Aetna would not respond. On my own, I found a competent therapist who successfully treated my son, but coverage was denied because they claim I had not contacted them first (I kept copies of my correspondence). Although Aetna covered the surgery, the were intent on nickel and diming me to death for everything else. (The final cost out of pocket for me was $15,000).

Health care should be a "Not for profit" industry. It takes $7 for every $100 to pay the salary of the CEO for United Healthcare. Could we not use that money to pay for better healthcare?

For those of you yelling and screaming and making ridiculous derogatory comments at these town hall meetings...GROW UP and get off the stage.

The democrats need to realize we voted them in...They now control all of the legislative branches and still can't get anything passed. Forget bi-partisanship. The Bush White House didn't worry about it and got everything they wanted passed.

Richard Steele, Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, and Glen Beck need to go climb back into their holes and stop scaring the American People. They are propagating lies and turning more moderates away from the Republican party.

One last comment, Robin. I am one of the middle class, former moderate registered Republican (for 25 years), now registered Democrat, who is appalled and disgusted by the pure trash that is being filtered out from the leaders of the Republican party. They need to stop lying and passing their rhetoric as truth.

Robin said in her intro to this story this morning that reconciliation is 'risky' but did not explain why...that is not reporting... that is creating fear and there is too much of that in the Healthcare debate with out the facts. As journalist your job is to report the facts, not to create issues when they do not exists. (what is risky about reconciliation?)

Your reporting the news, why put something out in the public domain and not explain why a procedural move in congress is risky?

I like Robin in the morning for many reasons, one of them is her delivery and her mostly commentless news and information. Afterall that is whey we listen.

If the Democrats ram this through as they are threatening, it is as if they are doing as they want, not what the people they represent want. Didn't we revolt against a government that did the same thing in 1776?

Why is every one focussing on the 70% of those that have coverage, its the 30% that do not have coverage that drive up costs, and need to be folded in. Most of those are already on public assistance, and could be easily identified and helped....why overhaul it all, just fix the problem...

Republicans should reveal how much lobbyists are paying them to oppose the system overhaul – known as bribery in other countries

First of all It is not just the GOP against this plan there are many Democrats against it as well. It's being rushed through and not well thought out.

If any plan gets passed it should be for a 3 year trial period and given to government employees starting with the White House, Senate and Congress. If it is such a great plan then why aren't they in front of the line to get it.

Hi I'm a 32 year old Achondroplasia dwarf and I have lumbar spinal stenosis. I have no health insurance and I work 40 hours a week for a temp service. If I got health insurance my condition would be label as
a precondition and not be covered. So I in favor for the government to get involved in the health care industry. And to get the issue moving faster through the government we should take away the health care coverage of the government officials than something could get done. Or if worse comes to worse people can start doing what the guy did in the movie
John q

Once again, the elite of our government is hell bent on having their way and are not listening to the PEOPLE. It's not just the GOP that is not convinced that we are heading in the wrong direction – it's the PEOPLE. It's pretty obvious to me that Obama and company have set a course for Socialism – governmental control. Something needs to be done about health care, but this bill is going to cost way more than we can afford. The only way it can be paid for is taxes. Obama says again he is going to tax the weathliest, but that cash cow will run out. And the business' who are expected to pay the taxes will pass the cost onto the consumers. It will be a domino effect. If you think government run health care is efficient – take a good look at Canada's. If the democrats ignore the PEOPLE and shove this through it will take years to recover. Look how much this administration has spent so far. Looks good now, but we will be in big trouble when the time comes to pay the piper. It's time WE THE PEOPLE remind our Congress that they work for us.

These people who don't want universal healthcare must be either rich or extremely ignorant. They need to watch Michael Moore's 'Sicko' documentary and then say that we don't need it. Other countries have it so much better than we do as far as healthcare that it is unbelieveable. I would much rather pay a little more in taxes to not have to worry if I get sick than to keep paying for these wars that the US can't seem to do without.

I have paid $585 per month for COBRA last year and $600 per month this year until this month. I lost COBRA after July 31st. Now I won't have insurance until August of 2010 because you have to be disabled for 2 years before you can get Medicare and I draw too much Social Security disability to ever get Medicaid. I obviously need healthcare because I was able to get my disability in only 2 months and did not even have to hire a lawyer. Now I will have to pay cash for any healthcare I receive until I can get Medicare unless universal healthcare goes into effect before then.One of my doctors won't even see a patient that does not have health insurance even if they have the money in hand when they arrive for an appointment. I just hope I don't get real sick or need surgery before then. I am going to order some of my medicine from a pharmacy in Canada until then because of the way that the drug companies can charge what they want to for medicine in the US. Wake up and smell the coffee folks!!

"We the People" had to put up with 8 years of the Republican "Constitution" of double standards, deceit, and fear mongering, all of it bordering on Facism. So, "We the People" excercised our Constitutional Rights and voted for change. You see, "We the People" do not forget, apparently many people have. Thanks and God Bless those who are fighting in Afganistan for our rights to make change.

The Emancipation was unpopular, desegregation was unpopular, Republicans tried to scare Americans and warn them of the evils of Social Security and Medicare. In each instance, thank God we had politicians with spines to stand up and do what's right. I just hope the Democrats see this through and don't fall for the fake outrage bought and paid for by the insurance industry.

I think before we can have health care reform we need immagration reform. The abuse of the current system costs taxpayers millions of dollars. I worked as a manager of a company years ago and there was an employee there, that had a good job and his wife worked as well. Somehow they had their kids on medicare and they got a whole lot better health coverage with little cost than the insurance I had. I was spending a fortune on my four kid's health care and they had virtually free health care. I am tired of my tax money going to support the governments programs that are filled with deceiption and cheating to get money and benefits that they don't qualify for if the whole truth was known. We need to step up to the plate and fix what is all ready in place before we start new programs. Coming to the United States wouldn't be so attractive if we all had to play by the same rules. It is very attractive to come to the US right now and get a semi-free ride by working the system to their full advantage. I am sick and tired of supporting immigrants on my dime.

any congressman that votes for the health care bill MUST be re-called or impeached immediately. the people said NO. going against the voice of the people is a violation of the constitution and they need to lose their power and their office for the violation of it. they are traitors.

I am Canadian and I am very happy with our public healthcare system. Any and all issues are taken care of by healthcare professionals and paid for by our government. I do not worry about losing my house if I have a major medical issue. Americans should be so lucky to get free health care.
Daniel K

we fought the civil war once already in this country – I think its about time we will have to reconstruct the south and the red states again. some how they just dont get the message – Its not 1958 any more !

Polls say if you tell people what's actually in the bill most support it. It's the $130 million the insurance companies have spent in 3 months demonizing the bill that's doing this. The CEO of United Health Care makes $102,000 dollars an HOUR!! Where do you think that money is coming from? Denying coverage and canceling the very ill. Pass the public option, these guys have to be stopped!

I would not vote for any healthcare reform, that did not include the same healthcare for everyone. Why cant we get the same healthcare that the Government has, are we less important then they are?

The small business that I work for is nearly crippled by rapidly increasing health care premiums. Every year or two we change insurance agencies, benefits get cut, employee contributions and total premiums get exponentially larger every year.

In the past 5 years, I've had to change primary care physicians twice, because they weren't "preferred" by our new office health insurance company. Same for my cholesterol and allergy medication. I'd rather have a government guarantee that I can see any doctor that I want, rather that have to rely on which ones are acceptable to one plan, but not another.

Enough already – the games these companies play is absurd and hurts small businesses, who are forced to try to make the least bad of two bad choices every year or so.

I agree Congress is there to represent the american people and agree there is a need for some type of healthcare reform but rushing through the GOP is not the answer. We also need to look at tort reform in the US. Medical costs will continue to be costly because uneeded tests are performed to prevent an attorney asking "why did you not perform this test?" Hospitals, jobs, and the independent practice of medicine will go by the wayside. NO tax increases? Come on!

Pushing this bill through is sounding more and more like the school yard bully. Is this what our country has come to.

At present I am truly concerned with our future, and where we are headed as a country. This bill effects us and our children, once the government gets involved there will be no turning back.

My wife of 10 years is still looking for work so she can afford health insurance how about congress fine us americans jobs so we can start to think about health care reform

This has always been an option for any bill in the Senate. But aside from the hype about it. With as much consern for what is hidden inside these proposals, and the out-cry at the Town Hall Meetings, I do not think they would use it.

It would gaurantee a Republican Landslide in 2010 and 2012. Probly end political careers for some for sure.

I think we all need to relax and see what the final version will be, voice our conserns and make our stands, and relax for right now until we see where and what is really happening.

Jon in Nashville

I'm seeing alot of "We the People" and revolting against the British comments in blogs against the Health Care bill. Goes to prove you selling someone else's talking point (why am I thinking of Glenn Beck?). READ what's actually in the bill, then comment on it using YOUR OWN WORDS! Why am I also thinking this isn't about health care but about people be incensed by right-wing talk show hosts about a president who is different from our standard WASP format?

Robin,
I am a small business owner and I can't afford health insurance. I would sign-up for a government option plan if offered. I've been noticing that most of the angry protesters at the town hall meetings are elderly who are eligible for medicare. Why are they trying to stop me from getting the same type of insurance they have? Maybe they're just old and crotchety.
Clint

I don't understand why this has to be done NOW, to me it seems that they're hiding something. I think if they rush things, it will be a disaster!!

Hooray Barney Frank! The so-called debates in townhalls sound alot more like folks repeating rhetoric based on bizarre spins generated by conservative pundits. I've read the reform ideas and reviewed the statements coming from the various sources of information. Where is the debate?! I agree that the reform ideas need some work and real debate is required. But, the "Death Panel" silliness and people repeating the same tired "socialist" medicine argument are basing their arguments on hearsay information specifically designed to scare people away from the real issues to protect the interests of the insurance companies who are sucking the life out the health system. We need a move towards a "Good" healthcare system not excuses which are already threatening the health of Americans.
Rip

Healthcare reform is an issue that needs to be clearly understood, not rushed through Congress and shoved down our throats. Can't Nancy take working though the democratic process? Don

Governemnt run healthcare? Are they serious?

Are you people serious with this?

Look at ANY institution that our government is responsible for running or administrating at ANY level, local, county, state, federal and each and every one is a glaring monument to inefficiency and waste.

From the local DMV to perhaps the most obvious relevant example... the VA hospitals. We ALREADY have Gov run healthcare, the VA and state and county hospitals and they are disasters.

Is our collective memory THIS short that we have already forgotten last year's horror stories from Walter Read and the like?

Bigger government is NOT the answer! Our elected officials need to remember that they are supposed to be serving OUR interests, NOT those of special interest groups or corporate interests.

Why are people so surprised when democrats start to actually do what they said they would do in their campaigns? They campaigned on health care, and won big. It's time to deliver on that promise.

We need health care reform. The public option would be the best choice to keep insurance companies honest. We are the only major industrialized country that doesn't provide health care for its citizens. We were the last to provide social security and medical care for the aged. I am sick and tired of the ultra right anti science anti- social programs anti med care For a supposedly religious base group sounds like they would not elect Jesus. Dems go without the party of no

The way I understand it, if thecurrent Healthcare reform passes as is, Medicare would basically not exist anymore. My Mother, Ruth, is currenly at home under the care of Hospice. I asked one of her Hospice Nurses what would happpen if this plan was passed. She said that Hospice would no longer be paid by Medicare and Medicare pays 90% of Hospice services nationwide. WAKE UP AMERICA!!!! There are currenly 1 out of every three Americans helping someone at home or in a nursing facility that requre the use of Hospice and under Obama's plan, there would be no Hospice. In other words, Under Obama's plan we would have no help for Old People, Handicapped people, or basccally anyone that is non-productive. Not Good America.

Custer
Lake Placid, Texas

robin if our congress can not get a public option thru maybe we can ask canada to build hospitals here in the u.s. and we can buy into their health care.it will also benifit canadians when they come to visit they will have health care here.

Whether H.R. 3200 passes or not, to all of you who have, or will make comments on this issue, I would ask, even beg you to get a movement started where ever you are, to get a Constitutional Amendment passed limiting the terms of members of the US Congress. This must be a groundswell from the bottom up, because the Congress will not. Congress likes all of their favored treatment,so they are not about to jeopardize themselves, and remember they no longer represent you, they only represent those who give them money so they can keep their privileged position.

I agree with Scott. I voted for, and so did the majority of Americans (remember?), for Obama. One of theimportant reasons I voted for Obama, was that he wants to reform health care so that all Americans can afford to be insured, not just the wealthier ones. Our minimum wage is so low, a health insurance policy for someone on minimum wage would equal a year's earnings. Republican's are arguing against the public option (except try to take their Medicare away!! Hey, it's public!) away just to make it hard on Obama so that they have a political chance in 2012. They had their chance and look at what they gave us after 8 years (I can't believe it!) of Bush. People can see right through all their protests, as if they are arguing for the good of the people. Right! These protests are NOT the majority. This is another tactic by those who only care about being in office or not, not the best interest of all Americans.

Fearless Democrats to perfom bypass surgery on a critically ill America, for the good of all. Bypass the GOP, that is. Thanks for standing up at last to these hateful, childish insects. It's about time.

The history will ask one key question “Did Obama change Washington or did Washington change Obama?”
I am an Obama supporter. Millions of us are today in doubt of him and democratic party due to one key position change on public health plan. The public plan represents people who wants to get out of the iron grip of big insurance companies! This plan represents what Obama means to us. This is David and Goliath fight! Will Obama win and keep this plan for us? It is about big and evil and powerful versus the poor, the weak, the public! Will Romans be crushed with the Roman Empire rulers? Did Obama cave in and lost the battle to represent the real America? This fundamental change will shake up the roots of Democratic Party in many elections to come. This is a defining moment brought to us. The wicked and wise are setting the Obama and the Democratic Party to fail! Dragging this will move earth under Obama and Democratic Party, they know! And they are executing well! We the people feel betrayed today. I will not vote for Democratic Party or Obama second term if public health plan is killed. Public plans mean that Obama is fighting to his bones against special groups and deep pockets for the Americans. Please do not make this crucial mistake. Because it is about “Is Obama for us or is he going to be like the Washington who takes care of the rich and powerful”. The history will be written through congress, house and white house re-election. Public plan is what is defining Obama because he is for the people, by the people, of the people! Pass the bill with public plan, the joy and celebration of cheaper option will be landslide victory for years to come! We the people will rejoice the balloon drops at DNC post win celebration and when Obama takes oath of second term! Till then, the dark is rising and the evil sorcerers are launching foggy misinformation! And it is working cause I am feeling betrayed along with many others! Bypass republicans NOW!

Tony
Denton, Texas

Finally! We have been waiting patiently for the Democratic majority to exercise its powers as a majority while the Republicans have swaggered around like they actually won the election. It's time for the Democrats to take a cue from the Republicans' record. The Republicans just rammed through anything they wanted through with no effort at bipartisanship or even common courtesy when they were in the majority. The Democrats have tried to take the high road, but the Republicans frankly want to fend off any change that will interfere with corporate profits. They have never cared about what happens to the American people. "Nice" apparently doesn't work with arrogant people who distain compromise and conciliation. The healthcare situation has become critical due to Republican inaction, and we now desparately need systemic reform with a public option. It's time that the Democrats use the Big Hammer.

Tell me Mr president, why is viagra and abortions covered and not chemotheraphy drug for suffering cancer patients? UPSET!!!!

This is the democratic majority using, strong arm tactics to force legislation down the throats of American people. This was supposed to be a bipartisan bill, which relied the collective wisdom of the American people. However, the democrats continue to demand outrageous spending and the limiting of the rights of Americans. I would be thoroughly disgusted with the Democratic party and Presidents Obama’s administration if this bill was forced through in such a manner, but not at all surprised; after all the same tactic was used with the stimulus bill. The Current Congress and Senate along with the Administration are being no less than bullies, Boss Tweed and Al Capone would be pound.

If the Democrats or Republicans push through this bill it would amount to political suicide. Many of the American people are angry and are NOT being represented by these politicians and will therefore work/campaign and vote to bring these politicians down. They have already pushed through legislation no one wanted but them (the bailout fiasco), this is the last straw.

They are all bucking to be unemployed (like many Americans now are).

We don't want this healthcare bill – they are not listening!

Are they our parent's to where they have the right to tell us what they are going to do?

Why not take the time to let it go to a public vote since we are the ones paying for it.

I am 61 yrs old and resent being treated this way. Isn't this why we separated from England?

I support President Obama's efforts to correct the out of control healh care costs in the USA and hope the bill is passed quickly.. I am Medicare aged and believe the entire populaton of US citizens deserve equality in health care. The United States ranks last in most areas of equity because we have the greatest disparity in the quality of care given to richer and poorer citizens. Americans with below-average incomes are much less likely than our upper income citizens to see a doctor when sick, to fill prescriptions or to get needed tests and follow-up care, where this is not the case in other countries with universal health care programs. We are ranked at the top of obese populations and we have a very high infant mortality rate. Private insurance has been controling our lives and health far too long! We need reform and it can not wait. Janet in Georgia .

It's about time Congress gets off their duff to do something, it is real clear that the rep. Party is out to stop the Health care process, that I feel will help 99.9% of the American People.... As A retired Military Veteran with a sever Disability, I know how the government works it's system, As far as the Veterans Medical Hospitals. I know what needs improvement, and what work as far as a government program goes. I know that the insurance companies have the American Public by the wallet and is not going to let go until they are stopped. So for all the plants and naysayers I direct your attention To the FREE CLINICS that are popping up around America, look at the people that are attending to get FREE health help, Simple things like Dental, and Glasses, just like in a third world country... If Canada was so bad and their system doesn't work then why are so many U.S. Citizens RUNNING to Canada for medication, and other medical attention... It works it may be slow but it works, I say that it's time that the U.S. come into the 21 century and stop going by what the special interest is wanting us to do.. WAKE UP and smell the roses, this is America the land of the free the brave, not the land of Special interest groups...... God(s) Bless America and the World! Thank you

We cannot claim to be "the greatest nation", if the individuals are only concerned with themselves. This nation’s independence was fought against the “haves” who refused to give up any personal wealth for the greater good of others. As someone who has served this country in U.S. military for well over a decade, I’m tired and disappointed at my fellow citizens' "I've got mine" attitude.

-Troy
Minneapolis

My Canadian half says "you guys just don't know what you are missing". Imagine a system where the words "deductible" and "co-pay" don't exist. Imagine always seeing a doctor the same day and never paying. That was my experience in thirty years in Canada. There have been many lies told about Canadian health care lately, but I never met a Canadian who would trade for any US insurance plans. In fact, I know a number of Canadians who refused to move to the US simply because of the health insurance for their kids."

Now, should the Democrats force it through? Yes! Whatever it takes. It is a no-risk venture with absolutely no down side. And for a country that spent a trillion dollars on a needless war in the wrong country killing hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis, a trillion on health care saving millions of US lives, is a small price indeed.

Passing a health care reform bill without the public option is tantamount to passing no health care reform at all. It is the only way that the big insurance companies will be forced to stop raising health care premiums by 40% and more.

Besides, the Republicans won't vote for the bill with or without the public option, so the bipartisan approach is virtually a waste of time. If it takes reconciliation, Baucus should let it out of his committee and get it done.

If we don't get a good reform bill now, it will never happen. Not including the public option to make sure the 46 million without health care have an option is just plain ludicrous. The burden of their health care falls back on the rest of us who do have insurance, and that is no solution.

The Democrats have the majority and they need to use it. The Bush administration didn't hesitate to use reconciliation when it meant giving their rich cronies giant tax breaks. Enough said.

The healthcare issue has exposed a big problem in our country, no one trust the goverment to manage anything. If you want to know what goverment healthcare would be like, ask someone who has had to deal with the V.A. and thier form of so called healthcare.

People do want healthcare. It's about time the democrats started fighting the same game as republicans it's the only way they can get this done. Republicans used reconciliation to pass a tax break that contributed to the economic mess were in. So lets say we are taking a page out of their book. Plus the republicans have been the failures at bipartisanship. They have manipulated uninformed people with lies so that they will do their dirty work for them. Death Panels. I'm ashamed to be American.

One of the main resposibilities of government is to represent the will of the people- not to dictate to the people what the will of government represents.

Both democrats and republicans have proven their is no limit to their hipocracy and hubris. Hopefully all involved parties will suddenly GROW- UP !

I don't understand how people can be so detatched from 46 million men, women and children who are not insured. Why are these people sticking up for the insurance companies that will drop them like a bad habit if they get caught in the cross hairs of the insurance disqulification guidelines. President Obama should not let what he know are lies to stop him from pasing a robust public option for those that are in dire need. To hell with the Republicans, we don't need them to pass this reform. The only thing the Republicans are interested in doing is stopping health care reform because they know it spells another 4 years or more in the political wilderness if the Democrats are succesful.

Typical of our current 'Elected' Officials to listen to Obama and not the people they represent.
There are over 9 different versions of the Health Care Bill meaning who or what version do you believe in? That being said, how much pork has been added to this bill that is supposed to be a Health Care Bill?
Also, how many of our elected officials actually read the bill themselves to know or understand what they are voting on?

It will be interesting to see who votes for the bill and who will be in office next election.

health care is good...
however i dont like the idea of rushing something so big, thu and fill
in the blanks as we go..
thats like , singing blank checks..and realy dont know all the rules,
slow down , listen to the people...
also , columbus, ohio,have you lost you mind..pleading for money to
pay for fire .police.trash..and know you have so much excess,you give demestic partners county insurance..where is the accountability..?
fire mayor coleman..and our governor...that's a total waste of money..
when is america going to tell the truth..we know gays exist,how ever ,
to make tax payers pay for it,.is wrong in so many ways.thank you

Republicans are calling this an underhanded move, but their use of scare tactics with the public and senior citizens is not only underhanded, it is cruel and untruthful. If the public option is taken out of the bill and the senior counseling option concerning end of life issues is dropped, the middle class and the wealthier will get no benefits from the government health care. We will still be at the mercy of the insurance companies, and we will still be in the dark about what choices we have at the end of our life. The health care for the uninsured will be just another welfare program supported with tax payer money that will benefit the lower income only. People need to realize that those putting fear into the minds of the public are funded by money from healhcare groups, insurance companies and other big money interests.

I was a caregiver for both of my parents and wished someone would have talked with them and me about the choices available to the elderly in healthcare. I had to search everything for myself. Fortunately I did learn enough to know how important it was to go with my parents to an elder attorney to draw up the necessary papers regarding their end of life decisions while they were still mentally able to make them. I referred to these papers when distraught emotionally and would have had great difficulty making these decisions for them. We also had Hospice for them at the very end. If someone would have met with us earlier in their elder years and told us more about this wonderful organization who offers so much comfort, we would have had them sooner. I also realize now, after the fact, that there were many other services and things available to them that we did not know about. We may have decided differently on some issues, and I might have been able to have kept them at home longer, or even kept them at home with me until the end. They also paid high premiums to insurance companies for medicare supplimentary insurance and got very little in return over and above medicare.

It would be tragic if political posturing results in having this important counseling and the public insurance option stripped from the bill. All citizens should have the information necessary to make an educated choice in choosing public or private insurance and have the choice on how they leave this earth. I do not want others taking these choices away from me, because of political posturing.

I have never seen so many lies and misrepresentations. I don't know how these muckraking republicans can sleep at night. I lived in a country that had government controlled insurance and it was wonderful. My son had to be hospitalized for 30 days in Toronto and he got wonderful care from caring doctors. There was also an option for private insurance. I needed an operation last year and had to wait 3 months for the hospital and the doctor to have the time to do it, i was in a great deal of pain and the wait was excruciating and i was heavily insured! Please people use your heads and don't listen to these scurrilous lies! I pray our president does not give in to the evil politicians obviously owned by the insurance companies and the AMA.

I FIRMLY BELIEVE THE DEMOCRATS SHOULD PASS THE
HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION WITH - OR WITHOUT THE
REPUBLICANS IMPUT. THEY WILL NEVER BE FOR HELPING
THE COMMON PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY. THE PASSING OF
CHILD LABOR LAWS, SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
ARE PROGRAMS THE LIBERALS FOUGHT FOR,AND HEALTH
CARE WILL BE THE SAME.

I have to pay for my own health insurance or "go naked". It wouldn't be so bad IF the deductible for a policy I can afford wasn't so high and the insurance company wouldn't try and weasel out of paying when I do have a legitimate claim...it's always me against them. I don't think the Republicans want to even fix that problem...they appear to like things the way they are.

Maybe the President could start a National Lottery to pay for his health plan, at least enough money could be raised to leverage a plan from the insurance co`s. Just one catch, congress could not have any access to the funds raised by the lottery, they would do the same thing they did to social security, place all funds in a quasi public co.

Thomas D. Murphy

I have a simple plan.

What congress has for its health care is good enough for us Americans. I

f congress cannot afford it for the people then congress must find a policy which will cover us all–yes those in congress get the same health care offered to all Americans. They do not get anything better nor worse.

Republicans whine a lot about the "evils" of socialism and communism because their arguments about how the U.S. is becoming too much like other countries don't actually hold water. Canada and France have amazingly great health care systems and Canadian and French citizens are extremely happy with it. The majority of Americans who declared bankruptcy in this recession did so because of health care costs. Our health care is by far the worst of any developed country, that is a proven fact. It needs reform.

I hope the Dems will not allow mis-information and bi-partisan dreams kill the public option! The most recent polls show that once people understand what it's really all about, they're far more open to it. The President and Congress need to look beyond current public opinion, which will change as the economy recovers and the truth about health care becomes more obvious, and do what's best for the country.

Negative public opinion has bottomed out just like the recession. A majority of Americans will come on board over the next 12 months. Believe it!

Also, if you want Catholics and the religious right to be more supportive, make it clear that the public option will not pay for abortion. That's a much better compromise than giving up the public option!

The government = we the people collectively, and it is only by sticking together that we have a hope of making insurance companies do anything. Ever notice that it's only when you threaten to call your state's insurance commissioner that you get any hint of cooperation in making a claim of any kind from your insurance? News stories of homeowners' insurance cost being raised just for calling and asking if something is covered? Assuming you'll be treated well when you need your insurance is a bigger gamble every year, and it is way past the time to do something about it. What is government for if it's not protecting us from big money?

Unbelievable that we're asked for contributions of time and money to get Dems into power, then asked to give even more to 'convince' them to DO WHAT WE PUT THEM THERE FOR.

This whole health care issue alarms me. Not the idea that people should have health care if they want it, but this charge that debating health care is undemocratic. The democrats really want this to go through I get that. However, we are in debt due to the financial crisis and people want to know how this will work and how we will be able to pay for it. These people who want to debate the issues are not unpatriotic nor undemocratic, they just want their voices heard and the issues addressed. The fact that the Dems want to use a loop hole to push this through is ridiculous. If they honestly think they have the support to pass this measure they wouldn't have to resort to such tactics. This is what scares me. Congress you are not listening to your voters. What next? Drop the public option at least. Listen to everyone, not just those who agree with you.

With Barney Franks comments to his voters and the arrogance of the democratic party to "shove" down the throats of America something that the majority, according to the polls, just shows that this country needs a viable third party that actually listens to the voice of America and not their own party and very bias views.
I always thought that congress worked for America. We are now seeing that they work for themselves. I wonder why they do not want to have the same health care they are forcing on us! Why won't they answer that question!
Thank you.

Enough is enough
For eight years we swallowed 1 bitter pill after another administered by Bush and his coehorts.
The nation is sick and will never recover if we don't get our heads out of the clouds and stop thinking there will ever be a meeting of the minds.
President Obama needs to get health care reform passed and give the GOP a dose of their own medicine.

RN for 32 years

Of the 70% that currently has coverage,
I have the following questions. How many are part of the housing crunch that could use their monthly insurance premium to cover the mortgage and assist with
avoiding additional foreclosures?
How many are between 55-65? Given a universal insurance plan, many could retire early which in turn would provide more US jobs.
How much does each state currently pay for Medicaid? How many participants are there per state? How many citizens will be eligible for Medicare within the next 4 years? How many Green card\work Visa people receive treatment per state?
If the wealthy want to purchase a private plan or a private doctor, so be it. Having an overall coverage doesn't take away the option to "upgrade" if an individual so desires. But to not provide an overall coverage leaves those less privileged

With any option except to go without coverage or be financially strained.

I support a public option. Obama has tried to reason with the Republican party with no sucess. I say, Democrats, push it through, you are in control of the congress and senate now. The Republican party tends to forget that they were the ones in control when we went to war with Iraq. Then anyone not supporting the war was unamerican. Seven months is not eight years of poor management.

We have continued to see higher premiums, higher co-payments and less services covered, with a company supported plan.

I think not caring for all americans is unamerican.

I just love it when people are so charitable with the money of others.

I thought that use of reconciliation for passing anything more than a new budget is Not Constitutional. Is this the case? I spent 12 years in the Candian system and watchched the quality of my healthcare reduced and my taxes double. You give an inch you give a mile. Note tyhat the Candian Socialism experiment was a very slow process.

I was offended with labeling Americans as a part of the right or the left, manipulated by the right, or that Race may be motivation for my decisions. These are not my motivations. I do not want this bill passed. The stimulus is what woke many sleeping Americans! As a candidate, President Obama vowed that in devising a healthcare bill he would invite in TV cameras, specifically C-SPAN, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3JKDTBOYKg so that Americans could have a window into negotiations that normally play out behind closed doors.
Having promised transparency, this administration was expected to disclose who it has been consulting in shaping this healthcare bill, only a select number of pages are made available for viewing. Washington refuses to bring any level of transparency to the people. It is total confusion with zero transparency! No review of revisions. It is the extreme disappointment of the people with the various lies and passing of bills that has Americans concerned. I also seen polls showing most of the public do not want this bill passed, we want the economy worked on first, where do you come up with the 77% in favor of this bill? The lady did not call Mr. Obama a nazi she called the plan nazi, if you protect Pelosi with her Un-American claim please do so with this town hall protester. Please let us poll the taxpaying citizens, not a majority that includes non-taxpaying citizens and illegal aliens. I feel this Government will go ahead with this plan with no regard for the voices of the American people to stop it. The citizens are mocked for opposing this bill. My opinion Mr Frank has no clue what is in the bill, nor did he have answers for the American public. Who really knows what “is” in this bill? Who can support the unknown?

I believe the government needs to take control of the cost for our healthcare. I just have a 45 minutes procedure and the doctor used a surgical unit that belongs to a hospital. To my surprise this place charged $10,000 to the insurance and this did not include the doctor's bill, anesthesia, and many other things. All of that for the use of one hour room. A convenient care center charged my sister for 10 minutes sevice/talk $303 and she waited over an hour. She did not have insurance as she has a temporary job with a state college. Health providers are out control and charge for things the patient did not receive. Nobody check behind them. We are overmedicated because doctors push too many drugs on us to get favors and freebies from pharmauceutical companies. Let's wake up!

Our problem with the healthcare is caused by over ambitious/greeded doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. Doctors only spent five minutes with each patient and they became pill pushers and they charged the insurance companies or patient the full hour $150 +. Doctors in this country see 10 patients an hour when in other countries they see 3 patients because they are regulated. Doctors just listen to you for 2 minutes and ordered multiple exams and give you prescriptions. There is not quality care as in England where doctors performed the vital signs exam and digital exam plus ask multiple questions to determine the helath poblem. It is believe that hospitals give money to doctors who ordered more tests and drug companies also compensate them. In the other hand Hospitals overcharged patients and insurance companies. My spouse was 2 days at a hospital and they charged $43,800. The service was substandard, no towels, no grooming service no even a toothpaste or a comb. A pain killer was $ 55 -100 a tablet, they charged hundreds for an IV that he never had, etc. Nobody regulates their charges and there is a lot of fraud going on. Yes, lets regulate these thieves. Insurance companies are increasing the premiums to employees to $ 400 a month because the doctors and hospitals are out of control charging huge amounts for poor (driving -in) service. Somebody has to stop this. Medications are so high that we seniors cannot afford them. Politicians do not care as they get free medical coverage and huge salaries, but many of us cannot afford to go to the doctor or pay for medications. Doctors value their qualifications by telling us how many houses they owned. Healing is not longer their goal, but charging more and increasing revenues.

I have been working for many years with state colleges and the employers give us only temporary contracts every semester. By doing this the State does not have to cover us with benefits. I do not have medical insurance and I have to pay cash every time I have a health problem. I do not qualify for medicare because my age but I have to pay for it with the money I earn. A colonoscopy cost me thousands of dollars which is equal to the salary that I got for a couple months. The cost of health care is incredible in USA. Doctors only care to give you drugs or expensive exams even if you do not need them. They may get some compensation from hospitals for each test they ordered. England has a good healthcare system, I lived ther and it does not cost. Pharnaceuticals are getting doctor to push tablets.

I think that it is bad enough to call people that go to town hall meetings angry mobs. Now to say that they are trying to go at it on their own offends me. We vote them in so they could satisfy us. Our government is by the people for the people. We should let them know how will feel about certain situations, like one sixth of our economy being healthcare, and not feel like a racist or a bunch of Nazi's which could be further from the truth.

- Mario Grande

The only "good" thing I see from this presidency thus far is... that Obama has found some tax evaders! It would be my guess that they must have lied when they applied or Obama nominated them knowing fully of their unpatriotic background! Not sure why he would put liars and cheats in the White House, but who am I to question Washington, they never listen to us anyway! Now I understand that Sarah Palin was properly vetted and that all her taxes were paid. So, I can only conclude this house will go to any length to discredit a patriotic Citizen but include as members cheats and liars! So just take some time before you rush to discredit her concerns.

All this talk about "pulling the plug on Gramma" where is the support for Gramma who does not want to be plugged in to start with. Patients rights have to be discussed and respected. People have to know they don't have to do all the tests and treatments so many doctors push for. So many older folks just don't know they can say no to all these expensive options.

How the heck is the federal government going to run a Trillion Dollar Healthcare system when they cannot even manage a $3 Billion dollar Cash for Clunkers program that is so poorly managed by the Administration that Car Dealers have only been reimbursed for 2% of their Clunker Sales, and hundreds of dealers have dropped out of the program for non-payment by the federal government. No wonder the Administration wants to pull the plug on the program — what an embarrassment.

Reconciliation is the only way to get desperately needed reform in this country as the republicans are partners with the insurance industry that is raping American consumers with health care.

The Bush administration took a $3 trillion dollar surplus and gave it to the richest people in this country using a reconciliation process and then saddled the country with a $10 trillion debt.

It's high time to play hardball with the republican rich elite by pushing through a health care for all Americans and taxing the elite to pay for it.

The no bid contracts of the Bush administration along with the deregulation of financial institutions and the gutting of the anti-trust laws have allowed the rich elite to concentrate wealth well, it time for them to pay their "FAIR SHARE".

Healthcare CAN NOT go on as it is now...I am a 48 yo woman. My husband and I are successfully self employed with two daughters in college and we pay over $600 a month on health insurance. I am in favor of a co-op system where I have some more choice...Right now insurance companies are like dictators...I am a nurse and believe the government HAS to do something and FAST!!!!

It is a fact that the Republicans are not going to join the Democrats on any important legislation! They have already proved this, haven't they?I am finally glad to hear that the Religious left (so called) are standing up to voice their concern for the poor and low paid employees who have not been able to afford Health Insurance. The lobbyists, religious right, Republicans and Health Insurance Companies are doing everything possible to keep Gov. Insurance from happening. In the 1930's, the Republicans fought aganist Social Security and in the 60's-they fought aganist Medicares – why does their actions now suprise anyone. Whatr suprises me is how they are interupting those who are trying to explain the Health Insurance Program. They demand their free right of speech- but they deny the Democrats the right to explain the Health Insurance Program.
Democrats will have to go it alone-but if the Blue Dog Democrats refuse to stand on their hind legs, and stopgiving in to the conservatives and Repubicans-their will be no Health Insurance Program. What a victory for the Republicans who themselves have put our economy in the situation we are now experiencing!

Now Listen to this! Democrats and Republicans fighting over who has the advantage over health care! Everyone wants to know who runs the country. The President can only hope the House and Senate agrees with what he hopes to promise to fix. No matter what the presidents name or political party or race anymore will impress upon the people who represent us. Be ware who we vote for. Its only his 1st 6 months on the job. How long have we as the American Public had to put up with this Problem. Make accountable for who are not working for the people. One man can' t do it alone, make our represenatives responsible for their long terms.

If this Health Care Plan is so good. How many of our politions would want this plan for their family in place of what they have now? Any takers?

why cant the goverment just regulate pricing some medical bills are waay to high .A tounge depressor in the hospital costs 50 bucks the same popsickle stick in a dollar store is 100 for a dollar.A Q-tip in the hospital cost 25 bucks but its called a medicinal applicator.And why are people billed for services from doctors you never even visited you will get bills from six different xray labs a nd five anethesiologist and only one of each were actually involved in your surgery for example.My dad when he was dying of cancer he was made to get out of bed and walk to the nurses station to sign a $200 bill for physical therapy which was the walk to the nurses station.

Why don't we use the military more for people without health insurance? We, the united states, owes a ship called the Comfort. We send that overseas to help other people! Why not park that ship at one of OUR ports? We have a nonprofit Doctors without Borders. Why not stay in our Border? Our taxes already paid for the military doctors, hospitals etc. Why not open it to everyone who does not have health insurance? Don't get me wrong, I think the military and their families deserve the BEST of care! I respect what they do for us! It's just a resource the united states could expand on.

why do republicans seem programed -that women townsend is she a robot whats with the five pounds of make up

its said that we as the free country have to be this way the ones that have tryed to work there whole lives in doing the right thing working there jobs even have to take drug test to have that but for thoes that dont work that dont pay for nothing and be fulley coverd with well fair and such that draws a check they run up bills who pays for that and you no the said part they dont have to take a drug test for getting all of that they should be maid to befor they get any thing any help cause they sure dont have to work for it . they may save a lot by trying that first dont you think , and having insurance and when they get old all that gets taking away and be told they can not go to the doctor .are thers nothing to do for them . you no ever body is gonna grow old one day .

over such a sensitive issue,the last thing they should do is stamp out opposition.both sides need to be heard.

It's not the GOP, it's the American people.

R u serious?!... this is a plan of destruction. That nothing good will come from. Its sad. Have we learned nothing from watching canada and the uk destroyed from lack of innovations and money for healthcare?... these are unnessecary deaths and problems. If people want to be insured then offer THEM goverment healthcare, But we simply can not afford to do this childish plan. We cant even afford what bull the goverment does with and without our knowledge as is!!! I mean its the goverment building and buying expensive pieces of artwork to place in ugly places instead of offering homless shelters and job programs for ppl who need it or even fixing a pothole in the road. The goverment has had absolutely NO self control on their spending y in gods name would u think asking them to spend more money (in which we DONT HAVE TO SPEND) is going to help anything?... simply put this wreckless healthcare plan will put us down on the healthcare charts with canada and uk.... its sad to see a nation destroy its self for the sake of pleasing ONE childish non thinking human being.... America HAS to quit hiding their heads in the sand and start standing their ground on issues as such.... this isnt jus a handful of ppl that will be effected... your grandparents and parents will suffer at the hands of this healthcare plan if anything happens to them the goverment deems not worth saving. The pound gives dogs more of a chance at life than the goverment will give u. WHY on earth are we trying to change a nation wide thing for a handful of ppl who half of them DONT WANT INSURANCE ANYWAYS!!!!!! Ill tell u y because its ONE step closer to controling the population. Y hasnt things like my idea of offering free health insurance to college students who keep an undetermind good gpa?... this gives those who cant afford it an oppertunity to afford it AND go to school and further their education our innovations and their lives. You know y it hasnt been put into place before they attempt this ? because they arent studying fixing the problem. They are only studying gaining more control of the ppl. think with the brain god gave u. Y are they not making smaller attempts to fix a small problem instead of taking more drastic steps? Because there is a bigger plan at stake. This is ur future ur kids ur families... and the goverment will decide wat should happen to them how valuable they are and whether they deserve care or not... yall think its all fine and dandy until its u sitting there with your child and the goverment telling u shes been denied for cancer treatments. Wake up and if u dont wake up then u deserve wat u get from it.

WE dont need this healthcare plan. Your condition WAS preexsisting to THAT insurance. Its funny how someone can go to the free clinic and get a 10,000 dollar surgery for FREE because they took the time to do it and WANTED it bad enough...and yes u can... seen it done know the ppl who have had it done... stop with the pathetic sob stories... u think for ONE min if u were under this healthcare plan they would have given u the help... NOPE... get real people. We already have evidence this is a BAD IDEA.... go look the news up in canada and the uk about their healthcare problems... urs are tiny compared to the things they are being DENIED for. its HILLARIOUS how u can afford internet and phone and cell phones and 300 channel cable but u cant sacrafice those things for a good health insurance company... obviously u dont need the help as much as u thought. The ONLY problem here is the PEOPLE its self... ur too caught up in wat YOU want and how YOU think the goverment should do for YOU that ur locking in something that u really DONT want. All for the sake of being able to keep ur internet and not get another job.... grow up

Health care reform IS needed. But not THIS reform! The government screws up everything it gets its hands into, and now I'm supposed to trust these bozos with my health?!? The American people are speaking loud and clear against this boondoggle, and as usual, the congress is thumbing their noses. For many, this is the final insult. Push this through against the wishes of the people, and you may have a revolution on your hands!

Let the Dems push this bill thru, we will push them out come election day. Obama wants what he wants when he wants it and to hell with what the people who put him in office want. He will be a one term president and leave in 3 years but we will be stuck with his messes for years if not forever. If he thinks this is taking too long with a Democratic Congress let him try passing anything with a Republican majority.
Lest you think I'm one of the Un-American, rumor mongers, I am a registered Democrat. I have had to file bankruptcy because of hugh medical bills, I'm on SS Disability and Medicare. I still don't want the government anymore involved in my life than they already are. No government run program has ever worked like it was supposed to.
If you want reform start with Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Get rid of the fat, like too many overpaid executives, track down & prosecute the fraud,doctors and recipiants alike. The standard excuse is there isn't enough investigators. There are thousands of people who would be happpy to report fraud if they knew it would be looked into and the people sent to jail. Want to get a real stimulus going? Offer a reward for every person sent to jail.
If thats too difficult for them to handle, start with Tort reform & insurance reform even government reform. What happend to Obama's campain promise of bi-partisanship, transparancy and posting the bills for a certain number of days on a web site so the citizens could read them? I can tell you what happened, he was elected and knew exactly what he was going to do. Problem was had he voiced it before he got in office he knew he would never be elected.
Unfortunely I voted for him (I am a Democrat after all and he talked the talk). It didn't take but 3 months to realize I had made a terrible mistake & a lot of people came to the same conclusion. If he and the congress don't listen to the people who put them in Washington he & and them will only have a few months more to make more mistakes. Make it good pols, you will soon be gone!!!

I think that the Democrats and the Republicans should work together on getting a heath care reform bill, a bill in which everyone including americans are pleased with,
I would think that if the Democrats would go alone and pass this bill without support of the Republicans and the american people, When the next election comes around, alot of Democrats may lose their seats and control of the Senate and the House,

Well said Rose!! I totally agree! The only ones against healthcare reform are those who stand to profit from it as it currently is and those who are ingnorant and / or afraid to get the facts!

We have more important problems that need to be addressed right now and the government has no business in business. Obama and his gang of little commies need to stop pandering to third generation welfare recipients, with more welfare, and start doing their jobs.

Rather than borrowing more from China, against our earnings for the next 30 years, they should cut spending. The size of our government would be a good start. Congress might be able to budget the money that we give them if they weren't allowed to borrow money that we cannot afford to pay back. This is how the housing industry, mortgage industry and most financial institutions got into trouble and started this mess.

Along those lines, they'd have a larger budget to work with if more people had jobs but, that won't happen until they repeal a few lopsided trade agreements, lower the corporate tax, tell the E.P.A. to shut up for a bit and GET GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR. It does not belong in automobile manufacturing.

The federal government should never have been allowed to lend our money to businesses, that produce absolutely nothing of tangible value, and that are doomed to failure through mis-management. They will fail eventually, let them do so without taking us with them.

Controlling illegal immigration would be a good start toward reducing the amount of people in this country without access to health care. Stop them from coming here illegally and the number will go down. That's a simple solution to many problems. It would open up jobs for Americans, give them access to health care and get them off welfare.

Capping the amount of money paid out for medical mistakes would lower the cost of insurance for the medical profession as a whole. Insurance costs would drop, or coverage would improve at the current rates, and we all win. Regulation, not interference, is the key.

While I'm at it, I have a few more suggestions.

Enough foreign aid has been given. It's past time for the rest of the world to stand on its own, or fail. We make laws, fight and even kill each other to preserve the sanctity of nature and do everything we can to exempt ourselves from it. Our hubris has been detrimental to humankind, it's time to stop.

Trim the D.O.D. budget, by half. that alone would pay off our debt to the rest of the world in a decade or so. We do not need to wage war with the entire world, nor do we need the resources to do so. Stop the fighting, fix what we broke and bring the military folks home where they can do some good for us. Maybe use them along the Southern border.

A complete reform of pay and benefits for elected officials and government employees is long overdue. Elected officials are paid too much plain and simple. Setting their own wages, with our money, and not doing what we want them to do, is not acceptable, it's insulting to us.

The entire federal government is out of control. Pelosi and Frank insult and belittle us while they deposit our money into their bank accounts. Obama, and every other president that I can remember, made promises that they couldn't, and didn't keep. They're holding "town hall" meetings on health care reform before the bill has even been finalized! What are they discussing during these meetings? Barney likens our intellgence to that of furniture while he purports to answer questions about a bill that isn't even finished yet!

Frankly, I wish for the entire ivory tower to crumble for both sides of this argument. It's the only way to wake up the dead among us and make them see just how bad they're being fleeced. Then and only then will we see some much needed changes in this country.

I agree, there is no need to rush healthcare, just give everyone FREE healthcare, until they get around to resolving the issue,( Cover the people by the same plan as congress )congress could then take there time, as everyone will be covered in the mean time by the goverment, and you want have to worry about layoffs, pre exesting conditions, Insurance companies, that would let you die, to make a dime, or loosing your house because you lost your job, It's not like your not paying for it anyway, when someone goes to the emergancy room without insurance and cant pay, I was laid off a year ago, purchased private insurance, BLUR CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF GA, but when I needed them they screamed pre existing condition for an ulcer, because I had had stomic surgery 5 years earler, they cancled me, 5 operations latter, and 1/2 a million dollars in medical bills, without insurance or a job, I couldn't pay, the hospitals wrote off the rest, and it looks like all I'm going to loose is 1 house. so I dont see why we need reform, the system seems to be working fine.

WOW! Isn't this a mess. EVERYONE, says that we need to change the current system. Yet NO ONE wants to do it. WHY, $$$$$$. It has always been about the money. Why can't we figure out what the big problems are, Drug companies, Insurance Companies, etc., and introduce LAWS, to control them? I cannot understand why some pills cost $100.00 and more each! Why is it that your insurance starts high and continues to cost more as you age? Why not reverse it and charge high when young and then reduce it as you get older? We all know why. It's because as you age and start to get sicker these agencies know they are going to have to pay. Why is it that alot of insurance companies cut you off around age 85? Because they are afraid they are going to have to pay! You can argue as much as you want but the current system is designed to take as much money from you as possible, throughout your life, and then kick you to the road when you start to need it.

I agree our government need to be reformed pay and benefits need to be looked at because they are not doing what is best for this country. They get a raise and us on social security get a pay decrease. I guess they think we are a bunch of idiots who dont know any better. I say fire them all and start over and make a 6 year term is all you can stay. after that you go back to work or retire with the benifits that i have to live on. We will see how long they last.