It’s your turn to express yourself on health reform
Like it or not, Congress passed health care reform Sunday.
Now the question is, do you like it or not?
How will the overhaul affect you? Your workplace? Will it make things better or worse? Why?
What do you think about the tortuous political process to get us to this point?
Will what happened affect your vote come November? How?
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1,329 comments Add your comment
Jason T
March 22nd, 2010
10:18 am
@First Sergeant
So all people in GA are “racist white people”…wow, I’m glad you’re so pure and compassionate, with absolutely no bigotry in your heart. Thanks for reminding us of what a “bigot” sounds like.
Atlantarama
March 22nd, 2010
10:19 am
Are you people not aware that the insurance companies have been nothing more than middle-men? Health care SHOULD be a right, and it’s sad that you think our country isn’t great enough to handle it better than those companies that put their profit over an individual’s life.
GAmom
March 22nd, 2010
10:19 am
@ Jason – I’m seeing a lot of talk about “freedom” and my point is there are several state and national laws that affect our day-to-day life. Our government requires me to have a license, insurance and seatbelts just to drive down the street. So, why would requiring health insurance turn us into China?
FedUp
March 22nd, 2010
10:21 am
Downtowner
Most people think they are going to get insurance for free. Do you and they know they will be given a little money that is going to cost twice that to get coverage? Do they know they will be fined if they don’t get coverage?
DeDe
March 22nd, 2010
10:21 am
I was laid off in 2006 and have been working Temp jobs and very low paying retail. If I have not been able to afford health insurance in the past 4 years what makes them think I can now?
I don’t want to be one of those people living off the state.
Civics Student
March 22nd, 2010
10:22 am
You just saw Obama, Pelosi and Reid use Chicago mob tactics on the citizens of the United States. They just threw the Constitution of the United States under the bus and gloat about it. Our economy will continute to suffer as small businesses will decrease as owners can’t continue to to be penalized more. Higher income citizens being taxed on (volintary contribution) on investment earning?? Obama is the worst president the country hs had–even even makes Jimmy Carter look good. Vote them out the first chance we get. The congress people were even disrespectfull of each other. TIME FOR A CHANGE.
Get Real
March 22nd, 2010
10:22 am
Had a friend that just had surgery last Friday and his doctor told him if this bill passed he would be retiring. Doctor told him that he probably wouldn’t be getting the surgery he had in the future and it will be mostly physician’s assistants doing the surgeries in the future or someone with those qualifications. I guess with Obozo in office we should just start ordering at McDonalds and telling the cashier to just give the bill to the guy behind us!
Ins companies suck
March 22nd, 2010
10:22 am
Insurance companies do suck. I am sure it will be run much better by the government. Everything govt run is so much better run than the way private companies run their businesses. Just joking. Really cant think of anything run better by the govt. Just look at who voted this last night..Congress at a 13% approval rating. Keep up the good work Govt.
Jason T
March 22nd, 2010
10:23 am
GAmom
Your STATE requires you to have a license on a public road. If you don’t drive on that public road, no license is needed.
Where in the Constitution does the Imperial Government have the right to FORCE us to buy anything?
Rich
March 22nd, 2010
10:24 am
Disgustedwithignorance wrote: “As for the woman suffering from Cancer this bill now allows that there be no treatment, based on your age and tyoe of Cancer you have. Maybe if more people took the time to read the bill rather than to assume this would not have happened.”
Please enlighten us as to the provision(s) in the bill that passed that allows or mandates that women with certain types or cancer or due to age not be provided with appropriate treatment. I suspect that it is you who should be disgusted with yourself for ignorance.
Fraud, Waste, Inefficiencies
March 22nd, 2010
10:24 am
Fraud, Waste, Inefficiencies of govt now just got expanded larger than the solar system.
Rsclinks
March 22nd, 2010
10:25 am
Prayers have been answered!! The only people I know who were against the bill are either 1) old white people already on Medicare 2) scared, white racists 3) those slightly below average intelligence who can’t form rational thoughts of their own and get all their news from Fox Opinion shows and 4) dumb bubba rednecks who still think Obama only wants to take away their guns and that Bush was a good president “cause he kept us safe for 7 years” (actually, the last 3 probably all fall into one category.)
Every educated, hardworking, conscientious, intelligent person capable of independent thought that I know are FOR this bill… including those in the medical profession.
I honestly believe that the GOP is more afraid that this will be successful than that it will fail because they don’t want Obama to be successful.
FedUp
March 22nd, 2010
10:26 am
Atlantarama,
This is a ploy by the government to get control. Look at Medicare, Social Security, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac. All government ran programs that are close to bankruptcy, or brought about one of the worst housing recessions in history. Talk about all of the profits with big oil and insurance all you want, but do you know oil companies get 7 cents on the gallon for gas, while the government, both state and federal get 40 cents? Let’s talk about the government giving over 100 million in bonuses to the head of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This Congress and this President are socialists. They want control over everything. They are mad the TARP money was paid back, now the Treasury Sec. wants the government to oversee ALL banks, and it’s starts today with the Senate passing a bill on top of Healthcare to disallow ANY bank from making student loans. Only the government will be allowed.
Unfortunately we live in a county of workers and leaches. The leaches won out in this case.
lovelyliz
March 22nd, 2010
10:27 am
¿Rush Limbaugh habla español?
Rick
March 22nd, 2010
10:28 am
Why is it that everytime someone disagrees with this socialistic president the race card is played. Oh, nevermind you folks have been doing that for years. Get over it. You have just as many if not more rights than I do. By the way, I am lilly White.
Howard
March 22nd, 2010
10:28 am
The Government needs to find a cure for these diseases Dems keep using as examples why I handouts need to be manatory. universal odumba care is not going to chanage cancer patients if anything Gov’t is going to be the one to kill them. Take yo A$$ to Grady and tell them you have cancer and watch what happens. lolol The joke is on us the American People. Have anybody heard Obama say he will have the same coverage as everyday americans? Oh noooooooooo! he’s the great odumba!
Dagny Taggart
March 22nd, 2010
10:28 am
This issue is no longer a health care issue – we have the workers on one side, and on the other side, we have the entitled. The workers are breaking their backs to provide for their family and secure their futures, while the entitled believe that simply because they live in the U.S., they DESERVE health care. Do I deserve a raise simply because I’ve been at my job X number of years? No – especially if I’m not producing anything for the company.
@Demspulleditout – my husband flew to DC on Saturday, with two days notice, to attend the health care rally. He said people were courteous and respectful, but when Lewis and Carson left the Cannon House, people did boo. (What were they expected to do, cheer and clap wildly?) My husband was floored when I told him about the reports that they were spat on and called derogatory names. He specifically walked around and didn’t stay in one spot so he could be aware of his surroundings in case a sensational story like this came out.
And what do you know? Today, video clips like this come out – where, at no point, do you see spitting or hear name-calling. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SCs6pSE8_I&feature=player_embedded
I only wish I also could’ve been there on Saturday, because I would like Nancy Pelosi to know that being a woman is NOT a pre-existing condition, contrary to what she told Rachel Maddow. I’m pretty sure that my woman parts would be approved for insurance much faster than my husband, who is a cancer survivor.
And one last thing – if anyone states the statistic of the day, “X number are more likely to die without health insurance” – guess what? I have it on pretty good authority that 100% of people are going to die WITH health insurance.
Jason T
March 22nd, 2010
10:29 am
@rsclinks
Glad to see you don’t stereotype people, and you are so kind and compassionate. It’s obvious you wanted this Bill because you are more caring and understanding. LOL!
FreeAtLast
March 22nd, 2010
10:29 am
To Maisy – as a 15 year cancer survivor, I am finally FREE to start my own business. Before this bill passed, I had to work for somebody else due to my inability to get insurance with my pre-existing condition. When I lost my job, I depleted my savings and part of my retirement making the COBRA payments because any break in my coverage would allow insurance carriers to deny coverage for cancer when I got another policy. I believe there are plenty of people out there like me that have been kept from starting thier own businesses because they HAD TO HAVE insurance and the only way to get it was through a group plan. My view is that instead of killing innovation, new start-ups will thrive. Now that I am employed again, my tax dollars will go to keep you and me healthy. Our children won’t have to be in school with other children that are sick because of inadequate healthcare since germs don’t pick and choose by political affiliation. My 23 year old son can join my group policy and I won’t worry about him every day.
I am proud to have my hard work and taxes pay for healthcare. I just hope some of the money goes toward counteracting the fear mongering and provides information that is simple to understand and relate to our everyday lives. If you ever have the misfortune of fighting for your life, believe me when I say that you will understand the blessing of having insurance and not worrying about losing everything you spent your life building.
lovelyliz
March 22nd, 2010
10:30 am
Perhaps peole realize are tired of private health insurance companies rationing their healthcare and driving so many into bankrupcy and early death.
Ms. E
March 22nd, 2010
10:30 am
What a wonderful achievement for our country! More citizens will have access to healthcare, the insurance giants won’t be able to play Russian Roulette with our health–hooray for democracy!
FedUp
March 22nd, 2010
10:31 am
Rsclinks,
I assume you are part of the RACIST crowd by your remarks and part of the leaches I referred to above. The biggest racists is this country are those who can talk about the “white man” and “bubba” but won’t comment on the real issues which is those who are born wanting the government to support them for their whole life. This includes white, black and all the leaches who constantly have their hand out, thinking EVERYTHING is their “right” and feel they don’t need to do anything to help themselves, including getting an education and a JOB>
bmdpd
March 22nd, 2010
10:31 am
What will really happen is that it will be cheaper for companies to pay the fines. Yes! your company may just drop your healthcare all together. HaHa I am laughing at you. I don’t have to worry about it!
JP
March 22nd, 2010
10:31 am
You republicans are absolutely amazing. You (republicans) have been in control for so long, your are not used to not having your way. So what happens when you don’t get your way? You make “classy” moves such as yelling “baby killer” and other stupid remarks during a congressional session. I’m sure that is not the way to behave. On top of that, protestors against the bill who were outside called John Lewis the “n” word. Where is the integrity in that? It all boils down to this. You can put all the politics in this you want. You can spin it anyway you want. Bottom line is republicans have not and will not like anything President Obama does because he is BLACK. I keep hearing “the people” didn’t want health care reform. What “people” are being referred to? The only people who are not for the health care bill are republicans. The only reasons some democrats were against was because of the abortion component, which does not count under this bill. The other democrats are afraid of losing their jobs. Think about this. Democrats voted to put them in office, and I guarantee democrats will vote to keep them there. 2010 and 2012 will be just like 2008, Democrats will be in the majority and Obama will be president. Unfortunately, Georgia is a republican state, but the other democratic states will come through. I have no doubt in my mind. Republicans, get used to it. The house and the senate will be in the majority of the democrats for at least another 7 years, and if you really want to make a change, work with the democrats. Deep down, I know there are some things you do agree with democrats on. Work with President Obama on making this country better and stop fighting him tooth and nail on everything he does because the color of his skin is never going to change.
FedUp
March 22nd, 2010
10:32 am
The country is made up of “Producers” and Moochers”. Which one do you qualify for?
Craig
March 22nd, 2010
10:33 am
Rsclinks- you nailed it. So did Free at Last.
GiveMeABreak
March 22nd, 2010
10:34 am
JP,
Obama is both Black and White remember? So he should have the greatest support of all the Presidents, right?
Howard
March 22nd, 2010
10:34 am
@downtowner
you know damn well you dont make 60-80k! Which one is it? You don’t have med care that’s why you love the odumba care! No need to lie about what you make this is not a dating site no need to impress,lol.
Briguy
March 22nd, 2010
10:35 am
Finally! There is no better way to control the public than to control their health and well-being. Now the Dems have REAL Power, and we’ll never lose another election.
Chris Matthews MSNBC
March 22nd, 2010
10:35 am
@JP
DAYUM!!! Obama is black??????
Jay
March 22nd, 2010
10:36 am
The really sad part about this is that many people actually think that the purpose of passing this bill is to help uninsured people. They bought the smoke screen. This was just a step for the Government to seize control of something that they had no control over before.
And to the people that think they will get free healthcare. You are blind. You will still Pay for healthcare and the IRS will see to it that you do. If you don’t buy healthcare the IRS will fine you or even imprison you.
GiveMeABreak
March 22nd, 2010
10:36 am
Latest Poll :
.
Obama’s approval rating is down today to 43%
People against Healthcare reform is up to 55%
Massachusetts
March 22nd, 2010
10:36 am
Didnt Massachusetts implement this same healhcare program and it now has massive cost overruns and new business in the state has dropped 16% since inacted?
It also ended up increasing company and individual taxes. Sounds like something I wouldnt want but guess I have no choice since Congress doesnt listen to the voters.
Scooter (the Original)
March 22nd, 2010
10:37 am
Past entitlement programs are bankrupting us and rather than fix them, the power brokers have given themselves another one to eventually lord over us with.
We all know you can’t get something for nothing so we have told my children we’re getting something from them. Furthermore, we are increasing the demand on primary care doctor’s when there already are not enough, these are strange days We should know governments love power, but we seemed to willingly give them the power for short sighted promises of hope and change. This is yet another collectivist program that empowers politicians and trades my childrens’ liberty for government provided security.
Blind faith in government… drip, drip, curplunck.
hind tit
March 22nd, 2010
10:37 am
they call it a histroic vote i call it a histerical vote.
bmdpd
March 22nd, 2010
10:38 am
I don’t like being called racist because I don’t believe in the Health care bill. It is like me saying that if you are not white then you are lazy. I would not say that and do not subscribe to that type of ignorance, but the liberals on this board sure are playing the race card. There are racists in both parties.
GAmom
March 22nd, 2010
10:38 am
Jason, nearly all states receive grant money that is tied to them having seatbelt laws. The federal government definitely plays a role in those state laws. To your point about feds vs. state, we have equal opportunity and voting rights acts that apply to everyone. The federal government forced states to allow women to vote. It forced states to integrate public schools. It forced people to stop discriminating against the handicapped. I think there is legal precedent for the federal government to say that civil rights trump states’ rights.
armorup
March 22nd, 2010
10:39 am
We had to have a Jimmy Carter to get a Ronald Reagan…..lets just hope the one that follows Obama is as good as Reagan.
GiveMeABreak
March 22nd, 2010
10:39 am
The only “RIGHT” we have is to pursue. If you don’t pursue, you should be LEFT OUT!
Rich
March 22nd, 2010
10:40 am
“This is a political ploy to take over insurance and make it big government. Now watch, Student loans are going to be controlled by the government, and now the Treasury Sec. wants to control ALL Banks.”
I must agree. Insurance companies are clearly indispensable to our health care system. I mean how could government do it cheaper. Oops, forgot about Medicare which has a 3% operating cost vs. 25-30% for private insurance.
I have to agree also on student loans. I mean, why shouldn’t we pay a middle man (banks) instead of saving that money and directly funding loans. After all its only taxpayer money. Why should government do it cheaper and simpler?
Must also agree on the banks. They have been such great stewards of our economy. Just a few trillion dollars of taxpayer money to bail them out from their stupidity. Why should they be regulated?
Lynn
March 22nd, 2010
10:40 am
Ok, if you live in the following states Georgia, Alabama or Mississippi or watch Fox news then yes you are totally against the bill. IF you live outside of the Deep South people wanted this legislation and/or regulation. Stop the madness – the following are some provisions that will take place if you can find something wrong with them then you have issues-
1. Give Seniors 250 to close the loophole left by Republicans for Prescriptions from the Drug Companies.
2.No one will be be dropped from Coverage because of pre existing conditions.
3. Everyone will have access to coverage.
4. If you have an existing plan you can keep it.
The actual bill is available on line please take the time to read the Bill. Stop listening to people and read for yourself.
Yesterday on the Beltway show the real reason why Democrats will be voted out is because of Jobs not Healthcare. Stop the Racial comments- this has less to do with race and more to do with the Rich being taxed and the Big Companies being brought to the spotlight for constantly F&**(* the American People over.
Millions wanted this bill. Remember there were only 30, 000 who showed up to protest in DC and most were from Rich Families, the Deep South and the new KKK(Teaparty).
bmdpd
March 22nd, 2010
10:41 am
Lynn, you are more ignorant than all of us.
Marie
March 22nd, 2010
10:41 am
I have been a swing voter for years. No more. I will not vote for another Democratic candidate.
conservative democrat
March 22nd, 2010
10:42 am
BR549,
Free speech does not give one the right to yell, “FIRE”, in a movie theater. Nor does it give one the right to incite a riot, which is what the talk in front of congress was intended to do. So, those people who yelled the racial epitaphs at congressman John Lewis yesterday should be in jail. Or send ‘em to Texas. They’ll fit in there.
Jean
March 22nd, 2010
10:42 am
Have any of you even read what passed? This reform is going to help the self employed and small businesses. It will give the “mom and pop” businesses better access to health care and make the corporate giants of this country accountable for providing for their employees INSTEAD of pawning them off on Medicaid for the rest of us to pay for. And there is no government-run plan. Only state-based purchasing pools or exchanges and policies overseen by the federal office that controls members of Congress’ plans. Which means that anyone can benefit from group rates even if they don’t work for a large corporation.
GOVERNMENT-RUN PLAN: No government-run insurance plan. People purchasing coverage through the new insurance exchanges would have the option of signing up for national plans overseen by the federal office that manages the health plans available to members of Congress. Those plans would be private, but one would have to be nonprofit.
Bob
March 22nd, 2010
10:43 am
It is outrageous to use the quotation that includes “government of the people” when ignoring those same people. What level of ego is there that says “I know better than you so I don’t have to listen to you”? We’re looking at the end of the U.S. leading the world as we dig ourselves into debt that our children’s children can’t dig out of. The audacity of lecturing everyone else about doing what the American people want and about not spending beyond your means only to turn around and do this (and brag about it). This is a LOW point for America. And yet I can only impact people who voted against this is extremely agitating.
Lynn
March 22nd, 2010
10:43 am
I would like a Republican to answer the following questions:
If you Government should be smaller then why are you in our bedrooms ie..
Abortion and Gay Marriage. Keep in Mind Abortion is a right for women to be able to choose according to Roe Vs Wade. IF you are really for less Government then be that way all the way around. Dont invoke God in this discussion I want an answer based on the priciples set forth by this party on less Governement.
bmdpd
March 22nd, 2010
10:43 am
It is now cheaper for corporations to drop healthcare for you and pay the fines instead. They (Dems) know this. Then they will blame the big, bad corporate America. They will soon go for a govt option to reform the reform.
Rsclinks
March 22nd, 2010
10:44 am
Dagny Taggart, you seem to suffer from the same limited scope of thought that your namesake did. Everything is not black or white (and I don’t mean in a skin color way). There are millions of shades of grey in between.
The workers “breaking their backs” are precisely the ones this bill will help. Because most of the people doing the “back-breaking” type work are the working poor who can’t afford health care.
And, just because your husband did not see the name calling and spitting first hand does not mean that it did not occur.
Really
March 22nd, 2010
10:44 am
Tell me how much mine will cost! I don’t want to pay now and wait three years to find out.