Gingrey uses doc smock mock to knock Obama
U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, the Republican from Marietta, picked up some ink in the New York Post this morning, for waving his white doctor’s smock on the floor of the U.S. House, in a faux attempt to get President Barack Obama’s attention:
Georgia Rep. Phil Gingrey skewered the massive photo op …. in which White House staffers handed out white coats to physicians to visually show MD support for Obama’s controversial health-care overhaul.
Gingrey said a dozen GOP House doctors requested a meeting with Obama last month to discuss health care — but got no response.
Tongue firmly in cheek, Gingrey said he didn’t know that wearing a white coat was a requirement to meet with the president.
“If these voices are not enough to get his attention” Gingrey said, “my white coat will.”
Gingrey — who stood next to a large photo of White House aides handing out white coats to the doctors — held his medical smock in the air on the House floor.
“The free white coats were for President Obama’s publicity stunt with a handful of medical professionals, where he touted doctor support of his health-care plan,” Gingrey said.
Actually, as reported here this morning, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will sit-down this afternoon with Gingrey’s Georgia colleague, Tom Price of Roswell, and other members Republican Study Committee — to hear them out.
My AJC colleague Bob Keefe in Washington says the closed-door Capitol is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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64 comments Add your comment
Grandstanding while Rome burns
October 7th, 2009
12:50 pm
Is there no end to the idiocy of our elected officials?
professional skeptic
October 7th, 2009
12:57 pm
Another embarrassment for Georgia.
RetiredSoldier
October 7th, 2009
1:02 pm
Embarrassment for Georgia? Don’t you mean the staged White House production was an embarrasment to the whole country.
Dr. Suess
October 7th, 2009
1:10 pm
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.
Keith
October 7th, 2009
1:57 pm
Will, how does being born in South Carolina across the river from Augusta make one a carpet bagger?
Base
October 7th, 2009
3:42 pm
What an idiot politician.Does he have any brains?
Dee
October 7th, 2009
3:58 pm
Base…which politician are you talking about. Photo-op Obama or White coat Phil?
Aaron Burr V. Mexico (the original)
October 7th, 2009
3:59 pm
Will Jones is crazy. Pay him no mind. Could you imagine the headlines that would have run for a month of Sundays if Bush had a bunch of donor’s/supporters up the White House hand handed them out some sort of uniform? This rag, the Slimes and Compost would be printing over time. The Obama folks are beaten down. The White House is putting out fires right and left. Heat on all sides and its seems that Obama’s lack of Excutive experience is hampering his own agenda. Kudo to Gingrey. I hear a bunch of docs, that DO NOT SUPPORT OBAMACARE AND ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE A.M.A., are planning to send the White House all the lab coats they will ever need. Its a little medical protest. This fight is far from over, kids.
Dr. Moore
October 7th, 2009
4:25 pm
Ginrey is ignorant and an embarassment to the profession. Look folks, our health care in America is 32nd in the nation. Not due to skill, but due to access. We have the best health care in terms of skill, but what good does that skill do America if over half of our citizens are unable to access this skill? Health care reform MUST be done. The honest to god truth is this: Republicans (of which I am one) do not want this President to get such a large, sweeping, and epic legislative win. Republicans know in their heart of hearts that this is the right thing to do. BUT, the let politics get in the way of progress. That’s the truth, plain and simple.
Although I did not vote for Obama, nor did I vote for McCain (due to the possiblity of Palin becoming POTUS due to misfortune) I do believe in Obama’s vision for America. Already we are seeing HUGE transformative positive movement within the global geopolitical realm. This man is brilliant, honest, and good-natured. It’s been a while since the US has had such a pragmatic leader. It’s really too bad people cannot except this as truth. Sad, in fact!
Dr. Eugene Moore
Doogie Howser, M.D.
October 7th, 2009
4:38 pm
Dr. Moore:
“Our health care in America is 32nd in the nation?”
Holy crap, that’s terrible. There aren’t even 31 other nations in America.
For what it’s worth, if you truly believe that ceding control of an industry as large as healthcare to the federal government is a good idea, I’d appreciate it if you’d stop pretending you’re a Republican. You obviously don’t agree with the general principles of the GOP platform, one of which is limited government (theoretically…I know, I know).
clyde
October 7th, 2009
4:46 pm
Sometimes one has to employ visual aids during a speech or instructional period to get everyone’s attention,thus Gingrey and Obama are now equal.One is no more an idiot than the other.
Dr.Moore,
Pragmatic?Obama? O.K.,probably,but a leader?No way.
Aaron Burr V. Mexico (the original)
October 7th, 2009
4:47 pm
If Dr. Moore was my doc, he would be summarily fired. What are you a doctor of, Gene…dumassary? Assclownery? Douche Baggery? I bet some of Obama’s staff hold the same honors. Obama and crew flubbed it. BIG TIME!
The last Boy Scout
October 7th, 2009
4:49 pm
Why should the President listen to any Repug. They just lie and steal and NEVER represent the will of the people.
Luv 2 Hate Me
October 7th, 2009
4:50 pm
Will Jones is crazy but at the sametime comical
Mike
October 7th, 2009
4:58 pm
One question. For all of you that want the Health Care Bill to pass, have you read it? It blows my mind that anybody that has read that piece of crap can support it. If you’ve read it and still support it, shame on you. If that piece of garbage passes, it will bite us all in the butt. For the one millionth time, the bill is not about Health Care, but about government controlling more of our lives. I’m not about that. Sorry.
Troglodyke
October 7th, 2009
4:59 pm
//Already we are seeing HUGE transformative positive movement within the global geopolitical realm. //
True, but don’t ask your fellow Repubs to look…they can’t, and won’t see anything good about Obama.
I was hardly a fan of Bush, but I didn’t hate him. I tried to understand how hard it must be to be him, and I expect the same from Obama’s critics. Give the man a freakin’ chance! You guys lost, because you had a sell-out candidate, and a horrible VP candidate. Admit that McCain would have also thrown millions of your dollars at the economy in order to stimulate it. Stop griping and come up with better solutions, or just sit back and let Obama do his job.
Letscheck
October 7th, 2009
5:00 pm
Obama is the embarrassment. The entire world sees through him but only some of the citizens of theh U.S. can see what a mistake was made in electing Obama.
Barry
October 7th, 2009
5:00 pm
The Republican doctors that Gingry got represent the Republican corporate greed philosophy. These doctors are not looking to save peoples lives. They are in it for the money and high prices they charge their customers, in cahoots with the insurance companies. These are the ones who will let your poor grandmother die outside on the streets due to they do not have insurance or money to pay them. This is the Republican philosophy and it is not CHRISTIAN. However, they try to fool the public by wrapping themselves up in an American flag, and the church, and do that which is contrary to both. I sometimes wonder what America and what god are they worshiping. They need to “REPENT” of their thoughts and thier ways in this matter.
Charles
October 7th, 2009
5:03 pm
It was pretty lame they handed out Marcus Welby smocks at the White House, as if Doctors don’t wear business suits. It’s probably the first time in years that most of those Doctors wore something like that. Will that be the new policy for invitees at the White House, dress like whatever favorable, stereotypical image the public has of you? Hand out aprons to housewives; shirts with your name on it to the union guys; red, low-cut, Baywatch style swimsuits to the lifeguards.
Betty
October 7th, 2009
5:14 pm
You know this health care issue is and should be important to all people. When our young men were sent to another country to fight a war that had nothing to do with us nothing was said, When we have so many young children dieing in our country, no one is raising saying and really protesting, but when it comes to doing something that help others, alot is being said. It just seems as if things are said about the wrong things in this country.
Jason
October 7th, 2009
5:16 pm
We can talk about photo op, death panel but the fact remains that 62 percent of all bankruptcies filed in 2007 were linked to medical expenses. Of those who filed for bankruptcy, nearly 80 percent had health insurance.
So we can have the status Quo and do nothing or we can do something to fix it. Lets give the President credit for trying to make a change, he could have taken the Bush route and do nothing.
Bill
October 7th, 2009
5:17 pm
@ Jason..
Great points. Republicans have done nothing about this and trying to stop from making this change. Pathetic.
Dr. Laura
October 7th, 2009
5:18 pm
Barry, What’s wrong with doctor’s who are in it “for the money” They spent years and loads of cash to get an education to become a doctor. They deserve to make a lot of money. If everyone worked that hard to achieve a successful career our country would be a whole lot better off. Instead, we vilify the achievers and deify the those who expect you and me to pay for their healthcare.
Bill
October 7th, 2009
5:22 pm
Dr. Laura,
Refresh my memory. Where in your hippocratic oath is the part about making a lot of money?
Dr. Laura
October 7th, 2009
5:23 pm
Some of these comments are seriously deranged.
Name (required)
October 7th, 2009
5:23 pm
So Republicans are just as stupid as Democrats……and this is news how?
Dr. Laura
October 7th, 2009
5:25 pm
Bill, would you work for minimum wage after spending 8 years and $200,000 on an education?
Bill White
October 7th, 2009
5:26 pm
Phil is a solid conservative with solid conservative credentials. America should be proud to have such a fine, upstanding man of character in the U.S. House of Representatives. I love a man who stands up for free market principles.
This healthcare fiasco is getting deeper by the second. Mainstream America is saying “no” more and more as they learn about how much this bill is going to cost them. They get their information from media that’s telling the truth instead of the MSM that has been selling the country misinformation for over 60 years. Finally, truthseeks like Mr. O’Reilly, Mr. Beck, Mr. Hannity, Mr. Limbaugh and several others are out there as foot soldiers in the war on the far left liberal media. Every day they’re on a crusade to save the country and I’m proud that there are some members of Congress who are listening to them. Phil Gingrey, you are one of my many heroes.
God Bless and Lots of Love,
Bill Orvis White
Pete
October 7th, 2009
5:40 pm
This Dr. Gingrey is the same guy who, a month or so back, when asked about folks parading around carrying assault rifles at the site of a town hall meeting at which President Obama was speaking, the best the good doctor could come up with was that is is legal to carry a weapon in public in that state. He felt no obligation to recognize publicly the real motive behind the gun-toters is threat and intimidation. The Republican party continues to mis-identify its base: even elected Republican leaders are unwilling to criticize the far-right fringe that feels so comfortable in that party. So if Dr. Gingrey wants to wave a lab coat in Congress, he’s the one who looks the fool.
The Dude
October 7th, 2009
5:44 pm
“This is the way it’s always been done” sure worked out for American automobile manufacturers. Don’t be so afraid of change. The status quo really isn’t all that great.
Pete
October 7th, 2009
5:52 pm
Dr. Laura: . . . so you’re a doc making $200K or more and you certainly deserve what you get after paying for your education. But why the greed in helping someone out with their healthcare? The guy who comes to install your new Sub-Zero refrigerator performs a valuable service for you and doesn’t make anywhere near $200K, yet still needs health insurance. If he is the same age as you, with a similar health history, you both would pay a similar amount if you purchased health insurance on the open market. Sure, every Sub-Zero installer should go to med school and be a doc – but because he’s just an appliance installer, he must be too lazy to work as hard as you do. You evidently feel a strong sense of entitlement.
Physician & Surgeon
October 7th, 2009
5:53 pm
Thank you, “Dr. Laura.”
And “Bill [@5:22],” click this and scroll down to read article: http://drmccloud.com/blog.php . [I wish you could retrieve one of my other board posts to some board about all you people barking about what doctors make.]
Dr. J. Fever
October 7th, 2009
5:53 pm
I guess if the folks with guns had gone to the polls in November and actually made threats of violence, it’d be okay though.
We need a leader, not an actor playing the part of president.
General Petraeus anyone?
BajaninGA
October 7th, 2009
5:59 pm
Mr. Gingrey is an embarrassment to Georgia. He needs to take his white coat and join Doctors without Borders.
CA
October 7th, 2009
6:01 pm
Why don’t the people that want this healthcare bill to pass start sending checks to Obama to pay for it. Maybe this way, they will not have to raise my taxes to pay for this garbage. I have enough problems of my own to start having to worry about someone else getting healthcare (paid by me). Democrats want to force people by law to pay for freebies for the “less fortunate”. If they feel so strongly that something has to be done, I think there are plenty of charities that will take there money. I am trying to take care of my family the best way I know how. I don’t need to pay for freeloaders.
Healthcare reform is a powergrab pure and simple. Obama only wants it passed to ensure the reign of the Democratic party. This needs to stop before my children have no country to grow up in.
One last thing, I guess I am greedy since I studied hard in college to get a job that will make good money. Now, please let me keep some!!!
TnGelding
October 7th, 2009
6:04 pm
Gingrey has a point, not that I agree with the way he made it. He doesn’t lack ego. Wonder how many babies he’d have to deliver to net what he “earns” in his current position? I contacted the WH and requested POTUS meet with the doctors serving in Congress a few weeks ago. We don’t need the complicated reform now being considered. It isn’t going to cover everyone and will just be a windfall for the insurance companies that need to be eliminated to get costs down.
Each of us need to take responsibilty for our health and care in a serious manner. Are you guilty of waste, fraud or abuse? Where are our ethics?
TnGelding
October 7th, 2009
6:07 pm
Betty
October 7th, 2009
5:14 pm
Surely you jest. The greatest country in history?
gatorman770
October 7th, 2009
6:07 pm
Let’s unionize every job in America so everyone makes 70 to 80 dollars a hour in total benefits. I mean is a kid working in a Wendys that can cookup and serve all the items on the menu, plus even sweep the floor and empty garbage cans, less skilled than a typical auto assembly worker that puts 6 bolts in a door hinge all day long and can’t pickup garbage?
susan
October 7th, 2009
6:09 pm
Bill ( and to all others that have a problem with doctors making money)
So doctors are to be vilified for wanting to earn money because people have a “right” to medical care? Using that argument must mean that food producers should not make a profit because people have a “right” to eat, clothing manufacturers should not make a profit because people have a “right” to be clothed, and those in construction building homes and apartments should not profit because people have a “right” to be housed.
There is no doubt that there needs to be reform…REFORM, a change to the current system, not the erradication of the current system for what is being proposed. And I have yet to meet anyone opposed to reform.
Atlanta_Tiger_Fan
October 7th, 2009
6:09 pm
Dr. Moore scares me…”like obama’s vision”…obama is NO leader and has no vision for this country other than conversion to socialism and a nanny state. GA is lucky to have great congressmen in Price and Gingrey.
Road Scholar
October 7th, 2009
6:10 pm
Was Gingrey waiving a white smock or a flag of surrender? Doctors deserve to make a decent wage because they provide a special skill and service. They don’t deserve to make excessive amounts since they are bound by the hippocratic oath.
Road Scholar
October 7th, 2009
6:12 pm
Atlanta Tiger Fan: You wouldn’t know vision if it hit you in the face! Besides, your Tigers lost.(although they gave it their best!)
Dave
October 7th, 2009
6:18 pm
Good thing Gingrey kissed Leader Limbaugh’s butt to get back in his good graces. I’m sure it will pay off in a job as a stadium usher at the St. Louis Ram’s games after Gingrey loses his congressional seat.
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
October 7th, 2009
6:22 pm
“We need a leader, not an actor playing the part of president.
General Petraeus anyone?”
What kind of faker military “man” do you think it took to act “respectful” of the draft-dodging, 9/11-committing closet-queen Bush “Betray Us” was willing to suck up to as the “@ss-kissing little chicken sh-t” his commanding officer said he was?
He married the Superintendent’s daughter for a start (Gee, wonder what never got used right to get the cancer?) and his pathetic conduct (look it up) ever since marked him early as destined to be the commander in charge when the munitions dumps with high explosives later used to form IEDs which killed thousands of American troops were left unguarded and unexploded on the Road to Baghdad: AND HE IS ON RECORD – AT THE TIME – OF REALIZING THE THREAT POSED BY THE EXPLOSIVES…AND HE DIDN’T ORDER THEM DEMOLISHED.
Petraeus is a punk suck-up moron and a complete failure as an Officer: perfect for 9/11-committing Bush.
McChrystal was in charge of the Pat Tillman assassination cover-up: another “prince” of a “man.”
Death for Treason
Who do you think gets rank when the assassins of Kennedy and King have yet to be brought to Justice?
Classic Bumper Sticker
October 7th, 2009
6:25 pm
I want to give a Buford shout-out to the sexy milf in the black ford truck with chrome crash-bars. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a “W” sticker. I’m a liberal, but I appreciate ya’ sticking with your man. I dream of a day when you and I can bring the parties together….
Atl Resident
October 7th, 2009
6:45 pm
Sounds like Gingery just needs some attention that’s all.
Dr Thorneloe
October 7th, 2009
6:47 pm
The Pursuit of Happiness is one of our great tenets of freedom. That includes the opportunity to seek a fortune in legal endeavors and professions. The idea of “excessive incomes” belonging to physicians is pretty bizarre when one understands the reimbursement schemes for Insurance company management. We have seen evidence of far more altruistic physicians than Insurance company CEOs.
The idea of “reading the Health Care Bill” is a pretty red herring. There is no single bill as the Congressional leadership attempts to put together a scheme that might work and will pass. The final bill may go through both the Senate and House, yet die in conference as the Patient’s Bill of Rights did in 2001.
Rep Gingrey’s Congressional income is likely to be far less than he enjoyed in practice. I trust he is able to supplement his income through books, speaking engagements and the like. It is a shame that he has to be a shill for the No Party rather than use his experience and expertise in crafting legislation. Tort reform and other reforms are at least as important as insurance reform. But he and Dr. Price aren’t willing to be pragmatic and seek the Center as the Republican Party paints itself into a smaller corner.
bigdawg88
October 7th, 2009
7:19 pm
I have nothing against doctors making a fair wage. However, I DO have a problem with the current health care system. Look up the Mayo Clinic and the way they operate (nytimes.com had a good article) . High value health care at (relatively) low prices. You republicans keep blocking health care reform like you have the last 16 years and watch more U.S. companies fail because they can’t compete due to high health care costs. Why does the Mayo clinic manage to maintain high ratings and low costs? That is what the real health care reform is about. Greedy doctors and insurance companies that are afraid to make the necessary changes. So instead of honestly debating the issue you try to bring up socialism and make it seem as if the government wants to take over the whole health care system. Fact is, if the insurance companies and doctors really wanted to lower health care costs, they would have done it by now!!! Cut the crap about tort reform interstate competition. That’s just some bogus arguments you came up with that won’t work. Most big insurance companies are already national companies anyway. Give us some real alternatives, or let us make the necessary changes. Doctors will still make good money and maybe we’ll all be able to afford health care coverage.
Jabo
October 7th, 2009
7:36 pm
Wait a minute…why should anyone ever listen to a Republican about anything foreign or domestic ever again?! We are still paying dearly for two wars that have gone on far too long. 9 yrs in Afghanistan?! Look: the American Rev was 6.5 yrs long, Mex-Amer War 3 yrs, Civil War 4 yrs 7 mos, WW1 1 year 7 month, WW2 4 yrs, Korean War 3 yrs. We have better technology and so called better army, but we are way less efficient than our forefathers. The Reagans & Bushes have left us in dangerous economic waters that will take tremendous amounts of cleaning up after their sloppiness and greed. As for current politics, I still say we need to fire everyone that holds office and start afresh. Wake up, America! Please, vote for people who are able to do the elected job.
TnGelding
October 7th, 2009
7:45 pm
Dave
October 7th, 2009
6:18 pm
I doubt if he’ll have any “serious” (as deemed by the media) competition.