From Gov. Kathleen Sebelius writing at HuffPo:
…it is mystifying that the President and his few congressional allies are saying that government involvement in health care is a step toward dangerous, socialized medicine.
I know my children were the beneficiaries of a government-run insurance program until they became adults. Members of Congress and their children are eligible for health care that’s under the government’s umbrella. The President and his are family as well. If it’s good enough for congressional kids and the President’s kids, it should be good for the low-income children who are desperate for health care coverage….
The House and Senate acted with tremendous bipartisanship to reauthorize SCHIP. If they overturn the President’s veto, more than 10 million children and families in need would be able to afford health insurance.
SCHIP is an indisputable success. It enjoys broad bipartisan support. But, still, President Bush has stubbornly vetoed the program in an attempt to deny health care for uninsured children from low-income families.
This partnership — SCHIP — between the states and the federal government has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise troubled health care system. SCHIP has made it possible for millions of children to see a doctor, receive preventative care, and live healthier lives.
Those children are better-prepared to learn as students when they enter a classroom. They are better prepared to succeed as adults when they enter the workforce. In other words: Better health care for more children today means a stronger, more productive America in the years to come….
Contrast that with the “it’s all about what’s in it for me” attitude in the GOP:
…Some Republicans believe the White House is too consumed with the Iraq war and its legislative agenda to pay enough attention to the battle for the presidency.
“The White House political machine is very different without Karl [Rove],” a prominent GOP powerbroker said. “They’re somewhat disconnected from the campaign for the first time I can remember.”
Quite a difference, isn’t it? Think there is no reason for folks in the GOP to fear upholding the Bush SCHIP veto? Think again:
…Others side with Democrats. At the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 70-year-old Donna Stenton says $35 billion over five years pales compared with the costs of the Iraq war. “I have a feeling that a lot of Republicans better watch out,” she says.
The most passionate appeals come from those with a personal stake. Lisa Matzenbach of Troy, a single mother earning about $20,000 a year, uses SCHIP to pay medical bills for her 16-year-old daughter, who has a rare neurological disorder. Matzenbach was recruited by Democrats to record automated phone calls.
She believes in the policy, not the politics: “I think they’re using it as a big campaign issue, and it’s health care for a lot of kids dangling.”
At the end of the day, it is a lot of kids left dangling. And all those adults you hear the wingnut brigades howling about being covered by SCHIP? They are pregnant women getting prenatal care for their babies. It’s called preventative medicine — something that every member of Congress gets at taxpayer cost. The children of America’s working families deserve care and concern because they are America’s future, too. It is time that the GOP started thinking more about these kids and less about themselves.
Please make those calls on SCHIP today. These kids are depending on all of us. Let’s get to work…
PS — In case you’ve missed it, we’ve flipped two Bush Dogs. Three to go — you can help us keep the momentum going by donating to Blue America PAC. Thanks to everyone for all the hard work and support on this.
(Photo via Sean Dreilinger. Grea lego ambulance.)
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Zed again Scarecrow?
Morning Scarecrow and the rest of the firepups.
Made a call to Tom Latham, one of two rethugs from Iowa. They were in a big staff meeting and SCHIP was the topic. We have to keep up the pressure on this winning issue. It works.
Morning everyone. Coffee is warm and I’m still trying to wake up. How is everyone this morning?
Good morning Christy! Life is good here.
Thanks for continuing to remind us! Will make more calls.
You know, one of the things that isn’t talked about much wrt Medicaid for kids and SCHIP is that, at least in NY, part of an HMO provider’s responsibility is to reach out to the members of their plan to endure that prenatal and well-child visits take place. Providers are assessed by state agencies based in part on whether moms come in for scheduled visits and kids are brought in for growth assessment and vaccinations. (I happen to know this is in some detail because I’ve helped such an HMO prepare compliance documents for state oversight.)
This is not just an insurance program; it’s also a public health program of education and outreach. And a successful program at that. It’s illustrative that the administration sees successful programs as dangerous.
Christy,
Good morning.
I’m not sure that this thread is the appropriate place to address this.
I am extremely enthusiastic about the campaign to pressure the Bush Dogs and I’m more than happy to donate money to that end, early and often. The problem is that the Blue America PAC page doesn’t specify exactly where the money is going. I don’t mind sending money to other endeavors as well, but this Bush Dog pressure is one great idea that I really want to support. Is there a reason why that campaign doesn’t have its own section? Or maybe I’ve missed a link to donate for that specific reason?
g’morning all!
I posted this downstairs a few and it is very aprapos on this thread;
like sewers, roads and water to our houses, health care is supposed to be part of “the commons”
if it weren’t for “the commons” we would all shower in the squaler of strangers, we would all drive on dirt roads
the very concept of “money” is a so*c*al program, do these fools who call national health care “so*c*alism” also call money “so*c*alism”?
of course not
commons are services and goods that cannot be privatized because they are needed by everyone…industry counts on a healthy workforce to be profitable, just as they count on the roads to get their workforce moblized, just as they count on the sewer system and water
health care needs to be considerd the same type of service as our roads…something everyone needs and the government provides
just as schools are provided for everyone so too must health care
and as there are private schools for those that don’t think the public school is sufficient or convenient enough, there will be private health care for those that want it
that is why public health care is NOT s*cial*sm, anyone who wants to can get further service if they want, nobody is forced into the program
as far as them being forced to pay for the program, no, that would be the corporations that are forced to pay for their own bills, their bills include the health of their labor force and the health of American’s
If they don’t want to pay those bills they can do their bussiness in countries that will allow them to be on the country’s dole
it is a service that needs to be considered one of “the commons”
Perhaps the key is to get the congressmen that are opposing to talk about their own healthcare.
Have you seen a doctor lately?
Did you have to wait to get an appointment?
Did you feel the doctor gave you the proper treatment?
So you are satisfied with your government provided, socialized healthcare?
Just turn it around on them.
C-Spans Washington Journal focused on how much money the Presidential candidates have raised. I don’t know but this gets to me. With the SCHIP issue, Jena 6 hearing this morning, 4 million Iraqi refugees, 1 million dead Iraqi people, US soldiers speaking out, more US soldier dying everyday, thousands injured, many unable to get the services they need when they come home, SCHIp, the Jena 6 hearing this morning, the possibility of “retroactive immunity” for telecom companies who have “allegedly” illegally wiretapped and datamined, the A*P*C Rosen/Franklin/Weisman espionage investigation and trial coming up which the MSM has not touched at all that I am aware of (one time Chris Matthews whispered that the trial had been delayed once again)
And all Washington Journal can find to cover is how much money the candidates have raised.
Pitiful
bush tries to make believe his failed economic policy is a GOOD thing, IN SPITE of the fact that it has enrichened the wealthiest and TAKEN from the middle class
people so wealthy they will never ever spend their wealth are those that “enjoy” this administration’s economic “strategy” and he goes on as if he has actually done something GOOD!
bizzare
Tom at 7 — I think Jane addressed this last night in one of her threads. We are doing print ad buys that will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $10,000 in districts for these BushDogs, as well as constituent calls (and I don’t know cost specifics on that). We’d raised about $6,000-ish of the total we needed for the ads and otherwise.
As to other costs and payments and such, we haven’t talked about them publicly for very good reasons which include privacy for some of the folks who have helped us as well as not tipping people off to what we have planned for upcoming campaigns, among a number of other reasons. Jane and Howie handle the bulk of that, so if you have a specific question, you might e-mail Jane with it. HTH!
kathleen at 10 — I’m pretty sure they’ll be focusing on SCHIP issues later in the week. And there is an outside chance that I may be part of the discussion. Will let you guys know if and when things firm up on that…
One thing you may want to do before calling reps is go to their website and check what they said about SCHIP. In the few I’ve seen, their comments are often from July or early August and relate to the original House bill. The bill Bush vetoed is different and met some of the objections they were screaming back a few months ago. For example, eligibility for children of immigrants is tightened, cuts to Medicare Advantage is not a funding source. So, for another example, one Republican rep who was on the call list yesterday had expressed only one objection and was very vocal about it – she was opposed because SCHIP would, she said,kick people off medicare. Now, that was bogus but in the current bill she can’t rely on that anymore,so what’s her objection?????? I don’t mean to tell you people what to say. I’m just saying you might wanna make sure these people have objections that are even relevant anymore and ask them that since their concern has been addressed can you expect their vote? Something like that.
Can’t Mr Soros pay for the ads?
Anyone have his telephone number?
Maybe Anjolina?
SanderO at 15 — We don’t get funding from George Soros, in case that’s what you are asking.
I think admin. and war supporters should put up an ad featuring children of oil executives to tug at our heart strings and make it more clear for everyone why the gov’t. can’t help with skyrocketing and impossible healthcare costs even for the middle class now but can spend a trillion dollars to invade another country for its resources.
Baby’s got a Sweet Sixteen birthday coming up, and if you think getting Hannah Montana for it is cheap, think again.
Malkin’s mascara would be smeared from her weeping over the suffering of the poor girl.
RE My wwn @ 14:
I appreciate that it may be a little late in the day for what I suggest, but……………
this afternoon the house rules committee meets to write the rule for H.R.3773, the “restore act,” a bad FISA bill, that will probably be voted on tomorrow.
while the pretty good FISA bill, H.R.3782, the “FISA modernization bill” (written by members of the house intelligence committee) remains stuck in committee (possibly at the request of speaker pelosi)
so, today is probably our last day to effectively lobby for H.R.3782.
for background see here, and here. summary of background:
p.s. speaker pelosi lies about fisa.
Please forgive the OT, editorial from today’s Denver Post Stand Up For Civil Liberties.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 16
I thought *I* was the only one who hadn’t gotten a check yet.
I feel better now.
A good Nazi ia a good Nazi. The “followers of bush” have been trained well.
selise @ 19
Selise, thanks for your reminders and for all your work
Speaking of OT, in today’s WaPo:
The Real Iraq We Knew
By 12 former
Army captainsphony soldiers.Today marks five years since the authorization of military force in Iraq, setting Operation Iraqi Freedom in motion. Five years on, the Iraq war is as undermanned and under-resourced as it was from the start. And, five years on, Iraq is in shambles.
As Army captains who served in Baghdad and beyond, we’ve seen the corruption and the sectarian division. We understand what it’s like to be stretched too thin. And we know when it’s time to get out.
Cue attacks on their integrity by Limbaugh, Kristol, and the rest of the neocon war heroes in 3…2…1
Christy Hardin Smith @ 13
I’m eating some of my words right now. Rep Lynch on addressing oversight of the monies spent in Iraq and oversight.
CHS hope you are part of that discussion. Again thanks for pushing us.
Christy,
Sebelius is a Blue governor doing battle with the most organized TheoCons in the GOP . . . and the best weapon in her arsenal is straightforward common sense. She wields it amazingly well (in most cases), leaving the GOP to look inept, incompetent, intolerant, incoherent, or all of the above.
For example, in that HuffPo piece she writes:
I think she’s going with “all of the above” in this one.
ifthethunderdontgetya @ 24
Hear any ticking?
perris @ 11
The wealthiest citizens, including himself and his family, are exactly the ones that Bush targets to benefit from his policies. The bizzare part is that he pretends to care about anyone else.
Danbury @ 28
A must read, sending this article far and wide. Thanks!
C-span cameras on the floor SCHIP focus
ifthethunderdontgetya @ 24
You don’t hear anyone from the Bush family complaining like this…oh wait…No one from the Bush family ever serves. Royalty has privleges.
Selise who do you think are the most critical people to contact on the FISA bill? I have all ready contacted Ohio Senators Voinovich, Sherrod Brown, Senator Rockerfeller
OT – For those who missed Jane’s poll Friday, there is an unofficial Triple Poll that addresses some of the issues brought up in the comments.
The Results are on a free service with annoying advertisements and audio, so please forgive the inconvenience. It does have a pretty bar chart that makes it easy to read. The poll is still open if you want to add your votes.
Redd,
The Soros thing was tongue in cheekie. But I’d bet that some dep pockets could help in some of these efforts IF THEY were aware of it. Do they read blogs such as this or get alerts?
I would think that they might be barraged for requests and have some gate keepers sorting them out. How else would deep pockets make a decision as to what causes to support???
Why doesn’t Blue reach out to some deep pockets is what I was asking roundabout.
Kathleen @ 32
sorry on this one I contacted Pelosi, and Ohio Congressman Wilson. Who else should we focus on?
OT, re: comments in last night’s Malkin discussion, where it was reported that Randi Rhodes was beaten in Central Park and her mouth punched up, although she carried no purse–i.e. not a robbery. Source was Air America itself via a breaking Daily Kos diary.
It was noted then that Googling produces no record of it.
Thought pups would want to know that his a.m. , there is still no Google record of the beating.
Worse, there is reason to think punching out her teeth was politically motivated, as proposed.
Reasons for thinking that we’re not being excessively tinfoilhattish/paranoid:
Her online bio explains that her favorite activity is walking her dog in Central Park.
http://www.therandirhodesshow……ennyfalcon
Badwater @ 29
It’s not really all that bizzare. He gets support for his policies by getting people to believe that he cares and that his policies are good for them. The truth will just drive more people away.
Sander at 34 — What makes you think we don’t? But reaching out and getting a comitment for help are two completely different things in a lot of cases…we work every angle that we can, not just one or two.
BlueStateRedHead @ 36
Here’s more
And I got free milk when I was in kindergarten. But that was under the Socialist Truman administration.
Christ! What is it about these people?
Christy,
We’ve been focusing on flipping the Bush Dogs, with good progress so far. Any signs from your friends on the Hill as to how things are going in pressuring the wavering GOP members?
BlueStateRedHead @ 36
This is how it starts after it starts. Have been getting through Hannah Arendt, and she talks about how it was the lower-downs, not the higher-ups who were targeted, in order to make ordinary people (like us) afraid. The police did nothing. One expects that the NYPD will be doing its duty. We’re not that far gone yet.
Conyers speech on C-Span 2 now
OT
teeVee alert
Frontline
Two calls to Ethridge’s offices today-left messages.
I suspect he’s balking at the cigarette tax-a problem in tobacco country-suggested that he get over it and do the right thing.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 12
Thanks, Christy!
Elliott @ 44
Thanks!
Badwater @ 31
if the ones who voted for this regime realised how much they are despised by those they voted for,they would be wearing this regimes’ guts for garters.
pardon the imagery,but it is apt.
Clinton would use violence against Tehran
Suzanne Goldenberg in Washington
Monday October 15, 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usel…..eed=networ
kfront
“”If Iran is in fact willing to end its nuclear weapons programme, renounce sponsorship of terrorism, support Middle East peace, and play a constructive role in stabilising Iraq, the United States should be prepared to offer Iran a carefully calibrated package of incentives,” Ms Clinton wrote.”
——————————————–
What the hell is up with Clinton why is she so unwilling to listen to IAEA’s Mr. El Baradei who has said that Iran does not pose any “imminent threat” and that there is absolutely “no hard evidence” to back up the claims that Iran has a nuclear “weapons” program. I can not believe she actually said “if Iran is willing to end it’s nuclear weapons program”.
Hillary just what is wrong with listening to the IAEA’s El Baradei. If you remember he as well as Scott Ritter and others were right about Iraq, or are you going with the “cakewalk zealots” once again? Sure looks like it
If she actually said this, I will do my very best to convince folks not to even consider voting for her. At this point it does not look like that will be too difficult.
John Edwards has come out and said that he would not provide any opportunity for Cheney and Bush to pre-emptively strike Iran. Edwards came out and said “no timeline, no funiding, no excuses”
Years ago Hillary stated that their was a “right wing conspiracy” committed to taking her hubby out. She might want to consider that she may be the target now. Her willingness to roll over to the I-lobby may be what takes her down.
Elliott @ 44
I am amazed there’s still journalism and that it makes it onto corporate media
perris @ 50
I know what you mean!
very sad, very frightening story on think fast;
I love rhandi, I sure hope this was random rather then someone after her for what she says and stands for
Knut Wicksell @ 40
For Bush, perks are for those smart enough to be born wealthy.
Kathleen @ 32
basically, it looks like we are being fucked over by our house dem leadership (including pelosi). they are telling us to shut up and accept their “restore act”.
suggestions from ACLU (i just spoke with someone in legislative lobbying).
1. ask for an up or down vote on holt’s bill
- three members of the intelligence committee who know what is really needed drafted this bill in consultation with aclu – it’s not perfect but it’s good, and far far superior to the so-called “restore act”.
- holt may be coming to the house floor to ask for a vote on his bill (it is now stuck in committee).
2. the “restore act” does not pass constitutional muster (in the view of the aclu and our own pow wow). the aclu expects to be comming out with a statement later today against the “restore act”
3. if the “restore act” fails in the house, will we get the even worse senate bill (yet to be released, but which may include telco immuntiy)? that seems to be what we are being threatened with. by our own house dem leadership.
have i said how pissed i am yet today?
At some point, these kinds of claims have to be held up to empirical evidence. Data from around the world shows that greater government involvement improves healthcare and diminishes cost:
http://tinyurl.com/23yn5q
http://tinyurl.com/yrsbb8 [PDF]
To hell with this. Get health care for us all!! I say, equal treatment under the law. If you don’t want government subsidized health care, keep on sending your insurance companies those big checks.
Here’s hoping that Nikki Tsongas defeats
the 9-11 Repug candidate in today’s congressional race.
Nikki said she will vote to overturn Bush’s very crass and vindicative veto. The 9-11-
candidate said he will side with the cowboy…
Kathleen @ 49
The contrast between that article and this one boggles my mind: http://www.firedoglake.com/200…..ng-office/
Guys, I *know* someone in NJ on SCHIP. Her little boy is covered and she just found out she is pregnant again. Her mother and I talked about what was going on with SCHIP a few weeks before her daughter said baby number two was on the way.
I don’t think she realizes what is going to happen to the program if the veto holds. This person had a C-section the last time and will most likely need another one. Vaginal deliveries run around $20,000.00 in this state. C-sections must be astronomical. It’s more that this person makes in a year. Her boyfriend’s salary probably put them in Frost country but that’s poor in NJ. I’m seriously concerned that the program isn’t going to be available to her throughout this pregnancy. (Yeah, I don’t think she should have gotten pregnant either if she didn’t have regular health insurance but what are you going to do if you work but don’t have coverage? Give up your family? It’s not like she’s on welfare.)
selise @ 54
So one of the main sticking points is that in H.R. 3773 there is “retroactive immunity” for the telecoms and in H.R. 3782 there is not. Is that correct?
portia.vz @ 58 –
i hate the attitude (i’ve seen it in my own family) that only the well off have the right to have kids. as far as i am concerned (a middle aged woman who doesn’t want to be a parent), i think the right to have children is just that – a RIGHT. and not one that should put you in debt or in the poor house.
ugh.
kathleen — There is also a concern that 3773 has “umbrella warrants” instead of individual ones. I have something coming up on that in a little bit…
Several of the morning House speeches are on SCHIP.
Kathleen @ 59
no. see my summary above (please, i know i don’t write very clearly, but i think it’s all there). new summary:
I bit of a different tack for dealing with my congresscritter.
He’s one of the original Blue Dogs.
I’m to the point of dropping support for him and using my $ to support progressive Democrats that will make him irrelevant,
I might be better off with a GOPer who you *know* isn’t going to do right than a Bush Dog representing me.
That said, here’s the text of a note I dropped his office.
(Thanks to Sir T Rex for the reminder on letter writing.)
I figure pointing out that he’s asking for a buttload of help from states with no dog in K-town might make his ears perk up.
He needs to know that Ms Pelosi is the decider in his quest for pork.
Just had a conversation with an aide in Rep. Steven Chabot (oh-1). The aide said that Chabot supports SCHIP but objects to the way the new SCHIP is funded and certain language in the bill. The Aide could not clarify just what language he objected to.
He also shared that 400 million would be diverted from Ohio by the way that this bill
would be funded. (the cigarette tax in Ohio I guess)
Odd somehow that Reps are so concerned with funding their states now that billions of dollars are fueling an unnecessary and immoral war. So twisted.
Also talked with an aide in Senator Voinovich’s office he does not support an over ride of the veto. Could not get any answers from the aide about where Voinovich stands on “retroactive immunity” for Telecommunication companies.
Who can afford the better part of $400.00 per month in “health care premium” as a single person. The premiums go to, for the most part, tax exempt/not for profit insurers/providers like BC/BS and the like,
We talk about health care reform, but never about tax exempt status in the industry. We as taxpayers/citizens/insured, have subsidized this service industry for “DECADES,” and cost continue to outpace inflation, co pays go up, premiums go up, and doctors spend more time on paperwork than healing. I’m not suggesting a “tax.” But if you have no tax liability, you cannot use tax incentives and disincentives as a tool for reform. Tax incentives are “used” by Congress all the time. BTW these tax exempt not for profit public charities in the health services make lots of money off of people’s “misfortunes.” Great System!!!!
WOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!
That’ll make me get up early. Please please please let us know !((bouncing)
PS: ANYONE in the Macon, GA area get the Macon Telegraph… have you opened it this morning?
Christy Hardin Smith @ 13
Bay State Librul @ 57
Yes, indeed. She is the widow of Paul Tsongas. I liked him. I wanted him to win the Presidential Primary. Her Republican Opponent’s brother was killed on nine elva and he is gung ho on indefinite Iraqi occupation.
Makes sense right? 15 of 19 terrists were Saudis. Osama was based in Afghanistan so the US lets him escape from Tora Bora, attacks Iraq and needs to stay indefinitely.
Biloxi — Great letter. Taylor’s stance astonishes me with SCHIP, given the issues that Gulf Coast folks still face in terms of rebuilding efforts and such after Katrina. Just baffling considering everything you all have had to deal with that he can’t see the community benefit for a stop-gap with SCHIP for kids whose families are already on the edge as it is…
selise @ 64
Get it.. thanks for the clarification. I can be slow
Kathleen @ 70
no, i just have trouble writing clearly… let me assure you on that point. thanks for working through it! *g*
SAY HERE’S IDEA – WHY DONT WE TAKE THE FUCKIN SUBISISED HEALTHCARE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE VICE PRESIDENT AND ALL OF CONGRESS – THEY ARE ALL F-IN MILLIONAIRES ANYWAY THAYE CAN AFFORD
WE CAN SAVE THE GOVT MONEY – IF GOVT PROVIDED HEALTHCARE SUCKS WHY DO THE PIGS AT THR TROUGH HAVE IT AND NOT THE CITZENS WHO ARE TAXED TO GIVE IT TO THESE LEECHES!
Paul — Please don’t shout in all caps and bold in the comments like that.
New thread from Christy:
Six Degrees of Your Privacy
Health insurance companies will decline to insure an applicant for the most trivial of preexisting conditions. I would like to see a person run for Congress on the sole campaign issue that the candidate needs the same kind of health insurance a member of Congress enjoys. It would be even more effective if a great many candidates did this. Maybe we’d FINALLY get decent universal health care if a lot of primary challengers running on this sole issue dislodged incumbents. It would throw a good scare into the complacent so-and-so’s on the Hill.
Fresh thread, up and running for everyone…
Christy upstairs with Six degrees of privacy
Christy,
Thought you might enjoy this letter. It might be helpful to let constituents in districts where Blue is trying to “flip” congresscritters to make mention of this letter. This example of a nationwide, bi-partisan stance is of great import.
Keep up the great work.
PAUL ROMANO @ 73
it is called the grand illusion, just don’t bend over!!!
Just got an e-mail from a local colleague. She and others are going into Joe Pitts’ district office tomorrow to urge him to override the veto. I think I will go with. It could be fun, Pitts assaulted by a room full of clergy.
Christy;
My anger is getting the better of me..
How can the people of the United States petition the Government to remove all Congressman and Senators from the threat of Socializied Government Healthcare, maybe the Congressman that are for the Presidents veto can heriocally remove themselves volunterily from receiving it ?
Durbin on floor!! cspan2
What is the “tax status” of those private insurers Sen. Durbin?
James Joyce @ 84
Lets keep our nuts in the oil vise, “W”
rancid peanut oil and healthcare costs??
Is anybody listening to Dorgan????
Suppression of Amercan based “ethanol fuels” to market……..
James Joyce @ 87
WTF, Oil rapes US / healthcare bleeds us
“….American standard of living and quality of life depends on energy.” Sen. Dorgan!!!
I’ve been saying it for 30 years. No one listens……….
Energy and healthcare are related……..
Chinese knows the power of the internet!!
What is wrong with US
If anyone saw Mr. Bogle on Bill Moyers (he is the president of Vanguard), he said the Insurance companies make MORE than the technology industries.
Why is this? why should people who produce nothing make more money that companies who produce a product? Sad state of affairs. I really reccomend this interview if you want to see what is happening in America these days.
“Contrast that with the “it’s all about what’s in it for me” attitude in the GOP”
***********
Sadly, it’s not just the GOP. It is America. Yes, yes, there is “Sicko” and tons of horror stories about American health care — and its availability. But would 51% of Americans vote for Socialized medicine?
No. So, yes, the GOP is evil. But the rest of America is dumber than dog droppings. Until it happens to THEM PERSONALLY, they won’t act. It will always be the SCARY SOCIALISM that turns them off.
I am quick to state that Americans are very stupid — and they are — but this has been put into our brains for generations. It will take time to turn things around.
selise @ 61
I hear ya’ but in this case I think it is just foolish. She really can’t afford it. And with SCHIP in doubt, she is going to be facing some hefty bills for prenatal care.
As for people on public assistance, I *do* have a problem with women getting pregnant. You shouldn’t have more kids than you can afford on your own. Health insurance is one thing. Rent vouchers, child care assistance and food stamps are quite another. No, I think personal responsibility should come first. That is not to say that poor people can’t have children. It’s just that they need to figure out a way to pay for them. And if they can’t figure that out, they probably shouldn’t have any additional ones.
Too bad Tony Snow has excellent health insurance.
Maybe it would take just cancellinbg all the health insurance for the White House and Congress so they can see the actual bills for once.
It’s no wonder that Republicans believe the SCHIP program is a slippery slope, incremental step toward total “socialized medicine” in the U.S. The Republicans are experts at such slippery slope, incremental tactics. They have been chipping away at a woman’s right to abortion in this manner for years, with some success.