Howard Dean Is New Chairman of Progressive Book Club

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I am disappointed to see rt wing succeeding in fear tactics + lies re: reform. If no single-payer plan? Why not try harder for public option plan? Angry that Obama doesn't stop trying and POWER a plan for the people. Then get on with getting jobs. USA likes the macho approach so forget trying to get gop on board they are so blinded by hate +bitterness they will NOT do anything to help its all about politics and defeat for them.

Eva of CA 5:47PM July 30, 2009

went to er back in nov 08 with bp of 278/170 now va.saying they don't want to pay bill because this was not hazardous to life or health. i live in bethlehem pa.the va.er. is 1 1/2 hrs. away in wilkes-barre pa.I was sent to st. luke's hospital er. by a doctor.saying it was life threatening.but va. doctor in wilkes-barre said it wasn't life threatening.that's why they won't pay bill.so if they are going to have health care like va.forget it.I was watching tv tonite and saw phillip longman saying how good va. health care is.

don mondovich of PA 2:17AM July 29, 2009

It was awesome to see DR. Dean on MSNBC tonight. I am a Deaniac from waaaay back and I know what this guy can do and inspire.
I am a family member of the military and just wanted to share that my brother (who served in Iraq) has received only the best care under his VA hospital. There is a collaborative team who really make a difference for him. They have also been very concerned and aware of the mental/emotional toll his service has taken on him. We couldn't ask for more.
All systems can use improvement, but our VA system (esp. since the Clinton administration) has done a great job.
I would truly like to see a single payer system as from what I have read would deliver the most savings and be most fair to all, but why can't we start with a public option that truly gives the average American a fair shake?? What is so scary about that? Most Americans are far ahead of the compromised members of Congress. I write compromised because I believe they have a conflict of interest in that so many are dependent on contributions from the very industries that have brought us such a disastrous system. I think we should pay for the public option by taxing every lobbyist who sets foot in DC - make it on a sliding scale so that it is fair.

angie d of OR 1:23AM July 29, 2009

I LIVE IN THE TULSA OKLAHOMA.WHY CAN"T WE USE THE INDIAN NATIONS HEALTH CARE CARD MODEL?

PATRICK E. ARMOUR of OK 12:17AM July 29, 2009

My brain aneurysm was discovered in a private hospital, but I only had Medicare to pay for fixing it. Therefore the doctors at that hospital did not want to take care of me because I had no other supplemental insurance. The aneurysm had to be wrapped and only a few doctors in San Antonio, TX are able to do it.
Nevertheless, I have been going to VA for over five years and even though our hospital here did not have a neurologist that could perform the surgery, the VA secured the University of Texas Health Science Center's neurologist teaching others how to do it for me.
I could not have been treated better. Nor have I ever had such good primary care and control of Typoe 1 diabetes since I have become a patient of the VA. At the same time, having been a church pastor and hospice chaplain, I know hospital care and good doctors and nurses when I see them.
There are some complaints about the VA services, but from the perspective of a pastor and chaplain, the services of private hospitals leave a lot more to complain about and the waste at the VA is a lot less. All the different doctors I see in the VA beyond my primary care doctor know what is going on with me, they know what I have been treated for, the medications I am taking and if one of them cannot take care of a problem I have they send me on to someone who can -- and they do that for other patients too. Coordination of patient care is excellent.
It would be good to have the VA medical care for everyone. A public government run program for this nation's health care with the VA model would be good for all of us.

Rev.. Gervas W. Meinzer, UCC & UMC Retired of TX 10:20PM July 28, 2009

My brain aneurysm was discovered in a private hospital, but I only had Medicare to pay for fixing it. Therefore the doctors at that hospital did not want to take care of me because I had no other supplemental insurance. The aneurysm had to be wrapped and only a few doctors in San Antonio, TX are able to do it.
Nevertheless, I have been going to VA for over five years and even though our hospital here did not have a neurologist that could perform the surgery, the VA secured the University of Texas Health Science Center's neurologist teaching others how to do it for me.
I could not have been treated better. Nor have I ever had such good primary care and control of Typoe 1 diabetes since I have become a patient of the VA. At the same time, having been a church pastor and hospice chaplain, I know hospital care and good doctors and nurses when I see them.
There are some complaints about the VA services, but from the perspective of a pastor and chaplain, the services of private hospitals leave a lot more to complain about and the waste at the VA is a lot less. All the different doctors I see in the VA beyond my primary care doctor know what is going on with me, they know what I have been treated for, the medications I am taking and if one of them cannot take care of a problem I have they send me on to someone who can -- and they do that for other patients too. Coordination of patient care is excellent.
It would be good to have the VA medical care for everyone. A public government run program for this nation's health care with the VA model would be good for all of us.

Rev.. Gervas W. Meinzer, UCC & UMC Retired of TX 10:20PM July 28, 2009

the detracters of gov supplied health care are making a statement about scams on the slow people since the gov will reimburse them

william hickey of FL 9:36PM July 28, 2009

There is much talk about no one being denied coverage irrespective of prior health history. But I don't hear about any cost restrictions on premiums. What's the difference if I can get insurance coverage even if I have had a bout of cancer, if I can't afford the premiums.
What is being one to reign in the skyrocketing premium costs. Are any cielings being discussed?

Barbara Ruskin of CA 9:17PM July 28, 2009

When first returning from Korea, I went to the VA in Newark, NJ.
My complaining to the Dr.after some time he stated, why don't you stop faking it soldier. I said goodbye to him with many 4 letter words and never went back to the VA.
After many years being told to go back by my wife and my friends, I finally went back in the year of 2000. After a series of examinations at the Lyons, NJ, East Orange, NJ and Phila. Pa VA hospitals, the VA informed me that I was declared as being 100% disabled.
I am 82 years old and feel like a 60 yr old with exceptions, I had a hernia repaired, presently in process of having post put in so that my bottom dentures stay in. Early next month I am scheduled to have my shoulder replaced with a new one.
I CAN'T PRAISE THE VA ENOUGH. I'M CALLED A FEW DAYS BEFORE A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT, AFTER TESTS MADE FOR HEART, PROSTRATE, ETC.ETC., I'M CALLED WITH THE RESULTS SHORTLY AFTER.
AS BEING 100% DISABLED, UNDER PRESENT STATUES, MY WIFE IS ENTITLED TO BE COVERED FOR PREVENTIVE CARE, MANOGRAMS AND DIABETIC SUPPLIES BY CHAMPVA.
WHEN I'M ASKED HOW YOU DOING, GREAT, GREAT IS MY ONLY WORDS. IT'S WONDERFUL THAT IF YOU DO BECOME ILL THERE'S THE VA THERE TO TAKE CARE OF ME. WHAT'S EVEN GREATER, THAT DO MATTER WHERE I AM IN THE USA, MY ALL MY MEDICAL RECORDS ARE RIGHT THERE IN THE COMPUTER. EVEN MY MEDICATION IS ORDER BY COMPUTER. THANK YOU AMERICA.

EDWARD F, LUBOWICKI, KOREAN VETERAN of NJ 9:16PM July 28, 2009

just heard the comments on the wonderful VA helath sys. what nonesense. it is the most inefficient health sys in this country. veterans are put through hoops to get health care.
the hospitals are long distances from the vets needing help. the staffing is by has-been doctors who the VA get's cheap, or perhaps overpays. your guest espousing the wonderful VA health
care sys obviously never was cared for by the VA sys. it is an absolute boondoogle. vets should be able to go to any hospital to get help and if specialized care is required it can be acquired on the economy not by the VA. if you want accurate
testimonials you must ask vets not some government hacks. i'm
sorry that i didn't turn on the program earlier, but just caught the last few moments. the VA has stuck in my brain for a long time and this is the first time i have heard it is a wonderful sys.i couldn't get to the computer fast enough.

frank monaco of FL 8:48PM July 28, 2009