Blacks Get Special Nudge to Support Healthcare Reform

Reader Comments
Back to article

In his autobiography, Benjamin Franklin tells how Dr. Thomas Bond approached him to ask his assistance in raising money to build a hospital in Philadelphia, the first in America. Franklin, then a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly, sought financial assistance from the Assembly. He drafted a bill with a contingency such that when the supporters raised 2000 pounds through private subscription that the Assembly would then pay 2000 pounds, in effect a 50/50 matching grant. Naysayers thought that they would never raise enough by private contributions but they did and the hospital was built.
Here may be a solution here to at least the financial element of the current health care legislation debate- calculate the annual cost, raise support by voluntary contributions, and when half the money is raised fund the rest. The cost to taxpayers would be much less and support for the programs would be clearly demonstrated.
The current problem is more complicated than this but with respect to funding this approach might be a good compromise and a fitting tribute to a great conciliator and the founders of America’s first hospital.

Chris Marr of CT 7:44PM March 15, 2010

…but not at all surprising that these crooks, who freely use public funds to bribe senators and representatives in the first place, would also resort to such. The elitist and arrogant insult that the masses are too stupid to understand the realities is unreal. Let 'em just keep the “big evil insurance company” image going, so us ‘little people’ won’t ponder it any deeper. African-Americans are hurt by this the same as all other Americans. There is a reason that the leaders of countries with socialized medicine come to America for their critical treatments. We know there is some real inefficiency in our system and much of it is “low-hanging fruit” that could be addressed more sensibly FIRST. What reasonable person says “nahhh… forget fixin’ the obvious and easier stuff first, let’s just nationalize it, since the Gov’t has such a great track record” …of incompetence. Well, Hugo Chavez would be all for it, but no American; Black, White, Hispanic, Asian or otherwise, would support this if in command of the true toll it will take in the long term.

Michael T of SC 3:07AM March 15, 2010

Yes this is outrageous. Can you imagine a white president urging white people specifically, excluding other races to write their congressmen to urge them to pass legislation. This is appalling to me as an american citizen and quiet frankly I'm ready to start a revolt to overthrow our government. I'd like to do a protest march protesting the wasteful and neglicient spending our government has taken such a liking too. Anyone want to join me?

bobby of TX 4:51PM March 13, 2010

What the heck, pay em off to get them after their congressmen to vote for this crap "reform" of healthcare. After all...its "Obama money"...and we all know we OWE it to them! (insert sarcasm here!)

CLEO2U of MN 4:59AM March 13, 2010

African-Americans and other people of color historically get much worse health care than white Americans, partly because of economic status and partly because of discrimination. As a result, minorities have much to gain from reform.
It is important that black citizens support expansion of coverage to the uninsured and a ban on rejection based on preexisting conditions. The health care insurance bills passed by the U.S. Congress, and the reconciliation bill, will do both.

Podesta of OR 11:33PM March 12, 2010

Nothing wrong with being a bit "Tribal" and making sure black peoples and firms get some Ad money to help the Obamacare. It will fail anyway because we cannot afford to pay...
Truth is, since LBJ's Great Society deal Blacks in America have become the most pampered spoiled people, upon which white folk have just paid for, and paid for, and paid for!
We white people have been trained by whining Blacks that if you don't get more of what you want you will burn down places like Watts in Los Angeles, or Orange, New Jersey, and that isn't a good thing!
Black people in America still don't seem to get it in many instances and still hurt themselves by the lifestyles they choose, and what they do, and don't do.
Obama is trying to steal an ever larger amount from the U.S. Treasury, with the big Health Care lie, and I suppose I know why. He can hire a lot more Blacks as a result, so it is completely underatandable.
I think black people should be a bit more patient, slow down. A lot of white people are dying off at a faster rate! Soon, Blacks will have even more clout as a segment of society.
you could consider dropping the "African" or "Black" as the first name of your organizations. That might help defuse the racial animosity amoung us. We need to cooperate to cause this nation to survive. It is still the same situation, like it has always been for a nation: "United we Stand, divided we Fall."
What's it worth to you?

Vincent W. Calhoun of GA 9:13PM March 12, 2010

@ Gerry et al.
Come on guys, don't get so worked up over "the race card". An ad campaign focusing on blacks is just as legitimate as one focusing on Arizonans or gun-owners. They are an important demographic, and have the right to exist as a group.
I think everyone agrees we need health care reform; the problem is that the democrats are forcing it through without listening to the republicans. My question is this: why does it have to be one HUGE bill that is hard to pass? Why don't they just pass a bunch of small bills on the things they agree on first, and then work out their differences on the stuff they don't agree on later? I wish congress would be more adult about this.

Ken M. of AZ 8:55PM March 12, 2010

Gerry in Texas wrote:
"Obama is the new collaborator in Planned Parenthood's NEGRO PROJECT."
Agreed and how interesting that blacks have not read the history of Margaret Sanger's connection to Adolf Hitler and eugenics. It would be so much better if there was a bit more responsible behavior........except for cases of rape or incest there is no excuse for most abortions in this day and age.
As far as the race card is concerned.......do tell, just what would the reaction be if there were A WHITE CONGRESSIONAL Caucus, a UNITED WHITE COLLEGE FUND? Democrats and blacks themselves are the only ones to use that disgusting "strategy", if it can be called that.

OregonStorm of OR 8:42PM March 12, 2010

The only problem is, there are way more whites than blacks.

John of NV 8:19PM March 12, 2010

You don't own your body. Your goverment does!
Don't worry, Nancy and Obama know what is best for you.
And they know what is best for your money!
And Corporations truly care about you
Just Drink your Fluoride and stop thinking so much.
Vote Democrat forever....
The Matrix will give you what you need
Just think about kittens and send your money into the system
Awh, kittens they're sooooo cute

Mr Anderson of CA 7:54PM March 12, 2010