Obama Should Condemn Democrats' Pay for Play Healthcare Votes

Reader Comments
Back to blog

I don't believe that you can create a better healthcare system for the people without consulting them. This sounds like a bunch of wealthy men and want-to-be wealhy men who are sitting behind closed doors preparing a system that should be better by "the numbers" for the people of this country. Most if not all of these men will stay with their privatized healthcare while requiring many americans to sign up or be penalized.
What will happen to the healthcare industry?? Imagine an industry where a large number of doctors choose not to practice b/c they are not compensated well enough to run their practices and have the lifestyle they deserve. Face it, doctors don't practice for free. They are on call 24-7-365, they go through 10+ years of schooling and accumulate 100K+ in student loans that must be repaid.
Another thought, if you eliminate the need for competition between healthcare systems and you penalize private healthcare providers for providing top notch insurance policies to those who can pay, what will happen? The healthcare system will slowly slide into a low quality provider, but hey everyone will have access to it!
I agree that the healthcare system needs a reform and that things have gotten out of hand, but I can't support this reform. Another thing to think about, why is it that the gov't pushed the reform in such a hurry. Could it be that this decision was made in haste and that there will many problems with the bill. Could it be that President Obama wants to make good on a campaign promise unlike many other presidents and therefore it is more important to get it done than do it right.
Anything worth while is done slowly and methodically. Besides I want a gov't that wants my opinion when it comes to things that effect me directly. Is universal healthcare a bad ideal, I guess it depends on your age and stage of life. For those who are older and need healthcare then probably not. For those who are fine with the insurance they have than yes. I have been on the well-fare programs and I do know this: that under the surface of this plan (like many other gov't run programs) there are many flaws and it will not be congress that has to live through them it will be us, The American Citizens who will ultimately pay the price.

AndrewinTN of TN 11:49PM January 09, 2010

In this season of good spirits, we should be thanking that the current Congress has the guts to pass some health care reform. This is truly a momentous accomplishment 100 years in the making since Teddy Roosevelt initiated the first call for universal health care.
So some Democrats voted their conscience against the chance of obstructionists trying to make some hay for lobbying against the people. So be it.
Thanks for the courage to vote against the corruption that has made our health care so screwed up. Thanks for the guts to do something constructive instead of just tearing down America like your cowardly opponents.
Democracy is tough work, and yet the people prevailed over the special interests. It ain't perfect yet either - we need to remove the anti-trust exception of health insurance companies to get some real free market health care in this country. These insurance monopolies spent billions of dollars to kill any restraint on continuing overpriced medical treatment and to maintain their massive waste of health care dollars and (taxpayers dollars). Health care reform is a work in progress so work has to start somewhere, and the first step is the hardest.

David of TX 3:30PM December 27, 2009

Anything this congress does should be questioned and investigated deeply. Healthcare should not include pork and special favors for any. It should be equal to all. But since when does the congress listen to the people. We are their pork. Their cashcow. What benefits the American people as a whole isn't important to them. Only what benefits their personal pocket. I am so sick of this political wrangling and personal benefits to the congress that is a totally ineffective organization and totally lacking in responsible and honest leadership.

Pat Flanagan of IL 1:59PM December 26, 2009

DeeToo
I agree with you, it amazes me that everyone blames the president for all the crap that congress submits (so much for the buck stops here).
I mean it's not like everyone blamed Former President Bush for everything that congress did during his term. Financial crisis of 2008, which party controlled congress? Oh yes the Democrats but even President Obama still blames Bush for this (as well as titanic sinking, the extinction of dinosaurs and anything else that went bad in the world. Seriously for all his faults and mistakes has President Obama said one thing positive to the former administration)?. GW sent our men and women to war but it was a bi-partisan approval by congress and bi-partisan disapproval. I'm sure there are a number for other Democratic presidents and Republican controlled congress examples, but I can't think of any right now.
That's the problem with political parties, although it foster commonality, it puts more focus on doing what is right for the party than doing what is right for Americans. Maybe which should have a third house in congress with 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans, one from each state or we should vote in more Independents to counter the dominance of Repubs and Demoncrats.

What is Wrong with Political Parties of FL 12:06PM December 23, 2009

"For Nebraska, the federal government (that means you) will pay the cost for all new enrollees in perpetuity. Think your governor likes that?"
Well, Mr. Heye, my governor may not like it but what is he to do? Invade Omaha and hold Nebraska Furniture Mart hostage until the State of Nebraska forks over some dough for Iowa's Medicaid?
So while establishment Republicans and teabaggers on the one hand, and progressives and the ideologically pure left on the other rant and rave about back room deals and pork put yourself in the shoes of a Nebraska or Louisiana voter. Why would you want to get rid of a Senator who has brought home the bacon. It is only pork if it goes to the other guy, if it comes to you it is needed federal funding.

ETS of IA 10:12AM December 23, 2009

CBO actually says it would reduce millions from the federal budget but does not mention the millions in increase payment that the states would have to pay. except Nebraska they they only have to worry about an increase in federal taxes.

Why put a state, can't I be an American of CA 1:59AM December 23, 2009

You have it all wrong. It's all about Obama. Obama can't condemn Harry Reid for the pay to play. It's Obama's idea. He could care less about us it's all about power. He want's to see our pockets bare so he can redistribute the wealth. Can't wait until 2010/12. We will take our country back and kick out the liberals. The day after the election they will realize we ment business.

Momlee of CA 9:46PM December 22, 2009

it's time to take back our country and clean out Washington and elect new legislaters who abide by the Constitution and listen to the people

Howard of MN 9:25PM December 22, 2009

What are these people doing ??.. all they are thinking about are themselves and their party .. where do the American people come into play... I have not talked to 1 person that wants this heath program . why are they not listening to all of us.... they will when it comes to relection .. I hope that all of us vote everyone of them out of office .. we the American people have to speak up and rise up against what is happening in Washington.... this can't be allowed to continue down this path .. I'm from MN and I vote NO against this plan........ God bless all of us as we are going to need God in our lives more then ever......God bless America..........

IdaRae Roessler of MN 6:53PM December 22, 2009