Key Dems say health care will pass today
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — A pair of House Democratic leaders predicted today the final tally on President Barack Obama's historic health care bill will meet or exceed the 216 votes required for passage. But they acknowledged having yet to nail down commitments from a handful of members.
"There are still members looking at it and trying to make up their minds," House Democratic leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said on NBC's "Meet the Press" in the hours before the vote. He added that the holdouts numbered in "the low single digits."
"We think there are going to be 216-plus votes when we call the roll," Hoyer said.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., the party's deputy whip, also said the votes were not yet in hand, telling "Fox News Sunday" that Democrats were still short of "a hard 216."
Republicans attributed the caution to public controversy over the plan, which played out in angry protests at the doorstep of the Capitol during Congress' rare weekend session. At issue was Obama's signature domestic issue and the most significant legislative overhaul in decades: a rewrite of the nation's health care system to provide coverage to millions of people.
One Democratic leader was even more optimistic, though no other party member was willing to declare victory hours before the vote.
"We have the votes now — as we speak," Democratic Caucus Chairman John Larson, D-Conn., said on ABC's "This Week."
Republicans remain resolutely opposed to the legislation and warned they will make Democrats pay dearly in the fall elections if the fiercely debated measure becomes law.
"The American people don't want this to pass. The Republicans don't want this to pass. There will be no Republican votes for this bill," Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, the House's second-ranking Republican, told ABC.
With Obama's emotional appeal from Saturday ringing in their ears, House Democratic leaders prepared for three showdown votes when they convene at 1 p.m. EDT and begin voting an hour later: on a "rule" to establish debate guidelines; on a package of changes to a Senate-passed bill, including deletion of special Medicaid benefits for Nebraska; and on the Senate bill itself, the focus of intense national debate for months.
Democrats need 216 votes to pass each one. With all 178 Republicans and at least two dozen Democrats vowing to vote no, the legislation's fate lay in the hands of the Democrats who remained uncommitted ahead of Sunday's vote.
Obama cast the decision in personal terms, telling House Democrats they have arrived at a moment when they can realize their highest aspirations in public life.
"This is one of those times where you can honestly say to yourself, 'Doggone it, this is exactly why I came here,'" he said. "'Because I believe so deeply in this country and I believe so deeply in this democracy and I'm willing to stand up even when it's hard.'"
If Democratic leaders prevail on all three House votes, Obama could sign the Senate version of the bill into law. The bill of "fixes" would go to the Senate under fast-track debate rules, called reconciliation, that would enable Democrats to pass it without facing a Republican filibuster.
Democrats control 59 of the Senate's 100 seats, one vote shy of the number needed to overcome bill-killing filibusters from a united GOP.
House Democrats have long insisted that senators agree to change the bill that the Senate passed on Christmas Eve. Since then, it became deeply unpopular with many Americans, because of the special deal for Nebraska, a new tax on generous employer-provided health plans and other aspects.
In a sign of increasing Democratic confidence Saturday, House leaders dropped plans for a controversial parliamentary tactic. They agreed to allow a simple yes-or-no vote on the Senate bill. By planning to pass the package of fixes on the same day, Democrats hope they can persuade constituents they did not support the Senate measure as a stand-alone bill.
The legislation, affecting virtually every American and more than a year in the making, would extend coverage to an estimated 32 million uninsured, bar insurers from denying coverage on the basis of existing medical conditions and cut federal deficits by an estimated $138 billion over a decade.
Congressional analysts estimate the cost of the two bills combined would be $940 billion over a decade.
House leaders continued to negotiate late Saturday with a handful of anti-abortion Democrats who threatened to switch from "yes" to "no" on the legislation without greater assurances that no federal money under the new laws would be used for elective abortions.
It was unclear whether Obama would agree to issue an executive order along those lines. Long-standing federal policy bars U.S. aid for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is in danger.
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74 COMMENTS
brightOne said...
about time
March 21, 2010 at 11:06 AM Report abuse
DeathCultt said...
woooo Hoooo,I'm psyched, GO HEALTH CARE REFORM.
March 21, 2010 at 11:45 AM Report abuse
brightOne said...
"We used to hustle over the border for health care we received in Canada. And I think now, isn't that ironic?" --Sarah Palin, admitting that her family used to get treatment in Canada...
March 21, 2010 at 12:26 PM Report abuse
exiled said...
The sheeple will be led to slaughter. Amazing!
March 21, 2010 at 1:15 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
Hooray!!!
March 21, 2010 at 1:43 PM Report abuse
David said...
Usually, the government doesn't make mistakes as large as this, as devastating as this. But, that's because, usually, politicians don't make such enormous changes, to complex systems they don't understand, without achieving some degree of bipartisanship. When the act along party lines on something like this, it demonstrates that politics, not reason or or understanding, drove the decision. It's a recipe for disaster, particularly since this bill (if it becomes law) does nothing to reduce health care prices -- in fact, it does the opposite. And, it creates an entitlement that will require taxation of health care benefits and other taxation that will harm the economy, lead to more job losses, and ultimately throw the Democrats out of power. It's a sad day for our republic, but I have to hold out hope that our system of checks and balances, and this year's elections, will help to correct our course to a moderate one. America is bigger than partisan leftist (or right wing) ideologies.
March 21, 2010 at 2:03 PM Report abuse
AXeL said...
Yes, we should hurry because millions are dying from lack of insurance. Let's hope they can hold off dying until 2014 when this actually starts providing insurance, and please understand that we would have provided it sooner, but we wanted to avoid the possibility of it being an issue in Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.
March 21, 2010 at 2:03 PM Report abuse
DTOM said...
"If Democratic leaders prevail on all three House votes, Obama could sign the Senate version of the bill into law. The bill of "fixes" would go to the Senate under fast-track debate rules, called reconciliation, that would enable Democrats to pass it without facing a Republican filibuster." Uncovered Shocker: (PEOPLE NEED TO HEAR THIS.) Sen. Byrd Single-Handedly Stopped President Clinton From Using Reconciliation on his Health Care Legislation http://www.breitbart.tv/uncovered-shocker-sen-byrd-single-handedly-stopped-president-clinton-from-using-reconciliation/ Sen. Byrd - “Reconciliation Was Never, Never, NEVER Intended To Be Used As A Shield For Controversial Legislation.” Where are all those 'good Democrats' now ??????
March 21, 2010 at 2:08 PM Report abuse
AXeL said...
Golly, where did the story about Tea Party Protesters chanting the N-word and spitting on black congressmen go? Yeah, turns out it was a damned lie, but liberals were quick to jump up and down in moral outrage and play the race card to lump all who oppose this bill as racists undeserving of a voice. Pathetic. I noticed Biddy was one of the first to jump on the bandwagon and condemn all conservatives as racists. Very telling indeed.
March 21, 2010 at 2:30 PM Report abuse
brightOne said...
211... more threats from the Repugs...
March 21, 2010 at 2:55 PM Report abuse
heyyou said...
Sunday, March 21, 2010 The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Sunday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty-two percent (42%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -16
March 21, 2010 at 2:56 PM Report abuse
MainelyJack said...
IF the House vote continues this farce and charade being perpetrated by the Rats, you can rest assurred that it is far from over. Bribely, lying and illegality has become the path to legislative success for Pelosi & Co, greatly abetted by the Godfather, Don Obamarleone.
March 21, 2010 at 2:59 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
Axel. If the shoe fits wear it. What happened yesterday was a disgrace to this country. You are on this forum spouting racially charged garbage all the time too. I'm not saying every Conservative is a racist. They're not. But the protestors yesterday tolerated that crap from their buddies. If it was my side doing it I would have fought to stop it quickly.
March 21, 2010 at 3:02 PM Report abuse
PA said...
Rush Limbaugh stated he would move to Costa Rica if this passed. BYE BYE BONEHEAD, Don't let the door hit you in the a__ on the way out.
March 21, 2010 at 3:05 PM Report abuse
brightOne said...
"Godfather, Don Obamarleone"
March 21, 2010 at 3:08 PM Report abuse
brightOne said...
Tea appears to have a number of beneficial effects on the brain. One interesting study points to the possibility that green tea may fight the production of beta-amyloid proteins, or those that are implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Other studies have demonstrated tea’s ability to improve memory and to protect against some forms of dementia.
March 21, 2010 at 3:18 PM Report abuse
hadenough said...
This is the stuff that revolutions are made of, the government coducting itself contrary to an overwelming majority of the people
March 21, 2010 at 3:20 PM Report abuse
MoonbatNot said...
I am old enough to remember and relish the House impeachement vote of Nixon. Today, I watch what Nixon would have loved. The expansion of government control over people. Wake up people. A fascist law is a fascist law, (mandatory purchase of insurance) regardless of political party.
March 21, 2010 at 3:54 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
"America is bigger than partisan leftist (or right wing) ideologies." the BEST comment I've seen all day. Couldn't agree more!
March 21, 2010 at 4:04 PM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
Maybe it will, and maybe it won't. Whatever. The world will continue to turn regardless. We'll have to deal with whatever the outcome is. If it doesn't pass, they're going to have to then sit down and make something people will tolerate, and try again. If it passes, we'll have to try to fix it, or repeal the darned thing and start over. I think it's going to be nearly as costly, or more costly, to the country and the Democrats than the so-called "assault weapons ban" in 1993. Massive upheaval and change is never a good thing. With work we can shape gradual change that is planned and properly carried out. Attempting too much at once often leads to unintended consequences that could not be foreseen by those making those massive changes. Particularly when they have no idea what the heck they're tampering with.
March 21, 2010 at 4:09 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
No names. No arrests. The story about racist Tea Party protesters (near enough to the ingress / egress of Congress to be heard and identifiable) doesn't hold much merit. As with every political effort, there are those in participation (as members or even antagonists) that do not represent the ideology of the group as a whole. Supporters of the bill have capitalized on that and even taken it a step further, likening the health-care debate to the civil right movement.
March 21, 2010 at 4:15 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
They aren't going to arrest people for calling names. And for the spitting issue if the Rep. declines to push it they won't arrest. Just because there aren't arrests doesn't mean it should be condoned. The Westboro Baptist Church isn't arrested either and they are equally despicable. Any movement that sinks to dehumanize a person based on skin color is a movement to be shunned. And those who tolerate that behavior as well.
March 21, 2010 at 4:39 PM Report abuse
DP said...
When those that are on Medicare go for treatment and things that used to be covered aren't,just remember how this came about.Many doctors have stopped with Medicare patients and more of this will happen. Welcome to national health care.Illegals, come one,come all.Oh,don't forget how we are abusing our social security system,so do you think the U.S. government can make health care work ???
March 21, 2010 at 4:42 PM Report abuse
kitterykid said...
Thank GOD! The truth will prevail. This bill is a GOOG start, now we need to get it to be total Universal Healthcare. Those senior citizens that are crying socialized medecine, remember you are all on Medicare/MaineCare, so your already on socialized medicine and have the best insurance in the world.
March 21, 2010 at 4:45 PM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
Biddy, what "movement" are you talking about... ""I absolutely think it's isolated," Amy Kremer, the grassroots coordinator of the Tea Party Express, told Fox News on Sunday. "It's disgraceful and the people in this movement won't tolerate it because that's not what we're about." Can't be the "Tea Party" movement... if you don't think the Left Wing of the Democrat Party has some flakes and nuts in it, you're in denial.
March 21, 2010 at 5:05 PM Report abuse
EllenW said...
So claiming there was "no arrest" gives anonymous cowards the right to claim something never happened? Here you go folks - the capital police DID arrest one of the Tea Party racists! "He'd (Cleaver) also been spat upon and that Capitol Police had arrested his assailant. The statement praised the police, who Cleaver said escorted the members of Congress into the Capitol past the demonstrators. "The man who spat on the congressman was arrested, but the congressman has chosen not to press charges," the statement said." http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/03/20/90772/rep-john-lewis-charges-protesters.html#ixzz0iqdFKeuG
March 21, 2010 at 5:15 PM Report abuse
Babbs said...
Well folks, get out your checkbooks. Anyone who think's they are going to get free healthcare, think again. Going to the doctor in the future will be like going to a stockyard full of cattle. Need a job? Go see the IRS, they will be hiring.
March 21, 2010 at 5:39 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
EllenW, you really showed me up there. I have to admit you TOTALLY discredited me by pointing out there was in fact an arrest. Good job! We'll just ignore the fact that your attempt to characterize Tea Partiers as racists by the actions of a handful of individuals is misleading and clearly inaccurate. Note that GOP leaders and several Tea Party organizers immediately denounced that activity and made it clear that isn't what the party is about. Continue to ignore the real substance of the issue if you wish. It's your loss.
March 21, 2010 at 5:57 PM Report abuse
Sam said...
SacoSam What on earth are you going on about? The racist shouts from multiple Tea Party members are not that far at all from much of the over heated intentionally race baiting words from the LEADERS of this movement and the nasty racist images they have been carrying on posters for months now. The only "right" these fools have been denied is the right to not have an African American President, but that has clearly been enough to set them off.
March 21, 2010 at 6:06 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
Sam, watch something besides Chris Matthews and you'll see the real picture. Obama would not have been elected if the country was full of racist white people. Critics of the Tea Party movement (which enjoys membership across the political spectrum) have little to say in response to the issues raised by the party so they have turned to attacking the credibility of the members. Here's a hypothetical question for you; If the Tea Party was an offshoot of the NAACP or similar organization, would you still be against it? If so, why? If you don't know, the critics have one. Because you believe the movement to be racist, you won't even venture to find out what it's really about. Sad and pathetically narrow minded.
March 21, 2010 at 6:19 PM Report abuse
EllenW said...
Wow SacoSam - copying a direct quote from the news media gets me a vicious personal attack from you? I guess you've made the point for us. No need to point out the irrational hate mongering - you demonstrated it quite well for all to see. Thanks
March 21, 2010 at 6:32 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
"one" should be "won" in my last comment...
March 21, 2010 at 6:32 PM Report abuse
MSH said...
So it's "Godfather, Don Obamarleone," is it? Ja*kmanlyof* has committed TWO racial/ethnic slurs (blacks/Italians) in just one offering...all this creativity must be due to the thrill of finally getting health care coverage.....
March 21, 2010 at 6:40 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
EllenW said..."So claiming there was "no arrest" gives anonymous cowards the right to claim something never happened? Here you go folks - the capital police DID arrest one of the Tea Party racists! " Since the claim was mine, I took your comment to mean that I was the "anonymous coward" you were referring to. However, instead of responding to your personal attack, I ignored it and attempted to engage you in a debate about the substance of the issue, not the people on the opposing sides. You can't do it so I will move on.
March 21, 2010 at 6:42 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
Just because the Tea Partiers are backpedaling doesn't mean they should be absolved for the scare tactics and the emotional hyperbole used to spread misinformation. Naturally most of us with a brain realize that not every tea partier is a racist. But the type of negative and attack politics they use attract those types of ignorant beings. The issue is health care for every American citizen. This bill doesn't quote get us there but it does so more than the Republican proposals that don't even really make a dent. Anyone who defends the current system in light of the facts is either blind, selfish, or ignorant of the facts. To allow thousands of Americans to die needlessly every year and suffer is incomprehensible. Hey the Republicans even paid for healthcare for the Iraquis.
March 21, 2010 at 6:44 PM Report abuse
Hipupchuck said...
Today's Republicans are a different breed of rich trash than their old counterparts who help pass Medicare and Social Security. Today they are a sick bunch.
March 21, 2010 at 6:45 PM Report abuse
Hipupchuck said...
Today's Republicans are a different breed of rich trash than their old counterparts who help pass Medicare and Social Security. Today they are a sick bunch.
March 21, 2010 at 6:45 PM Report abuse
MSH said...
Right ON! Little SockoSammy, I couldn't have said it better myself.......Tea Party/Baggers.....SAD AND PATHETICALLY NARROW MINDED! ....says it ALL....
March 21, 2010 at 6:46 PM Report abuse
EllenW said...
Oops they did it again. MORE slurs from Tea Party protesters were reported again today even after all of their bad press yesterday. They have expanded the hate list to include Hispanics now. How inclusive of them. Overheated lies and fear mongering rhetoric from the Tea Party Leadership has attracted this nasty bunch. They merely reap what they have sown.
March 21, 2010 at 6:49 PM Report abuse
MSH said...
These Tea Party/Bagger CLOWNS are just the residue of the disappointed McCain/Palin crowd. Remember all the L-O-V-E they spewed forth during the election? "He's (Obama) AN ARAB! Cut OFF his Head! He's a Terrorist! He's a SOCIALIST!" This crowd of WHITE TRASH was just ONE ROPE away from being a lynch MOB..,
March 21, 2010 at 7:00 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
More partisan rhetoric. Reminded again of neocons when Bush was in office. They already know how your vote will be cast. No worries, the open minded people in the center will run the country for you.
March 21, 2010 at 7:04 PM Report abuse
MSH said...
Can anyone explain what sackosammy is trying to say...What open-minded people? What MIDDLE?
March 21, 2010 at 7:11 PM Report abuse
EllenW said...
sock o' sammies is pretending to not be a radical right winger. He is pretending really really hard so he hopes he can make an impression. He does not appear to be aware that his prior writings have not just disappeared and others can still read them.
March 21, 2010 at 7:20 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
More ad hominem attacks? I'm so sorry you all are at such in intellectual disadvantage that you can't form words to outline your position. Maybe in time...
March 21, 2010 at 7:24 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
Read them all, EllenW. I am consistent in my position. I do come from a conservative background and admit to holding traditional values. However, I reject the idea that everybody has to fit into one of two boxes politically. For instance, I am pro-choice but feel we don't provide our youth (the largest demographic to receive abortions) enough options for safe-sex. The damage caused by the last administration is just being compounded by the current one. Neither party is looking out for Americans in my view.
March 21, 2010 at 7:31 PM Report abuse
DTOM said...
Where ARE all those 'good Democrats' now ?????? As Andy Stern(SEIU Pres.)says... "We took names. We watched how they voted. We know where they live."
March 21, 2010 at 7:35 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
The issue is health care reform, EllenW. Care to comment on that or are you just a troll looking for an opportunity to throw eggs?
March 21, 2010 at 7:40 PM Report abuse
EllenW said...
Riiiight - sure is a good thing that the anti health care reform movement is so "moderate". One of the top rated conservatives on twitter is currently under investigation by the Secret Service for a post today urging the assassination of President Barack Obama. See full article from DailyFinance: http://srph.it/dCqW2m
March 21, 2010 at 7:47 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
Troll it is....
March 21, 2010 at 7:48 PM Report abuse
DTOM said...
"Oops they did it again. MORE slurs from Tea Party protesters were reported again today" ---- Maybe you should provide us all with links ? ++++ "I don’t know why Rep. Lewis and the other members with him decided to walk right through the protestors. Did they intend to provoke the protestors? If so, few of those present seem to have taken the bait, from the video that is currently available. At least one did, though, and was arrested by Capitol Hill police–and so now the entire protest, and the entire nation’s opposition to the health care bill, is being tarnished. Obviously, any such rhetoric and behavior is totally reprehensible and beyond the pale. It is an insult to the nation and to the Tea Party movement itself, which in my experience is made up of ordinary people from all walks of life who are opposed to the massive expansion of government we are living through at the moment." CON'T...
March 21, 2010 at 8:02 PM Report abuse
DTOM said...
"I have seen YouTube video of the event in which Rep. Lewis and others walk slowly through the crowd, and not a single epithet is heard. Presumably, if video evidence to the contrary existed, it would have been aired by now." If video evidence existed, it would be on a loop, 24/7. Video/story here : http://biggovernment.com/jpollak/2010/03/21/eyewitness-to-tea-party-protest-adding-insult-to-insult/
March 21, 2010 at 8:09 PM Report abuse
DTOM said...
Journalists have also contrived false accusations against protestors before–as in the case of a man who carried a rifle to one town hall meeting last year, whom MSNBC only showed from the shoulders down to hide the fact that he was black, while accusing the protestors of racism. ---- There have also been racist attacks against black Tea Party protestors, such as Kenneth Gladney, who was assaulted outside a town hall in August. (in part by SEIU members) Just sayin'
March 21, 2010 at 8:10 PM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
DTOM, it sounds staged to me. It's true that there have been some very racist people attending the rallies which is why it's even more suspect that the protesters where permitted to get so close to the congressmen.
March 21, 2010 at 8:11 PM Report abuse
DTOM said...
Congressional Black Caucus 3-20- 2010... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SCs6pSE8_I "Since this video was first posted. John Lewis and the Congressional Black Caucus have claimed they were called racial slurs by Tea Party members opposed to Obamacare." "As you can see in this video, there is no evidence of the so-called "N-word" or any other slur being used, despite the claims of the CBC and their lapdogs at CNN, NBC, MSNBC, See BS." "Will the media ignore the fact that among the Tea Partiers were people of all races? Probably not. Here's the proof." http://maroonedinmarin.blogspot.com/2010/03/rally-against-obamacare-in-dc-march-20.html
March 21, 2010 at 8:19 PM Report abuse
DTOM said...
The 'marooned' link doesn't offer much in the way of 'proof' of his statement, but at least it does show things the MSM won't show. Next topic...
March 21, 2010 at 8:24 PM Report abuse
trisailer said...
This vote will be historical if it passes it will give the progressive agenda the momentum to move on a number of issues like the economy, jobs, ending the wars, and immigration reform. This can be a rebalancing of the country that puts the focus on rebuilding the middleclass.
March 21, 2010 at 9:05 PM Report abuse
brightOne said...
"It's true that there have been some very racist people attending the rallies..."
March 21, 2010 at 9:06 PM Report abuse
Babbs said...
You stupid fools....you people who hated the government in the 60's, did all you mind altering drug's because you were so weak you couldn't face reality, you who ran off to your little homesteads to buck the system are now growing old and feeble and since you never bothered taking the responsibility to insure yourselves now want the government and all the responsible people to take care you. Aren't you special, aren't you proud of yourselves.
March 21, 2010 at 9:17 PM Report abuse
trisailer said...
Kind of like the protigal son story, eh blabbs?
March 21, 2010 at 9:22 PM Report abuse
trisailer said...
Kind of like the prodigal son, eh blabbs. Maybe your just a little jealous? Should have had a little more fun? Maybe you think the penalty for not planning well should be death, but I don't think so.
March 21, 2010 at 9:34 PM Report abuse
Babbs said...
I've played hard and dangerous my whole life, covered myself so my relations wouldn't have to. I love my parents, they taught me to not be a victim and to be responsible. Next it will be immigration. Name one good thing about California and it's financial situation with all it's liberal policies....one good thing....
March 21, 2010 at 9:50 PM Report abuse
trisailer said...
I don't agree that the people who will benefit from healthcare reform need the help because of bad judgement. What about children and young people? The only system that can possible work for the future is single payer and at this rate the Chinese will get there before we do. The only thing holding us back is greed. Greed is also what killed the economy and the repugs let it happen. A handful of very rich people became richer over the past 8 years thanks to repugs. This is a start but by no means the end. There is no doubt in my mind that the repugs aimed to bankrupt the economy in order to kill any social programs. They almost did it with the wars and tax cuts. Now the momentum has shifted and we will see.
March 21, 2010 at 10:10 PM Report abuse
Babbs said...
Watching Nancy Palosi makes my eyes twitch. Listening to her talk right now makes my skin crawl. I still haven't heard one good thing about the state of California. I love rich people, they hire us poor people. Who will hire us when we are all poor, the government? What will they pay us, IOU's??? Atta girl Nancy, historically you are driving us straight to hell.
March 21, 2010 at 10:29 PM Report abuse
Babbs said...
The last nail is now in the coffin.
March 21, 2010 at 10:47 PM Report abuse
trisailer said...
It takes a balance. If the wealth is not shared than the people will rise up and lots of bad things happen. Working people made this country what it is. Rich people don't make anything, they don't fix anything, We had a pretty good regulatory and tax structure before reagan. For the last 8 years the rich have played musical chairs with the economy. People who are focused on accumulating wealth without making the country a better place for everyone. This country is not a playground for irresponsable, greed driven playboys.
March 21, 2010 at 10:53 PM Report abuse
trisailer said...
this is just one battle. The majoriety that facilitated it is a result of the failure of the previous administration to protect the interest of the middle class. Time will tell.
March 21, 2010 at 10:56 PM Report abuse
trisailer said...
It is sickening to watch this debate about abortion when American policy is responsable for hundreds of thousands of lives lost through the wars and the failure to protect Americans from a flawd medical system.
March 21, 2010 at 10:59 PM Report abuse
TheSaint said...
Just passed 219 to 212! God bless Obama and America! God bless the RepubliCONS who wouldn't help and support this bill for all Americans. Please God help them RepubliCONS grow a brain. I know it will be a big chore for even mighty you. Help them RepubliCONS get some morals instead of game playing and always thinking of the next election. Thank you for listening God. Amen.
March 21, 2010 at 11:01 PM Report abuse
TheSaint said...
Babbs said... Watching Nancy Palosi makes my eyes twitch. Listening to her talk right now makes my skin crawl...********Sounds bad Babbs! Maybe, now that you'll get a health care plan you can get that twitch and crawl taken care of. Now don't go getting too close to anyone until you get some remedy for it. Lay off that Sen. Mitch McConnell Kool-Aid too!
March 21, 2010 at 11:06 PM Report abuse
C-Fairer said...
Where will Canadians go for good healthcare if we nationalize ours?____Gracias for the free healthcare Sen0r!______Abortion is not healthcare.___________Third world countries have univeral health care, why doesn't the United States.____________ Obamacare: Our Military did not fight and die for Health Care or Government control. They fought for freedom!
March 22, 2010 at 1:28 AM Report abuse
heyrube said...
what freedom is that c-fairer? the right to be denied medical care by the insurance companies because it affects the bottom line? the right not to be able to afford health care because its too expensive, the right for over 16% of the economy being controlled by a business where the only important thing is how much they can gouge and not whats best for the country?
March 22, 2010 at 5:31 AM Report abuse
TheSaint said...
C-Fairer said... Where will Canadians go for good healthcare if we nationalize ours?__Gracias for the free healthcare Sen0r!***** What planet are you? This bill did NOT nationalize health care. Canada has a national plan right or wrong. This bill simply got deadbeats to start paying their fair share of health care. It actually strengthens the private insurance industry by requiring everyone to pay something. As for your racial comment towards spanish people about "free healthcare", this bill makes nothing "free". Finally, hospitals get to collect something from each patient they see. Currently, they get nothing from a very large percentage of patients who don't pay a dime. Personally, I'm tired of covering your sorry ASX from my high premuims.
March 22, 2010 at 7:13 AM Report abuse
Roxieow said...
the saint: perfect response! POst it on the other story from today.
March 22, 2010 at 9:03 AM Report abuse
henryelm said...
"This is the stuff that revolutions are made of, the government coducting itself contrary to an overwelming majority of the people "well that is what BECK is hoping and peddling this am anyhow. Didn't work when he and rush peddled it during the election. IT back fired, BIG TIME and will again. SLOW learn this guys. HATE and divisiveness ISN'T an American Value FOR the MAJORITY of Americans.
March 22, 2010 at 11:03 AM Report abuse