HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION
Democrats deliver big victory for Obama
BY DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Summoned to success by President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled Congress approved historic legislation Sunday night extending health care to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and cracking down on insurance company abuses, a climactic chapter in the century-long quest for near universal coverage.
Widely viewed as dead two months ago, the Senate-passed bill cleared the House on a 219-212 vote, with Republicans unanimous in opposition.
Congressional officials said they expected Obama to sign the bill as early as Tuesday.
A second measure -- making changes in the first -- was lined up for passage later in the evening. It would then go to the Senate, where Democratic leaders said they had the votes to pass it.
Crowds of protesters outside the Capitol shouted "just vote no" in a futile attempt to stop the inevitable taking place inside a House packed with lawmakers and ringed with spectators in the galleries above.
Across hours of debate, House Democrats predicted the major bill, costing $940 billion over a decade, would rank with other great social legislation of recent decades.
"We will be joining those who established Social Security, Medicare and now, tonight, health care for all Americans, said Speaker Nancy Pelosi, partner to Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., in the grueling campaign to pass the legislation.
"This is the civil rights act of the 21st century," added Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, the top-ranking black member of the House.
Republicans readily agreed the bill would affect everyone in America, but warned repeatedly of the burden imposed by more than $900 billion in tax increases and Medicare cuts combined.
"We have failed to listen to America," said Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, leader of a party that has vowed to carry the fight into the fall's midterm elections for control of Congress.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the legislation would extend coverage to 32 million Americans who lack it, ban insurers from denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions and cut deficits by an estimated $138 billion over a decade. If realized, the expansion of coverage would include 95 percent of all eligible individuals under age 65.
Far beyond the political ramifications -- a concern the president repeatedly insisted he paid no mind -- were the sweeping changes the bill held in store for millions of individuals, the insurance companies that would come under tougher control and the health care providers, many of whom would face higher taxes.
For the first time, most Americans would be required to purchase insurance, and face penalties if they refused. Much of the money in the bill would be devoted to subsidies to help families at incomes of up to $88,000 a year pay their premiums.
The measure would also usher in a significant expansion of Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor. Coverage would be required for incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, $29,327 a year for a family of four. Childless adults would be covered for the first time, starting in 2014.
The insurance industry, which spent millions on advertising trying to block the bill, would come under new federal regulation. They would be forbidden from placing lifetime dollar limits on policies, from denying coverage to children because of pre-existing conditions and from canceling policies when a policyholder becomes ill.
Parents would be able to keep children up to age 26 on their family insurance plans, three years longer than is now the case.
A new high-risk pool would offer coverage to uninsured people with medical problems until 2014, when the coverage expansion would go into high gear.
The final obstacle to passage was cleared a few hours before the vote, when Obama and Democratic leaders reached a compromise with anti-abortion lawmakers whose rebellion had left the outcome in doubt. The president issued an executive order pledging that no federal funds would be used for elective abortion, satisfying Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan and a handful of like-minded lawmakers.
A spokesman for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed skepticism that the presidential order would satisfy the church's objections.
For the president, the events capped an 18-day stretch in which he traveled to four states and lobbied more than 60 wavering lawmakers in person or by phone to secure passage of his signature domestic issue. According to some who met with him, he warned that the bill's demise could cripple his still-young presidency.
After more than a year of political combat, Democrats piled superlative upon superlative across several hours of House debate.
Rep. Louise Slaughter of New York read a message President Franklin Roosevelt sent Congress in 1939 urging lawmakers to address the needs of those without health care, and said Democrat Harry Truman and Republican Richard Nixon had also sought to broaden insurance coverage.
Republicans attacked the bill without let-up, warning it would harm the economy while mandating a government takeover of the health care system.
"The American people know you can't reduce health care costs by spending $1 trillion or raising taxes by more than one-half trillion dollars. The American people know that you cannot cut Medicare by over one-half trillion dollars without hurting seniors," said Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich.
"And, the American people know that you can't create an entirely new government entitlement program without exploding spending and the deficit."
Obama has said often that presidents of both parties have tried without success to achieve national health insurance, beginning with Theodore Roosevelt early in the 20th century.
The 44th president's quest to succeed where others have failed seemed at a dead end two months ago, when Republicans won a special election for a Massachusetts Senate seat, and with it, the votes to prevent a final vote.
But the White House, Pelosi and Reid soon came up with a rescue plan that required the House to approve the Senate-passed measure despite opposition to many of its provisions, then have both houses pass a fix-it measure incorporating numerous changes.
To pay for the changes, the legislation includes more than $400 billion in higher taxes over a decade, roughly half of it from a new Medicare payroll tax on individuals with incomes over $200,000 and couples over $250,000. A new excise tax on high-cost insurance policies was significantly scaled back in deference to complaints from organized labor.
In addition, the bills cut more than $500 billion from planned payments to hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and other providers that treat Medicare patients. An estimated $200 billion would reduce planned subsidies to insurance companies that offer a private alternative to traditional Medicare.
The insurance industry warned that seniors would face sharply higher premiums as a result, and the Congressional Budget Office said many would return to traditional Medicare as a result.
The subsidies are higher than those for seniors on traditional Medicare, a difference that critics complain is wasteful, but insurance industry officials argue goes into expanded benefits.
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Associated Press writers Jim Kuhnhenn and Erica Werner contributed to this report.
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Copyright ©2010 MaineToday Media, Inc.
67 COMMENTS
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 1:33 AM Report abuse
PJ said...
Justice for all! Or at least justice for most! This is legislation that will work towards bringing our health care back to our doctors and ourselves and keep the greedy insurers from preventing us from getting care. And many of us who hitherto had tenuous access (due to financial disadvantage) to care providers, may now hope.
March 22, 2010 at 5:15 AM Report abuse
DTOM said...
As the President of SEIU, most frequent visitor of the White House, ANDY STERN says : ---- "We took names. We watched how they voted. We know where they live." ---- “We’re trying to use the power of persuasion. And if that doesn’t work we’re going to use the persuasion of power.” ----
March 22, 2010 at 6:11 AM Report abuse
Relax said...
Yahoo, it's finally done. And still folks here have little to say but to spread FEAR. Clearly the public ain't buying fear. Time for a new tactic? I'm comfortable with what has been done. We still have a long way to go before our system is as good as those in Canada and Europe, but at least we are finally moving in the right direction. Thank you Mr. Obama! You and yours will get my vote again!
March 22, 2010 at 6:34 AM Report abuse
deathbytaxes said...
Are you serious? You are actually rejoicing in the destruction of the greatest country in the world. I am so sick to my stomach that I would rather die than to be any part of a government run healthcare. I can't believe Obama was right. He believed that Americans were too stupid to stop his socialist programs.
March 22, 2010 at 6:47 AM Report abuse
Govt2Big said...
Although I'm sure most readers are not surprised that both Pingree and Michaud have listened to the orders cast by Pelosi and Reid, it's a real shame they've gone against the majority of Maine residents. We must also remember that Pingree and Michaud have just voted to support the use of our tax dollars to pay for abortion... hence they deserve to burn someplace down under. However, we must now look forward and work toward the November elections. With that in mind, I hope you will take a moment now to turn up the volume on your speakers/computer and enjoy the great lyrics of 2010 by Lloyd Marcus --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZkvkLmkYVg God help our USA.
March 22, 2010 at 7:11 AM Report abuse
SkipErnst1 said...
I am extremely concerned about the financial aspect of this. How many big government programs have come in under budget? The track record is not good on this front and yet here we are spending money that we do not have on a gigantic government program. Our country is already essentially bankrupt (http://www.usdebtclock.org/). This is not going to turn out well. I only hope this wakes up even more people who will help to turn back the progressive tide and bring our country back to its founding roots.
March 22, 2010 at 7:28 AM Report abuse
CommomSense said...
"the bills cut more than $500 billion from planned payments to hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and other providers that treat Medicare patients." Here's where reality begins...where do you think the money is going to come from to continue these services???? No money..no service. We will all pay one way or the other.... Thank you DemocRATS...you've sealed your fate in November...
March 22, 2010 at 7:31 AM Report abuse
dude said...
we have millions in need of health care ,i don,t like some things in this bill .but when the ship is on fire and sinking you have to do something even if it,s the wrong thing changes can allways be made nothing is in stone the other side would rather go down with the ship and declare victory at sea it,s just wrong for those of us who have insurance to say i,ve got mine to hell with everyone else .
March 22, 2010 at 7:35 AM Report abuse
Ripple said...
Obama's next step,passing amnesty for all illegal aliens allowing them to bring in their relatives to jump on the welfare system while building the base for Democrats.
March 22, 2010 at 7:44 AM Report abuse
Skeeziks said...
Well lets just wait and see. I'm waiting for the health care cop to come to my door to fine me when I don't purchase any.
March 22, 2010 at 7:46 AM Report abuse
Aldin said...
And while all the conservatives grind their teeth, whine and wimper and vow to repeal this legislation, I dare them to also repeal all the other government handouts: Medicare, Social Security, FEMA (why should the gov. bail you out if you built your house in an earthquake or flood or hurricane prone area?), and so on.
March 22, 2010 at 8:00 AM Report abuse
Krog said...
Well since we're posting youtube links...: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcksVklAyiI
March 22, 2010 at 8:06 AM Report abuse
Myview said...
Congressman who don't listen don't get re-elected. Come November we get our vote, and they won't be so smug.
March 22, 2010 at 8:12 AM Report abuse
KO said...
Came here for a laugh @ the typical conservative rantings & whinings and was not disappointed!
March 22, 2010 at 8:27 AM Report abuse
IMPistov said...
I hope these idiots can find a job when they are voted out of office this fall.
March 22, 2010 at 8:31 AM Report abuse
LizieD said...
deathbytaxes offers to die rather than be a part of any "government-run healthcare." Better kick the bucket before you qualify for Social Security and Medicare!
March 22, 2010 at 8:32 AM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
This made me laugh outloud... "You are actually rejoicing in the destruction of the greatest country in the world. I am so sick to my stomach that I would rather die than to be any part of a government run healthcare." OMG! LOL! So taking care of the less fortunate and protecting ourselves from capaitalism run amok is a bad thing? Well, I guess you now have no choice, but if you get sick... remember your words whe the time comes. See yah!
March 22, 2010 at 8:42 AM Report abuse
cablegirl said...
By the People, For the People..Dear Mr. Michaud and Ms. Pingree I am very sorry that you did not listen to the people, and I want you to know that I along with many many Americans will be helping to bankroll your next opponent so you will nolonger have a job.Going along with Jimmy Carter Obama and his sneaky lying chorts are going to pay the ultimate when reelection rolls around. You will join the ranks of the unemployed.
March 22, 2010 at 8:53 AM Report abuse
trollmunster said...
How about we call it "Democrats Deliver Communist rule by forcing freedom out the window and telling Americans what they have to do." Any who thinks this is about health insurance is an IDIOT.
March 22, 2010 at 9:03 AM Report abuse
cablegirl said...
Famous quote from Sneaky Pelosi"Let's pass the bill so we can finally see what's in it" What about the BILLIONS in kickbacks and earmarks that have NOTHING to do with Health reform! In 4 yrs the number of Doctors will be half of what it is today,but it won't matter because the country
March 22, 2010 at 9:06 AM Report abuse
trollmunster said...
Anyone who is comfortable with this legislation has their head up their oops I mean in the sand. I bet you guys pay 10 times to much for a car too and drive off with a smile on your face. I'm sick of living on a planet with the ultimate "stupid beings".
March 22, 2010 at 9:09 AM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
Guess I'm an idiot! LOL! Social Security, Medicaid, allowing the races to marry, Civil rights, voting right for minorities and women... all were beckoning the end of America! The end of civilisation! NAY!! The end of the universe! You guys are waaay too funny! I think Jesus is smiling that we are willing to care for the poor, or that at least some Americans are...
March 22, 2010 at 9:10 AM Report abuse
Prime28 said...
LOL @ conservatives and their unintentional hilarity
March 22, 2010 at 9:13 AM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
cable/troll/dtom/procon/G2big/Cfair/deathbytxs.... ..calm down! And go pick up your medicare prescriptions! LOL! No Drs!? Jimmy Carter?! Earmarks!? The boogie man?! Stalin, Hitler and Saddam resurected in one muslim, non-american, socialist, antiwhite racist... Our president! How kewl is that! Keep it coming guys! Today will be quite entertaining!
March 22, 2010 at 9:16 AM Report abuse
Sam said...
Yup - Waterloo, just like the wingers predicted. --- Only Obama is Wellington.
March 22, 2010 at 9:20 AM Report abuse
Aldin said...
I heard Rush Winbag was planning to move to Costa Rica if this passed. Let's see if he keeps his word.
March 22, 2010 at 9:22 AM Report abuse
deathbytaxes said...
So we already have social security and medicare which cause tons of debt, maybe we can have healthcare because we will run that differently. The government can't and shouldn't run anything. History has proven that. Why is it so hard to see the facts when they are right in front of you. You say capitalism is bad but it is only bad when the government restricts it so the companies have to raise their prices to compensate. HEALTHCARE IS NOT A RIGHT!!! Why do you suppose you can't buy health insurance from other states? Because the government won't allow it. When there is no competition then the government can come in and say "Oh we can do it better". People need to trust themselves and not the government. People need to be free!
March 22, 2010 at 9:22 AM Report abuse
ProConserv said...
Welcome commrades! We now are the United Socialist States of America, The USSA! I hope all of you that rallied for this socialist healthcare get to use it often!
March 22, 2010 at 9:31 AM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
Yawn.... You guys a spewing the same rhetoric that you hear on the radio... there must be a lot of ships headed to Costa Rica ( NO WAIT !!! they have socialized medicine there too ... OMG!! The commies are everywhere!!!) Procon, you can do so much bettah! Let 'er rip buddy or are you off your game this morning! LOL!
March 22, 2010 at 9:37 AM Report abuse
cablegirl said...
Does Sherman have some kind of inside scoop or is he delirious? You apparently have absolutely NO idea about the world we live in or you are just crawling out of your cave after a long winters nap. Why the heck do you think the dem leaders had to twist arms and legs and make all kinds of ILLEGAL promises to get the Horrific legislation thru? Not because it is a great thing for our already struggling economy that's for sure. Sherman you need to educate yourself before you start spewing this ridiculous information. Pick up a book or open a newspaper ok?
March 22, 2010 at 9:49 AM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
Cable sweetie... Stay with your Cable "news" LOL! that's where you seem to get your information! The same old tired sky-is-falling fear mongering stuuf you so love. Something needed to be done and your guys would never do it! They are bought and paid for! And golly gee I didn't think I offerred any information at all! I'm simply delighing in all your wailing! Wail away! LOL! (AND Costa Rica does have Socialized medicine, though I'm sure if you have Rush's money you might get a little better care... which is unfair on it's own)
March 22, 2010 at 10:12 AM Report abuse
Routone said...
Republicans are bought and paid for by insurance companies and other corporate interests. Republicans trashed health care reform uin 1995 and what happened? NOTHING! They did nothing! Americans are now starting to CLEARLY see that Republicans are not about ensuring fairness for the American people or addressing problems faced by American families, they are only about their own party, money, and power. Republican: We're Worthless!
March 22, 2010 at 10:47 AM Report abuse
cablegirl said...
Sherman, Please educate yourself before you spew. The repubs offered several solutions to this problem. There is NO way that 32 million plus another 20 million when Amnesty is passed added to an ALREADY BROKEN SYSTEM without costing the hardworking American peoplem alot! Why do you think all the fat and special deals have been added in the last 17 months??Because the Bill Sucks and will banrupt our country , that's why. Fortunately your type are the minority that beleive you get something free for nothing.
March 22, 2010 at 11:07 AM Report abuse
deathbytaxes said...
Careful. Don't call idiots a minority or they will have special rights too. Oh. Never mind. Too late.
March 22, 2010 at 11:18 AM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
The republicans offerred nothing. Other than obstruction. The "Right" had eight years to do something.. and they did nothing, NOTHING!, while the insurance companies ammassed billions! Health care SHOULD be a right! It SHOULD not be decided by how much you can afford!
March 22, 2010 at 11:25 AM Report abuse
Dilli_Gaf said...
sherm, 2 questions. 1, why did it take over a year for the dems to get this done and 2, if its so great then why all the specials deals and arm twisting? Oh yeah, and one more, how do you feel about the president being able to undermine the laws of the country by issuing executive orders that circumvent the laws created by congress?
March 22, 2010 at 11:38 AM Report abuse
Enemywithin said...
More free stuff for the lazy liberal cowards. When the time comes sherman and his rump ranger buddy krog, will be quivering under a bed.
March 22, 2010 at 12:05 PM Report abuse
Aldin said...
Dilli: Democrat or Republican, both types of presidents do the same thing and issue executive orders to circumvent the law. GW did it quite a few times. Try a different argument.
March 22, 2010 at 12:11 PM Report abuse
HesterPrynne said...
Those of you were are all in a lather about the non-existent abortion issue, Michaud is the only one who was anti-choice. The other members of the Maine Delegation have always been pro-choice.
March 22, 2010 at 12:56 PM Report abuse
Dilli_Gaf said...
Aldin, executive orders have never been used to alter or circumvent law. If they were, there would be no need for a congress for the office of the president would be the office of a dictator. Executive orders are issued as commands such as the closing of Gitmo
March 22, 2010 at 1:00 PM Report abuse
cablegirl said...
Don't waste your time on Sherman, he is not able to keep his facts straight and all he has to offer is the same old worn out Liberal bylines...Baaaa, He's just another sheep who could VERY easily be led off a cliif too, likes his leaders.
March 22, 2010 at 1:52 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Cablegirl, You're the sheep. Anyone who is so out-to-lunch to think that siding with Republicans who want NO REFORM, just 40% increases each year on health insurance rates, is just so far down the rabbit hole as to be living in their own fantasy world. That's you ALICE! RepubliCON: We Offer Nothing! Ever!
March 22, 2010 at 2:22 PM Report abuse
Sam said...
☺ Funny, funny wingers here today. You lost. America won.
March 22, 2010 at 2:48 PM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
In the 90's when Clinton was trying to get something on theis problem the Right came up with a plan... much of that plan is included in this plan. Enemawithin... It's nice to see you raised the bar when it came to logical debate and thought. For you that whole rump thing was a great step forward for you, now get your head out of yours. And don't forget to cash in you Social(ist) Security check. Amazing...
March 22, 2010 at 3:14 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Sherman, Clearly you are for socialism for the wealthy, which is what Republicans actually are fighting to achieve.
March 22, 2010 at 3:15 PM Report abuse
deathbytaxes said...
Who cares about democrats or republicans, right now they all suck. When 59% of the country is against healthcare and healthcare passes then we no longer have representatives. What don't you morons get. It's not about parties, it's not about how it was passed, it's about the fact that now the federal government can make you buy something against your will. This is the first step into socialism.
March 22, 2010 at 3:21 PM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
I'm sorry... but you rightwing dubbahs say the same things that your talking heads do. There isn't an original thought amongst you! Tomorrow you will be mimicking Beck, Rush, Sean Insanity, Bill-o, those Fox and Friends losers and so on.. You know... How this is socialistic...yada..yada..yada... You know the drill, just like the rest of us do. It's time we joined the rest of the world in their approach to health care. Yes I know the ones with money will complain that they might have to wait a little... but money should NOT buy you a place at the head of the line! This is not Dickensonian England where the poor are only there to serve the rich and live their meager existence in silence. God Bless America, and Jesus smiles upon us today.
March 22, 2010 at 3:22 PM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
Route buddy yah totally lost me... And Death by.. you're quoting Fox Scripture again! Of the 59% you so freely talk about! A good percnetage of that wanted more ! The question was "Do you think the obama health care plan is good for America" the answer was 59% No... a significant number of those saying no wanted the whole thing! WITH THE PUBLIC OPTION! They felt that Obama compromised too much! But in the end the elections will tell the story... if the right wins they can change whatever they want to .. at their own peril. But until then I will delight in your miguided misery! LOL!
March 22, 2010 at 3:30 PM Report abuse
Enemywithin said...
sherman the liberal assnozzle doesn't like people with ambition. The democrap way-let someone else take care of you because it is their fault you are a waste of skin.
March 22, 2010 at 3:32 PM Report abuse
deathbytaxes said...
Sherman you wouldn't have an original thought if it fell on your head. All you can do is talk about your feelings. Why don't you come up with some facts and then maybe you can talk with the grown-ups. Until then go back to the liberal country you came from.
March 22, 2010 at 3:32 PM Report abuse
Relax said...
Sherman2, You own these CONservatives today. Thanks for all the good work today. I sspecially liked this one, "Social Security, Medicaid, allowing the races to marry, Civil rights, voting rights for minorities and women... all were beckoning the end of America! The end of civilisation!" You're 100% correct. All those things caused our country to take GREAT LEAPS FORWARD beyond the status quo (Conservativism of the time) that the conservatives cling to like a child's security blanky.
March 22, 2010 at 3:43 PM Report abuse
Spooky said...
November can't come soon enough.
March 22, 2010 at 4:01 PM Report abuse
Richard_B said...
ProConserv complains about socialism only because he can not be the Premier.
March 22, 2010 at 4:28 PM Report abuse
Richard_B said...
cablegirl, Faux Noise is on, you're missing it.
March 22, 2010 at 4:29 PM Report abuse
Sherman2 said...
Relax.. thanks.. I love it when they get personal with the insults and name calling! LOL! I win!
March 22, 2010 at 4:38 PM Report abuse
bastaa said...
My daughter lives in Mexico. She teaches first grade, lives in a nice condo, and her employers got and paid for her working visa. She left no jobs and worthless wages in L.A. for the upper middle class and free healthcare in Mexico. That's right "dangerous" Mexico. Shame on the GOP. The tired old white dudes looked like disappointed fried chicken breasts with their arms crossed as the vote came down.
March 22, 2010 at 5:17 PM Report abuse
Babbs said...
NOVEMBER 2010 !!!!!!!
March 22, 2010 at 5:37 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Spooky, So if November comes and RepubliCONS gain some seats, so that? We're back to them creating problems that Democrats will need to fix. You think your worthless RepubliCONS will change anything about this bill? What, are they going to tell Americans that "sorry, you will not be returning to the failed system that kicked you off insurance plans for pre-existing conditions" or "your children won't be covered on your insurance plan until age 26 any longer"? Fat chance. Republican: Nuts and Fruitcakes, Oh My!
March 22, 2010 at 5:42 PM Report abuse
Relax said...
I know, isn't that odd! And if you point it out to them they act like they don't even understand what you're saying. Must be one of those "we stick together no matter what" kind of things. Very strange.
March 22, 2010 at 5:43 PM Report abuse
Dilli_Gaf said...
Medicare is underfunded...Social Security is underfunded....USPS is underfunded...Amtrack is underfunded.....the healthcare law will be underfunded.....did I miss anything? Oh yeah, the USA loses it's AAA rating
March 22, 2010 at 5:46 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Dilli, Clinton left a surplus, Bush nearly left us with a Great Depression. You want to fix the budget, keep electing Democrats. Bush's tax cut for the wealthy in 2004 created a deficit that amount to about four times what the total projected cost of this health reform bill is. Where wre you then? Oh, that's right, you didn't care because you don't understand the difference between taxes and actual prosperity. It explains why you're a RepubliCON.
March 22, 2010 at 5:50 PM Report abuse
Dilli_Gaf said...
Hey, a, Routone....can you explain why Arizona is no longer running an schip program and why is California following suit?
March 22, 2010 at 5:50 PM Report abuse
Dilli_Gaf said...
Hey...let's do an unscientific poll here, who is in favor of expanding MaineCare & Dirigo Health? Along with that, the expansion of state government to administer those programs (that's code for make more state employees)
March 22, 2010 at 5:53 PM Report abuse
Diamondave said...
If anyone's really interested in the bills potential effects on the average citizen try reading this: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0322/Health-care-reform-bill-101-what-the-bill-means-to-you . If you aren't interested, please keep spouting your propaganda. Dr. Goebbels would be pleased...
March 23, 2010 at 1:01 AM Report abuse
Ripple said...
Dems deliver victory for Obama, right, it wss a bi-partisan effort all Republicans along with 34 Democrats that came out against this massive entitlement program,
March 23, 2010 at 7:22 AM Report abuse
Enemywithin said...
The only free choice the coward libs want you to have is to kill your baby.
March 23, 2010 at 10:56 AM Report abuse