Comments on: Healthcare Exec Turned Whistleblower Says U.S. Needs Universal Coverage

By: sherry

sherry — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:12:06 +0000

The most important point is that we will probably have to start at the state level, just as Canada started at the provinical level and just as we did with social security. Six states had passed social security before we got it passed on the national level. If we had a Lyndon Johnson and no war around his neck, we probably could get it done on the national level, and could have fun replacing some Republicans and blue-dog Dems next year, but we don’t. We need to focus our attention on the people we are electing to state legislative bodies; if they won’t support single-payer, we don’t support them. Pay attention to both Maine and Colorado —- Massachusetts came so close, but the opposition was fierce and well-funded. Maybe the next governor’s race in California will rest on this issue. By the time we get six states or more, maybe we will have learned to quit electing centrist Dems.

By: CanAm

CanAm — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:33:00 +0000

It’s easy to disagree with reform. Seems to be a lot of scaremongering going on about a universal heath care system but consider the facts.

41 million Americans do not have heath care coverage.

Translation: The health care system we currently have in place isn’t working.

Solution: Provide Americans with universal health care.

Will this create some inconveniences like line ups at the doctors office?

Absolutely!! ..

Will this cost taxpayers who are not “using” the system money?

Absolutely!!

Does it already cost taxpayers money for “uninsured” people who are using the current system?

Absolutely!!

I suspect that inconvenience of waiting in line is far better than not getting any heath care services at all. It true, there are no lineups at present. However, you can’t simply ignore those many people who need help, who cannot afford to be in the current lineup.

Just like Social Security, a national heath care system is intended for everyone. Funny how people balk at “socialism” yet these are the very same individuals who fully support a national “Social Security” plan. Just like Social Security, a national health care system is intended as a “safety net” paid for by the public, for the public. Takes the “profiteers” out of the picture.

Taxpayers are currently paying $10 for an Aspirin under the current “private insurance” plan. Ever wonder why medicine was so much cheaper in Canada by comparison? … Answer: Taxpayers pay for health care and as such costs are monitored. There is accountability to the people. This is not occurring in the private heath care industry in the US. It is all about profit, not public accountability thus “costs” skyrocket and YOU the taxpayer pays, pays and pays more money until it becomes no longer affordable. This is exactly what is happening to taxpayers.

The “private health care” system doesn’t pay for people who are uninsured. Taxpayers do. When illegal immigrants go to a hospital for treatment, the treatment isn’t free. Some one pays. The difference here is that we have 41 million Americans who don’t have access to health care while illegal immigrants only need to walk into any hospital and get instant access to a wide variety of services at taxpayers expense. Anyone else see something wrong with that picture?

Might as well institute a national health care system. We are already paying for non citizens to use health care in this country. Why not include every American on that list too?

Most people don’t really understand the issues. I think they vote on things based on the kind of car someone drives or the color of someone’s tie.

The fact is. We have 41 million Americans with any “access” to health care. Yes, “access.” In a country like the United States we have 41 million citizens who cannot get medical treatment because they are not covered. That’s a real problem and even if the proposed solution isn’t perfect, “ANY” solution is better than getting nothing at all.

I’lll be glad to wait in line because it’s much better than being sick at home with no money and nowhere to turn for help.

By: say what

say what — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:38:11 +0000

WTF is highlander talking about? communofascist, I do like the word, nice job on that one mate.

And you might want to drink decaffinated coffee just for a spell, you know, at least until you stop shaking.

“Most healthy Americans shy away from health insurance,” brilliant point there, just brilliant.

By: Highlander

Highlander — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:15:12 +0000

Of course, you’re willing to believe that character, right?
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THINK: He was (and still is) a part of the problem.
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The problem is BIG PHARMA and BIG GOVERNMENT: THEY WALK HAND-IN-HAND.
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The poster above —jacksmith— is a bleeding COMMUNOFASCIST.
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Anyone who think to thieve the lives of others for their own purposes is a BLOODY DAMNED THIEF.
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All anyone has to do is LOOK BEHIND THE CURTAIN to see that the whole of this is nought but a BIG SCAM run by the very same elitists who’ve been making TRILLIONS of dollars as it is.
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So, what better way to CONTINUE making TRILLIONS of dollars?
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Easy! Get the government involved by MANDATING participation in something MOST healthy Americans shy away from: INSURANCE.
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The post above —jacksmith— wants >YOU< to think that he has a solution.
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Right.
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If ENFORCED MISERY is some kind of solution, then a BULLET IN THE HEAD will solve everything he wants to FORCE upon us.
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Ain't that right, jacksmith?
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If you can't STEAL other people's money, then STEAL THEIR LIVES.
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Right, jacksmith?

By: Fee Berry

Fee Berry — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 20:43:41 +0000

Until Ijoined Second Life five years ago, I hadn’t had miuch contact with people from the US, and I believed the hype that we are fed all the time, that people with insurance in the US get better treatment and care than those of us in the UK. A few months’ contact with fellow residents in Second Life disabused me of that notion. While I can choose which General Practice to register with in my town, and which hospital I want to be treated at, I find that even my friends with insurance get few choices from their insurers. Even worse, people without insurance can’t afford even to send their children to be diagnosed. I can’t imagine how dreadful that must be. There has to be change, and it needs to be now. How can the US have any authority in the world if it will allow its own citizens to sicken and die…and only treat them if they can pay?

By: jacksmith

jacksmith — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:54:45 +0000

LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET OUT OF THE WAY. (Thomas Paine)

We have the 37th worst quality of healthcare in the developed world. Conservative estimates are that over 120,000 of you dies each year in America from treatable illness that people in other developed countries don’t die from. Rich, middle class, and poor a like. Insured and uninsured. Men, women, children, and babies. This is what being 37th in quality of healthcare means.

I know that many of you are angry and frustrated that REPUBLICANS! In congress are dragging their feet and trying to block TRUE healthcare reform. What republicans want is just a taxpayer bailout of the DISGRACEFUL GREED DRIVEN PRIVATE FOR PROFIT health insurance industry, and the DISGRACEFUL GREED DRIVEN PRIVATE FOR PROFIT healthcare industry. An insurance bailout is all you really get without a robust government-run public option available on day one.

These industries have been slaughtering you and your loved ones like cattle for decades for profit. Including members of congress and their families. These REPUBLICANS are FOOLS!

Republicans and their traitorous allies have been trying to make it look like it’s President Obama’s fault for the delays, and foot dragging. But I think you all know better than that. President Obama inherited one of the worst government catastrophes in American history from these REPUBLICANS! And President Obama has done a brilliant job of turning things around, and working his heart out for all of us.

But Republicans think you are just a bunch of stupid, idiot, cash cows with short memories. Just like they did under the Bush administration when they helped Bush and Cheney rape America and the rest of the World.

But you don’t have to put up with that. And this is what you can do. The Republicans below will be up for reelection on November 2, 2010. Just a little over 13 months from now. And many of you will be able to vote early. So pick some names and tell their voters that their representatives (by name) are obstructing TRUE healthcare reform. And are sellouts to the insurance and medical lobbyist.

Ask them to contact their representatives and tell them that they are going to work to throw them out of office on November 2, 2010, if not before by impeachment, or recall elections. Doing this will give you something more to do to make things better in America. And it will help you feel better too.

There are many resources on the internet that can help you find people to call and contact. For example, many social networking sites can be searched by state, city, or University. Be inventive and creative. I can think of many ways to do this. But be nice. These are your neighbors. And most will want to help.

I know there are a few democrats that have been trying to obstruct TRUE healthcare reform too. But the main problem is the Bush Republicans. Removing them is the best thing tactically to do. On the other hand. If you can easily replace a democrat obstructionist with a supportive democrat, DO IT!

You have been AMAZING!!! my people. Don’t loose heart. You knew it wasn’t going to be easy saving the World. :-)

God Bless You

jacksmith — Working Class

Republican Senators up for re-election in 2010.

* Richard Shelby of Alabama
* Lisa Murkowski of Alaska
* John McCain of Arizona
* Mel Martinez of Florida
* Johnny Isakson of Georgia
* Mike Crapo of Idaho
* Chuck Grassley of Iowa
* Sam Brownback of Kansas
* Jim Bunning of Kentucky
* David Vitter of Louisiana
* Kit Bond of Missouri
* Judd Gregg of New Hampshire
* Richard Burr of North Carolina
* George Voinovich of Ohio
* Tom Coburn of Oklahoma
* Jim DeMint of South Carolina
* John Thune of South Dakota
* Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas
* Bob Bennett of Utah