Call this a teachable moment, but even with ABC's best-laid plans to kickstart the debate about health care reform and not allow the "Prescription for America" special to become an "infomercial," as many have complained - the president spent more than twice as much time as his questioners vaguely answering or not answering the questions asked of him. But the network consistently presented the event as part of the need to fix a "broken system." When asked, every one of the 164 hand-picked audience members said they felt that health care needed to be changed.
President Barack Obama appeared on the ABC network in a town hall format broadcasted from the White House on two separate programs on June 24 - an hour-long primetime special during the 10 p.m. Eastern Time hour and later on the "Nightline" program that aired during the 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time hour.
ABC's "Good Morning America" co-host Diane Sawyer billed the event as "a serious conversation" about the issue and she moderated the discussion along with her former "GMA" partner, now "World News" anchor Charles Gibson. ABC medical editor Dr. Timothy Johnson, a long-time network advocate for universal health care plans going back to Hillarycare, also participated in the event.
While Obama had to field some difficult questions -- from the audience and ABC -- he faced no Republican critics of his proposals. The network also allowed him to dominate the program with long-winded and vague answers. Out of the 75 minutes the network dedicated over the two programs (commercials excluded), the president managed to take 60 percent of that time: 45 minutes to give 19 vague responses - not exactly the "dialogue" advertised by ABC:
Primetime Special
Intro/Outro/Pre-Taped Segments 6:53
Sawyer/Gibson 7:42
Audience Questioners 5:45
Obama 29:42
TOTAL: 50:02"Nightline"
Intro/Outro 2:19
Sawyer/Gibson/Johnson 4:14
Audience Questioners 2:49
Obama 15:05
TOTAL: 24:27Overall
Intro/Outro 9:12
Sawyer/Gibson/Johnson 11:56
Audience Questioners 8:34
Obama 44:47
TOTAL: 74:29
In fact, at one point, the president went on for four minutes and 33 seconds to answer a question about government interference, the "Big Brother fear" as the questioner put it and how it would be paid for. In the next segment Gibson pleaded with the president to keep his response to the next question shorter.
Obama was also granted the opportunity to deliberate over two of the audience questions during the commercial breaks. And the initial hour-long program never even addressed some of the most debated aspects of health care because Obama consistently ran long and was unchecked by the hosts. And while some of the members of the audience asked challenging questions, not one Republican critic of Obamacare was given a chance to be heard. Gibson did attempt to question the president about such critics, but no Republican voices were allowed to speak for themselves.
Saving the Most Controversial for Last
In addition to Obama's longwinded responses, the ABC special left the most critical questions until the "Nightline" portion of the segment - after a 30-minute break for local news and likely fewer viewers.
One of the biggest points of contention opponents of government's involvement in health care has been the threat that it would crowd out private health insurance providers by creating market forces they couldn't compete with - or what Aetna Insurance president Ron Williams called it as part of the town hall: "introducing a new competitor that has rulemaking ability, the government would have."
While William's was introduced as an audience questioner he actually faced a question from Sawyer, which wound up being a populist rant critical of his industry and emphasizing the president's claim that insurance companies need to be "kept honest."
"If I could, I'm going to bring in Ron Williams from Aetna, CEO of Aetna, and if I can reverse the order a little bit Mr. President, I'd like to ask a question of him and then let you comment on his answer," Sawyer said. "Mr. Williams, Aetna, to take one, an insurance company. We hear people all over the country people see their premiums going up 119 percent in the last several years. They see the profits of the insurance companies, the billions and billions of dollars, even in a lean year. They see profits in the billions of dollars. Is the President right - that you need to be kept honest?"
Despite Gibson, Sawyer and some audience members' tough questions, the president remained optimistic throughout his 45 minutes of the ABC broadcast and said health care reform would be resolved assuming he gets the support of the American people. He even claimed "the stars are aligned" to get this done.
"The answers are yes to all of that, and if the American people get behind us, this is going to happen," Obama said, getting the last word from ABC.
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elephant in the room
June 25, 2009 - 07:11 ET by CatherwoodIt never ceases to amaze me. All this talk, all these lies, all this Obamapower, all this ABC sycophancy. Yet, never a mention of the effect illegal immigrants have on the health care system. None of them say, "We could save billions and billions by refusing to care for illegals many of whom come here for free medical care. Illegals don't pay for having babies here. Illegals don't pay for emergency room care. American taxpayers pay the bills and then our government 'leaders' say, 'Oh my, we have a health care problem.' If you don't believe or even doubt this assertion, take a long look at California's disaster waiting to happen and see where their money went.
Call your cable or satellite company and demand that they remove CNN, MSNBC, and MTV from your entertainment package. Stop subsidizing the liberal left.
Exactly - deport the illegals and probelm solved
June 25, 2009 - 07:26 ET by SouthJersey1953Why don't they see that?
They see them as potential
June 25, 2009 - 08:15 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsThey see them as potential (or real, in the case of democrats, who garner illegal votes from them) voters. Really. Even the stupid Republicans do. Can't offend a potential voter by asking them to obey the law.
D
Oh, here's the contact page for ABC.
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
There's another of the many
June 25, 2009 - 07:50 ET by ThatDudeThere's another of the many points I forgot to mention in the last thread. If you talk to many health care professionals, they will complain to you about the illegals on medicaid. I've personally found that some of the rudest parents coming into the pediactric office end up being foreign and on medicaid. It frustrates me to no end, as I'm stuck translating for the doctor, to find that most of those children are brought in for a stuffy nose or a skinned knee. The taxpayers are not here to fund wastes of time and resources for foolish reasons. It's insensitive to say this, but attempting to give everybody equal access to health care turns our medical professionals into slaves and allows nobody time for care.
Second point. Even during the commercial breaks, ABC was touting Obama's plan. The one commercial I noticed on the topic of health care was an endorcement of government care. It really doesn't speak well of ABC's objectivity to specifically disallow a commercial voicing conservative opposition while adding a supplement to his arguments during commercials. The President already had all that time to voice his opinion and they felt the need to allow more time to support it when he's off camera?
Finally, while it isn't specifically related, I did take note of the news story they highlighted just before the end of the special. Highlighting the story of Sanford's affair seemed like an additional partisan shot after an incredibly partisan program. I'll give them a small measure of credit because unlike usual, they didn't come out immediately claiming his Republican status (though that's also bad journalism.)
QUESTIONS U NEVER HEAR
June 25, 2009 - 09:41 ET by reelman46MEDIA HEALTHCARE QUESTIONS YOU NEVER HEAR
When media (and you) are told (daily these days) “people are denied health care”…they could simply ask,
“Will you provide us with the names of 3 people denied care with full documentation this week”?
Which single-payer country is the model for the democrat plan and why?
Are the 12+ million illegal aliens to be included? If so, why and who pays?
Have you found some free or very low cost healthcare reforms yet? Why not?
Can you explain, with documentation, where the “47-50 million” figures come from?
Will Americans keep the right to refuse without penalty any plan or any doctor?
Will congress automatically be included (instead of their current sweetheart healthcare plan)? Why not?
Will doctors be subject to the “compensation czar”?
Can America afford 1-4 trillion more of debt?
Doug Schexnayder, Ph.D. (theconservativecrawfish)
excellent questions
June 25, 2009 - 09:49 ET by SouthJersey1953Unfortunately, the chances of having any of those questions asked are slim and if they were, the chance of getting an answer is nil.
The Health Care Czar
June 25, 2009 - 10:09 ET by BlondeUnder Teddy The Whale's plan, the Health Care Czar will be none other than Kathleen Sebelius....who shall have these broad powers:
As for mandating physician's salaries, of course she will....the way the legislation is drawn up, the Health Care Czar will have unlimited power, and apparently no oversight.
I hope he fails, too.
Re Sebelius
June 25, 2009 - 13:01 ET by slickwillie2001So the woman that gave us Tiller the Baby Killer is now going to be in charge of keeping babies healthy? There's some irony for ya.
Medical Home
June 25, 2009 - 13:32 ET by stratmanBlonde:
I cringe every time I hear about "Medical Homes." This redux terminology is merely Bill Clinton's "Gatekeepers" analogy for Primary Care physicians plus computerization. It is warmed over hash that didn't work before and will give more headaches and unreimbursed time-killers for physicians.
Sebelius is no friend to physicians. She concerns the heck out of me, especially if given broad, undefined, and unquestionable powers after passage of the Kennedy Death To Americans bill. This appears to be reminiscent of the same powers afforded Paulson with TARP. Considering the complete lack of transparency, oversight, and how well that worked out... frightening!
reelman
June 25, 2009 - 10:27 ET by jessieHjessieH EXACTLY! That's the kind of questions that should have been asked/answered. I knew mr. obama was a speach reader the first time I heard him speak. No answers, just smoke & mirrors.
who would you go to?
June 25, 2009 - 07:23 ET by AJBWould you go to the VA for medical treatment? What have you heard about their care? How about Medicare? Heard of any problems with them? So, Comrade Glorious Supreme Leader for Life Obama wants to give you the same crappy health care as the Vets get, and the old get. Oh, I just see it... it will take a year to see the doctor about your problem. Clinics will be in old, worn down buildings with lights and elevators that don't work.
I'm glad the public school system is not run by the same incompetents... oh wait... never mind.
100% Want Change
June 25, 2009 - 07:25 ET by BlueCat57100% of people want everything to change. It is how you define change that makes the difference, and something that politicians never do: define a term.
100% of people want things to cost THEM less, they don't care who it costs more.
100% of people want to be first in line, they don't care who gets pushed back.
100% of people want the best for themselves, they don't care who gets second best.
Who needs to pay for a survey to tell them that people want change?
It's all about the cost!
June 25, 2009 - 09:42 ET by ArcherBThis is the key to Obamedicine. In order to "cut costs", he is not going to pay doctors or hospitals full price. He will force doctors through legislation to take the patients anyway. This means that medical providers will have to charge everyone else more to make up for the shortfall. This will make private insurance rates rise while "government" insurance rates remain cheaper than private rates. Eventually, everyone will drop their private insurance in favor of the government provided health care and private insurers will go out of business. Can you guess what happens to the quality of care once this happens? Care providers will have to cut costs to match the level that the government is willing to pay because there will be no more private payers to make up for the shortfall?
Ever been to court? I had jury duty this week. I noticed the blank walls, uncomfortable chairs and no one giving a damn about my convenince? This will be your doctor's office in less than 10 years.
"To send men to the firing squad, judicial proof is unnecessary."
--Ernesto "Che" Guevara
When asked, every one of
June 25, 2009 - 07:28 ET by motherbeltWhen asked, every one of the 164 hand-picked audience members said they felt that health care needed to be changed.
That's no surprise. That's a really generic question. I think most people would like to see some changes in the way things are done in the present system.
The question that should have been asked is whether they think government should take over the system in order to effect those changes.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
Worthless and Leading Question
June 25, 2009 - 13:34 ET by stratmanPrecisely, MB.
I've heard horror stories,
June 25, 2009 - 07:40 ET by rimskyI've heard horror stories, I think from Australia, where certain critical procedures (like heart surgery) are only performed if the individual is under a certain age. I'm fearful that this is something that will be included in Obamacare. Maybe not initially, but not far down the road.
we have socialized medicine
June 25, 2009 - 08:21 ET by kangaroowe have socialized medicine in oz, and at the moment it is in real trouble, going broke, at least we have an option for suplimental insurance, and private, if you don't get the extra insurance, you are left on the gurney so to speak. The longer you leave it to get this insurance say like if you are over 40, they make you pay really high premiums to catch up the cost to become even with the price if you say started the insurance at 20, so by then you have missed the bus, and it becomes unaffordable. Dad who was 68 at the time had a heart episode, and was treated really well, but that was because he can afford all the insurance that is available to him, and was admitted to the private hostpital not the public, not everyone can get that service, The public hospitals are less than to be desired, and you go in with one problem but come out with another, because hygene is not high on the list, simply because they just can't afford the products to keep the bloody joint germ and disease free
just a side note on hygene,
June 25, 2009 - 08:30 ET by kangaroojust a side note on hygene, when the swine flu got to oz, only a couple of people flying in from overseas had it, they went to the hospital, and now the whole country is rife with it, just an example
class war
June 25, 2009 - 08:55 ET by moodaszkangaroo, thanks for sharing your experience which brings up the issue: does this encourage class warfare?
it seems like such a health care system would encourage envy and strife. (I believe the DNC/Obama's campaign encouraged class envy during the election and is encouraging it now with "let's tax/cap deductions on the rich)
the whole show is run by the
June 25, 2009 - 09:59 ET by kangaroothe whole show is run by the govenment, what they take out of your check is only about 1.5%, the gov pays 85% of the visit and you pay the 15%, the suplimental insurance is to cover this 15% and you are wise to get this insurance early, if not you pay out of your pocket, I forget how much the suplimental insurance is but it's not exspensive, and is worth paying into early, instead of waiting until you are to old, cause you have to pay anyway if you need somewhat decent care and then it takes a big chunk out of your check, so start early and it is affordable for everyone so by the time you really need help when your elderly, you can easly afford the extra private insurance, you need to live, because even though you pay into the system all your life, you are not guaranted to get the help you need, in a timely fashion, I don't think it comes down to class warfare, I think it is up to the individual to be responsible for their insurance payments early if you want to have some kind of private timely care, some folks think that private insurance is not needed and soley rely on the gov until it is to late, and then find themselves on the waiting list in the public system, I hope that explains it a bit better, The only thing I like about the american system is if you have insurance and or money you just waltz in and get your operations and other bits and pieces alot faster, with in a week or so, toss them a check and your on your way, plus if discussed earler they will work out a payment plan with you, Thats only if you have the cash and the ablity to even pay the payments so it could be considered class warfare right here, pay or die thats what it comes down to
How about we do a poll
June 25, 2009 - 07:43 ET by rimskyHow about we do a poll here.
Is access to Health Care a Right or a Privilege?
Show me the money first.
June 25, 2009 - 08:08 ET by BlueCat57If you want a poll you have to pay for it. Show me the money.
Actually how do you take a poll on a fact?
Question 1:
Uh, is the earth round or flat? Based on our government education system I guess a significant percent would say flat since all they've ever seen is a map.
Question 2: Are you alive or dead? Well I guess if you are an ACORN employee registering voters that might be a tough question.
Question 3: Is access to Health Care a right or a priviledge? Ah, you almost got me here, you clever devil.
a. ACCESS is the key word here. Access is a right. I have the right to access food, clothing, housing, air, etc.
b. Everyone in the world has access to Health Care. You can name no one that does not have access to health care. At the very least you can lick your own wounds.
It is all in the definition of word and interpretation. I interpret your question to be:
Is is a right or a priviledge to receive unlimited health services from the medical personnel of your choice at no direct expense to you?
The answer to that question is yes if you are a member of Congress or the President.
That will be 2¢.
Hey Blue, Got change for a
June 25, 2009 - 12:46 ET by rimskyHey Blue, Got change for a quarter? Ah heck, keep the change.
BTW, Access has a price.
obviously a privilege
June 25, 2009 - 08:10 ET by SouthJersey1953But Obambi and company feel the government should control everything.
Right or Privelege?
June 25, 2009 - 09:48 ET by BlondeA few months ago, several of us began discussing the impending (doom) of Obamacare, and of course, KC Mulville, with that Jesuit training of his, posed your question as one of the primary topics in our discussion.
Do you believe that medical treatment is a right?
Interesting topic, indeed.
I hope he fails, too.
What Is A Right?
June 25, 2009 - 13:51 ET by stratmanA "right" is something we all intrinsically have that requires no obligation from another other than non-interference. According to the Declaration of Independence, Rights are/were created by our Creator.
Given this unassailable definition, healthcare is not a "right." (Except to the Left)
Hat tip to a NewsBusters poster whose name I can not recall for this excellent article that should be read by every American in High School and published yearly in newspapers.
Definitions and Terms
June 25, 2009 - 14:21 ET by BlueCat57You need to use the same definition and same terms if you are going to debate.
We aren't talking about medical treatment we are talking about health care.
Health care is neither health insurance, nor medical treatment.
Health care is simply caring for your health. As I said that can be as simple as licking yourself (insert laugh track here). Or eating right, exercising, avoiding stress, etc. We intrinsically have the ability to care for our own health and that requires no obligation from another other than non-interference. Therefore health care as I define it is a right.
That is why Democrats are using the term health care when they mean, and know that they mean, health insurance or medical treatment. Both of those require the input of someone else who expects to be paid.
You are kidding, aren't you?
June 25, 2009 - 15:41 ET by stratmanYou are kidding, aren't you?
Not Kidding
June 25, 2009 - 17:47 ET by BlueCat57Nope, not kidding.
Even if I am wrong in the specifics think about it.
Which is more heart wrenching?
1. Millions of American don't have access to health care.
or
2. Millions of Americans don't have access to health insurance.
I think it might have been Hannity that pointed this out, definitely some talk show host.
Why do you think they name all the legislation with such heart wrenching names?
If they called them what they are nobody would support them.
Politicians know what they are talking about and they know that people will use the wrong definition.
How many people know that a federalist is for strong states and a statist is for a strong federal government. (Not the best example but the best I could come up with.)
I comment all the time about ignorance and making sure you know how someone is defining terms.
health care also
June 25, 2009 - 18:12 ET by stratmanYour definition of "healthcare" is either quite archaic, and no longer substanitive, or you are dancing on the head of a pin. Either way, your definition is not operative in today's lexicon.
Your emotional argument is a derailment from the actual question at hand. Insurance and medical care, each provided by other persons, are not Rights.
Definitions
June 25, 2009 - 21:57 ET by BlueCat57Yep, that's the definition alright and any intelligent, curious person can look it up. Most people don't care about today's or yesterday's lexicon.
How many people on welfare; with limited education; or poor English skills do you think will or can look it up? (note the semicolons to indicated that these are separate categories - I am not saying all people on welfare have a limited education, I am merely listing categories)
My point is that politicians use loaded words that are ambiguous or can be easily misinterpreted to sell their programs. They know what they mean, but voters are likely to misinterpret the meaning.
Ooops
June 25, 2009 - 22:02 ET by BlueCat57You got that from Wikipedia so we all know it is wrong. We've had that discussion on NB and trashed it. (actually just kidding)
I checked a couple of sources and they left off your bolded part.
Is access to Health Care a
June 25, 2009 - 20:04 ET by Clear thinkerIs access to Health Care a Right or a Privilege?
Hmmm, in what country?
What age ranges?
Critical care or general care?
Whooops, never mind, I just read through the Constitution and I can't find any mention concerning healthcare being a right.
12 Million Law Breakers & Citizenship
http://iamnotaracist.wordpress.com/
CT, maybe you should
June 26, 2009 - 07:34 ET by dscottCT, maybe you should reframe the question using another understood necessity. Is access to food a right or a privilege?
Does everyone have a right to eat apple pie and if so are they entitled to it at any cost from any source and in any quantity?
I have a right to eat but it is a privilege to eat apple pie, both however are at my cost and responsibility to acquire. However all people have a right to access food. Access is the UNHINDERED OPPORTUNITY from a third party such as government or a group.
Or in reality, we need to expose the liberal myth that a right and an entitlement are the same things. An entitlement is a corruption of a right. An entitlement is envy and greed masquerading as victim hood demanding special privileges of access at the cost of someone else's labor instead of their own. Entitlement is legalized theft, nothing less.
In my line of thinking your constitutional comment doesn't fly since the 9th Amendment reserved the those unenumerated rights to the individual. All human rights are considered presumed or self evident by the rational people of society, liberals falsely proclaim a right is an entitlement, when in fact a right is an OPPORTUNITY for the individual to exercise their OWN choices without some government or group hindering you from exercising your choices. Entitlements are unconstitutional as they violate the intent of the Constitution in that government is extending a privilege of access to the Treasury to select groups that the ordinary individual does not have. Liberals have turned the entire Law upon it's head by foisting victim hood, and victim hood (Protected Class) is a privileged group. Privilege is antithetical to equality the Constitution, the Founding Fathers were very clear on that subject, but you know liberals.
“Equal rights for all, special privileges for none"
Thomas Jefferson
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
It's interesting to see this
June 25, 2009 - 07:58 ET by kangarooIt's interesting to see this morning, that no main media outlets or papers are saying a word on the infomercial last night, not even fox, drudge finally put a headline up but it leads to abc. I didn't watch so wanted to read the outcome, It seems Sanford whipping it out for some gal in argentina is the main headline,
Good point
June 25, 2009 - 08:10 ET by rimskyGood point Kangaroo. It's like the administration issued a license to ABC, giving ONLY them the privilege to aire anything regarding Obamacare?
Big Surprise...NOT
June 25, 2009 - 08:16 ET by DelsaWho thought this informercial would be any different?
Who thought this
June 25, 2009 - 09:31 ET by Ruths husband BenWho thought this informercial would be anyhing different? No one on this forum. But I thought they would at least offer matching ginzu knives and a veg-a-matic to the first 1000 callers.
"Who are you going to believe, me or all that lying data?!"
-Al Gore
Lol RhB... ...or at least
June 25, 2009 - 13:54 ET by bigtimerLol RhB...
...or at least those lovely keepers the Obama Plates.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Here's my note to ABC
June 25, 2009 - 08:18 ET by srqvetHaving served in the US military for 27 years defending your consitiutional right to free speech I am deeply disappointed ABC failed to accept the responsibility which comes with that right. Your infomercial for the government on health care would do Pravada proud. Brave people have died to maintain your rights, show them a little respect by being objective. Shame on ABC for being a biased mouthpiece for the government!
A better source
June 25, 2009 - 08:30 ET by KC MulvilleBlonde created a very interesting forum on the topic of healthcare, far more detailed than the nonsense from last night. I must say, I've learned a lot from it.
Ha Ha, KC
June 25, 2009 - 09:51 ET by BlondeI just posted a link to YOUR comment on that thread, which posed the question, is health care a right?
GMTA, and just so everyone knows, I started that forum at the very provacative discussion started by my fellow posters...Cool Arrow, stratman, and you, KC.
I hope he fails, too.
LOL
June 25, 2009 - 13:01 ET by KC MulvilleWell, it just shows that it's a logical question. By the way, I think we all agreed that it wasn't a right. I certainly don't think it is.
The next logical question(s)
June 25, 2009 - 13:18 ET by BlondeWill ALL Americans (including all politicians and all union members) be required to participate in this public plan?
If not, why not?
I saw one of the talking heads earlier say something like "well, we can't abrogate contractual agreements between employers and collective bargaining organizations".....his dodge for exempting Congrescritters, federal workers, and unions. Say what? It's okay for Obama to abrogate the contract between an investor and a corporation, but unions are a special class?
The spinning is going to be spectacular.
I hope he fails, too.
It's a twofer for osama obama
June 25, 2009 - 08:47 ET by RD KingHe will either include obamnesty hidden somewhere in obamacare or that will be the next big emergency that must be fixed now and either way it's win-win for him he gets all the hypenated American votes, all the dead and all the illegal votes to keep him totus forever. The losers are Americans who will be footing the bill, that is those of us he hasn't already put out of work and that would never vote for this slimeball radical muslim in the first place.
Keep bamslamming the bamster until he is gone.
Illegal Immigrants
June 25, 2009 - 08:53 ET by HoosierEmIllegal immigrants ARE the problem! Wasn't there a study going around a couple of years ago that the cost of illegal immigration to the American people in total is something like $300 to $400 billion PER YEAR?
The fantasy world of Obama and his fellow community organizers is all coming together - free healthcare for all, wealth redistribution, nearly-free housing, and controlling our currency.
What could go wrong?
I am so, so tired of all of this and I'm tired of feeling this fear of what might be coming next. For the first time in my adult life, do I feel proud of my country? No, I feel immense fear for my country!
The Obama Healthcare Propaganda Special
June 25, 2009 - 08:57 ET by grumpyoldbOf course they give the majority of the time to help spread lies about how good Obamacare will be... The press put this idiot in power, and they are going to force the agenda down the American People's throat. You have the "leader" (or the way he acts, soon to be dictator) and his propaganda machine (the press). What did you expect?
Questions for Obama
June 25, 2009 - 08:58 ET by slickwillie2001Did Obama Say We Should Kill the Old Folks to Save Money Last Night?: http://www.redstate.com
I might not have said 'kill', I would have put it 'let die'. But the problem, whether it is imminent death from old age, or who gets the next kidney in the queue, there will be government decision makers involved. Will medical care be handed out like the Chrysler dealerships were? Will your level of medical care depend on which politicians you contributed to? If you don't like what your doctor recommends, can you call Barney Frank and get him overruled? Will Dick Cheney get the same level of medical care that Teddy Kennedy does?
This is a dangerous road we are going down.
Honest "journalism"
June 25, 2009 - 12:58 ET by iveseenitallI don't know why so many people are complaining about this "debate" being aired on ABC. After all, they did the same for President Bush when he proposed changes in Social Security, didn't they? Oh, wait...
P.S. Funny, I am re-reading the book "Power Shift", written in 1990, by Alvin Toffler. In it he discusses various government tactics. One is the TIMING TACTIC: ..."Thick budget documents are dumped in the laps of legislators who are suppposed to respond to them in a few days--well before they can intelligently digest and analyze them." Another is the OMISSION TACTIC: public messages given after the official had "..ripped relevant or balancing facts out of them". That was 1990. Barry and his cohorts have been taught these lessons well. He is his socialist pals are indoctrinated lefties who are a danger to the nation. Don't believe a word they say. Not that you can do anything now about what they are doing to this once-great nation. Sad.
BTW, in that same book, Toffler predicted the fall of General Motors. There are people out there who know what national health care and basing policy on the crap science of "global warming" are going to do to America. And none of it is good.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
I think my favorite part
June 25, 2009 - 09:46 ET by ckc1227I think my favorite part was when Obama wouldn't promise to use the same system for his family that he wants to force us into, lol.
Did he really do that? I
June 25, 2009 - 10:53 ET by eL DubyaDid he really do that? I refused to watch that garbage last night.
Yes!
June 25, 2009 - 11:18 ET by StarAZI read that he danced around that one, among others. Well, lucky him, hospital 100 feet from his office.
and how is their new plan fair?
June 25, 2009 - 10:20 ET by ConservativeMissourianSounds like a great idea, bring the government in to increase competition in the health care arena. Except for the fact that the government has rule-making ability. Like was mentioned on America's Newsroom this morning, they are wanting to put another player in the game, but also make that player the referree! I don't know how that is fair in anyone's book.
I think the most telling
June 25, 2009 - 10:29 ET by Captain RepusI think the most telling point of this performance was that it became obvious that Obammy and his administration, contrary to the facad we have been presented with so far, doesn't really have a plan at all.
Virtually every question was answered with vague rambling answers which all said in one way or another that we should be able to figure out how to do this or that, and that the funding will come from 'efficiencies' we should be able to find in this program or that.
Any rational thinker with an IQ at or above plant life should now realize we are once again being led by a pack of morons.
LOL
June 25, 2009 - 11:16 ET by StarAZI actually laffed at that--about the size of it.
the govt.
June 25, 2009 - 10:31 ET by jessieHjessieH I think WE need to "fix" the govt. waste first.
"competition" Chicago style
June 25, 2009 - 10:43 ET by east tennessee johnGo to Previous message | Go to Next message | Back to Messages
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In both his news conference and infomercial, the President almost taunted private insurers abIout "competing" with his proposed "public option". As a by-product of the Chicago Machine, "competition" to him may mean something different than what most of us would assume, like the same rules, a level playing field, things like that. Has anyone heard about eliminating the barriers private companies have for interstate sales? Mandates? Of course not.In the private sector, premiums are a function of: Risk; the cost of actual previous experience; administrative expenses; taxes; profit (he hates that word) margin and RESERVES FOR FUTURE CLAIMS,(the reserves for VA,zero;Medicaid,zero; Medicare,$31trillion UNFUNDED liability). Private insurer costs are offset by investment earnings that a "public option" won't have. What replaces not only the investment earnings but lost investment capital for the economy? Isn't it clear Obama wants to control both risk and capital,the 2 primary elemnts of a market economy? An unlevel playing field tilts the "game" Chicago Machine style to the "public option" and will lead, through "competition" to the desired goal, a single payor system. To paraphrase Alinsky: the organizer must have sight of the long term goal, but must work towards and appreciate UNCHANGABLE incremental successes. Go Comrade
Jeff...Rush just cited your blog
June 25, 2009 - 11:13 ET by BlondeAbout 4 minutes into his show after the intro.
Great work!
I hope he fails, too.
Ooooohhhh
June 25, 2009 - 14:11 ET by Jen7You know you're in the bigtime when Rush the liar brings up your blog. Soooo exciting!
As you may presently yourself be fully made aware of, my grammar sucks.
Family Guy
healthcare
June 26, 2009 - 13:27 ET by east tennessee johnGo to Previous message | Go to Next message | Back to Messages
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ReplyReply AllMove...Inboxback yard livingchoice privilege car...kekekraft kitchenslaurenvalerie
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we still have a choice, for now
Friday, June 26, 2009 11:17 AM
From:
"Jan Lorenz" <jelorenz53175@yahoo.com>
Add sender to Contacts
To:
oreilly@foxnews.com
Is there any compelling reason medical coverage must be either government or employment based? Afterall, premiums paid by our employer are a function of compensation, currently not taxed, but compensation just the same. With the changes in the workplace over the last generation, portability is a major concern, isn't it? Does the government or employer sponsor provide your auto,homeowners/renters,boat,motorcycle,truck,personal/professional lability or non-group life insurance?If we can make decsins on these, usually designed to fit our individual circumstances, why shouldn't we be able to make decisions on health insurance? How else, combined with price transparency will we be able to build a healthcare marketplace, with government oversight, that puts concumers in control? Every other "reform" discussed thus far leaves decision making, ultimately,with the government. Look at its actual record in providing healthcare. Is it something you want to expand? Really? Why?
Even Obama himself in his infomercial said he would go outside a government plan,(whether it was permitted or not), if his family needed it. Are we willing to accept the consequences, both individually and as a society, for this transfer of choice and freedom to a bureaucratic system that answers only to its politically driven masters?
Congratulations..........
June 25, 2009 - 11:26 ET by XBOLTSABC News has become an oxymoron.
Change we can believe in.
4'33"
June 25, 2009 - 11:32 ET by sixlbs9ozInteresting that the OP reports that at one point Obama went on for four minutes and thirty-three seconds. This is exactly the time period of a famous John Cage piece in which there is no music, just silence; or more precisely, during the performance, the only sounds heard are the sounds of the performance environment, not the sounds of any instruments.
Obama, when he speaks, evokes a different theme-- "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." (Oh, and note that Shakespeare, at that point in the quotation, says that it's a "tale told by an idiot."All too true)
Enema Time
June 25, 2009 - 12:20 ET by ShanghaiRayI just realized that our so-called president's (sic) mouth and brain must be constipated with b.s. because why on earth would it take him so long to get his incoherent thoughts out...perhaps he needs an enema.
"Race doesn't matter..liberals are only one color - YELLOW"
Ehemm, pardon me while I
June 25, 2009 - 12:36 ET by dscottEhemm, pardon me while I restrain myself from laughing...
http://www.thrfeed.c...
President Obama's town hall meeting on health care delivered a sickly rating Wednesday evening.
The
one-hour ABC News special "Primetime: Questions for the President:
Prescription for America" (4.7 million viewers, 1.1 preliminary adults
18-49 rating) had the fewest viewers in the 10 p.m. hour. The special
tied some 8 p.m. comedy repeats as the lowest-rated program on a major
broadcast network.
It seems that health care is not the priority to Americans as the liberal media would have you believe. It tied with a repeat program, apparently being entertained was just as if not more important than a propaganda blitz by the White House. Sorry Obama, you're in last place. So Sad. Bahahahahahahaha
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
Oh, oh, oh... When does
June 25, 2009 - 12:42 ET by dscottOh, oh, oh...
When does preaching to the choir get you a concensus of the country? When everyone outside the building is going to another church.
Snark, snark, snark
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
Re Hannity
June 25, 2009 - 14:25 ET by slickwillie2001Hannity just credited Newsbusters for doing this breakdown, on his radio program.
Obamacare TV reminded me of an SNL skit
June 25, 2009 - 20:13 ET by nkviking75For some reason this Obamacare infomercial has brought to mind a skit from the second season of Saturday Night Live. They were spoofing a special call-in show with President Carter on CBS Radio with none other than Uncle Walter Cronkite as the anchor. Enjoy.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
→ viking
June 25, 2009 - 20:22 ET by Cool ArrowI don't even have to watch it. Remember it well.
"You've just taken a hit of Orange Sunshine. Got any Allman Brothers?"
Am I right?
We will Barry you! - Russian Prophecy
I just watched it...you got
June 25, 2009 - 20:36 ET by bigtimerI just watched it...you got it CA.
Thanks nk....enjoyed the chuckles.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
→ Tell me I'm wrong
June 25, 2009 - 20:29 ET by Cool ArrowGibson and Obama sitting so close together. Obama wants to take over the conversation so he pats Gibson on the arm to get his attention.
It was like you pull into a space at the Drive-in theater and soon realize two young teens are in the next car discovering each other.
Leave the tender moment alone. Find another parking space.
Well, at least ABC and Obama had the decency to get a room.
Could've done without the cameras and the audience and the broadcast, period.
We will Barry you! - Russian Prophecy