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By Colony 14 author, Mount Prospect, Illinois

Sorry to bust your Bubble... but the constitution gives congress to spend money anyway they see fit. The constitution doesnt say congress has to build highways, help after earth quakes and hurricanes, fund fire departments, police etc, but TAKE A WILD GUESS WHO DOES ALL THAT.

Hey Ryan, how come it's always the men that agree with this line of thinking? I am actually a very well educated liberal – like most of the others. It's usually the Bubba's or the deadbeat dads that agree with Bush's stand on this issue. He cannot win this argument. Not even Jesus is on his side with this one.

Posted By Me, Madison Wi : October 3, 2007 6:10 pm

Thank you for your arrogance, MR. WELL EDUCATED,,But you are still wrong and I dont live in the south and my name is not BuBBA, I really feel sorry for you ..Hope you start reading a little before you come to close minded conclusions.

Gee, I can almost remember a time when I actually thought I respected John McCain. It must be age, there was a time when he was not a echo of Bush and actually had a real opinion of his own which for the most part was not that of Bush's. Senator, your down fall was when you decided to stop being John McCain and someone convinced you that if you wanted to President you had to be Bush, that was the worst advice you ever received and accepted.

You want more of "W" elect this fraud!

I cant help but to notice all the stupidity of many of the commentors here,,,,,nobody is denying that kids need help in medical care in America, not the President, not the Congress, nor Senator Mcain,,,,ITS ABOUT THE WAY THAT THE MEASURE WOULD BE FUNDED STUPID!!,,,how many Non Smokers would like to drop $7.00 a week into a jar to help fund this measure?? Ill bet not a damed one would do it ! So put it on the backs of Loyal Americans who enjoy an old American Tradition of smoking ciggs who should pay for it?? Im Glad and Proud the President Vetoed the measure, untill they find a a more fair way to fund this legislation.

Why do only children get federal funding for healthcare insurance?

What kind of a scam is this? What about the hard-working taxpayers that are paying the bills for these guys?

I guess that they don't care about the taxpayers getting healthcare. Now that is smoke and mirrors.

>>>10 million children who ALREADY HAVE health insurance for the most part. There is no problem obtaining health insurance in the middle class

What planet do you live on?

Most small employers don't offer insurance and the premiums to self insure with a catastrophic plan are more than a car payment or small mortgage.

THEN the plan has a deductible in the thousands range, only pays a percentage of medical expenses, and only pays when the insurance company thinks they should.

I'm a Republican, btw. I'm making good money and my employer subsidizes my insurance and it is still a massive amount from my paycheck for iffy-at-best coverage. I'm fully in favor of a national healthcare plan. I'd rather my taxes go to that and securing our borders than pursuing a failed military action on the other side of the world. I'd rather have health care for those who need it than another tax cut that works out to a few hundred dollars a year for the middle class.

The politicians who are arguing that we don't need socialized medicine never have to worry about where their coverage is coming from–they have it for life now. They don't have to have conversations with their friends about choosing to feed their families or pay for prescriptions. They don't have to talk about selling everything their grandparents own just so they can afford long term nursing care. They don't have to decided which of their sick children needs to see the doctor the most because they can only afford one doctor's visit.

They're too disconnected from the people they're supposed to represent, and it shows.

I'm sorely disappoined in all our candidates on both sides. This is the BEST we can come up with?

Sheesh.

This expanded plan is for those who simply choose not to spend money on health needs. They obviously have money for gas-guzzling vans and SUVs, McDonald's , movie tickets, Halloween decorations, vacations. Isn't your health more important that any of these things?

Im with the President on this one because this bill was set up to provide for those near poverty who truly have no choice . Now, to expand it, is to send a message to families making $81,999.00 that will be taken care of by taxpayers making $82,000.00. It's ridiculous that people in this salary range can't prioritize their budgets to pay for medical ins.

"BUSH HATES KIDS,BUSH IS A RACIST,BUSH IS BEHIND MY LIFE REALLY SUCKING,"

There, there, Ryan; the truth shall set you free!

Thanks for sharing.

no one is buying the GOP's small government BS anymore,anyone who has been paying attention knows who's in big pharmas pocket.GET REAL PEOPLE,big pharma is on the ropes,and you can bet the GOP will come rushing in to spin this thing for all their worth.This is about maintaining a powerful corporate connection period.I cant understand why americans are so easily misled.

The bill was intended to provide health care to the poorest families in American. It was not intended to be expanded to those individuals who can TECHNICALLY afford to pay for health care, but choose not to.

Congress and the President will have to negotiate on medium. Otherwise, it will do neither party justice.

Bush loves to tell people how "finding the Lord" changed his heart...how cold-souled and lacking in empathy was he BEFORE?! I have a feeling that Jesus would take a dim view on both his veto and his war. I used to think that Bush was simply arrogant and stupid....he is dangerously close to qualifying as evil, with one million dead in Iraq and his using his fourth veto EVER for THIS legislation. How does he sleep at night? How does Laura sleep next to him?

Another republican shoots himself in the foot, or was that the head.

As was the shrubs perverted logic, no money for kids health care, but many times more to help kill the kids in Iraq.

Why would Mccain want to let any more kids get government assisted health care. It might take away some of his own freeloading family. This guy has turned from hero to selfish goat faster and deeper than any other politician. What a disgrace to a once honorable human ,now a lowly disgraced politician.

I would like to ask all NON SMOKERS why they do not want to help pay for the childrens Health Insurance too.
Posted By Terry, Canton, Ohio : October 3, 2007 5:41 pm

Cause we already have been paying your hospital bills, why don't you be good a quit????

This time, Bush went WAY too far! How many times did he clarify his stance as being pro-death, anti-life? The Iranian president (and I say this unwillingly) was right: Bush is "SATAN" and the White House is just gonna reek of brimstone for his successor.

Seriously, what the hell is Bush doing vetoing a bill that any sensible American supports? First of all, the extension (based on another bill that was passed into law a few years ago) will only last five years, and the dues on that will still be less than the annual cost of the stupid war. Second, the taxes would charge $1 (not $15, like some of you have been brainwashed to believe)for tobacco. This would reduce the stress on medical expenses and cut down on one of the most disgusting (and unhealthy) habits in this nation today.

I will leave with this parody from the South Park episode "Ginger Kids":

It is time that we, I'll admit to ourselves, say that Republicans are foul and evil. In conclusion, I will leave you with this: if you think the Republican problem isn't a serious one...(*shows slide of Bush vetoing a bill to help uninsured children*)...THINK AGAIN!

Colony 14 author, Mount Prospect, Illinois: your idea of the constitution was nullified during the Civil War!

This should not be any surprise to anyone... Senator McCain, just like President Bush, places the wants of the Iraqis far above the needs of Americans who have to pay the bill for their egos and foolish ignorance.

McCain is the only politician, yet alone conservative, to realize we have one priority as a nation: Continue to take the war to the terrorists. Pork barrel spending such as the SCHIP is wasted money that must be used to attack terrorism. When the terrorists blow up your children's generations... ask yourself what good SCHIP will do? Does it cove terrorist attacks on your children?

McCain may lose the election, but at least he will take his integrity with him. Unlike any other politician, red or blue.

Carl, are you offended by the bubba statement, the deadbeat dad statement or that fact that middle class is considered what it is? I feel unclear. I am sorry if you took offense. Bush is wrong on this one...irregardless of how you approach it. We have a problem regarding health care in this country. If you won't cover the adults who can according to the Repubs " pull themselves up by the bootstraps" why not cover the kids? This money doesn't touch adults – only children. This is one of those DUH moments, and to go against that is nothing short of stupid. I find that offensive.

"10 million children who ALREADY HAVE health insurance for the most part. "

If their parents can't make a living, they DESERVE crappy health care, right Jeffie?

The whining of a dying political movement. Giuliani, fer cripes sake, leads the Repubs – because he's perceived as MODERATE, you dolts, not because he's otherwise attractive in any way; quite repellent, really.

Hilary's got a 33% lead over OBAMA.

Go expire somewhere. What'd they pay, you, McCain, for this spineless crap? Or, better question might be, what do they have on you?

No one is this moronically knee-jerk.

A household making $80,000 (as contemplated by the legislation in the next few years) should be able to afford health insurance without government assistance, if it is not living beyond its means by relying too heavily on credit. If our government would focus on reducing the deficit, boosting the economy by putting more money back into the taxpayers pockets (not through tax increases as this legislation suggested), and decreasing consumer debt, then maybe it concentrate on providing health care for truly poor children.

Hey Wisconsin me.... you talk about being educated, but you obviously didn't learn manners. Oh wait that's right... it's the internet...

I guess Jesus didn't see you write that very rude statement either.

Oh and to let you know, my grandmother owns a small business and a majority of small business owners are republican, because taxes voted in by democrats hurt their business. It's just part of the game that is life.

Thanks for assuming: all liberals are smart, all conservatives are Bubbas, Bush was wrong on vetoing.

You didn't even challenge Ryan by stating why Bush was wrong or right on the issue.

Thanks for playing... I don't mind discussing it, but bring somethign else to the table before you criticize.

Looks like we've gone back 10 years when Bill Clinton and his partisans were crying how the Republicans weren't helping "the chilllldren".

The bottom line of this upcoming election:

Vote Democrat if you want:
- Universal Healthcare ($200 billion/yr)
- Baby bonds for all babies ($20 Billion/yr)
- Amnesty for illegals (untold cost)
- Higher Taxes overall
- Repeal of Bush tax-cuts and the death tax
- Repealing Patriot Act
- "Hands Off" approach to fighting terrorism
- Liberal judges that create new law

Vote Republican if you want:
- Lower taxes
- Enforced border, illegals deported
- Strengthening the fight against terrorists
- Emphasis on State's Rights for dealing with social issues (healthcare, Gay Marriage, etc)
- Strict Constitutionalist Judges

America – you decide if you want to join the ranks of European Socialists or remain strong and independent.

Hasn't ANYONE read the U.S. Constitution? The Ninth Amendment requires that "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor
prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively,
or to the people." In other words, if it isn't in the Constitution, the feds aren't allowed to do it.

The Consititution grants the federal government the power to wage war and defend its citizenry, but it does NOT grant it the power to authorize, create, subsidize, fund, or regulate health care schemes. We can quarrel over whether we should be in Iraq, but that's irrelevant to the issue of taxing one person to pay for another person child-raising responsibilites. Just because something is "for the children" doesn't mean we should require taxpayers to fund it. Your children are your responsibility. I'm not asking anyone to provide for mine, and I'm not obligated to provide for yours.

Hey Ryan, how come it's always the men that agree with this line of thinking? I am actually a very well educated liberal – like most of the others. It's usually the Bubba's or the deadbeat dads that agree with Bush's stand on this issue. He cannot win this argument. Not even Jesus is on his side with this one.

I think the bill is an excellent idea, if it is paid for responsibly. The bill is to be paid for by smokers who are floating the federal and state budgets while they are being harassed and taxed by both the feds and the states...a candy store for the politicians. Why should smokers pay for everybody? Where will the money come from when all the smokers are dead or quit?...Supposedly the incentive for taxing them to the point of ridulousness. The cost needs to be spread amongst all the tax payers or why don't we talk about it after a cup of coffee is taxed up to $15.00 a cup...about the same cost increase for smokers....Then there will be a windfall of money to take care of everything...I support the coverage but not the endless targeted taxation.

Its funny to see people support Bush and McCain. Hello? Can you be any more evil????

Pro-War, deficits and Oil tax breaks

Anti-children and environment

to side w/Bush on this issue is pretty much giving up all hope of winning this election. They keep saying middle class kids will get help with this?!! 250% of the federal poverty level for a family of 3 is 42K a year. That's mom, dad, and baby...(of course the best possible family unit for McCain). A house payment, car payment, and mom should stay home and home school that child to insure the proper Christian upbringing. Then, they should figure out how to shell out $400.00 a month for ins. with a 3,000. deductable. You know why they don't get it? Cause they don't have to! Besides, it's best that these poor or "middle class" kis get sick – they won't vote the right way later anyway....sick sick sick. I am disgusted by this line of thinking. Bush himself said he would veto the bill b/c it's to much and it would help people that don't need it. Who doesn't need health care?

Mr. McCain the phony straight talk express has shown his true colors. Since he is way behind in polls, he wants to position himself to get last minute votes from republicans. He is going to loose in this gamble if some other presidential hopefuls (republicans) take a different approach. These naysayers will pay a price in general election for sure.

What do you expect from a lame duck and a lame brain? Both of these men and their priorities sicken me.

Hey, Terry, I'm a non-smoker and I would gladly help pay for poor kids' health insurance.

Of course, as a nonsmoker, I don't cost the country millions of dollars in health care costs and lost productivity every year, but I'd still chip in.

Absolutely Bush is correct in Vetoing this bill, it democrats trying to get greedy and all you uneducated uninformed liberals running your mouths. Please for once do some research on this and then we can have an honest discussion, but till then please stop with BUSH HATES KIDS,BUSH IS A RACIST,BUSH IS BEHIND MY LIFE REALLY SUCKING,

Once again. Why does he support a program that kills kids (even though they're not American kids) and snubs a program that helps kids.

What is so hard about this issue. Money? Billions down the tubes in Iraq and we're cutting corners when it comes to families and kids? And now they're trying to look fiscally responsible?

Anyone that votes for these republican jerks should be denied ANY benefits at all!NO medicare,NO social security,No prescription plans,No healthcare,NO tax credits,NO educational help,NO scholarships for their children and NO HELP AT ALL!They should pay every single penny for anything and everything they get.Let's see how much of that these fools can afford then!

Is McCain going to dish out the same "Compassionate Conservatism" that was inflicted on the American people today?

I would like to ask all NON SMOKERS why they do not want to help pay for the childrens Health Insurance too.

Senator after being tortured and in captivity while serving your Country,
why would you deny anyone from seeking freedom to be healed from informalities
if treated! The debt is at 30,000 per
child at birth now! Senator hug n kiss
your children and realize that they can become victims also. Illness has no political preference!

What!! Spend money on children?! They don't hold stock, serve on boards or give money to the Republican party! Next, people will be asking for more money for education! What a joke. Education and insurance don't increase oil company profits. Quit whining and pay for it yourselves out of your trust funds.....what?! Everybody doesn't have a trust fund? Join the military then and fight for us wealthy Republicans! I don't care if your three, it is never too early to sign up for the military!

Leroy, bring me another scotch and cigar!! I'm stressed, the price of oil is dropping.

Bush does not care since he, as a president of the U.S., an oil man and a millionaire, can afford the $300.00 per month for medical insurance for his immediate family, their off-spring and other family members. You can rest assured his cronies will insure (no pun intended) that he is well insured as to the medical needs.

There is no problem obtaining health insurance in the middle class.

Posted By J Houston, TX

What middle class are you speaking. I'm middle class, young (24), single, non-smoker, professional and I CAN'T afford insurance for myself.

I can't imagine how the middle class people WITH kids actually do it.

This bill was for parent that made too much for medicare but not enough to provide health insurance for their kids.

Are you serious when you say that the Private Industry will lesson the corruption? clearly the system is working wonderfully as it is.

And McCain– the dems so have a way to pay for the increase, but exactly how do YOU expect to pay for the war you want to continue indefinately?

To spend over $189 trillion but refuse to spend $35 billion on children's health insurance is bulls%#&. The Republicans have shown their true colors at last. Even families that CAN afford insurance, say it is too expensive. People have gone to developing countries, like Mexico, just to get access to cheaper medical/dental care. That right there says something.

And the Republicans are considering Guiliani, Romney, McCain and Thompson for the presidency? Is that the best the Republicans could do? If so, then the Democrats should have a pretty easy victory in 2008. Every major Republican has led the party from bad to worse to downright despicable.

Mr McCain agrees with George Bush on the following:

1. The Iraq War
2. Immigration plan
3. VETOing Kids' health insurance

Three DISASTERS that Bush/McCain are in lockstep with each other on. When are Bush and McCain going to be in lockstep with the AMERICAN PEOPLE?!

Sigh...I used to like McCain.

The proposed increase was to be paid for by a hike in the cigarette tax (another reason health care is so expensive, btw, so it might have helped kill two birds with one stone). That's hardly a "phony smoke and mirrors way of paying for it."

I am so disappointed.

What would George S. Patton say:

I remember when McCain hated Bush and now it's like McCain is Bush's own personal "Yes" man.

It's sad.

BUSH AND ALL THE SENATORS ALL GET THE BEST OF CARE FOR FREE. BUT NOT A NEEDY KID. OH I FORGOT THESE KIDS CANT VOTE AND DONATE MONEY TO THE SHRUB'S PARTY

Maybe this just part of McCain's effort to refute his prior statement that this nation was founded on Christian principles.

You know, if he would remove his head from Bush's behind long enough, he may actually be able to take a breath and replenish some brain cells. This man is a moron. Anyone voting for him should be admitted to a hospital cause they're not right in the head.

I agree – it is wrong to provide health care to the children of people who can't afford health care.

What possible incentive do we have to insure that these children receive adequate medical coverage?

Plus, we are currently waging two wars which seem to cost us about $180 billion every six months. How could we possibly pay $35 billion over the course of five years when we have ten times that much to spend on war each year?

Another bang up job by the Bush Administration. It isn't the bold decision making I admire most – it is the priorities!

Typical garbage from the Repubs. Has anyone looked at the income levels that qualify for this health care. It's hardly middle-class. These corporate brown nosers will never bite the hand that feeds them. McCain and his ilk should be ashamed of themselves. This country is teetering on the brink of disaster. What a sorry excuse for leadership this country has become burdened with. Ugh...

Agree with all the above. McCain trying to get some lift into his campaign, but I would not try to draft off of Bush. He will barely make it to the end of his own lame duck presidency and he certainly has nothing to offer anyone else.

The more McCain speaks the more he sounds like a Bush clone. A vote for McCain is a vote for the status quo of the last 8 miserable years, billions for a stupid war, nothing for struggling Americans.

New McCain slogan:
VOTE MCCAIN IN '08
More of the same!

It's sick that Bush, McCain and all the other politicians against funding the SCHIP program are against spending $35 billion dollars over the next FIVE years to take care of children whose parents can't afford health insurance. After spending nearly a trillion dollars on the Iraqi war and taking care of all the Iraqi children that we bombed in the first place, $35 billion is a drop in the bucket in caring for American children and lessening the burden on parents who would otherwise have to work another job or two just to pay for insurance for their children.

Wrong on Iraq, wrong on SCHIP, wrong for America, possibly right for the right-wingers of Arizona.

10 million children who ALREADY HAVE health insurance for the most part. There is no problem obtaining health insurance in the middle class. There is no reason to allow a government office to waste money in corruption instead of allowing private industry to handle the problem.

I would just like to ask John McCain how much formaldehyde it takes to keep him from crumbling into dust. They say the elderly return from whence they came; maybe he should get some SCHIP.