I agree with the commentor who says we need to do health care more cheaply and broadly in this country.

However, the answer isn't the government. Look at all the states and cities that go on shut-down because they exceed their budget. Look at the USPS, having those forever stamps because they're desperate for cash. State nursing homes are horrible. Look at the slow, shoddy quality of service at govt agencies. Why in the world would you want your health entrusted to any govt employee.

$51,000 is for a single working parent. When two parents work, it jumps to $83,000. Just the facts.

Someone recently said this should be a State issue because cost of living differs drastically state to state. That makes alot of sense.

Also, why just smokers? It is almost like picking on people that don't have a voice.

And don't forget an illegal can come over the border with 10 kids, and they are immediately eligible. That is messed up!

THE PRESIDENT VETO IS JUST MORE DEMONIZING THE POOR AND MID-CLASS IN THIS COUNTRY. I WISH HE WERE POOR AND NEEDED HEALTH CARE FOR HIS FAMILY. HE WOULD THINK DIFFERENTTIRED
LY. HE CAN SPEND BILLIONS ON A WAR AND NOT SPEND BILLION TO HELP THE POOR. WHAT KIND OF MAN IS THIS. I'M A RETIRED SOLDIER AND GOOD ALONE WITH THIS WAR SPENDING AND NOT SPENDING ON THE AMERICAN POOR.

Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Hitlery Clinton, all stoges of George Sorros,
I can't wait until next year in the elections that Reid will be sent back to NV to the tumble weeds, Pelosi will lose too, Hitlery, she will lose to Romney or Thompsen, thank god for that.

David,
First, you're mistaking the Decl. of Independence for the Constitution. Second, Jefferson took those words from Locke's 2nd Treatise on Government, where he claims that the inalienable rights of man are "life, liberty, and property." By the way, you do realize that Locke was one major founders of "liberalism," so when what does that say of his followers and those who create governments under his teachings.

As for your argument, if you acquire a curable disease, are refused treatment, and die, I hate to tell you, but you've been indirectly murdered. Take that however you want in relation to our current health care system.

BOO HOO! While all of you were partying up a storm I worked hard in school, have a great job, and don't need government handouts.

I certainly don't want to pay for you….get the right training/education, get the right job and GET A LIFE….the only thing holding YOU back is YOU.

None of the politicians will do anything for YOU.

To Terry in El Paso
Yes a Democratic candidate has proposed socialized medicine, it is currently being referred to as Hillary-care. You need to really check out her proposals. Then ask yourself why so many Canadian doctors now practice their skills in America.
Folks, comparing this bill to the Iraq war is apples and oranges. Don't get me wrong, the war is a senseless, shameless, egregious waste of money. Nevertheless these are two separate issues, each worthy of its own debate.
I still maintain that the SCHIP is too expansive as currently written and hopefully it will have to be cut back before passage.
I make a little better than $60K a year, I'm a single parent of a teenager and yet I maintain both health and dental coverage for the both of us. Why should I have to pay medical costs for someone making $83K?
Congress' time would be better spent trying to get a handle on the insurance and pharmaceutical industry. If they did that, millions of folks that currently cannot, would be able to afford health insurance. Let's put the blame and guilt where it truly lies.

Ryan, NY
I could be wrong, but I thought the Declaration of Independence guaranteed "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

I think you are wrong on this one. What this is that government will not TAKE your life, TAKE your liberty nor obstruct the pursuit of happiness. It doesn't mean that gov't will PROVIDE your life, liberty or pursuit.

If gov't wouldn't steal 33% of my income (there's that liberty thing) I would certainly spread it around to those less fortunate than me. I do that right now, but could do more if they didn't take it so they could fly first class on their routine trips.

Happy Thursday,

Yippee!

I can't wait to dump my insurance!

The GUBMINT is gonna pick up the tab for me!

Let's see… nearly 500 bones extra each month to spend on all sorts of stuff. I'm gonna buy an iPod and a new computer and some bling and maybe a new cell phone. Oh, and maybe some shiny new 24-inch rims for my hoopty!

Long live the Nanny State!

HEY SARAH HSA ARE A GREAT OPTION FOR ALL INCOME AND AGE GROUPS YOU IGNORANT FOOL. MOST WHO ELECT THIS COVERAGE DONT MIND TO HAVE ALL THEIR RX AND MEDICAL COSTS APPLYING TO THIER DEDUCTIBLE. MOST HSA OFFER FREE PREVENTATIVE/WELLNESS CARE AS A PART OF THE PLAN. NO OUT OF POCKET TO STAY WELL. THEY ARE EXTREMELY POPULAR. ADD IN THE TAX BENEFITS TO MAKING YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HSA IT MAKES IT EVEN MORE PRACTICAL. HSA ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE BUT WHAT I HAVE SEEN THEY MEET A PERFECT SOLUTION. THOSE WHO ARE CLOSE TO 65 FIND THESE VERY ATTRACTIVE BECAUSE THEY HAVE FUNDS TO PLACE IN THE HSA MORE THAN A YOUNG PERSON. MORE CHOICE IS A GOOD THING RATHER THAN ONE PLAN FOR EVERYONE.

Insurance companies won't pay for pre-existing imformailities! The insurance companies doesn't want to pay for even normal claims! Again, we are surrounded
by greed and ignorance! Until you are faced with the realities of many other
Americans suffering from a broken healthcare system you have little room talk!

Being sick has no political preference!
Watch Sicko by Mike Moore if you don't want to read about our broken system!
Beyond the Pale! If I was insured I'd
go to the broken system to see a doctor because king moron makes sick to my stomach!

One more thing a lady had both breast
removed for a incorrect diagnosis of breast cancer! Healthcare for profit
is un-American and dangerous!

Here we go again with the cop-out 'socialized medicine 'line.
I will ask this again because I have asked 6 times in the last week on various posts and have yet to get a real answer.
So I ask again…
What is the republican plan to cover the 47 million uninsured in this country? If you dont have a plan, you are going to be asked for one once we get to a national debate (if not sooner). If you dont have a plan, voters can only assume you could care less. And then you LOSE! This is the #2 issue next to Iraq, so if you dont have a plan, your party is going to lose.
Hillary has a plan which is being pretty well received (and scrutinized) by many in the healthcare industry. Not a perfect plan, but it is a plan and there is room for bi-partisan tweaking to make it better. It is also out there to be debated.

Where is the GOP on healthcare?

And please, I dont want to hear about long lines in Canada or clinics in France or other deflecting blather about socialism. What is your plan, GOP?

How many of the people who are mouthing off about how evil Bush is, smoke?

Relevant question, because if you don't smoke, of course you will be all for this. It don't hurt ya!!!

If the majority of the public (like you all say) is for this then they ALL should pay for it.

Finally, since when did $83,000 become poor? And when did 25 become a child.

Is that your definition of poor child Ms. Pelosi, you lying sack of. . . . .

This is just another way for the Democrats to install their "cradle to grave socialistic plans".

By implementing this, they will gain and keep votes of the sheep that think it is the governments sole job to TAKE CARE OF THEM.

My wife and I make a little more than that amount with 2 children, I pay about $300 a month for a family plan that includes us all and I will be damned if I will pay for someone elses insurance that makes $83,000 (poor?) and is 25 years old (children).

Just like Bush said, let's take care of the POOR CHILDREN FIRST AND I AGREE WITH THAT.

Even as a "mean" republican I will write that check TODAY.

Do you realize who smokes in this country more than anyone, THE POOR, so the Dumocrats propose to tax the hell out of them to PAY for their healthcare?

You are against a so called "poll tax" to prove who you are to vote, but you are all ok with a "Health tax" that will cost these folks a lot more.

What happens after some people do quit, who will pay for this expanded program then?

Do ANY of you believe that SOMEONE will keep track of how much comes in in regards to the taxes and will SOMEONE make sure the extra TAXES will be USED JUST FOR THIS?

I got this bridge for sale.

Let's go after twinkie, ho-ho and beef eaters, A BUCKET OF KFC WILL NOW COST ME $25 using that rational.

The same party that wants to ban smoking (I don't smoke), now wants to USE the smokers to pay for their grandiose power grab, bah, bah, bah.

Ryan in Indianapolis,
You're awfully violent to people who disagree with you. You might want to seek some counseling or at least control what you say. Otherwise, secret service might show up if the death threats/wishes continue. You and your Republican buddies have been expecting that treatment when someone advocates Bush and Cheney being tried and punished for treason, so realize that the shoe fits for one, it fits for the other.

You're going to love all the expansion of presidential powers that Dick & George fought for after a Democrat takes office.

It's just too bad that your people were only thinking about what power could do for them, not what it could do in the hands of your opponents when they obtain it.

I have to jump in on this one. My dad is a retired surgeon. Before he retired several years ago he was all for HSAs and very down on 'socialized' medicine. Since he retired he now receives medicare as well as having a 'gap' policy through a private carrier. He now feels that the only answer is to adapt this system to everyone. I agree.

The dirty little secret, that no one seems to bring up, is that if everyone is covered yes there will be waits. The reason there are no long waits for elective procedures, is because 45 million people are not covered. Is that any reason not to provide coverage for people? Simply because few do not want to wait; do not want to share the doctors waiting room with the poor.

A few years ago I developed pneumonia during a visit to Sidney, Australia. I received excellent care through the triage system they have there. There are no waits in ER, you are assessed, treated, observed and either dismissed or admitted. I ended up on a ward with 4 other women (horrors in this country, we are so damned spoiled). The cost less then a thousand dollars (American) for 2.5 days in hospital. They use the same modern equipment.

The point is our system is bordering on collapse. We are subsidizing the world when it comes to drug costs. With people and companies growing in number in the lack of ability to pay for this, companies are dropping their plans or curbing them. Our car companies can not compete with other companies in countries that cover their citizens. I am sure they are not the only ones having to compete with foreign companies that are in countries that cover everyone. Our system is an embarrassment. We are the only advanced country that does not provide healthcare for its citizens.

Just imagine how bad things will be when only 50% of our country is covered. Those that are covered will have to pay ever larger amounts in premimums because the pool will be smaller (and the insurance companies must have their profits in order to feed the CEO bonus machine). Hospitals will continue to pile on the costs of providing care to people who don't have coverage to the rest of us who do. It's a chain reaction here, folks. Now some of you might be cruel enough to say that hospitals should quit providing care to people who have no insurance or money, but they can't. They are bound by law and oath to treat. And would you want that done to you if you had the misfortune of not being covered? It could happen to anyone, ANYONE.

And before I hear someone say HSAs, those are great if you are young and healthy, and just starting out, not in your 40s or 50s and are already dealing with a health problem. Whether you like it not our system has to change it can not continue the way it has.

Ryan - wow, the lack of health insurance is unconstitutional? The guarantee of "life" means you have the right to not be murdered, not to live disease-free or be guaranteed a doctor visit — how could it have given the state of health care back when the Constitution was written.

Good grief, there probably are some far-left nanny-staters who will salivate at that arguement.

You're right, David, 25 is an adult, but the legislation is written that way so that young adults can get the education that they need to succeed in this country. That way, they can still be covered while in college and grad school if they don't enter the work force immediately. It's kind of hard to pay health insurance when you have no income and pay tuition rates that exist now.

Also, you mentioned that "We as a people have become a society of entitlement. It is not longer what I can do for myself but what the government can do for me. Why should I work to better my own life and that of my family? I can sit on my hands and let the government pay for everything."

I could be wrong, but I thought the Declaration of Independence guaranteed "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." Without coverage in the event of illness or accident, the guarantee of life doesn't really hold up. Secondly, by receiving these minimum levels of care, one shouldn't be satisfied enough to stop caring and working hard. If you think you'd be satisfied with the bare minimum, then great, quit your job, go on welfare, and live that way. See how much you enjoy life.

Honestly, this veto isn't really upsetting me, because I don't have kids, don't want kids, occasionally buy a pack of cigarettes when out on the town, and I make more money than the minimum anyhow.

Terry - El Paso

You wrote, "All of you who love to use the words "socialism" and "socialized" haven't a clue what the definition of socialism is. Just use the words nonsense and stupid instead. That is what you mean. "

Terry Terry Terry …. 3 times you've posted this statement and for the third time I will challenge your view. I invite you to back up your words since you declare yourself the expert on Socialism.

Socialism. The definition:

Socialism refers to a broad array of doctrines or political movements that envisage a socio-economic system in which property and the distribution of wealth are subject to control by the community for the purposes of increasing social and economic equality and cooperation. This control may be either direct—exercised through popular collectives such as workers' councils—or indirect—exercised on behalf of the people by the state.

Now let's look at the application of Socialism in America:

1. The present tax structure requires the top 10% of wage earners pay almost 70% of the total taxes collected (they pay the bills). Lower and middle income wager earners (66% of the population) pay for only 10% of the tax obligation. The USE most of the services - while paying a disproportionally low amount of the bill.

2) Social Security (government sponsored retirement)

3) Welfare (government sponsored income for unemployed women/children)

4) Medicaid (government sponsored health insurance for low-income)

5) Medicare (government sponsored health insurance for retired people)

6) CHP, Headstart, School Lunch Programs, Section-8 housing, etc - government programs to help low-income.

NOW… Hillary & Co want to:
- $5000 baby bond (for college)
- Universal Healthcare
- Amnesty for illegal immigrants (so they can collect all these benefits)

AGAIN - the top 10% of wage earners (over $100,000) pay for 70% of the bills!

If this is not walking down the path of socialism - what do you call it?

Ryan - NY,

You said (to David/AZ) "What's your point? $51K (gross) in my city is barely enough for a couple to live on, let alone adding a child and wanting insurance for any family members."

THIS is why any socialized medicine should - if at all - be handled by the States, not the Federal Government. The vast degrees of cost-of-living across this country make such programs amazingly inefficient.

If you tax-and-spend socialist want the government to pay for everything - get control of your State Government and do it. Although I would HIGHLY suspect the citizens of each state would balk at the prospect of footing the bill for these socialist programs from an increased state tax.

Does anyone really think the cost of this will stay at 35 billion?
Once middle class families realize they can drop their children from their private insurance and get free coverage, more and more children will get signed up. Why should someone pay for something he can get for free. A democrat president will certainly NEVER refuse an exemption submitted by the states.
Then this encourages poor people to have more children and discourages them from doing anything to earn money to pay for their own health care.
Also it will certainly cover illegal immigrants too.
The cost will run into the hundreds of billions in a few years.

A certain skill set is required to get a job making $40 - $50 thousand annually. I know of no jobs that offer this type of money and not provide health care benefits. If I found myself in a job that provided no health care benefits having this given skill set I'd find a better job.

I don't live in New York but I have lived in the state of Alaska where the cost of living is very high. Jobs earning $50K in Alaska still offer health care benefits.

The proposed SCHIP legislation would have also provided health care benefits to people up to the age of 25. Last time I checked a person 25 years old was an adult.

To say it shouldn't matter to me unless I'm a smoker is meaningless. It isn't about funding the program. It is about fiscal responsibility and my personal responsibility to my family. We as a people have become a society of entitlement. It is not longer what I can do for myself but what the government can do for me. Why should I work to better my own life and that of my family? I can sit on my hands and let the government pay for everything.

I also wonder how many people posting about their outrage have actually looked at the proposed legislation. How many of you are simply responding to a media headline and a sound byte?

The top 10% performing people in the country of China account for more people than the entire population of the United States. That's just the top 10%. We as a nation better wake up and get off our behinds and become individually responsible or nations like China and India are going to steam roll right over us. Get an education. Be responsible for yourself and your family. Stop holding out your hands to the government.

This is idiotic — the plan expands coverage to children who live in homes with incomes 3x the poverty level and in most cases already covered by private insurance.

This is nothing more than a naked power grab on a politically sensitive topic (who doesn't want children to be insured?) and one step closer to HillaryCare.

And for those who badmouth private health coverage, just wait until it's provided with the efficiency of the federal government and the sensitivity of the post office. Ever been to a city- or county-run health clinic?

No Democrat has ever proposed socialized medicine. All they propose is giving federal dollars to private physicians who treat eligible children. The physician would be sort of a contractor to the government. Like medicare.

All of you who love to use the words "socialism" and "socialized" haven't a clue what the definition of socialism is. Just use the words nonsense and stupid instead. That is what you mean.

America's health care system by many measures of health comes in 30th or 40th in the world. Our more backward states (we all know which ones they are) would probably rank lower.

Why so many people want to defend the current system is beyond me. As Franklin Roosevelt said, “One thing is sure. We have to do something. We have to do the best we know how at the moment… if it doesn't turn out right, we can modify it as we go along.”

We need to work with the health care delivery system so that it delivers health care more cheaply and more broadly. That should not be too difficult a task for a people as smart as we are.

Two points:
1) How much of that $35 billion would actually make it to the "children"?
2) If you're too poor to afford children, DON'T HAVE THEM!

Medicare and Medicaid cost more than Homeland Security and Defense. Tell me do we really want to go down this road? Hillary and Libs are lying about the true cost of socialized medicine. There is no way it will cost $100 BILLION as she proposes. It will raise the premiums on those who have private or group insurance because of something called community rating. Everyone will have the same premiums regardless of thier health and age. So count on higher taxes to pay for the program and higher premiums for those already covered. Imagine all 300 million of us covered and what a cost it will be. Hillary said that she wants a single payer system like Canada (of course the media will not release those comments). Keep drinking your Koolaid libs…..

David, Gilbert AZ,
What's your point? $51K (gross) in my city is barely enough for a couple to live on, let alone adding a child and wanting insurance for any family members.

And good for you on that good job. The point is that many people don't have quite as good of plans because many employers realize that they don't have to offer coverage.

Also, if your job gives you coverage for your kids, why would you need eligibility for SCHIP anyhow? It would only affect you if you're a smoker. I have to pay excise taxes on all the booze I drink to support programs that don't affect me, particularly road safety/DUI issues, as many people in this city don't own cars.

When you consider some of the things the Bush Administration and Republican Congress approved and is paying for this does not seem too far afield.
Shall I list them for you Republican loyalists?

Rally for Our Children's Health Care
Friendship Heights Metro Station
Wisconsin & Western Aves., Chevy Chase
6:00 pm, Thursday (today)

Directions: Red Line Metro or any bus heading to Friendship Heights. Look for us on the Mazza Gallerie street corner. Parking at the AMC theatres at Mazza Gallerie, inside Chevy Chase Pavillion (entrance near the Embassy Suites Hotel), or behind the Giant Food.

Christian in Tampa,
There are 435 members of the house, so 25 members is 5-6%, not "less than one percent" as you claimed.

I really wonder if people who keep calling Bush a wack job or how his Christian values should be questioned can actually do math.

CHIP as it was before this veto provides health care benefits to children living in households that earn twice the federal poverty level. The federal poverty level is approximately $17,000. So here is the simple math for people like Amy from Florida:

$17,000 x 2 = $34,000

Bush's veto has not changed the existing program. People earning $34,000 or less are still eligible for the SCHIP program.

What this new legislation tried to do is provide health care benefits to children living in households earning three times the federal poverty level. Again, here is the simple math for Amy in Florida:

$17,000 x 3 = $51,000

I have a very good job that I intend to retire from. The job I have offers a 401K program, health and dental, and vision care. Under this proposed bill my children would be eligible for health care benefits under SCHIP.

So you people screaming about how much the government sucks really need to get a grip and take a few math classes.

I hope they do over-ride the VETO. That way I can drop my son from my private insurance and have the government pay for him since I'm poor (My wife and I make less than $83,000/year)!

After the government picks up his tab, I can go out and buy a flat screen TV!

Laura, you have a good point. The Iraq quagmire is probably the biggest example of pork barrel spending, averaging about $10 billion a MONTH. Imagine everything that could have been done at home to improve the lives of Americans if the tax payer's money went to programs like this instead of financing never ending conflicts in the middle east.

I think that you all should look at who will foot the bill for this blatant political attack by Dems. .61 cents a pack on cigarettes is truly regressive and will actually tax the people that the bill purports to assist, the poor. The large majority of smokers are those that make less than the targeted amount in the bill, and oh by the way, those that make $83K per year will now have the incentive to stop their employer sponsored plans and join the gov't plan. Surely we can do better!

For all those who believe that this veto was disgraceful, mean-spirited and politically stupid, well, you have your chance to register your opinion in NOV 2008. I suggest you use it

The SCHIP bill sounds good if you think America should move even closer to a Socialist system. Where the government provide you with everything they think you need and collect all your money to do so.

certanly hop that Congress can work together, the way the Senate did, to override this Veto….

curious, that "he-who-we-do-not-mention" never used the VETO in 6 years….

something tells me that VETO will be a very common word in the next year….

and HOPE it can be defeated every time….

This isn't about $35 billion for American children; it's about a half trillion dollars already blown in Iraq and the health and welfare or Iraqis being far more important to our government than health and welfare of Americans.

Christian from Tampa FL wrote the following:
"All they need is 25 votes. That's less than one percent of the entire house of representatives.

Sorry dude, but your math is off. The total number of representatives in the house is currently capped at 435 members (per public law in 1911). One percent of 435 is 4.35 members. I realize it's a minor quibble, but, hey…

He also wrote:
"We live in a Democracy? Really? When one man and a handful of lawmakers can stifle the will of over 60% of American citizens plus the vast majority of the Legislature?"

Democracy, no. Actually, we live in a constitutional republic, in which we just happen to have indirect representative democracy. These representatives, and the greater federal government, is curtailed and kept in check by a federal constitution, which limits the power of government over the individual. Notice: LIMITS the power of the government.

And the last time I checked, the constitution does not allow legislation to be drafted nor passed by CNN public opinion polling, regardless of what 60 percent of poll respondents supposedly say or want.

He also wrote:
"Maybe it's time to lower the veto-proof majority threshold."

Not a chance, brutha. Personally, I'd like to see that threshold increased to 75 percent. This was purposely done to prevent tyranny by the majority and ensure minority rights.

Our legislative branch is in gridlock on purpose and by design. It was meant to be this way.

I've heard it said that the worst thing to happen to America, was the invention and installation of Air Conditioning in the Congress building. Used to be, these gas bags would travel back home to avaoid the hot muggy summer months in D.C.

That government is best which governs least.

Wow….the Democrats sure have changed things since taking power….can't you feel the difference?

Are we out of Iraq?
Is spending under control?
Are they all one big joke?

to…Posted By Amy, Fl : October 3, 2007 11:24 pm
kahunas are hawaiian for great white chief… i think you meant those little round things in the nether region…

Frank…Christian has everything to do with this…if George Bush is all "born-again" and WWJD then what does he think Jesus WOULD do about uninsured children. He can't espouse religion from the Oval office some of the time and ignore it other times. He is luke-warm and about to get spit out.

Responsible?? Blowing hundreds of billions on his Iraq folly, but not a penny for American children! When did this idiot find his inner fiscal responsiblity? I am looking forward to the Republicans never having power in this country again.

The best plan would be to stop voting people into office who have the money to just write the check for the care they receive or the bills they get. We vote people into office, Reps and Dems, who don't need the job or the money they get so they don't really face the burdens of the people. Send people to Washington that have had to worry about paying their bills and it doesn't matter if they are lower income or middle income. Socialized medicine would almost be better that what we have now. 1000's of my hard earned dollars have been paid into the Medicare program I will never use and it isn't benefiting our elderly citizens now. Take out the insurance companies that don't pay or deny claims and the drug companies that over charge. The children should be cared for and not the companies that try to gain the upper dollar at the peoples expense.

Lower the veto-proof threshold??

This is exactly why we don't have direct democracy…because we don't want to run by mob-rule. Should the country shift policies like a butterfly in the wind? What the 'majority' of the public wants is not always a good thing, not always the smartest thing, and would be very dangerous actually to the integrity of the nation.

The whole point of our federalist system is checks and balances.

Those who do not fear socialized medicine should just take a look at the canadians and britons who complain bitterly about the lengthy waits they must endure to have elective procedures done. I'm sorry, but the government can't solve all of our problems.

The government is not the solution. You wouldn't ask your neighbor for money every time you want to see a doctor, so why should you expect the government to take your neighbor's money and give it to you?

Frank in Virginia, why should Bush pretend to be responsible now? He hasn't been up to this point. Remember the prescription drug give-away, the multi-billion dollar no-bid contracts the likes of Haliburton, and subsidies to the oil industry? Very responsible.

One of the most digusting things about all of this to me is the fact that ALL politicians toss around terms like family values, Christian, and democracy merely like they are ingredients in a tossed salad, but when it comes right down to it folks, none of these terms mean anything to anyone who could veto a bill for the benefit of health insurance for children, support the war in Iraq, deprive US citizens of constitutional rights, and the list goes on and on. When is someone going to have the courage or ability to deny exquisite corporate contributions and monetary gifts to speak for what is good for the American people? The cost of medicine, doctor's visits, hospital care, and health insurance in this country is out of control. I know, I pay almost $600.00 monthly for two people, and the glitch here is this, if you use this health insurance for any reason whatsoever, it goes up the following year. This same policy was a little over $300.00 when I got it, and I have only used it a few times for bronchitis and prescriptions. I have no chronic illnesses and merely have this for emergency situations. You can count on the rate going up at least 3% every year, and if you use it, sometimes it can go up 12%. Now how could I possibly utilize this insurance for preventive care? Health insurance in this country is not only a "children's matter." How can you boast to support family values if you do nothing to support the structure of the family? I have read many comments by people across this country who think you should not have children if you cannot take care of them and are quick to voice quite harsh opinions about something you evidently know absolutely nothing about. For all of you who think it is the parents' fault that children have no insurance, you merely exhibit how ignorant you are. Perhaps you missed out on math class in school. Start with one person working in a household. Perhaps that person can bring in $800.00 to $1000.00 monthly after taxes. If you think not, calculate a minimum wage job. Wow, you must think he is a millionaire. Now subtract from that, house payment, electric, water, telephone, natural gas, gas at $3.00 a gallon to get back and forth to work, rent or house payment, homeowner's insurance, automobile payment, automobile insurance, property taxes, groceries, school supplies and fees, clothes, doctor's visits in excess of $100.00 for less than 15 minutes. . .OOPS, now adult number two in the household needs to go to work just to make ends meet. . . add on child care for those not in school, cost for another vehicle, cost for cable or satellite TV, internet service, and don't forget all the fees and taxes attached to each of the above, but while you are sitting there fat and happy you probably think oh heck, they don't need TV, internet, telephone, sure why do they? Now on top of that, these two adults work at companies that do not provide health insurance, and now to insure a family of four, if the woman is of childbearing age, that is going to go close to $1500.00. Now all of you pompous asses out there who think that it is the parents' fault, I sure hope you don't choke with your mouths full. That expense load is quite a heavy burden to carry. A large portion of adults in this country have lost good-paying jobs in manufacturing as these have been outsourced overseas by none other but the good ole' US government. I think it would be wonderful if all of you would have to experience what it is like to have to start all over again, but then again, who wants to hire someone over the age of 50, Wal-Mart? That "good ole boys" wealthy club just needs to keep on going like it is, because one day, just one day, their greed is going to cause this nation to crumble, and when it does, all of those little people who have struggled to get the most for their money, know how to supplement their food supply with gardens, know how to can and freeze vegetables and fruits for winter, and how to cut corners to survive are going to be the very ones you will have to face to beg for help. I just hope I live long enough to see it!

I'm a health care provider. If this bill passes, I'm quiting. I don't want to live in a socialistic society with socialized health care. Everywhere they have tried it, it has failed miserably. Just ask all the Canadians who come to America and pay cash to get health care because there social system is in shamples.

Amy your comment is ignorant. This program will pay for families health insurance for their children up to $83K. I am sorry but call me cold hearted but I dont want you to pay my health insurance bills! Pay your own way thank you.

Like i said in the other blog, do NOT give George Bush 200 billion dollars for Iraq when he asks for it again. If we cant pay for our children's healthcare, then the hell with paying for the war. Edward Kennedy was right. This is the most sickening veto in the history of our country.

Go get 'em Pelosi! We got the veto proof vote in the Senate…what a remarkable achievement it would be if you can get enough votes to override Bush's veto. And what poetic justice it would be!

Christian has nothing to do with this decision, being responsible does.

Posted By Frank Virginia Beach

In three months we spend as much as this program will cost in 5 years. That is IRRESPONSIBLE anyway you look at it. That this guy is on one hand bleeding this country dry with a war but wont allow kids to have health care.

No matter how you look at it, there is no making sense of it.

Absolutely nothing, cause they are in the wrong and they know it. Bringing out kids in wheelchairs to exploit the situation ,,,SHAME ON YOU DEMOCRATS , you people have no direction and no class. Pelosi and Reid should be hung for TREASON

Amy from Florida,
You are right on point. I could not agree with you more.

I can just afford to have health insurance Im not at all wealthy but I budget for it. Its not my responsability to pay for others problems, socialism in any form doesnt seem to work and thats why everyone comes here for their health problems. Maybe if we stopped suing doctors everytime they dont treat you the way you think you should be treated, they wouldnt have to charge people out the wazzu for simple procedures. Show me a way to not raise a whole bunch of taxes and still provide for everyone and Ill jump on board, until then liberals keep your hands out of my paycheck.

I am neither surprised by Bush's unconscionable veto, nor by Pelosi's and Reed's grandstanding tactics…the entire lot of government idiots should be replaced…preferably by cartoon characters…at least then the laughter heard across America would be understandable

The only two people in the world ranked bigger losers than Bush. Congradulations on that election win dems..

Override is off the table, how about doing something that will benefit all the American people. Like go on recess..

I wished this would have passed. I make $65,000 a year and could have used the help.

ABC did a story yesterday on a 3 year old with major health problems. He will spend the rest of his life in a wheel chair. His parents are self-employed in a small business. The only thing his insurance would pay for is a rental for 13 months.

This is the truth of private insurance: The mother says there are really three insurance catagories: insured - uninsured- underinsured.

But most of the Republican, who are now screaming about the cost, never, ever had to worry about insurance. They don't care about people, just getting re-elected and preserving their sacred party.

Christian has nothing to do with this decision, being responsible does.

Why don't they just do their job and stop acting like school children. America is not amused.

I am so sick of the people that spout off about how great private health plans are. Hello..some people can't afford these "great" private health care plans, for themselves or their children. Yanno why? Because the uninsured go to the ER and that cost is absorbed by higher premiums.

So this country can give the Iraqis billions of our tax dollars and we can't come up with enough to cover health insurance for kids? What about the pork spending? I am sure billions can be cut there. This BS about socialized medicine is just that….If the people can't pay the market prices for private health insurance then what? ER rooms? Come on. The insurance company lobbyist and pharmaceutical company lobbyist need to get out of this debate. They are bottom line profit driven, which is fine, but not for the average American citizen.

Not very Christian George Bush, you socialist-paranoid whack job.

Our government sucks. Priorities of this so-called president are downright shameful. Get some kahunas Dems and fix this. Unreal.

Embarrassed and shamed again….

All they need is 25 votes. That's less than one percent of the entire house of representatives.

We live in a Democracy? Really? When one man and a handful of lawmakers can stifle the will of over 60% of American citizens plus the vast majority of the Legislature?

Maybe it's time to lower the veto-proof majority threshold.

Why doesn't Congress tighten up some of that "pork barrel" spending that we keep hearing about? If they would cut out special interest spending, I think they'd have more than enough for this expanded SCHIP plan .