Comments on: Daschle setting healthcare goals

By: jim

jim — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:16:25 +0000

what are all the bushelover mc cain lovers when it goes through and it will and you will all look like jerks but you already do yyes obama yes

By: Anna, Missouri

Anna, Missouri — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:40:59 +0000

I have been a nurse since 1975 and have seen many changes, not all of them good. Most hospitals are "not for profit" meaning they can't show a profit on their books so they have to spend the money they get. In the past few years, they have seen an increase in costs due to so many people without insurance that use their emergency rooms, but these same hospitals continue to build or remodel because they have to spend the money. I worked in one hospital for 11 years, and the first 6 years the OB and womens health floor was under constant remodeling. Their C-section surgical rooms had tiles on the wall that had 22 ct. gold in them. One of the doctors was unhappy with the layout, so as soon as it was done, they remodeled it again, including tearing out the gold trimed tile and putting up new gold trimmed tile. Obviously, the nurses thought that just maybe, that money could have been used to hire more nurses or give raises, but no, that money came from the "building fund" and couldn't be used for anything else.

By: Jen, Cali

Jen, Cali — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:24:11 +0000

John November 20th, 2008 4:18 pm ET Regardless of your afiliations if we don't get the ridiculous costs of helth care under control we are doomed. Neither Gov't or Private can deal with that. Step 1 Reform the Tort system. No more huge frivolous malpractice suits ___________________________ You are so right, John! The only thing wrong with our healthcare system is --as it is EVERYTHING in our country -- is that people want to sue, sue, sue to reap some "windfall " profit. If you have hangnail and your doctor doesn't order an expensive MRI for you, you sue! As always, it's the "entitlement" mentality that brings us down -- and will continue to bring us down with Obama. Want a ham and cheese sandwich? Ask the government to provide it and you get a $3000 meal. Ask private industry -- and you get a ham and cheese for $2.99 -- with fries and a coke thrown in. But I guess people don't mind the $3000 -- as long as it's "liberal." Good luck, suckers !!!!!!!!!!!

By: Desert Strom Vet

Desert Strom Vet — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:22:43 +0000

What exactly does it mean to "Change Washington"? Same people? Same policies? Same Lobbyists? Was it "Hope and Change" or hope they change?

By: hometowndemocrat

hometowndemocrat — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:16:28 +0000

Kevin....you need to stop listening to your recorded Palin stump speeches........she was an idiot too...........

By: A Proud Canadian

A Proud Canadian — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:10:18 +0000

I totally agree with the rest of my fellow Canadians who have supported our health care system and am astonished with the uniformed opinions written here by people who really know nothing about our system..

We have a population of about 38 million people, which is over 5 miliion LESS than the number of people in America who have NO health care. No one will go bankrupt from a catastrophic medical problem and no one will be denied health care costs due to a socalled preexisting disease. Doctors do not have to apply to a paper pusher for permission for treatment.

Like any system, it is not perfect but there is an inherent pride in a country that looks after its own. When I compare my health care costs (aout $100.00 for medical, extended health and dental) and my taxes with friends and relatives in the US with their medical costs and taxes, I am way ahead financially.

By: hometowndemocrat

hometowndemocrat — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:06:13 +0000

I read these posts and it confirms to me that people just keep dumbing down......and I'm not talking about the democrats!

By: Victor of MN

Victor of MN — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:06:00 +0000

I'm going to grab some popcorn and watch our healthcare system collapse as waves of docs retire early.

You thinking a 5+hr wait at the ER is long now....

By: Jen, Cali

Jen, Cali — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:05:49 +0000

Daschle?????? OMG, NOT Daschle the jellyfish !!!!!!!!!! There goes quality healthcare. Here comes Daschle (or anyone's) universal healthcare -- where folks over 65 won't get any meaningful services at all -- where folks of any age with a REALLY serious illness like heart disease, cancer, or kidney disease have to wait nearly a year for diagnostics and treatment (just check out Canada and the U.K.) -- and won't you all be just SO pleased. I hope you're all under 30 and healthy !!!!!!!!!!! If you're not -- BOY, are you in for a rude awakening !!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: John Robinson

John Robinson — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:58:57 +0000

I have terminal cancer , it seens like the world have bottomed out, for people like me. The problem we have are we are Americans. There is no help for us when our health falls to this degree. But if we are refugees from another nation we can get all the help we need to live as normal people for the little time we have to live from this cancer. Will some one please help with this issue. HEALTH CARE PLEASE !

By: Joi

Joi — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:46:01 +0000

I lived in South Dakota until recently. I voted for and have met Tom Daschle. He is smart. He is articulate. I think he would be the right man for the job.

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:44:30 +0000

CHANGE = BRING BACK THE OLD GUARD??? c'mon.

By: Helen, VT

Helen, VT — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:40:51 +0000

This guy a is a liberal and he will join with Ted Kennedy to have Universal health care. Americans will have to wait for a long period of time each time for medical treatment.

By: Indigo

Indigo — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:22:36 +0000

Germany has a double digit un-eployment rate. Germany is trying to do away with their state run health care, its near bankruptcy.

By: Indigo

Indigo — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:20:10 +0000

This so called crisis , is just another excuse for the govt to take over a huge part of private sector business.

By: Indigo

Indigo — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:18:21 +0000

cmg, you must be a liberal, if you had any brains you would be a republican.

By: Indigo

Indigo — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:17:20 +0000

0bama,the incoming captain of the USA , now re-named the ss Titanic. The stock market as so much confidence in this guy that it's dropped a couple of thousand points since he was elected. ( Soros bought the elction for 0bama aided and abetted by the press). Son enough buyers remorse will set in. The people that actually voted for 0bama are nothing more than lobotomized lemmings.

By: FreeNLovIt

FreeNLovIt — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:05:16 +0000

On top of that, if you are 80 to 90 years old, you shouldnt be treated for a new heart or be treated for expensive cares. It doesnt make sense. If you love America, you should think about helping lower cost down, by asking yourself if you really need the treatment.

By: CMG

CMG — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:04:16 +0000

As a fellow South Dakotan and a nurse, I am tremendously pleased with Tom Daschles selection for Health Care reform...

By: FreeNLovIt

FreeNLovIt — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:03:35 +0000

You know, I like Universal Healthcare, but we may not have enough doctors. I believe that for your common illnesses, we should use Walmart and Walgreens' services. They have clinics that treat your regular cold/sflus/acnes and other ailments. I think this will free up the real doctors for more important illnesses and will reduce traffic jam at the doctors' offices. Think about it!! Be smart and work smarter not harder. I pray that America has enough brain to work this Health crisi out.

By: Simmy

Simmy — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:35 +0000

Sen. Clinton would prefer Daschle's job I think. Also, either Gov. K. Sebelius or Dr. Tyson would be an excellent choice for Commerce Sec! Go well in those selections; keep it up!!!

From a loyal supporter, and not a fair weather friend!

By: Indigo

Indigo — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:59:53 +0000

The govt. isnt the solution to your "problems" YOU are. The govt IS the problem, and what you can do about it is vote . Vote out jerks like Barney Frank and Chris Dodd ( the two hogs responsible for the freddi/fannie fiasco). Vote out Murtha who called his own constituants racist and than ammended it to " rednecks" , nice guy. He has contempt for you, the people. Have term limits for both the congress and the senate.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:58:33 +0000

Of course all the greedy republicans do not want universal health care. I can't understand why republicans are so shelfish.

By: Indigo

Indigo — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:50:01 +0000

cynthia , have the two of you been out togethere? Have a long meaningful conversation? What do you actually know about him. His own constituancy didn't re-elect him. They knew more about him than you think you know. His ego has finaaly found a home with the 0bama administration.

By: donna

donna — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:48:48 +0000

To Pat F
The Canadian nurses may work in Detroit, but they come home to Canada after their shift. I live in the area (Essex-Kent ) that you talk about, and I do not know where you get your info from, but I do not know any people that cross the border to get treatment in your hospitals, and I know a lot of people!! If they do, it is a small percentage. We have to pay for out of the country insurance to do that. If you took a poll, the over whelming number of Canadians would say out system works!!

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:46:02 +0000

Kevin said: "Have you ever noticed that every other country that has universal health care has a stagnant economy, and exorbitant tax rates?" Have you ever noticed how conservatives often spout non-facts and statistics as if they were gospel? Canada has a stagnant economy?? Since when? Currently we're faring better in this economic downturn than you. The UK has a "stagnant" economy? Granted, pretty much everyone does right now, perhaps, but the US is no exception. It obviously has nothing to do with universal healthcare, which just makes sense from a humane perspective.

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:43:27 +0000

We need universal health care and we need it NOW! I'm retired Military and a healthcare provider. I have health insurance from my present employer and Tricare (military health insurance). When I retired and finally faced what medical insurance was all about I was shocked at my ignorance. I worked a couple of years in an Emergency Room and saw long lines and extended wait times for routine medical needs competing for care with true medical emergencies. This, because the ER would see them free (if unable to pay) and that these patients had no physician (because no medical insurance, although they were employed). We ALL pay for this with our taxes in the long run, either for the ER visit or hospitalization of chronic medically manageble illnesses. We must think of the long term cost rather than short losses in taxes. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

By: Cynthia - Arkansas

Cynthia - Arkansas — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:36:13 +0000

I have always been a supporter of Tom Daschle. He seems like a very sincere and intelligent man. I would love to see him work out a health plan for all of us. We already have programs that possibly could be expanded on. My health insurance is one of my most costly expenses. Any help would be welcome!

By: Pete

Pete — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:33:06 +0000

The master of faux outrage leading the healthcare initiatives of Obama? Please!

I still remember when Daschele gave some convuluted speeach on the senate floor (I believe he was railing against something Bush did) and he went on and on about how mad and outraged he was about what Bush did. The funny part was he did it all in a whisper.

Change? Change? We'll all be asking for Change on the street corners in a year.

By: gone gulchin'

gone gulchin' — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:32:25 +0000

Are you "universal health care" people self-deluded or just stupid?

Our entitlement system is already deep deep in the red and we're printing money like it's going out of style to bailout the Dems' last socioeconomic engineering schemes (CRA, Fannie, Freddie).

The Democrats have already ruined the medical, energy, automotive, and financial industries with their insane restrictions, regulations and mandates.

WTH would anyone want to out those economic illiterates in charge of something so personal and private as their health care?

You can leave me out of your mandatory socialist health care schemes, thank you very much. I am quite happy with the insurance plan and doctors I have now.

Question: Why is it the only choice Democrats want to allow us plebs is the choice to abort?

By: Indigo

Indigo — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:17:45 +0000

Anything the govt gets its hands on is a failure. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, govt. failure that we , the US taxpayer are paying for.
It's OUR money , not theirs. A free market economy is what works, socialsim doesn't

United States of America
1776 – 2008
R. I. P.

By: Tony

Tony — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:15:37 +0000

Am I going to get free plastic surgery when they implement this new health care for everyone?

By: Pua, HI

Pua, HI — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:14:50 +0000

Just adding to the discussion... As a small business owner (no employees) I am paying for my own health insurance (~350/mo) and I am just happy to have it, although it is not easy to make the payments. I am originally from Germany and all my family lives over there. It has been interesting for me to see how well they are cared for when needed and not having to pay much extra if anything at all. My brother, sister, brother-in-law, dad and mom (at the moment for the 3rd time in hospital this year) all needed major care this or the past year. I have been worried about them but the healthcare system works fine there. They are not financially affected with copayments etc. as I see it here.

By: GOP Lost

GOP Lost — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:51:33 +0000

Well as I sit here with a 100k 401 K that is now worth 59K in the past 2 months, I sure hope that we begin to take care of the American economy, seems that they can't even give the 700 Billion Bail out away correctly. Tough to believe in Congress and the Senate getting it right,

By: Pat F

Pat F — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:42:01 +0000

Dear Veteran in Kansas:

We have national health care systems for the most vulnerable Americans. They are called Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP and the VA.

Have a really special day. Sarcasm and anger are poison, you know.

By: Pua, HI

Pua, HI — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:41:21 +0000

Something needs to be done in regards to our healthcare system that is for sure. It will take great minds and time to improve what we have right now. I would think looking at all the countries that provide universal health care, like Canada, France and Germany should give clues on what to do.

By: BreAnna - Military Brat

BreAnna - Military Brat — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:39:44 +0000

Kevin –

I'm sorry, $100 a month?! Maybe 50 years ago. Most of the people that I know who can't afford healthcare either can't afford a HOOPTY, drive a hoopty, or have the cable that has 3 channels and local news. My boyfriend, for example, is an independent college student with a part time job trying to pay for school and other bills by himself. He can't get healthcare through his job, but if you know of plans that are only $100 a month, PLEASE tell me so he can get his pinky (which has been broken for 6 months, and they want to charge 400 just to set it) checked out. ^_^

By: Pat F

Pat F — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:36:25 +0000

G.R.I.T. – Girl Raised in the South: I live in Detroit. Everyone in Windsor, Ontario and throughout Essex County, Ontario comes across the border from Canada for decent health care here, with no waiting lists. Heck, half the nurses in Detroit hospitals are Canadian.

Don't talk about what you don't know anything about.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:35:17 +0000

Have you ever noticed that every other country that has universal health care has a stagnant economy, and exorbitant tax rates? I'm all for health insurance for everyone. I'm sure most everyone is, even staunch conservatives. The issue is how it will be paid for. Raising taxes seem like the only way to do it, and that ultimately hurts everyone.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:34:13 +0000

Ah yes, change is coming Obama. I see it in all of your appointments. The same old guard. Now that is real change.

By: karen-phoenix

karen-phoenix — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:26:42 +0000

We already are a socialist country–police, fire, transportation, road repairs and removal, schools. We just do not have health care and if we did it just might improve our ability to attract companies back into this country. I have friends who live and work in Canada and they sure like it and feel safe if they move from job to job. Their economy is NOT collapsing!

By: Tiff of lithia springs

Tiff of lithia springs — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:16:26 +0000

Kevin,

I'm a healthcare provider. At best you can find something for $320 a month and that is a bottom of the barrel premium.

I tell you something else a survey has gone out and 49% of providers say if they can find something else in 3 years that is what they will do because if the insurance companies.

The healthcare industry is about to get very interesting.

By: G.R.I.T. - Girl Raised in the South

G.R.I.T. - Girl Raised in the South — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:14:04 +0000

Dookie: I have never once heard of a person from Canada, England, France or Germany having to come to the U.S. for surgery. Iraq or other third world countries, maybe, but not the ones you named.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:08:51 +0000

Universal Health Care for Everyone!!! Let's make it happen!!

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:07:58 +0000

PS – one thing that always confuses me about American conservatives: have you ever noticed that most of the rest of the developed, Western world already HAS these things? I'm not sure how you can maintain the illusion that everything will fall apart if universal healthcare is implemented, since you are one of the LAST wealthy countries in the world NOT to have it? Dumbfounding logic.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:06:02 +0000

JB: Where are you getting your statistics? I'm Canadian and have never paid extra fees for decent coverage. The only health care costs I ever pay for are dentist fees and prescriptions, although those are mostly covered by extended medical through my school. So yeah...I really don't envy you guys. You've been brainwashed by HMOs into thinking you'll die without them. I feel sorry for you if you're that easily deceived.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:58:16 +0000

to Kevin:
You say that if everyone gave up things that they could afford $100 month healthcare policy.
Well not sure wher you atre getting your numbers, but I am a 54 year old man and when i look at private health insurance the premium for me is over $350 a month, and for my wife who is 48 the premium is over $300 a month....we both work for small businesses that do offer insurance to theirr employees. So we would have to pay $650 a month for insurance. We do not drive fancy cars, no have the high end cable package, but with rent, utilities, car and life insurance, food and gas costs we are just making ends meet. We know we are rolling the dice but we cannto afford the amount that is being asked for for health insurnace converage, purchaning it as individuals, not corporate. If we could find health insurance for $100 month for us both.we would have it. But that is not the reality of the system as it exists now.

By: Meh

Meh — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:56:59 +0000

Kevin> Right, because the health care system is AWESOME now. That's why most people who have lost their houses have lost them due to not being able to pay their mortgages b/c of HEALTHCARE bills!
The system is broken. It needs to be fixed. Being healthy is a right, not a privledge.

By: scott l

scott l — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:52:26 +0000

the same man who closed shop and the only one when the senate had a terrors threat a few years back remember..........

By: donna

donna — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:52:20 +0000

Hey JB
You know nothing about Canadian health care. I do not pay extra for treatments, and the comments about long wait times are wrong. I have been to the emergency dept in a Florida hospital and I waited much longer there. If you take the number people who go across to your country as a percentage of Canadians, you will find it is very small, our health care system works, and yours bankrupts people. We may pay more taxes, but if you add your health care costs to your taxes, you will find you end up paying more. I know my American brother does. If you think it does not work, tell me why so many countries use our system or a version of it!!