Related video: Obama to give facts, aide says
Similar meetings by congressional members in recent weeks have generated heated and sometimes disruptive debate, demonstrating the high emotions and
political stakes involved in an issue that will affect every American.
Democrats have accused opponents of health-care changes of organizing protests intended to drown out the debate, while Republicans respond the public anger is a genuine response to what they call excessive and misguided legislation.
Videos of some protests circulating on the Internet show raucous crowds heckling their representatives in Congress and carrying posters with devil horns drawn on lawmakers' heads, swastikas or Obama with Adolf Hitler's mustache.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, who had a town hall meeting disrupted by angry protesters earlier this month, said he had never experienced such emotion in his 15 years of holding such forums.
Democratic Rep. Brad Miller of North Carolina even had a death threat phoned into his office. A caller said that if Miller supported Obama's plan, it could cost him his life, Miller told CNN.
Obama, just back from a North American summit with the leaders of Mexico and Canada, seeks to focus the discussion on specifics of Democratic proposals that have cleared committees in both the House and Senate.
He and other Democratic leaders complain that Republican opponents and right-wing political commentators are spreading misinformation about the proposed legislation.
In his weekend radio address, Obama sought to dispel what he called "the outlandish rumors that reform will promote euthanasia, cut Medicaid or bring about a government takeover of health care. That's simply not true."
Republicans respond that the outrage is real, not manufactured.
"These are average Americans that are concerned about this long litany of borrowing and spending and bailouts and government takeover of one industry after another. And this government takeover of health care is just the last straw for many Americans," Rep. Mike Pence, R-Indiana, told "Fox News" Monday.
The White House has launched what it calls a Health Insurance Reform Reality Check Web site designed to combat what the administration considers misinformation about the issue. The Web page features Obama aides discussing various aspects of health care reform.
Obama calls a health-care overhaul essential for ensuring long-term economic stability. However, congressional action on a health-care overhaul has slowed due to strong Republican opposition. Neither chamber met Obama's desired goal of passing a bill before their August recess.
In particular, the Republicans and some Democrats reject a government-funded public health insurance option, which they believe will lead to a government takeover of the health-care system. Most Democrats want a public option to ensure coverage is available to virtually all Americans and provide competition to private insurers.
From CNN Politics
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NO healthcare reform, this maddness needs to stop!
As a taxpayer, I'm perfectly happy with my health-care and do not want this plan. Obama and Congress need to stop ramming this plan down our throats.
This is not good reform for America!
People need to start talking about their experiences with insurance companies. They need to talk about how the insurance companies have denied their claims based on pre-existing conditions. They need to talk about how they are going bankrupt because they got sick. I also find it interesting how people are easily scared by rich people. Why do you think rich people and insurance companies are fighting so hard to stop health care reform. It is because of the size of profits they are making from health insurance. Don’t take my word for it look up the profits from health insurance providers. Educate yourself! Don't believe all the scare tactics. I used to work at an insurance company and trust me they have people dedicated to looking through medical records to deny claims based on pre-existing conditions. If people would like information about what everything means in their health policy they can call a health insurance advocate. I encourage people to call and advocate and then tell me if you are one illness away from bankruptcy.
When people get to the point that they actually believe the plan contains euthanasia, death panels and government takeovers they are beyond the point of reasoning. What I can't figure out is why they would go to townhall meetings when they don't/won't believe the answers to the question they're asking anyways. The laughable part is the headline "Healthcare activist gets hurt at townhall now asking for donations to cover his doctor bills, he doesn't have health insurance" classic you couldn't even make the ish up!
Let's see if this is a real meeting or a pack of Obama stooges packed in for a media show. I hope he gets his butt kicked.
Obama's liberal minion news media loves blaming this on "mobs" or "coordinated efforts". Largely, it is people who are just fed up with govt. spending, freedoms being lost and losing the priniciples this country is founded on. Maybe CNN and the other Obama backers can be honest in their reporting. A sleeping giant has awoken.
Obama is fighting for health care while Michelle is planting Poisonous White House Garden. What is wrong with this picture????
Wow, New Hampshire is a real hot spot alright. Do your really think the folks in flyover country are going to be impressed with your attempts to appease your buddies in New England? Even if this townhall goes off as planned, the rest of us are still going to be less than impressed.
I hope and pray that the Secret Service does their due diligence and ensures the President’s safety. There is a venomous broth out there, and he is wading right into middle of it. Godspeed Mr. President, we are behind you!
I think some of this "rowidiness" needs to stop. Get a grip and act like adults. Some people are so stupid they believe acting like an moron gets their point across
The depiction of average Americans being unruly mobs is yet another misrepresentation of reality by the DNC. I am certain that the crowd attending Obama's "supposed" front line involvement will be hand-selected by DNC personnel and seated with a bunch of liberal schills!
America is speaking volumes right now regarding the lack of trust they have for King Barack, Queen Pelosi and Prince Harry! The Dems better listen or their political careers will implode for sure!
Let's please show some respect for our country, and this President.
He has ben doing a great Job, and has only tried to do what is best for all mankind.
Don't let the hate and evil of others cloud your minds, we're better than that, people of the USA. Why wouldn't you want everyone to have some kind of health care, even if you already have a plan that you like, others may not be able to afford any health care.
Let open our hearts and mind to the good of this world towards others.
May God bless this country, and this President Obama and his Admin. for what he is trying to do.
Mr. President you have been doing a very good job don't listen to those fake poll numbers, because they don't ask everyone in this country (usa)who elected you to office.
You go Mr. President – we are behind you on this all the way. Make these greedy insurance companies liable and create strong competition for them so that they will not exploit the American public anymore.
Let's see who they try to SHIP IN for this townhall meeting. And let's see just how far things will go before common sense kicks in and they arrest one of these bogus interloper demonstrators. And let's see if at long last we can have some semblance of civil discourse out of respect for the President. Let's see....
I am watching Arlan Specter town hall meeting in PA and I can tell you, once again CNN your headlines are so misleading!!! No one is getting rowdy, unless CNN considers people clapping when someone says they oppose the health reform bill!! You Liberals cannot stand it that there are people actually questioning and disagreeing with policies from the White House. You Libs get your feelings hurt so easy! You can dish it out but you can't take it!! Well like my Momma always said "You play with the Big Dogs, you better be willing to fight with the Big Dogs" So go take your Valium, drink your Kool-Aid and go back to your Land of Oz!!
Here's a simple way to exclude "outside agitators" from town hall meetings: Check people's driver's licenses on the way in. Anyone who doesn't live in the congressional district in question is turned away at the door. What say you? Here's another neat trick for you congress people leading these meetings: Get some good earplugs. Hearos are a decent brand. If people start acting up, slip those puppies in and point your microphone directly into the PA speakers in the room. I guarantee that the painful screeching feedback will shut people up. Just trying to help. Have a nice day!
HOW CAN ANYBODY TAKE THE CROWDS AT THESE TOWN HALLS SERIOUSLY? They are filled with paid protesters from the pharmaceutical industry. I don't believe ANY of these people.
They can yell, clap, and act angry all they want. They are just working to ensure higher medicine and health care costs.
This just looks very, very bad for the Party of NO. I am a former life long Republican. I will NEVER in my lifetime vote for another Republican. NEVER.
Why now? The republicans spent 8 years waging war on terror and awarding massive tenders to their cronies and only now they realise health care matters to their on people(american) and they have rise up.
Bad losers!
It's a shame a few paranoid people are the loudest The real sin is that they seem to be following Limbaugh, Palin, and Gingrich. Limbaugh is a drug-addicted right-wing nut, Palin has long been known as one who incites hate and fear, and Gingrich was rejected by our Government and the people of this country YEARS AGO.
Think, people. Insurance Co. PROFITS are up over 400% in just 7 years. When will YOUR insurance be denied for cancelled?
There should be concern over this issue. After observing the many town halls. I am almost sure that these meetings are planned to be disruptive. Everyone is just anti-Obama. That's all this is about. It's not about the health care issue, which is a shame. This is an extremely important issue. And all of the yelling and anti-Obama feel in these meetings are taking away from the congressmen trying to answer questions about this bill. Many, many of us have not read the bill and are hearing about others' interpretations which includes those that are anti-Obama in the media, i.e. FOX NEWS. I think CNN is doing a good job in communicating all sides. The congressman, I think Demint or whoever that was that said something like "it's time go in for the kill, we can't let Obama get away on this." Closet racists are coming out all over the place. It's ok to disagree, but disagree on the facts not the fact that Mr. Obama is the president & we can't let him be successful on anything.
Keep on pushing Mr. President. It's clear to most Americans that there are traitors amongst us. By traitor I mean politicians in cahoots with the insurance and pharmaceutical companies.
Why does this caption include a picture of a woman being restrained? President Obama's town hall has not happened yet, and this picture is from someone else's townhall, not President Obama's town hall.
Keep attacking us for being concerned about this healthcare plan. It is only making people madder. I have never seen people so pissed off and Democrats are only making it worse.
Watching Specter right now in his health townhall... he's getting clobbered.
Liberals, listen up... if you continue down this path, the American voters will, WILL, W-I-L-L send you packing in 2010.
Honestly people, if Republicans had the ability to lead people and rally people and get them out to protest (as liberals are contending), don't you think they'd still be in power?
The liberals' overreach has awakened the sleeping giant known as The Silent Majority and they're suddenly amazed the American people aren't just dancing along merrily to the fife the Pied Piker (Obama) is playing.
2010 is going to be an electoral bloodbath and will make 1994 look like a routine changing of the guard.
How many SEIU people is the obama bringing along with him to insure that things run smoothly in this meeting, and anyone asking questions he does not like will be invited to leave the meeting. And we have all seen what happens when unions don't like something. In my 81 years I have witnessed many uses of union tactics.
It's very sad that a handful of hate mongers towards Obama would create such an uproar just because he is trying to get Health Care for the ones who do not have, I wish that they would happen to be in a position where their health care is compromised, I guess then they would feel the pain. What goes around, comes around. God does not sleep!!
The town halls across America seem to be dumping grounds for conspiracy theorist types who don't ask a single question, just blab on and on about their personal politics.
And CNN is picking it up–witness Sen. Spector's 'town hall."
Ask the conspiracy folks if any of them have ever been "gotten" by one of their theories.....
What will most likely get them is a heart attack.
I'd like to know WHO and HOW people are invited to these Town Hall Meetings???
Since it was announced that President Obama was going to be in NH today I've e-mailed the White House with all my personal information requesting that I be selected to attentd this NH Town Hall Meeting and I received no response!!!
I've been attempting to meet with the President since March 2009, and I receive "standard" reply letters stating how the President is very busy and can't meet with everyone.
I am in NH for the summer and the President is here, so I requested an invitation to thie Town Hall Meeting but never received a response.
This only leads me to believe that Politicians (both Democrat and Republican) only choose those that THEY want in attendance.
HOW DOES THE AVERAGE LOWER CLASS AMERICAN MAKE HIMSELF HEARD IF HE/SHE CAN'T MEET WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS????? This really upsets me.
I guess when you can't get people to accept something you cannot explain, then you have to discredit them with lies. Why when people reject one of obama's idea's he can't believe it is just a bad idea. He thinks since he wants it, it must be good and therefore if people reject it there are other reasons such as people paid to disrupt town meetings. LOL! how arrogant!!!!
Typical chicago politics from someone who cannot sell something on it's merit.
Are you really calling this the battlefront??? Remember, this is an Axelrod production, this will be staged questions, powder puff rebuttals. Obama puts on a GREAT show!
One thing that needs to be considered in this entire mess is the
drug companies and the insurance companies they are the death
squads.
The insurance companies decide if they are going to pay for your health care and the drug companies take millions of dollars and years and years to develop their drugs that are killing people and you don't call these death squads.
The entire insurance conglomerate and the big drug companies need to be investigated, overhauled and shut down, they need to start helping people find out why we are in such poor health instead treating us when we get in poor health.
We are born to die and no one will stop that.
Well, I for one think that these superior humans that we call our representatives should be heckled! They have wasted our money on bailouts for banks, the auto industry, Acorn and political backers, and a useless stimulus package. Now they are telling us how they are going to spend more of our money that we as a country can not afford on healthcare. If these folks spent their own money in the same manner they spend ours, they would have been bankrupt a long time ago!! Heckle these idiots right back to Washington and than out of office during the next elections!!!!
The simple fact that many at these meetings are ignoring, is the right "EVERYONE" has to free speech. These idiots purposely disrupting the meetings are taking away everyone elses right to speak and ask questions. If you are there to voice your concerns and ask legitimate questions, then fine, do so, that's your right. If you are there to just scream and shout and cause chaos then you are there as a town hall terrorist...of course in a Sarah Palin world, the only "Real Americans" that have rights are Republicans.
We have T.A.R.P, we have C.A.R.S and now through the magic of government we might have...wait for it.....wait for it.....
G.R.I.P = Government Run Insurance Program
Steve, Dallas, Texas
As much as the Obama thought police, and the "error correction web-site" try, they can't seem to suppress dissent on this. Maybe some more thugs at meetings to intimidate senior citizens, and your new "enemies list" will help. Or maybe a few hand-picked carefully screened meetings and faus "interviews" with your staff and other sycophants might do the trick.
Americans might be slurping-drinking, Big Mac eating, American Idol watching people. But we're not completely stupid – or at least not fooled for long. Too bad, Barry – the kool aid is wearing off quickly.
The president needs to start showing what kind of bill he would do if he were still in Congress. I know that I would support a government plan that covers those that were reject by most insurance coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
There also needs to be a way to get more nurses and doctors (among other health professionals) into the health profession. With more doctors and nurses able to afford to do that job (paying for school and insurance is far too high), there will be more places for people to go and possiblily lower rates and more time with patients.
I think the President shold point out that he knows a thing or two about being called "un-American," and emphasizes that kind of talk should end. But so should the other ridiculous hate speech coming from the right. If the American people are angry about death panels, extermination camps for special needs kids and euthanizing grannys, who can blame them? Problem is, NONE of that is true. Let's have rational discussions about this very important issue. The President has asked for a "Bi-Partisan" bill, still hoping for that. It is hard though, when he just gets this kind of wild rhetoric in return. The Republicans are afraid that if Obama succeeds, they will be in the wilderness for years. In reality, they COULD just work with him and then we all win.
I am glad people are asking questions. My question is why are they not running after the Republican town hall meeting?
What disturbs me is there will be good questions by attendees that I would want to know.......then here comes the 'I want my country back' which means they hate having a Black President. It takes away from the protestors credibility.
Obama is NOT there to listen. He's there to SELL. he's already made up his mind for us.
Let's hear him campaign speech these people to death!! I want him to tell them that he and the rest of congress are dropping their private coverage and will be the first ones on the new program.
King Obama will no doubt carefully orchestrate this town hall so that only his Union Thugs and ACORN comrades are there. He is doing everything he can to inhibit legitimate dissent.
If we can spend money on wars we shouldn't be in what's wrong with taking care of US citizens. The old folks protesting and the republicans were gung ho for medicare part d. But when it comes to taking care of the rest of us who are young and not old, white , or not about to get medicare or ss those same groups say no. Look at the protestors, they all seem to be old and white people who came of age in the 60s and 70s when whites were still treated like they were the only ones in this country.
Because screaming and whining works when you don't have logic or facts to back up your arguments. Have a nice day!
I hope President Obama will 'finally' understand, that Americans do not believe what he says anymore. They know that he tried to ram this through, and hope that the general population did not get any detail information about it. Conservatives are not surprised by him, because he is a liberal socialist. What amazes me personally, is how the other grown men and women, have been marching to the tune Obama plays.
Now they appear to be marching in quicksand. Let us give them a hand up, and show them a really good Bi-Partisan solution. We know
that there is much to be done. We love America and freedom must be
protected!!
What I don't get about the genuine anger – and I know at least some of it, if not all is genuine, is that a town hall meeting is not a protest rally, nor is it a shouting forum. they can wrap themselves in an American flag all they want, but shouting down the speaker or others whose turn it is to speak is not appropriate behavior, nor does it further their cause. Furthermore, so many of the people that show up on television have so clearly not read the content of 3200 that it seems odd that they can protest it so vituperatively.
Howard Dean was the shill who first brought up euthanasia, the parade thereafter pretending it was Sarah Palin are lying to you.
You can read all about Obama's real death panel in a letter from Peter R. Orszag to Nancy Pelosi dated July 17, 2009 and posted on the Whitehouse's own website, no less.
It is ironic that these allegedly "grass-roots" protesters would draw comparisons to Hitler and Nazi Germany in their opposition to health care reform, when it it is they who are using the tactics of the brownshirts that brought Hitler to power. Of course they would not know that, because they are mostly uneducated and easily led by the demagogues of the far right and the Fox entertainment channel. Why does this shouting down of debate reek of Rove and the other Texas dirty tricks crowd. It is 2009's version of swift boating. Hey CNN how about doing a little investigative reporting and get to the bottom of this?
The modern republican party now fully reveals in the light of day what they have become – a party of angry, overweight, middle-aged white people comfortable with their selfishness, bigotry and rascism. We see the heckling, the lack of civility, the organized attempt to disrupt and deny fellow citizens their right to talk to their representatives, the despicable signage and labeling of our President and Democrats as Nazis, the deliberate and malicious false assertion of "death panels" and forced euthanasia to strike fear in the hearts of our senior citizens. Truth, decency and righteousness will triumph over this unholy cabal. Lincoln, T. Roosevelt and Reagan are turning over in their graves.
It has recently been reported FOX 30 that Rev. Wright and Bill Ayers are now revealed to be behind assisting the GOP white racist devils in their "Community Organization" effort to defeat Obama's Nationalized healthcare Bill. When questioned by "Move On.Org" the two men simply stated what's good for the goose is good for the gander, right ON and Power to the People!
A very tightly controlled crowd of supporters will ask him questions that are hand fed to them. The new face of the American republic. But then I am part of the unpatriotic mob, whose movements and thoughts are being fed in to the enemies list being compiled by this thug administration. Nancy Pelosi is going to take care of my type.
Battlefront ? Couldn't you choose your words more wisely ?
It is a shame that Health Care Reform, so desperately needed for our country has been turned into such undesirable measures.
The lies, distortions, fear mongering, hate, anger being fed to the
American people by big corporations, extremists and politicians
is not the United States of America I grew up in.
Of course we have the right to disagree, voice our opinions, but respect, honor and integrity have been overrun by those who have
no interest in democracy.
What is even more disturbing are the people that refuse to recognize this is being orchestrated by medical enterprises whose only
desires are to remain in power and have complete control over our well being, continue to have record breaking profits by sacrificing us and our health care.
I wish those protesters would take the time to check out what they
are shouting but guess that will never happen.
It will be interesting to see if he refers to the opponents to his plan as "nazis" (Pelosi), suspiciously "well dressed" (Boxer), or employed by an unknown "Texas lobbyist" (Durbin).
Democrats are completely clueless on this. Do they think Michael Steele called up the Republican Rent-A-Mob Agency and ordered a few thousand protesters? People are genuinely concerned, and the Democrats vast right wing conspiracy claims are telling those concerned that Democrats think that they're stooges. Not inspiring, or productive, and possibly fatal to their goal.
President Obama, you swore: "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
The First Amendment of the Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Hello?
It is not right wing political operatives or special interest groups; It is not “unpatriotic” and “simply un-American” people that are attending these town hall meetings. It is “We the people…” and we do not want your socialist health care legislation.
Why doesnt the corporate media come out and denounce these town hall mobs for what they really are. We know that their claims are lies and distortions and the media knows it too. Why give these loonies credibility?
I believe in the democratic process and both sides should be able to debate, but acting "ghetto-fabulous" is not a way to get anything done. There is so much yelling and screaming you can't hear questions or concerns and then some people have a nerve to bring their children along to watch them behave like a 2 year old, what an example! Just because you disagree with someone does not mean you have to act in such a way that you nearly on the verge of having a stroke. Get real people, since we know something is going to happen, let's be civil in order to come up with something everything or most can live and for pete's sake get yourself educated about the facts before you go yelling, crying and screaming. AND STOP LISTENING TO PEOPLE LIKE SARAH PALIN WHO DOES NOT READ ANYTHING!
It's time to have a civil debate about health care. This isn't about Obama. He is rich and his family will quality health coverage for the rest of their life: like it or not; it's the thruth
With no public option, then the Insurance companies will have won once again. We might as well just give up on the idea of a country that is not going to be sucked dry by wall street execs and insurance companies. It is a shame that we have the ability to change it, but we will allow our laziness and willful ignorance destroy this great nation. Welcome to the third world, my fellow Americans. We are making our bed, we WILL be sleeping in it, now.
It amazes me that when Bush was outsourcing America to over seas countries we did not have all these town hall meetings. All of the things that Bush did to bring this country to where it is now, no one spoke up against this. But now that we have an African American president trying to change things to benefit everyone, we are having all these town hall meetings and the republicans are putting fear into the older generations mind. Someone needs to let the republicans no that who do they think controls medicare. Republicans are consistently putting fear into Americans mind, they are the ones constantly stirring up hate and fear. Stop all the bickering and fix the problems.
President Obama , will succeed because with God all things are possible.
Two fundamental questions underscore the fallacy of Obama's health care legislation
1. Today, every doctor, surgeon, specialist, nurse, nurse practioner, candy striper, hospital admin – all o fhtem, are working hard and working a full schedule, and then some. Obama plans to add 30 – 50 million people into the health care system. QUESTION: WHO IS GOING TO TREAT THEM, AND WHAT DO THE REST OF US HAVE TO GIVE UP IN CARE?
2. Most of the 30 – 50 million people that Obama wants to add to the health care system cannot afford to pay anything towards their insurance or their care, and even if they could, Obama has promised they won't be taxed or made to pay. QUESTION: Who is going to pay for the care of these 50 million people?
There are 20 million or more undocumented – illegal immigrants in this country today. They will be receiving health care benefits under this plan. As they pay no taxes of any kind, who is going to pay for them?
I welcome Obama to our state and PRAY that right-wing groups back off!! People need to be heard – not shouted down. I have a friend who is going, and I can't wait to hear what she has to say!
At least he will be able to shut up the stupid mob which takes its cues from private insurance companies and R. Limbaugh
I do not understand why people keep repeating information that is not true. I also do not understand why people want to pay higher insurance rate in the future just because that do not want to change. I also do not understand that our current system is bankrupting families, our government, and also leaving counts Americans out in the cold. Have we become a Godless country were we do not care about each other. Jesus would be ashamed.
May God forgive us.
I can see why health insurance CEO's would be against this, but why any regular American would oppose legislation aimed at reigning in insurance company exploitation of the American people is beyond me. People need to stop listening to liars and instigators like Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh or Sarah Palin and actually do some of their own research. You'd think that before someone shows up at a town hall to yell and scream they'd at least try to find out what they are talking about.
Once again the GOP spreads lies and tries to intimidate people who want to hear the facts. The people who should wear the swastika are those disrupting the meetings and denying others their right to free speech. Same tactics as in the 1930's in Germany.
It is surprising with so much anger over this plan after Mr. Obama's TV special that he now feels he has to go door to door – is this not a sign that he should re-craft the health care reform bill instead of being so stubborn to force his way. Most American's are happy with their health care plan according to various polls, why is he trying to bully America into accepting his policy, unless he feels that the super majority will weaken in the next election and this is the only time to pass such a socialist idea.
classy GOPers, very classy
a matter of time until the group organizing this surfaces and the manufactured outrage has some light put on it
There is legitimate outrage to the healthcare bill, but these yahoos are being organized (by some Texas Healthcare lobbyist whose office is in D.C.)
of course over the top, because if you don't hit some one over the head with your message, you are not a GOPer (really a hitler mustache on Obama – I'm sure W got his due as well however)
down with the GOP, up come the libertarians and independants in their places
GIVE ME PUBLIC HEALTH CARE – OR GIVE ME DEATH!!!
Literally speaking - because without it, more people would die!!
With it – they would be able to LIVE and tell their grandchildren how the Party of NO sense, NO suggestions and NO solutions fort this program and the number of RIOTS they INCITED!!!
........I am glad that CNN had plenty of fill-in stuff in talking about the President's foray into New Hampshire. I can't wait to see and hear his teacherish views on healthcare reform. If this whole mess was presented to me in a college classroom, I would flunk them all.
Why would I do that?....well, for openers how about this: if an Administration cannot deliver Trust to the people, it ain't gonna do much else.
Unlike Bush this President can debate any loud crybaby Republican.
They just better protect my President from those crazy repigs who are out to destroy him anyway.
I am really tired of all the complaining and stores that are being told. The gop did send out emails to people telling them how to act and all I just think that its terrible that people without insurance might not get the reforms and options that they need. I always thought this country cared about the less forunate but guess that's a thing of the past now
Let us think, Obama did not start a war of aggression in another country, kill over 150,000 people there or make 2+ million people homeless in ethnic cleasning, but the wing nuts that supported Bush show Obama with a Hitler mushtace? Sounds like the racists are trying a new lie. They want anything they can do the prevent this country from dealing with the problems left to us by President Chaney and his puppet all to keep history from calling Obama a sucess. Sad.
There is no question that we need healtth care reform and it is amendable that Obama took on this challenge.
We do need honest debate though from both parties and not a Democratic bill shoved down our throats. It must b e bipartisan so everyone can accept its terms and that can only be achieved through honest bipartisan cooperation.
Insurance premiums have nearly double from year to year over the last several years and it is time to fix the system, but the solution is obviously not government healthcare. They have failed at both Social Security and Medicare and now they want us to believe that more bureaucracy is better than the alternative.
What is it going to take for politicians to realize that Americans have had enough? We have seen and heard how poorly the government has run Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, Social Security, the Post Office, Amtrak, etc. Why on earth would politicians think Americans would be stupid enough to let them run ALL of our health care? Now, maybe if we had CONGRESS's healthcare? Yeah, right. I'm not going to hold my breath!!
The Nazi talk and other bad behavior of these protestors is appalling and makes me want to puke!
I have minimally looked at HR 3200 and could not get past the cross references which are buried throughout and which simply confuse the purpose and perhaps the good intentions of the bill. What is needed is a simplified "bulletized" summary listing of the benefits and the cost of the bill based upon reasonable parameters such as age, level of income, exclusions (concisely stated), etc. The bill is absolutely useless if I need a law degree to read and understand it. Probably why our congress has not fully read and digested the bill either. It would also help if Congress itself would have to participate in the product of their efforts. Or better yet, let the public participate in the same plan currently in effect for the Congress. I notice that Congress appears to reject their own participation. Hmmmm?
The old republican are in the Insurance pockets and the people that are yelling at the TOWN HALLS ARE BEING PAID BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. these same people have no insurance. what fools, sell your souls for a dollar!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If one's government can't do anything for it's people other than get involved in war, what good is it? This country didn't get great because of GOP anti-government platform. It became great with our hybrid economy of capitalism tempered with a strong social safety net. Unfortunately both of those things have taken a beating due to deregulation of the financial industry, housing industry, and with high unemployment, less tax revenues to keep the social safety net healthy during economic downturns. We are still a young country, so we are still in the experimental stages of democracy. We've got to get into the 21st century or we'll be a country left behind. To do this, we have to have a healthy population. I support a public option regardless of what the nay sayers are telling us. We don't deny life saving treatment to senior citizens receiving medicare, we shouldn't deny it for the 45 yr old who cannot get nor qualifies for a private plan or medicaid.
Surely the people at this Town Hall meeting will show our President more respect than they are showing our Representatives at someof the other meetings. I can't believe how ignorant some folks are acting. And for what? After all the heck raising Health Care will be reformed. I know it's what the Americn people want. All Obama is trying to do is what the people want. We have so many people who want him to fail. If you don't like this country or the way it is being run why don't you just leave?
What's that song? OH! Water Loo
I'm all for freedom of speech, but isn't there a law that says you cant yell fire in a crowded theater? Isn't there a rule that says Rush can't incite people to do this.
Which reminds me of a Bill Maher line a few years back when he grilled on of these hot gas radio guys"
[I'm paraphrasing] "the genocide in Rwanda started by the radio hot heads who stared calling for riots against the tutus, and considered them to be below dirt"
It is amazing that the GOP and the millionaire fox news and radio "entertainers" have manipulated so many americans into voting against thier own interest.
It just proves that a large segment of americans very easily manipulated by hate and fear over thier own self interest.
How sad..........
GOP, all you are doing is pushing me further to the left. I'm so glad I left your party.
Thank you, Mr. President for providing these town hall meetings to address these issues head on. There is so much fear driven by false information out there that we need you to calm the waters and correct the falsities over and over again until these irrational protesters are silenced with ration and correct information from the source.
Job well done, President Obama. Thank you.
I find it very offensive that some would make the assumption that I was part of a Repubican organization effort to protest at these meetings or that I naive enough to fall for lies and misinformation. Guess what – many of us are not liberal democrats who access the White House wesite for their health care bill "facts" and ignore the actual LAW. Many of us have actually read the LAW – HR3200 – that is being attempted to pass by lawmakers that are ignoring the wishes of the people.
I would ask Obama: if he did not intend for the government to control our lives, why are those who chose not to have "acceptable" health insurance charged 2.5% of their income? Are not taxes intended to raise revenue and as opposed to punishing those who do not adhere to what the government deems "acceptable"? Come on – even if you don't believe this administration is trying to control your life – this law opens the door to allowing someone to come along and take control of everything you do. The line must drawn at some point, and this is the point at which to do it.
Anger and hate....promoted by the GOP.
The right wing still can't accept that they lost in 2008.
Five stages of RebirtherTea Party denial
1. anger
2. anger
3. anger
4. anger
5. more anger.
President Obama has presented a well thought out and necessary project inherent in his health plan.. If the media would only let up on its own attacks on the plan (especially cnn and msnbc wih their so-called "guests" who both attack the plan and ridicule the President if not downright attack him verbally) maybe those of us who are confused and concerned about any changes in our present health care, such as provided by Medicare, would listen. But media waffling, and its obvious efforts to undercut the President show the world the stain of racism and class elitism and corruption, in part all responsible in for the terrible acts, verbally, in print, and from media in general against the president and the 48 million people, men, women and children without health care in this the wealthiest of nations What sunami of selfishness!
And of course his town hall will be filled by his lapdogs and koolaid drinkers, all staring doe-eyed at him, ready at a moments notice to fall prostrate on the floor and sing sweet praises unto ye.
Yeah, this will be about as staged as a WWE wrestling match. No disenting opinions allowed here. And of course Obama and the libs will use this to say that all Americans want his and Pelosi's plan.
Nice try Barry, us REAL Americans are too smart for you.
All of this nonsense can only mean that the administration is on the right track. Americans always meet wrong-headed initiatives and immoral policies with apathy and acceptance.
The Dems assisted by the media are trying to get this passed by making it a partisan issue? They have a supermajority! We have seen several degrading pictures of Bush for eight years, now suddenly it is news worthy because they are doing it to dems.
Fact check this…You can keep your current insurance plans…..but there will be restrictions on any future applicants joining. This will eventually kill all private plans as you need more young people joining to keep the plan on viable.
So instead of bailing out failing American Institutions, the government was just supposed to let them fail, along with all of the jobs that people hold there and the credit invested there....that seems like it definitley would have been the better way to restore a failing economy (sarcasm)
The disgusting behavior exhibited by these whiny children screaming at town hall meetings has got to stop. Its time for officials to start informing people at the beginning that people who try to disrupt the meetings with catcalling, name calling, booing, and screaming without waiting for an answer to questions will be thrown out.
Freedom of speech is one thing. Inciting a riot is another.
It is so wrong for a few on the right to equate our national socialist leader who is making lists of all citizens who disagree with him to that other national socialist leader of Germany in the 1930's, however it was oh so tolerant, open-minded, and fair when almost every Democrat in America equated George W. Bush to Hitler for the previous 8 years. Double standards and hypocrasy, left wing staples.
These people don't want reform, they could care less and half of them look like they have no coverage at all. They just want to oppose anything that a Black President proposes. This is the republican party at it's best!
OBAMA just doean't get it. The people are not satisfied with his plan. The democrats needs to go back and work with the republicans and come up with a plan to satisfy all. I was watching Waxman's committe debate the health care bill. Every single ammendment the democrats submitted were approved. All ammendments the republicans submitted were rejected. Where the hell is the team work????? And you wonder why peple are dissatisfied.
The fact is both Republicans and Democrats agree if we don't dramatically fix our health insurance system, our entire economy will become consumed by health care costs.
Unfortunately, Republicans are content to let the Democrats stick their neck out on this, meanwhile the GOP uses the issue to further divide and scare the American People.
What's more important to the GOP – Politics or Country? I think we can see the answer every day, as they constantly criticize but never offer anything new.
In 10 years, after Insurance Reform is passed, we will be glad we finally did it – if we don't we'll regret it for a long, long, time and America will continue to decline.
So it's OK for MoveOn.org and Code Pink to orchestrate opposition to Republican-backed bills, but not OK for right-wing groups to orchestrate opposition to Democrat-backed bills? Egad, Democrats are such hypocrites!
Know why the dems are pushing so hard for this to pass now? Because they see the writing on the wall–come 2010 they won't have the filibuster-proof 60 seats in the senate.
All this nasty Protesting thanks to
GLEN BECK
FOX NEWS
SEAN HANNITY
RUSH LIMBAUGH
REPUBLICAN PARTY
SARA PALIN
These people are Brainwashing people with lies and Mis Information and what is sad the Media wont Expose these lies and Mis Information!