LEBANON, Pennsylvania (CNN) - A hostile crowd shouted questions and made angry statements against overhauling the health-care system at a town hall meeting Tuesday led by Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter.
The meeting drew an overflow crowd of 250 people, with more gathered outside the hall to demonstrate for and against President Barack Obama's push to expand health insurance for 46 million people now without coverage while bringing down costs.
It was the latest in a series of emotional public meetings on the health-care issue that have prompted Obama and Democratic leaders to complain of a campaign by opponents to drown out the debate with unruly disruptions.
At one point, Specter shouted into his microphone that demonstrators disrupting the proceedings would be thrown out.
"We're not going to tolerate any demonstrations or any booing," he said after one audience member shoved another making an unsolicited speech. "So it's up to you."
Many in the crowd identified themselves as conservative Republicans, with one man noting they had voted Specter to Congress before the senator changed parties earlier this year.
Related video: Watch more of Specter's Tuesday town hall
A woman prompted a standing ovation by telling Specter: "I don't believe this is just health care. This is about the systematic dismantling of this country. … I don't want this country turning into Russia, turning into a socialized country. What are you going to do to restore this country back to what our founders created, according to the Constitution?"
Specter responded by noting his support for the Constitution as a past chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee on issues such as warrantless wiretaps.
"When you ask me to defend the Constitution, that's what I've been doing," Specter said.
However, Specter also noted that overhauling the health-care system is about America taking care of all its people.
"In our social contract, we have provisions that see to it that you take care of people who need some help," he said.
Several people asked if a health-care bill would mean taxpayer dollars would pay for others to get abortions. Specter responded that any measure passed by Congress would allow people to choose a plan that didn't cover abortions.
The senator agreed with the crowd on some issues, saying he opposes mandatory counseling on end-of-life issues called for in a House version of health-care legislation. Specter also vowed he would never support any bill that increased the federal deficit or took away a person's right to choose their health-care coverage.
"I am opposed to anybody making a decision for you or me or anybody else about what health-care plan we should have," he said.
Emotions ran high, with questioners complaining of government intrusion in their lives on health care and other issues. One man implored Specter and the government to "leave us alone," while another said the message Specter should take back to Washington is that he and others "want our country back."
The shoving incident occurred early in the 90-minute session, when a man started shouting that he had been told by Specter's staff that he could speak, but he didn't get one of the 30 cards distributed to people allowing them to ask questions. Another man stood up and shoved the protester, and Specter approached the men shouting for calm.
"You and your cronies in government do this kind of stuff all the time," the protester shouted before leaving the hall. "I'm not a lobbyist with all kinds of money to stuff in your pockets. I'll leave you so you can do whatever the hell you do."
Specter remained calm most of the time, except when a woman asked if the bill meant a 74-year-old man with cancer would be written off by an overhauled health-care system. He responded angrily, calling such a scenario a "vicious" rumor.
The senator also tried to inject some humor, making sure to thank the lone person among the 30 questioners who supported 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 would 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.
Updated: 12:27 p.m.
From CNN Politics
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Specter is NOT there to listen; he's there to justify his stance and sell his position. He, like nearly every other member of congress, has already made up his mind.
Republicans are habitually booed, protested and disrupted. Has it really been that long since he was a Republican? Maybe if he wasn't such an obvious turncoat his constituents would have a few shreds of respect for him. For those in his state who neither respect him or the health care bill. Keep up the pressure!
Turncoats should be thrown out as well. Perhaps the voters will do all of America a favor and toss the bum out next time around
PLANTED AUDIENCE. Paid for by the bloated pharmaceutical industry.
Did you notice the single demographic in attendance? Did you notice that this audience in no way represented the generally accepted view of the majority of America?
PLANTED AUDIENCE. This is representative of America, and this is NOT news.
Republican leaders need to take a deep look into their souls and determine if the want to continue to sell them to the devil or wake up and use their brains! The misinformation being spread by Republican leaders is GROSS. And unfortunately, there is a huge crowd of right-wing fanatics who act completely uneducated – because they are being fed one lie after another.
Republican's look pathetic, and what's worse – they are going to let American's suffer without adequate health care if they do not stop their campaign of lies.
Dr. Mengele would love the Obama Healthcare Plan but everybody else should hate it.
If I were Specter, at his age, I would be having no part of this bill, wait, he won't be affected by it, only we will.
All I can think of are the thug tactics used so effectively by the Nazis back in the thirties. And they were accusing their opponents of trying to turn the country into a socialist state, too. How sad, and scary, that the right wing crazies have no other ideas than to use these methods. Shame on the republicans and shame on the status quo lobby.
I honestly don't care about anyone's opinion anymore. Both sides of this argument have shouted, insulted, and name-called so much I am in a state of apathy.
I would like to know when American citizens became so dumbed down that they were incapable of having a civil discussion concerning anything? Have American citizens gradually become dumb, rude, shallow, etc.? Or has it just happened? It makes me wonder what the hell is going on? This is America, the world watches us and this is what we show as a sign of democracy?
A very large percentage of our population is delusional. This is a shock to me. Who, but a crazy person, can imagine that Democrats want to change America into a Stalinist state? Who, but a crazy person, can see our government as a threat to their liberties. It is government, especially the federal government, that has defended and expanded the rights of minorities and women. There was a time when the participation of women in politics was not welcome. The woman who shouts about turning America into Russia can speak so boldly only because the federal government has spent decades protecting and expanding the rights of women.
These delusional hooligans are going to become a much larger problem as time goes by, especially if Conservatism continues to lose on election day, may God so will it.
One woman prompted a standing ovation by telling Specter: "I don't believe this is just health care. This is about the systematic dismantling of this country. … I don't want this country turning into Russia, turning into a socialized country. What are you going to do to restore this country back to what our founders created, according to the Constitution?"
Hmm... Paranoid much? Have a nice day!
Lol @ protesters being scared America will turn into a socialized nation. It would be extremely difficult for this to take place. Only thing that will be socialized here is medicine.
.....I don't want this country turning into Russia, turning into a socialized country....
----------–
Enough said as to where, intellectually, many of these ‘protestors’ are really coming from.
God Bless America.
Conservative Republican's – can we dismantle medicare, medicaid, social security and everything else government run. Let us only keep the military and police stations. We don't need fire departments, what a socialist idea that I must pay for putting out someone elses home that is on fire. My house is not on fire. Can we stop giving money to foreign countries? That is socialism.
I see the GOP nut cakes are still out bullying and peddling thier fear and misguided conspiracy theorys and willfully mis-informing as many americans as possible.
In the end the GOP and thier insurance lobby masters will fail and average americans win.
So the "YESs" and "NOs" are civil at rethuglican town halls, but dem town halls turn into free for alls. In other words, the dems/YESs listen politely to the opposition, but the opposition would rather scream and throw punches than let the organizer speak. They don't need to attend town hall meetings – they need to be guests on the Jerry Springer show.
The government better listen up. The people are not happy. This ridiculous health care "reform" was teh final straw that broke the peoples backs.
I just heard on Fox news that the new healthcare plan will not cover my crystal meth. Dangit! Have a nice day!
A woman believes this is the “systematic dismantling of this country”? Wow, the insurance industry fueled fear mongers really did a number on her. If she wants to restore this country back to what the founders created, she should support a repeal of the Patriot Act, stand against warrantless wiretaps, and stand against torture. Also, don’t label and name call, but listen to all sides before making a decision on how you feel about the issue.
This man has no shame , Please be real Americans and vote him out of office.
These people are just wasting their energy when they jump up and down and raise cain at these Town Hall meetings. When all is said and done the Representatives will pass the Health Reform bill. So all their energy has been wasted. Don't they know this?
Not to worry; I think everyone is aware of who is behind all the misinformation being put out there, the shouting, shoving, etc. Hopefully, it won't work this time. Pres. Obama is dispelling all this rubbish by speaking out with the straight poop, so I suggest getting it right from the horse's mouth rather than from the rowdies.
How stupid the people who are disturbing the townhall meetings on health care can be. They are just being used by the special interest groups since these groups know fear mongering tactics always work to go against things the governemnt proposes. Wake up guys and think for yourself and don't be puppets in some body's hands.
Sorry Arlen. You have no credibility. Your current party will throw you to the wolves and your old party realizes you are just there because you like the perks and job.
And by the way: What Social Contract!?
"At one point, Specter shouted into his microphone that demonstrators disrupting the proceedings would be thrown out". ..............
He obviously does not understand the concepts of free speech and dissent.
We will not be silenced.
I would be upset with Specter as well if I were a GOPer, as a democrat I wish he would retire
the Pennsylvainia meeting sounded like a good debate, minus the shoving, with people actually saying how they feel, stating their reasons and even once there voting with their feet to show the politicians they totally give up on the town hall
All much better than the previous protestors with hitler signs
Wish I could be at one of these town hall meetings when these people say they are upset about being lied to by the government and that this health care reform is going to increase the deficit. Who do you think started this tremendous deficit ??? BUSH!!! And what was all the money spent on? A war that he and his administration LIED about and for which my grandkids will pay for. Never hear any of these Republicans complain about that though. I guess it's fine to waste taxpayer billions and trillions on a fake excuse for a war than to spend it helping Americans.
Remember People. This is not about healthcare. This is about a BLACK man in the White House. Where were these angry white people when Bush was spending THEIR money?
Everything Obama does comes under scrutiny. Come on people, do you really expect this administration to fix the mess the Republicans created overnight? He has not been in office for a year, so it is unfair to criticize him at this point.
To the lady crying, "I want my country back": Who took your country away? The answer is: Those gangster Republicans who hijacked Washington!!
Our politicians want healthcare so here is one that should be done. How about all the politicians have the same healthcare that we do. I think that we would see one of the best changes that has ever been done for this country. Thank you. Ben Murray
It is obvious that the Republicans have neither a sense of shame or decorum. This reminds me of Newt Gingrich and I would not be surprised if the sleeze ball was behind these lynch mob tactics.
This was not an angry crowd as you have described it. I watched the entire town hall and it was very organized, but all the questions were not answered.
How Do You Spell Republican? Answer: F...A....C...I...S...T....!!
The town hall screamers are angry and afraid about things they’ve read in chain e-mails and propaganda websites, or heard from Fox News shills. But when they get together in a room with one of the people actually WRITING the legislation, they make it impossible to receive any accurate information with all the screaming and chanting and otherwise not asking questions and listening to answers. That’s. Just. Dumb.
I watched the entire Spector segment; aside from the first gentleman who was rather rude the rest of the crowd was respectful, informed, thoughtful and quiet.
After listening to what this gentleman had to say I have to tell you he didn't say anything about health care. He just wanted to tell the Senator that God would take care of him. What a bunch of bull. I am an Independent but like many others are getting tired of this. We don't know what is right and you people who are screaming and yelling are sure not giving us a chance to find out.
It appears to me that all of the protesters are republicans. Is it something about republicans vs democrats? We need to check that above all other things. How come mostly republicans are worried about health care. We need to pay attention to this kind of activities. It's not about health care anynore. These mobs need to be chased away from the townhall meetings. They are republicans with their own agenda.
More people believing the pack of lies touted by Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck. People need to start thinking for themselves.
Freedom of speech is not a guarantee of an unfettered shouting match at a town hall meeting. These meetings are held as a civic exercize in encouraging input into the process by ordinary citizens. They are held at the pleasure of the elected law makers. The disruptors are going to stifle debate on important issues because there is nothing in our Constitutional right to freedom of speech that requires an elected law maker to hold a town meeting. I, for one, would not blame the elected law makers if they suspended these riotous meetings in order to protect their safety and the safety of attendees.
How shocking................Pennsylvania once again becomes violent over something the Government is trying to do to help people. What do you expect from a State that produces animals such as the fine, upstanding young men that recently received slaps on the wrist for a violent crime in Shenandoah.
I
If these crackpot right wing "birthers" and "deathers", who created a huge mess after 8 years of GOP rule, think reforming health insurance is a bad idea, then it must be a GREAT IDEA!
Whenever Republicans don't like an idea, they raise the flag of Socialism, Communism and lately Terrorism. Why are they afraid of health reform? It's because the medical industry is making billions off the sick and the elderly. They say how horrible nationalized healtcare in other countries is and how much more advanced our system here is. Our system here is only advanced for those that can afford it and bleeds the last cent out of those who can't.
Arlen, for once in your pathetic, hack, bought-and-paid-for life, LISTEN to your constituents.
THEY DON'T WANT OBAMACARE!
That should be simple enough even for you.
No Bush to blame. We really are the problem since we was voted in 2006. Buh, bye democrats!
NO health care changes unless congress has to be on the same plan. So far they have said NO which means the new system would be lousy.
You know, I'm beginning to believe more and more these confrontations are indeed orchestrated. This is becoming ridiculous that adults are letting themselves be reduced to such "craziness".
I guess they want be happy until someone is seriously injured or killed. Then the their fingers will be pointed in all directions and I guess then we'll see who is actually behind all this.
Hopefully a solution will be worked out and people voices will be heard without shoving matches.
These people are acting more worse than children. Grow up. This is a democracy. Stop shouting people down like morons.
Notice that "Specter responded that any measure passed by Congress would allow people to choose a plan that didn't cover abortions." This is a clever refusal to answer the question which allowed Specter to sound as though he was answering the question. Someone choosing a plan that doesn't cover abortions (most likely a private plan) does not mean that tax payers would not still be paying for the public plan, which, quite possibly, would cover abortions for others.
I don't currently have health insurance, but I hardly think it's my patriotic duty to demand that those who can afford health insurance pay for mine. It sounds more like a spirit of entitlement to me.
Health-Care Reform in any flavor simply will not work unless the underlying reasons for runaway costs are addressed. First we have to cap malpractice awards then we have to cap drug prices. Unless the greed of lawyers and big business is controlled it's useless trying to reform health-care.
Everyone seem to be in such a panic over the health care plan. One woman stated are we going to become socialist like Russa. She needs to get her facts together because theSoviet Union collapsed in 1991 forming a free economy that replaced the socialist economy . The health insurance I have through my employer is horrible. I have to pay hundres of dollars each year to see my doctor for my Rheumatoid Arthritis and they did not cover my doctor for the 1st year of coverage because of a "pre-existing condition".
1. These politicians lied. People have been rejected for life treatments and accepted for death treatments. Abortions, sex changes, and other "optional" treatments have not been disallowed and their funding is a shell game.
2. My parents' death consultation included how expensive the medical care was even though they were dying.
3. Some of Obama's people, including his "czars," have already publicized their endorsements of preferences for work-aged adults than children and elderly, including saving the lives of dogs over disabled children.
4. Health Care concerns are featured in horror/science fiction films and stories bringing up some of the same fears. It's human nature!
I saw that lady the 35 year old Republican and again have to question what is she talking about? What does the Constitution have to do with health care reform? This anger from the GOP is just the fact they lost control of house,senate and the White House and can't take it. Funny when Bush-Cheney was voilating the Constitution almost monthly these same Republicans said nothing.
Got news for ya. The country is owned lock stock and barrel by corporations, who control our government. The takeover happened long ago. Getting universal health care is the opposite of what these brainwashed tools of the corporations claim–it's taking our tax money back from the corporations and their republican handmaidens. The shouters are ignorant.
Congress needs to realize they work for the american people and not Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid. I have never seen any group as arrogent or self serving as the democrats, lead by pelosi. Every dollar spent is another piece of the country sold to China. they are mor interested in illegal alliens then their own citizens. they are acting like traitors.
Just something to think about. All members of congress have the best that socialized health care can offer.
can it be that these people who are protesting are really upset with the actions of the government?
All I hear is how they are paid to do this.
I dont believe it. We as americans have the right to free speech and that means we can speak up during politicians meetings.
If Spector does not like that, then I guess he does not care too much for the Constitution of the United States.
The easiest thing would be to let the American people vote for or against this health care. It is unfortunate that those who we vote into office for one reason turn on us for another.
HURRAY – looks like a grassroots swell is a-comin'!!! Last time I read The Constitution, I don't remember reading that there was a social contract contained within. Nor one that said I should pay for such contract. Specter (and all you other DC power-leaching hooligans), where is your sense of self worth? Oh, sorry, those who feed at the public trough have none – only how much power you can usurp from your public can be transferred to you.
the irony, no anger during the Bush dictatorship
i watched the meeting on CNN. It was orderly, no shouting, very concerned citizens asking intelligent questions in a polite manner. Specor was very polite and gave fairly decent answers. Don't why you media dummies have to make a sensational war out of this particular meeting.
Someone needs to ask in the media, "Why the people attending these town hall meetings seem to be all comprised of only one demographic being white, retired, 50 +, middle to upper middle class and anti any health care reform?" BTW I am a conservative libertarian Republican asking you in the media to ask this question on the air or in print at some point. My personal values reflect as conservative libertarian Republican a strong belief in a true meritocracy where the health insurance companies should be forced to compete with any and all options possible.
PS Also please, people in the media, point out that holding these meetings during the weekday 9:00am to 5:00pm pretty much excludes all other demographics from attending.
Whew. Things are getting ugly out there. Really ugly. In my area we are at the onset of a historic crime wave (my home has been robbed twice this year). The economy is getting worse and worse and it seems like no one is in charge. All you can do is try to ride it out and hope for the best and pray. All this government bunk is pure smoke and mirrors. The govt. is broke. I don't go around asking broke people for help.
These so called conservative republicans are the reason I left america and became a permanent rez of canada.In toronto I got sick last year, went to emergency room, waited 45 minutes, got to see the doctor, was prescribed antibiotics, then went to the pharmacy and got my drugs, total cost $5. the ignorance of republicans and nay-sayers= Priceless!!!!
Keep demonizing, attacking, lying about, and trashing everyday Americans who have paid their taxes, never commited a crime, and just want to continue to enjoy their great health care.
Yes, we want reform, we want cheaper better care, but Obamacare is not that. Notice, not one lib will ever address the biggest reason why health care is so expensive lib-frivilous lawsuits. They wont because for their loyal voting base, it is known for them as the liberal lottery. If we could get every Democrat in America to have a quarter of the values of the average Republican, health care costs would be cut in half!
BTW, libs, everyone has the internet, we can see what Sarah Palin actually stated, then see Dean is just another lib liar, euthanasia-ha, silly lib!
Maybe Senator Spector and others should check about the woman in Oregon. She was on a STATE run health care program similar to what Congress wants to ram through. She was 64 years old and had pancreatic cancer. The state refused to pay for the medicine that would have kept her alive
It's not a vicious rumor. It HAPPENED! It happens in Europe. It will happen here. If you don't believe it will, I've some oceanfront property in Kansas to sell you.
"I don't believe this is just health care. This is about the systematic dismantling of this country. … I don't want this country turning into Russia, turning into a socialized country. What are you going to do to restore this country back to what our founders created, according to the Constitution?" = parroting of the empty hyperbole infesting conservative talk shows. and the self-characterized Conservative Republicans in attendance are giving this a standing ovation...? how about some original thoughts and some clear arguments?
Doesn't want this country turning into Russia ??
Do these people actually have a 2nd grade or higher education , the sheer ingnorance of these so called conservitives is frightening
Taking care your own is part of defending your country. If people are not healthy who will defend you?
People who are fighting healthcare reform are unpatriotic, uncaring, and unAmerican, self-centered egotists!
Obviously a paid organizer, eh? Such bull. That is one ticked off average joe citizen who has probably read 10x more of the bill than Spector has.
"The Dems will overreach" is the understatement of the year. No one thought that they'd actually call concerned citizens 'thugs, nazi's and mobs'.
Self destruct mode? yup.
Boiled Madam ... boiled!
It is truly sad to see these people who supposedly care about our country ruin what are supposed to be genuine debates about much needed health care reform...the GOP and these self described conservative Republicans are a mere 'freak show' at this point...It is sad that people with REAL health care issues have to be yelled at and demeaned in public by people who are merely there to disrupt and cause chaos for there own glorification...congratulations again GOP you are showing your true colors, and what you have become...may the country see the light and throw out the rest of the GOP in 2010!!!
I'm embarassed for these people, and in shock over what is happening in this debate. Their understanding of what Democracy is and what our Constitution stands for is distorted beyond comprehension. I hope they represent on a small fraction of Americans.
note the typical democratic response: I wont tolerate any booing, I will throw you out (along with the first amendment).
One angry man yelling is not a "hostile crowd"...please just report and stop using propaganda language. I have been to numerous anti-war rallies...that is a hostlie crowd. One old man using foul language is nothing but one old man using foul language. Please if you can not simply report, if you have to use exaggerate to share "news", do not even bother putting your hands on the keyboard
This does not give justice to the unintelligence that showed up to the meeting. One man received applause for demanding bills be written at a middle school level. Are you serious?!?!? Thats the summary of the people who are crying about becoming socialists because the government wants to change their health care plans. These people have no clue.
All Congressman, not just Spector, better wake up to the fact that people are tired of Congress lying to them. The airplane deal in the pentagon, the insurance debate; it all stinks. And Congress just keeps on lying and doing what they want. The insurance deal will be just another deal to give "free stuff" to the Mexicans that the taxpayers will end up paying for.
The drug companies and their cronies have worked hard to make it look as though people don't want change in health care as it is today.
They figure that if they make enough noise and annoy enough people, demand for change will all go away.
Sorry, folks, that's just not going to happen.
Why do we even listen to these crackpots? It's clear that the Republicans have completely lost their minds.
These angry people are crazy. Just pass the healthcare bill and hope they all loses their minds afterwards and we won't have to deal with them anymore when another bill tries to pass.
This "angry crowd" was organized by the good ole' GOP. They have now stooped to an all-time low.
...total baloney. anyone that thinks these "protests" are anything other than orchestrated bull crap is one brick short of a load. apparently it's easy to dupe ignorant right wing buffoons & rednecks into acting like spoiled children.
I'll bet the man who shoved the protester was one of his buddies who was also hired by the Republican Nazi Party to disrupt the meeting.
They look like they just step out of the Jerry Springer show....probably did.
People like this just make me hang my head in shame.
Have you noticed that the people in the crowds are old white angry ugly men & women?
These people are a piece of work. "WE DON'T WANT GOVERNMENT TO TAKE OVER HEALTHCARE AND DON'T TOUCH MY MEDICARE!"
These "conservative Republican" citizens probably have no idea how the violation of their civil rights under the prior administration took them closer to a totalitarian state than reform of a bloated health care system ever could. I wonder how many of them are aware that the Supreme Court has taken a case for hearing in September, before its regular term, where the issue is the repeal of an over one hundred year law banning corporate funding of political campaigns? There may be enough conservative votes to ensure that political offices can be bought outright by the biggest corporate donors, who then will get in line for another free handout for their bonuses. Please show me where that concept is in the Constitution and how that would not be legislating from the bench.
I spoke to someone the other day with views similar to those conservative Republicans above. When I asked what she thought about a single-payer system, she had no idea what I was talking about. I think it's time for conservative Republicans to stop getting their information from mass e-mails and word of mouth, do their own research, and get informed through proper channels. It's like these people will believe anything they're told, such as the bill including language concerning "death committees." I feel sad for true conservatives that know what they're talking about, because these people are really giving a bad impression.
Sick people with sick Republican ideas. Newt and Sarah Palin prey on the feeble minded and this is what we get. No wonder the country hates Republicans.
Sounds like good old PA (my former state of residence) is not as liberal as the media would lead you to believe – although those of us who have lived there know this very well.
The fact is Arlen was elected as a Republican, and regardless of political affiliation, the people of this country largely seek fiscally (and many times socially) conservative politicians, whether they know how to define this or not. Its not about D or R – its about where your tax dollars are going.
Hey Arlen, re: "the vicious rumor" about writing off the elderly. I know you haven't bothered to read the bill, after all, you are a very busy man and above such trivial pursuits. So let me assist you (free of charge) It's on Page 427: Government mandates program that orders end-of-life treatment. Government dictates how your life ends.
Now that that is settled. You sir, are toast, probably in more ways than one.
Signed: an un-American, mobster, who currently works full time as in Physician practicing Internal Medicine in Georgia.
TOAST
I am so glad the people are waking up to take our country back from a government that does not think we the people are important.
All they want to do is spend our money. That has got to stop.
This is why Obama was rushing to get the Healthcare reform passed before Congress went on their summer break, he knew that Senators & Congressmen/women would go home and get an earful from their constituents who do NOT want this to pass and are tired of the government giving away their tax money. While I personally supported the TARP funding, Obama and Congress did the same thing, slam it through before the public could have any idea about what they were doing.
The opponents continue to say that dissent is American. Yes it is, but this juvenile disruptive behavior is not dissent. Act like adults, think for yourselves and stop parroting RNC/Rush/Beck talking points. Ask challenging questions, but what do you gain by disrupting the meeting, calling people Nazis, spouting untruths?
And that goes for the left too.
The founding fathers would be embarrased by this.
I wonder if these radical right-wing loonies actually know that they're just pawns of the insurance industry.
MEMO to OLD PEOPLE at TOWN HALLS
Stop listening to Rushblo, Bill-O, Palin, Beck and rethuglicans about "death panels" for old geezers, free sex change operations and abortions on demand – IT'S ALL LIES!
Do yourself a favor grandpa and grandma – wait until there is a final bill under consideration to ask questions about or make intelligent comments on. There isn't one yet so hold your water or wear your depends until there is one.
In the meantime turn off your radio and the ClusterFOX News – You'll live longer and get better health care reform if you do...
It's unfortunate that some of these people do not take the time to educate themselves on the real issues so that they can make an intelligent, informed argument at these town hall meetings. If you unable to have a civil debate based on facts rather than the hysteria generated by some in the media, you do not have the emotional intelligence to help shape policy for anyone, including yourself.
I had hoped that the bad old days of the Bush administration were over, sadly they continue in all their "gory"! Re-distributing wealth, pushing through a socialist agenda, and accusing those opposed to Obama healthcare overhaul as "Unamerican". Come on Dems, don't you remember that mantra when you protested the wars?? Oh, yeah, speaking of the wars, were'nt you all opposed to them during the bad old Bush years?? Hypocrisy at it's finest!!
If we don't give the insurance companies some serious competition from the government, then what is the point. The fat cats have won again, just like the wall street bailout. We might as well lay down and wait for the wall street and insurance execs to suck our country dry and then move to some place nice, like Europe or the Bahamas, to retire, while we enjoy our new third world status. I guess we deserve it, kind of, for our willful ignorance. Arrrrghhhh!
Medicare & Medicade are bankrupt, the government is bankrupt, social security is going bankrupt, the economy is in the tank, the post office is also bankrupt and this new healthcare bill is projected to be bankrupt and result in undoubtley more taxes as all other government programs do. So why would we vote for the government to run another bankrupt program. This is financial disaster!!! Then Congress wants to purchase new private jets!!! Wow "What a joke!!!"
I think the gentleman's reference to Lobbyist contributions to our elected officials has great merit. Why do our elected officials receive such large amounts of money for influence with much of this money coming in from outside the districts the congressional leader is representing and this leads to everyone question as to why this is not a bribe? These contributions minimize the importance of the voters within the district, when some Wall Street corporation, bank, or wealthy person from outside the district can influence the people.
Hooray for more uninformed, conservative crazies interrupting town halls, we should be so proud!! What a fine example our nation sets for the rest of the world! Disgusting.
These people don't even want to be informed, they just want to spout off their hate, stomp their feet and throw temper tantrums like children. They have no clue what they are talking about, they only believe what Rushy and Sarah tell them to believe. They make me sick.
Maybe they saw Arlen Specter standing behind a podium and they thought it was a death panel.
Nice how when MoveOn, the unions, or any other lib group sponsors it, it's considered Americans being real Americans. Yet when it is people who are informed, who want to let the people who are SUPPOSED to represent them in Washington, that they think this healthcare sham is wrong and bad for America (and they're right), they're considered a mob, terrorists, nazis, etc. Where was the outrage from the left when people were calling the president a war-mongering facist back when Bush was in office? Oh that's right, the libs feel they can change the rules to suit them whenever they want.
The libs are showing everyone just what a two-faced disgrace they are.
The fact that people paint swatztikas and ss lightning bolts, go to town hall meetings and shout outrages claims, try to paint President Obama as evil by comparing him to hitler and try to make us believe that socialism is inevitable lets me know that these people have not been informed. They are being used as pawns to start a fight that they can only lose. Despite the outcome of health care reform, in 2012 we will look back at how the conservatives acted and will continue to act 'stupidly'. The lack of leadership on the right is dividing the country but fortunately the majority has common sense and will re-elect President Obama. The truth is that it's not about health care to them, it's about the right electing a republican in 2012. Good luck buddies. Just make sure Palin is somewhere in the picture so late night can have some great material.
Oh right!! We're trying to provide health care for the uninsured, get rid of the pre-existing condition exemptions, make sure the insurance industry doesn't stand between the doctor and patient and make health care plans portable, and that means we're becoming like Russia?!!!! At the risk of sounding elitist, these boistrous town hall intruders have no brains.
It's the Republican way. Force, intimidate, overpower, shout, scream and if that does not work make up stories and lies to make them fear change.
I watched a significant portion of the town hall meeting. It was not as raucous as the writer makes it out to have been. There were actually many good questions, asked in a civil manner, and not everyone identified themselves as Republicans suggest. The writer addressed none of those pointed questions, which suggest anger with the government lies much deeper than just with the folks Pelosi chooses to call un-American. Bottom line: slanted coverage as always. But, after all, this . . . is CNN.
I'm willing to bet quite a lot of money that the woman screaming for a "restor[ing] this country back to what our founders created, according to the Constitution" has never read the Constitution.
Otherwise, I assume she will be happy to forego all of the following benefit which she enjoys (or will enjoy), including:
- Social Security
- Medicare / Medicaid
- the Air Force
- Miranda Rights
- Privacy Rights
- etc etc
These people are radicals. They are JUST LIKE the radicals in Iraq!
If these people were EDUCATED at all they would KNOW that what they are yelling is far from fact! These people won’t read or educate themselves on the issues instead they listen to people like Rush, Beck and Fox tv who’s facts are far from that, FACT.
At first I was really upset at all their craziness, however now I think its great! People who are the “Swing Vote” are seeing what the Republican Party is all about. HATE. DICTATORS. NO. HATE and RADICALS!
These Republicans are such hypocrites. Specter is exactly right, these people who are so scared of government, that they need gun rights, allowed the Warrantless wiretaps without a word. Let the government take away our civil rights , but god forbid they try and give us some social services.
Arlen, it time that you take your retirement and rest the rest of your life. You have served your country well. Time to move on for people with better ideas.
Arranged and promoted by Rush Limbaugh and Karl Rove. Republicans are desperate and have recruited complete morons to have at their beck and call. This isn't hard to figure out folks. Be afraid, be very afraid.
Some people are legitimately angry and scared, because they have been lied to about "euthanasia" and "socialism."
I hope these scared and angry people learn the real facts, because health insurance reform will probably help most of them and their families!
Desparate Republican actions solely for Republican political gain as opposed to actions on behalf of Americans in need. It shows where their minds are at, certainly. They care not to act on behalf of their charge for Americans. Rather, they care to act solely on their need to recover power so they can go on screwing normal Americans in favor of their selected constituency outside the ones that elected them.
Pathetic bunch of Americans, in my opinion. One wonders for whom they are really working.
I have to give it to Senator Specter going in to lyons den? However, Senator Spector you will not get many votes in that crowd. Remember you are a Dem now?
Just about every other country in the world has a government run healthcare. That is why their companies are more competitive, they do not have to extremely high premiums for their workers. They do not have to pay for the profits of the insurance companies. We are behind the rest of the world in this field. I don't think anyone is trying to make our health care worse; we are just trying to find a way to make sure we have affordable health care in the future. If we keep our current healthcare it will not be affordable for anyone in a few years. Is it expensive, yes, but insurance companies are able to make a profit, so I am sure we can come up with something.
The news media is helping to fuel this spectacle! Instead of presenting us with informed discussion about a major public policy issue, you are handicapping a fistfight. Shame on you. If the mass media would discuss the Healthcare reform initiatives people would be better informed and wouldn't scare so easily. I guess shouting matches make better visuals. FYI: I voted for Obama, I think he is doing a wonderful job, and I am certain we will get healthcare reform within a couple of months. BTW: I also support the public initiative.
My demographic is white, 62 years old and female. I live in a suburb and I was laid off when I was 55 and had no healthcare at all for five years!
Bullies on a playground.
Did anyone notice that none of the disrupters at these town hall meetings puts forth a more viable solution? They just disrupt and mainly, I'm afraid to say, because they have no thoughts of their own but rather the speaking points of the right-wing pundits who are afraid that a Black man might have an idea that works!
Remember when the lefties were the "shrill" loonies, according to right-wing talking heads. Guess that thing about conservatives being polite only applies during a GOP administration.
I am grateful that this a tiny part of the American population. I'm beginning to think the older population has fallen behind in the technological era. They don't seem to realize that lies can and are told without impunity. They believe the right wing media because they don't understand that is OK for FOX to lie on television and online. We need to have some kind of standard applied to cable news and soon. Health Care Reform is vital to the sustainabilty of our nation and it is a threat to Insurance industry thus the big bucks to foment anger and lies.
Seniors better wake up I can't believe that seniors are not for health care reform if this country doesn't pass some kind of effective health care reform the country will go broke and the medicare benefits that seniors rely on will be no more WAKE UP!
This is absolutely amazing because the truth is I don't really care what is in the bill except to say they are not addressing the issues of why our insurance is so expensive. I don't understand why we have to offer a completely new system that is run by the government instead of fixing the one we already have. Did you hear Obama say that it would take 10 to 15 years to have single-payer. I know, people say that he said this two years ago. Whatever, if you don't think he still feels this way, you are fooling yourself. The bill currently being discussed creates a new system instead of fixing the current system. This is like the government deciding to make its own computers because everyone has the right to a computer. The government will then offer the computers at a cheaper price. Even though the government computers would not be the only on the market, the other companies wouldn't be able to compete. Guess what happens? In just a few years, the other companies go out of business and everyone only buys government computers. Wake up people! Listen to what Obama says instead of his doublespeak.
Anger and hate....all promoted by the GOP.
I watched this town hall meeting. You forget that many of the people that spoke identified themselves as being invited, being non-partisan, and being concerned Americans. The majority of the town hall conversation was tense and civil.
I encourage people to stop listening to the spin and watch these meetings for yourselves. These are real Americans from a wide spectrum of political beliefs
(because this country is not Red or Blue as the media would have you believe, it is politically DIVERSE).
Watch, Read, Inform Yourselves. Wake up.
Looks like the crazies are out in full force. They can't call Obama what they would like to as racial slurs are so taboo these days, so they resort to nonsense like "socialism" or "I want my country back" slogans. What do you think social security and medicare are???? I didn't see too many protesting Bush when he added billions to medicare! Where was the outrage then??? Get a life, racists.
All of those conservative Republicans who claim they want the country to be what its founding fathers didn't worry about the country changing when that incompetent Bush and the criminal Cheney were stomping on the constitution. This wanting their country back is about more than just policy. We've had policy changes when power changed hands throughout history. This is about the country looking different and the leaders being different. The constitution means nothing to these hooligans. Americans mean nothing to these hooligans. They could care less if the family down the street could not afford healthcare. These people are worried that the change in the country will mena the change in the pecking order of who the governemnt is going to take care of. What these morons don't realize is that the previous governement wasn't looking out for their interest. All this nonsense about marxism, and socialism. I would bet most of these people shouting these words don't even know what they mean or what the difference is.
This is all about willful ignorance. People who don't take the time to find out the facts for themselves and instead follow the lead of those distributing innuendo and blatant lies. It's clear when someone says that they don't an this country "turning into Russia," that they are simply not informed on the matter other than swallowing misinformation. It's clear they know nothing about the health care reform and what it's function will be. If they are so concerned about it, why not take the time to investigate and find out for themselves what this health care reform really is about and that you DON'T HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR INSURANCE if you don't want to? They don't do it because they are lazy, ignorant and naive. It's simply easier to believe what they hear Glenn Beck say on TV than to actually get up and read a newspaper. Ridiculous. This country is too stupid for its own good. People are too lazy to form their own opinions. Pathetic.
Lobbyists and Special Interest groups hard at work!!!
There would have been just as many protesters in favor of health care reform if its proponents were also willing to hire them. This reminds me of how dictatorial regimes quash dissent–by sending in hoards of sock-puppets parroting their repressive line.
Single-payer now!
Otter, MD MPH
Mr. Specter
The general welfare in the constitution has nothing to do with health care. And your Social Contract also means you should protect the United States from Policies that are bad for the country.
Republicans are stupid.
Rowdy elements, based on reports, most readily are reared and raised by the Repubs on a fairly regular basis during these riotous and rambunctious town hall meetings. Thase kinds of remarks can only ignite rage and ire against the garrulous but goofy GOP.
I will admit that I don't know the deatils but I thought we had coverage for all already in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Medicaid for people who can not afford Health Care coverage. If you can afford it and don't choose to carry Health Insurance, that's your problem, not ours.
This was a long and heated discussion this morning on CNN and i don't understand why you posted a video that tells nothing of the discussion against senator Specter. Many of the town hall people were upset with the senator and brought up major issues, such as health care and the government getting into our bank accounts. why don't you show a video of some of the town people's opinions about this health care issue and the senators answers to them. this video shows nothing of the issues being dealt with. Americans are not happy about this health care reform and no is listening to the Americans anymore... We need Ron Paul!
That wasn't much of a shove. Big letdown CNN. I was ready for some "Don't Taze Me Bro" action and all I got was this....
What has happened to civil discourse in this country?
Yelling, screaming, and stomping your feet is not dialog. It is childish and counterproductive. What kind of example are these people setting?
At the very least educate YOURSELF prior to stepping up to the mic. Screaming that Obama is a 'scary guy' does nothing.
Round out your sources.
Here is some news for the new 'birthers' out there...
The Glenn Beck's of the world do not represent mainstream America and yelling the loudest does not make you right.
Let us not forget...we are all Americans.
These so called conservatives that are going to these town hall meetings and disrupting should be disgraced. Sit down and have a civil conversation. Not everything revolves around you. When others disagree with anything the Republicans don't want, they get mad and then they send in their "crazy" people to disrupt civil meetings. Totally un-American and you should be ashamed. The Republicans lost, so now they are trying to get their people fired up, how pathetic.
These rethuglicans sound just like they came from listening to lush limpaugh (the drug addict) and went straight to the meeting. Their talking points are identical to rush. BTW ladie, um we just survived a dictatorship under gwb, nothing could be worse than that.
Geepers...Obama's plan for a public insurance option is going to turn the US of A into Russia??? Just how ignorant and uneducated are these people??!?!? The level of public ignorance on this issue is incredibility embarrassing considering Russian-like people living in Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Great Britain, Sweden, etc. are watching it. And guess what, in those Russia-like countries, Obama's plan would STILL be considered too right wing to work. The HMO lobby must be bribing....err...donating a LOT of money to "conservatives" this year. This whole health care debate is a JOKE. Americans should be ashamed of how corrupt their government has become and how feeble the mainstream media is in exposing it.
I dont understand this article..."specter face angry crowd at town hall meeting"....i watched the whole meeting, for 5 minutes was the one guy a commotion, thats it!! you're whole article points out these 5 minutes, the rest of the 85 minutes was good debate and questions...how the media continues to love to sway peoples thinking!
I'm so tired of this behavior. I can't believe how gullible the Republicans are. Its time to grow up people. And its time for gvt officials to inform people at the beginning of these meetings that they will be thrown out of they are disruptive. No more.
Actually I watched the town hall meeting LIVE and it wasn't really that bad.
I was really impressed at how well informed all these people are about some of the items on the bill.....they even cited the House Bill numbers.....they were prepared and knew what they were talking about. Of the 30 people that talked....29 were against and 1 was for the current Health care plan.
There were a couple of times where Sen. Specter appeared unfamiliar with the House Bill information.
However, Sen. Specter did an EXCELLENT job of dealing with the question and answers.
Good meeting overall. I learned there were some items that most certainly need to be removed or reworded, while other bills were okay. I learned that the White House needs to come up with some realistic numbers.
And I learned that some portions of the bill are OK.
Great town hall....
I have been watching some of these meeting. These angry people are definately Repulicans or people who has an hatred for Mr.Obama. Normal citizens who have genuine concerns about Healthcare Reforms and want to learn more about the plan. Would go
to these meeting and ask question and listen to each other and get some answers. It is really shame to see the anger and ingnorant confrontation that are going on. Where is the civilazation of Americans?
Remember the World is watching. Some of these people looks like real racists, selfish rednecks who don't care about anyone else but themselves. They are so afraid that something is going to be taken away from them. But are so blind with anger and hatred for that they can't even see that if something not done about healthcare they all will lose out. I agree that we all need to know what is in the bill. But listen and learn. Going go to these meeting with an Agenda to try and defeat the bill because you want to try and Hurt the Obama Goverment is seflish..
Hey Dems if you want it you can pass this PIG there is no need for Republican support. Keep deamonizing those of us with different views and being tone deaf to our concerns and it will get worse. Give us some name calling and ugliness we have been hearing as it is a great lubricant to Obama's sliding popularity.
It is too bad we can not have a civilized town meeting as these subhuman goons hired by the Republican backed Pharmaceutical and medical industry and led for what I understand is a low life Texas Lobbyst have been traitors to our form of free, nonviolent debate. If this is going to happen this country will be ruled by the mob and we will look more like revolutionary France than the United States of America.
Why is it that folks want the government out of things but as soon as things go bad they go to the governement and then complain why didn't the government do something about it. We can't have it both ways. Why is it that the people who are doing all of the ruskus have insurance. Are they acting militant?
I believe in the Constitution and it's provisions that we ALL are given certain rights that can not/should not be taken away/ or only given to the wealthy. I believe that health insurance is one of these rights that we all should have regardless of wealth, race, age, or religion. I also believe in the Bible and that God/Christ called for us to be the care takers of all people even to the point of laying down our lives and this debate is showing the hypocrisy of some believers, they believe in certain parts of the bible and forget other parts. I call all of us to remember that the founders called this nation to be Christ like in the way that we should welcome, love, and not judge (God has that job) anyone! We need to remember the Greatest Commandments from Christ's mouth....Love GOD and Love your neighbor (which in definition is anyone believer and not)!
What will it take for Congress to recognize that this anger is coming from REAL Americans? All the polls I can find indicate that the majority of Americans are against this massive health-care reform.
These politicians had better wake up and either say NO to this massive health care reform or say NO to their reelection. Either way this country will be better off.
I watched the first half of this on TV before I had to go to work, first 15 questions. Fourteen of the first fifteen questions were from people against the current bills. There were some who were angry, there were moments of cheering and boos. But while I was watching Specter was not shouted down or insulted. The loudest response was when one of the questioners followed up his health reform questions with a suggestion that Specter go back to Washington and submit a bill on term limits for members of Congress, this got a standing ovation.
During the first half there were moments when common ground was found between Specter and the questioners and crowd. It was apparent that the crowd was for some level of change but not what Congress and Obama is currently proposing.
Let the American's vote to decide after they read the changes, if enough vote for the health change you will win without all this going's on and it will be a honest vote.
people are mad and they do have a right. they should calm down and listen. the best thing is washington is learning as well. read the bill, they where just going to sign away b/4 august vacation. i think they will know better in the future. all talk and no action is over for them. do the research , Pres. Obama could not tell us what was in the bill. I hope he has learned from this as well.
Anyone disrupting these meetings should be escorted out by police. They are stopping intelligent debate and not allowing others to ask the questions that need to be answered.
The Fear Police are having a field day now. We just went through 8 years of the most effective Boogeyman Politics in a generation of such costly games, mostly in the cynical, exploitative wake of 9-11. Boo!! (while the powers shred the Constitution) Boo!! (while they line the pockets of corporate cronies from Bank of America to Halliburton and give the Mike Browns of the world jobs they have no business having) Boo!! (while they enact a massive prescription drug care bill that can't be paid for and lines the pockets of drug/insurance industry) Boo!! (while we illegally invade a nation while slashing taxes of the richest and ask no sacrifice of ordinary Americans) Boo!! (while leaders take us further into financial and moral bankruptcy)...And now, we get to watch people scream AHHHHH!! SOCIALISM!! regarding health care/insurance reform, most of whom are collecting or will soon need Social Security and Medicare. The absurdity, hypocrisy and hysteria of this so-called discourse says much about this bloated, obese, decaying place we call our country.
Um, yeah people shouting, screaming and over talking the speaker instead of listening and having a civilized conversation is a really great strategy and very mature......
I listened to 1 through 20 questions Sen. Specter was asked and no one was disruptive. CNN needs to stop being one-sided also, as they are accusing the other side of doing. And ... most of them indicated they were not there because of any organization. Can the dems say that about the "SEIU" and ACCORN people? I beg to differ.
Yes, yes and yes........these are obiously paid town hall meeting combatants who don't give a hoot about democracy. What has happened to us that we no longer care about helping those in need? Has the community spiril completety vanished whereby GREED has become our way of life? Never in the last 10 years have the rich sought to get richer by obtaining outrageous salaries, price gouging at all cost, getting golden parachutes for incompetence, etc. etc.
People are getting angry at their government because they are only told half-truths by the President and their experience and common sense fills in the rest. Having paid ever increasing taxes for the last 35 years and being told it is my "fair share" I am rewarded with the government hand going deeper into my pocket every year. This health care nonsense is just a cost transfer mechanism to the "earners" in this country, which gets votes for the Demos from their constituents. However, the "earners" are running out of money. Perhaps the government should "fix" the cost side first before turing the pay side into a government run program.
As a republican (recently), who still opposes this bill, in it's present form, these inbreds at these meetings are embarrassing.
So while I may oppose this bill, I absolutely refuse to vote for another Republican until they can muster the leadership, if they have any, and put an end to such moronic, retarded, juvenile and treasonist behavior. To let these retards continue to act in this assenine way is beyond deplorable.
You can disagree, and you can have your questions. But chanting and shouting down others with 'chants', is moronic and childish. These people need to be euthanized for certain!
Independant until the GOP and it's constituents start acting like grown adults. No more republicans until one with some leadership can step forward.
When you see complete idiots acting so juvenile it makes me want to support abortion rights even more.
This is another example of Republicans "discussing "Healthcare Reform. They can't discuss this or any other issue in a civil manner for they have no plan or ideas of their own. Kind of like McCain/Palin going around the country screaming innuendos instead of talking about all the very many problems and concerns confronting Americans.
These mobs of willfully ignorant people make me sad for my country.
I work at a Veteran's hospital. When people pay nothing for their health care they become very abuse and wasteful to the system. I served in the Army for 20 years with the promise of free health care for the rest of my life (if I survived). So I stayed in the Army while my friends got higher paying jobs. Now, my friends will be getting the same health care I sacrificed myself to get. It is not fair. Also, when politicians say there are 50 million uninsured Americans in the US, they are not including the 15 million illegal aliens. Also, when we offer free care for those who make it here, it will be a magnet for all in the world. Nobody discussses this. My congressman is supposed to being looking out for my interests not for illegal aliens.
You left out the man, who brought to Spector's attention, that the bill requires that the government keep all records on all citizens to be held by the attorney general for police purposes. The man then rightly asked, paraphrased, "how will you police all the bureaucrats that will have all that information on us." Spector then twisted in the wind.
Why do these people allow themselves to be tools of the rich right wingers that want to keep the status quo? Tell these older people, that are concerned with the government to give back their social security and not take medicare benefits.
This is going to be a mess. I realize that you can't compate countries but Canada has had for who know how long and my coworker (from Canada) says it's a mess and it drives up the cost of everything. Our "leaders" our kidding themselves if they think this is a good thing. Honestly I don't see or here about people dying all the time from not having access to health care.
Notice the people who are against the health care overhaul are old, white men (mostly). Gee, is it really about health care or is it about the sense of entitlement these old geezers think they have that everything should be for them and nothing for anyone else? Or perhaps its just a way of practicing racism.
It's time for healthcare overhaul, and I'm tired of old geezers trying to tell the next generation of Americans how things are going to be. It's time they sit down and shut up. We've heard all we want to hear from them.
These disruptions are being made by ignorant and bullying people who dishonor this nation by their actions......This is supposed to be a discussion.....not a brawl.....Do your brain a favor....Stop listening to Rush Limbaugh, people like him, and big corporation (insurance companies, etc.) who feed you nothing but stupidity, ignorance, and hate.
They've been watching FOX NEWS!!!!! That channel is inciting riots with their twisting and turning of anything that isn't Republican! If the devil himself were calling the shots, they'd praise them. I've heard people rant and rave over stuff that has NO TRUTH to it at all. Some are having fits about things that aren't even being proposed, but have been INFERRED by Fox! This channel is doing the country a great disservice. They should be ashamed of themselves!
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.
The only question that resonated with me most in the PA town hall meeting was that of term limits for members of congress and i do think that the likes of Specter who still cling to power despite age and declining health should quit and allow young and vibrant young men drive stear the ship of the nation from the wobbling hands of old cranky men/women.
Wonder how long it's going to be before one of these frenzied "protestors" whips out a gun and starts shooting?
Of course the wingnuts on the Right will be shocked at the violence they preach daily.
How come all the questions are going to the Republicans? Do the Democrats not get a voice? During the 8 years of Bush , Democrats were screened and never allowed to attend those meetings (and arrested if they tried to get in) now the town hall meetings are again being taken over by Republicans. Yes, there are concerns by all but the bottom line is we have been overtaken by the health insurance company's and something needs to be done by Democrat's and Republican's alike.
The best way to handle these paid AH's is to announce before you start that anyone atempting to disrupt or shout will be ejected and the meeting stopped until lthey are removed, When you are paid for something you better do it or you won't get paid.. Republicans have to get used to Obama as presdient. I have no doubts that these protesters will revert to shootings at some point they are nut cakes.
I thought the Sen. handled the questions and the crowd respectfully.
Americans are most easy people to brain wash, and Republicans know that very well and spreading false informations about Health Care Reform. USA is the only Western Nation having only Private Health System . How many of you fill when one of hostile Country Leader comes and tell you the fact 45 mill. Americans are without Health care, this is National disgrace. Of course to some does not mean anything about other just ME,ME and ME. PROFIT FIRST-PEOPLE LAST . Where is compassion and generosity????
Take a look at other Westen Countries, Germany, France, Britain, Canada , Sweeden their Health Plan covers all citizens who are taken care of very well.Healthy people Strong Country.
For those who aren't paying attention, the majority agree that we need health care reform. Why is it again Canadians live longer than Americans? Isn't health care after 50 just keeping people alive? This is health care not religion, get your facts straight if your going to oppose it. Its not like you won't be able to pay to stay with your crappy provider now, but don't expect those who are feeling they are getting ripped off to stick around.
I don't think, as Americans, we can work with this hostile brand of conservatism any more.
It is looking more and more like extreme Islamicism and having the same effect. There are plenty of conservatives with whom we can disagree and still work with, but this kind of idiocy, which is long fostered by the likes of W., are not going to work.
America will be on the decline if we allow moronic bullies of any party to control our public policy.
These people have every right to show their outrage. And for Arlen Specter or anyone else telling them they are not allowed to boo, etc. – that's ridiculous. Has he forgotten about "freedom of speech, press, and expression"?
If these people wish us not to have socialized medicine and the government out of our lives, maybe it's time to end Medicare, Medicade, VA benefits, and Social Security. After about a month let's hear thier opinionon socialization.
I wish that people would understand the facts before berating our members of congress:
(1) If people don't want government run insurance they can chose any number of private plans. Government run insurance will not be forced on people.
(2) Bureaucrats in Washington will not be deeming people to sick for treatment. They will, however, want doctors to follow the best available medical information for treating illnesses.
(3) Private insurance companies already limit the treatment that sick people get and what doctors you can visit. Only they are doing it based on their bottom lines and not based on the best-practices of medicine.
Our healthcare system right now is broken and we need health insurance reform now!
The continuous rumors and lies by some in the Republican part (and even more so by the radical right-winged "media") is doing nothing by harm. These kinds of antics are the very reason your party is falling apart at the seams. Instead of trying to tear down America because you got a heavy dose of reality last November, why don't you all step up and really try doing something productive. I've never in my life seen so many people preferring failure for the whole because their "guy" didn't win. It's mind boggling.
Honestly, I think that whatever Obama and the Democrats put on the table for any action, the Republicans and their followers will throw a temper tantrum about it. Its not about the bill or the "socialism," its really about control.
I'm independent, and while I did vote for Obama, there are some things his administration has/is doing that I don't agree with. I have been on both sides of the argument, where I needed state funded health care and now I do have a private insurance. Its frustrating, both ways, but we cannot simply ignore people's health concerns... At the same time, we cannot allow people to abuse the system either.
Both parties are wrong about various things. I wish people would just calm down and listen to each other.
Remember how the mainstream media and their friends on the left loved and laughed about the Iraqi journalist who threw a shoe at President Bush?
Welcome to socialism, and the end of the America our forefathers envisioned. AND – that is not a good thing.
I think it's ironic when a woman asks a 79-year-old Senator who has cancer if the health reform he advocates will protect people in their 70s who have cancer. I also think it shows that people are incredibly ignorant and stupid, and have no idea what they're talking about. I believe in freedom of speech, but I'm not as generous about the freedom to be ignorant. The anti-reform protesters are the same psychobabble T-baggers that brought us George Bush Junior. Why do they still get to talk?
I'm gonna tell it like I see it, and what I see is a group of whites , because you really never see other minoritiesacting this way , for some of the whites , it's really not about the healthcare bill , for them it's about not wanting a black president , if i'm not mistaken, healthcare reform wopuld pretty much make insurance companies become a lot more honest , and if some of these whites would be honest with themselves , insirance companies are already monopolizing your healthcare already , so what's wrong with the government offering a little competition among insurance companies , yet they continue to rape us with no regard to who is dying or need healthcare , so really what is this agenda of these people that come to these rallies , like I said simply put I alot of whites period have a problem with a black man as president ...because if you don't want to reform our healthcare system then you are truely an idiot........................
How does it insure competition when the gov is a competetor AND sets the rules.
So here is my proposal....
If you are an employer, you must offer Health Insurance to your employees. Whether this is your own plan worked out with Insurers, or a pooled plan worked out with other employers, or a government managed plan worked out with insurers for those wishing to go that route, makes no difference. A plan must be offered.
If you are unemployed, then you will be covered by a government funded and managed plan.
If you are a pensioner, then you are covered by government funded and managed plan, unless you happen to be lucky enough to be covered by your pension plan (not likely, but possible, I suppose, perhaps more so if you are a government retiree).
End of story. All Americans covered.
If we wish to keep government costs down, then do something about unemployment and ensure FICA and Medicare/Medicaid contributions are adequate and used solely for those purposes.
I watched the entire Spector meeting, making the headline that this was a angry crowd was misleading. I thought that this was a pretty calm crowd. People treated him with respect. Yes, they did not agree with him, but they were not out of line. Not like when the left sends in the SEIU members, now they cause the crowd to be angry.
Like I said before, Democrats protest war. Republicans protest healthcare. No wonder the GOP is shrinking.
Says one protester: “I don't want this country turning into Russia, turning into a socialized country. What are you going to do to restore this country back to what our founders created?”,
Herein lies the CRUX of the problem – Fear plus lack of understanding and foresight. Past administration foul-ups have translated into a nightmare for the current administration.
I wonder how many of the town hall protestors who fear government-run programs are enrolled in Medicare and collect Social Security. Are any of them military veterans who have been treated by the Veterans Administration? Did any of those vets spend any time at the Walter Reed or Bethesda Naval hospitals?
Just wondering.
If this health plan is so great then why will Congress and the administration not be required to participate in the plan? This single fact should make any intelligent person question the Democrats urgency in passing this bill. Personally, I think if we go to a universal health care plan everyone, without exception, should be required to participate in the plan and be subject to any and all provisions of the plan. I'm tired of bills being passed when no one has read through the entire bill and I think everyone in Congress should have to sign a statement saying they have read and understand the entire bill and accept personal responsibility for any problems or harm done to anyone resulting from passage of said bill. It's time to remind everyone in Washington that they work for us, not rule over us.
It seems that Republicans these days walk in the same distinguished train as Al-Quaeda, the Taliban, and other terrorists.
There is something in common with these protesters: they are all white, they are all old, they are all angry. So let's be honest: aren't these the same people who were hosting "tea parties" when the Democrats were trying to pass the stimulus, when the economy was in free fall? Aren't these people the extreme right wing who are constantly looking for an outlet to vent their hate, and now they've found one in the town hall meeting? The reason why they are shouting is no one is listening. The reason why no one is listening to them is they don't listen to anyone else. So instead of productive dialogue, we have screaming matches with this demographic. Come to think of it, maybe euthanasia isn't such a bad idea.
I think the senator did a good job in putting the rules for the meeting in place. It was the only way to hear people's comment in an orderly fashion. I'm glad he allow the last gentlemen to speak because that is what this country is all about.
if some of our people will remember the only way we got medicare is the majority of the congress (mostly democrates)voted on the very system many of our older people enjoy.
This is another case of the democrates trying to take our of all of our people, since the repulicans have never made any effort s to do anything about health care when they were in power.
Why do Ihave to pay for illeagles health care ?
Sec 152 pg 50-51
I can't believe the man in the video says that god will judge you. Do you honestly think Jesus wants people to have to pay for healthcare? Do you think Jesus was a capitalist? I don't understand how republicans (who are predominantly pro-Christianity) think that god is on the side of greedy people who want to be taxed on nothing. Newsflash – Jesus was all about sharing the wealth. Democrats should be pointing that out. Get with the times America, give your country health care like the rest of the first world counties.
This was more of a "beer hall" rather than a "town hall" meeting ..
I am 64 yearsold and my husband is going to retire in November of this year he will be on medicare since he is 65 ,however, I am searching for an affordable insurance policy for myself until I reach 65. This has been a real nightmare!
I think these insurance companies and hospitals need an extensive overhaul,
I have great faith that Obama will turn this around
Specter is another one of many reasons why we in America are headed for a revolt somewhere down the road, as Thomas Jefferson said in the Declaration....." That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government...."
The staged disruptions are a turn-off to reasonable people. If the Republicans keep it up they will soon cease to be a national party.
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 an advocate and then tell me if you are one illness away from bankruptcy.
Why is congress exempt ?
I watched Sen. Specter's town hall meeting in Lebanon, PA for most of this morning (8/11/09) hoping to get some information about the health care proposal in Congress. Instead, I heard rants against the current administration that would have better suited the previous one. Those people didn't want information about health care reform...they simply wanted to rail against a Democratic administration. Shame on CNN for emphasizing the confrontational nature of these meetings and not reporting the fact that attendees are no more interested in discussing health care than the cost of apples in Toronto.
That seemed more of a push, not a shove, but even so, the guy that pushed should have been decked! He had no right laying a hand on anyone.
I watched some of this on TV and thought it was overall pretty civil. It is amazing how misinformed so many people are though. I think so many want to believe certain things, just to oppose, and don't care about the truth. Most of these people are on gov't SS and medicare, but that's ok with them.
The town meeting was controlled and not out of hand. If the Senator had addressed the issues, it would have been a better meeting, but instead, he played the politician and talked around the people...that's
what upset a lot of people....."WE THE PEOPLE" are sick of being
talked "DOWN TO" and that is what happened.
We want the health problems fixed....MEDICARE AND MEDICAID AND SOCIAL SECURITY have NEVER been addressed......and STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS BILL...IS OPEN ACCESS TO EVERYONE'S BANK ACCOUNTS!!!!!!!!!!
"WE THE PEOPLE" are taking our country back!
And the Media had better listen, WE ARE SICK OF YOUR ONESIDED
VIEWS!!!! TELL THE WHOLE STORY!!!
It just goes to show that a good portion of American's in general are ignorant to how flawed there current health care system is in comparison to other countries, America's current health care system is comparable to most third world countries and no better...those of you who think it isn't start doing some research and you will clearly see the truth.
These people voted for one thing, Specter got into office and changed his party. He is a public servant, and he portrayed himself as something and changed after being voted in. He can in no way help this bill the people are already disgruntled with him and any thing he will support they will oppose. Would it be legal for someone to get voted into the presidency as a Dem or Rep and then change to the communist party? He should be impeached, and run again in 2010 as a Dem.
we do not need health care reform, we need to reform this radical government starting with the clown-in-chief
This people don't understand what they are doing! They should understand that the government has the obligation to protect all Americans by the Constitution. How does the government can protect citizens when it does not provide them a good health care? Protection does have to be understood in matter of war as republican think or like. The Health Care is a Right to all Citizens not a privilege. Do these violent people against health care think about all those million of citizen without health care and who are serving the country in one way or the other?
The Interest group and Republicans should stop the nasty practice and allow the democracy to work.
Why do they need to access my bank acount for electronic tranfer ????
Sec 163 pgs 58-59
Medicaid
Medicare
Veterans Administration (VA)
These are all government insurance programs that help thousands of Americans, but which were also opposed by Republicans. They only passed because Democrats were supported by the people to pass them.
The public OPTION
What an Embaressement these Right wing Lunaticts are,They are Dangerous violent people. I just hope Some Innocent By stander who goes to these Town Halls to try and Debate normally and calmly and rationally doesnt get hurt by these right wing nut jobs!
The idiots are at it again this morning, I see! The Republicans are stubborn......I'll give them that much, but this will all backfire on them as their lies and protests did last November. Some people never learn!
What next ? A repeat of pre World War II Germany – Republican thugs roaming the streets, beating people suspected of being "liberals". None of this surprises me. The Republicans have lost their collective minds. Bad losers exhibiting bad behavior. Think about it: Why would a person feel violent because someone else (about 47 million persons) is going to receive health care ? These Republicans really hate Obama and the Democrats. They don't care about health care. When this passes, there will be an other issue they will violently oppose. They will, however, slowly slip into history, and never be heard from again. What a shame. Logical Republicans sit on the sidelines, and allow these hooligans to ruin the reputation of "The Party Of Lincoln". What a cowardly, disgusting disgrace.
THIS is what the GOP has become. Why would anyone, especially minorities, want to associate themselves with these people?
What's sad about this is that people are stupid enough to be led into fighting against their own best interest! Like I've said before, I live in a world surrounded by IDIOTS!
Freedom of speech is where you hand out cards so that only the persons with the cards are allowed to speak or ask questions. WOW, what is America becoming.
I think these town hall meetings should continue but some restrictions must apply. Why not require those in attendance to show their voter registration card that includes the voting districts where the town hall meeting is being conducted. That way lobyist employees from Texas cannot disrupt a meeting in Ohio, etc.
""I don't believe this is just health care. This is about the systematic dismantling of this country. … I don't want this country turning into Russia, turning into a socialized country. What are you going to do to restore this country back to what our founders created, according to the Constitution?" "
Abject silliness. If you think the words "systematic dismantling of this country" weren't engraved on this woman's pitiful excuse for a brain by some lobbyist and all the nonsensical rhetoric spewing from the GOP, Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity and the rest of the purposeful misinformers out there, then you're probably her intellectual equal....and I pity you for it.
I just don't understand the opposition! Health care premiums are strangling small businesses. They go up 20 to 30% every year. Something has to be done or many small business will not be able to provide health care to their employees. Health care needs to be non- profit. The CEO of United health Care has $750,000,000 dollars in stock options and an 11 million dollar salary, and that is only one company. Just think how premiums would go down and how many uninsured could have coverage with that money.
The conservatives are putting so much misinformation out there and it seems like their followers don't take the time to educate themselves. Do conservatives really want to oppose this like they did Medicare, Social Security and Equal Rights?
Oh and one last thing to note after watching the video. That guy who started manhandling that old man should have received a knuckle sandwich from SOMEONE. You don't put your hands on an elder and shove them around like that. That man could be a vet that paid for our now diminishing freedoms with his blood. Now that he is older and weaker some bald jerk wants to physically accost him? For SHAME.
Well, after a party switch like that Specter certainly won't be getting re-elected. I say the old man should run!
Specter's in big trouble. Switching parties when the democrats approval ratings are dropping like a rock will be toxic to his re-election efforts. You can mark this as a Repub seat in the next election. He is finished.
I agree that we should help American people get the medical attention that they need, however, I am very concerned about my hard earned money paying for health care for the millions of illegal immigrants that do not and will not contribute to pay for this so called "overhaul." How is this fair?
Obama made fun of the Clintons running into trouble when they tried to reform health care.
Not as easy as it looked, huh? You mean the country won't just roll over and take your word for it?
Messiah meets Reality. Question Authority!
He supports the Constitution, and yet states that there is some "social contract" that apparently trumps it?
It's wonderful that we live in a society where people willingly lend a hand to those that need help. It's outrageous that people like Specter think that enforced charity is somehow in keeping with the Constitution.
The guy must think his constituents are all morons, or he's a moron himself. Or both.
methinks thou doth protest too much.....
CNN, why haven't you given equal time to the thoughtful, civil meeting that took place with Rep Hank Johnson in Atlanta yesterday?
I think the most important aspect of this meeting, which of course has been overlooked, is when the issue of term limits came into the meeting. Specter side stepped the issue as usual. How can Obama, or anyone else ever expect change when congressional leaders in both houses can sit back getting fat on lobbyist money? The real root of all issues from healthcare to the economy is the continual entrenchment of the lethargic, apathetic elite.
What I don't get is these people stand up, but they have nothing to say othen than yell. New Rule: If you disrupt a town hall, you have to have something intellegent to say...
man these folks are angry.
Note he responded visciously but no facts to discredit the "so called rumor". In the early 20th Century at Town Halls the Government said it was a rumor that Income Tax would have to be paid by more than the top 1%. In the 1930s Politicians went to Town Halls and visciously attacked citizens saying it is a rumor that you will ever pay more than 3% for Social Security. Obama attacked people viscously when signing the Stimulus saying it was a rumor that unemployment would go above 8% if the Stimulus is passed. Now who do you trust on this Specter and the Government or the Private Citizen? Choose the Government at the same peril as all the others have.
Just another indication that Americans are a bunch of morons who are too dumb to discern what is good for them. These screaming people have been manipulated by the Rushes and the Seans, etc. to think healthcare reform involves socialism, of all the ridiculous things, when in fact these right wing creeps' only interest is funneling money to their corporate cronies. Talk about socialism! Wake up people! You are being used against your own interests! This country will never progress as long as these luddites command any political power.
You Republicans are right. Lets get rid of all the programs that lean to the socialisist side such as Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps programs, Unemployment Insurance and any other silly program that is meant to help AMERICANS when they are struggling because our businesses want to make more money for themselves and their investors. Wake Up. Helping a person when they are down is 100% American, unlesss you don't have a brain in your head and believe all this Republican propaganda. Wake Up people. We live as a country and die as a country. Helping your fellow man is the right thing to do.
Honestly, how do you compete with somebody who is arguing based on conspiracy theories? You can't obviously logic and reasoning isn't going to work. Not a single one of these people have any facts to prove what they are saying is true, but hey this is America nobody needs facts they just need a t.v. show on Fox or a radio program to make up stuff so that confused people around the country take what they say as absolute fact. The bill is roughly a 1000 pages double spaced which is a little over 500 pages, I bet 99% of the people who are so angry haven't even read the bill to know what's in it. They make themselves look dumb b/c they are arguing against stuff that's not even in the bill! And the actually things they could be arguing about are not even mentioned.
I was watching this town hall from beginning to the end .
Sen. Specter repeated more than 4 times,that senate does not have a bill,only proposals.
And the question is...
If they don't have it,what are they selling ?
And why??
You know it is really sad that people do not get to the facts before they start yelling and complaining about changes. I know people are scared of change but they need to read and listen before joining in with the instigators and disbelievers. One of my aunts said it would be the ruin of her if the health care reform bill passed. I asked her how could that happen. She did not know how to answer, she had heard them talking on tv. People, read about the proposals that the congressmen are discussing, it is imperative that the insurance companies do not continue with the huge profits at our expense. Our premiums go up continually with no end in sight. We need help.
The article says "However, congressional action on a health-care overhaul has slowed due to strong Republican opposition."
HELLO!!! The process was slowed by blue dog Democrats. Democrats hold enough votes to pass whatever they want, without Republican support.
By the way, if this is all so urgent since Obama was sworn in as President, why was he and other Democrats not pushing for these things in the previous 2 years, when Democrats were in the majority?
To the News Media's.
We the people are sick and tired of you covering up information and taking sides. NBC your terrible, Don't you support the American people?
Spector should have been the one thrown out. The people are telling you ignorant people NO, you are swinging it a different direction and saying we are just acting. No acting, listen to the people.
By the way Mr. Spector, who do you think you are? You won't tolerate? The American people are the ones that need to be saying that. You are nothing more than an "ELECTED" official. You are not listening to the people that voted for you. Thrown this guy out of office and watch how many more follow him.
This is a free country and you so called leaders are failing, 2010 we are replacing all you thugs. You should be in prison for going against the American people like this.
American citizens have every right to be angry. Our gals n boys in Washington keep pushing the envelope of govt control and had no idea how big a backlash can erupt when its people are pushed too fast n far. Labeling policy dissenters as unAmericans means America has lost its way and our constitution is null n void
all these jokers are crooks. everyone in government is a crook. lets throw them all out, starting with the Dems. please wake up america
My advice tto Pres. Obama is to drop the whole health care debate. Let these people continue to be taken advantage of by the insurance companies. The GOP wants the status quo, because they are highly compensated by these giants.
These people do not know when they are being had, I don't think the dems know exactly what they are doing either, but where was all the outrage years ago? Healthcare costs are the biggest cause of bankruptcy in America, If you get sick you might aswell die because your life is screwed. If these people like that sort of thing, I say let them have it. I say let the illegals get all the free healthcare. Then who will they blame for that?
And BTW, learn something: irrespective of whether this bill is "socialism" or not, the Constitution does not prohibit socialism. Suck on that, morons.
Mr. Obama – tell your followers to stop the hateful acts and violence. If you and your followers both in and out of Congress refuse the will of people this is going to spill into the streets. You will have to kill us all to install your Marxist dictatorship.
I hope there is more discussions open but not like this one where a senator that is mad about not being asked to run for pres. switches parties after being elected by rep. is in total control of a town meeting.he can talk all he wants to but he is all washed up and just refuses to believe it. switch parties to get elected may just backfire in his face I suggest he takes all the loot he has gotten in many ways and realizes he is too old to know what is even going on in the average citizens day to day trek and just go somewhere and forget his ego being bruised.
Exactly what kind of health care system was in place when the forefathers founded this great country? Was it socialized, or corporatized? Since we've allowed capitalism its chance to run roughshod over mismanaging this aspect of our lives, why not let a government-mandated socialism its chance? Can it be done any worse?
Why don't Americans want the better health care delivered than Europeans get? Aren't we good enough for the best? Or must we relegate ourselves to the same substandard treatment and cheating by insurance companies until we can no longer afford to sustain our lives? What good is a life enslaved to a unaffordable conveyance?
So many questions, and the answerers are frauds...
These Liberals just don't get it. Once they go into "Detox" from the Obama win high, only then will they come back to their senses and listen to "We the People". Though I believe even this is out of reach at this point.
This radical overhaul by Obama, Pelosi and Reid, was never presented like this in the presidential campaign. Had it been, perhaps we would be saying President McCain instead. This is what you get, when media objectivness is put aside, they jump into bed with Obama, while the lacked ANY scrutiny of the man, when he ran for President. So you then expect average Americans to not feel frustrated at these town halls??? Think about it!!! P.S. Campbell Brown is also dilusional!!
Specter is one of the most moderate independent minded senators in the the Senate. He's too liberal for Republicans and too conservative for Democrats. He is the 12th most senior senator and is someone I respect even though I disagree with him often. I think he handled this situation quite well no matter how you feel about health care.
I would like to go to one of these town halls just to voice my support for the bill, unfortunately I'm also *very* worried some lunatic will show up at one of these meeting and end up hurting people.
Sad that republicans who choose not to even allow debate within their own party are now stifling healthy debate overall. Reality is it's a bill that's still being shaped, thus such angry reactions show ignorance and a lack of understanding for the process. I hope in general people are smarter then these folks and look at the bill and provide constructive feedback to their representatives on how we can best fix healthcare. Sad part is, if successful they will kill any bill and we will remain being the rest of the advanced nations in providing healthcare for all our citizens.
Oh don't you Libs get so upset,......you know all these "Un-American" folks are nothing more than a few "astro-turf wackos" and have no real impact on your liberal agenda!.....NOT!
Arlen Specter is a self-serving politican without any principles. His major concern is how he's going to get re-elected to his cushy job with all the perks it provides including the best health care plan in the country. If he thought running as a Libertarian would ensure his victory, he'd change party again tomorrow. He'll vote for or against the healthcare bill based only on the votes it will garner in the next election, not on what it will do to the country.
It is just old people who have been sitting around eating peanuts, drinking wine, and being couch potatoes forever now scared of their own shadow.
People are being manipulated by both sides of the aisle, the political machine knows that if you divide the people in opposite directions, then the result is zero movement, they don't have to make an unpopular decision which could effect their lifetime in government office and they can claim they are just doing what the people want them to do. We have a constitutional right to be heard by our representatives, and town hall meetings are "supposed" to be the place to "get in touch" with their constituents at an informal setting, rather strange that these meetings are so scripted, it was done during Bush's administration and it continues into today. Funny how lobbyists can get uninterrupted time with these same politicians both democrat and republican, so that their viewpoint can be heard (and usually acted on), all it takes is a little money.
When asked if "a health-care bill would mean taxpayer dollars would pay for others to get abortions. Specter responded that any measure passed by Congress would allow people to choose a plan that didn't cover abortions."
How can anyone read this and not conclude that the answer to the question was yes?
This is why Americans hold our elected representatives in such disrespect. 80% of Americans were against TARP, the vast majority were against the Auto Union Bailout (company went bankrupt anyway, should have been done without the unconstitutional stealing from the tax payers), the stimulus plan is nothing but pork for Democrat supporters. Our leaders ignore the tax payers. What is left to do but raise our voices?
Follow the lobbyists. These useful idiots are trotted out by Big Health Care and Big Pharma. "Yell a lot," they are told. That they do. What a pathetic abuse of free speech.
It's a shame that instead of a well constructed, civilized response to the healthcare plan, Republicans insist on lies to scare seniors and disruptive protest by ignorant people. Where did all the adults on the right wing go?
If Mr Obama feels that the Health Care bill is the right way to go then why dont he and all the white house staff and along with all his supporter in congress sign themselves up for this program. You know what why does he not sign up the whole of the federal government for this plan if he really believes in this plan.
This is ridiculous!!!
This people are an embarrassment!!!!!
There are no excuses for this behavior.
85% of Americans say the want health care change.
These are the 15% that want the status quo!!
The shouting is turning off people who would normally listen to their concerns and answer questions.
Grow up and learn how to debate! My 6 year knows better!
I didn't think I would ever align myself as one of the "silent majority" but here it comes! These conservatives and Republicans that seem to make up the majority of attendees were collectively unimpressive both in their knowledge of the issue and demeanor.
The old man Spector handled himself well with all these nuts, but the majority of his time was wasted as an avenue for a platform to these Limbaugh/Paliin ditto heads (not to) ask pertinent questions, but blather about misapprehensions. Just think...only time for 30 questions – let's talk about becoming another Russia! Or death panels!
Obama will have a better time at the school he's going to for a forum. He'll probably find a better informed and more mature audience!
This entire thing is just a huge joke. NOBODY but politicians and hardcore lefties want a government run healthcare option in this country. I bet if you put THAT question on a ballot (which no one ever will) it would get shot down by 80% of voters.
Once you open that Pandora's Box you're cooked. It's nothing but a sure-fire hop, skip, and jump to fully socialized medicine which has been a DISASTER everywhere it's been tried.
Quit shoving this down our throats. WE DON'T WANT IT!!
For the most part, Republicans are bullys who only want their ideas expressed and implemented. Well, the rest of us had to put up with eight long and miserable years under their rule, so move over and let the rest of us live our lives with compassion, intelligence and better ideas. Like you used to say decades ago, "Love it or leave it.
I watch and listen to these town hall meetings,
American Idiocracy at it's best.
BOOOO! the boogie man is coming.
So now all of a sudden these "conservatives" care about the constitution? They sure didn't seem to care when Bush and Cheney completely disregarded it for eight long years. And how is health care reform destroying the constitution??? Are there any functioning brain cells in these people??
This is getting scary and worrisome. It has long been noted that there is an extreme element in the US, but with the death threats, the shouting down of opposing opinions and now this? How can anything get accomplished in this environment? What are they thinking?
The government controlled media is trying to spin this into a partisan issue which it is clearly not. People are seeing that democrats and republicans are BOTH liars. BOTH parties are sent out to destroy the USA. Only good ones are Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul, all the rest are bought and payed for by corporation lobbyists and special interest. People want government out of their lives. No to cap and trade. What about HR 1207 to audit the FED. Where did all that money go ? Bernanke will not answer where the money went, Did it go to off-shore banks ?
Ever wonder why the government controlled media doesn't ask the right questions ? They keep us dumbed down with circus clowns and jugglers. People have to get the real news by the underground media.
What a bunch of mis-informed idiots who are mis-led by republican right wing extremists.
These people are jokes!
I think Specter handled the situation well.
GIt yer dadgummed Govement hands off my Medicare! Yeeeeehaaa!!!
The Fox News Fanatics strike again. Oh well, I guess it's better to be left to die by a private sector bueraucrat than a government one.
Thanks to Sarah Palin's remarks that Obama's Health Care plan contains a provision for "death panels" and to other malicious rumors and lies about the plan, many folks are in a panic. We need, however, civil discourse concerning the merits of the multiple plans that are
pending in Congressional committees. It is up to Republicans as well as Democrats to smooth the waters so that we can engage in this debate. It is too bad the ideological conservative Republicans have fanned the flames instead of calmed the waters.
Why can't people disagree without being disagreeable? The more voices are raised to shouting levels, the more others stopped listening the points they are trying to make. And those may have been valid points that would aid in the debate to develop the best proposal for healthcare reform. Yelling doesn't ensure you get heard; most often it does the opposite because people shut down (and don't hear the underlying point) due to the rudeness and inconsideration in which the viewpoint is presented.
Must be that GOP backbone, the rest are looking for every excuse they can not too face the people.
You know, Issa was on Bill Mauer this weekend and suggested a bill he sponsored that basically said that all people would get the same plan that they have, yet it would cost nothing. How that is possible is beyond me, but it's worth looking at the bill.
As far as these protesters go, they really need to take that nonsense outside where it belongs. Anyone from any party that disrupts proceedings should be kicked out.
Funny how when "public disruptions" during town hall meetings during President Bush's term and against his policies they were described by Dem's as "Democracy in action" and when it's against President Obama's Health Care legislation, it's "an angry mob"
Can Dem's be more blatenly hypocritical?
I don't want to pay for an abortion. If you smoke for 30 years I don't want to pay for your cancer treatments. If you're a crack head I don't want to pay for your rehab. If you drive without a seatbelt I don't want to pay for your ambulance ride. If you pack your fat face with 3/4 grease burgers all your life I'm not paying for your cholesteral or your erectile dysfunction medication. The price of freedom is responsibility. We're turning into a nation of snot nosed children. If you didn't realize you needed to make a mortgage payment to live in your house, I hope you enjoy the street life.... move into that new car I just bought you.
Wow great argument by that man filled with facts and relevancy to health care reform. These shouting matches could all be avoided if people would realize that they DONT have to get the government health care option if they already have their own health care. The people will not be forced to get health care through the government. The govt option is aimed at the people who don't currently have health care. Introducing a new system of health care will also cause the existing health care companies to lower their sickening high price that they are charging if they want to stay in business. We need reform now so that more kids like the 13 year old girl my hometown do not get dumped in the middle of a fight with leukemia by their insurance companies for reaching the lifetime limit.
You keep thinking and hoping that Americans are growing and moving forward and then you are witness to a show of mindless people like these. It makes you think that we are in decline, and we keep telling the World that we are the greatest...........yah – right.
"When you ask me to defend the Constitution, that's what I've been doing,"
Which enumerated power grants the federal government the power to control health care?
GM Takeover/bailout?
Undeclared foreign wars?
How have people become so ignorant in this country to not even understand the principles on which it was founded. The difference between democracy and economics (ie socialism vs capitalism and its irrelevance to our constitution) is something we learn in high school. So is respect for others, allowing people to speak, and fact-finding.
When the people refuse to believe the truth laid out in front of them in writing, in human stories, in facts... we have lost our civil discourse and our nation is doomed to be run by the ignorant masses, pushed about and used by those with power to manipulate through propaganda and money.
We have lost to the coproration. We have lost to the insurance industry. We have lost our souls to greed.
When I see many of these people crying about government run health care and not wanting to turn America into a socialist country, I wonder how many of these folks are willing to give up their Medicare?
That crowd looked suspiciously and heavily skewed...
Where were the young people, people of color, people of all political backgrounds, people with pre-existing conditions, people with no insurance? It was all one type of people with the current fringe right talking points....
Specter works for the people, if Congress doesnt do what we want and follows the Obama agenda, THEN FIRE THEM, IMPEACH THEM. Congress works for us, they are the peoples employees, if they follow a personal agenda, THEN FIRE THEM ALL.
First, I think it's great that people are saying things like, "I'm not a lobbyist with all kinds of money to stuff in your pockets." That is what people all over this country need to do. However, I also believe that the only people that are stuffing politicians' pockets are people who want health care with a public purchase option to fail.
No one is standing up to Conrad, Baucus, Grassley, Enzi, et.al. and saying, "I am a citizen. I need health insurance. I don't want to go bankrupt. And I don't have millions to stuff in your pockets. What can you do for the individual citizen, not just the wealthy business lobbyist.?"
Why do you concentrate on one of a few disruptive persons? I watched the stream on CN N and saw respectful people ask pertinate questions which were appropriate. One that struck me was from a history teacher who asked that the language in the current bills was so confusing that noone could be sure what they meant. He asked that they be written so we could all understand.
I don't know why we should expect anything different from these meeting, the Rush's and O'Reilly's of the world sprewing their hate and discontent for any views other than theirs. If you watch Fox news, you will find them telling conservatives to disrupt these meeting.....The Right will not come to the middle it's too close to the Left
"In our social contract, we have provisions that see to it that you take care of people who need some help," he said.
What "social contract" is Specter speaking of?