Related: Lone GOP vote came after call from Obama
Cao's "yes" vote ended up being unnecessary for House Democrats in the 220-215 tally, but as the only GOP member to support the bill, he gave House Speaker Nancy Pelosi license to tout bipartisan support for the controversial measure.
"I felt last night's decision was the proper decision for my district even though it was not the popular decision for my party," Cao, a first-term representative from Louisiana's traditionally Democratic 2nd District, told CNN.
"A lot of my constituents are uninsured, a lot of them are poor," Cao said. "It was the right decision for the people of my district."
The first Vietnamese-American to serve in the House, Cao defeated nine-term Democratic incumbent William Jefferson in last year's election. Jefferson was under indictment on money laundering and bribery charges at the time, and has since been convicted.
Cao, a devout Catholic, said Sunday that an amendment to strengthen anti-abortion language in the House bill cleared the way for his support.
"When that was worked out … I called the White House and said I could possibly support the bill," said Cao, adding he discussed getting continued help for his district as it seeks to fully recover from the impact of Hurricane Katrina.
Asked about the reaction of fellow Republicans to his vote, Cao said the party's leaders "respect my decision, and I respect theirs."
"To tell you the truth, neither one of us really knows what is the right decision," he said of the complex health care bill, citing differing reports and differing studies on its impact. "Ultimately, we have to make that leap of faith."
The bill's approval by the House late Saturday night marked a major step for Obama's top domestic priority. If the Senate now passes its own version, the two bills would be merged, and the final version would require approval from each chamber before being sent to the president for his signature.
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
The violation is now complete. Obama, Pelosi and the Democrat party have raped us.
Well said Mr. Cao, but you will pay dearly for putting a higher priority on the health of you constituents than the "christian's" agenda of your party of NO.
What a refreshing break from the normal con drivel. I commend you for your vote and even more so, since you must surely know the real party lead Lush Limprick will come down hard and you will be ousted.
But, I admire your principles and may God bless you!
Wow! Voting as his constituents would want for him to vote. What a novel concept for a representative.
If we had more politicians who represented the people and not the party we would be so much better off.
Thank you, Representative Cao, for standing up for what you believed right for your constituents and for America. It took intelligence and courage to make that difficult decision and I respect and applaud you for it!
So let me get this straight - If you represent a district entirely full of jobless lazy poor people, and the measure being voted upon was to kill the wealthiest 10% of the population and give their wealth directly to the unemployed, then you should vote in favor of the measure because it betters the lives of your people?
Sometimes you have to examine aspects outside the realm of "what's best for my constituents".
This bill hurts us all. While benefiting those who are extremely poor, this bill drastically hurts our economy and our health system as a whole.
Now this is something that is seldom encountered: a Republican with character, principles, and courage. I salute Rep. Cao for standing up for what he thinks is right. Most Republican elected officials fall all over each other trying to toe the party line and mouth the daily party propaganda points. It is doubly surprising that this courageous man was elected from Louisiana, a state whose public servants are mediocre at best and corrupt as a rule.
I predict that Rep. Cao's future with the Republican Party will be bitter and short. If there's anything that Conservative leaders cannot stand, it is courage. You can't make a courageous man into a puppet.
So, in the entire GOP there is one that is not a teabagger and has the guts for the will of the people. He's the real hero.
Thanks, Chairman Cao. We are very proud of your helping liberal House allies, President Obama and Nancy Pelosi finally get what they have been creating behind closed doors these past months - a government-run health care experiment that will increase families' health care costs, increase the deficit, increase taxes on small businesses and the middle class, and cut Medicare. As in the words of your own party.
His vote just helped ensure that he constituents continue poor and uninsured. A vote for the Pelosi Bill was a vote to worsen the economy and choke off any recovery.
Cao should start calculating how much higher unemployment can go in his district before he himself becomes unemployed by the voters.
Most democrats should be doing this math now.
So Congressman Cao sold his vote for more cash for hurricane relief. He sounds like a good Democrat to me. Maybe he should become one.
No way Nancy can truthfully say this was a bi-partisan vote to approve. If that i the case, then Repbulicans can say that there was bipartisan support against the Pelosi bill, but the far left mentally handicapped has the ultimate majority.
Did this man just they had to make that leap of faith! WHAT! You make a leap of faith with your OWN money and health care NOT the American people!
This Congress has no clue but in due time they will......
Representive Cao,I have much respect for you,good job congressman
Let's hope that Reid, Pelosi, and everyone that voted for this are in the unemployment line with the rest of the Americans after this goes into effect. Let's hope someone in the Senate has enough sense (I doubt it though) to kill this and not let it get any further. I think the House and Senate will see a completely new group in place after the 2010 elections. It's very obivous that no on on the hill has heard anything the taxpaying American people have said and are only putting their egos and agendas before the American people. Change will come in the 2010 and 2012 elections.
Thank You for the courage to vote in the interest of your constituents rather than your party. Now brace for impact, I am sure you are going to be ambushed by the teabaggers.
"A lot of my constituents are uninsured, a lot of them are poor," Cao said. "It was the right decision for the people of my district."
It was the "right decision" to try to make the rest of the country subsidise his constituents? What makes the residents of Louisiana's Second District so special that they can demand the benefits of other people's labours? Who gave them the right to pick other people's pockets?
The defining characteristics of Liberals–and, technically Republican or not, Cao seems to be one–is the perpetual search for some sucker who can be forced to pay their bills.
Adding one trillion dollars to our national debt when end America.
He will be out next election.
The house has passed a health care bill.
There will be a revolt, one way or another.
Best Regards
PoliticalPen
If
Many thanks to Congressman Cao for putting the rights of his constituents ahead of the profits of the insurance companies. And I admire his courage in standing up to the bullying tactics of the politics-first minority. He represents the principle: Of the people, by the people and for the people.
If Cao is reelected when his term is up, then the people of Louisiana are either stupid or really sick! This man being elected in first place only serves to demonstrate how the uneducated dump people in Lousiana vote!
I applaud this rep. I just wish the reps in Texas would follow suit. Both of these states are in dire need of a Public Option. Thank you to my rep Congressman Wexler. I will miss you.
Representative Anh Cao is welcome to join the big tent of the Democratic Pary if the extreme right wing of the GOP led by Rush Limbaugh wants to punish him.
This was definetely a surprise. I think that everyone was hoping that the republicans would vote party lines so that when this policy fails (if the bill is eventually inacted into law) the nation would only have to look to the democrats for blame. I hope Joseph enjoys his last term as a republican member of the house.
Thanks Congressman Cao for representing our district and hearing our voices. It's so refreshing to have a congressman that votes for the people, and not lock step with a party.
What A Crime. The demise of America right in front of us, and few are doing anything to stop this. There will be an economic depression in 2030 – 2040 as a result of this if in fact we don't come to our senses and stop this now. We will bankrupt America.
I appreciate Mr.Cao
Republicans lost one vote for me that is big vote it came from minority
Amazing! A politician responding to his constituents best interests over his party's wishes. Now that's a concept that needs to go viral.
WOW! A well balanced politician? where'd he come from?
I like his last quote which is probably the ultimate truth "neither of us really knows the right decision". There ya go. So he broke ranks with the party of "No" and decided to do what was best for the people that voted him in. This week we'll see the GOP tear him apart for being concerned about Americans. Go ahead Rush...fresh meat for your ratings.
Putting his district's needs over his party's wishes. Way to go Rep Cao.
Looks like we have one honorable republican. Thanks Cao.
Bravo to Cao ...
A Republican with real guts and sincere concern for the people of this country
A rarity in the Republican party
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step..." Thank you Representative Cao for voting your heart and serving the people who elected you.
Enjoy your last year Cao, you will be voted out come mid-term elections. Traitor.
What a novel concept: a Representative that is actually doing what his constituents want him to do. Perhaps the rest of the House Republicans should have listened. I smell a change in the air and come 2010 I believe a lot of people who didn't listen to their constituents will be going home to their districts and staying home. I'm sure the insurance industry and big pharma will welcome them with open arms. I also hope that the people will be looking into who the 38 Dems were that voted this down and send them packing as well.
Thank you, Rep. Cao, for putting the interests of your constituents first ahead of party. God bless you and other House members for passing the bill.
Now, onto the Senate where they should pass the same health care with a public option supported by the majority of Americans.
Health Reforms Now for our country!
well, ONE republican finally gets it...................REPRESENT your district, NOT your party!
FINALLY...someone is doing the right thing for the right reasons: what is best for THEIR DISTRICT instead of their party. My hat is off to Cao!! God Bless Him!
This is a great day for America, finally "the right thing to do" has taken precedence over "greed and politics".
Good for him but now the Republicans will go after him because he did what we all want our elected officials to do which is to get things done.
If the republicans would grow up stop their temper tantrums and work with the Democrats and this President; health care could have been done already and we could have gone on to energy,immigration and jobs. But no they have to be more concern with power and division/hate/fear and obstructionism.
I hope we in 2010/2012 vote in even more Democrats and/or Idependents then Republicans to show how upset we are with their actions.
1 vote does not make it bipartisan. Has anyone checked to see if this is unconstitutional???
It took guts for a first term congressman to go against the wishes of his party but Rep. Cao was elected to represent the people of his district and he did it last night. He voted for what he felt was most beneficial for his people first and I am sure the Republican Leaders in congress will strike back at him but I wish more congressmen would consider the people they represent above special interest and big business. Congratulations Congressman for a job well done. As you said in the interview, you had to take a leap of faith because no one knows if it was the right thing to do. What we do know is that what we are doing now is not working for any one except the health care industry and it's working for them is killing us.
Thank you again Congressman for having guts.
"The violation is now complete. Obama, Pelosi and the Democrat party have raped us."
Try some sensitivity when you use words like "rape". Such a cavelier attitude toward rape, and the casual use of such a word points to the problem that is at the heart of conservatives' problems - a total lack of compassion for anyone but themselves.
With support from the AMA and the AARP, the only ones still whining are the party of no - as usual.
Question from the Republican House Leader John Boehner.
Q. Where are the Jobs?
A. Here are the answers.
Republicans – Where are the Jobs?
The Republican Bush administration economic policies lead to the economic collapse and what was said to be by some another great depression.
When the U.S. economy collapses and is heading into what could be another great depression, Jobs are lost.
Jobs are a lagging economic indicator and Jobs are lost during an economic collapse, recession, and contraction.
This is where the Republican Jobs are and this should answer the Republican house leader’s question of where are the Jobs?
Democrats – Where are the Jobs?
Jobs are a lagging economic indicator and Jobs are lost during an economic collapse, recession, and contraction.
A leading economic indicator is the Stock Market and this economic indicator is determined by economists and investors who analyze and determine where the economy is heading and invest in the Stock Market. The confidences in the current administration economic policies are also considered.
The Stock Market is now over 10000 since its collapsing March low of 6549.
Jobs usually follow growth and the U.S. economy is now growing.
So the Obama administration Jobs are coming.
This just shows that Cao is scared that the people of his district will find any excuse to elect another criminal democrat like Jefferson in his place. And the people of his district are stupid enough to do this.....no matter how Cao voted.
Funny how a Republican who votes the way his district wants is brave and honorable – so what do we call the Dems who voted against the wishes of their district?? – Flunkies I should suspect would be the best term – no bravery there. Ah blind party loyalty a Republican only affliction – um not!
A congressman who actually votes according to the wishes and needs of the very people who elected him? Amazing!
JohnnyDC, because someone is unemployed doesn't make them lazy. If you want to find the reason why only 20% of Americans now call themselves Republicans, look no further than your own comments. MORON!!!
I am deeply impressed by this single bi-partisan vote; not from any big name republican while it is from a first term congressman of Louisiana, one of our poorest states.
Mr. Cao represents mostly Vietnamese-American in a historical movement and speaks by his vote for those who cannot afford health insurance. In the end, history books may record this leap of faith is the decisive one for the nation.
There is a shortage of diversity in the two major parties in this country. It seems democrats have to be liberal, and republicans have to be conservative.
Mr. Cao certainly has broken this cast of mode and showed his willingness to choose his constituents over his party.
And this idiot will be voted out next election.
If only Pelosi would stop using so many petro products to support that evil grin, we'd no longer be dependant of foreign oil...and what's another couple of trillion amongs friends..at least the next president will have ample ammo to say "i inherited this deficit..."
borrowing from china is not a financial strategy that will work forever. doubling the debt and reduing our personal liberties is not change. this is a classic case of robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other peoples money. this can already apply to us. 'other peoples money' is in fact people that make a good living and china as well as other foreign countries buying our debt. this is a failed policy. gold is up 50% year over year while the DOW is up 14%. This is called inflation and you should expect more of it with this out of control spending. Bring the troops home – all 600,000 troops in 70% of the world's countries, reducing the $1 trillion/year we spend overseas, and THEN let's talk about spending more money on socialism.
Thank you Mr. Cao. You stood up like a man and voted for what was
right for the American people.
(I always thought you looked a little too humane to be a republican).
Wow. A Republican who cares more about people than his party and power and money....a true oxymoron indeed!
A republican with courage? No way!
I am so impressed by this man and will not forget his name. He can count me as one of his supporters.
To B. Petty: Joseph Cao represents a heavily Democratic district in New Orleans. He voted the wishes of his constituents. If the GOP wants to target his seat, that will assure that a Democrat will take it like a Democrat won in New York's North Country where some parts hadn't had a Democratic congressman since the 19th Century.
Congratulations Representative Cao. You have set an example that should be followed by both parties. I sincerely admire you.
Thank you Representative Cao. You are truly a man of courage.
"To tell you the truth, neither one of us really knows what is the right decision," he said of the complex health care bill, citing differing reports and differing studies on its impact. "Ultimately, we have to make that leap of faith."
HAHAHA....Hilarious!
Faith and Hope are not strategies for success! Stupid Politicians could never run a business. They should not be running the government.
Mr. Cao is an honorable man with integrity! Our country will benefit if others in the Senate demonstrate the same integrity.
this is what a politician SHOULD do ... vote their constituents needs and desires. i don't care WHAT party you belong to, if you aren't representing your constituents you have NO RIGHT to hold office!!!!!
I am disgusted by the far right wingers trying to slam Mr. Cao ... they should be ashamed of themselves.
Isn't this what elected officials are supposed to do? Aren't they elected to represent their constituent's wishes and to do what is best for their district? It appears that there are two Republicans who have real character and can make up their own minds about important matters. This man and Olympia Snowe may just go down in history as two lawmakers who turned the tide and helped bring much needed health care reform. Good for them. Shame on the right wingers who will try to shred their integrity and opinions. It is supposed to be a democratic country so they should be able to vote their conscience without being attacked.
Beth, Tata Mcgee, Johnny DC, phoenix 86:
HAVE YOU READ THE ENTIRE BILL? There is help out there for those who are illiterate and it is paid for by our new president. Use it wisely. By the way, welcome to the new century. Racists are on their way out.
One GOP votes yes, and Pelosi runs her mouth about bipartisanship. Weak sauce.
I'm actually rather surprised that more Republicans did not vote for it, considering the amendment to remove federal funds for abortions.
Have you considered switching parties, Mr. Cao?
traitor.
A previous poster, James, said:
"If we had more politicians who represented the people and not the party we would be so much better off."
If this were true, this bill never would have passed. Most of the American people are against this bill. You'll see the proof with the 2010 elections.
i should say traiorS... all 220 of them
It is clear that Mr. Cao should be the leader of the republican party, not Mr. Steele.
I hate people. All you dirtbags who keep whinging about somebody else getting your money are dirt bags. This entire 'I got mine so screw you" mentality is disgusting.
Well Cao better hope that he did the right thing for his district because if none of us know how much this government plan will cover us down the road. Pelosi comparing Medicare to this is like apples and oranges. You can't get Medicare till after 65 so this automatically brings the cost down of that, and Medicare doesn't pay for the whole bill either, and if your in rehab they cover 100 days then your on your own. This is the government run health care everyone is rushing to want. My grandmother has Aetna and after Medicare ditched her in rehab her secondary insurance covered the rest of the time she had to be there plus paid the other 20% Medicare didn't cover.
"This man being elected in first place only serves to demonstrate how the uneducated dump people in Lousiana vote!"
I should remind you that highly educated people usually vote Democrat. And perhaps the "dump people" really need the help that clearly they feel the Democratic vote can give them.
Congratulations to his District for voting for a strong and brave representative!
So many doomsayers, so many ignorant people. Protesting something they know nothing about. Watching elderly protest the health care reform all the while collecting a government run health care of their own. SHAME on all those hateful dispicable people holding those holocaust signs equating that with health care reform. If the Republicans really hate the public option then why don't they give up their government run health insurance? Its amazing how a black man could elicit such feelings in Americans, I don't know what they don't like more health care reform or the fact we now have a black president calling the shots and the white boy club has been broken.
Great job Cao.Now if only the wingnuts could learn to spell republican and chew gum at the same time,right Phoenix?
Well done. Oklahoma needs reps like you instead of the corporate shills we have here now. Being ranks last in the nation in health care doesn't seem to matter to the likes of Inhofe and Coburn.
B. Petty (no comment) whines that an elected official who represents his district should be thrown out ... then why have representatives at all! Just let Rush and Glenn cast their vote ...
Johnny from DC thinks every one in this district is full of lazy, unemployed poor people. Bit of a broad generalization? Johnny-boy – you are just a heart beat away from being poor and unemployed ... could be you next ...
Brian in Milwaukee says this healthcare legislation will bankrupt our country. He obviously doesn't remember how George W. Bush began bankrupting the country in 2001 with his massive tax cuts, followed in 2003 by the most expensive war in history (which accomplished nothing). Oh, how the Republicans' priorities are twisted. That they would blame the financial woes of our nation on an administration which hasn't been in office for one year is... pathetic.
I appreciate Mr. Cao voting for what he believes are in the best interests of his constituents. There were also 39 democrats who voted no on this bill. They should be equally applauded.
Mr. Cao gave a some fresh air in politician gathering room. He voted for constituents, not for party.
Party politics is leading US to a secondary country. I love United States, but I do not like politics. Party politics blocks almost every step which can make us stronger.
I simply do NOT understand why abortion is legal in the United States of America but it is not going to be legal to fund an abortion with federal dollars.
What is the difference between the "United States of America" and "federal?"
What also concerns me are the number of MEN who are on the front lines of anti-abortion rallies (often more men than women) and the number of members of congress who vote anti-abortion–mostly men.
Ladies, don't you feel a bit controlled here? When will this end????
How is this going to be funded? And don't tell me it already is; we are trillions in debt
Brian in Milwaukee–
What's bankrupting the country is the billions spent on an unecessary war in Iraq, and the de-regulation of banks, which caused the economic crash. In case you forgot, it was the Bush administration that was responsible for these mis-guided policies.
Govt. spending SOARED under Bush. Why weren't you and the rest of the Repub party complaining then? Where was all of the outrage from Rush, Beck, Hannity, and the lunatic Tea-Baggers then?
Oh, that's right–there was a Repub in the White House, so govt. spending and exploding deficits were acceptable.
I don't anderstand about that vote. They stay up late last night to vote on a bill that we the people don't even know what's in it. Some democrat said, when the people find out what's in it, they will surely like it. And if we don't I guess will have to learn to like it.
Cao is the only decent person in the Republican party. Put's the people above his party. The Republicans need to be abolished. They have no regard for the people, only themselves and their own greed.
Rep Cao violated his oath to uphold the US Constitution...specifically Art 1 Sec 8 which enumerates what the Congress is allowed to do. The Tenth Amendment says ANYTHING ELSE belongs to the States and the People respectively. By his behavior he, and all the others who voted for this un-Constitutional monstrosity, should be summarily removed from their offices since they have shown wanton disregard for the the Law of the Land that they swore to uphold!
Congressman Cao – Congratulations for doing your job, putting the people you represent above your Party. This is how things should be done in Washington. Thanks for thinking for yourself.
Now the downisde. I don't think the GOP is going to be very supportive of Rep. Cao in the future. I would predict that Rep. Cao will have a DEM after his name, rather than REP, in the near future.
Oh my God, how long has it been since we've heard any representative serious speak about what the people want in the district her/she serves , regardless of his personal political ideology? Mr. Cao's action is not only correct, but also refreshing.. Someone listening to the people?
Novel idea voting like your constituents want. If this was true then this bill should not have passed. What a joke. He was in it for the money.
One and done, obama is out next election
I see Brian thinks it will kill America... But i guess he thinks with no bill we won't pay for it... See, the common misconception, is that we don't pay for the uninsured right now. But we do. When a uninsured person incurs 1000's of dollars for medical treatment and can't pay, which is a majority of the uninsured, who pays? the government... which gets all of its money from you... meaning you pay for it in the end. Now if we can save money by being able to send that person to the docotrs... and we still have to pay, and its worked into the budget... who pays the lesser amount... us, and the person contributing to the bill also pays... So if saving everyone in the country money, and saving the government money, and properly budgeting the money, so maybe we won't need to borrow it, is wrong... and will kill America... then we must have no hope... because imagine if we don't save the money, and keep borrowing it, and everything else...
So after reading that, anyone still against the cheaper alternative for paying for currently and future uninsured people? And abolishing the death grip the health insures have on us... after all there are the death panel we all fear, and they DON'T have to answer to the American public...
Linda wrote:
"It's very obivous that no on on the hill has heard anything the taxpaying American people have said"
Actually, it's obvious that *you* aren't listening to what tax-paying Americans are saying, because the majority are in favor of some kind of reform. What's funny is, a couple months ago I read an article by some neo-con complaining about how much money is spent on end-of-life treatment; the gist of it was people should stop trying to stay alive longer because it costs too much money. A week or so later, a Democratic Congressman said that the Republican plan was "don't get sick, and if you do get sick, die quickly". There was an uproar from the right, and I remember one Republican Congressman saying "Both sides recognize the need for reform, I think we all realize that something has to be done, it's just the specific implementation we disagree with, blah blah blah; to suggest that we don't support reform is just the Democrats trying to demonize us." Well, if the horns fit...
The funny thing is, 99% of those complaining don't have the first clue what's in the bill, beyond that there's a public option, and you probably have no idea what the public option looks like. But, why do research and think for yourself when you can have your opinions pre-digested and regurgitated into your mouth?
39 Democrats voted against the bill including the Louisiana Democrat who obviously has more sense then the Republican Cao. I think 39 votes against makes it a bi partisan vote against the bill Mrs Pelosi.
You have got to be kidding me, are you bashers serious?? A politician putting the needs of his people before the party demands.....THATS WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO BE DOING!!! It amazes me that this comes aws a shock to people, are you really that ignorant?
Public Option: yes please. I'm a republican and seriously what are you afraid of? It works for every other civilized country! Its not about following the world but you know what..maybe the rest of the world is on to something.
Basically it comes down to this...so many of these republicans are on the big business payroll its hard to get anything to pass.
Mr. Cao, you are by far a true representative of your constituents, what you did was honorable and great many props to you and the residents of NO should make him your perm representative. Too the people of NO I'll trade you a Gov. Paterson for Mr. Cao, any takers we would love to be represented like that.
All us progressives need to send Cao money when he is up for re-election. Do you all agree? Let's commit to that. Move-On: support this guy.
Henry Miller. We know how you feel Cao and the rest of the supporters of health care reform are picking the pockets of others. Now tell us something about yourself so the supporters can determine how you are picking the pockets of others. The fact is that suporters of health care reform are making a statement about how they want tax dollars spent. They believe health care comes before a whole lot of items on the list some of which maybe even Henery Miller believes in. So Henry tell us what you have on your list so we will understand you better.
Thank You for the courage to vote in the interest of your constituents rather than your party.
Glad to see that at least one Republican has the integrity to do what's best for the country and go against the more ignorant, beligerent and obstructionist elements of his party.
Well done, Mr. Cao.
Mr. Cao, you are a very BRAVE soul! Only problem is I can only imagine the backlash you will receive from your party hardliners. Which is very very sad. Since when is it wrong for a public servant (of the people and for the people) to vote for what's right for their constituents, and not what's popular for their party? Either way, THANK YOU for doing what's RIGHT for this country and the people you represent.. and going against the strongarm of your party. You are a very good Man!
Nice work. Principle over party, country over party. Keep crying Repubs.
I wonder if any of the people commenting on this story know what it's like to have not seen a doctor in six years because you can't afford it. I wonder if any of them know what it's like to suffer through things like the flu, severe ligament injuries or cancer without proper medical treatment because you cannot afford it, and because federal law only requires hospitals to provide the minimum of care if you're not insured.
Do I think that this bill could have done more? Absolutely. I think that the malpractice issue should have been dealt with a lot more severely – remove punitive damages from malpractice coverage altogether. That would be one of the single biggest factors to lowering health care costs. I also think that the idea of forcing everyone to pay for insurance – with subsidies that are poorly defined – is a very bad idea. The poor may very well suffer more as a result.
But, for this particular story, for this representative, he does deserve praise for standing up for what he feels his constituents are truly looking for, and what they feel they need. That is the job of every politician out there – to represent his constituents. For that and that alone, Representative Cao deserves a lot of respect, even if you disagree with his vote. Both Democrats and Republicans could learn a lot from the example he sets out with this particular vote.
Thanks!
At least someone in the Republican Party has the courage to stand up against big healthcare, and BIG MONEY.
It is very sad for me to see the many good average Americans are buying into the lies, and mis-information being spread buy FOX, and the right wing talk show hosts....
Take a guess who's paying your local Republican representative....!
And who do you think is paying Rush.....
It's not Santa Claus!
For poor we have Medicaid. It is not necessary to vote for $1 billion bill in case to insure poor. Cao is a trader.
Thanks Mr. Cao.
The Democrats will welcome you with open arms when the
republicans kick you out next week.
The violation is just starting. That was just a sloppy wet kiss. The rape will commence if / when the Senate approves its version. After OBAMACARE is passed and everyone is under the heavy thumb of the government and dependent on the government for their healcare needs, the DemoNazis will go after our guns (especially after the latest shootings in Ft. Hood, TX and Orlando, FL) and we will then be truely defenseless. Our only hope is the elections in 2010 when we can get a few seats back in the House an Senate and take away that super majority. Then maybe in 2012 we can get a good conservative in the white house and start undoing the damage done by all these bleeding heart liberal democrats.
To Henry Miller the so called Libertarian:
What are you really upset with? It certainly cannot be the money factor here? The Republicans spent almost $680 billion dollars (much of it cannot be located) in Iraq? Does that bother you any? Giving that kind of money to Iraqis is OK but taking care of fellow Americans is not? Giving $780 billion dollars to banks and investment (which will never be paid back) firms that nearly destroyed this country financially is OK, but making sure some American children have health insurance is not? How does that work in your brain? I am an American I have lived in this country all my life and I will never, ever understand the hypocrisy that exists in this country, corporate welfare is OK, but making sure a child and the poor have access to proper medical care is not? Go Figure.
Hope you have a back-up job Congressman Cao because you just signed your pink slip.
This whole thing is one huge joke!!! It just proves that elected officials are not in office for the people. I wonder what promises and bribes went back and forth for this to happen. The American people never had a chance. We don't have enough money to bribe our own repersentives. If we did they may actually care about us. The "government machine" doesnt care what happens to the every day joes out here, as long as we continue going to work and paying taxes so that they can have their limos, fancy dinners, nice vacations, and pay offs!!!
Look does it really matter how it is funded, whether or not we spend that money in health care or on some other pork project. I am a firm believer that health care should be a right and not a privilege. I don't mind paying a couple extra dollars in taxes each payday to ensure everyone has healthcare. I don't believe that our seniors should have to suffer either, as a Nurse I know how important Medicaid and Medicare is, and it should be left alone!
Cao did what a lot of Republicans do, he made a calculated vote looking to win in 2010...by doing that, he knew the people of his district were going to want this bill, and he had no chance in the world of winning against a Democratic opponent if he voted against it.
As it is, he likely still won't win...the Dems will want to get that seat back, and Republicans won't really throw any support his way thanks to this vote. At least he's giving himself a chance.
A man spoke with the Lord about heaven and hell. The Lord said to the man, "Come, I will show you hell." They entered a room where a group of people sat around a huge pot
of stew. Everyone was famished, desperate and starving. Each held a spoon that reached the pot, but each spoon had a handle so much longer than their own arm that it could not be used to get the stew into their own mouths. The suffering was terrible.
"Come, now I will show you heaven," the Lord said after a while. They entered another room, identical to the first – the pot of stew, the group of people, the same long-handled
spoons. But there everyone was happy and well-nourished. "I don't understand," said the man. "Why are they happy here when they were miserable in the other room and
everything was the same?"
The Lord smiled, "Ah, it is simple," he said. "here they have learned to feed each other."
So many of you talking about how the vote of Congressman Cao being his death sentence as far as re-election is concerned. You people do not realize it but he voted for the people that sent him there to represent them. If he did that last night then neither you, Rep. Cantor, Rush Limprick or anyone else will be able to vote this man out of office. As long as his people feel they have a person representing them fairly in congress they will continue to send him back. Frankly, I wish there were 536 more Representatives and Senators like him. It appears that here is a man that is willing to work for the people and not follow blindly like some Lap Dog along behind a leader just because the leader says do it. Now I'm sure that scares Republicans to see one among them with a brain and the will to do for his people first. Republicans do not like individual thinkers. They consider it dangerous when more than one of them has half a brain. Problem is that while there are many with half a brain, there is little or no brain activity being shown by them. While I may not find myself in agreement with him in every case, I suspect I will be able to say he did what he thought was best for his people or he at least listened to them. Again, many Republicans will try to destroy this man because he has a brain but it precisely because of that they will fail. This man has the makings of a good Representative.
Mr. Cao, you make me proud. Elected officials need to vote based on the needs of people and not the edicts of the party. You are my hero. God bless you.
Here we have another loss of freedom in this country and some of these comments are an example of uneducated, ill-informed people being lead like sheep, who will continue to follow their handler into the fields of economic destruction for this country.
Wake up you Democrat followers, stop looking for the government to solve your own failures to get what you want.
Learn your American & World History as to why this country became the most powerful and free country in the world which is why you’re here and able to speak your views today.
I find it fascinating that there are two distinct trains of thought on this discussion. Those who are congratulating Cao and hoping for the best. And the rest. It is a shame the rest are still playing the same games that have gotten them nowhere (i.e. no one is listening to the people, we will all be unemployed, the end is coming, etc.). Seriously people, you are on CNN.com not FOXnews.com. Educate yourselves. Read for yourselves. It does not take a genius to figure out that people HAVE indeed spoke and we would like to do our part and help take care of each other for a change! And let me be petty for a moment to B. Petty... the word is "dumb" not "dump". Guess where you might fall in?
kudos to Cao. sadly, expanding Medicare to cover everyone was not an option. that program with better control and higher reimbursement works just fine for 8 million federal workers and the elderly.
be that as it may, finally, nearly all Americans will have health care.
the teabagger nutjobs will need it now that they are (like the repukes) on life support..
So all those of you who are applauding Cao. I am glad he did what he believed was right, but with that said this is something he should believe in. This bill will bankrupt America. It is a nasty bill, be ready for higher taxes everyone with this bill. And even then, I don't think we can finance it. Have any of you actually read the bill? This bill is ugly. Some of the people who talk about the bullying republicans or the teabaggers the way you are. First off, about the bullying, are you blind to what the things the other party is doing? They don't give a crap about bipartisanship. Also, about the teabaggers as someone put it, it is not our fault that we are tired of more and more taxes and that almost all representatives don't listen to its people. Cao if you pay attention to what he said, its obvious this bill as one person said benefits the poor and will hurt the middle class and up. This whole salary separation thing, I think is dumb. A salary of 350,000 differs from state to state. In some states that is a lot, but in some that is not. Should do what my mom calls buying power. Cost of living is different for every state, so the same salary from state to state is different. I am all for more people getting healthcare, but this is not way to go. The way to go is this open up more jobs and make it so every business, whether small, big, or family owned can provide healthcare benefits to their employees. Malpractice lawsuit reform is another thing that needs to be fixed.
This passed because people believe it is possible to get someone else to pay for what they want. These people want health care and want someone else to pay for it. Well there aren't enough people to pay for the kind of government that most people want. It will get worse now. We will destroy ourselves.
How sorrowful it is that only one of the Old White Men party (notice, neither old nor white) cares more for the people of this country than his party. But, we need single-payer. That is the only thing that will work. We will get there one way or the other. Probably by nationalization of the "too big to fail" health insurance companies after they go broke.
Bravo Mr. Cao for voting for the health care reform that so important achievement for our country. I think you are true to your constituents and voted for needs and not how your party wanted you to vote. It takes guts and I admire your courage and showed them human needs are more important than political survival. We all live after our political careers are over but at least we will be remembered for the good deeds. I know you will be chastised by your party and radio commentators we do not want to mention names. You stand tall and show them you are a human being first and a politician second. God bless you.
For you trolls out there, how dare you call Rep. Cao's constituents "jobless lazy poor people". I am sick and tired of you so-called "patriots" lambasting everything the democrats have been trying to do for the betterment of our country because of your self-absorbed idiocy, i.e. calling any type of reform socialism. Where were you when GW and his group were eviscerating the Constitution with their illegal wiretaps? Where was your outrage when John Ashcroft said "I feel the best way to ensure Americans' freedom is to tighten restrictions on that freedom in any way possible. Only through wiretaps, illegal searches and seizures, unfettered government intrusion, a controlled media and a complete crackdown on free speech can we ensure the liberties of all people."
Good job. If anyone knows that the Katrina survivors need health care,
its Mr. Cao.
When Mr. Cao and Ms Pelosi and their fellow socialists have completed their goals and, years from now, our children and grandchildren are paying the price, I wonder if those who now support these people will crow as loudly. It is a sad day for the United States of America, but it is only the beginning.
Yes, the healthcare industry needs reform, but putting this important service in the hands of the government is NOT the answer. It will now have another "service" (like Social Security) from which to siphon off funds for their pet projects. Then, what?
The members of Congress are NOT listening to the taxpaying American citizens who elected them. Remember this on election day!
Welcome to Chicago pay to play mafia politics brought to the national level. We are now seeing Obama's close ties to self proclaimed global socialist George Soros played out to the future destruction of the US economy.
-
Its' quite evident that the "Vote No", "right-wing" are simply arrogant
and are exactly like George Bush, Sarah Palin, Glen Beck, etc.,etc.
They double-speak Christianity. Christianity is guided by the love
for your fellow-man, and not Me and Myself. You're suppose to give your only coat but that would be impossible for their group-think. If they (them?) do they ever think of anyone else, what is their proof?
HOORAY for MR. COA–At last a rep from my state to vote for his convictions and the GOOD of the country instead of the his party puppeteers and the GREEDY Insurance companies that tried to control him and the rest of the REP/CON SHEEP. There is still courage and accountability, though scarce, in the Rep PaRty. You go REP CAO!!!
This only proves that the Republicans are perfectly fine with the status quo and DO NOT want ANY reform for healthcare or more Republicans than one would have voted yes for this. Even though their amendment to take out any federal funding for abortions was taken out as they wished, even then they voted NO on the bill. So I say it's time to move forward. We cannot let one political party hold the country hostage and prevent our Country from progressively moving forward.
Finally a Republican with morals.
Anyone check hell recently?
I think it froze over.
This isn't a district issue this is a national issue. That's the problem with our political scene. California and east coast politics spreads like an infection to the rest of us. And the our major media networks are from the same regions giving a loud biased voice, over looking the rest of the nation.
Unfortunately, Cao didn't realize that his democratic counterparts didn't do the same. As their constituents made it BLATENTLY clear that reform as written in this bill was NOT something they wanted, democrats voted along party lines and neglected the will of the people.
Cao's first term will likely be he last. The same will undoubtedly hold true for the majority of those democrats who continue to thrust our country into the depths of an unsustainable future. A future replete with having burdened our children and grandchildren with debt that will never be paid.
Since Cao has thrown away his career in the house he should have considered that the "right" decision would have been to stay with his party and vote no on this 2000 page travesty.
I will give Jim Marshal (D-GA) this much credit. He may be a Democrat (some say moderate, some say liberal) but at least he listened to the people of his district and voted against the bill. I am impressed because previously I didnt think he had the stones to vote against Princess Pelosi and the rest of his party. Well done Congressman Marshal
I just love those that are delusional in believing that most Americans are opposed to this bill? They really need to stop watching Fox news, 76% of Americans are in FAVOR of health care reform. Barrack Obama is NOT out in the next election that is simply your wish not fact. There is something wrong with you people, you don't know any of the facts yet you seem to spew rhetorical nonsense that only you can understand. The democrats were elected with a great majority in both houses and the White House don't you think we knew what they were planning then, yet we still gave them a SUPER majority one in which the republicants' don't matter, a dose of reality is what you need STOP WATCHING FOX and you'll get it.
I find it humorous and rather pathetic that people can describe the constituents of a district that was devastated by a natural disaster that the United States has done a horrible job of helping to recover as jobless lazy poor people. I think that this might actually be the most shinning example of how conservatives have absolutely no sense of reality. Of course coming from a group of people who are so concerned with the fate of small businesses and also tout free market capitalism it isn't totally surprising. They haven't yet realized that in free market capitalism small businesses get crushed.
All I can say is that this blog shows just how left the Dems are and CNN....Give me a break when you say FOX are lunatics....you are no better by choosing the left.
Healthcare-answer me this if it is so great--Why won't the Govt accept this healthcare plan for there own....hmmm....don't be so naive lefties...u and I can't afford to ensure the poor and the one's sitting at home making babies.....
Neal in Atlanta November 8th, 2009 10:36 am ET
The violation is just starting. That was just a sloppy wet kiss. The rape will commence if / when the Senate approves its version. After OBAMACARE is passed and everyone is under the heavy thumb of the government and dependent on the government for their healcare needs, the DemoNazis will go after our guns (especially after the latest shootings in Ft. Hood, TX and Orlando, FL) and we will then be truely defenseless. Our only hope is the elections in 2010 when we can get a few seats back in the House an Senate and take away that super majority. Then maybe in 2012 we can get a good conservative in the white house and start undoing the damage done by all these bleeding heart liberal democrats.
***************************************
I don't know about you....Neal in Atlanta....but when the "DemoNazis" even think of coming after my guns my story will be I sold all mine to some guy on the street so I could buy food to feed my family......that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Finally Vietnam will have revange.....
You will all pay, the time has come for Americans to suffer.
The outrage by the lunatic right wing fringe over healthcare reform is astounding, and just shows their ignorance. In the long run, this bill will SAVE money for the taxpayers. When the uninsured go to the emergency room, who pays for their care? We do, and this bill will end that. When people can't pay their bills because they are under-insured and file for bankruptcy, who picks up the tab? We do, and this bill will end that.
It will also end the despicable practice of denying people care for pre-existing conditions. 45, 000 people die each year from a lack of healthcare. Where is the outrage about that, right-wingers? All of you claim to be such Christians, yet it's okay for your fellow Americans to die while health insurance companies make billions denying them coverage?
If you want to complain about govt. spending and deficits, direct your outrage at the former administration, which spent money and racked up debt with the help of Repubs in Congress.
Billions spent in Iraq with no end in sight, a Prescription Drug Plan passed with no way to pay for it, de-regulation of banks which caused the economy to crash, a 700 billion bail-out to Wall Street–where was your outrage then, all of you right-wing hypocrites?
NATIONAL HEALTH CARE SERVICE IS MOVING !
Sun, November 8, 2009 9:25:08 AM
From: Paulo Castro
--------------------------–
As an independent citizen that fought almost daily to support providing national health care service to all USA citizens, I consider the approval of the Affordable Health Care Act as my own victory.
It shows that individual active participation and contribution will continue to upgrade both our Democracy and our Capitalism for the better of we the people and send the greedy-corrupt-inept and lazy, to their obscure caverns of constant conspiracy.
I still am a permanent critic of Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama, but I have no doubt or constriction to congratulate both on fighting to obtain this first step approval that our nation more than deserves.
The Senate must now enhance this victory for our country by putting the entire new National Health Care system under the CONTROL, MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION of a commission conformed by all the States of the Union.
The 60 years dark failure of the private insurance "industry" and the total insensitivity confronting the misery and suffering of more than 40 million people that could not cope with the greed and corruption of the industry, lobbyists and accomplices is sufficient reason to KEEP THE PRIVATE INSURANCE CORPORATIONS out of the National Health Care Service and from meddling between we the people and our health care needs.
Now,it is our responsibility as citizens to practice healthy habits when eating, exercising and preventing illnesses from irresponsibly getting us sick, overcrowding the health facilities and putting the costs of our own medical attention on the shoulders of our fellow citizens.
Thank you to the mass media for criticizing and or supporting my continuous e mails on this matter that I have land slided you over the course of the few pasts months.
Sincerely,
Jose Paulo Castro
Forest Hills, New York.
Mr. Obama, Mr. Reid and Mrs. Pelosi
You may shove this bill down our throats in 2009 but when the elections of 2010 and 2012 come around you may get a boot shoved up another orafice and find yourselvs out of a job. What a glorious day that will be.
Good Work, Representative Cao!!!!!!
Cau should be congratulated for voting his conscience instead of his party!!!! I wish there were more people out there who were willing to vote for what's good for the country instead of worrying about being a Democrate or Republican. Everyone knows healthcare as it is, is not an option.
mr cao should be a role model for the republican party but we all know this will never happen.
Cao had better enjoy his moment in the sun. After his current term, we will see no more of him. The party, not the public, rules !
How many politicians have read and understand the entire bill? Ahhh...none of them. NO ONE SHOULD BE VOTING ON SOMETHING THEY HAVE NOT READ and UNDERSTAND. Remember the rushed "Bail-out"! ...QUICK we have to spend 1.2 Trillion now before it is too late!
This is just a way politicians manipulate the people. Then they can said later that they didn't know it would be so bad. Term limits for Congress is the first step to a solution. There will be an Independent Moderate Party that will come out of this mess and destroy the Dims and the Repubs.
Health care costs may actually decrease! At present, highly paid doctors and lawyers determine whether the insured could have a pre-existing condition, so that the insured is not covered. If insurers must pay regardless of pre-existing conditions, a fitfh or sixth grader could check records whether the claimant is covered.
A Google search will show that at present administrative costs account for about a third of US medical costs. That should decrease with competition between insurers for business.
Of course, as more are covered, costs should rise.
Then there could be additional cost savings, as at present many of the uncovered receive care in emergency wards.
Who knows how things will balance out!
Representative Cao, you truely do have guts, and do not let anyone sway you to act otherwise. If you keep this up, if you decide to run in 2016, this moderate dem might campaign for you, who knows. I just wish that I had a represenative like him in my district of Cape County in Missouri, but my county is anything but a moderate republican county. Keep up the good work, and remember where you came from.
Wonderful news.Now all we need to hear is that Rush choked on his drugs or ODed.
Dang some people really bought into the phrase OBAMACARE... I guess prtecting the nation is bad... just protect thoes who can afford healthcare... and medicade... millions are uninsured still. Universal covereage!WE ARE PAYING FOR IT ANY WAY!
The repubs put ammenments up that all members of congress will have to be on the bill they pass. It was voted down by democrats.Good enough for for us serfs not royals.
Govt. of the people, for the people and by the people. The majority of the people voted for change and change is what they'll get. My representative voted against the bill and he will be voted out. No straight Dem ticket just to vote Democratic the next time I'll be voting. I'll pick and choose who stays in and who goes out. If I have to vote on a person like Cao (R) over a Dem rep, I will.
HEY!! NEAL IN ATLANTA:
Just how do you think they got that SUPER MAJORITY? It was the AMERICAN people who voted them in DOH!!!
Given the lone Republican vote in its favor, Nancy Pelosi is hailing the passage of the health care reform bill in the House as a bipartisan effort.
Given the 39 Democratic votes opposing the bill, I have to admit she's right.
That's right, Cao. To heck with principles. To heck with doing the right, responsible thing. All that counts is GETTING RE-ELECTED!
If you are going to be a pandering, self-serving puppet with absolutely no principles or morals, then why don't you just go ahead and join the democratic party where you won't stand out so much?
Nobody would cry about expenses for healthcare (for the health and potential of our nation) if we look at where else we overspend ourselves. The military expenses are far the biggest ration in the USA than any other countries with such size, population and overall potential. The next 10 nations can not even come close combined to the US when it comes how much of the GDP is spent on weaponry. The US is everywhere on the glove with installations for unneccessary reasons (EU, Japan, etc.) and bleeding money through corrupt contractors.
If we just save a small fraction of that money and we still would be safe without question, we would not even talk about how we would finance our health with preventive methods and check ups.
Fire corrupt contractors and officials (regardless of party affiliation) who enjoy the benefit of weak oversight.
Also, fire superintendents in school districts who maintain lifestyle as kings (250-300k / year salary + expenses) when the majority of other industrial nations put us in the back burner of achieving in math and science in elementary and middle educatioin. They always say the they need to find professionals when competing with the professional work pool. It is just not true. In my humbled opinion, this area also needs to be reexamined.
Tons of money is out there, to save that alone can easily pay for our nations better helath.
Our elected officials are SUPPOSED to represent the people, not special interests like the insurance industry. Rep. Cao did his job.
Cao is looking like a real Republican and not one of them Limbaugh, or Sean Hannity followers like: Boehner, Steele, Alexander, Wilson and the majority of the acting Republican party now. When true Republicans gets back in office, I will start voting for them.
Well Linda, tell us what is in the bill then. Because, unless you had a chance to read it when the majority of congressman did not, I'm willing to bet that you don't either. Not only that, but less then 25% of American citizens actually end up paying taxes at the end of the year. That doesn't even include the approx. 12 million illegals that will eventually end up getting the actual tax payers to pay for there health care.
And the shoe fitting. Come on, say something that isn't attacking. I know that I need healthcare reform, because I actually pay taxes, and I pay way too much for healthcare, and my wife even works for a Healthcare co. So is reform needed> YES. But regulation, is what will work, not joining the healthcare industry. The government can't run itself, now you want it to run our healthcare.
Very impressed by Cao- He may end up being a governor of Louisiana.
Pres. Obama is right by saying that this vote will define the differences between the Dems and GOP for decades to come:
- one party voted for providing healthcare to the people, while
- the other voted to support the insurance corporations
Cao's vote is exactly why the founding fathers setup a system of regionaly selected representatives. The bring the needs and wishes of their region to the national stage. Together the group is supposed to work to bring the best to all and strengthen the nation. I tend to vote democrat but I'm heartened by his vote – just as I am with the Republicans who voted no because that's what their region really want. Both parties over the past 15-20 years have gotten to a point of voting the party because it's the safe thing to do and the democrats are just as guilty as the republicans. Maybe it will be the death of Cao if the GOP backs an opponent because of this vote- but that is a failing of the system.
"""tom November 8th, 2009 10:50 am ET
Cao had better enjoy his moment in the sun. After his current term, we will see no more of him. The party, not the public, rules !"""
And...that is exactily what the problem is here...who cares about the people, party first.
All of the above who proclaim the American people have now been violated should be forced to live like the people in Cao's district, and treated the way our own government treated those people during Katrina. Just for a few days.....
Now we see why he voted for this disaster of a bill. The white house promised him earmarks. This is the huge CHANGE that was promised? All I see is more of the same. Actually there has been some change, MORE spending of money that we don't have at an alarming rate!
He's gone.
I'd like him to explain what he likes about the bill. I'd also like to ask him what he remembers from reading 2000 pages.
Cao, Mao, Cao, Mao?
Wake up little rosebud, wake upppppppp.
It still hasn't passed yet.....There's alot of yelling yet to be done. We will see what the end result is after different amendments have been added.
Does insurance reform need to be done, in some form?
Should we let insurance companies rule our health?
What did, or even start to do, the GOP do while they were in charge?
If my memory serves me right... the national debt doubled under the GOP conservative president.... and accomplished nothing for health reform.
Out of all the Republican Representatives that believe in healthcare reform, Representative Cao was the only one to stand his ground. This is being a leader and couragous. Now, others may follow.
Who cares what the American people need or want? Obviously not our own government. As a middle class American family who has lost everything and fighting to gain at least a little bit of a normal life back, I want to thank Washington for lieing to me and my family. I want to thank Washington for bailing out corperations who are still stealing every dime they can from my family. I want to thank Washington for raping my family of their future. I want to tell them that I love paying for their fancy dinners, nice vacations, and other "perks".
I also want to thank them for trying to pass a bill that will garentee thay we will no longer be middle class but will be the working poor. Just proves that the only people that count in the US are the super rich or the really poor.
Washington, I do have one question though.....if you couldnt manage medicare, socail security, and medcaid, what makes you think you can manage this either? Instead of going after the insurance companys you are just going after the citizens. Just like with the corperate bailouts. Guess if I had a couple million to bribe you people with then you would actually care what happens to my family!!!
The Americans who voted these Democrats into office are going to get exactly what they deserve.
Unfortunately, good, hard working Americans are going to be affected just as much if not more so.
What's going to be there plan when the wealthiest Americans either choose to retire or take their business/home to another country? Absolutely every government program is a complete failure compared to the open market. Health Care could soon be added to that list. I hope those in the Senate have a better feel for what the majority of Americans want. I fear that they don't.
My thanks to this brave man for voting for the good of the people, not the good of his political party.
Hey SensibleFella, it seems you define "will of the people" as the voice of vocal, well-funded lobbies. Perhaps you should look back at the election results. Obama ran on a platform of health care reform and won the election, which seems to be a much better barometer of public opinion than a bunch of rich whiners who have no concern for those who cannot afford to see a doctor.
SNAPPA, I'm sure you'd like people to stop watching FOX news and tune in to the Communist News Network or the other liberal news networks to get the daily spin as given to them by the white house press secretary. 76% of Americans may be in FAVOR of health care reform but NOT at the TRILLION dollar plus pricetag and NOT if it includes taxpayer funded abortion and taxpayers paying for healthcare for illegal immigrants. If you want your hard earned dollars going to abortions and illegal immigrants that's your business but it's not my responsibility to fund healthcare for anyone but myself and my family. I already pay a sizeable portion of my income to social security, medicare, medicade, etc.
Here's a novel idea....have all the illegals go home and have all the lazy, nonworking deadbeats get a freaking job and pay for their own health insurance....I will be glad to help the elderly and the truely disabled after that.
Jonny DC wrote the most racist thing:
"So let me get this straight – If you represent a district entirely full of jobless lazy poor people, and the measure being voted upon was to kill the wealthiest 10% of the population and give their wealth directly to the unemployed, then you should vote in favor of the measure because it betters the lives of your people?"
WOW. enough said. Some people just don't get it.
Awww, he didn't go with the status quo of "do nothing".
That's right, I said do nothing. Want examples.
How much more was the Republican health care bill and how much less people did it cover?
Where were republicans when debate for the bill was occurring? outside protesting while they are on the clock?
A lot of ID10TS here love to point out the polls when they say Obama has lower approval ratings than his FIRST month as President, but they love to ignore the ones where most Americans want health care reform.
It's the democrat's fault that they took over, if the republican's wanted to control where this went so bad, why didn't they start over eight years ago? Too busy blaming Iraq for 9/11?
YUP!!!!!
Thank – you Mr Cao for standing up for the people and not for Party.
I left the Republican party because it is NOT a Christian party. (In fact, there is not a "Christian party." All parties are political parties, period.) Any serious reading of the Christian Scriptures will show you that taking care of our fellow man, especially the poor, sick, and needy, is one of the major tenets of Christianity. Ambition, wealth, and power are not. Keeping everything you've earned for yourself is not. Making profit from healing people is not. So far as I can tell, Rep. Cao is the only Republican Congressman doing anything remotely Christian.
Ken in NC your comment: "Republicans do not like individual thinkers"
Is how Democrats are looked at by Conservatives. Think about what you are saying. Big government, higher taxes! Government take over of banks, auto industries, and environmentally hijacking our energy independence. With things like the fairness doctrine, cap and trade, and paying for abortion with our taxes through this health care bill. Who if anyone cares about the individual thinker anymore?
A thinking man's Republican? I salute you, sir!
Good on ya Joe for voting for the people. Johnny in DC seems to believe people who are poor or out of work are in their situations because of laziness. What a moron!
Ever notice how often the Repubs resort to sloganeering and name calling? Its the behavior of thugs and desperate people willing to do anything to hold onto their ill begotten money and power. How shameless these people are!
Gee at least one Republican listened to the people he represents! When will the rest of them figure it out?
TBT wrote: "If you are going to be a pandering, self-serving puppet with absolutely no principles or morals, then why don't you just go ahead and join the democratic party where you won't stand out so much?"
You must have slept through school. In representing the needs of his constituents, instead of the overly-politicized GOP, he WAS following the principles and morals required of him as a representative to the House.
What do you call a party that claims to be pro-life yet is for War that has killed hundreds of thousands of innocent woman and children yet they are against saving american lives with healthcare.
For those of you that think the signing of this health bill is good, that you feel it is a right of the people, and that you don't mind spending a few extra dollars to insure everyone has health insurance, it is apparent you didn't read the bill.
This bill is scary. The government will not be involved. The new health commissioner (aka CZAR) will have full control and no one else.
People, please, before you post comments, know what you are talking about. Lastly, please do yourself a favor and even if you don't discuss these things, please ask yourself, "How are we going to pay for these things?"
While I believe some type of health insurance change is needed, this bill that has passed is not the solution, it is a disaster. The cost is unimaginable and higher taxes are on their way, even the democrats have admitted to that.
Neal in Atlanta,
Ever read what it says below the Statue of Liberty?
Here's a better question: what Native American tribe do you hail from since your not an immigrant? Your an ignorant, that we already know
Finally, a Republican who realizes the that the American people and not the do-nothing, say nothing antics of the Republican party are first are foremost. Congratulations!
Is this bill perfect? No but it is a smart start of something long overdue and much needed.
Thanks again from a grateful SENIOR.
The repubs put amendments up that all members of congress will have to be on the bill they pass. It was voted down by democrats.Good enough for for us serfs not royalty.
It amazes me how people on the right are willing to spend billions after billions in Iraq, never ever question the Pentagon budget, the CIA budget, the FBI budget, totally trusting that power agencies can really manage money, and yet be upset at 90 billion dollars we would have to spend here on Americans, on their health care. We just signed off on 680 BILLION budget for Pentagon, that does not even include Iraq and Afghanistan, and yet all GOP and right-wing lunatics can talk about is 90 billion we will spent on health care. Amazing.
Of course this will be his only term. He will be slaughtered in the next election. If he is going to vote like a socialist, why not vote for the Democrat?
Raising taxes on small business owners, over $500B during a recession?!? Put even more mandates and regulation on small business when you are trying desperately to create job growth. Make employing people even more expensive in a global economy?
Brilliant.
Just like the stimulus was a joke (yeah, unemployment wouldn't go over 8% if the socialists get to spend nearly a trillion borrowed dollars) this is an even bigger joke.
Government will control healthcare costs? Do they think we are all stupid? When has government controlled the cost of anything? The government is the poster child for fraud, waste and incompetence.
Medicare – bankrupt
So-So Security-bankrupt
Treasury – insolvent if they didn't run the printing presses at full tilt
If these medicare cuts are so easy, why not implement them first and have the savings be a trigger permitting all this other nonsense. Easy, because Nobama, Pelosi and Reed know the savings will never happen, it's all lies.
Rinos think the way to win elections is to be socialists. They spent like drunken sailors 2000-2006 and they got hammered for it. Now the Pelosi Politburo increases deficit spending 4X and these Rinos go along with them.
Make no mistake. This is 1993 all over again. Socialists think that a vote against Republican spending in 2006 was a vote for socialist spending. 2010 will be 1994. The socialists will lose control of Congress for another 10 years and Nobama will run to the center just like Clinton did. Then fiscal sanity will return and hopefully we can roll back this economic devastation Pelosi, Reed and The One have brought upon us which is making the recession last way longer than it normally would have.
The hippies better enjoy their power while it lasts 'cause it won't last long.
Good on Rep. Cao. My Representative, John Linder, voted no. I guess he thinks he's the only one entitled to government run health care, as well as that pesky government salary. Why are these guys in government to begin with if they are so anti-government, at least when it's convenient? Good grief, they even had an anti-government rally on the steps of the capitol the other day. I'm confused. There must be a big payoff somewhere in there.
You are a true patriot, Rep. Cao.
Kudos to Mr. Cao!
At least Coa is being honest when he says this is the best thing for his constiguents – not for his party..Good for him!!
At least the Democrats are spending money on health care reform. I'm sorry but didn't the national deficit double under GOP rule and what did we get out of it: A war in Iraq!
Let's see what party cares about Americans more: The one that put our soldiers in a costly war that had nothing to do with 9/11 or the one that wants all Americans to have health insurance.?
Southern gal November 8th, 2009 10:58 am ET
Jonny DC wrote the most racist thing:
"So let me get this straight – If you represent a district entirely full of jobless lazy poor people, and the measure being voted upon was to kill the wealthiest 10% of the population and give their wealth directly to the unemployed, then you should vote in favor of the measure because it betters the lives of your people?"
WOW. enough said. Some people just don't get it.
**************************************************
Please do tell.....what is so "racist" about the comment?
The government can't run Katrina relief, Cash for Clunkers or the SEC well but we think they can run healthcare? Really? Public Option? Really? You think that your district needs more taxes and more entitlement programs? Really? There are a lot of people not getting my vote next election. Fortunately for this guy I don't live in his district. Did he even read the bill that he voted on? Doubt it. This is one independent voter who voted for too many Democrats last election and won't make that mistake next time!
tata mcgee – sorry sweetie, Obama, Pelosi, and the Democratic party aren't the ones raping us. It's the insurance companies. You must either have government run Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance through your employer. Try to survive without those.
Hey SNAPPA. My brother was one of the Americans you speak of who voted Obama into office. Now he is one of those thousands who are having a MAJOR case of voters remorse. He is regretting the day he voted for that socialist along with many, many others. They all bought into the CHANGE. Now they are seeing how that CHANGE is working out.....NOT TOO GOOOOOOOD.
You know I remember my history going back to the late 1930's and early 1940's. There was a country in Europe which was hit harder than any other by the great depression. This country was then resurrected by a charismatic leader who was the head of a "progressive party" and a "coalition" government. This charasmatic leader was an impressive orator who rallied the masses and was elected Chancelor. The country – Germany. The party – Nazi .The leader – Adolph HItler. And see where CHANGE got them and the rest of the world. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Good for him. His other GOP fellows should be ashamed. They do not do what is best for their people that they represent. I hope they all lose their health care and see how they like it.
I guess I can go to the Doc free now huh ? This news is great , now I suppose my sister can get her cancer treatments free without having to go bankrupt. And hospitals can spruce up the landscaping once again .
Just as I thought, this does nothing for working class people . Only draws more money in for insurance companies and more money for the health care industry, which should melt down like the banks.
Is congress signing up for the new plan ?
Didn't think so.....
Dems need to enjoy this brief success or failure (depends on how you look at it), because this bill is going to die in the Sentate.
Wow. No wonder why the American people vote the way they do:
"They haven't yet realized that in free market capitalism small businesses get crushed."
>Absurd. Big businesses have weaknesses - particularly as their reach gets larger and larger. Small businesses are thriving in this country.
"When the uninsured go to the emergency room, who pays for their care? "
> That will be the same people that will pay under the healthcare bill.
"When people can't pay their bills because they are under-insured and file for bankruptcy, who picks up the tab"
> If they can't pay for insurance now, they are going to afford it when the government forces them to?
"want to complain about govt. spending and deficits, direct your outrage at the former administration"
Actually, that was a democratic congress - and this current administration along with the current congress made their spending look like lunch money. Want to see spending stop, set congress republican and the president democrat (i.e. Clinton).
If this bill uses medicaid as a standard, get ready people. You are about to have LESS doctors, LESS choice - and MORE expensive healthcare. Ask anyone who runs a healthcare facility if they could survive on medicare alone.
kudos to you sir. it is rare for a politician to put the peoples needs over his objective to be re-elected.... you are a true rep. of the people.........thankyou
10.2% unemployment rate, highest since 1983, and the focus is on healthcare? Are you kidding me? Oh wait, the stimulus that Bush and Obama pushed FAILED, so quick, change the focus off the economy. This healthcare bill is a JOKE. Just more debt for the country, and more control for the worthless idiots in D.C. Whoever voted for this garbage legislation should be voted out of office. It's expensive, we can't pay for it, and it's not going to be effective. Instead of trying to find another way to fix this, Obama the "amazing" just shoved what he wants down our throats like he is some sort of God. Are you kidding me? Who says this guy's ideas are so great that they outweigh any other option? This guy is a self indulgent snob who should just get voted out of office. We send our worthless presidents down to Texas, he should join the Bush family down there.
he might be the only republican that gets voted back in next time he runs for office..
wow one republican had the balls to stand up against the war and threat machine . that is so cool ..he becomes a national hero ..
gary davis
harbor oregon
proud to be an american that wants change
Let's not castigate all Dems who voted against it- this is a complicated and inefficient bill that circles around problems . Eric Massa of NY voted against it- because he has guts and supports hr 676 single payer ( medicare for all) legislation.)
Many of us reform advocates were sorely torn- not a good bill versus getting something tangible done. My only hope is that the Senate led by Bernie Sanders shows some courage. Don't count on Evan Bayh- his wife is a director for private insurer Wellpoint . She makes over 3 times Bayh's senate salary. WE THE PEOPLE. indeed....
To all those right-wingers calling Dems "Nazis"–
Let me remind you that the leaders of Nazi Germany embraced the merging of the govt. and the military with corporate interests. They supported the suppression of women, wanting them to stay in "traditional roles." They also demonized homosexuals and considered non-Christians and people of color inferior.
Hmmm....this sure sounds like a particular party here in the US, and it isn't the Democrats.
The 2010 election is looming and we will see the American people speak loud and clear.As they did in Maine.When the people fear the government that is tyranny ,when the government fears the people that is liberty.Whoa.....tough words spoken by our founding fathers!!!Truth shall set you free!! The American people are being educated and they will not stand for this kind of takeover of our Republic.God Bless America. As it says over the speaker of the house's podium-as the politicians lie-IN GOD WE TRUST!!Oh and you libbies that work so hard to get GOD taken off of everything,you will need a marble grinder to get that one off and the hundreds of quotation of the bible all over D.C off. It aint going to happen.As Jefferson said-in his monument -"I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever." We patriots agree with him.
Mr. Cao,
Well said! Wow, a republican who could see past party lines.
@ Reps that keep posting the "sky is falling, the country will fail" in regards to the effects of the healthcare bill. There is no way you can possibly know any of your negative statments will come to fruition. You are guessing based on your political beleifs. If you truly know that the health care bill will end our economy, can you also let me know where to buy my next lotto ticket because you are psychic.
THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS PRO-ANBORTION YOU IDIOTS!?
Pro means you're actively going to seek out and kill fetuses. That's preposterous.
PRO-CHOICE – is you actively want to let a woman decide who will or won't be paying rent in her own womb because it's HER body. Men shouldn't even be allowed to vote on the decision – it's a woman's issue and it's up for women to decide. If Men were able to be pregnant you can bet the farm they'd start passing pro-choice laws like they were going out of style.
@ neal in Atlants
:You may shove this bill down our throats in 2009 but when the elections of 2010 and 2012 come around you may get a boot shoved up another orafice and find yourselvs out of a job. What a glorious day that will be.
------
But your party still doesnt have a plan. Distract with rhetoric and obstruct while having no solutions. Its the GOP way.
You actually have to have a plan:
- The economy (more tax cuts for corporations and more de-regulation, and unfettred outsourcing of American Manufacturing and IT jobs. ),
-Healthcare (the GOP plan is keeping the money funnelled to health insurance companies while lowering costs for business, not you and me, and of course doing nothing about covering more of the uninsured).
- And of course there is energy (drill baby drill, while China and INdia corner the green energy and tech industries)
Yep, what a plan the conservatives have. Neil, your fantasies of revenge are hollow without a plan people are willing to vote for.
Bitterness only gets yopu so far.
Meanwhile, healthcare reform is on the way and the economy will continue to recover in 2010. Funny how the GOP will be hoping that the economy doesnt revover in 2010, putting them further out of touch with the American people (as if 17% approval for the GOP wasnt low enough.
Obama is in for the long haul, if he plays it right, the GOP teat-bagging birthers will burn themselves out. And what a glorious day THAT will be.
Cao just voted to destroy this country by causing it to fail due to uncontrolled spending and he said he voted for the people in his district. What are the people going to do when this country falls over not being able to pay it debts??? Any excuse is find for liberal spending with money we don't have.
It is so refreshing an elected official will make his/her decision on what is best for the country rather than his party. I respect him for his decision to vote differently than his party. We need more like him.
This is a first. A congressman actually thinking about what is best for the people in his district. The GOP can spend all our money on the wars without even blinking, but God forbid that they think about the people in their districts who are sick, can not pay their health bills and are losing their homes because of this. They should be ashamed of themselves. They are being paid off by the lobbists. Thank you to my congressman for voting for this bill.
To the person posting on this site who doesn't have the stones to even put his name on here. It just so happens that my great grandmother was from Ireland and was an immigrant and my great grandfather was a full blooded Cherokee indian. So I know both sides of the immigraiton argument. I didn't say I was against immigration, just ILLEGAL immigration. As for calling people ignorant.....those who have to resort to calling other people names like ignorant are the ones who truely are. It doesn't take a whole lot of guts to call someone ignorant or anything else on the net. It takes more to do it to their face when you may face the consequences.
It is so great to see that there is some sanity on the right side of the aisle.
Its fine when people have different viewpoints...many times their viewpoints (generally people on the right) come from lack of education, lack of traveling, etc...which are things they cannot control.
But when people are so stubborn that they cannot compromise, they risk the foundations of democracy itself. Good for you Cao...you are a truly a great politician to put people over politics, which many of your republican counter parts cannot.
I am so proud of Joseph Cao because he had the integrity to stand up for what is right, not only for the people of his district, but for all Americans who need affordable health care today and in the future. The people of his district, in New Orleans East, ( one of the hardest hit by Katrina), are mostly Vietnamese, who are hard-working. I met Mr. Gao at a Vietnamese New Year's celebration in New Orleans East and was very impressed. I am postitive he will get re-elected next term, as well. Most of you out there don't know what you are talking about because you don't know anything about New Orleans East or the people who live there.
Wow it is such a refreshing thing to see that a politicain is actually thinking of the people who voted him instead of sticking to party lines. I hope this small token of bi partisian ship spreads like wildfire. Your goal as a politician should not be to get re-elected but to work for the people and then re electing wil take of itself. This health care reform is still a long way from being passed, there is still a rough road ahead.
Johnny DC wrote, "So let me get this straight – If you represent a district entirely full of jobless lazy poor people, . . ."
Mr. Cao did not say he represented "lazy" people - that is your assumption. And, your assumption is NOT based on facts.
Poor people usually have jobs.
With over 10% unemployed right now, I'm pretty sure that jobless people are not necessarily lazy.
It was the Republican party and Reagan in particular who claimed Medicare and Medicaid would bankrupt the country and kill out freedoms..... well that completely did not happen and in fact it was the opposite.... and now the GOP is pretending to be defenders of Medicare and Medicaid all of a sudden when for 35+ years they were against it???
When have they ever opposed a bill or measure based on evidence instead of apocalyptic speculation?? Republicans seem confident in their uncanny clairvoyant abilities.
In reading the comments, it seems that people think stupid action is better then no action. Wow.......we really are a nation of unintelligent individuals. So completely changing the face of healthcare, even if dumb, is better? That makes no sense. Look at Iraq. Was stupid action there better then no action? How about the stimulus package that worked SO amazingly well. Was stupid action there better then no action? How about clunkers for cash where car dealers can't even get paid by the government. Was stupid aciton better then no action? I would think well thought out processes and considering every angle would be more intelligent. But we are a nation of stupid people. The government has run SO many programs so well that you are right, we should put healthcare in their hands. Brilliant.
To "Ignorance is Bliss":
You are the one who is ignorant. When the uninsured need medical care, they go to the emergency room, which is THE MOST EXPENSIVE form of health care on the planet. This care is paid for via higher medical costs which are passed on to paying patients and insurance companies. If poor people have insurance, two things will happen:
First, they will get care BEFORE their conditions become more serious and, therefore, most costly to treat.
Second, and most important, the care they receive will NOT be in emergency rooms.
Most of your other so-called facts are wrong, too, but this one stood out as particularly absurd. You're just an ideologue who has just enough knowledge of the situation to sound authoritative. But, at the end of the day, you're no better informed than the Tea Baggers.
Sickening.
Sickening.
Sickening.
Mr. Cao would have my vote anyday, if he were in my area.
YEA for one that can do what is right for his district and not worry if he gets re elected or not.
At long last, a public servant who actually serves the needs of his constituents, rather than his political party. I've always believed that being a partisan politician impedes one's ability to be a good public servant, simply because you have to toe the party's ideological line. This Health Care Bill vote proves my point. Representative are playing party politics, instead of working for the people. The party that has lost the election always tries to block the ruling party from achieving anything. It's always about who is winning, and who is losing.
We need more independant representatives in this country.
Thank you Mr. Cao, you have courage and integrity.
Joseph Cao showed TRUE leadership, Boehner and Cantor? NOt so much
Cost? Higher Taxes? Come on...let's just take a look at this...
First, the taxes being taken from the wealthy is not even half of the wealth redistribution tax breaks that Bush gave to the wealthy...plus, people don't realize that people who sign up for the public option will be paying the Public Option organization premium. Therefore, it is not an increased tax but a person deciding to pay their premium to another organization – not a tax! Now, those of you that think the poor, who will be subsidized by the increased tax (a re-redistribution from the wealthy) should not have healthcare – raise your hand – who do you think picks up the cost of the uninsured hurt and sick when the bill comes in within the existing system...the government does...because the healthcare companies cherry pick...and, don't get me started on pre-existing conditions for deny policies (or charging $6,000 a month) or denying care in a dire situation...
Secondly, healthcare premium costs from the "great" private sector increased over 20% this year...that is the result of segmented private sector monopolies...people don't realize the private companies stay out of each others backyard so they can increase premiums as they wish...
Third, the great leverage of healthcare insurance is having masses of people within the plan, therefore lowering expense and increasing buying power...thus, the natural leverage of a public option is created.
Hey, with a public option people can choose...what is un-American about that...
It had little to do with him doing what his constituents wanted. I doubt he has any idea what they want, or if any representatives know/care.
I have not had health insurance for nearly a decade and I STILL say this "healthcare reform" is a horrendous leap in the wrong direction. What is really making me sick is the floods of people that want to run their mouths about bills and resolutions that they themselves have NEVER READ, much less understand. On the other hand I HAVE read the bill, all of them that came across the table in fact, and I can tell you that our nation is now in a world of hurt... at a price tag of over a trillion dollars WE DO NOT HAVE. Understand? DO NOT HAVE. Not "well, we're strapped for cash so we don't have it" I mean we literally do not have the money. It's going to get BORROWED. Guess who pays it back with interest? US TAXPAYERS.
OK... I said something positve in my previous post, but now I'm going to tell it like it is. I am loving all of the outrage by the right wing on here. You are all wrong, and on top of that you are still acting like the biggest ninnybabies I have ever known. You need to stop the trantrums, period. Lead, follow or get out the way! Have nice day.
What is really sad is the a lot of the people who post blogs on this site, have not even read the bill for themselves as well as a lot of the republican idiots! Citizens are going by and trusting what their representative are telling them. If you are going to criticize at least know what you are criticizing and trying to block. There are a lot of GOOD things in this bill that will be a benefit to many, especially the middle and poor working. I will give it to the republicans that they have been successful in once again using scare tactics to create the illusion of they are trying to save the American people from financial ruin and from President Obama socialist government take-over of healthcare. It can't be the furthest thing from the truth. You people better wise up, the repubs are not interest in the American people, they are interested in their own political ambitions and they are pissed that they won't get credit for the most historical movement in 100 years. The really sad part about this is half of the people who are complaining are dead as broke and if a healthcare crisis were to hit their lives, they would be near financial ruins. Wise up people, Washington already has great healthcare coverage with a public option and they LOVE IT!
At least one Republican willing to put the people ahead of party. Well done.
Those opposed to healthcare reform are the minority right-wing fringe. All of the polls show that the majority of Americans support reform, as do 75% of doctors.
The lunatics such as the Tea-Baggers, Birthers, Tenthers, Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, and Bachman just can't get it through their heads that most Americans are turned off by their extremism - that is why only 20% of the people now claim to be Republicans, and that is why Obama carried red states in 2008.
The Republican Party has been hijacked by extreme wing-nuts, and as long as it keeps catering to them, it will continue to lose power.
The moderates in the party need to break away and form a third party, one more sensible and attuned to the needs of the people instead of the special interests. That would be a party I could support and take seriously.
Thank you, Rep. Cao!
It is good that people will get help out of this bill (if it becomes law). However it does nothing to solve the problem that is occurring in health care. The insurance companies get a lot of the blame for the problems in health care. They contribute no doubt about it, but they are not the driver of the problem. The driver of the problem is increased utilization. This increased utilization is coming from a change in the membership mix. The entire system is based on young non-sick people shouldering most a great share of the burden for the sick. Thus, the costs are spread around to all of those in the system. However, the young (historically not very sick) are becoming more and more sick. The rates of type II diabetes in under 40 year olds is going thru the roof. This is just one example. You have cancer rates in that age group going up etc. SO what is happening is that the historically healthy group is becoming an ever more sick group. This means that the non-sick youthful people (a shrinking population) are shouldering a greater burden of the costs. The financial calculation becomes for them: Why pay so much for something that they really wont use until they are passed 40? SO they are dropping it which only exacerbates the problem.
AS I see it this bill does nothing to deal with this utlization problem but rather changes the membership mix to include more of the no condition people so that they are shouldering more of the burden. This is fine but it is a band aid. It does not solve the overall utlization-membership mix problem. I think we need an aggressive healthy campaign. One example, all transfatty products should be taken out of the schools. Healthy alternatives along with education about what the healthy alternatives mean in those schools would be a great start. We spend so much time on reading, writing and math. Why not on diet and health? If we begin to educate people then perhaps we can begin to reverse this membership mix change which we are currently experiencing.
Free healthcare, one more reason not to work.
Only proves there are Taliban and Mullahs even in the Democratic party. These kind of "devotees" will only be happy when women are back in the fashionable Chador and rape is a "crime of passion". Welcome back to Saudi Arabia....
Sometimes I wonder what planet these rethugs live on? Price thinks the Dem's bill will interfere between a patient & doctor? What the hell does he think the insurance companies have been doing for so long? Can't wait until the GOP spin this as a *victory.*
to all of you rotten putrid republicans....you are the true traitors in this country......Rep Cao: honesty, character, intelligence, caring and most of all HUMAN......and you repugnants, what do you have to show for????treason, ignorance, amoral, vile, evil.........
I definitely admire you for doing what ALL politicians should do. Represent their constituents, not their party. A lesson both Democrats and Republicans need to learn.
HOORAY for CAO!!! A rep from my state to vote his conscience instead of the controlling GOP's stranglehold on the rest of their spineless sheep. The GOOD of the country transcended the insatiable insurance industry's powerful lobbyist and bountiful donations. That is the only time anyone will see the insurance companies be generous, when its $uit$ their own greedy, grubby, grinding, gluttonous homogeneous agenda.
Well done monsieur Cao; merci beaucoup.
Thank you for your support of this bill. Very brave to put the American people before your party!!
This is exactly why the democrats were overwhelmingly voted into office........now they must follow thru finish the Health Care bill in the Senate and move on to passage of the Employee Free Choice Act......the race to the bottom MUST stop....bring the bottom up....empower the middle class
Wow. No wonder why the American people vote the way they do:
"They haven't yet realized that in free market capitalism small businesses get crushed."
>Absurd. Big businesses have weaknesses – particularly as their reach gets larger and larger. Small businesses are thriving in this country.
>>What we have isn't free market capitalism by a long shot. Laws get passed to favor those who can afford lobbyists. And small businesses are thriving in this country? You are obviously on crack.
"When the uninsured go to the emergency room, who pays for their care? "
> That will be the same people that will pay under the healthcare bill.
>> Actually, we pay for all of it NOW. Obama's plan is to get people onto the tax rolls and get them insured as soon as they go in for care. The Republican plan is to let anyone who isn't carrying their insurance card bleed out in the parking lot.
"When people can't pay their bills because they are under-insured and file for bankruptcy, who picks up the tab"
> If they can't pay for insurance now, they are going to afford it when the government forces them to?
>> "Under-insured" can mean a lot of things. My mom was a PhD chemist, had a great plan she always paid into, but by the end of her cancer she had wrung it dry. Is it lucky that she didn't last that long? 10% of bankruptcies in this country are because of cancer, and 95% of them have "full" health care coverage. There should be REAL insurance out there in the US that guarantees that if you hold up your side of the deal that you'll get carried in full to the finish line. Every other developed country does this. We don't.
"want to complain about govt. spending and deficits, direct your outrage at the former administration"
Actually, that was a democratic congress – and this current administration along with the current congress made their spending look like lunch money. Want to see spending stop, set congress republican and the president democrat (i.e. Clinton).
>>The last two years of the W administration were Democratically controlled houses (barely) – but the real corporate giveaways were before that. Halliburton getting no-bid multi-billion contracts in Iraq for
services they had no experience in, the fake oil crisis (created by legislation lobbied for by Enron but utilized by the banks that allowed you to sell stock in Petro company subsidiaries you owned without disclosing the relationship – every bank on Wall Street bought an oil company and started basically doing the junk bond shuffle).
If this bill uses medicaid as a standard, get ready people. You are about to have LESS doctors, LESS choice – and MORE expensive healthcare. Ask anyone who runs a healthcare facility if they could survive on medicare alone.
>> Well, they are restructuring Medicare too so you don't really have to worry about that – you can use the old "they're taking $500 million out" argument, but that's already been proven to be restructured funding as opposed to a real cut so that's a load. Did I mention that the AMA and the AARP support this plan? Is that because these organizations hate America too? Perhaps doctors and old people are all terrorists now?
OK...to the republican posters. WHO WON A DISTRICT that had been republican for 152 years. A DEMOCRAT. This just goes to show what party will sink even lower. The republicans. Bachmann's own district in Minnesota is recruiting OVER REPUBLICANS to run against her. They don't like the type of extremism that this group of republicans is showing. Win...maybe a governorship in a red state..but in congress heck no..we won both vacant ones.
Virginia votes half and half republican one time and democrat another. But New Jersey since the early 1900's has voted for republicans 17 times as opposed to 4 times for democrats. So a republican won what so hot about that.
Health Care costs to much, covers to little and its getting worse......it is like wearing a hospital gown....the minute you think you have it all covered there is something exposed somewhere......and for too many Americans Health Care...today.... is a choice between death or financial ruin......
I commend the House of Reps getting it done
Hey, ZimaAdler @ 9:49 am:
You have exposed yourself as a genuine racist and bigot in thanking "Chairman Cao".
This is good, most Republicans only support war and guns.
So now the Democrats won't run anyone against him?
The thing is they voted for all those voices and victims of insurance that are silent. Insurance has made more millionaires than anything ever. Those who can not speak up those who do not have money for representation were represented last night. This vote was for America. For children. I am for this vote and the truth is more people agree with this than do not- it is just that it is the people that are not able to speak out.
Finally, a Republican doing the wish of his people! How refreshing. Mr Cao I will campaign for you next time. Hear, hear!
@TJF:
Henry Miller. We know how you feel Cao and the rest of the supporters of health care reform are picking the pockets of others. Now tell us something about yourself so the supporters can determine how you are picking the pockets of others. The fact is that suporters of health care reform are making a statement about how they want tax dollars spent. They believe health care comes before a whole lot of items on the list some of which maybe even Henery Miller believes in. So Henry tell us what you have on your list so we will understand you better.
As a Libertarian, I feel strongly that the least government is the best. I don't think the debate should be so much about how tax dollars are spent, but how few can be spent.
As far as I'm concerned, the Federal government doesn't have, and should not have, the Constitutional authority to spend any money on health care–that's a State, or, better, local, issue. As far as I'm concerned, the role of the Federal government ought to be limited to exactly that given it in the Constitution, mostly securing the country by military and diplomatic means against foreign aggression, and mediating between the sovereign states.
What's right for one state or one city might or might not be right for any other state or city–one size definitely doesn't fit all. One tenet of Libertarianism is an acknowledgement of that fact. If in one environment, a large city, for example, the bulk of the population wants to commit to supporting each other's medical expenses, fine. But that no way implies that the people of dissimilar environments should be compelled to do the same.
Personally, most of what I want out of my local environment is that they keep a modicum of order in the streets and keep the streets themselves in decent repair.
Brave man - thinking about his people, not just his party. Wouldn't it be wonderful if his thinking were contagious. Shall he have a long, prosperous career in the House. Hoping his coffers are full. A thinking man...in the Republican Party. Hoping he is not attacted too furiously, unless it backfires on the naysayers.
I am saddened by the opposition of the GOP and those conservatives to the health care bill. Maybe they are receiving very free health care benefits for tax payers so they do not care. One way for Congress to work on health care bill is to strip the health care benefits for all employees who work for both House and Senate from Senator , Representative down to the janitor. When Congress does not have health benefits, they will feel how painful as an ordinary citizen to get health care. Of course, the Senators, Reprensentaives are rich then they sure can afford private insurance for themself. But their ordinary low pay employees who work in Congress cannot afford. These employee will sure give a very good feed back.
The Catholics were HEAVILY involved in this battle. Not just the people, but the churches.
I think if they are entering the political arena they should lose their tax exempt status, and I intend to let ALL my representatives and my President know.
To Ignorance Is Bliss:
You live up to your name. The Dems took control of Congress in January 2007–the Repubs controlled it for the majority of Bush's 2 terms.
The American people will not pick up emergency room or bankruptcy costs under this bill. People will PAY for premiums under the Public Option–they will have that choice. This will LOWER helathcare costs for everyone by providing competition. It's called the Free Market, remember?
As far as govt. vouchers for the poor, this will be paid for in part by taking away the huge tax cuts that Bush gave to the wealthiest Americans, cuts that did nothing to help the economy (trickle-down economics–yeah, right!). Middle-class Americans will not be taxed, but those on the right keep perpetuating that myth.
When the majority of Americans have helathcare, it will help the economy by lowering costs through lower premiums and preventive healthcare, which will save billions in the long run. No brainer.
Correction–
My previous post was directed to Pete.
Rep. Cao–a man of honor and principle.
If you support the military, you are supporting the government of the United States. If you use and benefit from the US Post Office, public schools, paved roads, policemen, and firemen, you are supporting the government of the United States. No, the government of the United States is not perfect, but it sure is much cheaper to send a mail through the US Post Office than Fedex or UPS. If you truly believe that private for-profit corporations that are motivated primarily by greed can provide a social good that does not aggregrate to people that have money, I would like a real-life example. No, the government of the United States is not able to solve all of our problems, but it can help. Be a true Christian and put your faith in helping others than worrying about yourself all the time and you will be just fine.
Ciao, chump! Start house-hunting – you are OUTTA THERE in 2010!
it is interesting that a man that knows full well the devastating effects of communism .... which continues today to persecute Christians throughout Vietnam to name only one example of its evil ... was willing to vote for socialism to provide insurance for his constituents ... as if socialism is the only answer to the problem.
Oh, is that what history means by a REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY!!! Thank you , Rep. Cao for the reminder! Your integrity is inspiring! You must be NEW to Washington!
Take notes, REPUBLICANS!
Unlike Mr. Cao, my congresman from my Florida district, namely, Alan Boyd voted against this bill. Boyd, a "blue dog" Democrat, claims that he voted the best interests of his constituents. BULLCACA! Boyd voted the interests of the insurance and pharmaceutical conglomerates who TRIPLED their contributions to Congressman Boyd during the last three months. NOW WE KNOW WHO INFLUENCED CONGRESSMAN BOYD IN HIS VOTE AGAINST THE HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL. Bye, bye Boyd....this will be your last term in office.
Mr. Cao –
you stood up for the cause of Christ. God bless you! This is what Christianity is all about – to care for the sick, to feed the hungry and clothe the naked!
God bless you for standing up for the cause of the oppressed.
HOORAY to every person who voted for health care to pass, especially to Cao! We need more brave representatives (on both sides) that are willing to cross party ideology if it benefits Americans. If socialized health care is good enough for CONGRESS, our military and our elderly, it's good enough for me.
to Scott Smith and others and are misrepresenting Christian beliefs ... read what God says in Romans and especially Corinthians 13 ... it is the private Christian that is to help his brothers/sisters and neighbors ... and governments responsibility is specifically outlined as protections of its citizens and enforcing the laws of the land.
no where does God teach that He is glorified when the government forces people to be "charitable".
With 39 defections, Republicans can more credibly claim "bipartisan opposition" than Stretch Pelosi can claim "bipartisan support."
About 39 times more credibly, if my math is right.
Yet the CNN idiot who wrote this "news" piece never mentions this.
And a generous sampling of their opinions shows the majority of the posters are fine with it.
I would like to propose a vote on THIS bill:
All American CITIZENS can vote, in person and with ID, for or against PelosiCare. This includes our legislators.
If they vote for it, they get a PelosiCard. People with PelosiCards (we could call them PelosiTards as a group) HAVE to get all medical care administered under the rules in Pelosi's bill. They cannot go outside the system. And THEY must pay for it, exclusively – all income-generating provisions in the bill should be modified to include this clause:
"Said tax/fine/revenue to be collected only from those who hold PelosiCards."
And they could NEVER opt out. Till death do them part. Make it a coffin. I would bear it myself
OK, here's the thing, democrats and liberals. All of us have the same picture of an ideal America. We (realistic opponents to this nonsense) wish it were possible to ensure among other things that everyone has access to health care, food, and shelter; America returns to being a world leader in K-12 education; a police presence could be seen in every neighborhood to protect our children and property, and seniors that proudly supported Medicare for the generations of seniors before them now could assume that this program would be available for their own health care needs.
Unfortunately, we are in record debt, increasing at a record pace, and all of these valid programs require funding. This new bill's vastness and vagueness are so complex that the astronomical cost to the taxpayers can't even be estimated.
Haven't you heard? We are already BROKE (as in penniless). So now we are back to wishing that all of these very important things were possible. Becoming more BROKE (penniless) will only make us more BROKEN (crumbling) and vulnerable in a very dangerous world. And, I, for one, do not believe that cutting Medicare, law enforcement, and our children's education to fund an unprecedentedly expensive, experimental, and controversial new program is the answer. Children and seniors are the truly innocent Americans, and as their programs are cut you are creating a new one that far, far exceeds the cuts they are scrambling to accomodate.
The irony is you are proudly announcing that you are the heroes fighting us villains on behalf of the innocent and needy. Well, I suppose many of us are innocent and needy in some sense, but seniors and children definitely qualify. Congratuations on your popularity with those that aren't wise enough to realize this can't work. Enjoy it, because since this can't work, it won't last. There simply is not any way for a debt loaded nation to fund it. Eventually, you and your naive and idealistic supporters will realize that even after we stole from our children and grandparents, this program still didn't have enough funding to be successful or effective.
Cao obviously doesn't take his orders from the "3" headed serpent; Rush, Hannity and Limbaugh. Smart Republicans are trying to distance themselves from the destruction of the serpent before they are eaten alive.
To CG:
This hard working, middle class American is tired of getting raped by my insurance company. I found at my benefits meeting this year that my medical expenses are going going to almost triple due to the increase in premium and OV/Rx copays. My better half's plan is even worse! So it's either lessen the care for my special needs child (not going to happen) or figure out a way to pull $5,000 out of my behind. I'd be happy to give the government part of the $7,500 I am now going to have to pay annually if it mean everyone's family will have access to health care. Then, since my employer says they pay double my premium, they will pass their savings on to me. Sure, that could happen.
Stop participating in the Faux News mass delirium spectacle with the desperately in need of HRT Glen Beck at its helm and do some real research and you'll find out that there is no credible evidence that what you believe is remotely true. But you can just keep drinking the kool-aid and the rest of us will progress.
What a surprise, you'll post an article about the one Republican who voted for but not one about the 30+ libs who didn't vote for it. Anything to promote your fawning Obama ways.
Clark–
The Post Office, public roads, public libraries, public schools, the fire and police depts, medicare, social security–all of these things are provided by the govt. of the United States. If you enjoy any of them and benefit from them, does that make you a socialist? If you answer yes, then voluntarily give them up and start walking your talk.
Now why can't the rest of the House take the same stance!
The GOP is a party of "NO NO NO NO NO NO"
Thank you Congressman Cao.
He is the only republican that put the needs, desires of the people over party. He will go down in history as the only republican that
cared and did what he was elected to do.
Palin is also one of the "3" headed serpents of the Republican party.
Hey, Pat F @ 11:46:
The same people that voted Mr. Cao in office will vote him again in 2010, Why, because he voted for the best interests of his constituents. That's probably something you cannot understand or relate to, yes?.
Good for Mr. Cao to put people before Party. The House bill is not perfect and we can not pretend any bill would be, but is better than doing nothing and ignoring this huge problem in America.
Cao gets it. The GOP typically stands against the uninsured and uninsurable masses, but will subsidize rich corporations like Exxon. I really don't see how the GOP will ever regain popularity when it is so anti-people, but pro-business.
I used to think the 60s Republicans who tried to stop civil rights and gave us Nixon were horrible, in this bunch only one has the decency to vote the interests of the public.
One note – 'devout Catholic' – we have separation of church and state in the US. I don't care how devout Cao is, his religion should have nothing to do with his vote, no matter the issue. Devout Catholics have voted in favor of abortion rights without mention of their religion.
Some of the arguments against health care – a caller on CSpan claimed this was a first step to government forcing fast food joints to close – suggest a chemical imbalance due to diet, a glut of protein and fat-hardened arteries. Perhaps fast food joints should close.
Neal in Atlanta November 8th, 2009 10:36 am ET
The violation is just starting. That was just a sloppy wet kiss. The rape will commence if / when the Senate approves its version. After OBAMACARE is passed and everyone is under the heavy thumb of the government and dependent on the government for their healcare needs, the DemoNazis will go after our guns (especially after the latest shootings in Ft. Hood, TX and Orlando, FL) and we will then be truely defenseless. Our only hope is the elections in 2010 when we can get a few seats back in the House an Senate and take away that super majority. Then maybe in 2012 we can get a good conservative in the white house and start undoing the damage done by all these bleeding heart liberal democrats.
*****************************************
Mr. Neal in Atlanta,... when you make accusations about DemoNazis,... take a good look at the poster boys of the Republicans,.. nice German Aryan names, like Karl Rove, Michele Bachman,. tea bagger supporters like John Ratzenberger, Jon Voight,
throw in John Boehner, Limbaugh, Beck,... and you have a team that would make Hitler proud.
To all of you who are opposed to health care reform and allowing less fortunate people to afford health care.....if it makes you so upset and you are so worried about having to "foot the bill".....why do ALL of you, and your grandchildren, just GET THE HELL OUT OF THE COUNTRY! We AMERICANS, don't want or need you here, anyway!
Irony .... every cent of debt incurred by the USA as of 10-31-09 is on former Pres. Bush's tab ..... Pres. Obama's first fiscal year budget began at oo:oo:o1 Sunday morning, 11-1-09.
The right-wing is selfish. They claim to be Christians, yet they'd rather spend money on war than on the health and care of their fellow Americans.
They claim to be anti-govt. yet benefit from many things the govt. provides. They call healthcare reform "welfare," yet have no poblem with govt. subsidies to corporations.
What cold, callous, hypocritical people they are.
This is tremendous, what a victory. No one can argue with free markets and fiscal responsibility with non essential programs but health careis should not be treated like a commodity and it's about time that the republicans came around. I ask again, why can they do it in Europe and Canada and not here?
If you read the Federalist Papers, this Representative is doing exactly what the Founders would want him to do.
Republicans who represent wealthy districts should vote for the status quo at every opportunity; not because they have been paid by the insurance companies to do it (which they often have) but because the people of their districts don't need help and don't want anyone else to have it.
But Republicans like Representative Cao, whose constituents often lack health coverage and need help to get it, should vote to serve the interests of the people who voted them into the Congress in the first place.
The fact that the Ideologues of the right are threatening this man, while the left is not threatening the dozens of Democrats who voted against reform, tells you all you need to know about the parties.
The Republican Party has been taken over by totalitarians.
To Henry Miller – Libertarian
Libertarium – A shiny metallic substance of great lustre, sharing many physical properties with marxium.
Libertarium is not found outside the laboratory and is stable only when confined in an academic field. It is created by bombarding economictherium with swiveleyeons of dodgylogicum. Spontaneously fissions upon contact with reality to form one stable particle of conservativium and five mutually repulsive radicals of loonyfringium, each with a half-life of an estimated 15 femtoseconds.
James Harper November 8th, 2009 11:51 am ET
"With 39 defections, Republicans can more credibly claim "bipartisan opposition" than Stretch Pelosi can claim 'bipartisan support.'"
Right, Mr. Harper. And all that matters is which side wins, not about working in the interests of the American people.
That's one reason why the right remains a "boy's fraternity."
And why it, and self-centered Democrats, will continue to lose. The Tea Baggers are wrong: the Revolution going on isn't against government, it's against bad governance.
For those Democrats who were so indimidated and voted against the Heathcare reform bill, I hope you are ousted on your ears next election. I hope the Democratic Party and voters remember your actions........i will.
Scott Smith : It is more expensive to send a letter with Fedex or UPS because the USPS has a legal monopoly over first class mail. It has nothing to do with inefficiencies of UPS and Fedex.
How do you figure Pat? If he is listening to his constituents, you don't think they're going to think he's a swell guy? How many times have you complained about your representatives not listening to their constituents? We elected them to be our voice at the top, this is what their job SHOULD be. Represent your districts congress!
The Republicans have been going to ridiculous extremes to warp health care reform into something ominous, and you have to wonder who they are working for. They are repeating over and over about how the government is going to "force" their health care standards on you. Stop and ask yourself what those standards are, and go actually research what they are and see if it's actually as scary as it sounds. No one is going to force you to have the *public option*. Look up the health care systems of Germany and Australia. Do some of your OWN research. Stop feeding into the fear.
FINALLY! A politician who puts the people before politics! Especially knowing his "party" will now gladly feed him to the wolves. I honestly thought integrity was dead in the republican party. So relieved at least one still has it.
uninsured at emergency rooms is a huge huge problem, but that not the only huge problem. i have insurance through my job, and when i went to the emergency room for a minor problem, my biil was over ten thousand dollars. a x-ray, few tylenol and a few hours in a bed. that's the price they billed my insurance company for. when my insurance company told the hospital that they would'nt pay.., they tried to come after me. finally something was paid, cause i only gotten a new bill with just the co-pay on it. i think the real problem may be the hospitals, clinics, and other institutionlize places that give healthcare.
dont get me wrong, insurance company's are the big problem, but i dont think it the only one. i hope i made sense. sorry for the grammar errors.
I am a devout Catholic and a strong believer in the separation of church and state. I've noticed that the Catholic Church and its bishops are fast becoming polical activists and should stay out of politics and tend to their flocks in a spiritual sense.
Many people came to this country because of too much church involvement and influence in the politics of their day. THAT IS WHY THIS GREAT COUNTRY OF OURS WAS CREATED ON THE BASIS OF SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE.
Several states, like Colorado, have a safety-net insurance program at the state level. If your district feels that is a desirable thing, why haven't they created one in their state? Why wait for the federal government to do it?
I'll take one guess why: they didn't want to pay for it. At the state level, taxes would need to go up. But, if they rely on a federal program, it can just be charged to the national credit card for future generations to pay.
funny how all g(r)opers are concerned that dems will bankrupt america's future with the expensive health care bill .where was your moral outrage when bush spent excessive amounts waging war in iraq and afghanistan.
you have money to wage war but none to spend on the health care needs of your citizenry..you my friends are already bankrupt...morally and the sad thing is that you do not even know you are broke!!!
Cao needs to learn that being a GOP congressman has nothing to do with representing one's constituents–it's about representing big business! A pox on his house!
tata mcgee........ The violation was 8 years of Bush; a fantasy war and NO Federal regulations on wall street and the banks and a lack of concern for a country living on an oil economy. The budget was balanced when bush took office....
Rep Cao will switch party and run as a Dem in 2012. Mark my words. The RepubliKKKans will run him out of the party.