Washington (CNN) – November and December tend to be a typically slow time for Congress as it wraps up business before a new session begins.
But not this year.
The Senate is expected to soon return to health care reform, the legislative lightning rod of 2009. Most analysts expect it to be an engaging debate.
But will Americans be paying attention as they carve the Thanksgiving turkey and shop for the holidays?
Analysts say yes - and that Americans are more tuned in than ever.
"I do think the audience for this debate will go beyond 'inside baseball,' though it won't extend beyond the already politically engaged electorate," says Frances Lee, a political scientist with the University of Maryland. "I would expect this debate to be equally engaging, though it will also be far longer."
Lee says the Senate debate is "sure to draw a big audience by the normal standards for such things."
It's a point with which Senate Historian Donald Ritchie agrees.
"I think what's been unusual about the health care debate is that the public has been following it from the very beginning," he says. "They've actually been watching it going through the committee systems, through the markup systems."
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
OH YES, we are watching and will make note of those that vote for government run health care insurance which the majority of us do not want. Those that vote for this major spending bill will probably be unemployed after 2010.
I've tuned it out, because I don't want my intelligence insulted anymore. These people will do and say anything for power. Why listen anymore? Its all meaningless; just partisan rhetoric to pander to voters. Nothing more.
We arent just paying attention,we are taking names.
"The average person is more worried about getting ready for Thanksgiving and the holidays than looking ahead to the election."
Keep thinking that Dems, because you are wrong. I can't go anywhere without hearing what incopetent fools Obama and the Democrats are and how they are voting against them in 2010. And i live in a BLUE state! 2010 can't get here soon enough.
We are paying attention to those promoting the continuing genocide of the poor and underemployed by blocking health care reform legislation. The Republican party will reap the whirlwind.
The Republicans are consistently being aggressive and grossly dishonest, even using bazaar and irresponsible statements, all without any conscience in their efforts to excite emotions and control public opinion. They demand total loyalty and unity from their representatives, coerced with threats and evidenced in their word-for-word repetition of their scripted messages. In it all they are belligerent and ‘in your face’ arrogant, which at best is disgusting. The American people should literally be offended by all of it yet many accept the subterfuge and simply use it to rationalize their predetermined positions. How very short some memories are (reference Bush-Cheney 2000-2008). What is really needed is responsible bipartisan fine-tuning of the proposals and efforts, and not poorly disguised self-focused obstructionist efforts to return to ‘more of the same’, the ‘same’ that cost us so much and would now again promise only more benefit for Special Interests and the select few, once more paid for by the majority. That is ridiculous!
You bet were watching, we know that the government of free citizens can not constitutionally mandate it's free citizens to purchase insurance, that is taxation without representation.
Everything about this health care Bill is unconstitutional.
I gave up when it became clear corporations are driving this debate and not the people of this country. America is no longer the Democratic Republic it was, corporations run everything from government down.
Many Americans are totally involved in Health Care Reform.
It is so crucial for our country to get Health Care Reform with Public Option passed, there are many e mails, phone calls to our politicians.
We are telling them we will no longer accept or tolerate big business running, controlling our country and making crucial decisions on our behalf. The American people have been their victims for far too long .Big business along with the Republicans have almost destroyed our country. When you see health care entities spending billions of dollars on ads against health care reform than you know reform is the only decision and this will not happen without government intervention.
Are they paying attention> You betcha......
They feel helpless right now because they have no say so. Watch what happens in 2010 to the dems.
The dems are the ones tuning out the majority of people but in 2010 the majority will be voting and the minorities will not have enough votes for them to keep their seats.
Watch what happens. OUR CONGRESS AND SENATE shouldn't even be responsible for this bill. This bill should be on the ballot in 2010 and the people should vote on it. This is really not their call, the people should put any decision like this as a people only vote.
Government takeover at work here.
I do not care what it is...we americans need to pass this health care with public option...thats it....
Americans are tuning out because that is what the media wants. Look at the Ticker. 3-5 stories a day about Sarah Palin. Very, very few stories about the actual issues. Where is the Ticker story about yesterday's report regarding the Stimulus Package Job Creation? Billions of dollars that are un-accounted for because of "human error". Congressional districts that DON'T EXIST being credited with creating thousands of jobs. This is what Joe Biden is supposed to be overseeing. Where is the coverage of this on CNN? Hello? Can anyone hear me?
Don't be fooled...we are watching every single move made by the smarmy Reid and Pelosi........ they are hell bent on passiing a bill..... and if they do, we will all be in big trouble.
Americans are learning a great deal about the legislative process by watching the Health Care bills closely. It's not pretty and it's not even about health care anymore. That ended long ago. It has become a display of political gamesmanship and the American taxpayer is the pawn. It is obvious we can't afford what is being proposed so hopefully soon it can be voted down and they can start over with something that actually makes sense for the country, like reducing the cost of health care.
The debates, if you want to call them that, are just more of the same old, ....... same old hot air and same old endless diatribe.
No wonder Americans aren't paying attention, anymore.
I shake my head in hearing that about half of americans don't want a public option .. that tells me that the insurance companies have the ability to lie and threaten the same as the republicans do . and people fall for the lies everytime . but m=now hearing about the special (panel) that is a bunch of crap about mammograms every other year . emagine how much money the insurance companies will save by not allowing a mammogram every year .. they are getting ready to make up the differance in lost revinue from a health care program that might pass . and we set back and watch in disbelief.. and amazement.. oh well .big business as usual..
gary davis
harbor oregon
proud of our president
I'm paying attention. I'm paying real close attention! I'm also paying big premiums for my business' health care policy again this year.... another 36% increase!!!
My adult daughters cannot get health care coverage due to 'pre-existing conditions" and my Republican friends don't have a clue what they are talking about when we try and have a civil discussion about health care for ALL Americans.
You better believe I'm paying attention!!!!
Yeah, we're paying attention.
We've also seen that the Democrats in Congress are trying everything they can to help the American people and the GOP are doing nothing but arguing, griping, lying and not helping come up with a better bill.
Why is it the Democrats want to make the world a better place, make our lives better, allow us to have options and the GOP only want to cater to their own Old Boys Network?
Of course we're tuned in. We're tuned in to every one of the traitors who sell us out to Socialism (perhaps even fascism) under the guise of man-made global warming and health care reform. Hopefully, by the time the liberals are kicked out of office it won't be too late to recover from their folly.
Apparently, the major networks and media outlets including CNN are liberally biased. The whole idea of a government-run healthcare scares me because those who can not afford insurance would be unfairly punished for not obtaining it. Especially those, who do not have jobs. I think that tort reform is needed to remove the pre-existing clause for those wanting to obtain coverage, but we do not need the government competing with private insurance. Isn't that why we already have medicare/medicaid? Liberalism equals communism and socialism.
I've been engaged as a volunteer advocate and political hobbyist but I'm growing tired and expect that little of substance will survive the Senate and conference, largely due to Obama's overreaching and "misunderestimation" of the opposition to disguised spending we cannot afford.
Scary thought for the day: "Key players on health care include, from left, Sen. Max Baucus, Sen. John Rockefeller, Sen. Harry Reid and Sen. Chris Dodd."
If this gaggle is key to anything, it's doomed from the start!
The liberal Democrats don't want serious debate, they just want to call people names and make those of us who work pay for their dope smoking, non working, non taxpaying constiutents pay for more massive entitlement programs for the leaches of society. The country has given up on them, they are gonna pass this economy killing, job killing social program without any intelligent discussion. We are just making ready to boot them in 2010. Obama,one and done.
what health care debate?
I'm paying attention! I have written to my Senators and Representative urging them to support a strong public option, like the public insurance option they and their families enjoy at my expense. If it is good enough for Congress, it is good for me, too. Senators Isakkson, Chambliss and Rep. Price all wrote back a form letter "thanking me for contacting them" and re-iterating their opposition to a strong public option. Now what can I do? Apparently what is good for them would not be "cost effective" for me. Vote the bums out!
Okay - for those that wants this health care bill passed, you read the latest article by CNN "Feds wrongly paid out $98 billion in '09 " - Remember the bill that Democrats passed on Feb (rushing to pass WITHOUT READING THE DETAILS because of unemployment scare) -
We must be so fooly to believe that the government can protect, manage and control the $1000000000000 (IT) money. Fed head can't even track his tax accounting and blame Turbo Tax.
I bit the government will blame Bush for the $98 billion. Obama is in Asia trying to talk about US and borrowing money and extending US debts but he can't even control this $98 billion waste –
Still insist on passing health care bill when I, as a mere citizen of this country, can't understand their complex 1,500+ or 2,000+ health care bill pages –
Wake up America - if we let the government continue to waste the hard-earned money of working Americans thru taxes, then we are the foolies of all fooly.
Yes, except I find the strong Obama supporters are the ones who don't follow what is really going on and accept him at his word, while the rest of us know Obama would fail a lie detector test miserably.
Most people are paying attention to it from the aspect of they blindly believe what Obama, Pelosi, and MSNBC tell them is in the bill. They won't read it and they won't believe anything anyone else tells them about the bill.
I am certainly paying attention to health care! Get it passed! Then we need to work on why people have to run to the doctor for every little thing. Good food, enough rest and exercise and we would all be a lot healthier and would not need so much doctoring. Certainly there are catastrophic illnesses that need care but on the whole you are about as healthy as you make up your mind to be. Get with it Americans!!
NOPE not paying attention at all!!!!!
NOW I will pay attention just because I’m able to allow my criticism – criticize the SAME old SAME old stuff in the news regarding this CRITICAL Health Care Reform Bill…………
The REPUBLI-CAN'Ts do not want it (but still debate on how it should be);
The PUBLIC OPTION is being bounced around by the DEMOCRATS who wanted it at first but now changed their minds
It's BORING and too DRAGGED out!!
I can tune into the debate NEXT WEEK or NEXT MONTH and it's still the same debate.
One thing for sure, the BILL WILL get passed along with the GAS coming from the REPUKES regardless!!!!
Oh...we are watching.
Those that are far-sighted enoughto see that we MUST do this...
Those are realize that the US LAGS the world in figuring this out...
Those that see Health Care Reform as a MORAL must tohelp the sick and poor...
Yes... those people are paying attention
Yes, Americans are finally getting involved in their healthcare insurance coverage. For the most part, working class Americans received a significant amount of money from their employers for healthcare coverage. Suddenly, that money well is drying up, leaving Americans to suddenly take interest in the process. Rather than spend time reading and researching the real issues, 50% or more of Americans are educated by their favorite talk show host, or fifteen second sound bites on their favorite cable channel. I suggest that all Americans ask their Congressman or Senator for access to the same medical plans our elected officials are provided. As a small business owner, I would love to have access to these lower cost group plans that all Federal Workers are provided, just for being a government worker. Given this access, we can really reduce the overall cost of the House and Senate version of a healthcare plan. By the way, we are talking about Blue Cross / Blue Shield. Ever wonder wht we pay more than the House and Senate?
Why should we keep following this debate? It's obvious that our elected officials care more about the insurance companies than they do about the American people. I guess they know who really elects them.
I'm paying close attention to the liberals. Won't allow them to continue with their boondoggle leftist agenda in 2010 and beyond!
For the 10,000th time: Tort reform has been tried and it doesn't lower costs. Sheesh. Have a nice day!
yes we are watching and we are praying for healthcare for all americans. those who vote no will pay a price we will vote them out.
Why do so many of you buy into the theory that a public option would reduce health insurance premiums? Are you insane? There is NOTHING in this bill that would regulate the costs. The Obama care plan is meant to force out the health insurance companies and push us into socialized medicine. Wake up, they can't even produce enough H1N1 vaccine for everyone. Now mammograms are trying to be reduced. This is only the tip of the iceberg. We do Not want to sacrifice quality and ruin our health care. What makes you believe Obama care would be quality?
Yes we are because if the government takes over the industry it would be a crushing blow to our overall system as well as the economy of our once great country
yes we are watching
I'm watching my representatives and senators.
If ANYONE of them votes (obstructs) and follows republican rulers lockstep, I'll campaign against them.
We got rid of Dole for doing nothing for NC, we can get rid of others too.
Americans are watching that is what is driving the liberal Democrats nutty,we are not suppose to be watching so closely. The White House has come defending the policy to limit mamaograms to only women over 50,that means the women from 40-49 will not get diagnosed, for the 15% of them that come down with breast cancer. I guess if only 15% of them die from breast cancer it is an acceptable level,for the rest to have government run health care....I wonder if that is the kind of rationing we are looking forward to having?
Yes, we're watching Pelosi and Reid try to ram some socialist, welfare plan down our throat. Once again, I see losing benefits from work (ie, forced to go on some govt plan), paying higher taxes and fees so we can cover illegals, and pay for those who have not taken personal responsibility.
These plans are a joke, and I fully intend to cheat on my taxes.
This is NOT a commen sense approach, it's a laundry list of liberal / socialist doctrines rammed down our throats, and "marketed" as some great HC reform plan.
I've been watching and telling my Senator to stand strong against this terribly written piece of legislation.
NO PUBLIC OPTION!
Fix the system... don't add to its misery and subtract from my wallet.
Of course we are paying attention to it. They are laying low with it but make no mistake, congress, we are watching you all.
The Democrats wish we weren't paying attention. They would prefer to cram this lousy bill down our throats. Too bad, we are paying attention and the MAJORITY of Americans don't want it. We want real reform, not socialized medicine. What is it the Democrats don't understand? Oh yeah, self responsibility for ALL.
Yes we are paying attention! They literally have our lives in their hands and we will not shut up!
Hear that Congress?? Do what you are supposed to do – represent AMERICANS not lobbyists or corporations. Stop caring about your next election / campaign and care about us!
Yes we are paying attention! My Congressman already voted for it in the house and I already sent him a Thank You note.
We are paying attention and learning how negative the Republicans are regarding the success of the United States of America. We are watching the teabaggers eagerly awaiting further instruction from the mostly wealthy Republican elected senators and representatives. We are watching this group attempt to bring down this country. We are watching the health care issue very closely because it will visit everyone of us sooner or later. The World Is Watching TOO. What makes the US so great if it does not care for its own citizens. Answer- Nothing.
Not paying attention??!! Don't the Democrats WISH this was true so they can jam this fiasco down our throats behind closed doors in the dead of night without reading it or telling the American people what's in it or how much it will cost. The American people are eagerly awaiting the 2010 elections to remove anybody voting for this train wreck.
If you want the same people running your healthcare that can't even deliver the swine flu vaccinations, you are a few fries short of a happy meal! Now the government wants you to believe that all that breast cancer screening is a big waste of money. Suuuure it is. If all you care about is the money and not saving lives. And if you happen to be old, well there's just no money for you because your value to society just isn;t there anymore.
Wake up America! The government has shown its hand on healthcare. It is giving you the back of its hand!
I have pen and paper in hand and intend to take names and kick butt in 2010. I already have 176 Repugs and 39 Demons on my list.
Just one look at a picture says a thousand words. Would you trust your children or grandchildren to those guys? That is what we are talking about. The heck with the illegal aliens and those that get knocked up and expect us to pay for it.
Health what debate?
Single payer is the way,these health insurance companies are worse than unions and people born in the south.
You bet we're watching. The folks that vote for this healthcare will be throwing the American people under the bus and in 2010 and 2012 it will be pay back time.
NO to socialism...can't wait to vote the Democraps out in 2010.
ive been watching it and reading all about it. it is in my opinion that everything that one does or does not do in life will be regulated by the government if this health care bill passes. the bill is not about the health of the people, its about taking control of people's lives and that is why nancy and the dems are pushing so hard to make it happen. it will also give the government control of 46% of this country's wealth if we then pass this bills. whats wrong with asking for tort reform? why cant we buy insurance across state lines? in case you werent listening or watching, these things are not part of the bill but would greatly reduce costs and would allow more poeple to access insurance. guess because its not sa dems idea, that it shouldnt even be considered? thats because its not about you and me its all about control over your life and moine so yes i will listen, i will watch i will read and i will send emails to my congressional reps. you should do the same.
Let's continue the discussion.....why should I pay for others that refuse to work or are too sorry to work. I don't want to hear you whine about not being able to get a job.or health care Remember most of you voted for Obummie. Maybe that is why you are for the bill and all his handouts!!!
we are watching and taking names of each Senator that votes for the Healthtax bill. They will in turn be voted out of office.
Everyone should be very interested and follow the health care debate! You get a chance to vote in 2010! And then nobody should let the GOP get away with their NO to benefit the American people.
Among the many very important reasons to get going on a comprehensive health care reform is also exactly the money the republicans are moaning about and that “future generations” supposedly will have to pay for. Very wrong!!!!! This and future generations will save a lot and have much more available health care than without a good reform (public option). You do not believe this? Look at all the other industrial countries in the world with excellent health care at half the cost! Why? Because they do not have the insurance industries that suck all the money out of the system. Everyone that has become really sick and got ditched and has to pay the astronomical bills bankrupting them will love the new and level playing field!
First thought is that the Holiday meals are going solidfy the stance for or against health care (shared opinions/digesting with family members whatever info is understood or not)....It really should quake those that are suppose to be representing their communities. Who knows, during the family gathering they may be making protest posters as a family project.
They are selling us down the river to the insurance companies.Baucus should be fed to the lions,along with the liar Rush Limburger.
I am paying attention, and as such find myself pondering a lot about our leaders.
I very much want to believe that they are indeed intellegent people. They are mostly lawyers, which requires above average intellengce (if not morality). I also want to believe that they have our best interests in mind – not just health, but maintaining our freedoms as well.
On the other hand, there are so many propositions and comments coming from them that make me wonder about the former. It is like they have no idea how businesses operate, what insurance is, or how contracts work. ('insurance' must provide routine treatment; pay for unlimited treatment but not base rates on conditions already had by the patient; and cover everything just because it's medical – contracts believe it or not identify the rights and responsibilities of each party.)
So it becomes to me whether they really aren't that intellegent or are knowingly acting in ways that won't work.
I laugh at some of these comments. how much would it cost you Americans to have the following.....MRI, ECO test for the heart and CT scan?
For us up here all we have to do is show our Health Card and we get the care we need. It is nice knowing that I can have these test done to ensure I am healthly and not have to worry about how much they cost.
Pay attention? How can we not pay attention? the Dems aren't paying attention to us. Nobody wants this bill.
This is the worst bill ever. It will destroy jobs, health care, and the nation.
Medicare covers 44 million and its going broke right before our eyes.
We can't cover the cost of 300 million. It CAN'T BE DONE.
We already have an insurance industry. We don't need the government to create one. That's not their job.
They need to stop this before it's too late.
(And 44000 will still die w/o ins with the Pelosi bill...Grayson)
Health Care is NOT a RIGHT. It is a purchased service the same as car insurance, house insurance or anything else. There is a cap on the amount you can use. Nobody who walks into an emergency room is denied care. To upset a system and debt plunge our country for 15% of people is NOT the responsible thing to do. Just another take-over-control-of-the-people welfare move.
If this was health care reform instead of deform, we'd pay attention and applaud. Since it is nothing but another version of corporate welfare, we are sick and tired of all the empty promises.
This American is paying attention. Access to affordable health care should be the right of all citizens. While the House bill is a poor compromise on the pubic option (hey naysayers, did you know it would only be available to the self employed and individuals), it's a step in the right direction and the Senate needs to come on board. We must pass significant reform NOW. 44,000 Americans dying annually because of lack of insurance or because of rationing by the for-profit insurers needs to stop. We are better than this!
Republican followers are so easily manipulated by their TV idols they are now afraid of everything!? Even afraid of their own best interest.
But the rest of us are paying close attention to the President and Democrates efforts to make health care better, and the Repubs endless efforts to make the President and US fail.
Can't wait for the mid-term and 2012 elections.
Palin/Cheney 2012
YES, we are and we are paying atention of all of Obama's and Pelosi's MISTAKES!!!!
I am no conspiracy theorist but it certainly I do find it curious that we are all of the sudden told that this expensive procedure is not necessary for women in their 40's. Does this sound like a cost-cutting decision or is it me?
Ya know, I have 'relatives' who are a mix of uninsured, on SSI, municipal retirement programs, and disability. It is pitiful they advocate for the removal and end of all "entitlement programs", and are against this "socialistic" bill - there is real irony in all this....
I recently found out one of them is actually insured under another relative's business policy, even though they have never worked a day for that company. Also reported fraudulent income for this same 'uninsured' and sued over a fender bender they weren't hurt in - all forms of insurance fraud. But since they are right wing nuts, that is probably OK. Anyone else did it, they would want them in jail.
If Americans are "tuning out" of health care reform, it is because the Democratic Party has proven to be as obstructive and corrupt as the Republican Party. Now, we have a Pro-Choicer trying to derail reform with an anti-abortion amendment which clearly undermines Roe vs Wade as the law of the land. Most people I know are just fed up with the lack of leadership in the Senate and the corruptness of the system which allows large corporations to purchase the votes of senators in broad daylight. When you add all of the partisan misinformation being ubiquitous on cable television, it is no wonder that the public has become even more cynical about the chances of any real reform to a system that is among the worst in the free world.
when will Americans get over their sense of entitlement, under this bill you want sucessful individuals to foot the bill for your healthcare, whatever happened to individual responsibility...
We should pay attention. The bill is expected to cost billions of dollars and still will not cover everyone as anticipated. I say we reform the system through new insurance regulations and let people keep their private insurance. It makes no sense to say we will increase competition when the private sector will be forced out of business in this area! Pay attention America – this is your future!
I figured the mid week turnout we had down in DC a couple of weeks ago might have given them a clue, it looked pretty crowded from where I was standing and not bad for only 3 days notice. But then those pushing the bill, Pelosi in particular, were busy hiding out of sight of the crowds. The kicker was when Kanjorski told us he would vote the way HE wanted and not how his constituents wanted.
For you PRO billers, lets see a turnout mid week in the same three days we had to organize.
The problem isn't that Americans aren't paying attention to the Health Care Bill. The problem is that Congress isn't paying attention to their consituents. These guys are putting forth their own agenda. It is such a shame that ELECTED officials are allowed to go their own way. It is a disgrace how these people are ignoring us. Pelosi and Reid need to go.
The only pentalty they will pay is for us to vote them out of office.
I thought the decision on Afghanistan was much more important than trying to rush down an ill conceived health care bill by last Aug. Skewed priorities?
Oh, we are paying attention!
In particular to those who like to spout lies and misrepresentations of what is in the bill!
For instance, it is very obvious that Sarah Palin either can't read or is just too ignorant to understand big words!
2000 plus pages of gobblydegook.....does anyone really think this Health Care Reform is not about government "control", and the creation of yet another permanent entitlement? Also, reading the U.S. Constitution, which has considerably fewer pages, I don't see where the government can mandate citizens MUST purchase any product or service!
Reid,Pelosi and Waxman hope people really dont follow this or god forbid read the bills. What they want is their left wing base stirred up. They know the way to do that is promise more government and more government hand outs for people that wont take control of their own lives or financial futures. Look at who supports this- the union leaders! even though they have managed to keep their high priced health care policies off limits to being touched or taxed. Tax the people that work hard and maybe someday all that will be left is the unemployed looking for handouts
Well if people weren't paying attention before, they should be now since this is the time of year when companies let their employess know about changes to the benefits for next year. I just sat through mine and saw that our premiums were being increased by 21%, most of which is being passed down to the employees. I guess a $1 billion profit in Q3 2009 wasn't enough of a profit for United Health Care and they need more so they can pay out their big bonuses. Wake up people, this isn't a republican vs. democrat issue it's a corporation vs. people issue and we should stop letting policiticans scare us into believing that they are looking out for our best interests.
americans got a better chance of getting another war health care no
By definition a debate is:
1.A discussion involving opposing points; an argument.
2. Deliberation; consideration: passed the motion with little debate.
3. A formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams defend and attack a given proposition.
4.Obsolete Conflict; strife.
We all know that a discussion isnt happening so 1 is out. Consideration of others isnt going to work so 2 is out. 3 is a good possibility, but Im supporting 4. Make this bill OBSOLETE and save the taxpayers.
Anyone with a brain will recognize that both republicans and democrats have made massive mistakes in the last four decades. However, the democrats are only adding to the deficits and debt that were increased under Bush. I believe Romney has the skills to turn things around for the better. He is much more qualified that President Obama!
Of course, we will every day before the health reform bill is passed with a real public option.
We most certainly are paying attention. I , for one, am most interested in knowing who is blocking any attempts to get this legislation passed from BOTH sides of the aisle. I am extremely active in phone banks directed at legislators in Md. and DC, as well as registered voters in the tri-state area. If this bill does not go through, believe me, it won't be through lack of trying on the part of concerned citizens and the political repercussions to local politicians will be felt at the polls.
The Pelosi bill out of the House is a disaster. It does not live up to the promise to keep costs under 900 billion as amendments were added to it to push it over a trillion. It also now adds to the deficit instead of reducing it as originally billed.
The Senate bill being crafted behind closed doors by Reid will be not better. If the Senate is dumb enough to pass it, the bill that comes out of the merger of the House bill and Senate bill will be even worse than either of them.
Only Blue Dog Democrats can stop this monster from being unleased on the American people. If they do not stop it then voters will vote for Republicans in 2010 and 2012 who will promise to dismantle it.
I've lost interest in the debate. I have heath insurance through my employer so I'm not interested in a public option. I have no faith in policians to do the right thing. Instead of reigning in the insurance companies, the politicians want to put more limits on the kind of coverage people can get.
They should be. I think most Americans will finally realize what happenend in early 2011. That is when they will be filling out personal income tax forms and they are going to be in for a BIG surprise!
We are not watching or interested. Affordable health care without a price in front of it is scary. We will stick to our insurance where we are guranteed great medical care.
We are worn out and sick about the Democrats crazy expensive healthcare plans. We don't want them. We don't want the public option. We can't afford them either. But the Dems are ramming them through and it seems like the only thing that we can do is vote them out of office and undo their mess after the next election. Ugh, why did we put these people into power! They are damaging our country.
This has been the perfect storm of broken campaign promises for our leading baby kissin politician and campaigner in chief. No transparency, no bipartisanship, wasteful spending, no listening to the people, not allowing the people to see the costs or the bill before they vote, not reading every line.
Obama is already preparing his exit strategy for 2012 in case this whole mess blows up if it passes. Like one poster wrote a while ago, if you slap a cover page on the phone book with the title Obama Healthcare, he would sign it just to say he signed it. He is not interested in the content or the damage. Just the next campaign he can spin.
The Public Option is nothing but another massive government power grab of an entire industry and every US citizens health and well being. When somebody shows me ONE SINGLE government program that is well run, solvent and efficent, I will consider it. But in over 200 years, the government has never succeeded to do this ONCE. I am not about to let my healthcare be held hostage to a bunch of lying criminal politicians.
Why should we pay for insurance for illegals and people who refuse to work. In a perfect world everyone would have healthcare but we don't live in that world. When families are struggling and the countries debt is so high, why is the US trying to pass a bill that will further burden the American people and put the country even further into debt.
Yes, we are paying attention, and we want more options when it comes to Healthcare. That is why we need a public option, because private Insurance is run by criminals.
If Health Care was a true "debate", it would be a no-brainer for congress to immediatley effect laws and programs that end the deaths of 40,000+ Americans each year, provide a meaningful public option safety net for those that can't get or at some point will lose coverage and enable regulations that result in cost reductions over the next 10 years.
But no, instead we have GOP obstructionists, Talibangelical moralists and right wing political grifters turning it into political gamesmanship as a means of paying off their big industry contributors and getting back into power.
Here's the real debate – Why can't the GOP, republicans,Teabaggers and so-called "Christians" and evangelicals get on board with saving lives and improving medical security for ALL Americans instead of pushing their political agendas?
Are the mainstream Democrats and progressives the only ones really committed to living AND practicing the Golden Rule?
Yes I'm watching and Yes I want a public option Yes I want to see the Cigna's and UHC's suffer greatly from this bill and lower my rates or be forced out of business.
Never vote incumbent again. If this bill doesn't pass, I, a dyed in the wool Dem., will NEVER vote Dem again. Term limits for Senators. They'ar all a gaggle of stooges who are there for the lobbyists, not the American people, I don't care who or what party affiliation. Toss 'em!
I believe Americans don't trust the corporate cronies in Congress to revamp anything. If they do it will be written by special interests and big business to benefit themselves. Republicans and Democrats care about two things... getting even richer from their corporate sponsors, and getting re-elected.
It's time to stop voting for these two-faced politicians. It's time for a viable third party.
Every step of the way!
Yes, most people are paying attention. The thing is... most of them are getting the wrong information because the media, and the naysayers, aren't doing their jobs and informing them of the truth.
Pass it with a strong public option. Don't let the insurance companies, drug manufacturers and DME sellers and their lobbyists string this out.
It is a moral issue. All Americans deserve health care. We can argue about the dollars later.
I don't understand these people saying "why should I pay for someone else who doesn't want to work". A) you don't know everyone's circumstances B) its not just about paying for everyone. The insurance companies are jacking up the cost and providing LESS insurance. You're having to pay more and more for YOURSELF while getting less coverage. You pay for other people's stuff anyway if you pay taxes. You pay for other kids to go to college anytime those kids get federal loans. "I don't want to pay for someone else" is a lame excuse. Besides, your insurance company jacks up your rates when others file claims. You're paying for other people anyway and you won't get around that. I'd rather pay for someone else but have insurance that won't bankrupt me than continue with the way things are now.
Intelligent americans will be paying attention, but republicans and their senators probably won't, because their minds are made up and they don't want tne facts to confuse them!
Simple question for all you anti-reform nuts:
Why is it that virtually all of the governments in Europe and most other developed countries can provide health care more cheaply and more effectively than the US? Our country looks pretty stupid when we can't take the positive aspects of government-sponsored health care from other countries and incorporate them into a better more effective system in the US.
Second simple question: Since the GOP is happy to support "catastrophic insurance coverage" for things like nuclear plant construction and the airline industry, why does the GOP focus on trivialities like "tort reform" (which doesn't work) rather than create a catastrophic insurance plan for major medical conditions?
This is the time to pass health care reform. It cannot get any worse than it is now.
The premiums are going up every year from 6 to 20 percent and the insurance companies are cancelling policies of people that have major surgery and have chronic illnesses.
I have friend that had a heart attack and after he was released from the doctors his insurance cancelled him. That is what he gets for being good customer, paying his premiums on time for years and he has a small business and now is really in trouble.
THAT IS YOUR INSURANCE TODAY, UNLESS YOU WORK FOR A MAJOR CORPORATION AND IN THE TOP BRASS YOU MAY LOSE YOUR JOB INSURANCE AND IF YOU HAVE A PRECONDITION, YOU MAY BE STUCK WITH A 10,000 DOLLAR DEDUCTIBLE WITH PREMIUMS UP TO 20 THOUSAND A YEAR.
Call you senator and representative and have them to pass health care reform.
You bet I'll be watching. In South Carolina we have three Senators who were elected to represent all of the people. From what I have observed from them Demint, Wilson and Graham in my opinion is not doing such a great job. They are so negative and full of crap to it's not funny. The next election coming up for all three of them will be one of unease. I am going to everything that I can to get people out to vote to unseat these perpetrators. They don't represent me and could care less about my future. So yes, I will be watching and listening to see what other lies will be told not to help those who really need help because they already have excellent health care and doing everything in their power to keep us from having it too.
I want a public option AND Tort Reform AND the ability to buy insurance across state lines. I also want better insurance. I also want public transit and green energy. Also, anyone who smokes should pay 10x what I pay in insurance...as well as anyone more than 20lbs overweight. I mean, fair is fair right?
Yes we are watching and wondering why all the naysayers weren't on the case of the last administration that didn't even bring up Healthcare for the entire 8 years they held the presidency. Now the best they can do is yell Socialism at the top of their lungs. Hey, you had your chance and now it's no your time. Should have done it your way when you had the chance. Now you get what is proposed for Healthcare because you didn't do anything with the 8 years you all had to make it better.
Of course we are paying attention to the health care debate in the Senate. It is a very clear case of how somany of our Senators (especially) Republican are out of touch with how bad the current system is. I don't understand why the Senators that are against the Public Option trust the Health Insurance companies to reduce their rates without REAL competition. Look at what the Credit Card suppliers did when the Congress decided to give them 4 months leeway before instituting the new rules in regards to interest rates and fees? Within two months they began to DOUBLE minimum fees and INTEREST RATES to customers that were paying on time FOR YEARS!!! The large corporations in America will only change when they are forced. it's just the nature of the beast. It's goal is to make money, plan and simple. If the American public does not stay interested in this fundamental change in health insurance, we will get hoodwinked...plan and simple.
The new guidelines on mammogram screenings is a glimpse of what would happen with goverment approved healthcare. That is nothing more than government preparing to start rationing. Also, would this not be discrimination.
More people would be willing to have a debate about something as crucial as Health Care Reform,if the media was truly informing the public.. So many important stories received almost no attention, and so many trivial and nonsense issues have a great deal of attention. Very dangerous position to have. A misinfomred society is one that usually end up destroying itself.
Please report real news, let's informed our people.
Was health care reform a major issue 3 years ago? NO, it wasn't. It only became an issue when election season rolled around and the Democrats wanted it to be an issue.
Does the way we PAY for Health Care need to be reformed? Yes. Does the entire system need to be controlled by the government? Absolutely not.
The bottom line is: WE ARE BROKE. There is no money for this or anything else. Priority one is cutting costs, cutting spending, and keeping taxes low to generate jobs and revenue. How come people are so ignorant to this?
If the Democrats REALLY wanted health care for all how come thier trillion dollar, 1000+ page bills still don't cover about 10% of the population?
This is about the FAR left of the party taking control of something else(in this cae 1/6th of the economy) for the government. Almost everythng they have done (banks, car companies, bailouts, health care, possibly cap & trade, depleting the value of the dollar, etc...) has one goal: GOVERNMENT CONTROL. This is a massive move towards socialism through taxation and regulation.
WAKE UP PEOPLE
VOTE THEM ALL OUT
The big insurance lobbyist have paid them off and I didn't get a dime for my opinion, so the answer NO, I'm not paying attention.
Makes me sad that there has to be a debate as to if our country should provide basic health care for all of its citizen and not just a select few. Shouldn't we take care of anyone who is ill? We the people in order to create a more perfect union. A combination of our heart and wallet.
I'm trying, but it's hard to weed through the ridiculous rhetoric that's being spewed about it. Politicians need to understand that OUR HEALTH IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT DESERVES AN HONEST DISCUSSION!!!! Enough with all the politically motivated rhetoric! This isn't an issue to be used as a platform for your next campaign, it's an issue that affects the lives and well-being of every American! Stop campaigning and start governing for crying out loud!
Sadly enough once Americans get Obamacare, they will be filled with anger once the "demands" go into effect.
Maybe if some of these jerks speak to those people who are most affected by the lack of insurance, they will find the majority of whom work or retired and can't afford insurance and as result when they are so sick are taken to emergency rooms for treatment or just die due to lack or unafordable basic medical care. These jerks rather assume the only people who will benefit from this are the poor, even if this was the case so what. This is the riches country in the world and yet ranks at the level of some of the third world country when it comes to taking care of its citizens. Maybe some of these holy than thou in this blog should spend some time visiting hospitals and speaking to medical persons who see these people dailiy. I am fortunate to have health insurance however, my premium increases annually un-check with increase out of pocket expenses every year while the jerks as in this blogs and the politicans and CFO fat cats get richer. I support all of the Senators who place the citizens of this great country first and not these self interest big doners and jerks who wear blinders.
Anyway you slice it, this heath care reform bill will increase cost of insurance premiums for those that have insurance, while at the same time, increasing out of pocket expenses, since part of your premium will now go to fund insurance for people who don't have it. Do the math. You can't insure those without insurance without affecting those of us who do have insurance.
The public is paying attention ti the heath care debate. To the Republicans I say stop putting fear in peoples mind. Vote your with your conscience and not for your political survival. Stop scaring the younger generation and do not forget there were people that voted for you who do not have heath insurance. You have the right to debate but do not be an obstacle. You guys have the best health coverage so lets think for the people who are in desperate and need to enjoy the same right as you do. This is a national issue and the time is here to come up with a comprehensive health care program for all. God bless our country.
Despite the media's obsession with last year's minor story Sarah Palin and its constant emphasis on political tactics instead of substance, we are paying attention to this debate.
Our healthcare system is a disgrace, It makes me embarrassed to say I live in this country, that let's innoncent people die because they do not have access to health care. This is the most hypocritical unchristian country in the civilized world. That's why France, Canada and Germany not to name a few are so far ahead of us on the healt care list. France has the #1 healthcare system in the world.
Our healthcare system is a disgrace, It makes me embarrassed to say I live in this country, that let's innoncent people die because they do not have access to health care. This is the most hypocritical unchristian country in the civilized world. That's why France, Canada and Germany not to name a few are so far ahead of us on the healt care list. France has the #1 healthcare system in the world. .. USA land of selfish hypocrits.
2010 and 2012 are not that far off. Anyone who wants to stay in office needs to remember that, and remember, the real polls of a REAL cross section of the real electorate WANT HEALTH CARE REFORM and DEMAND, at the very least, a Public Option.
I already have one Representative to replace, here in UpState, NY. If he doesn't get on board with the final bill, I will campaign against him, in primaries, and in the general election, if necessary...
One payor plan, that's the only way go.. So if that's socialism so is the interstate highway, jails, court house, public library, health department, fire department, police department, what a bunch of uneducated people there are in this country.
We pay attention to health care and we pay attention to our real problems being ignored (Jobs! and so on)....
Oh YES, More than what Obama wants people too.
Healthcare reform = another entitlement program.
Why work when the government will feed, house you and now give you healthcare.