Giuliani blasts Democrats health proposals
Rudy Giuliani took issue Tuesday with Democratic health care proposals.
(CNN) - Speaking before a town hall forum Tuesday, Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani lambasted the health care plans put forward by the Democratic presidential field.
"We've got to do it the American way. The American way is not single-payer, government-controlled anything. That's a European way of doing something; that's frankly a socialist way of doing something," the former New York mayor said. "That's why when you hear Democrats in particular talk about single-mandated health care, universal health care, what they're talking about is socialized medicine."
Giuliani was in Rochester, New Hampshire, to discuss his health care proposals. He said he would reform the current system by using free-market solutions that he said would facilitate consumer-driven health care.
"America's health care system is being dragged down by decades of government-imposed mandates and wasteful, unaccountable bureaucracy," he said. "To reform, we must empower all Americans by increasing health care choices and affordability, while bringing accountability to the system."
Giuliani was scheduled to appear later in the day in Norwalk, Connecticut.
–CNN Political Desk Editor Jamie Crawford
To Anonymous:
I was just using myself as an example. As I typed it, I realized, well, yes, I'd get funded by the government anyway (though the state government, not the federal). But I was more using my situation as an example as to why universal health care isn't as bad as people want to make it sound. It's for those of us who are looking for work, not as many people believe, for bums who don't want to find work.
I'm not whining about not finding a job. I'm merely stating that people who have just finished school sometimes don't find jobs right away. It's tough. So if it is tough, why can't the government step in and help out? What is so wrong about that? I didn't say I'm not working – I'm working another job. But it's not one that provides health insurance. I pay my taxes just like you do. I live paycheck to paycheck, just like a lot of people who are posting, I'm sure. I'm okay with this. But having universal health care would not only help me, but hundreds of thousands of people in my situation.
There should be no corelation between being a Democrat or Republican on this issue. I am an independent voter and I'm the one who posted earlier about having lived in England for 13 years and enduring the relatively inferior health care there.
I can appreciate that many of you do "research" on these topics, but until you experience it or live it, you really have no idea what you're talking about.
The physicians in these countries with National Health programs make squat on the public side. Consequently, they provide the type of care you would expect of a poorly compensated professional.
Please don't turn this into a partisan issue. Know what you're getting yourself into before you clamor for it.
To bad, so sad, Sam.
Just because you dont have health insurance doesn't mean I should have to pay for it for you.
For everyone saying socialized medicine won't work and will only raise our taxes, consider this:
1) yes, it will have to be paid for through taxes, but it will be much cheaper than what we are spending now. Just think, none of us will have to worry about having to cut back on something because we have to pay $310/month to make sure we have health insurance. It will also help business, who will also be required to pay taxes into this, but will no longer be paying the outrageous cost of health insurance in this country. Our system costs over $4000/person while the next most expensive system in the world is just over $2000/person.
2) You get treatment right away when you need it. The doctor decides if/what/when concerning your health, not some insurance representative who will deny or delay your treatment because the bottom line and their shareholders come first.
3) Pointing out waiting times in other countries compared to here is ludicrous. Sure, if it is not an important procedure, then you are going to have to wait. In an emergency they are not going to ignore you which has happened in this country and people die in emergency waiting rooms because they are ignored.
Government controlled health system will be cheaper and more efficient. The only plus of the system now is for those people who have a lot of money who don't have to worry like the common person.
I find it funny how people hold up the Social Security system as an example of how a socialized program fails. Social Security has had a surplus of funds for decades. Multiple administrations have "raided" those surplus funds to help balance the Federal budget. President Bush vowed in 2001 not to used Social Security funds and then turned around and allocated $2.4 trillion of Social Security funds over a ten year period. These funds are used to bolster Bush's argument for making his tax cuts permanent. Social Security isn't broken. Government restrictions on allocating funds is what is broken.
If we had a universal socialized health care program it very well could work. The problem, of course, is that government would re-allocate any surplus to fund their own pet projects. Socialized health care isn't the problem. The problem is our broken, back biting, greedy government. Giuliani isn't going to change that one single bit.
Pixie why would anyone want to pay more taxes?? More taxes just mean more money in the hands of people (Democrats and Republicans) that dont know how to manage it. I would like to see your sister my son anyone without insurance be able to get it. I just dont think higher taxes are the way to do it. Also what about people in this country illegally?? if we werent already providing them free care then hard working americans like you and I wouldnt have to carry the burden.
Rudy’s got it right. Everything that he said in the above is consistent with both Microeconomic theory and Macroeconomic theory.
So Rudy if your Health Care Plan is so good and theres is so bad why don't you tell it on the youtube debate
Oh thats right you're afraid because you don't have one
If Giuliani knows anything about health care, then I'm a Chinese aviator.
I'm shocked at how many people who know so little have so much to say. Stop wasting time at CNN.com and go read a book or a newspaper with some credibility. Then join a discussion.
Do anyone who isn't in favor of some sort of universal health care:
What is the solution? Status quo so tens of millions of Americans remain uninsured? Is that acceptable to you? If it is, just say so.
If it isn't acceptable to you, but you aren't in favor of universal health care, what IS your solution?
Rebuttal to: Greg, Phoenix, AZ
"Once again, Canada has 32 million people, the United States has 300 million people.
Can you not see how the implementation of SOCIALIZED MEDICINE in this country would be just a little bit different?
If we tried this in the US, it would sink us, plain and simple. Our taxes would go through the roof, and our economy would suffer greatly."
No Greg I can't see how it would be any different. Do the Math. Canada has 32 million paying tax dollars and the system has survived decades and is still in great form...America has 300 million people paying taxes so the system should also survive for decades in great form.
We don't pay anymore taxes for our Health Care but I can guarantee you that your one X Ray and a hospital stay would ten times the amount we are paying and our government is paying for our Health Care.
Your statement is Inane with no mathematical logic.
Return of The Red Scare ! Watch out, Socialists are teaming up with Radical Islamists to bring down America! It starts w/Vietnam & ends in Calfornia after the dominos all tumble. Wait a second, Vietnam did "fall" to the Commies in 1975 & not one American life or precious $ was lost. Oh well, Rudy is right about the inferiority of the European system. Those wimpy French;talking all that "stuff" about the perils of taking down Sadaam. What do they know. Give em hell Rudy !
Isn't that nice!?! MR. Giuliani's companies always worked for profit – they didn't give their services away. Yet, as a physician, I have to give away about 12% of my services every year, or else deny needed care to working people with no benefits. As far as insurance goes, my favorite is Medicare. It has the fewest hassles and pays the fastest, plus has the simplest rules. Incidentally, it also has the lowest overhead of all the insurance providers. So – Mr. Giuliani is just plain wrong. But – he does have to pander to his constituency. Please do not attach my name if this is posted.
A President Giuliani would do what every other Republican president has done with healthcare...absolutely nothing.
To Anonomous, Greg and Linday:
It is people like you who make life unbearable for those who are truly needing of support. You know, it's not all about you or me. It's also about those who for no reason of their own, do not have jobs, a sufficient income, or the means to pay the astronomical prices of Private Corp Health Insurances or the cost of US Health Care. It's about single moms who can't afford the cost of Health Care for their children in your Nation. If you have a job and a good Health Care Provider good for you but does that give you the right to prevent others less fortunate to be deprived of the Health Care because they can't afford it?
To Linsay...Your statement about Canada and Canadians holds no water or truth. The Canadians going to the US for surgeries are going for procedures not available in Canada and are those who can afford that luxury. It's not because we have poor Health Care it is due soley to their personal choice.
And to this Statement of your's Lindsay:
"Here’s another question for you – have you met a Canadian or European who has single handedly improved their socio-economic status? Not without coming to America."Posted By Lindsay, Milwaukee, WI
It's these types of statements from people like yourself who tarnish America's International image. It must be a sad life when your vile for everyone from another Nation borders on hate. But hey, this is not news for Europeans or Canadians we all know MANY (not all thankfully) Americans have a false perception that they are Greater, Better, Richer, than all other Nationalities. But let me inform you, my socio-economic status takes in a 6 digit income on my own merits as a Business Owner and I didn't have to go to America I did right here on Canadian Soil! What a surprise eh?
I feel so fortunate to be a Canadian as we are a compassionate people who truly care for others and especially the less fortunate. We don't look down on our mulitcultural brothers and sisters. We treat them as equals. Our civil war with the Natives ended centuries ago we didnt' carry it with us into each generation as we journeyed forward.
But – why am I wasting my time conveying these truths here as Y'all will believe what you want to. Even given the Health Care issue – God Forbid Little Ole Canada or the Brits could possibly have a better Health Care System than the Great US of A.
Trish, please don't refer to someone as inane when you say that your "government is paying for healthcare." Where do you think your government gets their money?
Tricia: You said it well for many of us living outside of the US. Here are some things you could have added
I am 58 years old, make 76 000 dollars as a teacher , pay 20% income tax and about $ 400 a year in health and extended health insurance. Through my life there have been many births, deaths, operations, accidents and tragedies. Throughout them all I am so happy my friends and family were covered by insurance and I have never been dissatisfied with the care they received. I pay more to insure my home and my carthen I do my life! And I wish Americans would stop spending over 760 million dollars a year buying our lower price drugs.
An example: A colleagyes 3 year old has been diagonsed with a herat defect. That was three weeks ago. She has been put on blood pressure medication to stabilize here and will be operated on on Aug. third. Her parents need only to worry about her getting better and no insurance agent was involved in determining whether she should receive this treatment. For thisI am happy to pay higher taxes(although I am not sure it is that much higher).
Every system has its malcontents and bumps but as a Christian I am proud that I live in a country that cares about the people around us as I know that is what Jesus would want. Surprising a country so alienated from each other and so single purposed also claims to be the most religious.
When I vote I know my vote will be counted, my prime minister and his cabinet must attend parliament like every other elected official and can't hide behind "executive privilege", I can select from more than two parties and when a gov't is unpopular, a simple nonconfidence vote can result in a new election...and eight weeks later we have a new government.
I am proud of our social contract, our universal programs, our standing in the world, that we didn't go to Iraq even though we had to listen to your idiotic insults, and our system of gov't....and by the way did you know that Microsoft is opening a major expansion in our backwards country??
You have lost your way and throwing stones, puffing up your chest, and trying to denegrate others isn't going to help you find it.
I agree with the doctor who said that out of the healthcare plans that he has to deal with, Medicare is the simplist to deal with. This is the plan for everyone.
To the people out there that don't want their taxes going to pay for someones elses healthcare, well guess what, maybe your taxes aren't but you are paying for their healthcare through increased costs at the hospital and doctors offices. They have to offset their loses somewhere so they offset them onto you.
The taxes that dopey Guilliani says are going to be sky high is pure baloney. The taxes would be lower then the premiums that everyone now pays.
As Guilliani rails on about the evils of socialized medicine what does he say about medicare? Is he going to get rid of that? Medicare is about as efficient a healthcare system as there is. Much lower administrative costs then the insurance companies. Does Guilliani think that all those seniors are going to willingly give up medicare? Does he think that all of us baby boomers are prepared to pick up the costs of their parents healthcare on top of their own?
Guilliani and his 'American way' of insuring people; sounds like he is getting a huge pile of dough from the health insurance peddlers. What government mandates? What bureaucracy? The 2 government run programs are much more efficient then the insurance companies.
It was nice to hear that he managed to get through one speech without mentioning 911. As if trotting around NYC that horrible day with a surgical mask and barking orders while posing for cameras makes him look like a tough leader. People need to remember that this man has the leadership skills of a dictator with a personalty of Mousalini. He would be no improvement over Bush, just a continuation.
Bruce, Franklin, TN
I believe I stated very clearly that our taxes per capita is paying towards our Health Care as is the case in every Federal Funded Health Program I know of.
But you and we pay taxes on everything anyway so you either pay less in taxes for Health Care to your Government or you pay for Health Care to Private Corps. When it comes to a choice between Government and Private Corps. I'll give my dollars to Government for Health Care...which in the long run is much cheaper and gives me more extensive Health care.
"Trish, please don’t refer to someone as inane when you say that your “government is paying for healthcare.” Where do you think your government gets their money?"
Bruce, the people are government, duh.
Trish in Canada:
First of all, please show me in either of your 3 prior postings where you said "I stated very clearly that our taxes per capita is paying towards our Health Care as is the case in every Federal Funded Health Program I know of."
Secondly, I have a number of Canadian friends who would refute every one of your statements. Many (but not all) of the Canadians I know are very unhappy with the level of care they receive and are equally as vocal in their feelings as you are in yours.
I'm the first to admit that the US system needs some improvement. But please be realistic and admit that your system isn't perfect either.