Friday, February 26, 2010

THE HEALTH CARE DEBATE

I stayed up till midnight last night watching the entire health care debate and came away with 5 observations.
1. While Pelosi, and Reid, are IDIOTS, there is no shortage on the other side. John Boehner, Jon Kyle, are right up there with them.
2. Obama is the best spokesman for the Democratic position on health care. He knows the bill.
3. Republicans can't stop preaching fear to the American people. They did it during Bush and are doing it again.
4. There is more than a philosophical difference between the Republican position and the Democratic position. They just want to win the next election period.
5.PROPS,CODE WORDS, LIKE WASHINGTON,WELFARE,SOCIALISM are keeping the Fear going and stop the bill going forward.
Where were all these Republicans when you had the Presidency and the Congress, and your concern about health care then that you profess so deeply about now.
Oh! I forgot your agenda then was WAR, TAX BREAKS FOR THE WEALTHY SO THEIR COULD BE TRICKLE DOWN.
By the way how are those tax breaks you passed doing now shouldn't we be enjoying the prosperity you promised.

16 comments:

Eric Martin said...

The DEMS better step up and get this one done, Terry. Or they are toast.

Baxter said...

AGREED. Big time.

Mark Chaney said...

I hope they do it by way of Reconciliation! Can't wait. The House is the problem.

sara p said...

Wow! Ol' sara is somewhat concerned about the passive aggression in Terry's post. Couple of points: 1) Ol' sara IS fearful about another trillion (some estimates $3 trillion) dollars hitting the deficit; and 2) ol' sara is very much enjoying the prosperity of 'those tax breaks'. we have wise medical professionals in this blog who know this health grab bill better than ol' sara. however, I know of no one being turned down for health care. I did note one of the prominent Canadian ministers coming to the USA for surgery in the past two weeks. Makes ol' sara wonder.

Baxter said...

Of course "Sara P" enjoyed those tax breaks, why wouldn't he? Wasn't it just great DOUBLING the DEBT during times of economic growth? As Dick Cheney said, "Deficits don't matter."

We have the most expensive health care in the world and, save for emergencies, roughly 15% of our people do not receive the service. The system is gamed to the advantage of the physicians, pharma, and insurance companies. God willing, that will soon change.

Baxter said...

I hate to disagree with Terry - but I do not think that any of the pols he mentioned are idiots. I did not watch the whole session - I watched highlights on MSNBC.

Some of the GOP team are rather bright - Mitch McConell reminds me of George Mitchell - both were extremely effective and played their hands about as well as one could. Mitch isn't remotely likable, but I would hate to ever go up against him.

Kyl is an average guy with integrity - unfortunately,he holds a completely different worldview than I.

Boehner does seem like he'd be more comfortable on a golf course with a cigarette in one hand and a flask of Jack in his pocket. Nonetheless, he's no dummy.

I really like Pelosi and I think she is underestimated. From what I saw, she held her own.

I have always thought Reid was too introverted - I'd prefer Schumer running things in the Senate. That said, had Teddy not died, we'd all be talking today about his expert stewardship of the health care reform LAW.

Jim G. said...

I stayed up till midnight last night watching the entire health care debate and came away with 5 observations.
1. While Pelosi, and Reid, are IDIOTS, there is no shortage on the other side. John Boehner, Jon Kyle, are right up there with them.

Really? Idiots? You mean the folks who want to preserve our capitalist system and prevent government takeover of health care which would then seep through out the economy? Those idiots? The ones who are speaking the truth, that you cannot add another huge entitlement to an overburdened, debt ridden economy and not have huge effects? The ones who are telling the American people the truth (and who the American people agree with) that incremental change on things which we agree is the best path? That people who have "skin in the game" regarding their health care decisions and Tort reform or the most important first steps in solving this problem? Those idiots?
2. Obama is the best spokesman for the Democratic position on health care. He knows the bill.

Really? After umpteen press conferences, meetings and announcements you think folks just don't get it? You think after MA and the 41st vote against the bill, if "o" just explains a little more people will embrace it? You think the town hall meetings and tea party movement is just a sideshow and the silent majority want Socialized medicine via a lie. First, he does not "know" the 5000 page bill, no one does. Second, he is not a manager or creator, he can probably run a therapy group or a "classroom", but when first elected you said you wanted "smart". Well, smart would not have received his head on a platter like the professor has over this issue.
3. Republicans can't stop preaching fear to the American people. They did it during Bush and are doing it again.

Fear? Of Socialism? Of run away entitlements? Of government takeover of industry? Of special rewards for special groups? That fear?
4. There is more than a philosophical difference between the Republican position and the Democratic position. They just want to win the next election period.

Yes we do to stop the process of Socializing our country!

By the way how are those tax breaks you passed doing now shouldn't we be enjoying the prosperity you promised.
We were until the housing crisis, caused by the same entitlement mentality, screwed everything up which was then used as an excuse by the Liberals to take over the economy, which is now at a standstill, paralyzed by fear!

Jim G. said...

and there is no avenue to get anything accomplished without alienating a significant portion of the population. Mr. Smart has just royally Bleeped up.

The fact that they are even discussing reconciliation is hurting them politically except with their extreme base.

Baxter said...

I think it is funny how Republicans are trying to frame "reconciliation" as some odd parliamentary maneuver. It will require passage by both houses and the president's signature - a very democratic process. It is the Filibuster - a system requiring a super majority and thus, minority rule, that is the unusual political tool. It is clearly being abused.

BTW - the House will be passing the Senate bill, which passed with 60 votes. They just want to see it modified through the reconciliation process first.

Mark Chaney said...

I also think it is funny - I was just watching the clips when the Republicans were going to use the "NUCLEAR OPTION". Now it's "reconciliation". I watched Biden (a total F***ing dumbass), Reid, Obama, Byrd and Feinstein to name only a few speak with disgust, disdain, talk about the history of the Senate (Obama), the intrepidation, talk of the underhandedness and the Democrats would be above this if in power (Biden). Oh Oh the injustice. Different set of rules! We can argue all you want about the process, but square the words. Kind of like past associations, they apply to Republicans but not Democrats. How about Pelosi clearing the swamp - Rangel.

Watching the debate - I thought Obama was not in control plus he looked petulant and arrogant. McConnell has a general cool demeanor (not a favorite of mine), Kyl is a great guy (have had dinner with him and contributed) with a great world view. Boehner I agree would be more comfortable on the golf course wit a flask of Jack - in fact I can picture that. Pelosi - what do you say about an uber Lib multi-millionaire socialist. Reid - no class. Lamar Alexander and McCain (I hate to say -not a fan) were on their game.

Obama the best spokesman! Wow! I agree with Jim, 1 year, complete control of both sides of the legislature, a fawning media, speech after speech from the most gifted teleprompter speaker we have ever had. Excuses!

Please, please use reconciliation.

Baxter said...

Mark -

One thing I agree with in your post - the hypocrisy of the Dems complaining about the prospect of the nuclear option. I was all for the GOP going that route. They were going to try to narrowly go nuclear - only on the question of judicial appointments - but it would have led to the elimination of the Filibuster. If the Democrats actually try to ditch the Filibuster rule, there will be a mountain of video where they took the exact opposite position.

Kyl is my neighbor - he lives directly across the street. We speak occasionally, and I of course do not bring up politics. The man is entitled to some peace when he is home (which is a lot - he obviously prefers PHX to DC).

Mark Chaney said...

We can ditch the the filibuster, which would be monumental and will essentially happen if they go the Reconciliation route. It is generally only used for historical legislation - which is what this Health Care Bill is. As you and I have discussed the knife cuts both ways though!

Jon Kuyl is a real guy. The dinner I was at had only 6 other people and I got to sit next to him all night and talk politics. What a nice low key guy - even kind of milk toast.

I still believe the House is the real problem. Reconciliation will only make it tougher on the House members, the pressure will be enormous.

terry said...

Jim as usual try listening to FACTS. when the health care bill is polled by parts?
1 Do you want pre-existing conditions removed overwhelming support.
2.Do you want across state lines competition overwhelming yes.
3 Do you want portability overwhelming yes.
4 When you poll the entire bill yes you guys have done a masterful job of scaring the American public as you did during the Bush years with the lies " the sky is falling"
Scaring seniors that we are going to be a socialist country your going to lose your medicare yes you win that poll..
Since when does your party listen to polls anyway when the American people did not favor the war your answer was we don't do policy by polls.
Jim health care is needed you should see that every day, nothing is perfect but doing nothing is sin (wrong whichever you prefer)
The truth is lots of countries have health care for their people and do a better job, try talking to real Canadiens not glenn beck canadiens. I know some will be glad to have you talk to some real people. Kyle contributed nothing to the debate except worn talking points as Obama pointed out.
Clarification on what I meant by Obama being the best spokesman on the bill. He can answer the questions like he did to Lamar who was wrong {fact check it}, and boner oh I mean boehner another one who simply offered no answer except stop. Obama can answer clearly Dodd, Pelosi, Biden, Rangel can't do as well, that is what I meant.
The Republican's should have gone into the debate and focusd on tort reform offer an amendment and say we will support the bill if we get our way on tort reform, that way if the Dems refuse they look bad but no try your talking points again stupid.
The American public is waiting to throw out ALL Incumbants so enjoy your stay it will be short wait and you will soon join the unemployed Dems and Repubs as well.

Jim G. said...

Terry, honestly, did you even listen.

Your points:

1 Do you want pre-existing conditions removed overwhelming support.
2.Do you want across state lines competition overwhelming yes.
3 Do you want portability overwhelming yes.

are the Republicans points minus number one plus tort reform.

Now, that whole preexisting thingy gets complicated. If there is no preexisting conditions then there is no insurance (why cover yourself until you are sick) and presto...government run health care for all!

I just really want one of you lefties to run up and wait a year for your bypass just to show support.

Baxter said...

Jim -

Terry has you whooped on this one. The Republicans have successfully demagogued the bill and a minority of Americans support it. When asked about each primary component of the bill, Americans give support by a comfortable margin. It is one more example of our very fickle and uninformed electorate.

Mark Chaney said...

They are not as smart as you, pass it! Come on big guy, do it! No balls!