I wonder if that is the reason why I am always smiling? Hmmmmm.

A boiled down version of the truth.

The gov't doesn't matter a damn. After all, F.D.R. declared the country bankrupt on 2/12/1932. Since then, The Bankers have ruled the roost. Look it up. http://www.losthorizons.com.

"Healthcare Reform". Nonsense. Healthcare doesn't need reform. Health Insurance most certainly does, and the parasite lawyers that live around it.

The REAL issue is that we are an employer based system. As long as that remains so, healthcare is an open checkbook. That is what happens to be true and what happens to be the core of the issue. Don't believe me. Look up what the latest Nobel Prize winner in Economics (Paul Krugman) has to say about it HERE, and HERE. No simple solution, but start at least to understand it ain't about Granny and the plug. That's the Insurance Co.'s and their paid politician stooges talking.

vStyler you are almost as bad as Starkers. Obama is trying to fix health care so people like me can see a Doctor. Fixing it now would be cheaper than later. What is the big deal? Why is everyone afraid of reform?

All you are doing by fighting reform is screwing people like me...

^ Absolutely the truth. The reason for all the Republican opposition as that 1) they want to "break" Obama and 2) they were all bought and paid for during the fabulous Bush administration.

The government doesn't do anything right.  Why anyone would want them running healthcare is beyond me.

Here is a good article to read.

http://draginol.joeuser.com/article/361757/Health_Care_Debate_1_Understanding_Insurance

I'm going to have to say that DrJBHL just might have more insight and a better feel for the Health Care issues/problems.

Sometimes when I look at issues like this I tend to wonder what the 'landscape' would look like if the money flow only had to go from the patient to the Doctor.  Yes I do understand that the cost of major medical procedures makes necessary the need for Medical Insurance.  But I still wonder. 

No he's not....as usual he made the same lofty promises all politicians do and he's doing his best to appear to be fullfilling them.

Kona...if you are truly ill....walk into an emergency room and start the process thats already in place. Emergency rooms cannot turn you away...and after you go there enough times they will apply for medicare for you...then you will have it for 6 months and can at least go to a clinic.

In case you haven't noticed...you've been getting screwed ever since you were born by the same people claiming to want to help you.

How come Canada doesn't have anything like Fox News to laugh at?

I don't know if that makes us allies or enemies.  I like free speech, but it's just a tool, not an action.  I think banning guns or knives or karate or whatever is generally foolish and a hallmark of an oppressive society, but I would not espouse protecting murderers who abuse weapons.  Similarly, I think free-speech advocates should not blindly defend scum like Beck who abuse free speech, spreading fear and lies for personal gain.

No, Spencer: HERE. And the "Why they want to run Health Care..." is another Canard. They already do. Medicare and Medicaid. Yes?

And the overwhelming majority of Seniors are very well pleased with their care.

While I like you and Brad, I have to say that Paul Krugman's thoughts as a Nobel Prize winner in Economics carry more weight.

LINK.

Well, Sabercherry, that's Advanced Democracy. It ain't easy course work. If you hold the Constitution and the First  Amendment dear, you are obliged to do so for everyone...not just the ones you like.

We do. CBC - CTV - Global - take your pick.  They all are laughable.

Philly gets it.

The worst mistake a Doctor can make is a deal with an Insurance Co. I never did. Unfortunately, there's only one way to do that: The Doctor bills the patient. The patient bills the Insurance Co. (the Doctor can help prepare the HCFA 1500's). Same for Hospital, etc.

Read the link in #50.

Karen, I therefore ask why does anyone want to oppose the ONLY way that we as a country and civilized society can drive the price of Health Insurance down is to offer a cheaper alternative.

The ER isn't a solution. An ER visit's cost is astronomical and offers no follow up care. Who ends up with the bill? Every person with insurance. Who loses? The patient.

I want only one thing: To help those who need help. That's why I work 40% of my time in Appalachia.

We all have to stop the yelling/screaming, etc. We have to have informed decisions. That means facts. What does one idea offer and not offer. No scare/prejudice tactics and no "We broke him". That won't solve the ballooning cost and the status quo is unsustainable. Those are the facts.

Awesome!!!

Emergency rooms do not treat mental issues nor sleep apnea. Not to mention seeing a dentist. And around here they do not apply you for Medicare. Only way to get Medicare is to get Social Security and that takes years in front of a Judge. I don't qualify anyhow.

So yes by fighting health care reform you are hurting people that need help. Remember that next time you see a single mother who is crying because her child is sick as an example.

And yes I support Obama.

I think WebGizmos made a typo...I think he meant Medicaid not Medicare.

I hear ya, Seth.  Health care was the major reason I voted for Obama.  I have seen too much first hand crazy stuff that happens to the "have nots" when it comes to health care...people cutting growths out of their own chest with their college biology scalpels, or enlisting in the military just for the health benefits, or how about the fact that my daughter waited until the cyst was the size of a large cantaloupe and was pressing against her liver causing excruciating pain before she let me drag her to the hospital?  Do you know how much aspirin, Tylenol and ibuprofen she ate dealing with the pain from that cyst as it grew to the size it did (which was not the best thing for her liver, but you do what you have to do when you don't have access to clinics because you aren't ensured or have a job).  If you don't have cash money or insurance, the clinics around here will flat out turn you away before you get to sign in and sit down.

When I hear the opposition saying things like "did you want to be on a waiting list like the people in Europe" I think to myself "well that beats NOT being on a waiting list, and not getting to see anyone, ever."  A waiting list at least holds out the hope a patient might get seen.

And THIS is what our present situation brings:  http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/18/news/economy/las_vegas_medical_mafia.fortune/index.htm

Fun little story.

<quote>I have seen too much first hand crazy stuff that happens to the "have nots" when it comes to health care...people cutting growths out of their own chest with their college biology scalpels, or enlisting in the military just for the health benefits, or how about the fact that my daughter waited until the cyst was the size of a large cantaloupe and was pressing against her liver causing excruciating pain before she let me drag her to the hospital?</quote>

Sorry to hear that, but where during your sob story are other people obligated to pay for the health problems of your daughter? 

Get the sense of entitlement out of your head. You wants your good medicine, you pays for it, like everyone else.

Sorry to sound so cold- but that's the way it is. This new era American sense of entitlement is caustic, and will cause great suffering in the long run.

Also, explain to me how government involvement in health care decisions will _reduce_ corruption and ethical violations. PLEASE. EXPLAIN. TO. ME.

RRRRAAAGGEEEE D:

... successful troll is sucessful.