Losing track of what's in health care bills?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
"The American people are getting tired of this crap."
That's how Republican Senator Lindsey Graham describes the debate over health care reform. What do you know... a politician who speaks plain English.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/15/art.baby.jpg caption="A three-day-old girl gets a checkup at a low-cost clinic in Colorado. The baby's mother has health insurance through her employer, but can't afford the additional deductible to add her child as a dependent."]
Graham was talking about the Obama administration's dismissal of some Republican criticism of the health care bills. But all this back-and-forth may mercifully come to an end soon - one way or the other - with the House expected to vote this week on the bill the Senate has already passed.
And, after a year of arguments from all sides and thousands upon thousands of pages of legislation - the fate of health care reform remains very much in doubt. There are several stumbling blocks for the Democrats - both ideological and procedural.
As for what is in the bill - abortion and immigration are most likely to trip up the whole thing. There are several House Democrats pledging not to sign on if the House uses the Senate's less strict language on abortion funding. When it comes to immigration, there are House Democrats who disagree with the Senate's ban on undocumented immigrants buying insurance in the new health exchange.
Then there's the politics of it all - the details of reconciliation, which chamber will vote first, the distrust between the upper and lower houses and on and on...
Meanwhile you can expect the lobbyists to spare no expense this week. It's estimated that special interest groups will be spending about $1 million a day to influence the health care debate.
Here’s my question to you: Have you lost track of what's actually in the health care reform bills?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
even the cong. don't know what's in the bill.
Losing track of what's in the 3,000 page health care reform fiasco is Obama's strategy. This is how Obama and his ilk conducted business back in Illinois. Reconciliation was only meant to be used, when Congress has a budget impass. If the Dems pevert the reconciliation process, for this outrageous entitlement bill that's full of secret deals, there will be hell to pay come November .
I think the insurance companys are cooking the book.Right after pres. Obama speaks WE see politicians saying that is not what the AMERICAN people want. Just once I'd like to know the truth, Not what they tell CNN what to say. But that will never happen. The crooks will always win.
I don't believe most people who are demonstrating against it, have any idea what it is about. Newsmx & Conservative book club & Fox treat people like they are really stupid and I guess 22% really are. Most folks who understand even a fraction of the health bill are for it, only the Loud Minority are opposed and they get the attention.
There is only one thing for certain......the bill will not improve health care for most people. It will simply transfer the costs of providing care for the poor, to the middle class, through higher insurance rates, and fewer benefits.
No matter how many changes they make, that will be the bottom line, because there is no other way the bottom line can turn out, without having National Health Care for everyone, because the current bill doesn't reduce the profiteering in the health care industry. (Which is why the industry won't object to it.)
In the end, the main beneficiaries of the bill, will be the 12 million illegal aliens, who are already costing us billions in free health care, ultimately paid for, by the middle class, in high real estate taxes on our homes.
If Obama wants health care reform, then he needs to actually create reform, by making National Health Care for all, as in the UK and Canada. At least, then there will be no incentive for profiteering in the health care profession, and all we will have to deal with, is the billions in government waste.
I know one thing the Republican party wants to de
regulate the insurance companies. They instill fear ie. death panels, socialism's exterme face ( Adolph Hitler) The president is also shown to be an agent of chaos by changig his face to look like the joker in the latest batman movie. De regulation opened the floogates for wall street to perpetuate the near collapse of America. They are the ones who people should be afraid of. There would be no talk of pre existing conditions and 40-50% rate hike by the insurance companies, with no end in sight. The Republicans are the party of no. They hope that the president will fail and they are doing everything to make that happen. They are looking for the next Republican President and the next election. What better way than to make the oresident out to be a failuere, a person who just cannot get things done.
Lost track ?? Are you kidding ?? If I live to 100 I wouldn't have time to understand it all. That's the devious point of it................confuse until everyone just throws up their hands in resignation.
I had to rewind this to see if I heard it correctly. Barack Obama said in his speach today, "Your employer it's estimated would see premiums fall by as much as 3,000% which means they could give you a raise."
How can we trust the government when they spit out numbers that make no sense? Barack Obama criticized the Bush prescription healthcare bill which wasn't projected to cost as much as it did. How can we trust that this healthcare bill won't also go wildly over budget?
Only Governor Huckabee among major politicians has the knowledge to bring down healthcare costs. CLUE: – End the epidemic of vitamin d deficiency in this country.
Jack: The Republicans do not want health care reform, because the health insurance lobby will not donate heavily on their up coming campaigns for re-election. Senator Graham is not worried about slamming health care reform, because he is not up for re-election. Senator Graham is a coward and a phoney. It takes courage to do the right thing for 30 million people, and the Republicans lack character and courage.
I think we all need to be honest with ourselves. Very few people ever did know what was in the bills and rely on Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh or Jon Stewart to let us know. Out of the three I trust Jon Stewart the most.
I don't believe anyone but certain Democrats know what is in the health care bill as it stands now. How can anyone keep up with it when it was written in secrecy and laced with bribes and backroom deals to get votes. The politics of it is sickening. If the Democrats really wanted health care reform they would have met with Republicans a year ago and ironed out a decent bill with the best ideas from all sides. It has been political from the beginning and the best idea now is to start over as they should have done in the first place.
Yes. I cannot fathom anyone keeping track of the healthcare reform
bills.
Why are there no citizens who have dealt with major healthcare snafus and worse involved in any real aspect of all of this?
This is a quagmire and it appears the only "winners" will be lobbyists and special interest.
The ONLY acceptable health care reform is for all US Citizens to receive the exact same healthcare as our US Congressman and Senators do.
American people are getting tired of all of this. Shoving a bill through does not an effective policy make.
It's hard to keep track of the reality in the debate, because we're being spoonfed lobbyist talking pointswhile being surrounded by a million dollar a day's worth of scare crows and boogey men. The crap we're all getting tired of is the brand that Lindsey's tossing around. Pure unadulterated obstruction, in the name of their lobbyist's and corporate sugar daddys, at the expense of the very people that gave them their job. Tell Lindsey that the crap will be over this weekend.
Then the GOP can "stop and start over".
The only thing you need to know is that no one getting full healthcare benefits in the Government is sacrificing a thing so that the private sector can be covered! Until the government starts paying for their own healthcare this exercise is worthless! I want to see all of government on 10,000 dollar deductibles before I pay a cent to support this!
Jack
I have lost track of the entire process.Our government has mis managed it relationship with its people so bad that I have just given up.In the end our HUGE debt will end all hope of be what we once were.
David
Who could tell what was in them in the first place? It's all convoluted nonsense, and open to interpretation by bureaucrats getting rich off of the rest of us. End the reform, and end the government meddling in our health care! Return to the free market!
All preparations are in place what are the masters waiting for.. Contrary to popular belief, the people of this great nation are not oblivious to the major changes being forced down the pipline, by way of media manipulation. They are not stupid, they see the warning signs, and are becomming increasingly more aware by the day. Do not count you chickens before they are hatched.. If we are to successfully accomplish the task at hand, we must act with great haste, and abandon the road which got us here, less the sheep be the wolves at the final hour.
Yes, we absolutely have kept track because we believe we are on a track to bankruptcy. We have read the bill thus far as well. Instead of truly dealing with cost and controlling Ins Co as much as is possible, allowing competition in cost, to control Dr. Ins costs by stopping frivolous lawsuits they have developed a monster for Americans inc bribery in the bill (who should go to jail folks?).
PAY FOR FOUR YEARS, and then receive benefits....that is the most disgusting violation of contract rules ever in American History. Furthermore, mandating young people purchase Insurance is unconstitutional. That leaves us with the questions for all:
WHAT THE BLANK DO WE HAVE IN CONGRESS AND THE WHTEHOUSE THESE DAYS ?
Joanne
Mn
Jack, to me every bill past by Congress has so many if, ands, and butts in it, you need a lawyer to translate what actually it means. One thing I do know, it must have some good stuff in it, because the insurance companies have swarmed on the capital like locusts in order to stop the bill from being passed. That can only mean it favors the average citizen.
Have you lost track of what's actually in the health care reform bills?
No, I've NOT lost track as to what is in the bill. I am actually watching what is being worked out to get the bill to pass. While I am not getting everything that I want, this bill is at least a good first step and can be tweaked as necessary.
What I do NOT appreciate is all the LIES coming from the GOP.
With over 200+ GOP amendments in the bill they can hardly say that Democrats haven't worked with them. Other wise we can remove those amendments, right?
Plus, things that Democrats really wanted were removed to include the GOP in the bill and they have yet to support it and claim that they will once again refuse to vote for it.
I know the Health Care Reform bill will PASS and we will prevail FOR the good of all Americans.
Jenna
Roseville CA
If the media would "inform us", maybe we would understand. We spent the better part of last year discussing Death Panels, a patently ridiculous argument. Now we are discussing abortion and immigration, two subjects that have very little to do with health care. As long as the media and some politicians continue to sensationalize minor issues, the public has little hope of understanding the entire package.
the whole damn thing was SO convoluted and complicated from the get-go that I don't think ANYONE could figure it out. Obama and the Democrates should have just pushed a "Medicare for All" single payer system instead of trying to do this half baked "something for everyone", esp the health insurance and drug lobby, mess.
average American and esp seniors, understand Medicare and LIKE it. the administration could probably could have had something passed 9 months ago IF they had kept it simple and sold it properly.
and by the way, Jack. these Republicans that claim they are "defending social security" by fighting against healthcare reform are full of baloney. they want to PRIVATIZE the systems and throw seniors to the tender mercies of their health insurance masters.
Hi jack, How about taking the PAYED health care away from ALL politicians in Washington , I bet something gets done then . I hate when these politicians are paid well and have great health care and they thumb there noses at the working class in AMERICA . They all need replaced .All they care about is lining there pockets to get reelected . enough said .Thank Greg
I don't believe there is any one person that knows everything that is in this bill. But, I do know that I don't want it. He is right, we need Health Care Reform, but this bill is 2,000 pages of "crap".
Jack, this is the first I've heard of this. Is there a health care reform bill? Last I heard was that there is a bill for the insurance companies to be able to make more profits but not reform. Must try to watch CNN more often to find out what's going on in the world.
Yes I have Jack,
The president has been talking about health care reform since day 1 in office and now it seems like he spends all his time slamming insurers, and bad talking the Republicans who don't like this bill. Thankfully this debate and childlike nonsense will be over soon. Then the debate shifts to "getting re-elected" in Congress. Another dejavu of 2008.
I'm not losing track. Guess you and the "journalists" just aren't doing a good job of keeping up Jack. But then, what's new?
Actually, at this point - I really DON'T CARE!! The bill may not be perfect for everyone (I, personally, prefer a one-payer system), but it does address the necessities – no pre-existing conditions, no lifetime limits, access to a "large group" of small businesses to reduce the cost of "independent" insurance. Healthcare reform is a must. If it is not done now........then when?
I am sure there are quite a few emarks and pork in this bill. That is the part I am not happy with, but is normal for Washington politicians (another story for another time).
I will say the GOP and special interests have done an excellent "snow job" on the public to defeat health care reform. I find their actions dispicable!
It doesn't matter to me all that much what's actually in the health care bills because as I see it, our Nation's health care is like an overloaded bus headed down the intestate with bald tires, faulty brakes and defective steering. Everyone agrees that it needs to be fixed but some people on one side of the bus say it's too expensive to repair right now while a few folks on other side want to install leather seats and surround sound stereo.
The sad part is that very few in congress seem to be able to see past the second Tuesday in November,....but why should they??? They don't have to ride the same "bus" the rest of us do.
jack,
Yes I have lost track of what is actually in the health care reform bill. But I'm betting that whatever is finally decided on, it won't be of benefit to me.
I understand the bill. The President of the United States has explained it clearly enough for me to follow, several times.
No, as long as I tune out the obstructionist rhetoric and those ridicously small (in sample size) public opinion polls!!!
Sen. Graham is right...we're tired of the crap from him and other conservatives in the employ of the insurance companies. We are the ONLY modern industrialized nation that does not have a single payer system. We pay more for less, that's crap! Add our insurance costs to our taxes and we pay a higher percentage than the so called socialized programs in Europe.
Hermann, MO
Jack, the fighting pretty much sucks. I suppose that is democracy in action. However, if this great nation of ours can find funds for the Iraq war, billions, of course, then why can't we insure Americans who are lacking?
You know this is all about Republicans muddying up the message, and unfortunately, Democrats in Congress and in the Exeutive branch assuming that Americans would know the difference between obstruction and progress.
How about asking those who are suffering if they think this whole procedure is burdensome to them. If the bill passes, people won't reflect on the process, but the results.
First off we have to stop calling it health reform. The various schemes have nothing to do with improving health care in this country. They represent variious methods for government to control what has been another private industry and do to it what they have done to the post office. And yes, we have been intentionally confused by being told so many different things by so many different "experts", like Barney Frank (?), Nancy Pelosi (?) and Harry Reid (?) as well as the big liar himself, Barrack Hussein Obozo. Remember, this will not according to him, raise the deficit by one dime. Remember he told you that as you get your tax bill. I know it doesn't make sense that we will be paying additional taxes for 10 yeas to pay for the first six yearrs of Obozocare, but he said it and we all know, that because he is the annoited one, it must be true in some land.
Jack,
Of coarse I lost track of what's in the health care bill, having said that, I feel that is exactly how our government wants it, heck, they don't even know what the plan really contains.
Jack
I was tired of the crap a year ago. My wife died of cancer in 1989. We had insurance and were finally covered after being denied initially by the carrier. No amount of money would have changed her outcome or the outcome of millions of Americans
Therfore the focus on reform should be on costs. The current reform continues the same employer based insurance. The logic, the economy of scale will lower cost is bull. The truth is we pay to much now. More contributions will make the fire only hotter. Corrupt nepotism where the employer decides his plan his coverages and which employees pay and who will not. The premiums and commissions are collected without competition
Americans have'nt any say in their coverages or costs. Simply because people die and fall ill does'nt declare insurance is good. The fact people need hospital care is'nt a reason for mandated deductions from payroll accounts
We would all be better off if there were 'nt any insurance. Caregivers woould work for what they can get ;like the rest of America
If homebuilders were subsidised by mandated government pools the cost of your home would skyrocket and I would be a billionair. We would have college coarses to instruct on homebuilder billings filed to government agency inundated in buearacray
This health care crap has been nothing but one boondoggle after another every since it's inception taking valuable time away from important things like the economy.. The left wants so badly to pass something into law to leave a legacy that they have morphed this bill from something good into something evil and expensive and impossible. Logic tells us that something that costs almost a trillion dollars and will run out of funds in just 10 years and helping only 30 million uninsured people that comprise less then then one percent of all Americans is a losing proposition. No Jack I did not lose track I lost faith in our legislature. But come on, to be fair they only had a 14 percent approval rating to begin with. There was no where to go but down.
Well, gee. If Republicans like Mr. Graham had honestly been interested in reforming our disasterous healthcare insurance system, maybe this path would have been different. Instead, all they have done is misinform the public and whine about the process Democrats are having to use to get anything done in this country. That's the "crap" we're getting tired of, Jack.
Jack, I don't think the public, congress, or the president know what is in any health bill proposed!
Fred
Ocala, FL
of course not. There's nothing in it. Unless we get single payer or public option why are they even bothering with this mess. If it covers anything it will be really bad Dr's that shouldn't even be in practice
Have we lost track? The members of congress can’t keep track – since the latest bill is still being interpreted by the CBO – who are lost in Obama’s shell game. And to make it even more insulting to their constituents, Congressional supporters of the bill brag on its merits while being ignorant of its contents. To listen to these proponents, it's as if they've magically produced new amendments to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights which allow them a fantasy means to ram measures through that will support a trumpeted-up "right" to healthcare. It's time for America's leadership to get back on track and find some non-invasive solutions to our problems that don't cost trillions of dollars – which we don't have.
The health care legislation is much like the game of cricket: Its a game that can last forever and very few people really understand what is going on. It is interesting that over 60% of Americans can be opposed to something of which they know little or nothing. Some of the 60 percent are opposed because it does not go far enough. Some of the 60 percent ar opposed because it goes to far. Some of the 60 percent are just opposed because....well just because.
The only ones that will benefit from this bill are the insurance and drug companies. The American people will never win because the members of congress are getting to much lobbyist money for them to ever do anything that will help the average american, all we will ever get are the crumbs that are left over once the drug, insurance companies and congress get their take of the money.
I'll tell you the crap I'm tired of...it's that everytime we get a premium notice from United Healthcare it has gone up again, while their CEO made half a billion dollars in 5 years. Abortion is paid for by private insurance but you don't hear republicans talk about that, and if immigrants want to pay the ridiculous price for insurance in this country, then let them. Unlike you, we don't have the benefit of employer paid insurance Jack, and it's literally killing us.
I'm from the government and I'm here tgo help you !
What more do I need to know ?
Jerry in GA
no one knows , nor ever will know unless they find there guts and pass anything. no one "knows" what a one payer system "is". whats in play are the bad dr's pushing drugs for a kick-back. drug corps will not let anything pass if they have there way.
Of course- what mortal being can keep track of this "crap"? Then again, maybe that's by design.
Jack,
I have lost track mostly, because YOU, the media are not talking about substance, but prefer to discuss the theatrics. Life is more difficult, because the media gives voice to political rhetoric and rarely to facts. Oh yes, once in a while you bring your fact checker on line, but routinely you bring in spin artists on your shows. When will news be objective and real, because what I see is for entertainment purposes only.
Joe , Binghamton, NY
Any of the Democrats who worked on the so-called health care reform and get booted out come November will easily find work in the downtowns of major cities setting up three card monte tables. Anyone who is able to follow the machinations of these bills is being paid to follow it. For the rest of us, it's hope and prayer, hope we don't get screwed too bad, and pray that our children won't have to pay too much in taxes.
Unfortunately, the health care bill is not about health care for the american people, but about the republicans defeating Obama and the Democrats. Unfortunately again, the dems don't have the sense or guts to unite and ignore their petty differences and defeat the reps. I think it may have been Will Rogers (or Sam Clements) who stated that he did not belong to an organized political party, that he was a democrat. Not much has changed in over 100 years!
I lost track as soon as the horse was out of the barn......over a year ago.
This is our government (?) at play.............the old shell & pea game....
where IS the true health care bill ? I doubt if many in DC know, and certainly do not see it as their heads are in the sand and the public is being mooned............
I am not losing track I am losing interest because this bill does nothing for the 85% of the population who already have insuraance. If you already have insurance you will not get free medicaid, you will not get subsidizies to pay for your health care, and you wil not be able to go into the exchange. What you will get is the bill for the 15 million people who will go on medicaid, the bill for the subsidies to the uninsured, a 40% tax for our own health insurance, pay for the billons in subsizies to the insurance companies, pay for the 12 million illegals health care bill at local hospitals, and pay higher premiums for your health insurance because of all the new mandates which we may or may not need or ever get to use. The public option is now out and the anti-trust exemption for health insurance companies is now in. This is a runaway train going down the tracks for the 85% who are currently insured. Thanks for nothing congress.
No, Jack. I know all the good things (because the president keeps reminding me without mentioing the not-so-good things. ) I know that somewhere in this deficit-neutral bill is a trillion bucks which is going to come from somewhere - most likely my pocket. And I know that there is not enough consensus on the benefits to get more than the scant barest margiun of democrats to vote for it. What's not to know?
money has made health care loose track. desire for power has made health care loose track particularly the republicans.
just plain selfishness. ask what you can do for your country...
do we value our citizens lives & welfare to do this knowing this is hard or do we just get all caught up in the minute details fighting over pointless arguments and ultimately doing nothing.
for the republicans its 1994 for obama its make or break for the demonstrates in congress its dammed if they do and dammed if they don't.
Yes!
As usual, the Congress has successfully turned this issue inside out and bounced it off the walls so much that it's impossible to understand what I'm looking at or hearing. And the majority of those who think they understand it are probably mistaken.
As youbelated noted, wewon't really have a final heath Bill untill the reconcillation process is completed. First the House must pass the Senate Bill. Anyone who does not know what is in the SEnate Bill simply has not been intrested enough to find out. The question for the Public is: is the Senate Bill better than nothing. I think that the answer is yes – a lot of good things in the Bill. Modifications durning reoncillation will be relatively minor. Why the confusion?
Everybody has lost track. it's 2700 pages long. Nobody in congress knows exactly what's in it. That's because it's not about improving health care. Washington couldn't care less about our health. This is all about the government taking over the economy and passing out pork to make it happen.
The irony is that it's Senator Graham's own party, with the help of the lobbyists, who have muddied the water with their death-panels-and-socialism nonsense. No wonder we're all tired of fighting about it! The legislation is imperfect and the process excruciating, but it's a testament to the greatness of our democracy that finally, meaningful healthcare reform will be passed.
I wish the media would focus more on what is actually in the bill. All the focus is on will it or won't it pass. Maybe if the media focused more on the nuts and bolts of the bill, it would find broader appeal among people ... then again, maybe not.
It is confusing but I haven't lost track of it. I especially now see how the Republicans are controlled by the health corporations and we can expect zero help from them. This I will remember when I vote.
It's not necessary that the commoner know or understand what's in the centrally planned nationalized programs... only the commissars need this information to better design our collective future.
I not only lost track but I think it is on the wrong track. If it is not on the wrong track it is headed in the wrong direction. It is like your car-"if it ain't broke don't try to fix it." I have a sneaky hunch that we will get less and it will cost us more. This is usually the case when the government gets involved.
When were we ever actually informed what was in the bills to begin with? Never mind keeping track of the contents when the politicians and media pundits have been lying to us all along.
I couldn't agree with Lindsay Graham more. I am fed up with "crap." Particulary the "crap" that Lindsay Graham dishes out.
If you look up the stats on Senator Lindsey Graham from Center for Responsive Politics, you will discover that he gets generous campaign contributions from lobbyists, health professionals, the insurance industry, securities and investment firms, and for-profit hospitals and nursing homes. All of these industries have vested interests in defeating health care reform.
One of Lindsay Graham's top individual contributors is Blue Cross/Blue Shield which recently raised the cost of individual policies in California by 30 to 39%, and promises to raise rates even higher as the year progresses. I can't help wondering how much of this money goes into Lindsey Graham's pocket.
Today on CNN, I listened to the words of an 11 year old boy whose mother died because she did not have health insurance. Does Lindsay Graham consider this little boy "crap"?
The infant mortality rate in South Carolina is 3 times higher than the infant mortality rate of Sweden or France, with so-called socialized medicine. *According to a report by CDC one of the reasons for this infant mortality rate in inadequate pre-and post natal care. While Lindsey Graham is posturing on CBS, babies are dying in his home state. Does Lindsay Graham consider South Carolina's infant mortality rate "crap"?
The people of South Carolina are supposed to be Christians. Lindsay Graham too is supposed to be a Christian. Well, if you read the Gospel, you'll discover that Jesus spent most of his time healing the sick. Never once did he ask about health insurance. Jesus also said "Suffer the little children to come unto me." Lindsay Graham has re-written this to say, "Suffer, little children."
Lindsey Graham is killing babies so that he can get political campaign contributions. He is a blasphemy to the Holy Scripture and the people of South Carolina, if they have any shred of Christian decency, should be ashamed to have such a monster represent them.
What do you mean “lost track?” No one ever had any idea of what was actually in the several bills in Congress to keep track. The only thing we do know– which is the only thing we need to know – it is that it doesn’t have the only provision that would make it actually reform healthcare, THE PUBLIC OPTION. Without that, it is every bit as valuable as the paper on which it is written. While the Dems will be toast if they do not pass it, it will do nothing for the American people at this point. It just isn’t going to get better.
So, yes I am tired of this “crap” and of our bungling, “not ready for prime time” president that we have who has squandered an entire year trying for a warm and fuzzy touchy feely relationship with a stone, otherwise known as the Republican party. If he got down to business and told those misanthropes in the opposition to “shove it,” then crammed a public option down their throats, he probably would have been able to have the job situation turned around by now – and meaningfull healthcare reform.
Jack, I think the answer to your question is hinted at in your question when you mention health care reform bills. It may just be that in its present form the whole package is simply too complicated to absorb let alone vote on it with any intelligent assurance of knowing that a reasonable decision was made. I believe a more prudent way would have been for Obama to have focused in on one particular area that would have addressed some immediate concern of health care that most could readily agree on to get it passed. Later, he could go after another issue and so on. In its present form I don't think the bill is ready for passage. With the lobbyists, too many self-interests are at stake to the detriment of the American people's health care reform.
When the democrats don't even know what's in the bill and supposedly they are the ones writing the bill............Washington, we have a problem.
With all this activity on health care, about 99% of the people don't know what's in it. If the question of Illegals can buy or not buy into the health plan is the big controversy, then we have a problem. I thought illegal means illegal, then why are they here?? If this is a reflection of what's is the bill, then we probably have other issues. As far as illegals go, they should be in jail. It's not a question of can they buy health care, it should be a question why aren't they in jail.
The government has their blinders on, that's why we have these problems in this country. Nobody speaks straight.
First of all CNN should take the responsibilty of highlighting what's in this great Obama plan. I have no idea and millions like me have no idea what's in the plan. I guess it will be surpise, suorise when it get's released, then we will know. What a way to run a country.
No, I haven't lost track. For those of us with a child with a pre-existing condition this bill is the world. It will decide whether my child gets treatment or not. It will make the difference between whether my wife and I lose our home, our retirement savings .. and then I don't know what. We still won't have the money needed to keep our beautiful girl alive. So no, Jack, I haven't lost track. I've kept track of the ugliness, the politics, the sound bites designed to throw people into fear, and I have read the bills – both the house and the senate. And I have come to a conclusion that their are some people out there who really believe that a person's value is the sum total of how much money she or he manages to scrape together. It's sad.
I am not sure most of us have ever really known what all is in the bills. I say that as someone who has paid fairly close attention,too, for more than a year.The Dems should have , in hindsight started with simple single payer and bargained from there. The outcome on Saturday is anyone's guess.A pox on the greedy health care industry and their GOP lackeys.
Jack, not the important parts,i.e. the $500B of cuts in senior's Medicare, the tax raises for equipment, devices, and increased premiums, the taxes on Medicare Advantage. I have not lost sight of the huge new government program that will determine & control the nations health care by government committee. I have not lost sight of the Congressional smoke and mirrors that tries to tell us an almost $3T unfunded program is going to cut the deficit. Senator Graham is 100% correct, America is tired of this crap, and Congress can ram this down our throats, but they will pay for it.
Here's a quick primer. The Democratic legislation does the following:
Insures 30 million more Americans;
Prevents insurance companies for denying people with pre-existing conditions;
Prevents insurers from arbitrarily denying preventative treatments and life saving cures;
Closes the donut hole for seniors;
Prevents insurers from canceling people when they get sick;
Ultimately reduces the federal deficit; ...
We were originally promised Health Care equal to what members of Congress received but were misled. We were promised a public option to compete with private health care to drive down insurance costs but were misled. We were promised affordable insurance which seems now to be in question.
We were not promised a new pool of cash created by our hard earned money for the government to spend wildly until they run it into the ground like they have Social Security. On that i'm sure we won't be disappointed.
No, but I have lost track of the amount of fear mongering the press and the Republicans have been doing.
The Democratic legislation will prevent the deaths of 40,000 plus Americans who die prematurely and needlessly each yeal due to lack of access to basic preventative care and life saving treatments!
To have lost track of what exactly is in the health care bills implies that we, at some point, knew exactly what was in them. I'm not convinced that there is a single person on this planet that both knew, and understood what was contained within all 2,000+ pages of this bill from the start.
Lost Track? I know that Most People, Obama Supporters or Not, have Never Really Had a "GWIPP, on It ELMER FUDD.
My Congressman from Minnesota is Moving to CANADA? Not a Chance! That was Just a Reality Check! hee-hee!
A Lot of the Obscure Items in the Bill, Jack! Bill, Jack! (get it?-real funny) "Bill, Jack!" Absolutely Hilarious!
Those Obscure Items Could Get the Votes So Desperately Needed to Pass the Bill, If they Were Clarified. (de-clouded)
PUBLIC OPTION is Just Exactly What the Doctor Ordered + Is Just Exactly What We Need & are Not Getting!
Clarify the Public Option!
here a plan. on this bill only write a new health care bill .no add on or speical for any one but the working people. if you are on welf fare or not a us person sorry. only tax payers should be cover. no race color or sex discrimation
Not really. It is available on the WH web page and on the Library of Congress web page. There may be some final tweaking for the final bill, but we are talking 6 pages here.
It's impossible for those of us who are desperately seeking WORK to spend the time to read the legislation. Something's gotta give, and, yet again, it's sure as hell going to be the American middle class.
Jack –
Lost track of what's in the health care reform bills? Nobody, including our illustrious Congressmen & Senators who actually voted on the two bills, know what's in them. Now reconciliation amendments (code for more payoffs/bribes) are being secretly negotiated to cajole votes in the House.
Lindsey Graham's comment was too mild – how about 'disgusted with all their corrupt bull s.... !'
I think my previous comment was posted on the wrong place but I am not really concern about the health Care reform anymore, I don't really know what its about anymore. I am a conservative but I was all for it when it carried the image of single payer system, I don't know what's in it for me anymore and reading is not my favorite distraction, so please don't offer to send me the 2700 pages, if I start reading I might now be done by November 2012.
At one time I had somewhat of an understanding of what was contained in the different plans of healthcare reform.But with all the meetings behind closed doors,the bribes,with secret deals being struck,i don't think the authors of the legislation have a clue, either. We won't know all the garbage contained in the final healthcare bill.Nancy Pelosi said it all,"we need to pass the legislation,so we can find out what we"re voting for" Earth to Nancy,once its passed we are stuck with it. And whatever happened to reading and understanding, first, what you're voting for?Also, what about O'bama's pledge to go over line by line, every detail in what ever final legislation, in advance, before members of Congress vote?
Jack:
Yes, Jack, I'm losing track
and no longer care what's in the healthcare bill.
If I get sick, I know they will pick
some pills for me at will
I will swallow the pills
and see no more thrills
or a home at the bottom of the hill !
It is about time that CNN is realizing that the American People do not want this HEALTHCARE BILL and thanks to you, we are hearing that from CNN!
As for Nancy Pelosi, this woman is going to do her best to destroy our Nation and all that we beleive in that this country is the BEST!
While the OBAMA group is continuing to hit upon HEALTH CARE, our country is falling apart since we do not have JOBS. When are our elected representatives going to wake up??????
Keep up the good work Jack and maybe, just maybe we can get these people back on track working for the American People.
Sincerely Bentley T. Braffet The Villages, FL 32162
Jack, I Feel that I Need to Clarify Something Very Quickly!
My Congressman from Minnesota is the "Only One" Who Brought Some Real Clarity to this Health Bill for Me!
All Congressmen Could Be a Little More Like Our Congressman Jim Oberstar!
Thanks, Jack!
we need for it to be passed so other important business can be taken care by our government.
Yes. But that is the point is it not. Confuse us with BS and then act like they did not know what was in it when it comes time to explain it.
Happy St. Patrick’s day (almost) ! Could you please play the political flute that drives the political Lies out into the open? Remember the Republicans’ hope/vowed to make Obama fail you probably have many of them on file saying exactly that. They are clearly trying to achieve this by mis-leading and lying to the public on everything from Obama is a terrorist to the Healthcare Death squads. My own Brother-in-law (R) did not know that we have tried nearly 2 hundred Gitmo prisoners in Fed Courts already, did not know that they were all read the Miranda, He thinks the Dems have created this despicable back office simple majority procedure (Lindsey Graham's (R) message) when truth is that Graham's party has done this 300 times (17 to 5) more often than Dem's. You can expose these lies and hypocrisy with a comprehensive list of un-truths on the healthcare and other topics. Fox will not tell us the whole truth but I have faith you and CCN will. Who knows if you can do that maybe we will have a St. Turner’s day
I've always been confused over whether this whole thing is over health care reform, insurance reform, cost reform, or over the reform of rules and availability. As it stands, if you add 31 million people, do away with pre existing conditions, do not allow dropped coverage, and do nothing to keep the smarmy lawyers from filing frivolous suits, the arithmetic doesn't work in terms of cost control. From all the arguments I hear, seems EVERYONE has lost sight of the point if cost was ever the issue.
The way the president and Democrats are disregarding the will of the people is a discrace.They are on a railroad track. SWeniors like medicare advatage. It has less copays which if passed will cost seniors more. I think there should be impeachment. The supreme court shold step in and prevent the President from disregarding the constitution ofm the United States. Ron
The only "crap" I'm tired of is the misrepresentation of the health care bill being put forth by those opposed to health care reform. I think the basic reforms of the bill have remained the same throughout the debate. What has gone all over the place have been the distortions. By the way, I wouldn't call this a debate – I would call it playing politics.
For more than 6 months health care has been jawed about. Presidents are supposed to be like hockey players, not ballerinas. For too many months we've seen and heard the ballerina, the President needs to become a hockey player...now. There are no two term ballerinas. It's time to drop the puck at a face off.
It's hard to know what's in the bills. Nearly all of the coverage has been about the political impact and who was for or against the bill. If the media really wanted to be of service they could systematically step through the impact of the legislation on the average American. Sadly when "the most trusted name in news" spends more time talking about it's political team than it's investigative reporters this is the result.
To me, the bills seemed like something I couldn't keep track of in the first place. Does that qualify as a 'yes' or a 'no'?
–Corey; Jackson, Mich.
I don't believe anything I hear from Congress... so, how would I every know what's really in those fateful 2,000 pages. And with all the partisan political pandering, I'm not sure we ever really knew what really was in the bill.
How about some real reporting on health care reform...facts, impact, etc.? I don't want to hear CNN pundits defend the reds or blues... I'd love to hear the reality of it all. What does it cover? What's the impact to our budget... and what's the true impact to Americans? I used to love CNN because they reported the story behind the story. Now all we hear are political musings. Interesting but not informative.
Bottom line, I can't get information from Congress ... and I can't get it from the Third Estate... then the only way we'll really know what this infernal bill is about is to read the inflated 2,000 pages.
Jack,
I have lost track a long time ago. If Rep. Lindsey Graham has all the answers, why did the Republicans did not do something about 100 years ago. The Republicans always seem to have a better plan after the Democrates talk about healthcare. All this time nothing gets done.
Maybe the lobbyist have something to do with all this mess.
BRETT MULLINS
No, I am very much for it and hope it passes. If you have never been without HC then you don't know how important it is. To heck with what the Republicans think, they had their chance from 1998 thru 2008. They don't want us to have anything that would take money away from the wealthy tax cuts, that they are for. That is called scratching the back that helped you get where you are. Get it passed as we need it.
I don't know how you lose track of what you never knew?! This thing is 8,000 pages long – do they even know what's in it? I believe this is part of the reason the public doesn't support it – ignorance of the subject. Rob in NC
well jack ,mabey if the media would start doing basic 101 reporting and stop parroting GOP taking points for a whole year and tell the REAL truth ..But no. you followed the insane mental teabag talk as if there was a real message there.Real classy jack, time to send your degree back to the crackerjack box because that"s the real crap people are tired of.. Do YOUR JOB or quit why make millions of people suffer because of laziness.or ignoreance..the whole world is laughing at you...
well according to nancy pelosi they need to pass it before we kcan know what's in it rigth not only have we the american people lost track what's in it we also don't know what is really in there before they even vote on thsi this is not rigth herre in america
I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like Alice going head first down the rabbit hole. All logic has gone out the window, so how can anyone understand what is going on, including the battling politicians?
No!
Jack, I have not lost track of the big picture-that President Obama is trying to create a new government "entitlement" paid for by either massive debt or massive taxes. This "right" to health care is not free-it COSTS big time, and SOMEONE has to pay for it....
C'mon, Jack. The only people that really know what is in that thing are the lobbyists. I can't lose track of something that is written so obtusely that nobody knows what's in it.
It's about time Sen. Graham got something right. I don't know about most of American's but I know that the people in South Carolina want single payer healthcare that he is against. He is suppose to represent us but we don't pay him enough I guess. So I agree that the American's in South Carolina are getting tired of HIS crap.
Jack, we have a Health Care Bill that's readable? Last time I looked it appeared to have been run through a shredder and taped back together. Needles to say I couldn't honestly tell you what revision it's at and what's been added and struck.
Jack,
I would just like to loose track of Lindsey Graham! What has he ever done that is useful.
Carl from Pahrump, Nv
How can anyone lose track when unless you read the entire bill and understand it does anyone know what it is really about?
What stays on track are the politicians, those who bend the truth, and those who exaggerate the truth. Neither giving the absolute truth.
It is amazing watching millions of Americans trust what those are saying who they say they distrust most. We have become a nation of contradiction.
Pass the damn thing and let's see what happens, we can always correct anything that is wrong.
Jack, Hard to loose track of something that smells this bad. Layne A. Antioch, Il.
i want President Obama's Health care bill passed now. I want it for the 30 million who need it. I want it for controlling rising costs. I want it to save Medicare.It's a moral issue as well as an economic issue. I love to think that the Democrats are bearing fruit and will be doing something worthwhile with their lives when they pass the Heath care reform bill. Gene
Even if I had received a divine revelation last Friday night and knew exactly what was in the health care reform bill at that instant in time, here on Monday afternoon it could be a completely different piece of legislation. With all the quid pro quo deals being offered by the Obama administration and the health industry lobbyists the members of the House must feel like they just hit the lottery. And every resident of Nebraska will probably be getting a $10,000 federal tax credit each year through 2017.
I'll tell you what I haven't lost track of. That the Republican Party ran the country into bankruptcy and are trying every way they can to stop spending for those Americans that pay taxes with no representation. Our government leaders today are the most selfish self centered government in the world and we have no power to stop it. If you think that is harsh let me put it in this way "the American people" think government has handed us a load of crap and trying to push it on our grandchildren to pay, so they don't have to.
I just hope when our grandchildren are climbing over the Berlin type wall to enter Canada or Mexico they will not be received the way their grandparents were treated when they "Hope" for a better life.
Do you really believe God will bless America with this group running the government. Feeble as it may seem at least Pres. Obama is making a pretence of helping "We the people", Instead of going to war when they don't do it "Our Way" or dare to enter the "Promise Land" like their forefathers did..
The best thing "we the people" could do is to cancel all insurance. and pay as you go. As long as we have lobbyist in WDC there will never be anything done for "We the People".
This is a last ditch effort of the Republicans to botch A BILL AMERICANS WANT...... You need too remember, the Republicans were in power for some 10+ years and NEVER BROUGHT THIS BILL TOO THE FLOOR. They do not want it.
No Jack because if people are listening to what President Obama said for the past year it is that this health care bill will insure all people who have lost or who have no insurance at all. This bill stops the abuses that insurance companies have practiced for so many years, it ends the caps that insurance companies charge, it ends the denial of pre-exisiting conditions and most importantly if you like your current insurance you can keep it! America is in desperate need of health care reform and we need it now! Vote Yes for Health care or be voted out come November!
Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
Jack this health care bill is like a dog chasing it's tail. Even if he gets it he has not acomplished much. The up side to the dog catching his tail is that now he can move on to more important things like licking his.... Well you get the point.
Lost track of what is in the Health Care Bills? Ha; I don't think we've ever been told!
The solution is simple – make 2 or 3 changes at a time so we can all keep up with it.
Unfortunately that would blow up Obama's plan to take over the health care industry.
No. It’s not great, but it’s a start. Graham is tired of this stuff because his party is losing the battle. They get ugly when they lose. Maybe they should have engaged, instead. Telling. I wish someone had the guts to ask him why his party is siding with the insurance companies.
It's hard to keep track of what's actually in the bill when you have to listen to the all BS'er and those who for some reason do not want to reform health care constantly have the attention of the news media. The news media needs to fact check them and call them out when they lie. Here's a clue to our elected officials that do not seem to want to deal with the problem and think we should do nothing (which in my opinion is the same thing as all the calls for scrapping it and starting over). Our company's health insurance renewal this time carries a 30% increase over last year – the original amount of the increase was going to be over 50% – what a deal 30% is! There are only 2 or 3 options to shop our group to other insurers. How on earth can anyone in Washington think this is OK??? Oh that's right! they have options WE don't! I think we should be able to make the people in Washington have to use the same crappy insurance options that most of the rest of us have.
Rebuild the manufacturing base. Help small busiinesses in the short term. Educate the people who can can discover innovate and invent and that starts early in life,as well as the older post grads. Gene
I never knew what was in it in the first place. I just know that if the government came up with it, it can't be good.
The formula here is most people know about 10% of what is actually in the bill and the other 90% is the Republican fear mongering that isn't in the bill. The Democrats need to catch up on educating the public fast on the facts which would in turn make the Republicans and the lobbyist’s ads look like the lying hypocrites they are. It may not fix everything but it is far better than the status quo.
A train wreck is a train wreck is a train wreck. Confusion should not measure to an opportunity to pass this monstrosity!
Special interest controls the government, nothing anyone but a president with 'cahones' can change. All this talk about protecting the best healthcare system in the world yet according to all international surveys, it is not even close!
This is not and should not be a political issue between the 2 parties knocking each other over to protect their special interests as well as big pharma and medical association trying to protect their cartel control.
All it takes is someone that has control, in this case the man at the top to say, "enough" it's signed now go out and play!
Never thought i would say this jack ...You see to most Americans it does not matter whats in the healthcare bill. If a poll was taken the large majority would say pass something to help people afford healthcare so we could be proud of America again. I never thought I would say this but it sounds more and more like you Jack need to follow Lou over to the right wingo's...
No jack we haven't!
Only the politicians in Washington have! They seem to only interested in how to make Obama fail than to make the health care system work better. At the en of the day, Obama is still president, all the members of congress have no issues with their own health insurance; only we the people are suffering under the congress that is supposed to represent us!
They don't deserve to be on the hill.
Yes Jack, I'm afraid I have. But there is a good reason for it. Someone once told me...if you can't bedazzle them with brilliance then baffle them with BS. And I believe that is exactly what happened here.
Karen
Ishpeming, Michigan
No, I haven't lost track. What I have lost track of is the crazy , wild "A" reasoning of the Republican Party!
Quite frankly Jack, I don't care what's in the bill – my feeling is the more the Health Insurance and big Pharma industries spend against it – the more I am for it! From what I've heard it will be a welcome relief from all this Republican misinformation and plain lies against it.
The Republican party should be ashamed of themselves. They led this country from 1994 thru 2009 and look at the mess they've created for us. They will NEVER get my vote again!
I know that what's NOT in it, is the elimination of limitless, Cadillac taxpayer paid for healthcare for politicians who then turn around and tell the rest of us that it's too expensive for us to have healthcare
No, I haven't lost track of what's in this Health Bill, because it's not my job. My job as an American is to vote for the people who best represent my interests, and when I do that, I'm doing "my job". It's now time for our representatives and our Governement to do their jobs. I have faith that whatever does happens with this bill, in the long run, things will work out the way the American people wish. I know it's hard to believe, but where we are right now, is the affect of numerious voting cycles layered on top each other. I can't do anything about this specific bill now.
The Senate needs votes to pass this Health Care Bill, so why not throw in the kitchen sink. They will add anything to get this thing passed. A student loan provision in a health care bill? Are they insane. They will add anything that can get them more votes. They are prostituting our way of democracy. If a bill can't pass on its own merit then it is a bad bill. A pile of poop wrapped up in pretty paper, topped with a nice bow, is still a pile of poop.....................
Nope, It is crystal clear.
Bill is not set to start until 2014 when it is being sold as dire urgent.
Taxing for 10 years for coverage of six years and calling it budget neutral or positive.
It is not about agreeing to what most agree with, it is to show that a reform is being done for reelection points!
As a politically aware high school senior, I have not lost track of what is or isn't in the bill – I just wanna know what is being put in it that would make this thing 2,700 pages long. Partisan politics is hurting those of us who need a break in this 'health care game' – we can only hope that Washington will see this soon...
Jack, they never gave us any details to begin with so how could we know now. One example, no refusal due to previous medical history. Is there any limit on how much they can charge? They can offer but can we afford? The entire debate has been done in sound bites with no detail as to how it actually works I don't think the ppoliticians know either.
Whatever is left in the health reform bill is meaningless without a public option. That would be the only way to save money and include people who can't afford the insurance companies' profit-making costs.
How can you lose track of something when you don't know what's in it to begin with?
Are you kidding? We don't know what's in the health care bills and neither do the people voting on them.
Wasn't it Nancy Pelosi who said last week that the bill needs to be passed so everyone will know what's in it.
I have absolutely NO confidence in these bills nor the people pushing them thru.
If the proposed Health Care System is so good, why don't our congressman/women say that they intend to give up their free care and join the masses who will pay more for less. I'm sure our President will give up his health care from his senate days and also join. Anyone want to buy a slightly used bridge to no where? Cheap.
I understand it better than I did and feel it is essential that it be passed as soon as possible. Too many people are uninsured, have premiums rising unrealistically, and have no preventive care which will lower the cost for all eventually.
The way I figure is that if insurance lobbies are spending $1mil/day......... The Healthcare bill must be great for us, the people!
How can I lose track of what's in the health bill when I don't know to begin with?
I am generally a proponent of healthcare reform but I refuse to actively support it until someone shows me a clear summary of what's actually in the bill, with a nonpartisan discussion. You suppose that's too much to ask for? The day of politicians getting away with "Just trust us" is long past.
Florence, AL
No only do we, the public, not know what is in the Health Care Bill, but it astounds me that no one has equated quality of care with coverage.
Being "covered" doesn't mean excellence of care, or, excellent care in a timely manner.
Simply being "covered" doesn't mean a thing. Are we all sheep?
Jack,
No, I haven't lost track since I have actually reviewed the posted bill online and if I had it wouldn't make any difference. As a nation, we have 40 million uninsured, millions more underinsured and the only health category that the United States leads the world in is obesity.
Now, the only people who have comprehensive health care for both ailments and vanity ( seen Mitch McConnell's baby smooth forehead lately?) are poised to vote it down for imagined electoral gains 8 months away.
The only track we are on is the fast track to third world status.
Heck no. I don't listen to the talking bobble-heads on TV who seem to focus on the latest GOP lies more than what's in the bill. If your viewers have lost track of what's in the bill - it's YOUR fault.
No, Jack. The legislation as written does not effect in any way, neither increases nor decreases abortion funding. Senator Stupak's thinking is that if health insurance costs are mitigated by the federal government, some women might use the savings to buy an abortion. My thinking is they'll buy groceries.
The other objections I've heard are just as wigged out and are likely invented by the6 to 1 insurance lobbyists.
I am truly tired of it all. But more importantly I've heard that, once again, there is a lot of pork in the bill that has nothing to do with health care. Can't we get a bill passed that has no strings attached? I say lets not pass this bill and start all over again and concentrate only on what it is for – Health Care – which most reasonable people understand we need some form of. Otherwise, lets throw all of the bums out and start with a new breed of Congress – or am I just dreaming that it is possible.
No,
I'm not getting tired of our elected officials finally, hopefully, getting their act together and getting health care done. Yes, I'm very tired of Graham and the other bought and sold by the insurance lobby expressing their "crap". You had your chance to participate and display compassion and decency for ordinary Americans who are hurting and dienfranchised. Why don't you and Lohan hang out for awhile and take your mischief elsewhere.
The only thing I am sick of is the whining of republicans Let's get this done! Now.
Trying to keep track of what's in this health care reform bill is like tracing your tracks after a heavy snow fall.
Yes, to be honest with you. And I was very interested in it in the beginning. I attended the health care rallies and the townhall meetings. I wanted a strong public option, which I really think is a step down from single payer. After the Senate bill passed, I was so disheartened by the whole thing, that I don't know what is left that might be good. The idea that we will be mandated to buy private insurance, with no public choice to control costs is very galling.
One thing I'd like to know more about where pre-existing conditions stand. I read a quote from Axelrod on the morning talk shows that threatens Republicans for not supporting legislation that will get rid of pre-existing conditions for children. Does that mean that they are not going to get rid pre-existing conditions for adults? That's the reason I don't have health insurance right now. I am self-employed and cannot get insurance.
I have tried reading the Senate bill. An no I do not totally understand what it is saying. But that goes for any bill that comes out of the congress. Not sure why so much is being made about how many pages this bill is. Go back and look at other bills passed over the years. I'm sure they are just as big or even bigger. As far as the abortion misunderstanding, why don't CNN put the actual text on their board and read it to everyone, then tell us whether it is saying that tax payer dollars is going towards abortions. When I read it, I do not see where it is saying that.
Of course most people don't know what is in the health insurance reform bill, and that is because of people like you who, rather than explain what is and is not in the bill instead fan the flames of partisanship to get ratings. You are one of the cable chatter pin heads the president has been talking about. If you, O'Reilly, Olberman, Beck and Matthews would get off the air with your preaching to the choir pot stirring blathering then maybe a more civil tone will be heard and maybe your organizations would do a better job of reporting the news, including what is in a major piece of legislation, and people would be better informed. But sad to say that won't happen any time soon.
It's preety funny actually. If the Neo-cons are dirtying themselves over this bill it must be good for the average american . They are terrified after this becomes law that it will make the dems look great..We all should just acknowledge this and get on with it.
sen graham makes me vomit / he is senator of so. carolina a state that forgets who won the civil war / his country lawyer style leads you to think he's always right instead of when was the last time he was right about any thing he is a politician /OBAMA IS A LEADER
Losing track , we are on the wrong track, the train has derailed.
No I have not lost track of what is in the health care bill. After a year of debates and discussions on T.V. pro and con anyone who has lost track must be under a rock somewhere. We just have to show some backbone now and vote for the people who are hurting in America. Where is the compassion from the Republicans? They have great health care but they don't want it for the rest of us. Shame on them. The President is trying and he deserves all the help he can get even though the Republicans are just playing politics. Anyone that votes against this bill should be voted out of office no querstions asked.
Joan
I think you best answered our question.
Where have you been for the past year? No one with half a brain and/or the ability to comprehend should be in la-la land over what's in this bill. They've repeated it so many times that it isn't funny.
What should be asked is do you like what's in it and does it go far enough.
No, it isn't a perfect bill, but it is a start and can be fixed and added on.
But the real reason President Obama has had trouble with this bill and others is the elephant that continues to hang around the room in the 21st century.
With that said, Congress should stop whining, get over themselves and just pass the blasted bill.
I am a law student at Harvard, and any professor will tell you that the more complex the law, the better it will be able to handle actual circumstances. Our most respected Justice, Oliver Wendell Holmes, echoed this sentiment in many of his opinions.
We need a National Health Care bill but that too much like Socialism, right? I pray that the bill passes because I believe the opposition to it is purely political and it is the agenda of the Republicans to oppose all things Obama. You talk about the Country going broke, well if we were not in ill-gotten wars, we would be nowhere near broke as a Country. I applaud President Obama for having the courage to put Americans first and trying to do something that will help Americans have a better life. The health bill may not be all that it could be, but it is a start in the right direction.
I do believe I am still in track of whats in the bill. nothing that is man made is perfect. I am a middle class woman who struggles to this day with health care bills and the costs , so I know that if this bill does pass it wont be as horrible as the republicans (the party of no) is putting it out to be , but I know it will not fix everything over night everythings takes time but we haveto start somewhere I think everyone should take a breathe and stop feeding into the negativity of the media and study the facts and also remember the health care bill wont be a perfect bill but we haveto start somewhere . oh by the way jack I know how to cut through the bull how about you .
There is no lack of information on the Heath Care bill. The problem is separating the accurate information from the misinformation. Various interests present their own biased versions of the bill leaving those of us without the time or expertise to read the whole thing for ourselves (i.e. all of us) at the mercy of the media or the politicians for an understandable explanation of the plan. An uncomfortable spot to be in.
Lose track of what's in the bills? When have we ever heard serious discussion of the contents? From the Right (including people in Congress), we've heard for the last year about such serious items as death panels!, 2700 pages!, can't afford it!, and start over!. The Media usually focuses on elevating the idiocy and politics to be the central issues, rather than giving an objective analysis of what should be serious, practical changes. It's really been a disservice, though not a surprise, sadly.
No, Jack-
I haven't lost track of what's in it, nor have I forgotten about the millions of people who are counting on us to get this bill passed so that they can have health care when they need it That's why I'm spending a little of my free time calling Democrats in Congress urging their support, even though the bill is imperfect. And that's why I'll keep track of how they vote, so I know where to send my checks for the fall campaign.
p.s. I think any member of Congress who votes no should be required to give up the privilege of health insurance for life. Maybe that would change their opinion of how much we need this bill. Luckily, I'm on Medicare!
No I haven't lost track of what's in the bill. what I think though is the people hired and put into office by americans to do a job have lost track of us. my honest opinion is this. all bills should not take a year of debate to be voted on. besides didn't we already vote it in. at best it should be put to a vote with in 60 days after it has been brought before congress. the inability of our government to perform such simple tasks tell me two things they lack the ability to put 2 and 2 together and they are out of touch with reality as well as each other and they care nothing about the bill only seeing how much they can get out of the bill for themselves and the hell with the rest of us. we need to put people in office like obama, people that think, move and react at real time not delayed time. now I see why we need to fix our education system so badly you need not look any further then capitol hill to see the results.
The way I figure is that if lobbies are spending $1mil/day; The Healthcare bill must be great for us, the people!
Everyone has forgotten the purpose of healthcare reform – and how can we not with all the political two-stepping. The subject of the nose-diving budget and healthcare continue to bisect, but how many billions of dollars has congress wasted discussing it? And how many trees have had to die to print out the endless reams of babble which require an army of contract attorneys to sort out all the loopholes and blackholes we will all eventually fall into in the end. It seems that if Obama ditched the healthcare reform idea all together and put all the energy and money he has so far wasted toward more important issues instead of scaring insurance companies and healthcare providers to death, we all might be able to afford a cup of coffee in five years.
Jack, what's left out of this fiasco, is President Obama's promise of "Change". – Roy, Florida
Yes, I know what is in the bill. Of course, that is because I have done the research and know everything about it. That is more than the Repubs have done. They have done exactly what Rush told them to do. Make Obama fail. It won't work though because it will pass and it will be good for this "all about me" society we live in.
Jack, It's like buying a piece of property, that I HAVE to pay for over ten years, but I can't use it for four years, and I still HAVE to pay property taxes for the four years that I "own" the property. That is all I KNOW for certain about the bill.
All I know is that our country cannot afford it. I canceled an Easter trip for my family because we could not afford it. Living within our means involves cleaning up our house (Medicare, Social Security) first.
The bill is just too large for anyone to understand. Add this to the unfortunate reality that President Obama has not yet earned the trust of the American people. He is pretty close to an idiot to believe that he can ram the bill through and then miraculously amend it later to take America to some healthcare Utopia.
Lost Track? Never had a track. This is more of the same with the usual amount of political mumbo jumbo which goes on and on without committing to anything that changes the course of any particular endeavor. All we need to know is that the Insurance and drug companies are for the bill, which means it shouldn't be supported by any American.
Yes, yes I have. I watch CNN quite frequently, and I've seen a lot of talking points, I've seen conservatives say "it'll kill America" and seen responses "X, Y, and Z are false claims", but really, the entire coverage is of a political circus. News agencies, including CNN, are less about vetting the information, providing the facts, and have instead substituted partisan commentary that lacks the substance that proper journalists SHOULD do. I don't care what some random physician and some random republican congressman has to say about the healthcare bill, when you have two sides just to provide "balance" without spending the time to vet all of their claims, you are just fueling the misinformation. Drop all of the fancy graphics, drop all of the random commentators, and go back to journalism, find the facts and challenge falsehoods rather than let republicans and democrats spend hours just yelling at each other accomplishing nothing and giving the public no more insight into what's being proposed.
The dialogue provided by both sides is tantamount to treating the American public like babies, and while I grant you, a good deal of the population probably deserves it, a news organization should not pander to the least common denominator.
Dear Jack,
I have never believed that a living soul has ever known what is in the health care legislation. Having served in my state's legislature, I can assure you that very few, if any, of the congress or the senate have read the bill in its' entirety. The president should have left this albatross to another day. The people have every reason to be distrusting of this massive makeover and, I believe, they weren't bargaining for health care to be "first up" on the president's "to-do" list. It seems that I remember the real concerns discussed during the campaign were, the economy and the two wars that are draining the coffers.
After a year, I say, "Give it up"!
Well, Jack, I know it contains a provision prohibiting denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions, and does not allow recission of coverage because a person becomes ill, and while that's not all that I would like to see, it's at least a start and enough for me, and should be enough for everyone, to support this bill; this is HUGE and in terms of gaining coverage for many now without will have a major impact on the nations's health. I would like to know, however, just where it is written that the providing of health insurance has to be a proft making enterprise? I would like to see a non profit system overseen by our governement, whether that means Medicare for all or some other non profit system. I see no reason for mega millions insurance corporations to profit so mightly as they have off the misery of the people of this country, nor do I see any justice in a systerm that forces so many into bankruptcy because they can't pay their medical bills. We are or should be better than this!
What's in the Health Care Bill "POLITICS." The most effective way to induce vomiting...We've had so much of it that all that's left is the dry heaves!
Lost track? Are you kidding? Since when have the propaganda machines ever allowed the American people to get on track? All we get are sound bites and campaign speeches, like the one Obama delivered in Ohio today. Name one single publication available to the public which has printed the bill or even a summary of it. With this as everything coming out of D.C. these days, it's the public be damned and treated like mushrooms (that is, kept in the dark and fed bull excrement).
I don't understand why someone (bipartisan) can't go through the bill and tell us in understandable language whether it includes abortion, illegal immigrants, death squads, etc. No one can understand it as it is written. I'm sure even the politicians don't understand it. How can they vote on something they can't read???
About Health Care. If the insurance companies are against it,the Drug Cos. against it and the Republican against it you know it is probably good for the middle class. R Ray
Jack, as far as I'm concerned the bill is about defeat for the Republicans or defeat for Americans. Republicans don't care what the bill contains, they just don't want it to pass, and they don't care who suffers.
Allen
Hartwell GA
Jack, please ask Congress this question and tell me what they said.
Lost track of what??? Who knows what's in the bill, including our Congressmen. Pelosi said " Let's pass the bill so we can see what's in it." It should be allowed to die. Then they can address one item at a time. The current bill should never have been written.
Jack,
I know that the bill is similar to buying a piece of property, having to pay for it for 10 years, but I can't use it for 4 years and I have to pay property taxes on it even though I can't use it. If you like this deal, I have some property for sale....
I haven't lost track of what ISN'T in the bill-the public option. I also have not lost track of the fight over the abortion wording. I am a pro-life democrat, but I really do feel Americans with health problems and no insurance are due just as much respect for their life as unborn babies. I guess we feel it is OK for 40,000 people a year to die from lack of health care in order to be over the top sure health care reform doesn't pay for an abortion, which I thought was still a legal medical procedure.
Yes, because we don't know what other sweetheart deals may have been added to the bill to buy votes. Too bad all the millions of dollars the lobbyists are spending couldn't be used for health care. Sadly, the lobbyists get all of that money from their record profits derived by denying coverage to the people who pay them premiums. More of that money should have gone to health care.
What's in the Bill changes on an hourly basis trying to make everyone happy. I just hope you don't lose track of how many Americans this Bill is trying to help.
If you care at all about the future of your or your children's health care coverage, then you should have at least read the summaries of these health reform bills which are easily accessible online. Both the Senate and the House bills provide a much higher level of stability and security to Americans in terms of getting and keeping their health insurance coverage than they have right now, as well as helping to control rising insurance premiums. Americans deserve better than the "crappy" system that we have now and the reforms in both the Senate and House bills are far better than keeping the exisiting broken profit driven system that excludes 30+million people.
JT, Beaverton OR
Cafferty, you were so busy admiring Lindsey Graham as "your kind of man" – you MISSED the part where he blasted Obama for using the "sleezy" reconciliation option on healthcare reform! Graham is the biggestg sleeze of all, having voted through reconciliation at LEAST 10 time during the Cheney/Bush Administration! I don't like YOU anymore, if your choice of idiots is a flaming neocon like Graham!
Jack,
It doesn't really matter to me what's in the bill at this point.
Since the special interests are against it, I'm for the bill.
Time to open the door, follow the money and rid the system of crooks. I'm sure the thievs in insurance and health care don't want to be exposed. TOO BAD!!!!!
We are tired of being abused by these jerks.
If we don't clean up the system now think what it'll be like in a couple fo years.
I't like driving a car with broken steering
Either pull over now and get it fixed or wait until you crash and then get it fixed
THE CHOICE IS UP TO THE POLITICIANS
I HOPE THEY CHOOSE WISELY
Larry in Logansport
....and NO I havent lost track of the health care reform bill....just sorry they aren't going to have "single payer" and "public option" in the bill.
I am lost about exactly what is now in the bill but I am positive that this is ultimately not the best health care bill for the American people.
Duped into invading Iraq. Misinformed into a second term for Bush.Ripped off for 8 billion dollars a year by the health care insurance industry.
The Who was wrong! Most of the world is afraid the Americans WILL get fooled again.
We love you guys too much, please don't let the gigantic insurance machine spin the facts.
When we say “They’re not listening”, we don’t mean that we’re against healthcare reform. We all believe we should reform healthcare. However, no one is telling us what is going to be changed, how is it going to change, when are the changes going to take effect, who is going to be held accountable for those changes and who is going to actually oversee this persons accountability? I don’t believe that ANY congressman has read the entire bill, especially if it’s 2,000 pages long. Which means, they don’t even know what they’re voting for or against. How many of those pages are directly related to healthcare and how many are bribes related to an individual congressman’s own agenda? Although the media may be asking those questions, I haven’t heard any of you insist on real answers. You all let them off the hook listening to their rhetoric and then “running out of time” on that segment of your reports. THEY ARE NOT LISTENING and NEITHER ARE YOU! It’s your job; help us out!
L Reed
Hello, I haven't lost track I am still trying to figure out why some people don't want Health Reform, I just don't get it, they keep tallking about the trillions of dollars that our country would be in, what about the trillions,and trillions that the last president left us in..I say this it isn't about the Health Reform it is about who is trying to get it pass "President Obama"! And another thing the Republicans keep saying that the american people have voted saying they don't want the Health Reform Bill, well I am american and I haven't voted and I have talked to alot of amercians who haven't voted who wants the bill to pass..So Please Jack can you tell me when and where I can vote, because I am an American too and I want to be counted!!!!!!
i was a hospital employee for 25 years...and did medical insurance billing and had to learn the ropes of all their rules of coverage.... commercial to medicare and medicaid ..that is the best education possible to help author a health care plan..so i could have written that "plan" with a few of my peers in less time than the over paid pompas officials. i am a medicare advantage patient and have been well taken care of..and tend to my OOP. dollars.. .for future medical care i will need to consider selling out my home and at 71 yrs of age..be at the mercy of nancy ,obama... and the manager of the cms program too...but "they" can rest well cause thay have good coverage no OOP..good salary and pension to keep the greed going....synical??yes..i have more cardiac troubles ahead of me..do they care???
President Obama has been very clear about what this bill provides. If anyone is still confused it's because they aren't listening or are too stupid to understand.
Yet the party of "No" continues its attack and the spread of misinformation to create fear and rile up poorly educated and suspicious rural Americans, who basically are angry because they have to pay taxes at all. Even members of Congress, who are responsible for the misinformation, and the financially elite know the republican rhetoric is a bunch of lies.
Jack,
I read both the House and Senate versions when they first came out and while they didn't go as far as I wanted I found nothing alarming. Except for the preposterous side deals (like the Cornhusker givaway) I doubt the substance has changed very much. This thing, imperfect as it may be is an attempt to address today's problems and someday we'll be making fixes to this thing, too.
Since the Republicans want nothing but obstruction and lies the bill should be "shoved through" just on principle. Then we can move on to other things.
I, like most in this country haven't read it all. I do have good insurance and now that I am retired seem to be using it more and more. I do have good insurance, and I thank God for that! In 2006 I was paying $2.77 per gallon for gas. At that time I started buying a tube of lubricant for a health problem an about $2.00. The gas is at about the same price now as it was in 2006. The tube of lubricant is now twice as much!! If the American people don't mind the government to help keep the price of gas down, why do they fight the government that wants to keep the price of medical care and insurance down? Maybe it's that "chicken little thats crying the sky is going fall"
I've not lost track of what's in the bill and I am also attuned to the fact that the opposition is not willing to let our government function because they are not in control and do not approve of anything they do not put forth.
Jack:
Yes, there's so much misinformation out there, it's hard to see the core truths: no lifetime cap, small business tax credits, covered on parents' plans until age 26, no pre-existing conditions... The polls show that the majority of us are in favor of each and every one of these core benefits, but they're hidden in the fog of a war of words, misinformation mostly. The Republicans want to dress the core truths with scare tactics and misinformation, so that the overall bill looks bad, like a sheep in wolf's clothing, dressed by a wolves in sheeps' clothing. I probably watch too much "news", so why is it that nobody comments that Sen Bayh for example, should recuse himself from voting, given that his wife is on the board of Wellpoint? Didn't that use to be the honorable thing to do even if not required, just for the sake of maintaining some credibility?
Andy
I never have been, filled in on What's in Obama's" SO called..." Health Plan " Frankly, when that , So Called Adinistration, had the " Gall " to do a good share of their conversation, " BEHIND, closed doors... My opinion , say's " , To hell with them... They are trying their best to put US, under their Thumbs, with OUR lives, OUR rules, & our regulations. Their method, taking place now, with so many situations, seems to be something that , WE, as the citizens, of OUR country, don't approve of.
Jack, I think we're all supposed to get a coupon for a free toothbrush. Pass it on.
Allen
Outer Banks, NC
Of course people have lost track of what's in it. Kind of like Charlie Rangel loosing track of his taxes and who was paying for all his fancy trips.
Losing track of what is in over 1000 pages of the health care bill? Jack, what have you been smoking lately???
Jack, It is easier and far more important I think for us to understand and keep track of what isn't in the health care bill that is going through congress, in two words it's the public option. It is the insurance industry with our congress men and women in their pockets that are writing what's in the bill and who can not see it? It is their voice that would tell us and have us believe that universal health care like most every other country has and is quite happy with is socialism, government interference and just won't work for us Americans well it is neigh time I think that the people's voice be heard.
No, it is a too important bill to not take an interest in what it entails.
I want to know why is it a problem all of a sudden if our President uses the Reconciliation to pass this bill, when the republicans and Bush use the same tactic "Reconciliation" to pass whatever they wanted for the pass eight years and they used it sixteens (16) times!!!! What is wrong with you people..If it was good for the republicans then it is good for the President and the Democrats!! And yes there will be a price to pay,that's why we will get out and "Vote"!! Because our lives and Our Family lives "Depends On It!!!!
Hey Jack: I am sick and tired of the language GOP use. Their mother's did not teach them very well. Lindsay Graham is a man of low morals. Stop printing words luke crap,
deat Grahsm
All I know is that I keep paying more and getting less for health care insurance. Why don't Americans understand that the health care industry is applying the same principles of greed and obscene profits that we just went through with the banks and Wall St. One party is attempting reforms, the other party is just saying "no change is good."
Tucson, AZ – The dirty trick as that at this moment there is no "health care bill." Neither the House Bill nor the Senate Bill is the final plan. We have reached the point in the process where the two one-chamber bills must be reconciled into one bill that both will pass. The key point is that the insurance industry is spending huge sums to kill reform outright – this proves to me that almost all parts of what is proposed is good for me and bad for them. On top of this, all the Republican talking points are without merit – false "facts", wild speculation, false analogy, It is easy to confuse people who have not studied all this stuff!