MEDIA AND CULTURE  
comments_imageCOMMENTS: 196

Lou Dobbs Tours Single-Payer Systems Abroad and Realizes, Holy Crap They're Good

Has CNN's government-out-of-my-face bloviator actually had a change of heart when it comes to Obama's health plan?
August 15, 2009  |  
 
 
 
LIKE THIS ARTICLE ?
Join our mailing list:

Sign up to stay up to date on the latest Media and Culture headlines via email.

 
 
Advertisement
 

Lou Dobbs is a strange man. One day he's railing against "Obamacare," stoking the birther and deather paranoia that an illegitimate president's health care plan will mandate euthanasia. Next day he's practically singing the praises of single-payer healthcare systems 'round the world.

It's kind of French of him, but last week, CNN's government-out-of-my-face bloviator began a monthlong, nation-a-night series to "learn from other countries' health care plans." He's already toured the single-payer systems of Denmark, Canada, and England, and the heavily regulated, public/private plans of Germany, France, Holland, and Switzerland. And, as if he were channeling Michael Moore or something, he's been rattling off stats showing that most of these universally covered foreigners are spending less on healthcare but living longer than we do.

Oh, sure, he'll occasionally exaggerate any weakness he can find--Lou's particularly eager to tsk-tsk over England's long lines. But overall, the series (reported mostly by CNN's Kitty Pilgrim), has been straightforward, like this look at Denmark, which could almost inspire a townhall mob to chant "Mandate, baby, mandate!"

And tonight it's off to Japan!

But, really, what gives, Mr. Independent? Have you gone soft on softcore socialism? Do you realize that you're actually making the "government takeover of healthcare" look pretty darn good? Or is this some kind of forced penance for spraying CNN with birther spittle, causing the network a "publicity nightmare," and, worse, sinking your own ratings?

On his Wednesday radio show, Dobbs as much as announced that CNN president Jon Klein (who's been publicly defending Dobbs against calls for his firing) made him do it: "We're pushing opinion aside. We're focusing on a nonpartisan objective reality that it is our job to cover," Dobbs declared, admitting, "I resisted this idea initially."

But as Lou has proved again and again, he can't help but resist. On radio the very next day, he slammed Obama for compiling "an enemies' list" (not true), and harrumphed mightily: "I'm moving from being an independent, sir, to being absolutely opposed to your, any policy you could conceive of!" As if he hadn't moved into outright opposition long ago.

So, as soon as Lou had completed all that extra homework--writing 100 times on the blackboard, "I will push opinion aside. I will push opinion aside"--he finally gets to bust out and mix it up with his guests. Only then do the familiar snide comments, appalled facial expressions, and twisted facts spill into a headlong attack on each and every aspect of Obama's healthcare plan--even the aspects resembling those he had just more or less commended in Europe.

That is, Dobbs can read all sorts of fair and balanced words from a script, but he is willfully deaf to their meaning. Anything that doesn't fit his worldview, he doesn't hear, it doesn't compute, and he goes blank.

As he did last week when he interviewed Obama's former doctor, David Scheiner. The fact that Scheiner had criticized the president's healthcare plan was enough to land him on Lou Dobbs Tonight; but the fact that Scheiner had criticized Obama from the left for ignoring single-payer plans simply couldn't find an empty berth to tie up to in Dobbs's brain. Dr. Scheiner passionately, and at length, explains to Dobbs that it is private insurance companies that are standing between doctors and their patients, not the goverment. "The government never gets in the way," Scheiner says. "In Medicare, 40 years of Medicare, they've never interfered with me giving care."


Email
Print
Share
Post on reddit
Post on stumbleupon
Post on facebook
Post on digg
Post on twitter
Post on delicious
LIKED THIS ARTICLE? JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
Stay up to date with the latest Media and Culture headlines via email
See more stories tagged with: obama, health care, lou dobbs


Comments are closed-

A Little Knowledge...
Posted by: artie on Aug 15, 2009 1:40 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Those who oppose President Obama's plan may see Dobbs' case as demonstrating that proverbial truth: a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. However, perhaps, albeit, hope against hope, they will learn that a little knowledge can also bring you one step closer to the truth.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: A Little Knowledge... Posted by: photon's feather
» Just so I understand? Posted by: foreverhope
» RE: Just so I understand? Posted by: peacefullaim1
» RE: A Little Knowledge... Posted by: aichbe
» But will he report what he found? Posted by: karinkdf82

Comments are closed-

It Has Worked Here And There.
Posted by: melpol on Aug 15, 2009 1:45 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Ask any American, Englishman, or Japanese citizen if they would give up their government sponsored plan and exchange it for a private insurer and the answer will always be NO. Lou Dobbs found it to be true in his tour of other nations. My experience with Medicare is good. My major complaint is that they do not cover dental care. I do that out of my savings.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Caesar777
Posted by: Caesar77 on Aug 15, 2009 4:11 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Lou Dobbs like many of his peers, especially those on Faux News are liars.
Of course Dobbs knows he's a liar, CNN knows he's a liar.
Unfortunately that's the garbage that passes as TV journalism, and commendatory, in America today.
Black propaganda is alive and well on most of the major TV networks as well.
How sad.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Caesar777 Posted by: Quannah
» Exactly Posted by: deepseas

Comments are closed-

OMG golly gee whillikers!
Posted by: hagwind on Aug 15, 2009 5:13 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Empirical evidence trumps ideology!

Dobbs must have caught a virus. Big Pharma better get to it and come up with a cure and a vaccination for it, because if it spreads, especially among journalists, the ruling class is in B-I-G trouble.

Love the headline, btw. Plenty of AlterNet headlines are misleading or sensationalistic, but this article lived up to its headline.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: OMG golly gee whillikers! Posted by: Sister_Lauren
» RE: OMG golly gee whillikers! Posted by: photon's feather
» RE: OMG golly gee whillikers! Posted by: foreverhope
» RE: OMG golly gee whillikers! Posted by: foreverhope

Comments are closed-

"Life Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness"
Posted by: Purple Girl on Aug 15, 2009 5:26 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
What typifies, and guarantees, this credo better than Healthcare for all. What denies this 'inalienable right' more than a For profit healthcare system?
Our Founders Exuded Empathy, mandated it in our Declaration of Independence, Our Constitution and Bill of Rights....Yet Repugs have not only rejected Empathy, they have vilified it.
Which party has tried to derail and defund Medicare, medicaid and Social Security since their inceptions?
By the Way- Which Religion was founded also on the virtues of Empathy and Charity? Anyone??
To be a Religious Right Neo Con is not only oxymoronic, it's treasonous and heretical.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Dobbering, oh the fool
Posted by: Sister_Lauren on Aug 15, 2009 5:37 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Dobbs kept on: "But the argument is, as you know, Doctor, that with government-run healthcare that there would be great intrusion by the government..."

Now that's what I call dobbering! More willful than mere doddering, Lou's habit of hearing only what he wants to hear, while clinging to factoids that have been proven wrong and getting offended when others question these falsehoods, deserves an eponymous word all its own.


Oh that is so perfect! I wholeheartedly agree.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Credentials for Pundits
Posted by: freshlemon on Aug 15, 2009 5:44 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There are many of these self-aggrandizing media mouths whose opinions and observations are about as useful and true as the middle ages myth of a flat earth. So what are their credentials and why are they so self-righteous?

These people do not deal in facts, they deal in opinions. They are not purveyors of the news, they are agitators of the dark side of mankind. They are often called on lies and distortions of facts,and their contradictory opinions are laughable to anyone who has witnessed them in action. Yet there they are...spouting on and on...creating tension and stress...interfering with both personal and national problems...feeding hate and anger.

Who are they? Where do they get the authority to preach their opinions and spur on so many dangerous situations such as the recent drive to turn town hall meetings into potential battlegrounds?

This country has too many real problems that need to be solved for any of us to tolerate their ignorance. Where are their contributions to solving problems? They are definitely not providing solutions and continue to foment the worst elements of our society into expressing their psychopathy with violence and murder. (The death of Dr. Tiller should have put an end to Bill O'Reilly's career of hate-mongering. Why didn't it?)

Sick minds are encouraging a sick culture. Their words drip with malevolent intent and their eyes shine with glee when the result of those words is chaotic and evil behavior by their followers.

These people are America's "Death Panel".

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Credentials for Pundits Posted by: nan6265
» How do they "get away with it"? Posted by: Steven Wanzell
» RE: Credentials for Pundits Posted by: aichbe
» RE: Credentials for Pundits Posted by: Namaimo
» RE: Credentials for Pundits Posted by: freshlemon

Comments are closed-

Obamacare is not the same as single payer. At least Dobbs has the brains to figure that one out.
Posted by: maxpayne on Aug 15, 2009 5:51 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
And once again, the so-called "Left" continues to allow the issue of race and birthers to distract the public from the real issues such as health care. If Obama and Congress had the fucking balls and brains to put HR 676 and SB 703 on the table instead of HR 3200 and whatever its Senate equivalent is, then conservatives would find it harder to actually poke holes in the bill. But this won't get through to you fucking losers out there until the Democrats get SMASHED and GO DOWN IN FLAMES in 2010 and 2012 and it will happen thanks to Obama and Congress out-GOPing the GOP. I'm no fan of Dobbs but even he isn't a fucking fool to progandize HR3200 unlike some on this site and you know who you are. And then you wonder why gun sales go up and more people are even angrier at the Obama administration ! If you wanna call us "racists" for opposing Obamacare, suit your fucking selves. The truth will come out and continue to march on about the fraud that the current health care "reform" bill being planned is all about. Other countries including Canada will continue to have plenty of fucking field days laughing their asses off at the USA for having a completely fucked up health care system. No wonder GOD IS CONTINUING TO SEVERELY PUNISH AMERICA TO ETERNAL DAMNATION !!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» agree,mostly Posted by: Drclaw
» big talk..any action? Posted by: Drclaw
» You got me there but Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» Max, You're a Payne, but... Posted by: Steven Wanzell

Comments are closed-

Where have you been, Lou?
Posted by: TRC109 on Aug 15, 2009 6:52 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Dobb's acts like these others systems are revealations. I suppose they are given the manufactured ignorance prevailant in our country thanks to the corporate media. Perhaps Lou will have a spokesman from Physicians for a National Health Plan on. They have looked at other systems and crafted what they think is the best system for our country. The link is: http://www.pnhp.org/
TRC

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Medicare
Posted by: freshlemon on Aug 15, 2009 6:59 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think that all those who so vehemently oppose government administrated health care should turn in their medicare cards and get private insurance. Better still: Have a medicare card burning at the next town hall meeting or tea party.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Lou Dobbs and his "peraly whites"....
Posted by: Bozwell on Aug 15, 2009 7:39 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Uh, the mention of Dobbsies "peraly whites"...think they are implants--remember when he was off for a stretch ? He came back and had great diffiulty in "enunciating", seemed yet uncomfortable with his new dentures !!! (honest, take closer look at befor and after , had notied earlier his teeth in poor shape/brown/etc...vid clips surely abound and as for hs demeanor/attitude, he is in need of a transplant for that as well, thinking perhaps his after id-life crisis or male menopause showing...he really hast lost it and his credibilty is rather shot with his various onerous obsessions that ignore FACTS which can and ARE fact checkables/fact checked !!!! Too many glaring misapplicatons, perhaps wants a larger share of te radio ranters' pies !! )

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Dobbs is easy to understand...
Posted by: leafsong1 on Aug 15, 2009 7:43 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...you just have to realize that he is a crook, a professional liar, a propagandist, a first-class, high-priced, throat whore for the plutocracy. Of course his viewpoint doesn't make sense; why should it? It isn't actually a viewpoint; it is a web of well-financed lies, duh!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» So true! Posted by: Steven Wanzell

Comments are closed-

BA
Posted by: mnstra on Aug 15, 2009 8:02 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I dont see many progressives speaking about what Lou is describing. Seems that progressives are quiet at these meetings............

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: BA Posted by: arthur_ide
» RE: BA Posted by: orwellturns

Comments are closed-

Nothing new here
Posted by: wtfo on Aug 15, 2009 8:30 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
that Lou could not have learned by simply watching Frontline's "Sick Around The World" - filmed in early 2008...

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

I like Lou Dobbs--sort of, but I disagree with him most of
Posted by: Fempatriot on Aug 15, 2009 8:34 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
the time. (I think he voted for McCain. He has never liked Barack Obama.)

He has done a good job of showing us how universal health care is working or not working all over western Europe, Canada, and Australia. And I must say it works better than this dog-eat-dog capitalistic crap that we have to put up with.

And while I'm on my soap box--Medicare is sort of socialistic--but it is NOT FREE. I pay around $55 or $60 a month for Part B of Medicare--and I am also liable for 20% of my total bill. Fortunately I'm a military widow and Tricare for Life picks up that tab, or else I would be in a wheelchair, in constant pain. I had a hip replacement last year, and it cost around $60,000 (or more.) If I had had to pay that 20%, I'd have had to take out a mortgage on my house for $12,000 that I would have been paying on for the rest of my life and then my 2 children would have had to pay. I don't even get $900 a month Social Security. If my son didn't live with me and work at part time jobs and contributes (he suffers from Blue Baby Syndrome)--I'd be in a real financial pickle--would have had to sell my home to pay off my debt and move into public housing and probably apply for food stamps and Medicaid.

People don't realize just how much you may need socialized medicine till Grandma needs a pricey operation and can't get it because she has no money. As for drugs--I couldn't afford to buy the medications I have to take for high b.p. and high cholesterol. (Tricare helps) Without Medicare and Tricare, I'd be dead by now and no longer a burden to anybody, I guess.

I'm for universal health care for all. We should learn to be a more caring society.

As for Lou Dobbs--I write him an angry email nearly every week, sometimes more often. But sometimes I praise him.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

I don't trust Dobbs even when he's correct (he's always right)
Posted by: Outspokengrandmother on Aug 15, 2009 8:40 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Lou Dobbs like Rush is a unpleasant man - a man I wouldn't want to hang out with - wouldn't enjoy sitting next to at a dinner party - a man I wouldn't watch on Television. So he's been sent to the woodshed. He's still nasty ... hopefully he'll do some good before he returns to character. And I still won't watch CNN as long as he's on it.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

I moved to New Zealand from the US seven years ago and I've been impressed with the medical care.
Posted by: eviltwit on Aug 15, 2009 9:11 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
(I have IBS, asthma and bad allergies.)

In New Zealand, under socialized care:

*Severe asthma attack on my birthday three years ago - emergency room - FREE
*Trigger finger surgery - FREE (no scar, someone's job was to talk to me during it so i wouldn't peek past the little curtain ...- lol - and a nurse called over the next two days and then a week later to make sure things were healing)
*blood tests - FREE
*i've never waited longer than two days for an appt. with my GP, who is wonderful - and i got to pick the med center i went to and my doctor
*My husband had to do physical therapy for his neck and shoulder - FREE
*if you want to skip lines for things, you can pay extra for private insurance, but even with my IBS and asthma and allergies and stuff, I've never felt the need to
*my meds are far from astronomical in price
*no one goes without medical care
*sure there are issues, but it's got to be better than what Americans have got now

Lou Dobbs looking for the "truth"? Count me aghast, but still NOT a fan.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Quality of Medical Care in New Zealand Posted by: photon's feather
» :) Posted by: eviltwit
» Sorry... Posted by: photon's feather
» Couldn't be any greener! Posted by: foreverhope
» Why the travel in past tense? Posted by: eviltwit
» RE: Why the travel in past tense? Posted by: foreverhope
» I would love to visit Ireland. Posted by: eviltwit
» lol! Posted by: eviltwit
» gorgeous Posted by: eviltwit
» RE: gorgeous Posted by: photon's feather
» RE: lol! Posted by: photon's feather
» RE: hate tropical weather myself - lol! Posted by: photon's feather
» Speak for yourself Posted by: photon's feather
» If I had a million dollars! Posted by: foreverhope
» Mordred Posted by: foreverhope
» Damn Limousine Liberals ! Posted by: John More.
» Still no real replies, 'foreverhope'? Posted by: photon's feather
» RE: Oh, no worries on that score... Posted by: photon's feather

Comments are closed-

Born in Iowa I know Chuck Grassley (R-IA, US Senate)
Posted by: arthur_ide on Aug 15, 2009 9:31 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
and his family. Like his grandson (now running for granddad's old seat in the Iowa legislature), Chuck distorts facts to feed his well-heeled donors the words they want to digest. I grew up in Blackhawk County (next to Chuck's Breemer County) and we both went to University of Northern Iowa. He has had a cushy job (has never really had a challenger--only strawmen) in his life from the Iowa legislature to the US Senate, while I worked--and while his age has no bearing on his future, my worklife stopped at 58 (I was too old) and since then never had health care, could not afford Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, Iowa ($3000 a night just for a room) so left even while having another mild heart attack. Tired of W Bush and Chuck, I moved to Peru--where medicine is less than 8% of what it costs in the USA (it is government subsidized) but here the medical profession is among the very rich--and it requires an 8 hour wait in long gueues to get an appointment to see a generalist, another 8 hours to see a specialist, and if emergency care is required it takes at least 4 hours to see any doctor as the "waiting room" is packed with no less than 80 people waiting for emergency care--in a nation that prides itself on not interfering with the free enterprise of the medical profession. Living on $1000 a month social security I could not afford to move to Denmark, UK, Canada, etc where there is socialized medicine and be treated more quickly, and I have given up most medications (especially dicyclomine as it is not here as colitis is preceived by the "medical doctors" as being diahrrea, which it is not), so I suffer in agony and find it absurd that people are worried about socialized medicine when medicare and medicaid are both 100% funded by the US government. Maybe those who are against the Obama health care plan should stand up and shout loudly for all medicaid and medicare payments be stopped immediately as a start to end socialism in the USA. Then stop all social security payments, especially to children orphaned when a military parent is killed in battle, to those with catastrophic illnesses, and especially stop social security payments to all seniors who have jumped on the Palin bandwagon--for death panels are not in the bill (which is available online). I do not worry, for without my medications I am told (after a 16 hour wait) I only have a few more months to live, as here the free-market principle for health care is in full force. That is why in Peru children are dying daily in Cusco (too cold, not enough blankets, etc) and malnutrition is common even though food is cheap.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Market/Madness adjustment
Posted by: Steven Wanzell on Aug 15, 2009 9:58 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think that's what we're seeing here. The many cracks in what has become the pseudo-news on tv, are really beginning to show. Certainly, to moderates. Even to some conservatives. (Perhaps, the Grand Canyon to many readers here.) Dobbs is one of those cracks, widened further by these aimless crazies rallied by the (finally!) near-naked corporate interests.

Tv is ALL about the ratings. These are their stock price - and it can slip or spike in an instant, on that 24-hr. cycle.

On a more personal note regarding this particular nutjob, it's quite clear that he's got a serious personality disorder. Those who know him well have grumbled about it for years. The two Lou Dobbs. Heckle and Jeckle. Let's hope America's generally shabby treatment of the mentally ill actually serves a purpose here, relegating him to somewhat lesser pretenses at "news programs".

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Hadashito
Posted by: hadashito on Aug 15, 2009 10:10 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Dobbs has voiced so much stupid, unfounded, and inflammatory crap, that even if he has awakened to a few truths, CNN should fire him anyway. He belongs at Fox News; maybe replace Glenn Beck when no sponsor will have anything to do with him..

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

www.shoes-base.com
Posted by: daihao6 on Aug 15, 2009 10:20 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
haha

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

This comment has been removed from the site due to non-compliance with AlterNet's community policies.
» Brilliant! Absolutely Brilliant! Posted by: Steven Wanzell

Comments are closed-

Pundits like Lou Dobbs
Posted by: Archie1954 on Aug 15, 2009 10:55 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
remind me of the old addage "In a democracy you get the government you deserve", paraphrase that to "if the people are too stupid to know what's good for them then too bad".

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Quit pretending...
Posted by: james108 on Aug 15, 2009 11:11 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
... Obama's health plan is single payer.

It's a corporate spin on fascist control. If we really had any choice at all, they would at least openly discuss and scorecard real single payer, instead of trying to pull this fast one.

Sometimes, when you are fighting a common fascist enemy, right wingers are more your friend than the democrats right now.

We're stifling single payer testimony from the discussion. This is a stupid trick and I hope we're not this stupid.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Quit pretending... Posted by: usedtobesupermom
» RE: Quit pretending... Posted by: wonkywriter
» Brush up on government? Posted by: LaughingModerateIndependent
» RE: Quit pretending... Posted by: karinkdf82

Comments are closed-

Why can't I copy and paste stories anymore?
Posted by: wonkywriter on Aug 15, 2009 11:12 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Beginning this past Friday, I noticed that I was no longer able to hit "print", "cntrl A", and "paste" to insert Alternet stories into an email. (Note: it seems that it is still possible to do this with SOME stories.) Is this a strategy to reduce unwanted copying?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Oh that wicked government interference....
Posted by: sailor50 on Aug 15, 2009 11:12 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There was a lady on TV this morning saying how afraid she was of the government getting access to our banking accounts. Oh, wow, another not too bright gal. Those of us who have automatic deposits from Social Security dearly love it. I was not too happy, however, 30 years ago when the IRS took money from my savings without any forewarning.

And so the evil government also provides our military protection, the money in our wallets, the interstate highway system, the WIC program, etc etc etc etc. I just love those nutty conservatives who claim the government cannot to anything well. It does many things well and needs to constantly tweak its programs to make them better.

It's up to the people to vote in the right people at all levels. If the voters are going to be stupid enough to prefer the now evil Republicans, they will get the government that we don't deserve.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» Isn't it funny... Posted by: photon's feather

Comments are closed-

Lou Dobbs
Posted by: usedtobesupermom on Aug 15, 2009 11:58 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm disappointed with Lou. In the past has spoken the TRUTH about the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs & the "War On the Middle Class"! These jobs PAID VERY WELL & MOST HAD BENEFITS! WAGES HAVE FALLEN SINCE 1986 UP TO 50%! In the meat packing industry- one of the most DANGEROUS JOBS there is- USED TO PAY $16.00-$19.00 AN HOUR PLUS BENEFITS! IT NOW PAYS $8.00-$10.OO AN HR. WITH NO BENEFITS! Mostly undocumented immigrants NOW do this work. I had friends that used to do this work & were REPLACED with illegals when they refused to cut their pay by at least 40%!
Now OUR GOVERNMENT is STILL BRINGING INTO the country 138,000 EACH MONTH JUST ON THE H-1B VISA PROGRAM! THAT'S WHAT THE BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE, THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & MICROSOFT'S BILL GATES WANTS! IN FACT GATES WENT BEFORE CONGRESS SAYING THAT HE WANTED AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF H-1B VISAS BECAUSE HE "COULDN'T FIND ANY QUALIFIED AMERICANS TO WORK IN HIS COMPANY"! 2 weeks before he announced 5000 would be laid off in the U.S. at Microsoft, he asked Congress AGAIN for an unlimited # of H-1B Visas!
In this Country we graduate MORE than 200,000 a year with advanced degrees- but even with a Masters Degree in science- going into R&D (research & development) ONLY PAYS $35,000-$40,000 a year with the ages being 27-38 yrs. old! That's NOT STARTING PAY! This is FROM THE GOVERNMENT!
Also in construction, which has ALWAYS had ups & downs for many reasons including weather, HAS NEVER BEEN A JOB AMERICANS WON'T DO! They even had benefits. My friends in construction that I learned from on how to do some plumbing, electrical, painting, wall repair, & other "handyman"-I mean "handywoman" said they HAD TO COMPETE WITH CHEAP ILLEGAL WORKERS & CUT their pay IF they WANTED TO KEEP their jobs! Back in the late '70's & 1980's they were making $200 a day! Now or rather before the housing bubble burst it was less than $20 an hr. 2 other friends I had in the 1990's made $27.00 hr. & up as painters. Last I heard from 1 of them is they don't get paid as much as before.
Lou Dobbs didn't say that comment about leprosy the way it was stated in the article either. Get a transcript from the show. The info was from whatever government agency that keeps track of diseases publishes.
Believe it or not Lou said that Bush should be IMPEACHED! That was during his last year as President.
I don't like how his response & discussions have been regarding the "birthers" or healthcare reform- or on the stimulus, but he was RIGHT CRITIZING THE BAILOUTOF WALL ST.!

I know I'll probably get criticized for my comment. It's the truth, just like what I said would happen to the economy, Wall St.,housing bubble & American workers because of outsourcing, foreign workers, trade, deregulation, etc., starting more than 10 years ago! Nobody believed me except my sister & my kids (when they were in high school). In fact my youngest before he graduated told me; "mom with all the things you've always talked about regarding the economy, Wall St. ..... . In Sept. this year,('08) by the last week of the month, Wall St. will have already started it's crash."
Lou was WRONG to carry on with the birthers, Gate's arrest & the way he said that those (idiot morons)(my words) people screaming & interrupting/preventing the town hall meetings, are just exercising their rights.

On other stuff he has been right. Including the effect that illegal immigration has on taxpayers & American workers' wages. If there actually was a 'labor shortage' wages would be going up,up,up, not down! It's NOT ROCKET SCIENCE! I'm not racist either, as I'm of Italian/Mexican descent. Illegals hurt ALL THOSE who work in lower wage jobs & also those businesses that play by the rules.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Lou Dobbs Posted by: aichbe
» RE: Several things.... Posted by: Mycos

Comments are closed-

It's the information, stupid
Posted by: Jeanne on Aug 15, 2009 12:49 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's up to the viewer to sift through the bloviator's program and extract what is fact and what is bloviation. Dobbs seems a very weak source for accurate information, and I'd only incorporate information from him if it corroborates other sources. So much of what he's said is BS, that my tendency is to dismiss anything coming from him as unreliable, at best.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» SO WE'RE STUPID! Posted by: foreverhope

Comments are closed-

OMG! Give us a break!!!
Posted by: Blacktiger1 on Aug 15, 2009 1:50 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Here in Canada, working folk have either single payer or group health, Blue Cross, White Cross, whatever. So if you are healthy, live healthy fine. Should you get run down in the crosswalk, not to worry you will be cared for. The same goes for the homeless person!!! Unions are based on the fact their member have decent plans, otherwise they are walking the line until their wants are agreed upon. Canadian Starbucks and Wal-Mart employees don't have that security, BUT they can for a small monthly/yearly sum use "single payer" system. The same goes for waiters/waitresses. That's what your 15% tips go into, as these jobs pay flat wages and tips are expected to cover the extras[so the employers expect].
Anyway if you stay healthy and you do not drain the system, then the "social system" takes care of the bottom rung of the human folk who are considered homeless etc.
At present, because of the economy, which is the "Present" from those slaggards of Financial Wizards we will suffer from deductions at the level of "elective surgery" but emergency care WILL carry on.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Inside Lou Dobbs:
Posted by: Gaubladt on Aug 15, 2009 4:09 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
In the mind of Lou Dobbs, there is no conflict between hating socialism and acknowledging it's success.
After the Congressional Corporate Complex has destroyed the Obama plan, they will introduce health insurance tax vouchers, to be paid for with revenue from a national sales taxes.
They are already beginning to promote this.
A sales tax is regressive; they love it.
The vouchers will drive up premiums, reaffirming their premise that government intervention is always bad. Corporate patrons will shower their congressmen with golden parachutes, and all will be well here in Camelot.
This is what will happen unless people unite behind Obama and his public option. I must confess that a public option, funded by a modest tax on millionaires, is in my direct personal interest.
Obama has shown that he has our interests at heart. It is time for us to come to his aid.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Narrow views and short memories . . . .
Posted by: newsound on Aug 15, 2009 9:06 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Didn't Michael Moore tell everyone these same "revelations" 2 years ago? Or did I dream that? What is it with Americans? (that includes you too, Obama) They have completely abandoned an educated opinion . . . instead they just pick a side and start fighting. We in the more civilized countries (the ones with single-payer healthcare) are laughing at you.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» um... Posted by: eviltwit
» RE: um... Posted by: maxpayne

Comments are closed-

Lou Dobbs busts both liberals and conservatives.
Posted by: John More. on Aug 16, 2009 9:09 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
And that's what the Lou Dobbs bashers just can't handle. Lou Dobbs could come up with a better health care plan than Obama or Congress any day.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» blindly supporting nothing Posted by: james108

Comments are closed-

Another thing I don't want to hear!
Posted by: foreverhope on Aug 16, 2009 9:31 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Back room meetings in dark rooms! How terrifying!

Do they think our elected representatives are supposed to meet on the White House lawn to do their JOBS? WTF!

Do they have a single clue what it takes to create legislation? Have they heard of School House Rock?

I am sick sick sick of that ploy!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

"moran"
Posted by: astralman on Aug 16, 2009 11:27 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Lou Dobbs is a moron. If you read one book about any of the various topics he blathers on about you will have a more profound insight than he does.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Propaganda for Tort Reform
Posted by: Jim Shaw on Aug 16, 2009 4:36 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Nice that Dobb's segment had something positive to say about a single-payer program.

What's not so nice is that it implied that the big advantage is that frivolous lawsuits are limited.

Of course, there are many problems with our healthcare system in this country, however, frivolous lawsuits isn't one of them. When researchers have looked into the malpractice situation, they have concluded that preventable medical errors are the problem, not ambulance chasers.

From the Canadian Medical Association Journal:
"Evidence that medical malpractice in the US greatly exceeds malpractice lawsuits has been available since 1974, when California's medical and hospital associations sponsored a study intended to buttress their efforts to get lawmakers to pass tort reform. Instead, it found that doctors and hospitals negligently injured 0.8% of hospital patients (Mills DH, editor. Report on the Medical Insurance Feasibility Study. Sacramento: California Medical Association and California Hospital Association; 1977). A later analysis of the data found that, at most, only 1 in 75 of those injured were compensated (Danzon, Patricia A. Medical Malpractice: Theory, evidence and public policy. Cambridge: Harvard University Press; 1985).

Recent research has confirmed that malpractice is rampant and few medical errors result in legal claims. In 1990, Harvard researchers examined more than 30 000 randomly selected records from New York hospitals. They concluded that 1% of patients were negligently injured, while only 4% of those who were injured, sued (Patients, doctors and lawyers: Medical injury, malpractice litigation, and patient compensation in New York. Cambridge: Harvard University Press; 1990)."

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Former Texan from Idaho was fired from CNN once.
Posted by: Dickinseattl on Aug 16, 2009 6:12 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This guy is a bully and hardly the populist or independent he tries to palm himself off as. Though he is as reactionary as most any other Republican, he tries to get more exceptance hiding behind the populist image. This guy is about as much a populist as the rascist Father Coughlin was. Just another self-serving reactionary. We would all be better off if the so called liberal Ted Turner hadn't hired him back. Don't they already have enough conservative reactinaries?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Get your Dobbs biography! Extra! Extra! Get your Dobbs right here!
Posted by: Quannah on Aug 16, 2009 9:26 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
For your entertainment pleasure, I give you THE REAL Lou Dobbs!

;-)

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE... YOU LOSE!
Posted by: Wilde on Aug 16, 2009 9:47 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
From a Canadian perspective, I can tell you unequivocally that it doesn't matter whether you remain under the existing health-care paradigm or establish a universal program.

Canada has been under a government operated universal health care system [read: sick care management system] for some forty years. Initially it worked to the advantage of the general populace, but in the last decade has deteriorated to the point of collapse.

Billions are thrown into health care every year yet patient care becomes progressively worse. Surgical wait times are often over a year with some hospitals down-sizing or closing their doors altogether. Pregnant mothers have even been turned away in some cases due to over-crowding. Super-germs now proliferate facilities that were meant to heal the sick.

The system has become so maligned that ironically, the public is willing to accept any alternative, including a privatized one that the majority of US citizens can't wait to unload. Maybe we should just swap systems and be done with it.

Though our government would have us believe otherwise, it's always been a two-tiered system with those who have the money or status moving to the front of the queue.

The biggest downfall with this type of health ideology is that it's predicated on drugs, surgery and invasive preventative measures such as radiation and vaccination.

The prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA, July 2000) reported that doctors were the 3rd leading cause of death in the US with over 200,000 deaths largely due to prescribed drugs, failed surgeries and misdiagnoses. Those alarming statistics, of which are only the reported numbers, have surely increased since that time and certainly won't abate with a reformed system.

As much as the information is suppressed, people do get well from far less invasive and costly alternative, holistic and naturopathic treatments and therapies. Of course, conventional care is essential when it relates to crisis situations like heart attacks, mending broken bones and torn flesh, but as far as degenerative and infectious disease are concerned, allopathy has been a disaster. This is what should be discussed in town hall meetings instead of the ineffectual left/right name calling.

The medical industry says we're living longer and healthier through science, but the fact is that the new generation will not outlive its predecessor. Other factors, including an aging population, unhealthy lifestyle choices, gmo and junk foods, squandered research funding and escalating disease rates, will insure that whatever the Obama health care proposal promises to offer, it will surely fail to deliver.

Correspondingly, it doesn't matter whether the present day government is Liberal, Conservative, Democrat or Republican. The truth is that opposition parties only appear to pit themselves against the reigning government, but in reality they actually support one another in their quest for power. So for them it's a win-win situation, while for the majority of US citizens, it will always be a losing proposition. It's the old "divide and conquer" ploy that has obviously been very effective in this issue.

Better to cease with the in-fighting and accept the inevitable. Do your research and become your own doctor. Your odds of becoming a medical statistic will be far less than if you place your health in the hands of a private or public health "authority".

#1 NATURAL HEALTH WEB SITE

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Tom Mxxx
Posted by: Tom Mxxx on Aug 17, 2009 8:20 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Wow so Lou Dobbs is telling us something we do not know..imagine that. We need to listen to all esplecially those we do not agree with. By the way what part of the Constitution says the Federal Government has the right to national run health care? Is it an enumerated power?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Tom Mxxx Posted by: Mrs. Jefferson
» RE: Tom Mxxx Posted by: Tom Mxxx

Comments are closed-

Too LEFT WING for forwarding!
Posted by: MTguy on Aug 17, 2009 8:39 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Dang it! This is an excellent rebuttal to all my Conservative friends who have been criticizing health care reform specifically the public option. This piece makes some excellent points but it's written in such a polarized fashion, it seems pretty extremist to me.

As for the subject of the article, the number don't lie. Our current health care system does not perform well and it's unsustainable in its current form. PLUS it does not result in good health for the citizens, and isn't that what health care is supposed to do in the first place?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

hr
Posted by: itouch backup on Aug 17, 2009 9:09 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
M2TS Converter

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

McCarthyism worked!
Posted by: davidg on Aug 17, 2009 9:17 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
As I watch the vehement and histrionic debate with town hall disrupters and TV right wing pundits, I can't help thinking that McCarthyism was very successful; it simply became a fundamental of the subtext. When people are screaming govenment invasiveness for mere sharing of infrastructure and Stalinism for sharing, I realize that the middle and working class right wing nuts (mostly faux-Christians) who are shooting themselves in the foot for corporate profits against their own better interests have been so propaganized beyond reason that enlightenment is almost beyond reach. Senator Joe, uber alles.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

What took him so long?
Posted by: SicfkOfBush on Aug 17, 2009 3:59 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It seems that someone, with all the sources of information that Dobbs and others in the media have, should have been aware of all this without a tour of Europe. Where have they been? Most of us have known this for months if not years. It appears that somewhere in the system blinders are set to block information. Maybe they aren't getting out of the office after-hours. Isn't the media supposed to inform us rather than us informing the media?

The Cronkite types are totally gone from broadcasting. Of course, then the corporations weren't totally in control of the media, as is the case now, imposing their the politics on every voice. We have all heard of how the Beltway blocks all outside information from getting to Congress. But, these Dobbs types shouldn't have any problem with that barrier.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

THE PERFECT SOLUTION!
Posted by: Wilde on Aug 17, 2009 4:55 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The Perfect Solution To Senior Health Care.

While discussing the upcoming Universal Health Care Program with my friend the other day, I think we have found the solution. I'm sure you've heard the ideas that if you're a senior you need to suck it up and give up the idea that you need any health care.

A new hip? Unheard of. We simply can't afford to take care of you anymore. You don't need any medications for your high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, etc. Let's take care of the young people. After all, they will be ruling the world very soon.

So here is the solution. When you turn 70, you get a gun and 4 bullets. You are allowed to shoot 2 senators and 2 representatives.

Of course, you will be sent to prison where you will get 3 meals a day, a roof over your head and all the health care you need! New teeth, great! Need glasses, no problem. New hip, knee, kidney, lung, heart? Well bring it on.

And who will be paying for all of this? The same government that just told you that you are too old for health care. And, since you are a prisoner, you don't have to pay any income tax!

I really think we have found a Perfect Solution!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

NOW had a program about health care around the world
Posted by: Mrs. Jefferson on Aug 18, 2009 7:26 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Single Payer health care is not a new wheel around the world. NOW had a program about national health care around the world.

Lou Dobbs isn't the only truth teller to talk about it so get off his back.

Google it.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

responsible journalism
Posted by: BobPomeroy on Aug 19, 2009 2:58 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
the bloviators seem in no way accountable to truth, and have no experience at being responsible for their braying of opines. They steal integrity from the Cronkites, etc, by calling themselves journalists. Once it is established that they are spewing untruthes and fear, they should lose their journalistic protections, and their every word should be branded with a sort of surgeon general's warning. It would be best if this were not done by government, but by journalists themselves, protecting their lot from losing those credentials. It should be a swift and thorough repudiation in cases like 'death panel' etc. That sort of distillation and chemical inversion of the truth cannot be tolerated any more than shouting fire in a crowded theater. It is in fact the same thing.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Makes sense
Posted by: slinkyDomo on Aug 22, 2009 9:43 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Wow, that actually makes pretty good sense dude!

RT
http://www.anonymouse.net.tc

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

ms lulu
Posted by: nanster on Aug 22, 2009 10:30 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
you have insulted hamsters. tiny as their brain may be, they are malice-free, dobbs on the other hand......

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

See the Movie SICKO!
Posted by: teritenn on Aug 22, 2009 1:58 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Ya,know, Michael Moore was on to something with SICKO.

A couple of years ago I lost my health insurance in a divorce. Because of past medical conditions (H.B. pressure, back injury, complications in pregnancy, etc.) health insurance companies did not want me. If they did they excluded as pre-existing conditions all my past medical problems (they went back 15 years to look at all my doctor visits) and quoted me $300 a month for a $5000 deductable health insurance at 80/20 for a 45 yr. old currently healthy woman. Good luck paying for that one. I couldn't.

It is about time the USA spent money on its tax paying citizens and stop throwing away billions on the likes of Israel and other corrupt countries.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Duh!
Posted by: jmmartin on Aug 22, 2009 2:05 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Hell, all Lou had to do was rent the DVD of Michael Moore's Sicko to know that!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

DVD to Pockert PC
Posted by: boay on Aug 23, 2009 8:23 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
DVD to Pocket PC help you easily and fastly convert dvd movies to video/audio formats wmv, wma, mp3 Pocket PC supports which are compatible with your Pocket PC like HP iPAQ, Dell Pocket PC, General Pocket PC.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

.
Posted by: jtpatrick108 on Aug 27, 2009 5:45 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
1 of the easiest ways to extinguish the obesity problem in the United States would be to give individuals miracle berry so that disgusting healthy food will taste awesome. Since obesity is such a big problem, this could save money when it comes to health care. Ok I'm just joshing!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Lou Dobbs Tours Single-Payer Systems Abroad and Realizes, Holy Crap They're Good
Posted by: fredibach on Aug 29, 2009 1:18 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Play hardball. Take something everyone can agree on and piggyback a ban on corporate lobbyists and corporate contributions to political advertising as a whole ( including to NPOs )web hosting and then "negotiate" to where the insurance, pharmaceutical, and energy companies are the main ones left as banned.

That'll clear the field for a whole lot of needed reforms, and we can sell it to the average citizen by pointing out that these businesses should be sending the money from these donations to their stockholders and letting them decide whether or not to make donations search engine placement.

At the same time, put forth a bill that eliminates tax-exempt status for churches and have that revenue go towards health reform and public health programs. After all, the "I don't want to give money to someone else" argument doesn't work so well when you've already donated it voluntarily. It won't pay of all of the costs domain names, but it would lessen the imact on butget and needed taxes from other sources. Offer it as an alternative to the public option and I'm sure the average churchgoer would rather tax the rich than tax the churches.

Just some random ideas. I'm sure the Democrats who are really wanting to get reform legislation through could do better, but for crying out loud, they need to quit playing nice with the Republicans after the evil s*** we saw the Republican majority do for so long.

"If Mr. Obama wants to jettison the now-weakened public plan to dampen overheated opposition, he should say what he will insist on instead.

At a minimum, there should be very strict regulation of all insurers, on and off the exchange, to promote competition and fair prices and substantial subsidies to help low-income people buy insurance. If competition among private plans fail to hold down insurance costs web site design, there should be a provision to introduce a public plan.

We are frankly skeptical that any compromise will be enough to satisfy Republican opponents of health care reform. If the White House and Democratic leaders decide to go it alone, and they may well have to, they should restore a robust public plan. It is the best way to give Americans real choice."

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Nike Dunks
Posted by: mjx729 on Sep 1, 2009 11:07 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Japan's Kyodo News quoted the Nike Dunks Democratic Party, 31 members of the news reports, the Democratic Party executive committee meet in the evening of 30 Nike Dunk SB, the Democratic Party is currently the party's first deputy Naoto Kan, or Katsuya Okada, Nike Dunk secretary general of a person or Nike Dunk High could become a Cabinet Secretary-General Hatoyama Cabinet. Kyodo News analysis, to convene Nike Dunk Low a special session of Congress in mid-period, Nike Air Max Hatoyama likely to September 14 was elected the new Prime Minister in Parliament, the new Air Max Shoes cabinet may be issued on September 18. Hatoyama 31, evening at a press conference to Air Max 90 formally announced the creation of national strategies Bureau of news.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Alternet Comments:

Comments are closed-

A Little Knowledge...
Posted by: artie on Aug 15, 2009 1:40 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Those who oppose President Obama's plan may see Dobbs' case as demonstrating that proverbial truth: a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. However, perhaps, albeit, hope against hope, they will learn that a little knowledge can also bring you one step closer to the truth.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: A Little Knowledge... Posted by: photon's feather
» Just so I understand? Posted by: foreverhope
» RE: Just so I understand? Posted by: peacefullaim1
» RE: A Little Knowledge... Posted by: aichbe
» But will he report what he found? Posted by: karinkdf82

Comments are closed-

It Has Worked Here And There.
Posted by: melpol on Aug 15, 2009 1:45 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Ask any American, Englishman, or Japanese citizen if they would give up their government sponsored plan and exchange it for a private insurer and the answer will always be NO. Lou Dobbs found it to be true in his tour of other nations. My experience with Medicare is good. My major complaint is that they do not cover dental care. I do that out of my savings.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Caesar777
Posted by: Caesar77 on Aug 15, 2009 4:11 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Lou Dobbs like many of his peers, especially those on Faux News are liars.
Of course Dobbs knows he's a liar, CNN knows he's a liar.
Unfortunately that's the garbage that passes as TV journalism, and commendatory, in America today.
Black propaganda is alive and well on most of the major TV networks as well.
How sad.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Caesar777 Posted by: Quannah
» Exactly Posted by: deepseas

Comments are closed-

OMG golly gee whillikers!
Posted by: hagwind on Aug 15, 2009 5:13 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Empirical evidence trumps ideology!

Dobbs must have caught a virus. Big Pharma better get to it and come up with a cure and a vaccination for it, because if it spreads, especially among journalists, the ruling class is in B-I-G trouble.

Love the headline, btw. Plenty of AlterNet headlines are misleading or sensationalistic, but this article lived up to its headline.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: OMG golly gee whillikers! Posted by: Sister_Lauren
» RE: OMG golly gee whillikers! Posted by: photon's feather
» RE: OMG golly gee whillikers! Posted by: foreverhope
» RE: OMG golly gee whillikers! Posted by: foreverhope

Comments are closed-

"Life Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness"
Posted by: Purple Girl on Aug 15, 2009 5:26 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
What typifies, and guarantees, this credo better than Healthcare for all. What denies this 'inalienable right' more than a For profit healthcare system?
Our Founders Exuded Empathy, mandated it in our Declaration of Independence, Our Constitution and Bill of Rights....Yet Repugs have not only rejected Empathy, they have vilified it.
Which party has tried to derail and defund Medicare, medicaid and Social Security since their inceptions?
By the Way- Which Religion was founded also on the virtues of Empathy and Charity? Anyone??
To be a Religious Right Neo Con is not only oxymoronic, it's treasonous and heretical.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Dobbering, oh the fool
Posted by: Sister_Lauren on Aug 15, 2009 5:37 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Dobbs kept on: "But the argument is, as you know, Doctor, that with government-run healthcare that there would be great intrusion by the government..."

Now that's what I call dobbering! More willful than mere doddering, Lou's habit of hearing only what he wants to hear, while clinging to factoids that have been proven wrong and getting offended when others question these falsehoods, deserves an eponymous word all its own.


Oh that is so perfect! I wholeheartedly agree.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Credentials for Pundits
Posted by: freshlemon on Aug 15, 2009 5:44 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There are many of these self-aggrandizing media mouths whose opinions and observations are about as useful and true as the middle ages myth of a flat earth. So what are their credentials and why are they so self-righteous?

These people do not deal in facts, they deal in opinions. They are not purveyors of the news, they are agitators of the dark side of mankind. They are often called on lies and distortions of facts,and their contradictory opinions are laughable to anyone who has witnessed them in action. Yet there they are...spouting on and on...creating tension and stress...interfering with both personal and national problems...feeding hate and anger.

Who are they? Where do they get the authority to preach their opinions and spur on so many dangerous situations such as the recent drive to turn town hall meetings into potential battlegrounds?

This country has too many real problems that need to be solved for any of us to tolerate their ignorance. Where are their contributions to solving problems? They are definitely not providing solutions and continue to foment the worst elements of our society into expressing their psychopathy with violence and murder. (The death of Dr. Tiller should have put an end to Bill O'Reilly's career of hate-mongering. Why didn't it?)

Sick minds are encouraging a sick culture. Their words drip with malevolent intent and their eyes shine with glee when the result of those words is chaotic and evil behavior by their followers.

These people are America's "Death Panel".

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Credentials for Pundits Posted by: nan6265
» How do they "get away with it"? Posted by: Steven Wanzell
» RE: Credentials for Pundits Posted by: aichbe
» RE: Credentials for Pundits Posted by: Namaimo
» RE: Credentials for Pundits Posted by: freshlemon

Comments are closed-

Obamacare is not the same as single payer. At least Dobbs has the brains to figure that one out.
Posted by: maxpayne on Aug 15, 2009 5:51 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
And once again, the so-called "Left" continues to allow the issue of race and birthers to distract the public from the real issues such as health care. If Obama and Congress had the fucking balls and brains to put HR 676 and SB 703 on the table instead of HR 3200 and whatever its Senate equivalent is, then conservatives would find it harder to actually poke holes in the bill. But this won't get through to you fucking losers out there until the Democrats get SMASHED and GO DOWN IN FLAMES in 2010 and 2012 and it will happen thanks to Obama and Congress out-GOPing the GOP. I'm no fan of Dobbs but even he isn't a fucking fool to progandize HR3200 unlike some on this site and you know who you are. And then you wonder why gun sales go up and more people are even angrier at the Obama administration ! If you wanna call us "racists" for opposing Obamacare, suit your fucking selves. The truth will come out and continue to march on about the fraud that the current health care "reform" bill being planned is all about. Other countries including Canada will continue to have plenty of fucking field days laughing their asses off at the USA for having a completely fucked up health care system. No wonder GOD IS CONTINUING TO SEVERELY PUNISH AMERICA TO ETERNAL DAMNATION !!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» agree,mostly Posted by: Drclaw
» big talk..any action? Posted by: Drclaw
» You got me there but Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
» Max, You're a Payne, but... Posted by: Steven Wanzell

Comments are closed-

Where have you been, Lou?
Posted by: TRC109 on Aug 15, 2009 6:52 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Dobb's acts like these others systems are revealations. I suppose they are given the manufactured ignorance prevailant in our country thanks to the corporate media. Perhaps Lou will have a spokesman from Physicians for a National Health Plan on. They have looked at other systems and crafted what they think is the best system for our country. The link is: http://www.pnhp.org/
TRC

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Medicare
Posted by: freshlemon on Aug 15, 2009 6:59 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think that all those who so vehemently oppose government administrated health care should turn in their medicare cards and get private insurance. Better still: Have a medicare card burning at the next town hall meeting or tea party.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Lou Dobbs and his "peraly whites"....
Posted by: Bozwell on Aug 15, 2009 7:39 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Uh, the mention of Dobbsies "peraly whites"...think they are implants--remember when he was off for a stretch ? He came back and had great diffiulty in "enunciating", seemed yet uncomfortable with his new dentures !!! (honest, take closer look at befor and after , had notied earlier his teeth in poor shape/brown/etc...vid clips surely abound and as for hs demeanor/attitude, he is in need of a transplant for that as well, thinking perhaps his after id-life crisis or male menopause showing...he really hast lost it and his credibilty is rather shot with his various onerous obsessions that ignore FACTS which can and ARE fact checkables/fact checked !!!! Too many glaring misapplicatons, perhaps wants a larger share of te radio ranters' pies !! )

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Dobbs is easy to understand...
Posted by: leafsong1 on Aug 15, 2009 7:43 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...you just have to realize that he is a crook, a professional liar, a propagandist, a first-class, high-priced, throat whore for the plutocracy. Of course his viewpoint doesn't make sense; why should it? It isn't actually a viewpoint; it is a web of well-financed lies, duh!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» So true! Posted by: Steven Wanzell

Comments are closed-

BA
Posted by: mnstra on Aug 15, 2009 8:02 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I dont see many progressives speaking about what Lou is describing. Seems that progressives are quiet at these meetings............

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: BA Posted by: arthur_ide
» RE: BA Posted by: orwellturns

Comments are closed-

Nothing new here
Posted by: wtfo on Aug 15, 2009 8:30 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
that Lou could not have learned by simply watching Frontline's "Sick Around The World" - filmed in early 2008...

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

I like Lou Dobbs--sort of, but I disagree with him most of
Posted by: Fempatriot on Aug 15, 2009 8:34 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
the time. (I think he voted for McCain. He has never liked Barack Obama.)

He has done a good job of showing us how universal health care is working or not working all over western Europe, Canada, and Australia. And I must say it works better than this dog-eat-dog capitalistic crap that we have to put up with.

And while I'm on my soap box--Medicare is sort of socialistic--but it is NOT FREE. I pay around $55 or $60 a month for Part B of Medicare--and I am also liable for 20% of my total bill. Fortunately I'm a military widow and Tricare for Life picks up that tab, or else I would be in a wheelchair, in constant pain. I had a hip replacement last year, and it cost around $60,000 (or more.) If I had had to pay that 20%, I'd have had to take out a mortgage on my house for $12,000 that I would have been paying on for the rest of my life and then my 2 children would have had to pay. I don't even get $900 a month Social Security. If my son didn't live with me and work at part time jobs and contributes (he suffers from Blue Baby Syndrome)--I'd be in a real financial pickle--would have had to sell my home to pay off my debt and move into public housing and probably apply for food stamps and Medicaid.

People don't realize just how much you may need socialized medicine till Grandma needs a pricey operation and can't get it because she has no money. As for drugs--I couldn't afford to buy the medications I have to take for high b.p. and high cholesterol. (Tricare helps) Without Medicare and Tricare, I'd be dead by now and no longer a burden to anybody, I guess.

I'm for universal health care for all. We should learn to be a more caring society.

As for Lou Dobbs--I write him an angry email nearly every week, sometimes more often. But sometimes I praise him.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

I don't trust Dobbs even when he's correct (he's always right)
Posted by: Outspokengrandmother on Aug 15, 2009 8:40 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Lou Dobbs like Rush is a unpleasant man - a man I wouldn't want to hang out with - wouldn't enjoy sitting next to at a dinner party - a man I wouldn't watch on Television. So he's been sent to the woodshed. He's still nasty ... hopefully he'll do some good before he returns to character. And I still won't watch CNN as long as he's on it.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

I moved to New Zealand from the US seven years ago and I've been impressed with the medical care.
Posted by: eviltwit on Aug 15, 2009 9:11 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
(I have IBS, asthma and bad allergies.)

In New Zealand, under socialized care:

*Severe asthma attack on my birthday three years ago - emergency room - FREE
*Trigger finger surgery - FREE (no scar, someone's job was to talk to me during it so i wouldn't peek past the little curtain ...- lol - and a nurse called over the next two days and then a week later to make sure things were healing)
*blood tests - FREE
*i've never waited longer than two days for an appt. with my GP, who is wonderful - and i got to pick the med center i went to and my doctor
*My husband had to do physical therapy for his neck and shoulder - FREE
*if you want to skip lines for things, you can pay extra for private insurance, but even with my IBS and asthma and allergies and stuff, I've never felt the need to
*my meds are far from astronomical in price
*no one goes without medical care
*sure there are issues, but it's got to be better than what Americans have got now

Lou Dobbs looking for the "truth"? Count me aghast, but still NOT a fan.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Quality of Medical Care in New Zealand Posted by: photon's feather
» :) Posted by: eviltwit
» Sorry... Posted by: photon's feather
» Couldn't be any greener! Posted by: foreverhope
» Why the travel in past tense? Posted by: eviltwit
» RE: Why the travel in past tense? Posted by: foreverhope
» I would love to visit Ireland. Posted by: eviltwit
» lol! Posted by: eviltwit
» gorgeous Posted by: eviltwit
» RE: gorgeous Posted by: photon's feather
» RE: lol! Posted by: photon's feather
» RE: hate tropical weather myself - lol! Posted by: photon's feather
» Speak for yourself Posted by: photon's feather
» If I had a million dollars! Posted by: foreverhope
» Mordred Posted by: foreverhope
» Damn Limousine Liberals ! Posted by: John More.
» Still no real replies, 'foreverhope'? Posted by: photon's feather
» RE: Oh, no worries on that score... Posted by: photon's feather

Comments are closed-

Born in Iowa I know Chuck Grassley (R-IA, US Senate)
Posted by: arthur_ide on Aug 15, 2009 9:31 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
and his family. Like his grandson (now running for granddad's old seat in the Iowa legislature), Chuck distorts facts to feed his well-heeled donors the words they want to digest. I grew up in Blackhawk County (next to Chuck's Breemer County) and we both went to University of Northern Iowa. He has had a cushy job (has never really had a challenger--only strawmen) in his life from the Iowa legislature to the US Senate, while I worked--and while his age has no bearing on his future, my worklife stopped at 58 (I was too old) and since then never had health care, could not afford Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, Iowa ($3000 a night just for a room) so left even while having another mild heart attack. Tired of W Bush and Chuck, I moved to Peru--where medicine is less than 8% of what it costs in the USA (it is government subsidized) but here the medical profession is among the very rich--and it requires an 8 hour wait in long gueues to get an appointment to see a generalist, another 8 hours to see a specialist, and if emergency care is required it takes at least 4 hours to see any doctor as the "waiting room" is packed with no less than 80 people waiting for emergency care--in a nation that prides itself on not interfering with the free enterprise of the medical profession. Living on $1000 a month social security I could not afford to move to Denmark, UK, Canada, etc where there is socialized medicine and be treated more quickly, and I have given up most medications (especially dicyclomine as it is not here as colitis is preceived by the "medical doctors" as being diahrrea, which it is not), so I suffer in agony and find it absurd that people are worried about socialized medicine when medicare and medicaid are both 100% funded by the US government. Maybe those who are against the Obama health care plan should stand up and shout loudly for all medicaid and medicare payments be stopped immediately as a start to end socialism in the USA. Then stop all social security payments, especially to children orphaned when a military parent is killed in battle, to those with catastrophic illnesses, and especially stop social security payments to all seniors who have jumped on the Palin bandwagon--for death panels are not in the bill (which is available online). I do not worry, for without my medications I am told (after a 16 hour wait) I only have a few more months to live, as here the free-market principle for health care is in full force. That is why in Peru children are dying daily in Cusco (too cold, not enough blankets, etc) and malnutrition is common even though food is cheap.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Market/Madness adjustment
Posted by: Steven Wanzell on Aug 15, 2009 9:58 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think that's what we're seeing here. The many cracks in what has become the pseudo-news on tv, are really beginning to show. Certainly, to moderates. Even to some conservatives. (Perhaps, the Grand Canyon to many readers here.) Dobbs is one of those cracks, widened further by these aimless crazies rallied by the (finally!) near-naked corporate interests.

Tv is ALL about the ratings. These are their stock price - and it can slip or spike in an instant, on that 24-hr. cycle.

On a more personal note regarding this particular nutjob, it's quite clear that he's got a serious personality disorder. Those who know him well have grumbled about it for years. The two Lou Dobbs. Heckle and Jeckle. Let's hope America's generally shabby treatment of the mentally ill actually serves a purpose here, relegating him to somewhat lesser pretenses at "news programs".

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Hadashito
Posted by: hadashito on Aug 15, 2009 10:10 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Dobbs has voiced so much stupid, unfounded, and inflammatory crap, that even if he has awakened to a few truths, CNN should fire him anyway. He belongs at Fox News; maybe replace Glenn Beck when no sponsor will have anything to do with him..

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

www.shoes-base.com
Posted by: daihao6 on Aug 15, 2009 10:20 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
haha

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

This comment has been removed from the site due to non-compliance with AlterNet's community policies.
» Brilliant! Absolutely Brilliant! Posted by: Steven Wanzell

Comments are closed-

Pundits like Lou Dobbs
Posted by: Archie1954 on Aug 15, 2009 10:55 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
remind me of the old addage "In a democracy you get the government you deserve", paraphrase that to "if the people are too stupid to know what's good for them then too bad".

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Quit pretending...
Posted by: james108 on Aug 15, 2009 11:11 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
... Obama's health plan is single payer.

It's a corporate spin on fascist control. If we really had any choice at all, they would at least openly discuss and scorecard real single payer, instead of trying to pull this fast one.

Sometimes, when you are fighting a common fascist enemy, right wingers are more your friend than the democrats right now.

We're stifling single payer testimony from the discussion. This is a stupid trick and I hope we're not this stupid.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Quit pretending... Posted by: usedtobesupermom
» RE: Quit pretending... Posted by: wonkywriter
» Brush up on government? Posted by: LaughingModerateIndependent
» RE: Quit pretending... Posted by: karinkdf82

Comments are closed-

Why can't I copy and paste stories anymore?
Posted by: wonkywriter on Aug 15, 2009 11:12 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Beginning this past Friday, I noticed that I was no longer able to hit "print", "cntrl A", and "paste" to insert Alternet stories into an email. (Note: it seems that it is still possible to do this with SOME stories.) Is this a strategy to reduce unwanted copying?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Oh that wicked government interference....
Posted by: sailor50 on Aug 15, 2009 11:12 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There was a lady on TV this morning saying how afraid she was of the government getting access to our banking accounts. Oh, wow, another not too bright gal. Those of us who have automatic deposits from Social Security dearly love it. I was not too happy, however, 30 years ago when the IRS took money from my savings without any forewarning.

And so the evil government also provides our military protection, the money in our wallets, the interstate highway system, the WIC program, etc etc etc etc. I just love those nutty conservatives who claim the government cannot to anything well. It does many things well and needs to constantly tweak its programs to make them better.

It's up to the people to vote in the right people at all levels. If the voters are going to be stupid enough to prefer the now evil Republicans, they will get the government that we don't deserve.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» Isn't it funny... Posted by: photon's feather

Comments are closed-

Lou Dobbs
Posted by: usedtobesupermom on Aug 15, 2009 11:58 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm disappointed with Lou. In the past has spoken the TRUTH about the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs & the "War On the Middle Class"! These jobs PAID VERY WELL & MOST HAD BENEFITS! WAGES HAVE FALLEN SINCE 1986 UP TO 50%! In the meat packing industry- one of the most DANGEROUS JOBS there is- USED TO PAY $16.00-$19.00 AN HOUR PLUS BENEFITS! IT NOW PAYS $8.00-$10.OO AN HR. WITH NO BENEFITS! Mostly undocumented immigrants NOW do this work. I had friends that used to do this work & were REPLACED with illegals when they refused to cut their pay by at least 40%!
Now OUR GOVERNMENT is STILL BRINGING INTO the country 138,000 EACH MONTH JUST ON THE H-1B VISA PROGRAM! THAT'S WHAT THE BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE, THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & MICROSOFT'S BILL GATES WANTS! IN FACT GATES WENT BEFORE CONGRESS SAYING THAT HE WANTED AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF H-1B VISAS BECAUSE HE "COULDN'T FIND ANY QUALIFIED AMERICANS TO WORK IN HIS COMPANY"! 2 weeks before he announced 5000 would be laid off in the U.S. at Microsoft, he asked Congress AGAIN for an unlimited # of H-1B Visas!
In this Country we graduate MORE than 200,000 a year with advanced degrees- but even with a Masters Degree in science- going into R&D (research & development) ONLY PAYS $35,000-$40,000 a year with the ages being 27-38 yrs. old! That's NOT STARTING PAY! This is FROM THE GOVERNMENT!
Also in construction, which has ALWAYS had ups & downs for many reasons including weather, HAS NEVER BEEN A JOB AMERICANS WON'T DO! They even had benefits. My friends in construction that I learned from on how to do some plumbing, electrical, painting, wall repair, & other "handyman"-I mean "handywoman" said they HAD TO COMPETE WITH CHEAP ILLEGAL WORKERS & CUT their pay IF they WANTED TO KEEP their jobs! Back in the late '70's & 1980's they were making $200 a day! Now or rather before the housing bubble burst it was less than $20 an hr. 2 other friends I had in the 1990's made $27.00 hr. & up as painters. Last I heard from 1 of them is they don't get paid as much as before.
Lou Dobbs didn't say that comment about leprosy the way it was stated in the article either. Get a transcript from the show. The info was from whatever government agency that keeps track of diseases publishes.
Believe it or not Lou said that Bush should be IMPEACHED! That was during his last year as President.
I don't like how his response & discussions have been regarding the "birthers" or healthcare reform- or on the stimulus, but he was RIGHT CRITIZING THE BAILOUTOF WALL ST.!

I know I'll probably get criticized for my comment. It's the truth, just like what I said would happen to the economy, Wall St.,housing bubble & American workers because of outsourcing, foreign workers, trade, deregulation, etc., starting more than 10 years ago! Nobody believed me except my sister & my kids (when they were in high school). In fact my youngest before he graduated told me; "mom with all the things you've always talked about regarding the economy, Wall St. ..... . In Sept. this year,('08) by the last week of the month, Wall St. will have already started it's crash."
Lou was WRONG to carry on with the birthers, Gate's arrest & the way he said that those (idiot morons)(my words) people screaming & interrupting/preventing the town hall meetings, are just exercising their rights.

On other stuff he has been right. Including the effect that illegal immigration has on taxpayers & American workers' wages. If there actually was a 'labor shortage' wages would be going up,up,up, not down! It's NOT ROCKET SCIENCE! I'm not racist either, as I'm of Italian/Mexican descent. Illegals hurt ALL THOSE who work in lower wage jobs & also those businesses that play by the rules.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Lou Dobbs Posted by: aichbe
» RE: Several things.... Posted by: Mycos

Comments are closed-

It's the information, stupid
Posted by: Jeanne on Aug 15, 2009 12:49 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's up to the viewer to sift through the bloviator's program and extract what is fact and what is bloviation. Dobbs seems a very weak source for accurate information, and I'd only incorporate information from him if it corroborates other sources. So much of what he's said is BS, that my tendency is to dismiss anything coming from him as unreliable, at best.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» SO WE'RE STUPID! Posted by: foreverhope

Comments are closed-

OMG! Give us a break!!!
Posted by: Blacktiger1 on Aug 15, 2009 1:50 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Here in Canada, working folk have either single payer or group health, Blue Cross, White Cross, whatever. So if you are healthy, live healthy fine. Should you get run down in the crosswalk, not to worry you will be cared for. The same goes for the homeless person!!! Unions are based on the fact their member have decent plans, otherwise they are walking the line until their wants are agreed upon. Canadian Starbucks and Wal-Mart employees don't have that security, BUT they can for a small monthly/yearly sum use "single payer" system. The same goes for waiters/waitresses. That's what your 15% tips go into, as these jobs pay flat wages and tips are expected to cover the extras[so the employers expect].
Anyway if you stay healthy and you do not drain the system, then the "social system" takes care of the bottom rung of the human folk who are considered homeless etc.
At present, because of the economy, which is the "Present" from those slaggards of Financial Wizards we will suffer from deductions at the level of "elective surgery" but emergency care WILL carry on.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Inside Lou Dobbs:
Posted by: Gaubladt on Aug 15, 2009 4:09 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
In the mind of Lou Dobbs, there is no conflict between hating socialism and acknowledging it's success.
After the Congressional Corporate Complex has destroyed the Obama plan, they will introduce health insurance tax vouchers, to be paid for with revenue from a national sales taxes.
They are already beginning to promote this.
A sales tax is regressive; they love it.
The vouchers will drive up premiums, reaffirming their premise that government intervention is always bad. Corporate patrons will shower their congressmen with golden parachutes, and all will be well here in Camelot.
This is what will happen unless people unite behind Obama and his public option. I must confess that a public option, funded by a modest tax on millionaires, is in my direct personal interest.
Obama has shown that he has our interests at heart. It is time for us to come to his aid.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Narrow views and short memories . . . .
Posted by: newsound on Aug 15, 2009 9:06 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Didn't Michael Moore tell everyone these same "revelations" 2 years ago? Or did I dream that? What is it with Americans? (that includes you too, Obama) They have completely abandoned an educated opinion . . . instead they just pick a side and start fighting. We in the more civilized countries (the ones with single-payer healthcare) are laughing at you.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» um... Posted by: eviltwit
» RE: um... Posted by: maxpayne

Comments are closed-

Lou Dobbs busts both liberals and conservatives.
Posted by: John More. on Aug 16, 2009 9:09 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
And that's what the Lou Dobbs bashers just can't handle. Lou Dobbs could come up with a better health care plan than Obama or Congress any day.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» blindly supporting nothing Posted by: james108

Comments are closed-

Another thing I don't want to hear!
Posted by: foreverhope on Aug 16, 2009 9:31 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Back room meetings in dark rooms! How terrifying!

Do they think our elected representatives are supposed to meet on the White House lawn to do their JOBS? WTF!

Do they have a single clue what it takes to create legislation? Have they heard of School House Rock?

I am sick sick sick of that ploy!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

"moran"
Posted by: astralman on Aug 16, 2009 11:27 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Lou Dobbs is a moron. If you read one book about any of the various topics he blathers on about you will have a more profound insight than he does.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Propaganda for Tort Reform
Posted by: Jim Shaw on Aug 16, 2009 4:36 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Nice that Dobb's segment had something positive to say about a single-payer program.

What's not so nice is that it implied that the big advantage is that frivolous lawsuits are limited.

Of course, there are many problems with our healthcare system in this country, however, frivolous lawsuits isn't one of them. When researchers have looked into the malpractice situation, they have concluded that preventable medical errors are the problem, not ambulance chasers.

From the Canadian Medical Association Journal:
"Evidence that medical malpractice in the US greatly exceeds malpractice lawsuits has been available since 1974, when California's medical and hospital associations sponsored a study intended to buttress their efforts to get lawmakers to pass tort reform. Instead, it found that doctors and hospitals negligently injured 0.8% of hospital patients (Mills DH, editor. Report on the Medical Insurance Feasibility Study. Sacramento: California Medical Association and California Hospital Association; 1977). A later analysis of the data found that, at most, only 1 in 75 of those injured were compensated (Danzon, Patricia A. Medical Malpractice: Theory, evidence and public policy. Cambridge: Harvard University Press; 1985).

Recent research has confirmed that malpractice is rampant and few medical errors result in legal claims. In 1990, Harvard researchers examined more than 30 000 randomly selected records from New York hospitals. They concluded that 1% of patients were negligently injured, while only 4% of those who were injured, sued (Patients, doctors and lawyers: Medical injury, malpractice litigation, and patient compensation in New York. Cambridge: Harvard University Press; 1990)."

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Former Texan from Idaho was fired from CNN once.
Posted by: Dickinseattl on Aug 16, 2009 6:12 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This guy is a bully and hardly the populist or independent he tries to palm himself off as. Though he is as reactionary as most any other Republican, he tries to get more exceptance hiding behind the populist image. This guy is about as much a populist as the rascist Father Coughlin was. Just another self-serving reactionary. We would all be better off if the so called liberal Ted Turner hadn't hired him back. Don't they already have enough conservative reactinaries?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Get your Dobbs biography! Extra! Extra! Get your Dobbs right here!
Posted by: Quannah on Aug 16, 2009 9:26 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
For your entertainment pleasure, I give you THE REAL Lou Dobbs!

;-)

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE... YOU LOSE!
Posted by: Wilde on Aug 16, 2009 9:47 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
From a Canadian perspective, I can tell you unequivocally that it doesn't matter whether you remain under the existing health-care paradigm or establish a universal program.

Canada has been under a government operated universal health care system [read: sick care management system] for some forty years. Initially it worked to the advantage of the general populace, but in the last decade has deteriorated to the point of collapse.

Billions are thrown into health care every year yet patient care becomes progressively worse. Surgical wait times are often over a year with some hospitals down-sizing or closing their doors altogether. Pregnant mothers have even been turned away in some cases due to over-crowding. Super-germs now proliferate facilities that were meant to heal the sick.

The system has become so maligned that ironically, the public is willing to accept any alternative, including a privatized one that the majority of US citizens can't wait to unload. Maybe we should just swap systems and be done with it.

Though our government would have us believe otherwise, it's always been a two-tiered system with those who have the money or status moving to the front of the queue.

The biggest downfall with this type of health ideology is that it's predicated on drugs, surgery and invasive preventative measures such as radiation and vaccination.

The prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA, July 2000) reported that doctors were the 3rd leading cause of death in the US with over 200,000 deaths largely due to prescribed drugs, failed surgeries and misdiagnoses. Those alarming statistics, of which are only the reported numbers, have surely increased since that time and certainly won't abate with a reformed system.

As much as the information is suppressed, people do get well from far less invasive and costly alternative, holistic and naturopathic treatments and therapies. Of course, conventional care is essential when it relates to crisis situations like heart attacks, mending broken bones and torn flesh, but as far as degenerative and infectious disease are concerned, allopathy has been a disaster. This is what should be discussed in town hall meetings instead of the ineffectual left/right name calling.

The medical industry says we're living longer and healthier through science, but the fact is that the new generation will not outlive its predecessor. Other factors, including an aging population, unhealthy lifestyle choices, gmo and junk foods, squandered research funding and escalating disease rates, will insure that whatever the Obama health care proposal promises to offer, it will surely fail to deliver.

Correspondingly, it doesn't matter whether the present day government is Liberal, Conservative, Democrat or Republican. The truth is that opposition parties only appear to pit themselves against the reigning government, but in reality they actually support one another in their quest for power. So for them it's a win-win situation, while for the majority of US citizens, it will always be a losing proposition. It's the old "divide and conquer" ploy that has obviously been very effective in this issue.

Better to cease with the in-fighting and accept the inevitable. Do your research and become your own doctor. Your odds of becoming a medical statistic will be far less than if you place your health in the hands of a private or public health "authority".

#1 NATURAL HEALTH WEB SITE

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Tom Mxxx
Posted by: Tom Mxxx on Aug 17, 2009 8:20 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Wow so Lou Dobbs is telling us something we do not know..imagine that. We need to listen to all esplecially those we do not agree with. By the way what part of the Constitution says the Federal Government has the right to national run health care? Is it an enumerated power?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Tom Mxxx Posted by: Mrs. Jefferson
» RE: Tom Mxxx Posted by: Tom Mxxx

Comments are closed-

Too LEFT WING for forwarding!
Posted by: MTguy on Aug 17, 2009 8:39 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Dang it! This is an excellent rebuttal to all my Conservative friends who have been criticizing health care reform specifically the public option. This piece makes some excellent points but it's written in such a polarized fashion, it seems pretty extremist to me.

As for the subject of the article, the number don't lie. Our current health care system does not perform well and it's unsustainable in its current form. PLUS it does not result in good health for the citizens, and isn't that what health care is supposed to do in the first place?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

hr
Posted by: itouch backup on Aug 17, 2009 9:09 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
M2TS Converter

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

McCarthyism worked!
Posted by: davidg on Aug 17, 2009 9:17 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
As I watch the vehement and histrionic debate with town hall disrupters and TV right wing pundits, I can't help thinking that McCarthyism was very successful; it simply became a fundamental of the subtext. When people are screaming govenment invasiveness for mere sharing of infrastructure and Stalinism for sharing, I realize that the middle and working class right wing nuts (mostly faux-Christians) who are shooting themselves in the foot for corporate profits against their own better interests have been so propaganized beyond reason that enlightenment is almost beyond reach. Senator Joe, uber alles.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

What took him so long?
Posted by: SicfkOfBush on Aug 17, 2009 3:59 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It seems that someone, with all the sources of information that Dobbs and others in the media have, should have been aware of all this without a tour of Europe. Where have they been? Most of us have known this for months if not years. It appears that somewhere in the system blinders are set to block information. Maybe they aren't getting out of the office after-hours. Isn't the media supposed to inform us rather than us informing the media?

The Cronkite types are totally gone from broadcasting. Of course, then the corporations weren't totally in control of the media, as is the case now, imposing their the politics on every voice. We have all heard of how the Beltway blocks all outside information from getting to Congress. But, these Dobbs types shouldn't have any problem with that barrier.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

THE PERFECT SOLUTION!
Posted by: Wilde on Aug 17, 2009 4:55 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The Perfect Solution To Senior Health Care.

While discussing the upcoming Universal Health Care Program with my friend the other day, I think we have found the solution. I'm sure you've heard the ideas that if you're a senior you need to suck it up and give up the idea that you need any health care.

A new hip? Unheard of. We simply can't afford to take care of you anymore. You don't need any medications for your high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, etc. Let's take care of the young people. After all, they will be ruling the world very soon.

So here is the solution. When you turn 70, you get a gun and 4 bullets. You are allowed to shoot 2 senators and 2 representatives.

Of course, you will be sent to prison where you will get 3 meals a day, a roof over your head and all the health care you need! New teeth, great! Need glasses, no problem. New hip, knee, kidney, lung, heart? Well bring it on.

And who will be paying for all of this? The same government that just told you that you are too old for health care. And, since you are a prisoner, you don't have to pay any income tax!

I really think we have found a Perfect Solution!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

NOW had a program about health care around the world
Posted by: Mrs. Jefferson on Aug 18, 2009 7:26 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Single Payer health care is not a new wheel around the world. NOW had a program about national health care around the world.

Lou Dobbs isn't the only truth teller to talk about it so get off his back.

Google it.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

responsible journalism
Posted by: BobPomeroy on Aug 19, 2009 2:58 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
the bloviators seem in no way accountable to truth, and have no experience at being responsible for their braying of opines. They steal integrity from the Cronkites, etc, by calling themselves journalists. Once it is established that they are spewing untruthes and fear, they should lose their journalistic protections, and their every word should be branded with a sort of surgeon general's warning. It would be best if this were not done by government, but by journalists themselves, protecting their lot from losing those credentials. It should be a swift and thorough repudiation in cases like 'death panel' etc. That sort of distillation and chemical inversion of the truth cannot be tolerated any more than shouting fire in a crowded theater. It is in fact the same thing.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Makes sense
Posted by: slinkyDomo on Aug 22, 2009 9:43 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Wow, that actually makes pretty good sense dude!

RT
http://www.anonymouse.net.tc

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

ms lulu
Posted by: nanster on Aug 22, 2009 10:30 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
you have insulted hamsters. tiny as their brain may be, they are malice-free, dobbs on the other hand......

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

See the Movie SICKO!
Posted by: teritenn on Aug 22, 2009 1:58 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Ya,know, Michael Moore was on to something with SICKO.

A couple of years ago I lost my health insurance in a divorce. Because of past medical conditions (H.B. pressure, back injury, complications in pregnancy, etc.) health insurance companies did not want me. If they did they excluded as pre-existing conditions all my past medical problems (they went back 15 years to look at all my doctor visits) and quoted me $300 a month for a $5000 deductable health insurance at 80/20 for a 45 yr. old currently healthy woman. Good luck paying for that one. I couldn't.

It is about time the USA spent money on its tax paying citizens and stop throwing away billions on the likes of Israel and other corrupt countries.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Duh!
Posted by: jmmartin on Aug 22, 2009 2:05 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Hell, all Lou had to do was rent the DVD of Michael Moore's Sicko to know that!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

DVD to Pockert PC
Posted by: boay on Aug 23, 2009 8:23 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
DVD to Pocket PC help you easily and fastly convert dvd movies to video/audio formats wmv, wma, mp3 Pocket PC supports which are compatible with your Pocket PC like HP iPAQ, Dell Pocket PC, General Pocket PC.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

.
Posted by: jtpatrick108 on Aug 27, 2009 5:45 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
1 of the easiest ways to extinguish the obesity problem in the United States would be to give individuals miracle berry so that disgusting healthy food will taste awesome. Since obesity is such a big problem, this could save money when it comes to health care. Ok I'm just joshing!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Lou Dobbs Tours Single-Payer Systems Abroad and Realizes, Holy Crap They're Good
Posted by: fredibach on Aug 29, 2009 1:18 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Play hardball. Take something everyone can agree on and piggyback a ban on corporate lobbyists and corporate contributions to political advertising as a whole ( including to NPOs )web hosting and then "negotiate" to where the insurance, pharmaceutical, and energy companies are the main ones left as banned.

That'll clear the field for a whole lot of needed reforms, and we can sell it to the average citizen by pointing out that these businesses should be sending the money from these donations to their stockholders and letting them decide whether or not to make donations search engine placement.

At the same time, put forth a bill that eliminates tax-exempt status for churches and have that revenue go towards health reform and public health programs. After all, the "I don't want to give money to someone else" argument doesn't work so well when you've already donated it voluntarily. It won't pay of all of the costs domain names, but it would lessen the imact on butget and needed taxes from other sources. Offer it as an alternative to the public option and I'm sure the average churchgoer would rather tax the rich than tax the churches.

Just some random ideas. I'm sure the Democrats who are really wanting to get reform legislation through could do better, but for crying out loud, they need to quit playing nice with the Republicans after the evil s*** we saw the Republican majority do for so long.

"If Mr. Obama wants to jettison the now-weakened public plan to dampen overheated opposition, he should say what he will insist on instead.

At a minimum, there should be very strict regulation of all insurers, on and off the exchange, to promote competition and fair prices and substantial subsidies to help low-income people buy insurance. If competition among private plans fail to hold down insurance costs web site design, there should be a provision to introduce a public plan.

We are frankly skeptical that any compromise will be enough to satisfy Republican opponents of health care reform. If the White House and Democratic leaders decide to go it alone, and they may well have to, they should restore a robust public plan. It is the best way to give Americans real choice."

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]


Comments are closed-

Nike Dunks
Posted by: mjx729 on Sep 1, 2009 11:07 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Japan's Kyodo News quoted the Nike Dunks Democratic Party, 31 members of the news reports, the Democratic Party executive committee meet in the evening of 30 Nike Dunk SB, the Democratic Party is currently the party's first deputy Naoto Kan, or Katsuya Okada, Nike Dunk secretary general of a person or Nike Dunk High could become a Cabinet Secretary-General Hatoyama Cabinet. Kyodo News analysis, to convene Nike Dunk Low a special session of Congress in mid-period, Nike Air Max Hatoyama likely to September 14 was elected the new Prime Minister in Parliament, the new Air Max Shoes cabinet may be issued on September 18. Hatoyama 31, evening at a press conference to Air Max 90 formally announced the creation of national strategies Bureau of news.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

 
Advertisement
From The Blog
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Most Read
Most Emailed
Most Discussed
On REDDIT
On DIGG
 
loading ...
POWERED BY DIGG'S USERS