Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE — The hotly contested health care debate sweeping the county is driving into Montrose today — literally.

Americans for Prosperity’s Patients First Bus will make a stop in Montrose and allow citizens to voice their concern and disapproval of a government-run health care system. The bus is slated to arrive in the vacant lot next to U.S. Bank, just off of Woodgate Road, at 4:15 p.m.

———

Advertisement

For the full story, see today's print edition. The online story may not reflect all relevant information that was reported. We encourage readers to obtain the full story by reading the print edition or our e-edition, To subscribe, call (970) 252-7081 or click on the subscription link on the main page.

Comments

Hammy wrote on Aug 16, 2009 7:35 AM:

" I realize that our health system needs some change in cost, but Gov't takeover is not the answer. "




Report Abuse

JWeee wrote on Aug 14, 2009 8:41 AM:

" Continued... Also, Obama's stimulus bill to date there is $200B available and $77.1 has been spent - that's 38.5%. The 38.5% is being spent on health, tax credits (don't republicans like these?), education, energy, infrastructure, etc. 8% of that being infrastructure. See recovery.gov. "




Report Abuse

JWeee wrote on Aug 14, 2009 8:31 AM:

" "fair-tax freak", No one was ever forced to lend to unqualified borrowers. What happened was a disconnect between the owners of the loans (mortgage backed securities) and the underwritters (Mort. Companies), and a lack of regulation. "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 13, 2009 4:47 PM:

" I guess you can say stimulus might be said to be “working” by making the Government fatter.

But is that what Americans really want in an economic recovery? Do we want an economy that ”recovers” with a bigger government workforce and a smaller private workforce? Do we want a ”recovery” where the government directs more of the nation’s investment and private businesses less of it? It certainly doesn’t sound like a prescription for long-term growth to me. "




Report Abuse

fair-tax freak wrote on Aug 13, 2009 4:28 PM:

" Jwee - Current mess? the dems have been in charge of congress for the past 3 years. the housing mess was caused by barney frank and chris dodd forcing banks to loan to unqualified people under the guise of compassion, the fed had such a loose money policy the interest rates were artifically low. Please name one economic policy of bush's that had a direct effect on the melt down. less than 10% of the stimulus money spent so far has been for infrastructure. Not a Bush fan, but you need to check your data. "




Report Abuse

JWeee wrote on Aug 13, 2009 4:03 PM:

" Ed, don't forget that approximately 1/2 of our current economic stimulus... $700B or so was put in place by Bush. Not to mention the current economic mess was all created while his administration was in power. Also, Bush's stimulus bill all went to banks, to get them lending... which they didn't. Much of Obama's stimulus is going to infrastructure which is currently working... just drive east of Delta for 1 example. "




Report Abuse

Ed wrote on Aug 13, 2009 7:20 AM:

" Lets get past all the little things and look at the big picture. Bush was criticized for being a spendthrift. Compared to Obama, bush was a miser. After the bailouts with thousands of pork projects, cash for clunkers, cap & trade, etc, we are in debt for generations yet to come. now many of you want to add trillions to that debt just so you can get something that everybody else pays for?? That is fiscal irresponsibility!!!! Obama and Congress are no better than a teenager with his first credit card--not realizing there is a day of reckoning! "




Report Abuse

tac wrote on Aug 12, 2009 7:36 PM:

" Everyone here should at least read the bill before spilling spew... h t t p : /docs.house.gov/edlabor/AAHCA-BillText-071409.pdf
Please do some research prior to making ill informed statements about how much protection we have under the Obama plan! "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 12, 2009 7:07 PM:

" Let's be factual.... Regardless whether you think it's a little thin it does NOT solely rely on the States it gives the States the right to individualize within certain parameters. It might not be your preference for healthcare reform but it can't be said that the Republicans haven't put forth any alternatives. "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 12, 2009 6:37 PM:

" Citizen.. You mean the very same drug companies that Obama cut a deal with so they would back Obamacare? "




Report Abuse

CITIZEN wrote on Aug 12, 2009 3:27 PM:

" Everybody knows that some of the most powerful lobbies in Washington are the AMA, insurance industry, drug companies, and trial lawyers. All the people clamoring for the status quo are falling right in lockstep with this group who represent only getting the rich richer. Something has to change. "




Report Abuse

just checking the facts wrote on Aug 12, 2009 2:39 PM:

" just the facts, you said "improve the fate of 46 Million who lack healthcare" first off they don't lack health care, they may lack insurance but that is not what you and the backers of this bill say. Second, of those 46 million over 15 million are illegal. Third, what percentage of the 31 million are under 35, that don't think they need insurance or would rather use their money for a house payment. So what we are really talking about is around 10 to 15 million And you want to destroy our system for 5% of the population? "




Report Abuse

heres some facts wrote on Aug 12, 2009 1:58 PM:

" to 'heres some facts, you are delusional in thinking anyone at the federal level of govt represents 'the people' thats the biggest crock on this page. 'beholden to us" ha! politicians answer only to the lobbyists who line their pockets with cash, LOLOLOLOLOL! your funny dude! "




Report Abuse

Lets be Factual wrote on Aug 12, 2009 10:26 AM:

" To Anti-PC...you do bring up a fair point that the Republican's did offer the Patients Free Choice act...The fact is, however, this act is very thin and relies on the states to actually take the action to improve healthcare...something not likely to happen and improve the fate of 46 Million who lack healthcare. The other point to note about the Patients Free Choice Act is that one of the reasons many don't know about it is it is not often referred to by Republicans when they express they are against the other health initiatives. "




Report Abuse

Against Bloviators wrote on Aug 11, 2009 9:59 PM:

" To Control Freak...man are you unreal...via the patriot act the government can listen in at their own discretion and without due cause on your phone calls, open your mail etc...and they have done so...often on innocent citizens who were not terrorists. I for one think we have a right to privacy...especially if we are not a danger or threat to the country. The Patriot Act ignores this. "




Report Abuse

Lets Be Factual wrote on Aug 11, 2009 9:55 PM:

" To Ashamed...let's get the Pelosi Quote correct...she claimed that people just yelling and screaming in order to impede actual conversation on healthcare were un-american not as your infer, that anyone with an opposing view was un-american. There is a big difference between the two statements. American's have a right to their own opinions not their own facts and not the right to impede dialogue on important issues. "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 11, 2009 9:54 PM:

" Citizen... Are you so sure that the Republicans have no proposal and are just ranting? I seem to remember that Senators Tom Coburn M.D.(R-OK) and Richard Burr (R-NC) along with U.S. Representatives Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Devin Nunes(R-CA) introduced the Patients Choice Act on May 20th. You might want to Google it and read it. But then again that doesn't fit your talking points does it? "




Report Abuse

Just-Sayin wrote on Aug 11, 2009 9:05 PM:

" I love it when people assume.

I'm not liberal. I'm not a Democrat. I don't EVER watch CNN. Definitely not a terrorist. Pelosi is an idiot. I have excellent health insurance.

I don't call someone who disagrees with me un-american. I think Palin started that crap. Oh yeah, before her it was Germany who used the rhetoric that anyone who disagreed with their group as "unpatroitic". Hilter had a great time with that phrase. Got a lot of mileage out of it. "




Report Abuse

LisaL wrote on Aug 11, 2009 5:29 PM:

" Oops! MDP, you should have worded it, "...citizens to voice their disapproval or approval..." Is no-one welcome to come out and say anything if they approve????? "




Report Abuse

Lee wrote on Aug 11, 2009 5:26 PM:

" I know someone who currently has insurance through her husband's employer. Today she point blank told me & some other ladies at coffee, "For those who don't have health coverage, all I can say is, Too Bad So Sad." She's a perfect example of too many American people today. Hard hearted & completely self absorbed. If her husband loses his job she'll sing a different tune. "




Report Abuse

citizen wrote on Aug 11, 2009 4:21 PM:

" Well, its obvious that medicine for profit for the rich is not working for the overall benefit of the majority of the country so where is the republican alternative proposal. Be quick to criticize, but have an option. We elected people to think about these problems not just rant against ideas. "




Report Abuse

Ashamed wrote on Aug 11, 2009 2:21 PM:

" To "Just Sayin", I am sure you screamed at the top of your liberal lungs about the Patriot Act, so why aren't you upset about the Obama takeover of the country? Dems are so hypocritical. I really loved the part where Pelosi said that people protesting and criticizing the health care un-plan were anti-American and would be ignored. Seems like I remember lots of liberals protesting Bush and criticizing his lack of attention. "




Report Abuse

control freak wrote on Aug 11, 2009 12:35 PM:

" the patriot act didn't take away any rights if you were not a terrorist. Man you have been listening to those nut cases on CNN for way too long. why don't you read the "Health care and Total control" bill for yourself an decide if you want to put your trust in our federal government. Remember that we might be under new management in 4 or 8 years, I don't trust them either. "




Report Abuse

Just_Sayin wrote on Aug 10, 2009 8:16 PM:

" (cont'd)

Third, if people are so concerned that a president might take over - why weren't you screaming when BushCheney took away almost every right to privacy you used to have?

Can you say "Patriot Act"? "




Report Abuse

Just_Sayin wrote on Aug 10, 2009 8:14 PM:

" First, I want to know why I got a robo call from "Prosperity" when I'm on the Do Not Call list? If I wanted to put up with more nutjobs, I'd have voted for McCain and his Alaskan Barbie.

Second, I want to know why people are being bussed into Montrose to protest.
I think the folks here are quite capable of protesting themselves if there is something they don't want. "




Report Abuse

Heres some facts wrote on Aug 10, 2009 11:30 AM:

" Some additional thoughts...since 1912 there have been efforts to get the whole country covered by healthcare...these have always been opposed by private health insurers...(Profit over full coverage). In 1993 during the last big push for healthcare reform the private insurers stated they would move towards coverage of everyone...I haven't seen any movement in these last 16 years on this front but have in health insurance costs which have more than doubled during this period. The health insurance industry has also made record profits. Do you really want to trust the private health insurance industry! "




Report Abuse

Heres some facts wrote on Aug 10, 2009 11:27 AM:

" more...To Larry...the question for the American People is who do you trust more on healthcare...Insurance providers who are private businesses driven by profit over care or the Government who has to get elected every 2, 4, or 6 years and thus is beholden to the peole that elect them? On this issue, profit shouldn't drive the outcome and I'm more trusting of the government to get a fair healthcare system than the private Insurance providers. With some issues...the free market is better...on this one the government is better. "




Report Abuse

Heres some facts wrote on Aug 10, 2009 11:23 AM:

" To Larry, Frankly I think your dillusional. I don't know from what basis your consipiracy theory of Obama taking over the country comes from. The healthcare effort whether you think the specific approach is the best one, is one to help all Americans have health insurance and to improve the care they have. This isn't a people control thing but rather a people support effort. "




Report Abuse

Control freak wrote on Aug 10, 2009 10:55 AM:

" If this bill was about Health Care it wouldn't need to be 1200 pages. This mess is about control, control of our lives on a scale never imagined. The government will have complete access to ALL your financial data, health records, mental health records, EVERYTHING that you hold personal. And you thought the Patriot act was a violation of you privacy. Where is the outrage? "




Report Abuse

JWeee wrote on Aug 10, 2009 10:46 AM:

" "Antipc", The President, I believe, was speaking to the folks who don't want any change to the current system. In which certain hospitals and insurance companies are making record profits at the public's expense... I for one don't blame him for that.
"Point Blank", The Senate, congress, etc, etc, are already on a public plan and currently have great insurance... so why change it? "




Report Abuse

Larry wrote on Aug 9, 2009 6:14 PM:

" Obama is not just talking health insurance here but in reality, by taking charge of health insurance he and the powers that be will be able to execise even more control over we the people and more of our personal freedoms will be lost incrementaly its all going to slip away,so for me its a trade off that I don't want> "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 9, 2009 5:32 PM:

" The subsidy that you speak of is true now but in no way is a sure thing. Max Baucus has proposed changing that and having taxes paid on that. They need to raise money for it somehow I guess. There is no money tree in Washington D.C. It eventually all comes from you and me through either higher taxes or higher costs passed on to us. There's no such thing as a free lunch it costs somebody somewhere something. "




Report Abuse

Lets Be Factual wrote on Aug 9, 2009 1:56 PM:

" to anit pc...I do see the 2.5% in the Senate Finance committee version...of course the various efforts from the 5 different committees in the House and Senate will need to be reconciled. It is estimated right now by the CBO that less than 8% of insurance will be purchased by individuals and that employers will cover or co-cover with employee subsidy most of the insurance. 8% is still a big number of people but I think if the affordability of the options are at the right price most will opt for the insurance over the penalty. "




Report Abuse

Lets be factual wrote on Aug 9, 2009 1:41 PM:

" more to anti pc...•Workers who get insurance through their employer receive a significant subsidy because the cost of that insurance is not treated as taxable earnings for the worker and thus avoids both income and payroll taxes. Only a distinct minority of would be better off if their employer stopped offering coverage. Therefore, CBO noted that “employer-offered coverage would be the best option for the workforce overall, even with the new insurance exchanges. Employers would also be better off offering insurance than not. "




Report Abuse

Lets Be Factual wrote on Aug 9, 2009 1:37 PM:

" To Anti PC...but when the requirment for auto insurance came out it greatly reduced those not purchasing insurance which was a good thig for all of our auto rates. On your 2.5%...which committee language did this come from Per the CBO report on the House Committee on Ways and Means version nearly 90 percent of workers would be employed by firms that would either have to offer qualified coverage and contribute a significant share toward the premium or pay a tax equal to 8 percent of their total payroll. . "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 8, 2009 9:01 PM:

" A tax penalty of 2.5% is still less than the 15% + of their income that most people pay. I'm not sure that it would be the wisest decision but I can see some people taking the lesser hit. Just like some people choose not to have car insurance and take the chance that they won't have an accident or get caught speeding and get a fine. "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 8, 2009 8:47 PM:

" Let's be factual. Yes I have read all the proposals and yes if you don't choose affordable insurance the Government will make you pay 2.5% of your income in tax penalties. Who decides what is affordable? Will affordability be a different amount depending on where you live? Will affordability be different depending on your situation in life? "




Report Abuse

interested in solutions wrote on Aug 8, 2009 7:50 PM:

" I just wish those attending the anti-health insurance reform would, instead of frightening everyone would simply roll up their sleeves and work with our elected officials to come up with a solution. Fear tactics are so counter-productive, what a waste of time. "




Report Abuse

familydoc wrote on Aug 8, 2009 6:31 PM:

" Americans for prosperity is a corporate front group that opposes any legislation that could impinge on big business’ profits. They opposed the indoor clean air laws that banned smoking in restaurants - does that sound like they put “patients first”? They are using misinformation and fear to rally citizens to their cause. (check www dot sourcewatch dot org)
Most Americans desire universal coverage, and a public option is the best way to cover the most people at the lowest cost.
Inform yourself and support the best choice for a stronger America - a HEALTHY America! "




Report Abuse

Ive got some Facts wrote on Aug 8, 2009 4:25 PM:

" To Unemployed Democrat...if you truly are unemployed you can thank the previous administration who let the inmates run the economic asylum for your lack of employment. It took 8 years for them to truly blow the lid on the economy...you might give Obama alittle more than 8 months to get it fixed. Signs are showing that the decline has slowed or stopped due to initial efforts. By next year you'll see unemployment start to decline again. Not all government is good but our government has a good military and medicare and medicaid have proven to be popular and effective programs. "




Report Abuse

Lets be Factual wrote on Aug 8, 2009 4:21 PM:

" to Anti-PC...yes but have you read any of he health care plans proposed...there are incentives and penalties considered for those not insured. As with auto insurance it is reasonable to impose penalties when the lack of auto ins causes increases in premiums for those who don't have it as lack of insurance by 47 Million Americans causes premium increases for individuals and businesses who are being responsible and purchasing health insurance. "




Report Abuse

I have some facts wrote on Aug 8, 2009 4:16 PM:

" Source The commonwealth Fund: Seventy-three percent who tried to buy insurance on their own in the last three years did not purchase a policy, primarily because premiums were too high. Among adults with individual coverage or who tried to buy coverage in the past three years, 57 percent said it was difficult or impossible to find coverage they could afford, 47 percent said it was very difficult or impossible to find a plan with the coverage they needed, and 36 percent were denied coverage or charged more because of a pre-existing condition, or had the condition excluded from their coverage. "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 8, 2009 3:59 PM:

" Hmmm... those percentages of uninsured motorists and those uninsured for healthcare seem awful close to being the same. My point was just because you make something mandatory doesn't mean everybody will choose to do it. "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 8, 2009 3:55 PM:

" A study by an insurance research group found that the economic downturn is prompting more cash-strapped people to risk driving without insurance. The prediction is that uninsured motorists nationwide will reach 16.1 percent by 2010.
Nearly 46 million Americans, or 18 percent of the population under the age of 65, were without health insurance in 2007, the latest government data available. "




Report Abuse

William H. Bramsky wrote on Aug 8, 2009 3:55 PM:

" I hope we can all agree that health reform is needed in this country. I don't want to see a government-run program, that's why more debate is needed. But the people yesturday were buying into the speaker like he was selling ice cream. This group is corporate funded. The conservatives are in trouble if they continue to judge, dismiss and belittle the actions and thoughts of other fellow americans. Every poll conducted speaks that a vast majority of americans want health care reform. The Police, fire, public library, schools, hospitals, medi-care are all government programs, even the military. "




Report Abuse

Unemployed Democrat wrote on Aug 8, 2009 3:42 PM:

" I personally like the way the DMV and the post office works. Slow lousy customer service. And the IRS employees are so helpful as well. I can't wait for Obama Care !! If the Messiah says it will work, I am in support of his plans. After all, the stimulus package is working just like he said it would !! Obama is hope and change I believe in !!
(Any employment for me out there?) "




Report Abuse

talk talk talk wrote on Aug 8, 2009 3:11 PM:

" you people seem to think your inane statements mean something, all you doing is blowing words into the wind, your congressman isnt going to listen, neither is your senator, they will do what they wish with or without your blessing, representative govt is gone and you gave it away! NOW you want to speak up? where were you all when it counted? none of the words below mean squat and the govt knows it, theres your free speech! I hope you all feel better, comrades "




Report Abuse

Bill wrote on Aug 8, 2009 2:59 PM:

" How is it a "debate," as the story calls it, when the sole purpose of the anti-reform people appears, at least to me, to be to shout down and shut off discussion?
Patients First? I think not, not at all.
They're against something but they have no clue what they're against. "




Report Abuse

Lets be Factual wrote on Aug 8, 2009 2:19 PM:

" To What...I emphathize with your plight...I too could very easily find myself in a position of not affording health insurance but this is exactly why meaningful dialogue and effort needs to be put into changing the present system. Most of the bills for this healthcare effort do have provisions for assistance for those who can't afford health insurance to get some federal aid with this. To me it is horrible that there are people like yourself who have to choose to go without healthcare because you can't afford it. "




Report Abuse

Lets Be Factual wrote on Aug 8, 2009 2:12 PM:

" To Anti-PC...the point on the car insurance health insurance comparison is that they are both fairness issues...ie...the reason people are forced to have car insurance is because too many didn't get it when it wasn't mandatory and we all who did get it paid higher rates to cover the costs for those who didn't purchase. The same is happening with health care. When someone uses the emergency room because they don't have health insurance the cost of their treatment gets passed on to those who've purchased insurance. "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 8, 2009 1:54 PM:

" In fiscal year 2004 Medicare denied over 158 million claims; approximately 5 million of those denied claims were appealed to the first level in the process; and about 113,000 denied claims were appealed to the third level of the process where administrative law judges (ALJs) hear and decide appeals, according the Government Accountability Office (GAO). “An appeal may consist of more than one denied claim,” notes GAO.

The Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA) reports that Medicare contractors process about 1 billion claims for payment annually, of which 10 percent are denied each year. "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 8, 2009 1:44 PM:

" Hellena Handbasket...
Federal investigators have found huge variations in the approval and denial of Medicare claims for the same services in different states. And they said there were no obvious reasons for the disparities. Ms. Samiljan said the Government gave Medicare carriers too much discretion to decide whether services were needed. The insurance company employees who review claims for the Government generally do not have the skills, the time or the medical documentatiom needed to make such decisions. It looks like people on Government healthcare get denied coverage as well as the government making healthcare decisions for you. "




Report Abuse

OH help me Rhonda wrote on Aug 8, 2009 11:55 AM:

" This type of thing makes me not want to call myself conservative anymore. Are we supposed to pay homage to big insurance forever because we're afraid of the government? There really is no room for moderates in this party. I'm with the dems on this one. We need help. "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 8, 2009 11:42 AM:

" Let's be factual... Everyone is forced to have car insurance that drives a car? That is true in theory but we all know that there are people who choose to not have car insurance. Just like car insurance some people choose not to have health insurance because they are betting that they won't need it. True some people can't afford it but people also choose not to for other reasons. So are we going to force people to have health insurance? "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 8, 2009 11:33 AM:

" I get it now.... Big oil bad. Wall Street money speculators good. Wait a minute... I thought we were also told Wall Street was evil. "




Report Abuse

Point-Blank wrote on Aug 8, 2009 9:57 AM:

" Listen "Acting Stupidly-Factual!"

1> Congressmen and Women, and Senators will not be in "The Proposed Health Care Programs"; Nor will The President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, Supreme Court; NOR Any UNION LEADER or MEMBER including all of AFSCME; Nor Rich Elitist Liberals like "Ted Kennedy" (with Brain Cancer)... David Letterman, w/Congestive Heart Failure ...etc ...who just "BUY" their HealthCare when they need it.
2>Seniors WILL Die Long Before their time w/o treatment and drugs they need to Survive. FACT! "




Report Abuse

Hellena Handbasket wrote on Aug 8, 2009 9:47 AM:

" I'm baffled by anyone who is fighting for the current insurance system. Have you or any family member ever been turned down for a treatment your insurance wouldn't cover? Do you really feel like your current insurance company is looking out for your health and best interest? Those of us who don't should have another option. The govt health care bill is flawed, and it's not going to be the best or only option for everyone. It's not going to take away your right to pay blue cross for crappy coverage if that's what you want. "




Report Abuse

anti pc wrote on Aug 8, 2009 9:10 AM:

" JWeee ,,,,, You said " Let's work together, fix it and quit whining!" You might talk to Obama and have him get on board with that first. I saw him on Cspan Thurday speaking at a campaign rally for Virginia Sen. Creigh Deeds and he said "But I don't want the folks who created the mess to do a lot of talking. I want them to get out of the way so we can clean up the mess. I don't mind cleaning up after them, but don't do a lot of talking." "




Report Abuse

noname wrote on Aug 8, 2009 7:44 AM:

" I, along with members of my family, as well as people I know have more often than not, have avoided seeking medical attention unless deemed absolutely necessary out of fear of being stuck with impossible debt. How many Americans each year either die, or end up with serious health problems simply because they avoided seeking medical help because the cost was too high? I've lived overseas for 20 years, and have seen both worlds, and medical care IS NOT readily available here simply because our system has scared people into avoiding it. "




Report Abuse

What wrote on Aug 8, 2009 12:53 AM:

" I am not giving my opinion, cause no matter my feelings there is going to be someone telling I am wrong. What i want to say is i do not want to be forced to carry insuarance cause I cannot afford it. I am working two jobs and my husband is working three just so we have a roof over our head. I went to apply to help and I was told that I make too much. I think that the American Government needs to be fired and get some real people in there that can solve our real problems. "




Report Abuse

Lets Be Factual wrote on Aug 7, 2009 10:08 PM:

" ...correction 43 Million enrolled in Medicaid, 53 Million in Medicare. Question: Should we not provide insurance to our citizens of lesser means...those in poverty? Do we deny the access to care at the hospitals? I personally think that Medicare and Medicaid is the right thing to do morally and it is a more cost effective method then buying traditional insurance from insurance companies...thus why we need to devise a way to reform both Health Insurance and Health Care. "




Report Abuse

Lets Be Factual wrote on Aug 7, 2009 10:02 PM:

" To Yes Let's Be Factual...you note relatively few people are enrolled in medicaid and medicare...The number is 43 Million People. That in my book isn't just a few people. Do some research and you'll verify my numbers. As fare as everyone being forced to be in it...well everyone is forced to have car insurance who drives a car. Why...the common good and the idea of fairness. Yes everyone pays for car insurance but this helps keep down car insurance for everyone...ie...we're not paying for the uninsured like we are now (For people who use more expensive emergency rooms). "




Report Abuse

Lets Be Factual wrote on Aug 7, 2009 9:58 PM:

" Karen your right in the statement that dissent is a right within our government. I don't dispute or question this right. I do, however question tactics that impede meaningful discussions on important issues. Shouting down questions or comments of others does impede meaningful discussion and is wrong whether it comes from the left or the right. Groups that do this with no intent on meaningful dialogue (Like those who have been labeled mobs by the media) are frankly "Mobs". There is no other applicable term for them. "




Report Abuse

Yes Lets Do Be Factual wrote on Aug 7, 2009 8:44 PM:

" Medicare and Medicaid are welfare programs. In other words, the people on these programs are paid for by the rest of us. Of course they wouldn't want it taken away. They get a free ride. It's possible to have quality in these programs because relatively few people are in them. The proposed health bill is not a welfare program. That's because everyone will be forced to be in it, and forced to pay for it. Quality will suffer. Innovation will suffer. WE will suffer. Work against it. "




Report Abuse

JWeee wrote on Aug 7, 2009 8:42 PM:

" I thought the Patients for Prosperity and the Tea Parties were grass roots, community started movements? Guess not, looks like there also part of the corporation governed society we currently live in. Just like many of you have been saying... "follow the money". "




Report Abuse

JWeee wrote on Aug 7, 2009 8:37 PM:

" Did a little research... The majority of funding for American's for Prosperity - AFP (of which the Patients First Movement is a project) comes from the Koch Fam. Foundation, money originated in oil and gas... since then they've diversified into other industries. However, they are one of the largest polluters... responsible for over 300 oil spills in 5 states. AFP also opposed many tobacco free laws in Texas, Illinois, DC, and Kansas... AFP also organized and backed the Tea Parties. Koch Indusrties is the largest privately held Co. in the US. "




Report Abuse

Tired wrote on Aug 7, 2009 5:47 PM:

" I'm tired of people who disagree with conservatives being called socialist, non-patriotic, even godless sometimes. The past EIGHT YEARS have proven that the "liberals can take it." I guess it's the conservatives turn, and it's only been less than a year with "our" candidate. I served and like to think i was protecting freedom for liberals and conservatives, as well as the very vast majority of us, moderates. "




Report Abuse

JWeee wrote on Aug 7, 2009 1:22 PM:

" Just wondering... Why are liberals taking a factual stance on their arguments to back up their side, while conservatives are using emotional scare tactics for their arguments? Didn't it use to be the other way around? I wish they'd work together to do what's best for the country. Our current health care system is pretty bad... Let's work together, fix it, and quit whining! "




Report Abuse

Karen wrote on Aug 7, 2009 11:44 AM:

" I'm really tired of people that don't agree with liberals being called "mobs" or worse. They obviously can't take what they dish out. Voicing our opinion and being active in our community and government is called freedom and many lives were sacrificed for that freedom. I say hooray for the "mobs" and keep it up! "




Report Abuse

Lets be Factual wrote on Aug 7, 2009 10:59 AM:

" One other thing...another key argument from this group is that government run insurance is horrible and will take away your choice and ration care. Two responses: 1) In all the bills completed your choice is protected, not taken away and 2) Are you covered by Medicare and/or Medicaid? If yes...this is a government run program which although it could use some cost cutting (Via more efficient management) does a good job of covering seniors and the poor. If you have Medicare/Medicaid...would you want it taken away? "




Report Abuse

Lets be factual in the Debate wrote on Aug 7, 2009 10:54 AM:

" Differing opinions on Health care are easy to see and understand but let's be factual in the debate...don't just believe some of the things people say. Get Fact's. This group is funded by Insurers...why...is their agenda your healthcare or their profit. This group has said the government is looking to kill seniors and uses other Fear tactics. This would be ok if their statements were based factual but they are not. Don't just go by my word either...ask this group to show you where in any of the proposed committee bills where this is true. They won't be able to. "




Report Abuse

Susan wrote on Aug 7, 2009 8:43 AM:

" But what if citizens want to voice their APPROVAL for such a plan - this is a very negative piece of writing by the MDP "




Report Abuse