Montrose - Daily Press

GRAND JUNCTION  — "I understand why people are nervous," President Barack Obama said during a town hall meeting in Grand Junction Saturday. "Health care is a big deal."

President Obama arrived in Grand Junction on Air Force One about 3:20 p.m. Saturday and was greeted by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, among other state senators and representatives.

Though the president's airport arrival was well received, his motorcade route to Central High School was lined with signs signifying the large health care debate across the nation.

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"Hands off my health care" and "Obama is bad medicine" jumped out from signs along the sidewalks. Others holding a separate view — "lets reform now" and "facts not fears."

"Because we are getting close, the fight is getting fierce," Obama said. "In fact, whenever America has set about solving our toughest problems, there have been those who have sought to preserve the status quo. And these struggles have always boiled down to a contest between hope and fear."

Montrose resident Kathy Bowman, who attended the meeting, said she is tired of the fear mongering and wished people would stop basing their views on fear.

"I'm extremely upset," she said. "Being an educator for 35 years, in the classroom I'm expected to give my students healthy, honest conversation, not bullying and fear mongering. ... They jump on fear and not the true issues."

President Obama addressed his plan for health care reform, working to clear up misconceptions and answer local questions — always emphasizing that there is no perfect solution, but the country "cannot continue down this path."

He discussed some of the larger issues dealing with insurance companies that are addressed in the reform. These "consumer protections" would not allow insurance companies to discriminate for pre-existing conditions or gender. It would place yearly caps on how much companies can charge for out-of-pocket expenses and rid annual or lifetime caps on coverage.

"No one in America should go broke because they get sick," he said.

In the past few years, premiums have nearly doubled and total out-of-pocket costs have increased by almost 50 percent, or about $2,000 per person, he said.

"No one is holding the insurance companies accountable for these practices. But we will," he said.

The reform plan would also prohibit companies from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become ill and guarantee insurance renewal.

It would also provide preventive care at no charge.

"That saves money and saves lives," Obama said.

A lot of the debate on health care reform has focused on the creation of a public option for health insurance and the unfair advantage it may create for private insurers.

"Lets set up a health insurance exchange," Obama said.

The exchange would be a database, or menu of options, for everyone in America, much like federal employees have now, he said. Most would be private insurance companies that have agreed to the conditions of reform (mentioned above). The argument has been if there should be a public option included in the exchange, a government supported not-for-profit organization that could provide insurance under the same method of private insurers.

Obama said the public option would help keep costs low and "keep insurance companies honest."

He mentioned UPS and Fed-Ex, stating that both are doing just fine competing with a government entity.

Though the public option is just a narrow issue in a large heath care reform package, Obama said its has been the center of negative focus against the larger picture.

"If you like your health care plan, you can keep your health plan. If you like your doctor, you can keep seeing your doctor. I don't want government bureaucrats meddling in your health care — but the point is, I don't want insurance company bureaucrats meddling in your health care either," he said, receiving a standing ovation.

Obama also addressed small businesses, as one women — identifying herself as a small business owner from a blue-collar family — asked her question.

"I have not proposed any plan that puts the burden on middle class families," Obama said.

He said businesses that are already providing their employees with insurance could even make money off the plan, as they will receive government help to continue to do so. Those that doesn't provide insurance will be offered prices comparable to deals large companies get — all through the new exchange.

"If you refuse, then we are going to ask you to make a contribution to help those employees get health insurance," Obama said. "Because if you are not providing health insurance, we are." The "we" meaning taxpayers, as many who don't receive insurance now through their business are led to other tax-payer programs such as Medicaid.

"But whether you have health insurance or not, we all know that we cannot continue down this path, with costs rising far faster than wages and cuts in care to make up the difference. ... That's why reform is so important: to maintain what's best about our health care system — the relationship between doctors, nurses, and their patients — while fixing what's broken."

More information can be found, along with Obama's Grand Junction speech, at www.whitehouse.gov.

To comment on this story, visit our Web site at www.montrosepress.com.

Comments

get real wrote on Aug 25, 2009 10:02 AM:

" response to "Hey Now" - You can't be serious! A president that cares more about us than "Big Corporate lobbyists"? Have you not seen the deals struck with the BIG Pharmaceutical companies? What all his ties to GE? How naive you are. "




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Chickenman wrote on Aug 25, 2009 7:47 AM:

" While we all bicker over this were being distracted, so they can do what they want with little attention.
Big change, we still have the patroit act, our kids commiing home in boxes, we owe more everyday to China,. He parades around promoting this while other issues are not disscussed, look here while we do this.
Obama, Bush whoever theyre all puppets to a higher authority, corprate intrests dictate whats best for corprate intrests not we the people... Chickenman "




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Truth Seeker wrote on Aug 23, 2009 12:17 PM:

" Oboy - you left out the best part - typical lib - " That whenever any form of Governement becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it" "




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CITIZEN wrote on Aug 22, 2009 2:04 PM:

" It is strange that when citizens were protesting the war, or tax cuts for the rich, or just pointing out that they thought Bush was dangerous or stupid it was considered unpatriotic "to crtiicize a sitting president during a time of war". Fox now says it IS patriotic to criticize-while the wars still rage. My, how repebs have RUSHED to change the rules! "




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concerned res wrote on Aug 22, 2009 10:43 AM:

" I don't understand why so many of you don't want to give our government a chance to do this. We all know that the government runs all of their programs efficiently and within their budgetary constraints. We have nothing to lose. They say that the debt is going to shoot up to ten trillion dollars, but, all we have to do is print a whole bunch more money. And, at least with the government running this, we won't have to worry about greed and corruption anymore. AMEN brother. "




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well wrote on Aug 22, 2009 8:42 AM:

" I for one don't have insurance, and I surely don't want gov. insurance. I will pay for my own, when needs be. I don't want the government telling me that I should eat better, jog and keep fit, or when to pee. I'm an adult and can make my own choices. Also I don't want the government involved in my personal accounts. That is my business! Health care does need to be made cheaper, but not if my freedoms are taken away. So, there you have it. Good Luck, and God Bless. "




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to native dude wrote on Aug 21, 2009 10:01 PM:

" Gee way too jump to conclusions native dude and terry. Fact is obama was elected into office by a little somthin- somthin i like to call democracy. If that's so scary why don't you move to china. He won and now you have to man up and see how much good he actually does instead of just slandering him like a coward. "




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gobama wrote on Aug 21, 2009 9:54 PM:

" truth seeker,
If you really want the truth you need to know the facts first. Know one can read the bill because its still being debated in congress. And you didn't use any examples to back up your opinions. Which is all they are, opinions. Honestly all you repubs are just upset because you lost the election so you'll do anything to make a scene like showing up to a rally nobody's ever heard about. Bush didn't do anything in his terms, thats why Obama has to fix all our problems now. "




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Needs Intervention wrote on Aug 21, 2009 9:38 PM:

" ...more...you talk about the constitution and how Healthcare and government involvement is counter to it...In fact government action for the well being of the people is stated many times in the constitution so this argument that the government is overstepping its bounds by trying to facilitate lower costs, universal coverage etc...as not something allowed per the constitution...well your wrong. You may not think how they are doing this is for the well being of the citizens but there intent is for this well being and many of us believe it will benefit us. "




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Needs Intervention wrote on Aug 21, 2009 9:24 PM:

" To Native Dude...what do you say about fire departments and police departments and our military? Should they be dismantled or privatized because technically they can be considered "Socialist" efforts? How about the general idea of a government...this is something pulled together with the intent of community good and ownership and thus also is "socialist" in nature...are you say this should be completely dismantled? ...more "




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Terry H. wrote on Aug 21, 2009 7:56 PM:

" Native Dude.......funny thing is.....some DO SEE IT. But they are called the "mob", "naz1's" and unAmerican by the Democrats........strange. Guess we better run and hide........... "




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Native Dude wrote on Aug 21, 2009 11:38 AM:

" Norman Mattoon Thomas was a leading American socialist and a 6 time U.S Presidential candidate for the Socialist Party....he said in a 1944 speech:
" The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism.But,under the name of 'liberalism,' they will adopt every fragmnet of the socialist program,until one day America will be a soialist nation,without knowing it happened." He went on to say:" I no longer need to run as a Presidiential Candidate for the Socialist Party. The Democrat Party has adopted our platform."
PRETTY SCARY!!!!!! "




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Native Dude.. wrote on Aug 21, 2009 11:29 AM:

" Not a Commie----Well said. Take a look at what a reporter in Russia's view is on where our country is and is heading. Go to:
snopes.com/politics/soapbox/pravda.asp

Amazing that people outside looking in can recognize and we as Americans cannot!
But maybe it was designed so we would not know.....see next post. "




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Native Dude. wrote on Aug 21, 2009 11:10 AM:

" -Needs interevention- I feel that I have a great big picture view. The big picture tells me that all indications are that we are in the final stages of becoming a socialist nation. By definition we are no longer the REPUBLIC that we are supposed to be. By definition we ARE matching the criteria of a SOCIALIST REPUBLIC.The Founding documents are NOT being applied when our President is appointing NON-ELECTED CZARS into authority positions in our country. Socializing or controlling medicine will be the final turn for our country! "




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The Status Quo wrote on Aug 21, 2009 9:02 AM:

" More ...while all I said below is true I do recognize that if you are without a job right now its not an easy thing. I've been there. My caution is to look at the cause of the situation (Not Obama who came into office after the economy exploded) and realize that it does take time to fix messes. The bigger the mess the more time it takes to fix it. Unfortunately diverting money to banks to shore up the banking industry is something that can happen quickly while doing the things to stimulate jobs takes longer. "




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The Status Quo wrote on Aug 21, 2009 8:58 AM:

" One last thing to Jobs where did they go...Very legitimate beef on jobs. The fat cats at the banks got bailed out while the job situation while it seems to be stabilizing isn't growing yet but needs to. Two things on this...one it was policies over many years that caused the recent economic problems costing jobs...realistically more time needs to be given than 8 months for the jobs to come back. Second...signs like the improvement in the unemployment rate last month and that 1300 GM employees are going back to work via the cash for clunkers. "




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The Status Quo wrote on Aug 21, 2009 8:54 AM:

" More to Jobs where did they go...the situation today is one where your paying more for insurance due to people who don't have insurance getting treated in hospital emergency rooms rather than via more reasonably cost ways. This is a hidden cost and I hate to say your complaint doesn't get addressed if we go on with the status quo instead of pursuing a healthcare reform that gets people needed healthcare but via more affordable avenues...and get these people to paying for their own care. "




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The Status Quo wrote on Aug 21, 2009 8:51 AM:

" To Jobs where did they go: your statement "And why should I have to pay higher rates for my insurance so others can get it for free." That's exactly the point of the insurance reform and proposals out there. To stem the tide of rising health insurance rates that are starting to swallow our economy and part of that is bringing in all into the health insurance pools including many healthy people that will help to lower rates...along with an insurance overseen by the government that will bring competition to pressure the insurance companies to lower rates. "




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jobs where did you go wrote on Aug 20, 2009 8:13 PM:

" Instead of health care we need to worry about gettin our jobs back.... They need to let the oil fields, mines, and trucking company's go back to work.... And why should I have to pay higher rates for my insurance so others can get it for free.. I say get obama and ritter out of office. THEY ARE BAD NEWS!!!!!!!!!! "




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21st Century Solutions wrote on Aug 20, 2009 7:53 PM:

" To...To Needs Intervention...it's not globalization that's been the problem but greedy businesses who operated without proper regulations that has us in the fixwe're in now...We have 21st century issues...we don't need 17th century solutions. "




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JWeee wrote on Aug 20, 2009 7:11 PM:

" H. Craig Bradley, nice job quoting Fox News. Maybe you should try diversifying your TV viewing...

Everyone, look at these comments. Ask yourself and do some research: who is quoting facts and who is not? Who is trying to scare you with emotional arguments? All those against Obama's plan sound scared... Are you scared of loosing quality health care or loosing your argument? Actually ask someone who is currently under a socialized system (Canada, UK, France, etc.), does it work for them? "




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Seriously wrote on Aug 20, 2009 10:04 AM:

" More to H. Craig Bradley...Prevention and Health Promotion Could Save Medicare $1.4 Trillion Over 10 Years...this is according to a new Center for Health Research at Healthways report. This report goes on to add...1) would extend the period beneficieries could be covered, 2) Would extend the beneficieries life expectancy and 3) this is important because the Medicare population is expected to jump from 45 million to nearly 80 million by 2030 "




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Seriously wrote on Aug 20, 2009 10:00 AM:

" To H. Craig Bradley...are you seriously quoting D*ick Morris who you admit is a "Political Consultant" as an expert on Healthcare? Also, while you mention his work for Clinton he has clearly been a schill for republicans for more than 10 years now. As to your so called facts I do have facts to show savings in medicare without cutting services. Simple things like Prevention and Health promotion acts. "




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to needs intervention wrote on Aug 20, 2009 6:48 AM:

" globalism, and the globalists have killed this country, your right! you need intervention "




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H.Craig Bradley wrote on Aug 19, 2009 7:28 PM:

" ObamaCare Rations Health Care for Grandma

Medicare cost savings from electronic medical records and other proposals are merely lip stick and P.R.. In order to cut public expenditures on health care, about 40% of the actual cost reductions must come from Medicare by reducing treatments approved for the elderly ("D*ick*" Morris, Fox News Political Consultant and ex-Clinton Advisor).

This would be achieved by reducing medicare reimbursements to Hospitals for such diagnostic tests as MRI's and Ultrasound. If you pay private hospitals less money, they will perform fewer diagnostic procedures on patients. "




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H. Craig Bradley wrote on Aug 19, 2009 7:03 PM:

" OBAMA LIED AND GRANDMA DIED

Obama started the proposal as "Health Care Reform". When that did not work, he changed the subject to "Health Insurance Reform". Which is it?

Right after Sec. of Health and Human Services said the "Public Option" may be droped, Obama changes again: The "Public Health Care Option" is our "Preferred Option". Nobody can trust this guy. "




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One Good Idea wrote on Aug 19, 2009 4:19 PM:

" To Not a Commie...while your suggestion of medical malpractice insurance reform is non-specific it is one area that can have some impact. It won't take care of all the problems but it will help. Oddly, here we should look to Canada where the average insurance cost per Physician is about $10k - $30k vs. as much as $270k in the US. I still don't understand your belief that the Obama administration is out to control your life, aiding in the creation of a healthcare system that covers all more affordably and provides choice is government service not government control. "




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Needs Intervention wrote on Aug 19, 2009 4:08 PM:

" Question: Why shouldn't are government, our elected leaders (Our Employees) strive to move us in a direction where we, all us Americans can have as good health insurance as they do? Why as the best nation on this earth do millions of people go broke or into great debt when they get sick and this doesn't happen in other countries who we consider lesser countries? "




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Needs Intervention wrote on Aug 19, 2009 4:05 PM:

" More Native Dude: One last thing, I too believe we need to take care of our own first. However, isolating our country and not participating in the global economy will ultimately cost jobs and weaken our economy. Not addressing healthcare and lowering costs will only allow healthcare to keep rising as a portion of our GDP and to a level of over 20% (And this is where it is heading) does not take care of our own whether on an affordable healthcare basis for all citizens nor on a jobs basis and on an economic benefit to all citizens basis. "




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Needs Intervention wrote on Aug 19, 2009 3:59 PM:

" To Native Dude...I don't think your seeing the full picture. Not participating in the global economy is like a town not getting the railroads to run through them back in the 1800's...It creates many ghost towns and is not good for a strong national economy as the jobs and the commerce start flowing to other countries. Also, Yes I do believe our government needs to be involved in Healthcare with the proven bad track record of the health insurance industry and yes I believe the Declaration of Independence is working today and we have the government we voted for! "




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Native Dude wrote on Aug 19, 2009 12:58 PM:

" -" Need Intervention"---several things about your post trouble me. So the "formal government" needs to intervene because of their proven track record ? Do you really believe that any Founding documents are being applied in today's system of gov't regularly? I know the Declaration very well and understand that we are the gov't. So we need our own intervention? The current proposed plan will accomplish exactly what you describe as far as job loss,etc. And global markets are not a concern!! I am an American believing we should take of our own FIRST...there are other solutions! "




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in favor wrote on Aug 19, 2009 9:03 AM:

" It's amazing that there's so much opposition to any type of reform...I guess
these folks like the status quo...personally i think our president is at least trying to do something about the healthcare problems...For or against, we should be writing our representatives about our concerns...not just complaining...wait 'til you go bankrupt from a medical claim, then see how you feel...We've become lazy, thinking the govt will take care of everything for us!! "




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Not a Commie wrote on Aug 19, 2009 6:47 AM:

" "Just Saying" is exactly right. Obama is all about government control. Socialism at it's worst. If the liberal blue-heads want to fix health care do two things. #1. Stop providing free health care for illegal aliens. Deport them. They are here illegally. Get it?
#2. Put limits on the ridiculous amounts awarded in malpractice suits. Good doctors can't afford the resulting high insurance. All these costs get passed down to you and I.
This is simpler to fix than allowing our ultra efficient government to control it and us. "




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Bill Gattis MD wrote on Aug 19, 2009 12:35 AM:

" "truth seeker", I share your concern. I am against gun-control laws for that reason. We the people need to keep the power. But it is too easy for your private insurer to keep the facts from you, make them opaque, keep taking your money until you get sick and discover that you were mislead. But after being in the trenches trying to get care for my patients for 10 years, I can say that I would much rather coordinate complex care for a publicly insured patient (medicare, medicaid, champus) than for a for-profit company insured patient. "




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Just Sayin wrote on Aug 18, 2009 11:44 PM:

" This isn't about health care, or health insurance, this is about the Federal Government controlling everything in your live. Once they control your health care, they control everything you do. Obama has brought no hope, and is pushing fear. Wake up America. "




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Need Intervention wrote on Aug 18, 2009 8:04 PM:

" To Native Dude...we do need government intervention when the cost of health insurance as a % of the GDP keeps rising yet fewer and fewer Americans are covered. Oh and by the way we are the government...look at the declaration of independence. If Healthcare keeps representing a larger and larger percent of GDP (And it has been going this ways for years) it will start costing jobs, making our businesses uncompetitive in the global environment. The health plans out there give choice while also providing competitive pressure to lower costs. "




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Oboy wrote on Aug 18, 2009 7:59 PM:

" More to Truth Seeker...because we are the government via our vote control of the government we have nothing to fear from the government. They do something the majority of us don't like...we vote them out of office. An insurance company denies coverage, suspends your coverage or unreasonably raises your coverage rates...we can't vote them out and right now there are not good options from other health insurers for coverage. Oh by the way...Obama won the election, the democrats won the last election...elections matter and the will of the people is being reflected. "




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Oboy wrote on Aug 18, 2009 7:56 PM:

" To Truth Seeker...by all means don't let the truth get in the way of your paranoid propaganda. Think about this: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the consent of the governed. This is from the Declaration of Independence and in essence states that we are the government because our vote controls the government. "




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Native Dude.... wrote on Aug 18, 2009 4:38 PM:

" As with many things, specific bullets do not need to be discussed when the major points are being overlooked. Plain and simple, we do NOT need any more government intervention in any aspect of our lives. Less than 16% of our nation is uninsured. That leaves 84 % of the nation with a working insurance and personal options as to the quality of their care. Why is a public option even being discussed? I am sympathetic to those who do not have insurance. But no one gave me my insurance. I have to work for it! "




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anti pc wrote on Aug 18, 2009 2:23 PM:

" The Government will make you wait and eventually can't pay for all the people needing healthcare so they ration care. Wow... that's much better! We need to fix healthcare but this is NOT the answer. The way I see it this is just trading one set of problems for another without fixing anything. All we will be doing is trading problems with Big Insurance Companies for problems with Big Government. "




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Truth Seeker wrote on Aug 18, 2009 1:55 PM:

" So, YUP, your saying that a cancelled policy is on a par with total control of how you live your life? Man, your cost of freedom is pretty low. "




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CRUISER wrote on Aug 18, 2009 1:55 PM:

" We don't live in a system of free market capitalism and we don't live in a democracy. We live in a system of socialized capitalism in a representative republic. Both systems were designed by the founding fathers that way. This isn't a country of every man for himself. The only argument should be, "can we afford the change right now?" "




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yup wrote on Aug 18, 2009 11:52 AM:

" truth seeker wrote on Aug 18, 2009 8:20 AM:
" Bill - the difference between insurance companies and the government is that the insurance companies have no police power over you, they can not tell you what to eat, how much to sleep, what activities you can engage in.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
that's true...they will just cancel your coverage when you get sick and finally need it. "




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Unknown wrote on Aug 18, 2009 11:29 AM:

" Once_upon_a_time_the_government_had_a_vast_scrap_yard_in_the_middle of_a_desert._Congress_said,_"someone_may_steal_from_it_at_night.."_So _they_created_a_night_watchman_position_and_hired_a_person_for_the_job.
Then_Congress_said,"How_does_the_watchman_do_his_job_without_instruction?"_So_they_created_a_planning_department_and_hired_two_people,_one_person_to_write_the_instructions,_and_one_person_to_do_time_studies.

Then_Congress_said,"How_will_we_know_the_night_watchman_is_doing_The_tasks_correctly?"__So_they_created_a_Quality_Control_department_and_hired_two_people._One_to_do_the_studies_and_one_to_write_the_reports.

Then_Congress_said,"How_are_these_people_going_to_get_paid?"_So_they_created_the_following_positions,_a_time_keeper,_and_a_payroll_officer,_then_hired_two_people.

Then_Congress_said,"Who_will_be_accountable_for_all_of_these_people?"_So_they_created_an_administrative_section_and_hired_three_people,_an Administrative_Officer,_Assistant_Administrative_Officer,_and_a_Legal_Secretary.

Then_Congress_said,"We_have_had_this_command_in_operation_for_one_Year_and_we_are_$18,000_over_budget,_we_must_cutback_overall_cost."

So_they_laid_off_the_night_watchman.

NOW_slowly._Let_it_sink_in.

Quietly,_we_go_like_sheep_to_slaughter.

Does_anybody_remember_the_reason_given_for_the_establishment_of_the_DEPARTMENT_OF_ENERGY_...._During_the_Carter_Administration?

Anybody?_Anything?_No?

Didn't_think_so!

Bottom_line._We've_spent_several_hundred_billion_dollars_in_support_of_An_agency_... _the_reason_for_which_not_one_person_who_reads_this_can_remember!

Ready??_It_was_very_simple_..._and,_at_the_time,_everybody_thought_it_Very_appropriate.

The_Department_of_Energy_was_instituted_on_8-04-1977._TO_LESSEN_OUR_DEPENDENCE_ON_FOREIGN_OIL.

Hey,_pretty_efficient,_huh???

AND,_NOW,_IT'S_2009_--_32_YEARS_LATER_--_AND_THE_BUDGET_FOR_THIS_"NECESSARY"_DEPARTMENT_IS_AT_$24.2_BILLION_A_YEAR.
THEY_HAVE_16,000_FEDERAL_EMPLOYEES_AND_APPROXIMATELY_100,000 CONTRACT_EMPLOYEES;_AND,_LOOK_AT_THE_JOB_THEY_HAVE_DONE!
THIS_IS_WHERE_YOU_SLAP_YOUR_FOREHEAD_AND_SAY,_"WHAT_WAS_I_THINKING?"

Ah,_yes_--_good_ole_bureaucracy.

And,_NOW,_we_are_going_to_turn_the_banking_system,_HEALTH_CARE_and_the_auto_industry_over_to_the_same_Government? "




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heres a question wrote on Aug 18, 2009 10:50 AM:

" If government really cared about your health, why is health services always the first thing that gets cut in a budget crunch? you pay for that too! follow the money, youll see who benefits and it not the people. "




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ConcernedCitizen wrote on Aug 18, 2009 9:07 AM:

" I wish folks would get off the "tort reform" bandwagon. On average, doctors spend less on malpractice insurance than on rent (about 3.2% of revenue). Less than 2% of malpractice claims result in winning verdicts. On the flip side imagine if you were the woman who had an unnecessary double mastectomy because the doctors mixed up the test results or the teenager who died because the doctor implanted heart and lungs of the wrong blood type. Would you want the damages for your pain and suffering capped at $250,000? "




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truth seeker wrote on Aug 18, 2009 8:20 AM:

" Bill - the difference between insurance companies and the government is that the insurance companies have no police power over you, they can not tell you what to eat, how much to sleep, what activities you can engage in. All this and more are awaiting you after the government takes over all health decisions. Think not? you fatties better watch out, in Japan fat people are measured every year and assessed a tax based on their girth. "




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GOVT MANDATED PICKPOCKETS wrote on Aug 18, 2009 7:57 AM:

" 70% OF OUR GDP TODAY IS BASED ONLY ON CONSUMER SPENDING, THIS MEANS WE DONT PRODUCE ANYTHING OF VALUE. THE HEALTHCARE PLAN FURTHERS THIS AGENDA BY 17% AS MENTIONED BELOW, LIKE THE MANDATORY CAR INSURANCE, ITS USED TO PROP UP THE INSURANCE COMPANIES, FEED MONEY INTO BIG GOVT COFFERS VIA FEES, WITHOUT JOB CREATION OR PRODUCTION. ITS PURPOSE SERVES NO ONE EXCEPT GOVT BEANCOUNTERS. "




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Pro-Lettar- i -at wrote on Aug 18, 2009 1:14 AM:

" "Obama - "The Bloat' ~ Can't Stay Afloat! "...
The Word is Leaked Out, (from the Axelrod Snout)
That it's A Crime to Spend ...Yet Another Dime
On Grandpa's Gout, Or Grandma's Glass of Wine,

So "Pass this NOW!" (HE Bleats and Brays)...
Jetting here and there like the Ol' Election Days!
If You Don't Approve Now and Give us a NOD -
I'll Sig on you Rahm Emanuel and David Axelrod!

Voice of The MOB.... (Millions Of Bureaucrats!)
That's What You Get! "




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Bill Gattis MD wrote on Aug 17, 2009 11:59 PM:

" I don't think a lot of the people who so vehemently oppose this reform have ever had to deal with a major illness and a malignant behaving insurance company. The emergency room and eventual bankruptcy are too often the paths that sick people have to take to get healthcare. "




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Bill Gattis MD wrote on Aug 17, 2009 11:53 PM:

" I agree with "against fear mongering." We need a basic, affordable public health plan. I have read the house version of the bill, and think it should be approved. Will it have problems? yes. Does our current system have problems? yes. The debate needs to be about the details in the various bills, not about whether the administration is "socializing" healthcare, or creating death panels. It is correct to have a level of distrust of government, but I see no reason we should trust for-profit companies more than government in the arena of medicine. "




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anti pc wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:26 PM:

" Canada's healthcare is so good that the Incoming president of the Canadian Medical Association says that Canada's healthcare system is sick and doctors need to devise a plan to cure it. She says that patients are getting less than optimal care. We all agree that the system is imploding, we all agree that things are more precarious than perhaps Canadians realize," We know that there must be change," she said. "We're all running flat out, we're all just trying to stay ahead of the immediate day-to-day demands." Hmmm... sounds promising. "




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More Facts wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:23 PM:

" According to a recent report, the United States has $480 billion in excess spending each year in comparison to Western European nations that have universal health insurance coverage. The costs are mainly associated with excess administrative costs and poorer quality of care. The United States spends six times more per capita on the administration of the health care system than its peer Western European nations. "




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Some Facts wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:21 PM:

" The primary reason people are uninsured is the high cost of health insurance coverage.Economists have found that rising health care costs correlate to drops in health insurance coverage. A recent study by Harvard University found that the average out-of-pocket medical debt for those who filed for bankruptcy was $12,000. The study noted that 68 percent who filed for bankruptcy had health insurance. In addition, the study found that 50 percent of all bankruptcy filings were partly the result of medical expenses. Every 30 seconds in the United States someone files for bankruptcy in aftermath of a serious health problem. "




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More Facts wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:18 PM:

" According to the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust, premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance in the United States have been rising four times faster on average than workers’ earnings since 1999. The average employee contribution to company-provided health insurance has increased more than 120 percent since 2000. Average out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, co-payments for medications, and co-insurance for physician and hospital visits rose 115 percent during the same period.6 "




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Not Good for Business wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:17 PM:

" Since 1999, employment-based health insurance premiums have increased 120 percent, compared to cumulative inflation of 44 percent and cumulative wage growth of 29 percent during the same period. Health insurance expenses are the fastest growing cost component for employers. Unless something changes dramatically, health insurance costs will overtake profits by the end of 2008.5 "




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Some Facts wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:15 PM:

" Although nearly 46 million Americans are uninsured, the United States spends more on health care (17% of GDP) than other industrialized nations, and those countries provide health insurance to all their citizens. Health care spending accounted for 10.9 percent of the GDP in Switzerland, 10.7 percent in Germany, 9.7 percent in Canada and 9.5 percent in France, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. "




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Some Facts wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:13 PM:

" Some info from the National Coalition on Healthcare: In 2008, health care spending in the United States reached $2.4 trillion, and was projected to reach $3.1 trillion in 2012.1 Health care spending is projected to reach $4.3 trillion by 2016.1
Health care spending is 4.3 times the amount spent on national defense.3
In 2008, the United States will spend 17 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on health care. It is projected that the percentage will reach 20 percent by 2017. "




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Expensive No Profit wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:11 PM:

" Some info from the National Coalition on Healthcare: In 2008, employer health insurance premiums increased by 5.0 percent – two times the rate of inflation. The annual premium for an employer health plan covering a family of four averaged nearly $12,700. The annual premium for single coverage averaged over $4,700.2 "




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The Best Really wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:04 PM:

" We are supposed to be the best country in the world...why is it then that many of our citizens get sick and go broke or they die from lack of healthcare. This is not the situation in any other industrialized country in the world! How can we remain the best nation on earth if we don't grab after the best solution to correct this situation by lowering overall healthcare costs and providing universal coverage?! "




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Whats wrong with Choice wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:00 PM:

" "If you like your health care plan, you can keep your health plan. If you like your doctor, you can keep seeing your doctor. I don't want government bureaucrats meddling in your health care — but the point is, I don't want insurance company bureaucrats meddling in your health care either," ...And while many insurers rake in bigger and bigger profits while divesting themselves of people who need insurance we need the government to step in to protect us! "




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Heres a fact wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:48 PM:

" Most Experts understand the nonprofit cooperatives that many are trying to sell us on don't have a prayer of succeeding. The big for-profits will never let them get off the ground in any meaningful way. The GAO office of the government did a study in March 2003 that found that healthcare Cooperatives would not lower healthcare costs. Public options do put competition into the healthcare market place and acting as a non-profit they help lower healthcare costs. "




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Those Poor Private Insurance Companies wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:41 PM:

" What do you think about this?: Aetna CEO Ron Williams. Williams, who made $65 million off of Aetna's policyholders' premiums over the past two years and who was the mastermind behind Aetna's shedding of eight million members a few years ago to meet Wall Street's demands, is the insurance industry's leading champion of requiring us all to buy insurance. And, of course, without a public option, we'll all be forced to buy coverage from Aetna or one of the other private insurers. "




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Good for our Employees Good for US wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:39 PM:

" Here's something to think about: Federal employees including our congressional and senate leaders have a terrific healthcare plan that we pay for...Why should our employees get something that we don't have in regards to healthcare? Oh...and this terrific policy...is a single payer healthcare option. It brings healthcare to millions at an affordable cost. "




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truth seeker wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:37 PM:

" Read the darn thing then tell me " we are going to ask that you participate" ://docs.house.gov/edlabor/AAHCA-BillText-071409.pdf
Read pages 126 thru 167, and tell me this is not a forced government solution. Add the part where private insurance will be forbidden from writing new policies within 5 years! - you supporters are nuts if you want your health care on a par with the post office - Obama made the comparison himself. "




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Think about this wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:36 PM:

" An Argument for the Public Option: Why should we all be forced to buy insurance from private insurers -- using your tax dollars and mine to pay subsidies to the big insurers to provide coverage to people who can't afford to buy their policies because the big insurers charge far more than they should because Wall Street investors demand that they do? "




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From an Expert wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:31 PM:

" Per Former Healh Insurance Industry Executive Wendell Potter (Cigna): A public plan not only will serve to "keep the private insurers honest," as Obama has said, but it will also provide millions of people who now have no insurance at all with good coverage at a more affordable price. That's because the big for-profit insurers waste increasingly big chunks of your premium dollars on nonessential things like exorbitant CEO salaries and profits for the big institutional investors who own them. A public plan would not waste your precious dollars that way "




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Dont fall for it wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:22 PM:

" To "you've fallen on your head" And I thought he was talking about health coverage. Of course UPS and Fed-Ex are competing well with the USPS. They do a better job. Now what did that have to do with health care? Expect these companies - and all others - to drop health care for their employees if the big gov. will do it for them? "




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Not a Commie wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:27 PM:

" To a Liar Not a Commie.
Ever look at a map of the NorthEast? Folks from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick came to Eastern Maine medical Center in Bangor. ALL THE TIME. Guess what. I was born and raised in Maine 50 Years. I moved because Maine elected a Blue Head Liberal who took away all the jobs and replaced them with high taxes. Some folks were paying as much in monthly property taxes as the mortgage. Nice. Get ready for communism here as well. You voted for it... "




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Dave wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:23 PM:

" There's a good article on health care reform in today's (Monday, 8/17) New York Tiimes written by Nobel Prize winning economist Paul Krugman, if you have a few minutes. I can't post link in this text box, so you have to sign onto the Times yourself. "




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to btw wrote on Aug 17, 2009 6:46 PM:

" i guess one would have to READ marx in order to know, your statement is FALSE. "




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A Liar not a Commie wrote on Aug 17, 2009 6:44 PM:

" To Not a Commie, you may not be communist but you are a liar. Canadians coming to the US for healthcare is a lie. I Also doubt you lived in Maine. Major population Centers in Eastern Canada are Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec where folks either drive to Vermont or New Hampshire which are closer or fly to NYC or Boston and not drive to Portland or Bangor too far a drive away. Also per the World Health Organzation 2000 Study Canada Healthcare ranked #30 US ranked #37. If they want the best healthcare they'd fly to France #1. "




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Healthcare Matters wrote on Aug 17, 2009 6:33 PM:

" More to AW...by forcing all to purchase healthcare the per person costs go down as those who didn't have and wouldn't pay when they got hurt or ill now are paying either for the insurance or the penalty. Choose not to purchase health insurance...ok you retain your choice but you don't raise my health insurance rates because you will pay a penalty for not insuring yourself. It's not just about you AW "




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Healthcare Matters wrote on Aug 17, 2009 6:31 PM:

" To AW...you obviously haven't read any of the bills...if you had you get to choose your health insurance, you get to choose your healthcare providers. You can even choose not to purchase health insurance if you don't want it. Sure you'll pay a penalty but it is a choice. This is like penalties that occur for those who don't purchase Auto Insurance. Auto Ins became mandatory because those of us who had it would see our rates go up do those who didn't getting in accidents and not paying. Same is happening in Healthcare with use of emergency rooms. (More)... "




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Want Affordable and Reliable Healthcare wrote on Aug 17, 2009 6:27 PM:

" To AW...so your ok with 46 Million people (And Growing) not having healthcare. Your ok that private health insurance companies not presently regulated enough, who make record profits and are raising small business health insurance rates by as much as 62% year over year (highest increase I've seen) while denying people who want to buy insurance and be insured. Guess what...70% of this country disagrees with you and elections matter! "




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Then Stop Lieing wrote on Aug 17, 2009 6:21 PM:

" (More Cont.) As it concerns Obama...you call lieing his intent to provide healthcare for all. First, we don't know yet whether healthcare for all will come this year or not so we don't know if this goal is a success or failure yet. Second...if it does fail it is not due to Obama...ie...healthcare reform needs to be passed by the House and Senate before Obama can sign it into law. If it fails it looks now it will be due to the house and senate. "




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Then Stop Lieing wrote on Aug 17, 2009 6:18 PM:

" To Tired of the Lies,,,get back to reality...you comment: " At least the previous president said what was. This president says what we want to hear and changes it later - where is the media on this? The previous president said what was? "Sadam has weapons of Mass Destruction" and "We do not Torture" these are clearly lies by Bush....and things he had control over. (See More) "




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Substance wrote on Aug 17, 2009 6:12 PM:

" To CH...you obviously haven't seen his speeches and Town Hall meetings or you don't really listen as Obama is much more detailed than President Bush every was. Nice try, in you effort to knock down President Obama and place his as just a "Buzz Words" guy but the facts do not support this. Substanitive arguments could be made against Obama's policy stances and things like this but knocking his speeches as lacking depth has no merit or basis in reality just shows your shallowness. "




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Against Fear Mongering wrote on Aug 17, 2009 6:07 PM:

" Government has a role in our society. Whether Government should have a more active role in Healthcare is subject to reasonable debate. Personally I trust our government who works for us and can be fired through our votes if they don't please us much more than the Health Insurance industry who has made record profits an is profit and not people driven. UnitedHealthcare CEO Stephen Hemsley owns $744,232,068 in unexercised stock options. His 2007 Compensation was $13.2 million while millions are seeing large increases in healthcare costs! "




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Against Fear Mongering wrote on Aug 17, 2009 6:00 PM:

" To Fear and your quote: "Fear...Be very, very afraid America. He fooled all who voted for him and now he is taking us down the path. Progressive = Socialism " Do you know the military, fire andpolice are socialist institutions? Well they are. Sociaism is state, public or common worker ownership. This applies to military, police and fire. Some parts of our government need to live up to the defination of "Socialism". I wouldn't want a privately run Police, Fire or Military...Would you? "




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Youve Fallen on Your Head wrote on Aug 17, 2009 5:56 PM:

" To Don't Fall for it...You must have fallen on your head...your comment: " The pres. states that UPS and Fed-Ex are doing fine competing with a government entity, What is he talking about? I just don't get it!" He's talking about the Postal Service being government run...for those suggesting their can't be government run healthcare and privately insured healthcare this is his example that Yes...Public and Private can operate at the same time! "




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dkm wrote on Aug 17, 2009 5:46 PM:

" For all those not in favor of reforming our healthcare system, what do you suggest we do?
If you have ever had health coverage thru an emmployer and then lost that you know getting health care coverage on your own is VERY expensive.
We are already paying NOW indirectly THRU TAXES for everyone that goes to the doctor/hospital/emergency room that does not have health coverage.
We need some changes. "




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No Fear wrote on Aug 17, 2009 5:31 PM:

" Marie, I don't need cradle to grave nanny care. I don't need "universal services" to sturcture my life. I TRY to live my life by the Bible, a book that the atheist Obama hasn't bothered to study. Im very sorry that you need the government to tell you how to live, what to eat, when to exercise, etc. Some of us still believe in the liberty to pursue our own happiness, not the Communist Manifesto. "




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Steve Kirby wrote on Aug 17, 2009 5:09 PM:

" You don't even have to get past the headline, "Hope vs. Fear", to know that this is just another one sided biased hack job by the Daily Press. Reminds me of the coverage of the Tea Party Protest when the reporter thinks she has to quote from the bastion of independent thought, Media Matters! "




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CH wrote on Aug 17, 2009 4:25 PM:

" Christ Almighty. Can the man ever explain or advocate for a policy proposal BASED ON ITS MERITS? Or are we doomed to hearing him find new, not-so-creative ways to incorporate "hope", "fear", and "'change" into every speech he gives for the next four years? Here's an idea for any entrepreneurs who want it: magnetic Obama poetry. Just seven or eight buzzwords and people can create fake Obama speeches on their refrigerators. You'd make a lot of money. "




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BTW wrote on Aug 17, 2009 2:14 PM:

" The Karl Marx quote is a hoax that is going around the internet, no matter how true it may seem. "




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Sick and tired wrote on Aug 17, 2009 2:06 PM:

" When will the people who are pushing this bill going to realize that MANDITORY and AFORDABLE are not synonymous?

Marie, what precisely does "living right" mean?

I don’t want my government telling me how to pay for my health care, let alone what to eat, drink and do for recreation. If they would quit taking my money away to give to people they find more deserving (many of which who live the wrong way but won’t be financially penalized) then I could have a health insurance too. "




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get with it wrote on Aug 17, 2009 1:21 PM:

" Our government CAN require insurance companies to keep us enrolled AND take us without regard to any previous conditions right now. Why aren't they doing it? Why do they need to nationalize health care for this?

Just Do It!!! NOW. "




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obama nonsupporter wrote on Aug 17, 2009 1:17 PM:

" Obama supporter says they "just hate being bothered by articles that present both sides" ?? This reader needs to live in a communist country. Then for sure they would only get one side and won't be bothered with good reporting!!

Montrose press is absolutely one sided and unbelievably predictable which is why I refuse to purchase a single copy of their newspaper. "




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concerned res wrote on Aug 17, 2009 1:08 PM:

" There are several things that people should consider when thinking that they support our government running health care.
1)Will it be a huge Bureaucratic mess?
2)Is it truly going to solve the underlying problem with health care?
3)Is it the governments role to provide health care?
4)Can we afford this?
5)Are the crooked politicians capable of providing Americans with Health care that doesn't involve any "special interest" groups?
6)Is this program going to end up like social security?
7)Will the quality of health care go down? "




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Fear and Loathing wrote on Aug 17, 2009 10:50 AM:

" to Truth Seeker...you should have used the name Myth Maker. Go into the bill or any one of the 4 bills finished by the committees (Which will go through a reconciliation process in each house before the vote) and show me where the government control is coming from. On something like healthcare I'd rather have the government (Something we can control with our votes) looking out for our interests than the private healthcare industry who is driven by profits and not by pleasing the people. "




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hey now wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:32 AM:

" yeah, the President should stay in the Ivory Tower so he is totally out of touch with the people, kind of like The Bush Family.

A sitting President shows us some attention and you complain? Some people would complain about the way the world ended...

How refreshing that we finally matter more than the big corporate lobbyists who are now paying Bush off for his "favors"... "




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Pick wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:19 AM:

" Fear...Be very, very afraid America. He fooled all who voted for him and now he is taking us down the path.
Progressive = Socialism "




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Dont fall for it wrote on Aug 17, 2009 9:07 AM:

" The pres. states that UPS and Fed-Ex are doing fine competing with a government entity, What is he talking about? I just don't get it!

And which businesses are going to keep providing insurance if the government gives them a choice?

We will all be under government rule if this is allowed to go through. Why do citizens trust this government so much they are willing to let them control anything and everything? "




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agrees with Waste wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:59 AM:

" RE: waste

Of course it is a waste of taxpayer money. But remember - it's just taxpayer money and there is an endless supply of it - Right??? "




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tired of the lies wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:56 AM:

" At least the previous president said what was. This president says what we want to hear and changes it later - where is the media on this?

With health care he said that he was going to take care of everyone and healthcare would be provided at no cost. That has sure changed! Now he says it is going to be expensive.

Remember when he said he would NEVER pass a bill with pork? It didn't take him long to break that promise - see "BailOut" He is a wolf is sheep's clothing. "




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AW wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:50 AM:

" Why does everyone think our government will take care of each and every 307,198,338 of us? (statistic from census. gov Aug 17th 8:40am) I'm very sure our president does not care about me at all! If the government takes over something as personal as our healthcare - and it will - then what is next? We not longer resemble a free republic. We have passed the line and now are a dependent nation. "




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areader wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:29 AM:

" Thank you Kati O'Hare for your hard work and for an excellent, unbiased story. "




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Not a Commie wrote on Aug 17, 2009 7:05 AM:

" Unbelievable how fast we are headed for Communism. When I lived in Maine our hospitals were filled uo with Canadians trying to save thier lives because they had heart problems or the like and the waiting list in Canada was too long. They had to come to the US, get health care, and pay for it out of pocket to survive. WHAT PART OFTHAT DO WE WANT!
Put caps on malpractice lawsuits! Force these corrupt Government officials to use the plans we are forced by them to use. You'll see these Socilaist for what they are... corrupt! "




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SADLY wrote on Aug 17, 2009 12:20 AM:

" we know where the fear comes from, but wheres hope? no hope is what gives you guts. "




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waste wrote on Aug 16, 2009 10:12 PM:

" Flying air force one to a high school seems like a total waste of tax payers dollars. Surprised he couldn't get the college stadium or a bigger venue in Grand Junction. I suppose packing a little High School with people gives the appearance that people support him. "




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avoid-du-doc wrote on Aug 16, 2009 9:15 PM:

" Having lived in a foreign country for the past 20 years, I have never hesitated to see a doc, or take one of my kids to a doc ANYTIME there was an accident, or I felt odd. Here in the states, I find myself avoiding the doc at all costs unless I'm pretty sure it's something serious. When my kid gets a bump on the head, I elect to "wait it out" to see what happens. And I even have insurance. Somethings wrong here!! "




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Marie wrote on Aug 16, 2009 8:52 PM:

" These ideas don't go far enough. When you look at WHY we have so many health problems in America, clearly it is because people are not being intelligent about how they live their lives. Government management of health care is a good foot-in-the-door to getting at these root issues. Soon we can financially motivate people to live the right way. Most will realize it is for their own good once they get with the program. If they don't, they could become candidates for universal service where we can provide the structure they need. "




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ACTUAL TRUTH wrote on Aug 16, 2009 7:21 PM:

" Owners of capital will stimulate the working class to buy

more and more expensive goods, houses and technology,

pushing them to take more and more expensive credits,

until their debt becomes unbearable.
The unpaid debt will

lead to bankruptcy of banks, which will have to be nationalized,

and the State will have to take the road which will eventually

lead to communism.


----- Karl Marx, 1867 "




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Obama Supporter wrote on Aug 16, 2009 4:43 PM:

" I love this article. It's about time we had a newspaper that got in line with the Obama mandate. I just hate being bothered by articles that present both sides of a controversial issue. Hail Obama! Hail the Montrose Daily Press! "




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o-k wrote on Aug 16, 2009 3:52 PM:

" He made a believer out of me.

Heaven knows we need to do something...we spend more on health care and get less for it than anywhere in the world.

Obama cut the Part D donut-hole for seniors by 50% already...really good news for seniors on a fixed income and hostage to drug prices.

I like his ideas on this. "




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Truth seeker wrote on Aug 16, 2009 2:19 PM:

" If you refuse, then we are going to ask you to make a contribution- A contribution? going to ask? what if I refuse? I mean if you are only asking...this guy scares me, he says things that make you say "yeah", but when you really look into it, it is total government control over every aspect of health care. See what the biil really says, If your insurance is not what the national health board thinks it ought to be you have to change to the "approved" governement insurance. there is so much more.... "




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Dave wrote on Aug 16, 2009 10:34 AM:

" Good Article! I attended the event and was impressed by the President's presentation.

I've lived through many Presidential administrations in my 54 years. I came away with the impression that we have a truly great President who has the ability to confront some of our greatest challenges if he can get past special interest money.

I don't agree with he President on many issues, but I believe that he is fighting for people who grew up in families like his own; people who have to struggle every day to make ends meet. "




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supporter wrote on Aug 16, 2009 9:55 AM:

" Good to see that he is tackling the tough issues. People don't know how to respond since our past president didn't do much except invade other countries and avoid the domestic issues. "




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