There has to be a special place in hell reserved for rich, fat politicians who can rejoice in depriving people of health care. The arrogance and smugness on display in the Rose Garden meeting by Republican politicians left me more than "mildly nauseous;" it left me wreching with disgust.
Funny when Obamacare was passed by the Democrats it stirred a hornet nest
1
Oh really?
1
Time to bring out the pitchforks and torches.
1
This is a mess. The goal of this administration is to diminish anything that helps the most people. The republican philosophy is hell with seniors of limited mean, hell with the middle class and of course the poor be damned. This administration want to undo the constitution and every fundamental pillar of freedom. A dictator bully in business and a dictator he wants to be as president. He admires the despicable. Thanks Hillary
Dare the NYT pst this
Dare the NYT pst this
3
I suspect the American people are far too stupid to not vote for people who take away their health care.
6
Interesting that erectile dysfunction is not included in the long list of pre-existing conditions. Hmmmmm.... wonder why that is?
7
I will donate to any campaign that calls out by name the GOP members who voted for this evil bill.
2
We can only hope.
The 2010 midterms were not really much about the ACA. It was the usual retreat from the party of the new president, which happens almost very midterm. And in 2010, it was exacerbated by a racist backlash against our first black president.
5
Several Republican congressmen admit they didn't read the bill, yet voted approval. Oh my Lord.
2
This is a call to organize and vote these lousy GOP bloodsucking lowlifes whose only interest is in giving the rich a tax break at every turn. Who gets a tax break in this bill...the rich only. These lowlife will inject a tax break or loophole for the rich in every bill they vote on, whether it's for health care, the environment, deregulation, etc. They play the same game every election year...promise the working folks great stuff, don't say anything about the rich and when they win...the rich get what they promised the regular folks. This is who they are...servants of billionaires and millionaires and those corporate interest that stuff their pockets with money. The health and pharmacutical industries alone have stuffed the GOP pockets with hundreds of millions of dollars. Do you think that they are loyal to you for voting for them or to the big money interest. If you guess you, you will always be a fool for them. Time to gut this GOP Congress out, vote them out in every election, local, state, national. They are not deserving of our trust or our vote.
Their sponsors, the people who have all the money and can't be connected to it, don't care what happens to those Republican House Representatives. They are disposable. They just want health care for the poor, the middle class, and anyone who can't afford it. They want all the money for themselves, and they want everyone else to pay for it.
If you aren't a billionaire, you're a no-good deadbeat freeloader and you don't deserve healthcare.
For them victory is a zero sum game. Someone, that's you, has to be hurt for there to be a victory. And that's what they are doing. They are hurting you because you are a no-good, good-for-nothing, deadbeat, freeloading communist socialist bleeding heart fiscally irresponsible disgusting excuse for a sorry human being.
You don't deserve healthcare, or anything else.
If you aren't a billionaire, you're a no-good deadbeat freeloader and you don't deserve healthcare.
For them victory is a zero sum game. Someone, that's you, has to be hurt for there to be a victory. And that's what they are doing. They are hurting you because you are a no-good, good-for-nothing, deadbeat, freeloading communist socialist bleeding heart fiscally irresponsible disgusting excuse for a sorry human being.
You don't deserve healthcare, or anything else.
3
With the Republican version of Health Care, there will be no "Death Panels". No need when the plan simply results in death. Death for those unfortunate enough to be born with a life threatening condition. Death to those who have lived to be old enough to suffer the diseases that come with age but "neglected" to make themselves multi-millionaires. Death to those who are unlucky to contract a serious illness where even all their life savings is not sufficient pay for treatment. Death for those in rural locations who will not be able to access the local hospitals destined to wither and die under the pressure of the new rules. Death to those who are suffering mental illness in those States that decide the Medicaid "savings" makes those "takers" expendable. And those brave and bold Republicans have exempted themselves from any of that, voting for their own Cadillac coverage in perpetuity. A great way to save money; just let all those losers die off. I suggest the new hot investment will be in funeral industry, or maybe Trump will take another lead from fiction and build a "Soylent Green" business. Certainly the Trump clan will smell the profit potential. Sweet to their noses.
First off, the TEA party, the ONLY national grassroots movment, recent polls show 96% of Trump voters still support him, no little resistance outside CA and NY. Secondly, Obamacare is falling apart as we speak. Reasonable people, (Republicans independents, and non-ideological Democrats), know the difference between fixing a disaster that we have now, versus creating the disaster when, according to Chuck Schumer, 85% of voters were very happy with their health insurance.
1
I wish I shared the confidence of the House Democrats. I fear the Republican spin machine.....ok, let's call it what it is, lies and propaganda machine, will convince the voters that are most hurt by this bill that it is somehow the Democrats' fault. This election, even more than Bush's, has shaken my faith in a huge swath of the electorate.
3
By gleefully passing this despicable and dubiously labelled “healthcare” bill, Trump and his fellow Republicans broke the first and second ‘Cardinal Rules of Politics’. The first cardinal rule of politics is, ‘Don’t tick off seniors’; the second cardinal rule of politics is, 'Don’t tick off seniors by taking away their healthcare'. Why? Because this group does something in large numbers that a lot of younger Americans don’t do, namely they show up and vote…in each and every election.
3
What a great idea! Cut taxes on the 1 percent by $883 billion and cut Medicaid for the poor by $883 billion. Can anyone see a connection? Clearly, the poor don't vote, so while we oppose abortion, letting the poor die of disease after they are born could save a bundle. And fetuses have no choices, but the poor could easily be rich if they would just choose the right parents like The Donald did.
It's time to call the Republican Party the Pro-Death Party. The Jimmy Kimmel story makes clear that some are born with preexisting conditions that combined with rules that you have to stay insured and you have to check all the boxes on this form and that one can easily put responsibility for your death in your own hands. Sorry, not our fault. We are Pro-Life, except for women, the poor, and immigrants. For the right people we will always go the extra mile!
It's time to call the Republican Party the Pro-Death Party. The Jimmy Kimmel story makes clear that some are born with preexisting conditions that combined with rules that you have to stay insured and you have to check all the boxes on this form and that one can easily put responsibility for your death in your own hands. Sorry, not our fault. We are Pro-Life, except for women, the poor, and immigrants. For the right people we will always go the extra mile!
5
They had a huge party (very optics-cented, as usual) simply because, for a change, the dysfunctional House in years finally managed to send something to the Senate. Really funny in a way! !!
The Republicans are just delighted they could pass anything. They said "no" for so long, they couldn't even get to "yes" with themselves. Yes! They cried. Let in the Trojan horse. It's a gift for the 1%.
Easily, as it now stands - Republicans will be out of congress house and senate in the mid-term election - the grand experiment of electing someone with zero experience in government - is already a flop. Billion and millionaires' really know how to do thing better - which would sign up for this Medical coverage ?? Before you could buy name- only insurance and when Trump signs' this - again in name only insurance will exist.
No chance for Democrats as long the republicans can pull the same con of ridding America of muslims, make it "white" again, giving the poor Americans "the best healthcare, "biggest tax break" in 118 years, bring steel and coal back, have churches get tax break and yet be active in politics, not treat every American equally---so on and so forth, ----only republican could pull such a con on unassuming(white) Americans. By the way having a spine is not required to be a republican.
11
They don't need a spine, just endless greed and callous disregard for the well-being of others.
1
My sincere congratulations to Trump voters who will suffer tremendously because of this bill. After much of Trump's facts-spinning, they can die out with a light heart now knowing that it were Obama, Clinton and the Democrats who completely screw them up.
(Sarcasm intended)
(Sarcasm intended)
12
I wonder how many members of Congress will sign up for Trumpcare if it passes. They should be willing to use the same insurance they foist off on the rest of us.
17
The video of trump chest bumping Ryan and proclaiming he is the president, was the most nauseating scene trump public relation, inc. has come up with.
19
Because there isn't an opioid epidemic in America, the Trump administration has decided to cut Drug Control Office funding by 95%.
Because there isn't an opioid epidemic especially in Trump country?
Because there isn't an opioid epidemic especially in Trump country?
9
Massive opioid epidemic is here and out of control
1
Maybe the Democrats should craft a plan after Australia's model and present it to the people shortly before the 2018 elections. My apology for being so simple minded.
10
I would be cheering too if my own pension and health care equalled what those self serving animals (pigs) in the Congress are guaranteed for life. Their worries are not ours. They live in a world with which we are unfamiliar. The Class divide grows wider and wider with each piece of Trump legislation. What a SCAM.
14
Democrats and supporters must kindly keep their counsel to themselves. There is this need to rush to the media and gloat and then start projecting all of the magical and marvelous things that are going to happen in 2018. Remember Hillary! Don't gloat. Don't book a gazillion dollars of fireworks. Don't book a grandiose hall with a glass ceiling. Just keep quiet and do the hard work.
It was the gloating and rubbing it in Trump's face that has led to this abomination of a bill passing the House. Believe it, the Senate will contort itself and pass something before we realize what is in it. The tragedy is not that Republicans won and Democrats lost, at least not to most of us. The tragedy for EVERYONE is an abominable bill will become law and add to the pain, suffering and injustice in our society.
So please do not gloat. Do not goad. Focus on the job and leave the show for Mr. Trump and his crowd. Republican voters are loyal - they bought GM and Ford cars through all of the disastrous models in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Conservative means not willing to change. No matter how awful the results of their past actions, they will not change. They will vote for R instead reason. So don't make it worse.
Another fringe benefit from such circumspection will be an overall reduction in the noise level in the media and society at large. After the cacophony of authoritarianism since 9/11 we can use some quiet time to get our equilibrium back and think. Cheers.
It was the gloating and rubbing it in Trump's face that has led to this abomination of a bill passing the House. Believe it, the Senate will contort itself and pass something before we realize what is in it. The tragedy is not that Republicans won and Democrats lost, at least not to most of us. The tragedy for EVERYONE is an abominable bill will become law and add to the pain, suffering and injustice in our society.
So please do not gloat. Do not goad. Focus on the job and leave the show for Mr. Trump and his crowd. Republican voters are loyal - they bought GM and Ford cars through all of the disastrous models in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Conservative means not willing to change. No matter how awful the results of their past actions, they will not change. They will vote for R instead reason. So don't make it worse.
Another fringe benefit from such circumspection will be an overall reduction in the noise level in the media and society at large. After the cacophony of authoritarianism since 9/11 we can use some quiet time to get our equilibrium back and think. Cheers.
17
So you agree that is the Democrats and the "fake news" media that is making all the noise? Trump supporters are quietly going about their daily routine.
Six years ago, my mother died of Alzheimers related complications. Several years before that, my maternal grandmother died of the same. Both were fairly early onset in their disease symptoms, and even though none of us yet have been genetically tested to confirm, we fear there is a genetic component. As anyone could imagine, the cost of care was enormous. Sadly, for my grandmother, she did not have the means to provide her with the best of care when she became unable to care for herself. My mother, however, was afforded the best of care, and she passed in an environment she believed to be her home.
My siblings and I have always (fearfully) joked about which one of us would win the "lottery" and wind up like our mother and grandmother. Regardless of our "jokes", in the back of my mind, was a weird sort of comfort that by the time one of us is diagnosed, our health care system will be evolved enough to provide some sort adequate care for all seniors afflicted with this horrible disease. After all, Alzheimers is becoming a predominent disease of the Babyboom generation. However, since this administration took over and introduced their idea of "American healthcare, I no longer have confidence that Alzheimers care (or any other healthcare for seniors) will be a priority.
Nursing and assisted living care will be out of reach for so many. I am terrified for the future.
My siblings and I have always (fearfully) joked about which one of us would win the "lottery" and wind up like our mother and grandmother. Regardless of our "jokes", in the back of my mind, was a weird sort of comfort that by the time one of us is diagnosed, our health care system will be evolved enough to provide some sort adequate care for all seniors afflicted with this horrible disease. After all, Alzheimers is becoming a predominent disease of the Babyboom generation. However, since this administration took over and introduced their idea of "American healthcare, I no longer have confidence that Alzheimers care (or any other healthcare for seniors) will be a priority.
Nursing and assisted living care will be out of reach for so many. I am terrified for the future.
8
The GOP and its donors will happily have us living under bridges - the ones still standing - and eating out of dumpsters. Time for lifestyle shows to start featuring segments on how to construct and decorate shacks made of discarded crates and tin siding.
TrumpRyanCare is Murder and the GOP is fast rebranding itself as a gang of serial killers who will have fresh kills every day it is in force if it becomes law. That is a simple fact when 24 million people will lose their coverage. My brother will die. My niece and grand niece, who both have a congenital-but-treatable brain malformations that can require further surgeries, will lose coverage. My nephew with severe asthma will lose coverage. My great grandson with a serious learning disability will lose coverage. At least 17 of my family will lose coverage, but every time I think about it, I have to add another one. Who in your family will die? Who in your family will suffer horribly, unnecessarily? Who will go bankrupt?
This is an ugly, cruel, maliciously punitive smash-and-grab on the part of a GOP that is obviously hell-bent on gutting every penny spent on human beings from the budget. It will also be their suicide, because no family I can imagine in this country will be left unscathed. And we will not forget who has our loved ones' blood and suffering on their hands.
This is an ugly, cruel, maliciously punitive smash-and-grab on the part of a GOP that is obviously hell-bent on gutting every penny spent on human beings from the budget. It will also be their suicide, because no family I can imagine in this country will be left unscathed. And we will not forget who has our loved ones' blood and suffering on their hands.
4
No one talks about the elephant in the room. What motivated them to really do this? The freedom caucas just wanted pre existing protection removed. why? I guarantee you its not ideology and its not popularity among constituents. with veterans and old people and previously sick being unplugged. Then what?? An investigation is warranted but will never happen I suppose and the elephant will keep munching grass.
The answer to this question is easy: Kochs and their friends in ALEC. This rollback in health insurance, and the end of time and a half for overtime pay in
particular, has been in their plans for decades. Trump is their dream president.
particular, has been in their plans for decades. Trump is their dream president.
How about a medical team doing a survey of Donald Trump, V.P. Pence, Trump's cabinet and appointees as well as the House and Senate representatives who voted for these cuts to the ACA. The point is to see how many of these Republican politicians have pre-existing conditions yet demand cuts health insurance for middle and working-class people.
A listing of their pre-existing conditions should be made public--not necessarily by name, but just to give us an idea how widespread pre-existing conditions are among our GOP politicians.
Under the GOP bill, Insurance rates should be 5 times greater for older Republican politicians and higher for those with pre-existing conditions. Plus, no maternity coverage for themselves or their spouses.
In fact, how about providing no health insurance benefits for these Republican politicians until every American has excellent government health insurance coverage.
A listing of their pre-existing conditions should be made public--not necessarily by name, but just to give us an idea how widespread pre-existing conditions are among our GOP politicians.
Under the GOP bill, Insurance rates should be 5 times greater for older Republican politicians and higher for those with pre-existing conditions. Plus, no maternity coverage for themselves or their spouses.
In fact, how about providing no health insurance benefits for these Republican politicians until every American has excellent government health insurance coverage.
9
GOP control of the House is built to a large extent on gerrymandering, disenfranchisement and voter suppression. Unless these issues are addressed, little can be done to retake Congress.
11
What I am failing to understand is why the voices of experts in a field are not given more value. We are all entitled to our own opinions, but isn't it possible that some opinions are more informed and grounded in facts than others? The voices of doctors should be heard and valued on issues of health care, scientists on issues of science, and educators on issues surrounding education. Not everything is rocket science, but sometimes it is, and thank goodness we have rocket scientists for that. May we learn to listen to them.
8
As my grandfather used to say -- no one is entitled to an uninformed opinion.
Fake doctors. Fake science. Fake news. The cognitive Revolution is complete.
Honestly, if Dems were 1% as adept with agit-prop as their Repub adversaries, '18 is a done deal. Imagine the red-meat rallies, led by with Americans who had lost spouses, children and parents to Trump "care," played against the background of the billionaire class taking their private jets to their 3d mansions, courtesy of the taxes they had "saved" in their anti-patriotic quest to suck every single dime from the U.S. economy.
But that's an alternate universe. Dems just don't fight dirty -- or smart. Until they do, we are stuck with this morass.
Greed, apparently, is good.
But that's an alternate universe. Dems just don't fight dirty -- or smart. Until they do, we are stuck with this morass.
Greed, apparently, is good.
7
Why don't the Republicans seem worried about getting voted out of office? They cheat by tweaking the voting machines. Solution. Respect the votes and count them above the table where all can see. Unless this is done, Republicans cannot lose. Why not get the basics back and have real elections? Make them have to do another Supreme Court Selection, or did no one notice how they stopped the vote count? Think about how many red states control the votng process. It doesn't take that much to change the perimeters, to pre-program a race. Why not question whether or not the numbers should be believed?
5
The politics of healthcare over the last eight years makes me wonder if democracy really works. After all, we vote for congressional representatives to distill down the relevant information on our behalf and to make the best choice possible for us. But once the Representative does that, he/she is vulnerable to the wrath of the public. It questions our whole process - is the Representative a delegate to the electorate in which he/she simply votes the will of the people, or should he/she vote what he thinks will best serve the people, even though it may be unpopular at first?
It seems that the electorate is not sure which of these they want and we end up with the situation of this article in which House Representatives are booted out after voting for what I assume they believe is best for the electorate. This creates a chaotic situation for insurance with this sort of thrashing about every eight years or so. It makes we wonder if our form of democracy is really working.
It seems that the electorate is not sure which of these they want and we end up with the situation of this article in which House Representatives are booted out after voting for what I assume they believe is best for the electorate. This creates a chaotic situation for insurance with this sort of thrashing about every eight years or so. It makes we wonder if our form of democracy is really working.
1
It was more than mildly nauseating watching the House republicans and Trump beaming from ear to ear and declaring a win. This isn't a win. There are three more major steps. Let me explain what a win is in terms Trump might understand.
Winning is when fourth base is reached. The House vote represents first base - a sloppy slithery wet french kiss. Second base, feeling her up, is the process that takes place in the senate. In the locker room no one would agree that getting to first and second base is a win yet. A halfway win but not a big victory. When the Senate and the House come together to work out the final bill, then the "I didn't have sex with that woman" base, ie, third is conquered. The win only occurs at home (4th) base when Trump gets to stick it to the people by signing the world's truly greatest one page healthcare plan. LORDY!
Winning is when fourth base is reached. The House vote represents first base - a sloppy slithery wet french kiss. Second base, feeling her up, is the process that takes place in the senate. In the locker room no one would agree that getting to first and second base is a win yet. A halfway win but not a big victory. When the Senate and the House come together to work out the final bill, then the "I didn't have sex with that woman" base, ie, third is conquered. The win only occurs at home (4th) base when Trump gets to stick it to the people by signing the world's truly greatest one page healthcare plan. LORDY!
1
I for one am sick of the ignorance and stupidity of both the GOP and the Democrats. The Democrats created Obama care and passed a bill that no one read. They did it without GOP input with the intention of having all of the negative aspects of the program hitting in the last two years of the Obama administration. I believe their overal objective was to drive it into a single payer system.
Th GOP, has essentially followed a similar process where they have crafted a bill that has passed the house without the input or support of the Democrats. Is the proposed bill any better or worse than what we have, who knows. Now we are hearing different groups and politicians giving their negative and positive support.
We know that the current pla is not working just by the fact that many insurers are pulling out of state exchanges. We know young people are not participating. We know the underground economy understates the incomes of many allowing them to obtain government subsidies. In other words much fixing/change is required.
What I don't see are elected representatives and senators working together to do what is right for all American citizens. They should start by making this law and all laws applicable to themselves as well as American citizens.
Th GOP, has essentially followed a similar process where they have crafted a bill that has passed the house without the input or support of the Democrats. Is the proposed bill any better or worse than what we have, who knows. Now we are hearing different groups and politicians giving their negative and positive support.
We know that the current pla is not working just by the fact that many insurers are pulling out of state exchanges. We know young people are not participating. We know the underground economy understates the incomes of many allowing them to obtain government subsidies. In other words much fixing/change is required.
What I don't see are elected representatives and senators working together to do what is right for all American citizens. They should start by making this law and all laws applicable to themselves as well as American citizens.
2
We know that the GOP had input into the ACA during the summer of 2010. Olympia Snowe of Maine helped craft it by adding most of what was on the Republican wishlist. She then voted against it.
We know that young people have not signed up, leading to insurance companies pulling out, because the GOP sued the government to remove the mandate and the five conservative justices of the supreme court went along with it. The supremes also allowed states to opt out of creating exchanges and expanding Medicaid.
Those are the reasons for the outcome. Listing the results doesn't help if you forget how they were created.
We know that young people have not signed up, leading to insurance companies pulling out, because the GOP sued the government to remove the mandate and the five conservative justices of the supreme court went along with it. The supremes also allowed states to opt out of creating exchanges and expanding Medicaid.
Those are the reasons for the outcome. Listing the results doesn't help if you forget how they were created.
Yes well. Democrats still need to get people out to vote and experience tells us that progressives don't vote in mid-term elections or anything election that is not a presidential election. They don't see the point. Hopefully this time will be different but I'll believe it when I see it.
1
Most House Republicans know that this nasty piece of legislative contempt will not become law in its current form. Comfortable in that certainty, they passed this bill simply to satisfy their base. I think they will suffer minimal damage because the final law will be far less draconian than the House version.
3
Every senior citizen loves their Medicare. The Democrats should put every effort toward a single payer system. The demo must show how it will be paid for. Coverage must be as good as Medicare and folks must pay the 20% out of pocket. For those at or below the poverty line, the feds must find the 20%. For those at 150% of the poverty line, they pay 10% and the feds pay the other 10%.
Single payer is inevitable unless we want to kill off the poor.
Single payer is inevitable unless we want to kill off the poor.
27
Use the Value Added Tax. Everybody pays approximately the same percentage of their disposed income for the package of benefits.
1
Nonsense. You're misinformed
Medicares a lifesaver. Most seniors can't afford what they pay monthly. The higher income seniors pay much more
Medicares a lifesaver. Most seniors can't afford what they pay monthly. The higher income seniors pay much more
2
The 20% co-pay made sense in the sixties when costs were much lower. Twenty percent of a procedure that costs tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars is impossible for nearly everyone. Consider, over half of Americans do not have any savings at all. Canadians don't pay 20%.
Wake up. This will not Thur the GOP. The right wing is far better at selling their stuff than the Democrats. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise was on Morning Joe today and told America that no one with pre-existing medical conditions would be denied insurance and the repeal of Obamacare would result in a tax cut that would benefit everyone. I know that's not true, but the GOP base will not. And if they do know, they will not care. And if they lose their insurance, it will be okay, as long as they know that the undeserving people they don't like will lose their insurance sooner.
The sad part is the Democrats will fail to send the message out in a manner that moves those few crucial percentage points that determine elections nationwide. The sadder part is, that even if they got out the perfect message, the right wing fundamentalists will reject it.
The sad part is the Democrats will fail to send the message out in a manner that moves those few crucial percentage points that determine elections nationwide. The sadder part is, that even if they got out the perfect message, the right wing fundamentalists will reject it.
I like Michelle Obama but "When they go low, we go high" has been a catastrophe for the Democrats. Democrats keep thinking twitter outrage and press releases are helpful in defeating a group of sociopaths. It is foolish and toxic.
I pray the GOP is crushed in 2018. I will do whatever I can to help - but even now I do not believe the Democratic party understands just how dark and despicable the current Republican party is. They will do anything to maintain power and serve their very rich patrons.
The Democrats still seem to believe rational argument and thoughtful response will win the day...as if we were dealing with Reagan's GOP. We are not. The current GOP is soulless, will stop at nothing, and simply does not care about anything but money and power. Democrats need to start seeing the true vicious ruthlessness of the GOP and had better start responding with ruthlessness of their own.
The soul of Neville Chamberlain is alive and well within the current crop of overmatched Democratic "leadership"
I pray the GOP is crushed in 2018. I will do whatever I can to help - but even now I do not believe the Democratic party understands just how dark and despicable the current Republican party is. They will do anything to maintain power and serve their very rich patrons.
The Democrats still seem to believe rational argument and thoughtful response will win the day...as if we were dealing with Reagan's GOP. We are not. The current GOP is soulless, will stop at nothing, and simply does not care about anything but money and power. Democrats need to start seeing the true vicious ruthlessness of the GOP and had better start responding with ruthlessness of their own.
The soul of Neville Chamberlain is alive and well within the current crop of overmatched Democratic "leadership"
I am sure the Republicans will lose some of the people who voted for Trump.
I strongly doubt it will make a significant difference.
The Republican may not win the house but they will still control the Senate.
Trump will still be President.
The Democrats will still be out of power.
I strongly doubt it will make a significant difference.
The Republican may not win the house but they will still control the Senate.
Trump will still be President.
The Democrats will still be out of power.
A few weeks ago there was a serious examination nationwide to locate the single area to be bleeped the worst by the Drumpfh "skinny" budget and this one poor county in Eastern Kentucky was identified. After reading through the cuts specifically for such a county I felt genuine sorrow for the residents.
And the worst part for me personally--hard to admit publicly--I didn't feel as bad after reading that the county voted 80% Drumpfh.
So I am now besmirched in the wrong direction.
And the worst part for me personally--hard to admit publicly--I didn't feel as bad after reading that the county voted 80% Drumpfh.
So I am now besmirched in the wrong direction.
I think that ending health care for 24,000,000 Americans will actually increase GOP voter turnout in the next election. After all, it's exactly what 63,000,000 Americans voted for. For Republicans, this is simply the GOP, "delivering the goods".
This country is lost. Period.
This country is lost. Period.
16
They sure have convinced many people that death is a happier place.
Maybe this the shot the Democrats need for 2018 and 2020. But they had better not be smug. They have to communicate with the people in their words. The Democrats should stop being the Party of high faluting words, charts and numbers and explain in simple language how Americans are or will be hurting. Nothing changes the direction of an election like a clear understanding of issues and the effects on the pocketbook. Connect with the man on the street. Then demographics will not play a role in swaying the election. Ask Trump. He is a genius at that ( no pun intended ).
2
The Republican Congresspeople who supported this vote placing a huge number of people at great risk for lack of health care must be called out by name in their own districts. Billboards, TV and radio spots, whatever it take to inform the electorate about how they have been sold out. These Republicans must be called to account by the vast majority of voters who will pay the price and suffer and even die so that the wealthiest 1% can pay lower taxes.
17
There's a lot of angst in this comment section about how the Republicans could do such a thing, but all Republicans promised to repeal the ACA and voters voted for them by huge margins. In an analysis of the November election results, I found only three House races where the percentage of victory over the Democratic opponent was 5 % or lower:
CA Denham 4%;
MN Lewis 2%
NE Bacon 2%
On the other hand, there were over a dozen House races where the Democrats just barely squeaked by their R opponents:
CA Bera 2%
FL Murphy 3%
IL Schneider 5%
MN Walz 0.8%
MN Peterson 5%
MN Nolan 0.6%
NY Rosen 1%
NV Kihuen 4%
NH Shea-Porter 1%
NH Kuster 5%
NJ Gottheimer 4%
NY Suozzi 4%
There's absolutely no way Republicans are shaking in their boots worrying about what their constituents are thinking about or the 24 million people who will lose health insurance coverage. I think it is safe to say they don't have to care. The voters spoke loudly and clearly in November to Republican lawmakers and sent them to Washington with very comfortable margins of victory and that's why the video of the press conference shows them all gloating.
What this means is that all the phone calls, all the letters, all the protests will have no impact on what these lawmakers decide to do. They don't have to care and passing this legislation proves that they don't.
CA Denham 4%;
MN Lewis 2%
NE Bacon 2%
On the other hand, there were over a dozen House races where the Democrats just barely squeaked by their R opponents:
CA Bera 2%
FL Murphy 3%
IL Schneider 5%
MN Walz 0.8%
MN Peterson 5%
MN Nolan 0.6%
NY Rosen 1%
NV Kihuen 4%
NH Shea-Porter 1%
NH Kuster 5%
NJ Gottheimer 4%
NY Suozzi 4%
There's absolutely no way Republicans are shaking in their boots worrying about what their constituents are thinking about or the 24 million people who will lose health insurance coverage. I think it is safe to say they don't have to care. The voters spoke loudly and clearly in November to Republican lawmakers and sent them to Washington with very comfortable margins of victory and that's why the video of the press conference shows them all gloating.
What this means is that all the phone calls, all the letters, all the protests will have no impact on what these lawmakers decide to do. They don't have to care and passing this legislation proves that they don't.
10
You must be assuming that all of the protesters in the raucous pro-Obamacare town hall meetings earlier this year were Democratic voters who never voted for their Republican representative. I beg to differ. I think a large enough segment of those protesters were Republicans and will vote Democratic if this becomes the law. Viewpoints change when it's you or your loved one's life on the line.
"I'll get you next time!" How many times have we heard that before? Fleas probably have a better chance of remembering what happened yesterday than do voters. But them along comes the next shaggy dog and they jump on that one, regardless of where it's going
8
This time the federal judiciary will get infested with judges from Hell for decades to come.
What's appalling is how many folks seem unaware of the issues of the day. We have a one-man protest going, standing on the busiest street corner of our smallish town several times a week with a sign. The message has to be both timely, so viewers have heard about what issue we're protesting, and short 'n' sweet, if people in cars are to be able to read it as they go by. The longest one we've made says, "Build a wall around Trump--I'll pay for it." To judge by the thumbs up, many are less than thrilled about Umptray, even in this red town. Yesterday the sign said, "Single Payer," but many seemed not to understand, despite the despicable AHCA vote some hours earlier. You'd think that people who have watched a half-hour news broadcast or read the headlines on line in the last week would recognize the term. Oh, wait... Do they ever discuss single-payer insurance on Fox?
8
Fox News is the most carefully crafted production I know of that avoids making people realize that they are ignoramuses as they are fed popcorn.
A couple of rational reforms to lower health care costs... Cap legal liability for medical malpractice and negotiate price on prescription drugs with the pharmaceutical industry are obvious places to start.
But I know.. lobbyists.. follow the money.. American government is the best government money can buy.
But I know.. lobbyists.. follow the money.. American government is the best government money can buy.
2
Congress denied Medicare the power to collectively bargain for us when it established Medicare Part D, covering reimbursement for drugs.
3
Jimmy Kimmel is worried not about his son's heart care when he is covered by his family's health insurance, but when he is an adult he will need his own insurance and has already a severe pre-existing condition.
Where is the funding for the high risk pools and the tax credits, when the rich are saving a trillion dollars in taxes in several years?
Where is the funding for the high risk pools and the tax credits, when the rich are saving a trillion dollars in taxes in several years?
6
For those who lack guns, the question is usually when to stop eating. That is how one dies at home with dignity in the USA today.
To call this a health care bill is laughable. The ONLY reason so many congressmen got on board (they admit this) is that while they didn't know what was in the bill they knew they had to get rid of Obamacare's taxes in order to transfer more wealth to the already wealthy.
The lie is that it is really about health care and not a long list of punishments the rich/GOP wish to impose on the non-wealthy. The absurd list of things considered a pre-existing condition, e.g. pregnancy and sexual assault, shows that they certainly don't want THEIR money going to pay for THOSE people, women first and foremost. They also claim to have the moral high ground since the people who get sick at all must be sinners or they wouldn't get sick. The nominee for Army Secretary said that universal health care coverage would be wrong because it would deprive churches of their ability to "bring people to Jesus."
Well, they will get what they wanted, a sicker and poorer and more unhappy America. But they don't care. After all, one of the amendments that persuaded the congresspeople to vote for this bill was that THEY get to keep THEIR Obamacare insurance just as it now is.
The lie is that it is really about health care and not a long list of punishments the rich/GOP wish to impose on the non-wealthy. The absurd list of things considered a pre-existing condition, e.g. pregnancy and sexual assault, shows that they certainly don't want THEIR money going to pay for THOSE people, women first and foremost. They also claim to have the moral high ground since the people who get sick at all must be sinners or they wouldn't get sick. The nominee for Army Secretary said that universal health care coverage would be wrong because it would deprive churches of their ability to "bring people to Jesus."
Well, they will get what they wanted, a sicker and poorer and more unhappy America. But they don't care. After all, one of the amendments that persuaded the congresspeople to vote for this bill was that THEY get to keep THEIR Obamacare insurance just as it now is.
WP reporter asked:"How could the people’s representatives swing, in the space of 24 hours, from bipartisan congratulations to partisan recriminations? The difference was in Trump’s approach."
Well, the approach is most likely bribes. Why? Trump's thesis to America is not to be "First" but "Last" as he reversed every rhetoric, slogan...etc., confirmed by his actions, take Syria as an example. When "America Last" is activated, the destroyer works maliciously, its octopus arms include one like bribes, noting his billionaire character. May be, some $20 m will buy the win, an easy win.
AND, if you are not convinced of this one, there is another: Trump is affiliated with (anti-Muslim) Brotherhood gangs. Remember Sisi, the fantastic guy, who turned Trump's head on Syria, and Erdogan who was a hero in Trump's view to congratulate over demolishing a democracy. Both are Brotherhood elites, and the organisation technique to win an election is through bribes, not necessary cash but things like sugar, rice, tea, cooking oil...etc, flooding into streets of the rural population, same election base as Trump's.
Why people always forget his alienation, intents, interests and instincts? In case they don't forget, they will not wonder and expect more of the destroyer, interpret incidents more rationale.
Well, the approach is most likely bribes. Why? Trump's thesis to America is not to be "First" but "Last" as he reversed every rhetoric, slogan...etc., confirmed by his actions, take Syria as an example. When "America Last" is activated, the destroyer works maliciously, its octopus arms include one like bribes, noting his billionaire character. May be, some $20 m will buy the win, an easy win.
AND, if you are not convinced of this one, there is another: Trump is affiliated with (anti-Muslim) Brotherhood gangs. Remember Sisi, the fantastic guy, who turned Trump's head on Syria, and Erdogan who was a hero in Trump's view to congratulate over demolishing a democracy. Both are Brotherhood elites, and the organisation technique to win an election is through bribes, not necessary cash but things like sugar, rice, tea, cooking oil...etc, flooding into streets of the rural population, same election base as Trump's.
Why people always forget his alienation, intents, interests and instincts? In case they don't forget, they will not wonder and expect more of the destroyer, interpret incidents more rationale.
My guess is the few people who will be negatively affected by the bill are Democratic voters anyway.
The House GOP is very confident, clearly unconcerned with their re-election chances.
Normally, I'd think they were crazy. But after November 8, 2016, I have to fear that they know a little voter suppression and clandestine hacks of their opponents private property will do the trick.
Their gas-lighting (and fraudulent activity) is working. I no longer trust my own senses.
Normally, I'd think they were crazy. But after November 8, 2016, I have to fear that they know a little voter suppression and clandestine hacks of their opponents private property will do the trick.
Their gas-lighting (and fraudulent activity) is working. I no longer trust my own senses.
7
When voters pull the lever for a Republican, they should expect consequences like this bill. Given the Republican Party's track record, they should expect exactly what is happening under Trump - more reverse Robin Hood transfers of wealth to corporations and the rich, coupled with outright discrimination against the poor and minority groups, especially immigrants.
So when I hear of people with preexisting conditions who voted for Trump but are now worried, or immigrants and minorities who voted for him (a surprisingly high number did) but now see their basic rights and freedoms in jeopardy, I have no sympathy. This is what you voted for. Unfortunately it will take the most dire consequences, such as Trump voters dying because they can't get health coverage, for any semblance of sanity to be restored to American politics. Worst of all, I fear that Trump and his congressional lapdogs, even if they have only two years, will inflict such wanton damage it may never be undone.
So when I hear of people with preexisting conditions who voted for Trump but are now worried, or immigrants and minorities who voted for him (a surprisingly high number did) but now see their basic rights and freedoms in jeopardy, I have no sympathy. This is what you voted for. Unfortunately it will take the most dire consequences, such as Trump voters dying because they can't get health coverage, for any semblance of sanity to be restored to American politics. Worst of all, I fear that Trump and his congressional lapdogs, even if they have only two years, will inflict such wanton damage it may never be undone.
The result of this legislation should be an easy election cycle for the Democrats in 2018. However, I am unconvinced they will be able to turn the outrage felt by people like me into gains politically. The reasons are as follows: 1) The GOP has crafted this legislation -should any semblance of this bill be passed into law-so that the most draconian aspects do not take place for 5 years. This will shield them not only during the mid terms, but 2020 General election cycles. 2) The Dems still do not realize that many people vote on cultural issues -for ex. my dear friend on dialysis, dependent on Medicare, voted GOP. WHY - abortion and conservative social issues are more important to her. Many GOP voters are of the same frame of mind. 3) I see no strategy from the Dems to capitalize on what is going on. Their leadership is stale. In my State legislative district the GOP candidates ran unopposed in 2014 and probably will in 2018. I live in a "blue" state but my area is solidly "red". 4) Gerrymandering is a reality that will be difficult to over come.
Voting outcomes show that in many "red" states even when the population has terrible services, they vote for low taxes every time - places like LA, MS, AL, OK, KS aren't going to turn "blue" no matter how many people die from a lack of health care.
My congressman is in no danger - sadly I am stuck with him for the foreseeable future.
Voting outcomes show that in many "red" states even when the population has terrible services, they vote for low taxes every time - places like LA, MS, AL, OK, KS aren't going to turn "blue" no matter how many people die from a lack of health care.
My congressman is in no danger - sadly I am stuck with him for the foreseeable future.
5
Please stop calling it a health care bill, call it what it really is, the Trump Republican's don't care bill.
D. Robinson
D. Robinson
The Pope is in serious trouble !
a new Religion invades the Land
THE GOSPEL OF DONALDO
summed up briefly as
DO UNTO OTHERS
before
THEY DO UNTO YOU
a new Religion invades the Land
THE GOSPEL OF DONALDO
summed up briefly as
DO UNTO OTHERS
before
THEY DO UNTO YOU
9
The hornet's nest was stirred when Obama and the Democrats rammed ObamaCare through in the middle of the night using procedural chicanery. The People gave the GOP control of the Congress and the majority of state offices
4
Except for the multiple hundreds of amendments, years of work, dozens of public committee hearings, and attempted compromise with R's until they decided to take their toys and go home. And except for the millions of D votes in excess of the R in the Presidential election and the nationwide House elections last cycle.
The most recently-passed Republican gem was passed without even the CBO scoring.
So other than that . . . perhaps middle of the night might be accurate somewhere.
The most recently-passed Republican gem was passed without even the CBO scoring.
So other than that . . . perhaps middle of the night might be accurate somewhere.
14
Obama and the democrats essentially just confirmed "Romneycare" even when the opportunity was there for the taking for at least a public option and they didn't do that either. When even today most congressional democrats and barely any senators will commit to a single-payer healthcare system, they still wonder why they are on the verge of extinction?
It took 14 months, start to finish, to pass,the ACA. That's a long, drawn-out ramming.
They can't pass the bill - it is the end of times for the Republicans.
They can pass the bill - it is the end of times for the Republicans.
I am starting to sense that the Grey Lady's analysis may not be as dispassionate as I originally thought.
They can pass the bill - it is the end of times for the Republicans.
I am starting to sense that the Grey Lady's analysis may not be as dispassionate as I originally thought.
5
trumper sure can sign those exec orders like dynamite
probably a 101 course at trump U
how to connect inky stuff and dots
diploma of course of course
post doctorate ?
HMMM?
probably a 101 course at trump U
how to connect inky stuff and dots
diploma of course of course
post doctorate ?
HMMM?
7
I'll wager Trump spent 10,000 hours practicing that signature.
no worries mate
ivanka the shoe peddler, another top (unpaid) advisor to donald, even though she has No experience in govt, is reviewing all daddys exec orders to make sure theyre not too beyond the pale
(im not making this up )
Democrats must not make the same mistake they made in the 2016 Presidential campaign, relying on winning by just not being Donald Trump. They must have and present a positive agenda to the public that will encourage people to come out and vote for them. The danger of a solely negative campaign is that the public will largely sit out the vote, while the Republicans consistently turn out their base and win when public participation is low.
19
"I am not the most conspicuous narcissistic megalomaniac on Earth" seems to work for Trump.
Hubris describes a personality quality of extreme or foolish pride or dangerous overconfidence. In the ancient Greek context, hubris describes behavior that defies the norms or challenged the gods. Ultimately the person, or in this case, group, that declines to hubris brings about their downfall.
I can't think of a more apropos description of Trump and his Republican co-conspirators.
I can't think of a more apropos description of Trump and his Republican co-conspirators.
12
The Republican intent was simply to disguise a tax cut for the wealthy as a health care plan. Trumpcare is a travesty but their supporters probably won't recognize that even as their insurance gets cancelled or proves to be worthless.
20
Trump has already convinced them that what they have now is worthless. So now he can sell them something ten times more worthless.
Easy for big fat cat like him to say. People do things for free for celebrities like him.
Easy for big fat cat like him to say. People do things for free for celebrities like him.
3
Obama was the first president in US history who dared to cut the budget for food stamps. His liberal apologists on the Internet will always react to this fact by saying that there were Republicans who wanted to make the cut bigger.
You’re telling a different story, and it’s news to me. It’s also not how things usually work around here. Usually it’s the Democrats who are able to get away with the deepest cuts to social spending by soothing minority and working class people with “I feel your pain” rhetoric.
ABC News actually says that Obama cut $700 billion from Medicare and Medicaid. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/08/fact-check-obama-ryan-romne... Republicans and right wingers claim that Obama used these budget cuts to pay for Obamacare, but I think he probably just used them to pay for imperialist war.
In any case, an elderly relative of mine is on Medicare, and I know that under Obama, she started having very expensive co-pays that she had never had before.
You’re telling a different story, and it’s news to me. It’s also not how things usually work around here. Usually it’s the Democrats who are able to get away with the deepest cuts to social spending by soothing minority and working class people with “I feel your pain” rhetoric.
ABC News actually says that Obama cut $700 billion from Medicare and Medicaid. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/08/fact-check-obama-ryan-romne... Republicans and right wingers claim that Obama used these budget cuts to pay for Obamacare, but I think he probably just used them to pay for imperialist war.
In any case, an elderly relative of mine is on Medicare, and I know that under Obama, she started having very expensive co-pays that she had never had before.
2
The DMC thinks this is what voters are the most concerned about. Same thinking before the elections.
What most voters were concerned about were the mandates. Many more folks opted for the tax penalty than for coverage. Businesses are pulling out because of the elimination of mandates also. This is the ripple effect. Today’s DMC needs to prepare for 2018. Either shift gears and change the rhetoric fast, or change the leadership at the DMC to better reflect what Dem voters, or even the public want right now! Not in 2, 5 or even 10 years from now. But now!
Russian involvement aside, Trump had this on his side. He addressed what people wanted to hear for the moment since that’s all it takes to vote…a moment.
The Dems relied on honesty expecting the public would embrace these values, they did not nor did they care. Repubs are not playing by the rules and by the time government oversight catches up to them, the public’s attention span has been captured by something else like Bill O’Reilly ‘We’ll do it live!’ or Anthony Wiener's laptop.
What most voters were concerned about were the mandates. Many more folks opted for the tax penalty than for coverage. Businesses are pulling out because of the elimination of mandates also. This is the ripple effect. Today’s DMC needs to prepare for 2018. Either shift gears and change the rhetoric fast, or change the leadership at the DMC to better reflect what Dem voters, or even the public want right now! Not in 2, 5 or even 10 years from now. But now!
Russian involvement aside, Trump had this on his side. He addressed what people wanted to hear for the moment since that’s all it takes to vote…a moment.
The Dems relied on honesty expecting the public would embrace these values, they did not nor did they care. Repubs are not playing by the rules and by the time government oversight catches up to them, the public’s attention span has been captured by something else like Bill O’Reilly ‘We’ll do it live!’ or Anthony Wiener's laptop.
5
Thanks, I'm not holding my breath. Democrats don't turn out for midterms. At this point, I'd be shocked if you could show me proof that a majority of Democratic voters are even aware there will be an election in 2018.
5
Well, it would help if what is left of the corporate/ establishment democrats at least had a vision, the trouble is, once again, other than saying how terrible Trump is, they don't have one.
"Who Wins and Who Loses in the Latest G.O.P. Health Care Bill"
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/04/upshot/who-wins-and-who-loses-in-the-...
In the WINNER column: the wealthy, the young and the healthy.
In the LOSER column: the old, the poor and people with health problems.
Very sad.
A society is judged by how the treat the most vulnerable.
The House GOP will not be judged kindly.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/04/upshot/who-wins-and-who-loses-in-the-...
In the WINNER column: the wealthy, the young and the healthy.
In the LOSER column: the old, the poor and people with health problems.
Very sad.
A society is judged by how the treat the most vulnerable.
The House GOP will not be judged kindly.
16
Well, like every one else that is born into this world, eventually we all get old, some will grow poor and there is very good evidence and actually it is statistically inevitable that, at various points in our lives, especially as we grow older and no matter how hard we try to avoid it, we will all suffer health problems.
Is it me or does this whole concept look totally preposterous?
Is it me or does this whole concept look totally preposterous?
1
The Republicans call themselves the "Christian" party. No sane person believes that.
One of the (many) sad things about the repeal of the ACA is that even if those representatives that voted for that repeal (and the likely harm it would do to those who have benefitted from having some measure of insurance coverage) are voted out of office, they still get to keep their taxpayer-funded gold-plated insurance coverage ... for life. How ironic is that?
12
The real purpose of the AHCA is for another tax cut, a huge tax cut. Costly social programs and revenue depleting tax cuts are not compatible. The Republicans are gambling that another tax cut will get through Congress, but they must first deny many Americans of health care to enrich the rich.
4
The Democrats didn't learn anything from the last election which saw them lose tons of seats in Congress because the supported Obamacare, now they are refusing to help the Republicans fix the mess of healthcare Obamacare caused by not doing anything and that will cost them even more seats in the next election.
2
Republicans haven't fixed anything nor are they interested in doing so. Going back to pre-Obamacare means $40 million uninsured, and older and sicker people being denied coverage. The Republicans haven't done anything to to address those problems, so what exactly should the Democrats be doing?
11
It's pretty clear what has happened here.
The house, unwilling to make hard choices, passed a bill that gets them off the hook. They've relinquished responsibility for health care to the Senate in exchange for an expedient political win for themselves and the President. They can now claim victory in having delivered on their campaign promise, without suffering any consequences or doing the hard work of leading.
In a world run by adults, the house would have actually crafted legislation that would have solved real problems and taken people's needs into account. Instead they passed the buck - to the senate to save the american public from bad legislation, and to the states to shoulder the burden of making hard choices.
Ultimately it'll be the old, poor and sick that will suffer. That's not leadership.
The house, unwilling to make hard choices, passed a bill that gets them off the hook. They've relinquished responsibility for health care to the Senate in exchange for an expedient political win for themselves and the President. They can now claim victory in having delivered on their campaign promise, without suffering any consequences or doing the hard work of leading.
In a world run by adults, the house would have actually crafted legislation that would have solved real problems and taken people's needs into account. Instead they passed the buck - to the senate to save the american public from bad legislation, and to the states to shoulder the burden of making hard choices.
Ultimately it'll be the old, poor and sick that will suffer. That's not leadership.
15
Finding adults in charge is a rare event in the USA.
NYTimes--please, could you tell us more about the measure that was passed? What's happening with maternity coverage? With mental health? So much of news coverage seems more concerned about how it impacts re-election for Republicans vs. Democrats. An important angle to be sure, and one that is critical to me, but I want more information about the measure itself. I'm weary of news that primarily is concerned with politics as sports, the yards gained/lost by either political party. The 24/7, 365-day-a-year election cycle is not always healthy for governance or the people.
7
That info has definitely been written about in the Times. Look around the front page.
1
And don't you think for one minute that the Republicans were told how much money they can count on for their upcoming election races.
That's why they are all smiling the know, The Big Bucks, Negative TV commercials and Fake News will pull them through any Democratic Charge.
That's why they are all smiling the know, The Big Bucks, Negative TV commercials and Fake News will pull them through any Democratic Charge.
The privileged already enjoy the benefit of being privileged. The rest is just power grab and greed.
9
If the hornet's nest is stirred, will the hornets look to sting or just buzz around and quietly settle down?
Even those who manage to pay the higher and higher costs of insurance will, sooner or later, get priced out of the market. Until then, they can watch helplessly as their retirement-plan dollars get funneled into faux insurance with little coverage. We're already alarmed at the number of Americans who are ill-prepared for retirement; just wait till the AHCA gets done with us. We are headed for a Dickensian nightmare.
17
An opportunity for Democrats, if they don't squander it.
Once the ACA passed, Democrats sat idly as Republicans relentlessly attacked it. Democrats did nothing to counter those attacks, or to promote the genuine benefits of the ACA. They let Republicans define it as "a socialist takeover of health care" and a "disaster" in the minds of most Americans. That's how we ended up with yesterday's cruel abomination.
Republicans showed their true colors, exulting in their "victory" condemning tens of millions of the most vulnerable to debility, destitution, and death so the wealthiest could have a big tax cut. If Democrats don't truthfully attack Republicans with the same intensity as Republicans attack "liberals" with endless lies, there is no hope of redemption for Democrats.
Even more important is an agenda that connects with non-wealthy Americans. It must be clearly, consistently, and incessantly articulated in the simple visceral slogans Republicans mastered decades ago. "We're not Republicans" is not enough.
Democrats need to make a priority of connecting with voters, rather than fundraising from wealthy liberals. The fact that Bernie Sanders won 22 states without support from the party fundraising apparatus should have rung panicked alarm bells among the Democratic elite. But they ignored the alarm, and still don't understand why they lost bigly to a narcissistic con man who promised greatness but delivered tohubohu.
Once the ACA passed, Democrats sat idly as Republicans relentlessly attacked it. Democrats did nothing to counter those attacks, or to promote the genuine benefits of the ACA. They let Republicans define it as "a socialist takeover of health care" and a "disaster" in the minds of most Americans. That's how we ended up with yesterday's cruel abomination.
Republicans showed their true colors, exulting in their "victory" condemning tens of millions of the most vulnerable to debility, destitution, and death so the wealthiest could have a big tax cut. If Democrats don't truthfully attack Republicans with the same intensity as Republicans attack "liberals" with endless lies, there is no hope of redemption for Democrats.
Even more important is an agenda that connects with non-wealthy Americans. It must be clearly, consistently, and incessantly articulated in the simple visceral slogans Republicans mastered decades ago. "We're not Republicans" is not enough.
Democrats need to make a priority of connecting with voters, rather than fundraising from wealthy liberals. The fact that Bernie Sanders won 22 states without support from the party fundraising apparatus should have rung panicked alarm bells among the Democratic elite. But they ignored the alarm, and still don't understand why they lost bigly to a narcissistic con man who promised greatness but delivered tohubohu.
15
Ted, you're correct, and I'll add, the dems need to pick the right candidate and stop undermining people like Bernie, who, if not for the shenanigans of the DNC, would be president right now, and even now, the dems are in total denial as to why they lost. It not Russia, it's not sexism, no one wanted Hillary, because she was the wrong candidate. even now, the DNC is ignoring the young voters and thinking they will win because of what Trump is doing, but unless they embrace progressive ideas and regular people, they are doomed.
Since Sanders lost the primary because more people voted for Clinton, I would say no one wanted Bernie. Young voters should vote consistently in all elections and try to get up to speed on issues important to all Democrats not just on Sanders' failed campaign rhetoric.
1
Obama led, and Democrats supported--albeit in varying degrees--legislature that addressed one of the great cultural and economic issues of our time: health care for all Americans. All the Republicans can do, have the values to do, is dismantle, deny, and discriminate. Whatever words and lies they tell to disguise their actions, this is all they stand for.
25
Americans will die per Trump-Republican tax cuts for the rich.
5
Hornets nest? Not unless this issue is kept alive and well (no pun intended) until the 2018 elections and beyond. If not, most voters will have long forgotten.
7
IF it passes the Senate which is a big if.. The millions effected by this or have a loved one effected by this will be a huge issue for the GOP. GOP will simply not be able to rationally defend taking access to basic healthcare away from people. Couple that with the GOP's need to give the rich a giant tax break..
GOP just commited electoral suicide imo
GOP just commited electoral suicide imo
5
Not if they loose their healthcare.
2
During a planned meeting with our Prime Minister, for which your President was three hours late, Mr Trump said as an aside that Australia has a much better health care system than the USA.
Australia introduced a universal health scheme called Medicare about forty years ago. It was funded by a 3% "levy" which was supposed to be for three years. Forty plus years later the levy is still in place but nobody cares because we do have one of the best cradle to grave all inclusive health care systems in the world. To complement Medicare we also have a PBS scheme which the government negotiates with big Pharma on behalf of the people which results in cheaper drug prices across the board. Australia is also introducing a Nationally Disability Scheme which will provide all disabled citizens with targeted assistance programs.
The thing is, these things have to be paid for. Australians understand that and the costs are spread evenly. The USA badly needs a universal health scheme. You can have it too but the thing is it will have to be paid for some way. You get what you pay for and if you pay nothing you'll get nothing.
Australia introduced a universal health scheme called Medicare about forty years ago. It was funded by a 3% "levy" which was supposed to be for three years. Forty plus years later the levy is still in place but nobody cares because we do have one of the best cradle to grave all inclusive health care systems in the world. To complement Medicare we also have a PBS scheme which the government negotiates with big Pharma on behalf of the people which results in cheaper drug prices across the board. Australia is also introducing a Nationally Disability Scheme which will provide all disabled citizens with targeted assistance programs.
The thing is, these things have to be paid for. Australians understand that and the costs are spread evenly. The USA badly needs a universal health scheme. You can have it too but the thing is it will have to be paid for some way. You get what you pay for and if you pay nothing you'll get nothing.
46
Contrary to many comments I have seen in the press, it is also not rationed, does not discriminate, provides choice and is provided at much lower costs for high quality services.
For example: an ECG can be recorded by a nurse, is direct billed to Medicare and costs very little, even when the doctor fee is added. Here in Queensland our paramedics are also free. They saved my husband when he had a major heart attack. By the time they got him to the CCU he his clot was already dissapating due to the (free) drugs, so that the cardiologists could perform the angiogram and insert a stent, all billed to Medicare. The cardiologist on duty at the public hospital was the chief specialist at the private hospital in the next building. The week stay in CCU was also bulk billed.
World class care all paid for by our tax dollars and the Medicare levy. Takes some beating, and I grew up with the UK NHS, which is not a patch on whatbwe have here.
If this is socialism, then every country shoukd be so blesses.
For example: an ECG can be recorded by a nurse, is direct billed to Medicare and costs very little, even when the doctor fee is added. Here in Queensland our paramedics are also free. They saved my husband when he had a major heart attack. By the time they got him to the CCU he his clot was already dissapating due to the (free) drugs, so that the cardiologists could perform the angiogram and insert a stent, all billed to Medicare. The cardiologist on duty at the public hospital was the chief specialist at the private hospital in the next building. The week stay in CCU was also bulk billed.
World class care all paid for by our tax dollars and the Medicare levy. Takes some beating, and I grew up with the UK NHS, which is not a patch on whatbwe have here.
If this is socialism, then every country shoukd be so blesses.
5
I apologize for the so-called president's rudeness in being late, his ignorance, offensiveness, inappropriateness, unintelligibleness, bigotry, hate, bias towards the wealthy...the list is endless.
If I could fire him, I would.
If I could fire him, I would.
4
TrevorN, our problem is our country is controlled by big pharmaceutical companies, who have elected leaders in their pockets. One of these days, we'll wake up and demand this stops.
1
Important: Outing the ACA by Robert Reich
Last evening on CNN Robert Reich outed Obamacare.
Without push back he accepted that a number of misstatements are true about the ACA. You cannot keep your doctor, nor can you keep your plan nor are costs going to go down.
His shocking revelation was that Obamacare will solve the cost conundrum through premium increases and rising deductibles. WHAT? Yes folks the imminent economist outed the ACA. He confirmed the lie that Obamacare would reduce your medical costs is in fact a lie. Admitting as such that there are two choices for Obamacare, either dramatically increases in premiums and deductibles to assure coverage or you can have coverage on paper but the services will in fact not be available. Insurance companies will not unwrite coverages without these increases. Thank you professor for the clarity even though it was inadvertent.
Last evening on CNN Robert Reich outed Obamacare.
Without push back he accepted that a number of misstatements are true about the ACA. You cannot keep your doctor, nor can you keep your plan nor are costs going to go down.
His shocking revelation was that Obamacare will solve the cost conundrum through premium increases and rising deductibles. WHAT? Yes folks the imminent economist outed the ACA. He confirmed the lie that Obamacare would reduce your medical costs is in fact a lie. Admitting as such that there are two choices for Obamacare, either dramatically increases in premiums and deductibles to assure coverage or you can have coverage on paper but the services will in fact not be available. Insurance companies will not unwrite coverages without these increases. Thank you professor for the clarity even though it was inadvertent.
Trump's latest in a lifetime of conning hapless rubes.
Latest victims- the House Republicans (kudos to the 20 who have a lick of sense left and voted no).
Paul Ryan and company, you've just been conned into signing up for the NEW Trump University 2017!
The American Health Care Act.
Classes start this week in your home district and end in November 2018.
Latest victims- the House Republicans (kudos to the 20 who have a lick of sense left and voted no).
Paul Ryan and company, you've just been conned into signing up for the NEW Trump University 2017!
The American Health Care Act.
Classes start this week in your home district and end in November 2018.
It's official, it is now TRUMPCARE.
10
I heard on NPR today that most House Republcans are in safe gerry-mandered districts. They will not suffer the consequences of this disastrous TrumpCare vote.
4
Not all of the 14 in California. In Orange County they voted for Hillary.
There is one fair and common sense solution: SINGLE PAYER FOR ALL. Please DEMOCRATS, show some valor. Start shouting it from the mountain tops to the shining seas! It's time.
22
Some complain that healthy people should not carry the financial burden for people who have expensive healthcare needs. So why is it that I pay painfully high school taxes even though I never have used nor will I ever use our school system. The reason as I understand it is that we are all part of a community and must all participate in its support.
89
You said "So why is it that I pay painfully high school taxes even though I never have used nor will I ever use our school system. The reason as I understand it is that we are all part of a community and must all participate in its support." That is not the real reason and everybody knows it. The real reason is because the government take you to jail, put a lien on your property or administer you some other painful consequence if you don't.
All to give the wealthy more money. The wealthy don't need any more money. Trickle down doesn't work. We all know that. This legislation aims to take even more money away from the middle class and the poor. Money equals political power. Less money really means even less political power. If you struggle to buy food and pay rent, you're a lot less likely to have money to support progressive causes and candidates. It's simple, really. It's a coup.
18
Ah, but you all have the right to bear arms and the Constitutional imperative to overthrow tyrants. A volatile mix.
Those of us who study history know that it is injustices against the middle classes that instigate upheavals. Gandhi and Acquino were middle class and showed how to use people power without violence to bring change. The French and the Russians did it in a more bloody fashion.
We did in in the old country by beheading the king and installing Cromwell in Parliament. A good mix of the two possible change agents.
What way forward America?
Those of us who study history know that it is injustices against the middle classes that instigate upheavals. Gandhi and Acquino were middle class and showed how to use people power without violence to bring change. The French and the Russians did it in a more bloody fashion.
We did in in the old country by beheading the king and installing Cromwell in Parliament. A good mix of the two possible change agents.
What way forward America?
I've read a dozen pieces just like this one in the past week. While I applaud the sentiment and hope they prove true, I've lost any faith that people who have continued for years to vote against their own interests will suddenly wise up and change course. Any ill effects they suffer should this bill pass will certainly be blamed on their boogeyman du jour.
I think the best thing for the both houses of Congress do to reassure the American People they will come up with a REAL Affordable Health Care Bill or fix, is to mandate the entire Congress and their family members are also covered under the same bill while serving in Congress.
11
I think the best thing for the both houses of Congress to do, in order to reassure the American People they will come up with a REAL Affordable Health Care Bill or fix, is to mandate that the entire Congress and their family members are also covered under the same bill while serving in Congress.
2
Never underestimate the ability of the Democratic party to miss an opportunity, or the ability of Republicans to fool a large proportion through lies, fear, and hate. I'll stay pessimistic and perhaps be happily surprised.
16
Let's not get too optimistic. Remember that extreme legislation such as the AHCA is only possible thanks to Republican redistricting efforts that too place in the early part of this decade. The AHCA does not represent the view of the majority.
I would urge everyone to contribute to the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, headed by former Attorney General Eric Holder and President Obama. The NDRC is working to put Big Data to work to win court challenges to the egregious and unjust redistricting that has taken place, and continues to take place, all across our country, undermining democracy at every turn. You can learn more here: https://democraticredistricting.com/.
I would urge everyone to contribute to the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, headed by former Attorney General Eric Holder and President Obama. The NDRC is working to put Big Data to work to win court challenges to the egregious and unjust redistricting that has taken place, and continues to take place, all across our country, undermining democracy at every turn. You can learn more here: https://democraticredistricting.com/.
8
Next on the Paul Ryan/Republican hit list - Medicare and Social Security.
13
So true. Mr. Ryan is on his way to use his little hatchet on Medicare and Social Security. You have to wonder how he sleeps at night.
The question people ask themselves when they see a dog chasing a car down the road, "What's he going to do when he catches it?" This pretty much sums up the Republicans owning healthcare.
7
I really liked the idea of 'Obamacare', initially as it appeared on the surface as a fair attempt to bring needed medical coverage for all. Then, when I noticed my own and others' continuously increasing deductibles, increasing cheating on taxes by business people so that they can qualify for subsidies, I thought it was doing more harm than good. I overheard a millionaire businessman at a party talking with a accountant as to what income will be appropriate to qualify for cheap Obamacare premiums. As a taxpayer, I am sick and tired of supporting others who can afford to hide their income, not pay taxes and get all the freebies which lately also includes the best of healthcare.
Either this country should be down right capitalist where every one has to fend for oneself or socialist where all pay their taxes diligently, no tax loopholes and the government provides everything! We cannot have it both ways.
Either this country should be down right capitalist where every one has to fend for oneself or socialist where all pay their taxes diligently, no tax loopholes and the government provides everything! We cannot have it both ways.
1
Thank you to The Pro-Life Republican Party: where life begins at conception and ends at birth.
18
“The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer. It has never yet melted.” - D.H. Lawrence, "Studies in Classic American Literature" (1923).
5
Assigning blame to Democrats is the overarching Republican strategy. With the aid of shills like Rush Limbaugh and Fox News' 24-hour cycle of lies and false attributions, don't be too sure that they won't be able to twist the truth and assign responsibility of this horrendous and cruel healthcare bill to Pelosi, Obama and Hillary. They're masters at getting poor, working and middle class citizens to vote against their own better interest. As the Liar in Chief would put it, "SAD!"
8
Wished the house dem would have been a bit more mature in their chanting; they should have chanted "shame, shame, shame, etc").
3
I think this is a great time for someone to deliver that harangue again about how this past election was all about sticking it to the "coastal elites." I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's not "coastal elites" that's going to have problem getting dialysis and what-not.
8
I can't even begin to describe the rage and revulsion I have toward Republicans. I will do everything and anything I can - short of physical violence - to help destroy them in the next election. And beyond.
19
Watching that wink wink giggle party of fat old jiggle jowl white men in the White House rose garden yesterday after they had effectively transferred 800 billion dollars from the scant coffers of the 99.99 percent to the already overflowing coffers .01 percent (depriving 24 million Americans of healthcare in the process) should serve to motivate enough people to the polls to eliminate the Republican Party of Hate Fear & Greed from the American political landscape for decades...
2018 can't get here soon enough.
2018 can't get here soon enough.
16
Now you see what the coup was all about. The rich don't want to pay because they already are having plenty. They see their job is to be competitive making money off the masses, not help the masses. Business is business and America means business and that's why Americans voted in a sleazy real estate flim flam man. Good luck wid dat.
9
Will do all I can to unseat Yoho and rest that do not serve their constituents first before the WH.
1
We need to separate the political arguments from the practical questions of whether the AHCA will work.
The political arguments cannot be settled. The left wants universal single payer healthcare funded by taxes. The right wants a free market system with protections for people who need help. These points of view cannot be reconciled.
As a practical matter the AHCA can work if:
1. The high risk pools are set up correctly and are properly funded. If this is done, then people with pre-existing conditions get the same health care as everyone else, and the funding in the pools pays for the costs above a certain point. This takes those people out of the risk pool for the purpose of premium calculations by the insurance companies which should dramatically lower the premiums for everyone else.
2. The States do a good job in designing their own systems with their Medicare block grant money. Doubtless some will do a great job. Some will do a terrible job. We will likely hear more about the failures than the successes.
3. Premiums fall by enough and the prospect of higher premiums if you do not maintain coverage incents enough young and healthy people to buy policies. ObamaCare's mandates did not work, and the artificially higher prices for younger and healthy people did not help either.
We are just going to have to see what happens.
The political arguments cannot be settled. The left wants universal single payer healthcare funded by taxes. The right wants a free market system with protections for people who need help. These points of view cannot be reconciled.
As a practical matter the AHCA can work if:
1. The high risk pools are set up correctly and are properly funded. If this is done, then people with pre-existing conditions get the same health care as everyone else, and the funding in the pools pays for the costs above a certain point. This takes those people out of the risk pool for the purpose of premium calculations by the insurance companies which should dramatically lower the premiums for everyone else.
2. The States do a good job in designing their own systems with their Medicare block grant money. Doubtless some will do a great job. Some will do a terrible job. We will likely hear more about the failures than the successes.
3. Premiums fall by enough and the prospect of higher premiums if you do not maintain coverage incents enough young and healthy people to buy policies. ObamaCare's mandates did not work, and the artificially higher prices for younger and healthy people did not help either.
We are just going to have to see what happens.
2
1. We already know that the funding for high risk pools is deficient, and it is funding that will end completely in 5 years. Ergo, your first condition is failed.
2. Medicare funding is going to also be deficient as the bill holds it to current funded, thus inflation will eat it up in every state. Even states that produce great medcaide programs will find them bankrupt in a decade or more soon. The product of this underfunding is more and more low income people suffering more and more.
3. In the past, the threat of not being able to purchase health insurance incentivized very few. Why would it do better now. Low income families and young people need to pay the rent, but automobiles, and lives. If they can put the cost of insurance on the back burner they will. If you don't believe that, check out the average American's retirement savings to see how far sighted they are.
Instead of throwing the baby out with the bath water, why not use the ACA to build a new base. Cost control big pharma, create a public option, and restrict the profit health insurance firms can make on their policies. Problem over.
2. Medicare funding is going to also be deficient as the bill holds it to current funded, thus inflation will eat it up in every state. Even states that produce great medcaide programs will find them bankrupt in a decade or more soon. The product of this underfunding is more and more low income people suffering more and more.
3. In the past, the threat of not being able to purchase health insurance incentivized very few. Why would it do better now. Low income families and young people need to pay the rent, but automobiles, and lives. If they can put the cost of insurance on the back burner they will. If you don't believe that, check out the average American's retirement savings to see how far sighted they are.
Instead of throwing the baby out with the bath water, why not use the ACA to build a new base. Cost control big pharma, create a public option, and restrict the profit health insurance firms can make on their policies. Problem over.
I see. And how many people are you willing to let die to test your hypothesis?
We saw what happened before Obamacare: high-risk pools were chronically underfunded to the point of collapse; people with pre-existing conditions could not get medical insurance; and insurance companies denied claims and cancelled insurance when insureds got sick (is it really insurance at all if it goes away the minute you get sick?).
The states had decades to design their own systems. Most failed. But Massachusetts had a fairly successful system that served as the model for Obamacare. The states, as laboratory, fulfilled their mission and solved, albeit imperfectly, the problem. Rational people don't see that as an invitation to create a new problem.
We saw what happened before Obamacare: high-risk pools were chronically underfunded to the point of collapse; people with pre-existing conditions could not get medical insurance; and insurance companies denied claims and cancelled insurance when insureds got sick (is it really insurance at all if it goes away the minute you get sick?).
The states had decades to design their own systems. Most failed. But Massachusetts had a fairly successful system that served as the model for Obamacare. The states, as laboratory, fulfilled their mission and solved, albeit imperfectly, the problem. Rational people don't see that as an invitation to create a new problem.
2
You omit three salient points:
First, there is nothing in this bill to control costs. That negates your point three. Before Obamacare, premiums on the individual market were inflating at a much higher pace, especially here in California, than they are under Obamacare. AHCA will put us right back in the pre-Obamacare situation.
Second, the block grants have no provision for increases with population, changes in age and income, or medical inflation. That's a sure recipe for failure.
Third, the estimated costs to adequately fund high risk pools are far higher than the funding the bill proposes for the purpose. In fact, the needed funds may, and probably will, exceed the government funds needed for Obamacare without the corresponding taxation to support them.
First, there is nothing in this bill to control costs. That negates your point three. Before Obamacare, premiums on the individual market were inflating at a much higher pace, especially here in California, than they are under Obamacare. AHCA will put us right back in the pre-Obamacare situation.
Second, the block grants have no provision for increases with population, changes in age and income, or medical inflation. That's a sure recipe for failure.
Third, the estimated costs to adequately fund high risk pools are far higher than the funding the bill proposes for the purpose. In fact, the needed funds may, and probably will, exceed the government funds needed for Obamacare without the corresponding taxation to support them.
1
Since money seems to drive everything, why not show disapproval by identifying, protesting and refusing to buy or support the services/goods of those corporations that provided election funding for these representatives? Impossible to control voter opinions or election turn out, but fear of being "outed" as a supporter of these elected officials will send a very strong signal that this will no longer be tolerated by their constituents.
10
The only way you can repeal Obama care is repeal it and do not replace it. Otherwise, Obama legacy on any health care bill will remain, because he is the one that signed the first health care bill. Any subsequent bills or modifications will be called Obama care or modified versions of Obama care, irrespective of which president signs the bill.
1
Those "tax cuts"? That is the DEFUNDING of how the ACA is paid for. When they are telling you your plans will remain in effect after December 31, 2019 and there is nothing to pay for it left you are believing them?
11
You don't pass a Bill just to fulfill a campaign promise.
You pass a Bill that helps the people.....
You pass a Bill that helps the people.....
15
We won! We won! We screwed 24 million Americans out of their health care, and gave the money to the rich!
-- The Republicans
-- The Republicans
30
Well, sorta, the senate needs to vote on it, then the unpresident needs to sign it. It's not clear that the senate will pass it.
6
Why don't the dems put up a single payer bill? Even though it would never get through the House, at least it would show what they stand for.
12
Because it would have to be a tax-based single collector too.
Wasted time and effort. Single payer has been floated before, and it does not have national support. The votes are too close for theatrics and games.
Like the president said, ObamaCare is dying, many states will soon no longer have companies willing to offer ACA policies.
So fine, don't pass this bill in the Senate and let ObamaCare go away completely when eventually no insurance company will offer a plan in any of the 50 states.
That's fine with me.
So fine, don't pass this bill in the Senate and let ObamaCare go away completely when eventually no insurance company will offer a plan in any of the 50 states.
That's fine with me.
1
We are reminded that "senate" and "senile" have the same Latin root.
1
At this point, I know that I really should not be surprised at the callousness that people show towards their fellow citizens but somehow I still am. The disrespect that you have for others is sickening.
8
The GOP health bill seems to be part of the GOP's War on Women. The bill eliminates the requirement for both maternity and contraceptive coverage. One of its principal aims appears to be to make health care cheaper for men.
18
It is morally irresponsible for the US not to have a healthcare system that covers everyone. Cost is not the reason. Canada covers everyone using 6% less of its GDP per the following and many other studies:
"Health-care spending accounts for a high share of Gross Domestic Product in the United States, relative to Canada. In 2013, U.S. health-care spending accounted for 17.1 per cent of GDP, versus just 10.7 per cent in Canada, according to an October 2015 report from the Commonwealth Fund."
Can you imagine the jobs program that the US could initiate with 6% of it's GDP?
"Health-care spending accounts for a high share of Gross Domestic Product in the United States, relative to Canada. In 2013, U.S. health-care spending accounted for 17.1 per cent of GDP, versus just 10.7 per cent in Canada, according to an October 2015 report from the Commonwealth Fund."
Can you imagine the jobs program that the US could initiate with 6% of it's GDP?
18
Another Republican 800 billion dollar tax break for multi-millionaires and billionaires posing as a healthcare plan...
13
People voted for this. The majority of white women voted for this. Even though Hillary won the popular vote, the votes that mattered, Trump won. So there you have it. I'm tired. Luckily i have the skills and the ability to avoid certain death. Until tragedy strikes me, of course.
I think America likes hating their neighbors. We like picking on the little guy, the minority, the sick kid, the one with the accent. It's what we do. Maybe it's time we just own it. Those of us that care about our neighbor are simply tossed aside by the so called winners. Let's see how America fares the next four years. The sad thing is we are held hostage by these lunatics in the meantime. My bet is we will be even more Republican in the future. Nobody will learn anything from the massive suffering.
I think America likes hating their neighbors. We like picking on the little guy, the minority, the sick kid, the one with the accent. It's what we do. Maybe it's time we just own it. Those of us that care about our neighbor are simply tossed aside by the so called winners. Let's see how America fares the next four years. The sad thing is we are held hostage by these lunatics in the meantime. My bet is we will be even more Republican in the future. Nobody will learn anything from the massive suffering.
18
The Republicans have stirred up a hornets nest, but will the Democrats be savvy enough to make any gains in the mess Republican have created? I wouldn't bet on it. They will continue to ignore their natural, blue collar base and the economic issues on which they should be focused, and get dragged off the path of electoral success by toilets and birth control (both being legitimate issues, but not central to most people most of the time)
Last election our banner carrier seemed to think that because she was about to become the first female President, she really didn't have to portray any central purpose or theme to her candidacy. Bernie Sander's successes should have convinced her that she really needed to run harder for the working class vote, but it did not. Instead her managers flayed against the lowest rated, most disliked candidate in American history (as if that would gain her more votes) instead of building her economic strengths and kinship with the working class. She lost.
Did the Democrats learn anything? Will they convincingly call for single payer health care, or continue to mollify the insurance industry? We will see. I'm thinking they'll blow it again.
Last election our banner carrier seemed to think that because she was about to become the first female President, she really didn't have to portray any central purpose or theme to her candidacy. Bernie Sander's successes should have convinced her that she really needed to run harder for the working class vote, but it did not. Instead her managers flayed against the lowest rated, most disliked candidate in American history (as if that would gain her more votes) instead of building her economic strengths and kinship with the working class. She lost.
Did the Democrats learn anything? Will they convincingly call for single payer health care, or continue to mollify the insurance industry? We will see. I'm thinking they'll blow it again.
22
"Blue Collar" implies working!! Think again. Blue collar manufacturing provides 11% of the GDP while "White Collar" in the financial industry alone produces 28% of the GDP. The marginalized people of this country don't have NYT online accounts. They don't watch FOX trash. They scrounge whatever cigarettes and food they can get and live in tents in Florida! 800,000 uninsured in this state and counting!
1
Patrick, I hope you are wrong, but I fear you will be proven right. The grassroots energy on the Democratic side is strong, but the party leadership is not doing ANYTHING to dispel the notion that it remains visionless and clueless.
For a woman (and last I checked about 50% of the population is) birth control is ALWAYS an issue. It's only the men who don't seem to care or worry that refuse to see it as one.
4
A rancher friend of mine who recently benefited from new health care coverage obtained through Obamacare still went ahead and voted for Trump based on the peer pressure of others who live around him. He said he did not believe the GOP would actually change health care. He thought it was all about the border wall and "deregulation." He got a big shock yesterday because he is in the Medicaid expansion, older, and has buckets of pre-existing conditions. For his sake, we are hoping this bill dies.
58
Did your friend know that votes are confidential, only the final totals are public? If you friend actually believes that anyone can watch him fill out a ballot, then maybe he shouldn't be voting for anything.
1
I personally did not think any of the candidates emphasized health care like they should have done in the first place. Instead, it was "identity politics" on both sides. The working class got lost in the shuffle and many probably voted for Trump because they didn't think Hillary was strong enough on unemployment, etc.
1
Complacency at its best. Chanting in mockery of the republican votes is not the way to confront this abominable regression in health care. The only permanent solution is single payment health care or medicare for all. The financial sense is unquestionable for those that understand the implications, still the republicans that are supposed to be the guardians of the best interests of their constituents, instead lobby for-profit insurance and pharmaceutical industries, and are persistently fooling those that are not well versed in the intricacies of how to navigate health care, tricking them into believing their false promises. Sad.
3
Medicare is a proven system; it has worked since Truman. Medicare for all would work. Insurers are middle managers whose jobs depend on how much money they can save through benefit denials. The unemployed Cigna, Blue Cross employees et al can go to work for the expanded Medicare venues. The insurers are big corporate businesses.
3
Whatever this is I'm against it!
Let's stop already with the nonsense. It's 2017. We are the wealthiest country in the world. People on the moon, vaccines, computers. We lead in just about everything. We can do this too.
You know how the government pays to provide us with universal necessities like cops, education, libraries, road construction and repair, fire departments, snow removal, defense, garbage removal and the like? That's what we need in regard to medical care to make sure that EVERYONE in the country is covered. Just like with the other services it should be paid for using the taxes which we pay.
The ACA is deficient in that not everyone is covered because people are permitted to opt out by paying a fine which is what the healthiest, least at-risk people do. What sense does that make?
Go to whatever doctor you want to go to, you pay a deductible to cut down on frivolous medical visits, and the medical providers get paid according to a reasonable government schedule that is tailored to the region. Medical providers who do not want to accept what the government is paying can do so by posting a notice in their offices to that effect. You opt pay the difference or go elsewhere.
And that's the end of it. If it makes the prez feel good we can call it "Trumpcare".
Let's stop already with the nonsense. It's 2017. We are the wealthiest country in the world. People on the moon, vaccines, computers. We lead in just about everything. We can do this too.
You know how the government pays to provide us with universal necessities like cops, education, libraries, road construction and repair, fire departments, snow removal, defense, garbage removal and the like? That's what we need in regard to medical care to make sure that EVERYONE in the country is covered. Just like with the other services it should be paid for using the taxes which we pay.
The ACA is deficient in that not everyone is covered because people are permitted to opt out by paying a fine which is what the healthiest, least at-risk people do. What sense does that make?
Go to whatever doctor you want to go to, you pay a deductible to cut down on frivolous medical visits, and the medical providers get paid according to a reasonable government schedule that is tailored to the region. Medical providers who do not want to accept what the government is paying can do so by posting a notice in their offices to that effect. You opt pay the difference or go elsewhere.
And that's the end of it. If it makes the prez feel good we can call it "Trumpcare".
7
No-one is confused about healthcare except the politicians. All of whom have a big problem because they want to make healthcare a benefit to their sponsors, and that throws up some obstacles to implementing one of the obvious plans found in any of a dozen other countries.
The GOP has the biggest problem with this because they've decided the ideal plan is zero healthcare, and all monies presently spent on healthcare should be a gift to their sponsors. That's a problem for them because that plan might get them thrown out of office, so they have to come up with a facade to make robbery look like a gift.
The Dems are OK with some healthcare, and figure they can get sponsors behind it if it is a cash cow for them via high price pharmaceuticals, exorbitant test equipment, high-cost hospitalization, or whatever.
In neither case is a lack of savvy the issue. It's all about packaging motives outside of providing healthcare.
The GOP has the biggest problem with this because they've decided the ideal plan is zero healthcare, and all monies presently spent on healthcare should be a gift to their sponsors. That's a problem for them because that plan might get them thrown out of office, so they have to come up with a facade to make robbery look like a gift.
The Dems are OK with some healthcare, and figure they can get sponsors behind it if it is a cash cow for them via high price pharmaceuticals, exorbitant test equipment, high-cost hospitalization, or whatever.
In neither case is a lack of savvy the issue. It's all about packaging motives outside of providing healthcare.
2
It is an immoral bill and I can't believe the House passed it. They should be ashamed of themselves. I don't think the President understands what he is supporting. He just praised the Australian healthcare system which is publicly-funded healthcare for all. Three members of Congress said they didn't even read the bill. Pence and Ryan are the real villains. They know what they are doing and did it anyway.
How can a country with so much wealth, that spends so much money on the military and on pointless wars not find a way to provide basic healthcare for all? It boggles the mind. I still have hope that the Senate will quickly kill this bill and come up with their own version that improves on the ACA without stripping away provisions.
How can a country with so much wealth, that spends so much money on the military and on pointless wars not find a way to provide basic healthcare for all? It boggles the mind. I still have hope that the Senate will quickly kill this bill and come up with their own version that improves on the ACA without stripping away provisions.
9
Yes, I also blame Ryan (the devil in human form) and his equally repulsive buddy, Pence. Those two are controlling everything, imo. Interesting that they are both from the Midwest (Wisconsin and Indiana). Since I left the Midwest years ago, I now realize how backwards these two states have become if they elected these two clowns.
3
Why is this being cast as a health care bill when that is just an add on to tax cuts for the wealthy.
10
In all this endless discussion of healthcare, why no mention of ever-rising prices?
Is it a given that this most thoroughly profitized industry can go on and on extracting more wealth and power for itself year after year? Only one solution to this problem has been offered and that is single payer health care.
Is it a given that this most thoroughly profitized industry can go on and on extracting more wealth and power for itself year after year? Only one solution to this problem has been offered and that is single payer health care.
8
The Democrats show how hopeless they are by putting Nancy Pelosi back in as majority leader. They don't get it-just shows how corrupt they are.
Is somethign wrong with that woman-seriously the optics of her speaking are a disaster. She's simply horrible, horrible
Unless they bring a new generation in (Warren, Bernie, even Biden-that's the best they can come up with-and Hilary did them no favors) the Repubs will remain in power.
Is somethign wrong with that woman-seriously the optics of her speaking are a disaster. She's simply horrible, horrible
Unless they bring a new generation in (Warren, Bernie, even Biden-that's the best they can come up with-and Hilary did them no favors) the Repubs will remain in power.
3
The House passed a $800 billion tax cut for the 2% and pulled the rug on healthcare for many millions of citizens. The rest of the developed world has universal healthcare for their citizens & realize that healthcare is like quality. In the long run it does not cost , it pays. It is sooo hard being "Exceptional".
America , you elected a conman as your president & he is being abetted by the GOP. You must fix this ASAP.
America , you elected a conman as your president & he is being abetted by the GOP. You must fix this ASAP.
9
He lost the popular vote. He squeaked in with the antiquated Electoral College, dominated by a few States with low populations. He does not represent the majority of American voters. The EC is not a quick fix.
3
Quoted from another publication
"Democrats need to hang this piece of poison around the neck of every one of the 217 Republicans who voted for it. Make them own the cruelty and carnage that is the American Health Care Act."
"Democrats need to hang this piece of poison around the neck of every one of the 217 Republicans who voted for it. Make them own the cruelty and carnage that is the American Health Care Act."
18
Democrats need to keep this simple. Weekly ads that show 2 columns. On the left is Obamacare, on the right, Trumpcare. As Reagan would say "That's their plan and this is our plan." Don't be afraid to dumb in down, because the voters think CBO scores are part of a conspiracy to make Trump look bad.
10
The arrogance of a healthy body........ it;s good until it's not and then what?
5
As a former RHINO, now an independent voter, I certainly hope that the gist of this article comes true ( democrat control of the house and maybe Senate). But with great fear and trepidation do I say this. Do not underestimate the ignorance of the American electorite ( I am very sorry to say ). As proof look at the occupant of the W. H. We can only hope cooler/saner heads will preail.
7
Get ready for the "GOP 2018 incumbent protection bill" that will likely follow soon... wait for it... AKA "The GOP congressional plan for voter suppression."
6
I'm hoping to indulge in an orgy of schadenfreude in 2018.
6
Labour, having side stepped left as a putative remedy to its election woes, just suffered an historic loss in the UK. The Democrat party is moving almost as far left as Corbyn's party, for the same reason. Yet the NY Times hypothesizes that Republicans are "staring death in the face". Cognitive dissonance?
Good work, Paul Ryan, you astonishing hypocrite and liar! Keep smirking!
Also a good thing is that your family owns several McDonalds franchises as that's where you and many of your colleagues will be working as of late January 2019.
But not in management. You are not up to the task.
Also a good thing is that your family owns several McDonalds franchises as that's where you and many of your colleagues will be working as of late January 2019.
But not in management. You are not up to the task.
11
Paul Ryan's voters need to be reminded that he grew up on his father's disability benefits; and, he went to school on Federal grant money. Someone in the Democratic Party who did not grow up that way needs to step up. There is nothing wrong with those benefits; it is wrong to pretend that you never used any. Ryan is a terrible legislator; and, he can't even come close in a marathon. As Trump would say, "loser".
2
Democrats ran and hid from Obama in 2012, mostly because of the ACA. They didn't try to defend it. So millions of people got to see the doctor who hadn't been able to do so and the wealthy were still wealthy. It's hard to give the Dems credit for long term strategic thinking.
Now the Repubs fall will depend upon the news that gets out. Fox didn't present any of the downside of this vote. Rush and Shawn sure won't be delivering the bad news. But I expect it will still leak out and the mad crowds will descend upon the congresspeople when they return home for spring break.
Now the Repubs fall will depend upon the news that gets out. Fox didn't present any of the downside of this vote. Rush and Shawn sure won't be delivering the bad news. But I expect it will still leak out and the mad crowds will descend upon the congresspeople when they return home for spring break.
27
I still don't see many signs that the Dems are organized or have definitive solutions to the problems facing us in the next 18 months. They don't even know which side of the party to listen to. I voted for Hilary but she is old news. We need to move on. We me need young blood, except of course for Bernie.
6
One wonders if anyone in the Democratic Party knows what a strategy is.
5
I agree Maggie. First, we need to turn the outrage and anger on the left into concrete steps on the ground in various districts that can be flipped. Including volunteering for local voter drives, fund raising, outreach, etc.
Second, we need to identify candidates that "fit" the districts. If you are trying to flip a purple or "reddish" district, you cannot expect a candidate who is 100% progressive in the Sanders mold.
Third, come Election Day, the left needs to accept that this is not debate club, but tribal warfare. On Election Day, you vote for the candidate representing your tribe, like Republican voters do.
Second, we need to identify candidates that "fit" the districts. If you are trying to flip a purple or "reddish" district, you cannot expect a candidate who is 100% progressive in the Sanders mold.
Third, come Election Day, the left needs to accept that this is not debate club, but tribal warfare. On Election Day, you vote for the candidate representing your tribe, like Republican voters do.
3
Bill Clinton does. Hillary should have listened to him. He is a master pol.
As a practicing physician for the last 40 years, with one of the highest medical degrees in the US, I sent an extensive plan for healthcare to the White House on July 25, 2009 (found in my Facebook and website). The following is a summarization of that healthcare plan when I ran for US Senate in Washington State:
1. Universal healthcare for the basic only.
2. Expand Medicare to include the young up to the age of 25.
3. Alcohol is the mother of most evils in our society. I call to lower the beer and wine content to 1% or alcohol-free. Hard liquor has become a public hazard and I call to require a prescription after proving they have no liver disease, dementia, etc.
4. Opioid drugs have become an epidemic. I have a solution for that.
5. All my life I have believed in prevention, particularly in medicine. There is a proverb saying, an ounce of prevention is better than a ton of a cure.
6. VA System - In the mid-70s, I was clinical assistant professor of Internal Medicine at the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, which was located at the VA in Fargo, North Dakota. I found tremendous waste. I thought that the VA should be integrated with Medicare to cut down on costs.
7. Medical Marijuana - I support marijuana as alternative medicine for certain illnesses, not recreational. I have qualified patients under Washington State rules for almost eight years.
8. I am in favor of delaying Social Security up to 70 years old if the individual is functional and able to work.
1. Universal healthcare for the basic only.
2. Expand Medicare to include the young up to the age of 25.
3. Alcohol is the mother of most evils in our society. I call to lower the beer and wine content to 1% or alcohol-free. Hard liquor has become a public hazard and I call to require a prescription after proving they have no liver disease, dementia, etc.
4. Opioid drugs have become an epidemic. I have a solution for that.
5. All my life I have believed in prevention, particularly in medicine. There is a proverb saying, an ounce of prevention is better than a ton of a cure.
6. VA System - In the mid-70s, I was clinical assistant professor of Internal Medicine at the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, which was located at the VA in Fargo, North Dakota. I found tremendous waste. I thought that the VA should be integrated with Medicare to cut down on costs.
7. Medical Marijuana - I support marijuana as alternative medicine for certain illnesses, not recreational. I have qualified patients under Washington State rules for almost eight years.
8. I am in favor of delaying Social Security up to 70 years old if the individual is functional and able to work.
2
Dr. Said - I agree with some, but not all of your points. As a patient with a genetic illness (and an additional medical condition for which I must take life-long medication (or I will die within a few months), here is my take:
1. Basic-only universal health care will never help me and others with chronic, expensive illnesses.
2. Medicare for all--it's pointless to drop people after the age of 25.
3. Good luck with that.
4. See #3 above.
5. Prevention won't help when it comes to autoimmune, genetic diseases and
other non "life-style" illnesses.
6. Maybe, but veterans also have special needs.
7. Ok with me but good luck with general acceptance.
8. No. It doesn't solve the problem of age discrimination, and will make it even
worse. Does that mean you also don't get Medicare until 70? It's hard enough
for people now to make it to 65 with no major health problems and if they're
only part-timers or their company doesn't want to pay for health insurance, what
do you think is going to happen to them?
1. Basic-only universal health care will never help me and others with chronic, expensive illnesses.
2. Medicare for all--it's pointless to drop people after the age of 25.
3. Good luck with that.
4. See #3 above.
5. Prevention won't help when it comes to autoimmune, genetic diseases and
other non "life-style" illnesses.
6. Maybe, but veterans also have special needs.
7. Ok with me but good luck with general acceptance.
8. No. It doesn't solve the problem of age discrimination, and will make it even
worse. Does that mean you also don't get Medicare until 70? It's hard enough
for people now to make it to 65 with no major health problems and if they're
only part-timers or their company doesn't want to pay for health insurance, what
do you think is going to happen to them?
2
How can a government cheer such a loss for its citizens? The lack of consideration of the human element in this whole affair is a disgrace. We are not numbers. We are people whom the government is meant to protect.
16
The "government" works for the people. We, the people are the government. We the people have let the people we chose to run said government on our behalf steal it and use it for their own selfish purposes. Perhaps the time has finally come, and not through an election process, that the people take their government back from those that took it away from us.
1
I'm not an anarchist, and I'm too ill to do much physical protesting, but I see a real big revolution, similar to the French Revolution, coming up, maybe soon, maybe in a few years. The point is, it's coming and once it's here, no one will be able to stop it until it runs out of steam, or there's no one left standing, whichever comes first. People are just plain fed up and more and more are joining the ranks each day.
2
I wonder if the ACCLU can bring down all republican liars, and this president for clearly lying to the vulnerable citizens about their healthcare.
11
I can see Trump's voters blaming ObamaCare because their Medicaid ,or their affordable payment disappear .
9
Oh the irony: dems pass this monstrosity, which is now imploding and are now pointing fingers at repubs for getting rid of it.
Examiner · 13 hours ago
"Thanks, Obama. Just 24 hours before Thursday's vote, the last Obamacare insurer in 94 of Iowa's 99 counties announced it would probably stop selling insurance on the Obamacare exchange"
like a Swiss watch
Examiner · 13 hours ago
"Thanks, Obama. Just 24 hours before Thursday's vote, the last Obamacare insurer in 94 of Iowa's 99 counties announced it would probably stop selling insurance on the Obamacare exchange"
like a Swiss watch
3
Why do you blame Obamacare for the failure of ypur own governor to implement the ACA? Most of the states that embraced the program are quite happy with their choices of plams.
3
That is covered more completely and fairly here:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/health/2017/05/03/medica-las...
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/health/2017/05/03/medica-las...
1
What kind of people cheer and celebrate making if more difficult, impossible for some, to get healthcare? This can't possibly be the "right to life" party can it? Hypocrisy and greed are very strong in the GOP.
The priorities of the Republican Party (no regulations, no consumer protections) are clearly outrageous and harmful to Americans.
But if the Democrats want to capitalize on this politically, they need to sharpen their messaging, and go after the Republicans full-on, calling them out in plain, blunt, forceful language... Perhaps they could also set aside their factional spats, so that a united Democratic Party can help move the country forward again.
But if the Democrats want to capitalize on this politically, they need to sharpen their messaging, and go after the Republicans full-on, calling them out in plain, blunt, forceful language... Perhaps they could also set aside their factional spats, so that a united Democratic Party can help move the country forward again.
13
This is a classic catch 22. The Republicans put things back the way they were, less money for health care, the rich and healthy with lower premiums and the poor and those with pre-existing conditions worse off than before. This means a less healthy country with fewer people reaching their productivity capacity, which means less taxes to pay for the tax cuts to the wealthy, so more cuts are needed thus eating away our remaining safety nets. In the end, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, But isn't that the name of the game?
The Republicans have not tried to see reality for a very long time, now. Tax cuts do not stimulate economic growth and well functioning government regulations do help to stabilize markets and to inhibit the development of monopolistic businesses which crush competition and deprive buyers of their ability to bargain effectively with sellers in market transactions. Their contradictory claims have brought us four decades of government deficits and boom and bust markets that gradually moves wealth into fewer and fewer hands and leaves the whole country worse off, financially. The ACA was an attempt to impose moderate constraints upon health care insurance markets to mitigate the disincentives that lead to poor coverage of ill people and a huge proportion of uninsured people not receiving adequate care. For the most part it has worked as designed but it was not designed to control costs nor to improve health care nor to guarantee universal care nor to assure adequate competitors for all enrollees. The AHCA is not designed to correct these defects, it's designed to undo the ACA while not seeming to undo it -- resulting in a real turkey of a bill.
I think the Republicans feel the only thing they have manipulated more than the voters is the the voting districts, and that is enough for them to survive.
We need cost controls (in more than healthcare).
We need cost controls (in more than healthcare).
9
Republicans cheer a great victory, but a victory for whom. It is not a great victory for those who will lose their coverage or see it sky rocket. Perhaps it is seen by our Congress people as a victory for their egos as they strut their stuff crowing over a vote count.
Please NYT do not call this a victory as suffering begins in earnest for huge swaths of our people.
Please NYT do not call this a victory as suffering begins in earnest for huge swaths of our people.
13
This is so stupid. Providing quality health care to the masses is always a good investment. Just like training and education, a healthy citizenry produces rewards for the mother ship.
Our health “insurance” situation is dragging us ALL down. Single payer now.
Our health “insurance” situation is dragging us ALL down. Single payer now.
17
Echoing some thoughts here. For the Dem party to prevail in 2018 it needs to jettison it's "magical thinking" . The party can't assume that without some massive Dem messaging the GOP will pay any price for this vote.
Fundamentally I think we need to find a way to "square" that we are both a nation of compassion, caring and liberalism AND bigotry, greed, misogyny. That we went from a Barack Obama to Donald Trump is surely indicative of that and is even further amplified by yesterday's vote.
Truly the best outcome from all this is that it's all out in the open now.
Fundamentally I think we need to find a way to "square" that we are both a nation of compassion, caring and liberalism AND bigotry, greed, misogyny. That we went from a Barack Obama to Donald Trump is surely indicative of that and is even further amplified by yesterday's vote.
Truly the best outcome from all this is that it's all out in the open now.
6
It's sad to see how many people still comment in a very selfish way. I wonder if they Never went to a doctor , or Never had any family members, or friend with a serious health situation. The ignorance of this president , republicans, and many voters are growing exponentially. Very bad for the rest of the nation.
14
No. NJP1. I did not want more aircraft carriers. I do want everyone in America to have something in terms of decent housing, a good education, food, healthcare. Low taxation is a fascinating idea but not workable. Since the first communities of people grew into large villages and into towns, to make it all work money was needed. Poll tax, scribes, portoria and more. Once that is accepted, stuff happens. If one wants more, then more money is wanted. Roads, energy, clean water, sewers and water lines and more. Just make the money work well. I would like America decent, with Americans not at each others throats and a comfortable acceptance of every person in this society.
13
While the Dems are partying like it's 1999, I have a Senator up for re-election who is nominally a Democrat, but who actively supported the Gorsuch nomination and is a Catholic who is actively against abortion rights. How am I supposed to support him just to keep my part of the Senate blue? He's no Dem. I'd rather have a Republican who drags us all the way to the bottom before we climb out again. Or a Democrat who is at least effectual in the area of income inequality or labor rights. Anything but this limbo.
O, and Dems, if you think telling people to go look at a 17 policy point website and talking about transgender restroom unfairness is going to bring out the vote, you've got another think coming.
O, and Dems, if you think telling people to go look at a 17 policy point website and talking about transgender restroom unfairness is going to bring out the vote, you've got another think coming.
9
Blue state, you're either in West Virginia (and thus referring to Sen. Manchin) or Indiana (and thus referring to Sen. Donnelly). I am not opposed in principle to primary challenges against ANY sitting Democrat. In my opinion, no politician in either party has earned the right to not face a primary challenge. But here's the question: can someone with a more liberal profile win in either state?
Democrats, in my opinion, should take the mirror approach of noted conservative William F. Buckley and seek the most liberal candidates WHO CAN WIN. If a more liberal Democrat than Manchin can win in West Virginia, and if a more liberal Democrat than Donnelly can win in Indiana, then by all means, go for it. If not, then don't begrudge the occasional shifts to the right that they feel like to have to make in order to survive in very red states.
Democrats, in my opinion, should take the mirror approach of noted conservative William F. Buckley and seek the most liberal candidates WHO CAN WIN. If a more liberal Democrat than Manchin can win in West Virginia, and if a more liberal Democrat than Donnelly can win in Indiana, then by all means, go for it. If not, then don't begrudge the occasional shifts to the right that they feel like to have to make in order to survive in very red states.
2
You are clearly speaking of Joe Manchin, why not name him? The evidence however is that you do not live in a "blue state," or at least clearly not so in the last election.
Trump beat HRC
Tomey beat McGinty
and 8 of the 10 congressional races were won by Republicans (one uncontested) ... a very clear demonstration of gerrymandering given that the state certainly is not 80% Republican.
It'a likely your "limbo" will continue unless there is a great revulsion in PA against the right (possibly over healthcare?) and/or there is progress in undoing the gerrymandering:
http://www.mcall.com/opinion/white/mc-bw-gerrymandering-20170201-story.html
Trump beat HRC
Tomey beat McGinty
and 8 of the 10 congressional races were won by Republicans (one uncontested) ... a very clear demonstration of gerrymandering given that the state certainly is not 80% Republican.
It'a likely your "limbo" will continue unless there is a great revulsion in PA against the right (possibly over healthcare?) and/or there is progress in undoing the gerrymandering:
http://www.mcall.com/opinion/white/mc-bw-gerrymandering-20170201-story.html
2
The Democrats should dig in very deep to win in the 2018 election. They have been pretty feckless in running their campaigns in the last few years, playing up to their base and ignoring the other side.
Given the fact that it will take a fair amount of time to get the new (non) program up and running, there is a good chance Dems will not retake the house in 2018. The reductions in coverage may not have taken hold enough to discourage trump's faithful (if, in fact, they're ever dissuaded). But by starting a counter campaign immediately, there is a good chance to win in 2020 even if 2018 doesn't shake things up.
Dems need to plan a longer term, consistent strategy that includes all 50 states in their equation. Hard to do in this age of short attention spans, but countering that phenomenon must be part of the long range campaign.
Given the fact that it will take a fair amount of time to get the new (non) program up and running, there is a good chance Dems will not retake the house in 2018. The reductions in coverage may not have taken hold enough to discourage trump's faithful (if, in fact, they're ever dissuaded). But by starting a counter campaign immediately, there is a good chance to win in 2020 even if 2018 doesn't shake things up.
Dems need to plan a longer term, consistent strategy that includes all 50 states in their equation. Hard to do in this age of short attention spans, but countering that phenomenon must be part of the long range campaign.
6
Democratic campaign managers should have listened to Bill Clinton and Dean. Instead, they listened to a bunch of inexperienced kids, and a flawed chairman. Serious politics requires experienced pols who can guide and use young voters to win. This was a complete mess with Bernie's newly registered kids, crashing the convention, using old debunked GOP talking points, and then going home in a snit. Bernie handed the election to Trump who took the Electoral College by 77,000 votes. Conventions decide on candidates; once that decision is made, get behind it. Or lose in a close race.
In winning, these representatives must recognize that healthcare is not about being Republican or Democrat, about aisles and party lines, it's about waiting rooms and patients. And whether you vote red, blue or purple, one day we will all be a patient. And when that day comes, if this bill denies essential access to proper health and care for that patient... the chorus of "Hey, hey, hey... goodbye" will surely grow louder.
10
Politics has always been a nasty business, but all this seems particularly unseemly given that we are talking about tens of millions of people's lives. Hard to imagine that so many politicians care so little about actually helping people who need it the most
10
Less than 10 million people use the ACA.
Where do you get "tens of millions"?
Where do you get "tens of millions"?
Everyone has a pre-existimg condition...the condition of being human. We are all timed bombs waiting to explode in disease and inevitable death.
20
Flyover--if everyone understood that, we might not be in this mess. However, many people, by pure luck and good genes, don't realize this, or at least want to pretend they are super-humans and above all those "deplorables" with health problems.. Everyone will eventually have a pre-existing condition. Everyone.
1
I do not want any part of Australia's health care because it does not seem to be doing them much good.
It's been four years since this NYT story and the situation has not improved.
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/25/obesity-comes-to-australia/
Around the world, Australia may be known for its rugged outdoor lifestyles. But recent statistics suggest a different reality. Australia and its equally outdoorsy neighbor, New Zealand, are now two of the fattest countries in the developed world.
It's been four years since this NYT story and the situation has not improved.
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/25/obesity-comes-to-australia/
Around the world, Australia may be known for its rugged outdoor lifestyles. But recent statistics suggest a different reality. Australia and its equally outdoorsy neighbor, New Zealand, are now two of the fattest countries in the developed world.
2
So let me see if I got this right, you are claiming that there is causation between universal healthcare and obesity. Yikes.
BTW, we are 12th fattest and Australia is 26th. I suppose next you are going to blame that on a few years of Obamacare.
BTW, we are 12th fattest and Australia is 26th. I suppose next you are going to blame that on a few years of Obamacare.
13
I don't get why the debate on ACHA is so often framed as Republicans wanting to win reelection. Do people run for the House (and Senate) to do some good for the country, or for the good of their ego by winning reelection? If they are running (and rerunning) mostly to benefit themselves, rather than to benefit us, should that not be the issue?
8
I am waiting for the republicans and fox blaming Obama for so many people having to lose their insurance. That is, if Obama had not instituted Obamacare in the first place, people would not have had to lose it now.
12
oh the outrage!! what exactly did it mean when President Trump was elected?
Obamacare was going down and a wall will rise among its ashes. That's exactly what happened and what's going to happen. How come the obamacare just became overwhelmingly popular in the last couple months? it almost appears just like the polls that all said hillary clinton is gonna win the presidency. no matter how hard the democrat allied media -nytimes, politico, washington post try, it's gonna be a blood bath for all the progressive foolishness of the 8 years past.
Obamacare was going down and a wall will rise among its ashes. That's exactly what happened and what's going to happen. How come the obamacare just became overwhelmingly popular in the last couple months? it almost appears just like the polls that all said hillary clinton is gonna win the presidency. no matter how hard the democrat allied media -nytimes, politico, washington post try, it's gonna be a blood bath for all the progressive foolishness of the 8 years past.
3
The Democrats do sit-ins.
The Democrats chant!
The Democrats insult and lie.
The Democrats act like 60's radicals.
The Democrats are extra-constitutional
The Democrats are smug
The Democrats have no self-awareness.
They are children in a time when we desperately need adults.
The Democrats chant!
The Democrats insult and lie.
The Democrats act like 60's radicals.
The Democrats are extra-constitutional
The Democrats are smug
The Democrats have no self-awareness.
They are children in a time when we desperately need adults.
5
While two political parties jockey for position and the pros and cons are weighed about which party has either curried favor with the public or will pay a political price over a piece of a poorly thought out piece of legislation, people's lives are literally hanging in the balance.
2
How is it possible that you missed NO democrats in the house voted for Trumpcare? and NO republicans in the senate voted for Obamacare. How is it also possible that you missed that Obamacare sought to give access to healthcare and Trumpcare seeks to reduce that access? The 2 political parties and not equivalents as in your scenario, one is trying to move the country forward and the other is trying to move it backward.
If I got a dragon tattoo, it would be the FCPA Dragon firing Trump's Cabinet blacker than Harding's. Even if Trump is immune to its flames, he forgets he can't feel the falling leaves for the invisible hair net.
1
Wow, the House Repubs moved a dead piece of legislation to the Senate and claimed a victory...for what? Throwing a dead thing over the backyard fence into the neighbors yard? Or finally doing something that resembles their job description?
How low is the bar now? In the negative numbers?
Its truly pathetic that they and POTUS claimed a victory for something that was dead and bloated before the last oage was printed.
How low is the bar now? In the negative numbers?
Its truly pathetic that they and POTUS claimed a victory for something that was dead and bloated before the last oage was printed.
5
Am I missing something?
Has there been anyone from the GOP, especially from the group in the Rose Garden photo-op, that has declared to the press the details of how wonderful the plan is?
All I hear are the centrists and leftists decrying an apocalypse.
There must be something good within? Please?
Has there been anyone from the GOP, especially from the group in the Rose Garden photo-op, that has declared to the press the details of how wonderful the plan is?
All I hear are the centrists and leftists decrying an apocalypse.
There must be something good within? Please?
2
Why yes: If you make more than $250,000 per year, or are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax, or have an estate larger than $5 million, there is plenty in this bill for you to cheer. Shout it from the rooftops, Republicans!
4
This pack of rabid GOP dogs MUST be stopped. Must be. They are the worst thing to happen to this country since the Civil War, and the duped masses of those who vote for them are going to learn this lesson the hard way. I wish I could feel sorry for them but I can't.
10
Donald Trump and the Republicans are starting to deliver on their campaign pr(e/o)mise of American Carnage.
14
Let us note that the members of the House have their own, excellent health care package...which they did not repeal.
What is good for the goose is apparently not good enough for the gander.
What is good for the goose is apparently not good enough for the gander.
The pre-cooked theater was a mistake ("Sha Na Na Na"). Democrats need to make it clear that this is about people, especially about the vulnerable--not about politics.
We get enough junior-high antics from the Republicans.
We get enough junior-high antics from the Republicans.
13
Perhaps because they were "hidden" behind Obama for so long, it's shocking to now see how infantile and inept they are.
3
Obamacare had many flaws. It was hastily written and passed and there were too many major concessions to the for-profit stakeholders like the insurance and drug companies. "You can keep your doctor/health plan" was a hollow promise. But the pre-existing conditions provision was golden. And adding 24 million to the covered rolls was major. So there was a lot of room for improvement. But the Republicans had no interest in improving it. A level headed, bi-partisan review and recommendations for making it better was not possible because of a couple of factors: there are far too many citizens and voters in this country who blanketly opposed everything that Obama tried to accomplish because his is black. The entire Republican agenda for the past 8 years was to oppose and thwart everything Obama attempted to do because he wasn't a Republican and he was black. Racism runs very deep in this country. Now Republicans have shown their loyalty to the Republican party overrides their loyalty to our country. This is a dangerous situation. The only way to avoid a complete country-wide meltdown is for those few true patriots who put country before party to step up in the Senate and vote against this new healthcare fiasco. Then both sides need to commit to doing what's best for our country rather for the lobbyists who generally call the tune.
72
Most of your post I totally agree with, but the ACA/Obamacare was not hastily written, and although the final vote was pushed through, it went through all the vetting, CBO crunched the numbers, all the right committees, etc. The process took 14 months, I think, whereas the AHCA was written in a couple of weeks, and shoved through the House in less than 2 months.
3
The major problem with health insurance prior to ACA was the individual marketplace. Insurance companies did not want to insure this group and does not still. ACA tried to fix by expanding Medicaid. But this did nothing for the Republican leaning self-employed who earned too much for a subsidy.
The individual marketplace is a disaster because red states did not expand Medicaid and the public option was not included. The mistake was keeping insurance companies in a market that did not want to be in and tailoring ACA to placate Joe Lieberman and Dem senators from red state who ran away from the law in 2010 and lost anyway.
The biggest problems with yesterday's bill are that it's return to the same situation pre-ACA:
1. People will denied coverage
2. People will buy junk insurance and still go bankrupt
3. Millions now insured will lose coverage
and why will these things happen:
SO REPUBLICANS CAN GIVE A TAX BREAK TO MILLIONAIRES AND BILLIONAIRES!!!!!!!!!
The individual marketplace is a disaster because red states did not expand Medicaid and the public option was not included. The mistake was keeping insurance companies in a market that did not want to be in and tailoring ACA to placate Joe Lieberman and Dem senators from red state who ran away from the law in 2010 and lost anyway.
The biggest problems with yesterday's bill are that it's return to the same situation pre-ACA:
1. People will denied coverage
2. People will buy junk insurance and still go bankrupt
3. Millions now insured will lose coverage
and why will these things happen:
SO REPUBLICANS CAN GIVE A TAX BREAK TO MILLIONAIRES AND BILLIONAIRES!!!!!!!!!
3
Every few months, the GOP collectively does something that's callous and awful. In between those moments, the party's individual politicians utter offensive nonsense that targets everyone, even their own base. Each time, Democrats believe that the camel's back has finally been broken and the GOP will pay dearly at the ballot box in the next election. Predictably, they turn out to be wrong and it'll be no different this time.
Today's insane partisanship means that GOP voters will never blame "their team" for any misfortune that befalls them--ever. According to the only people the GOP's base will listen to these days--conservative talking heads--their problems are always, always the fault of "the left", the Democrats, the NY Times, etc. Those talking heads rile their emotions, give them someone to blame and off they go, digging themselves into a deeper and deeper hole by continuously voting for the GOP.
To think it'll be different this time or in 2020 is foolish. Just watch--"base voters" will come to believe they lost their healthcare because Obamacare damaged the American healthcare system too much for it to be saved. They'll continue to vote Republican and the cycle will simply repeat itself with whatever issue comes next.
Today's insane partisanship means that GOP voters will never blame "their team" for any misfortune that befalls them--ever. According to the only people the GOP's base will listen to these days--conservative talking heads--their problems are always, always the fault of "the left", the Democrats, the NY Times, etc. Those talking heads rile their emotions, give them someone to blame and off they go, digging themselves into a deeper and deeper hole by continuously voting for the GOP.
To think it'll be different this time or in 2020 is foolish. Just watch--"base voters" will come to believe they lost their healthcare because Obamacare damaged the American healthcare system too much for it to be saved. They'll continue to vote Republican and the cycle will simply repeat itself with whatever issue comes next.
64
Why and how does it make sense to have a good percentage of the population walking around sick at any given time. Won't others be infected by those sick people too? Do we really want a society where people stay in their houses for fear of being infected. We better get used to wearing the protective masks given out at doctors' offices both when sick and even when not sick. Sounds like an ugly future for just a tax cut for those that are rich any way. Won't the economy suffer from all the sick people unable to work and then the rich people will not be so rich in the end. How about a little compassion for people in the first place and some commonsense to not vote for people who will work against you.
3
Are we tired of all the winning yet? With a few more victories like this one, Democrats will have 2018 and 2020 in the bag.
6
Hmph. The Dems will manage to blow it again, I am so sure.
I am furious about situation of the poor souls who are being swept along, against their will, as "collateral damage"! The GOP is full of primitive and vicious creatures! I wonder onto whom these barbaric "representatives" will foist the life vs death decisions? These toads, of course, cannot possibly be to blame, themselves, for the shortened brutalized lives of their fellow Americans!
If civilized Americans can’t regain control of THEIR country, it’s time to think about forming a new one. Again. We can keep the old name and restore its proud standards. The rest of the GOTP (Good Old Tea Party) can become the new Confederation of Goobers and Thieves. Now there is a good reason to build a wall!
If civilized Americans can’t regain control of THEIR country, it’s time to think about forming a new one. Again. We can keep the old name and restore its proud standards. The rest of the GOTP (Good Old Tea Party) can become the new Confederation of Goobers and Thieves. Now there is a good reason to build a wall!
4
I'd support Trump working to give us a system like Australia's, which he openly admits is superior to ours...
But the Australian system merely provides all Australians with health care. It doesn't give giant tax breaks and advantages to zillionaires, which is the only real purpose of legislation, in Republican-land.
But the Australian system merely provides all Australians with health care. It doesn't give giant tax breaks and advantages to zillionaires, which is the only real purpose of legislation, in Republican-land.
10
If Australia doesn't do something about its dying coral reefs, tourism will die out, and then we'll see about Australia's free health care for all. And, whatever happened to those refugees/economic migrants who were shoved onto remote islands with no way to work and earn enough money to buy needed goods? Australia is not a model for all Western democracies. The history of Australia is bigotry and more bigotry.
$880 Billion cut in Medicaid benefits for the poor
$880 Billion cut in taxes for the wealthy
Anyone who thinks this bill is about healthcare is nuts!!!
$880 Billion cut in taxes for the wealthy
Anyone who thinks this bill is about healthcare is nuts!!!
23
Both of my senator's voice mail boxes in the local offices are full, and of course they tell you to email. Don't buy that delay tactic. Let freedom ring all the way to DC. They hate hot wires and voice mails.
Oh, and the GOP's outflow is backing up into the wrong pipes again. I'm getting my sis's GOP help line calls. No wonder no one's listening.
Oh, and the GOP's outflow is backing up into the wrong pipes again. I'm getting my sis's GOP help line calls. No wonder no one's listening.
4
My Congressman never replies to my e-mails neither does one of my Senators. Guess what they're both Grumpy Old People representatives. My Dem Senator always replies.
Make Paul Ryan and the rest of Congress and the Senate sign up for this, so that they finally experience the real world of American health insurance!
7
I don't often give advice to those I want to see impeached for misery making just to make unhappy people gleeful for the pain of it all, but if Trump really wants to be remembered as the greatest president, he'd threaten everyone with single payer or a universal policy and tell us we're stuck with the ACA until we make it work.
2
The new death panels are here, the Republican Congress and White House.
7
I am appalled at the irresponsibility of the members of Congress who signed this bill WITHOUT READING IT.
(Note to the GOP: if you voted for this, remember November 2018 is right around the corner, and we the people will be voting also).
The Democrats have an opportunity right now to put forth a bill for a single-payer system for healthcare for all. Healthcare is a human right, not a perk for the wealthy.
(Note to the GOP: if you voted for this, remember November 2018 is right around the corner, and we the people will be voting also).
The Democrats have an opportunity right now to put forth a bill for a single-payer system for healthcare for all. Healthcare is a human right, not a perk for the wealthy.
This is healthcare in which the greatest benefits go to the wealthy in the form of premium subsidy and tax deductible savings accounts. Those same wealthy will also get a huge tax windfall via the repeal of their obligations to support the ACA. If the Democrats fail to connect this disaster, health care subsidy for the rich, tax cuts for the rich, they will fail to identify the core of Republicanism in one of the most overt and easy to read examples within recent memory. The Republican Party has only one legislative agenda they care about: increasing the wealth of the already rich. Everything else is window dressing. Failing to hit them on this, at this most obvious of moments, will dilute the message, and let it slide. Hit them hard, hit them often, do not temporize.
5
I work in the medical field with kids with cancer. These individuals will carry a "pre-existing condition" as long as they live. Now in addition to struggling with the ravages of this disease, these children and their families have the added burden of inadequate or inaffordable insurance. It's tough to watch kids die, especially while those who take away their hope continue to hoot and dance. These people are heartless.
20
A depressing day. Stunned by this administration's perfidy. Sorry for those who are terrified that they or their loved ones will lose their health insurance. Sorry for those like myself stuck in a dead end job in order to keep my excellent health insurance (believe me, I do know how much better off I am, yet still, t'was not my dream to be here).
And yet... part of me thinks that maybe the US has to go through this. That we are at a tipping point, whereby healthcare either becomes a right for all or a commodity for the rich and well-placed. Certainly people are becoming more aware of the question, whether one is for or against healthcare for all. The question is, which way with the US go? Will we hold the health, lives and happiness of each other as one, or fall apart into Darwinism and personal isolationism? Today, it's looking like the latter.
And yet... part of me thinks that maybe the US has to go through this. That we are at a tipping point, whereby healthcare either becomes a right for all or a commodity for the rich and well-placed. Certainly people are becoming more aware of the question, whether one is for or against healthcare for all. The question is, which way with the US go? Will we hold the health, lives and happiness of each other as one, or fall apart into Darwinism and personal isolationism? Today, it's looking like the latter.
3
You will still have NYC subsidized health care. CA will still have the option of exchanges. No one in Kansas, West Va, or other Red venues will keep what they think came to them through some kind of magic. Most of them don't even know what the ACA is.
1
There is a photo of Trump congratulating House Republicans after they passed their ruinous legislation during an event at the White House,
I counted 71 white guys and 2 women. Clapping and celebrating taking health care away from millions.
Senior officials said Trump refused to talk about the merits of the legislation--he didn’t care much about the bill's specifics, they said.
People should remember that.
Secondly, it needs investigated what it was Trump promised. In the days before the bill passed,
Reince Priebus asked “no” votes what they needed to get to yes — whether on health care or "other things" the administration might be able to "do for them."
It should also be noted that they then bypassed the checks and balances given by the Congressional Budget Office to force this legislation through.
Why did they hurry? What was promised?
I counted 71 white guys and 2 women. Clapping and celebrating taking health care away from millions.
Senior officials said Trump refused to talk about the merits of the legislation--he didn’t care much about the bill's specifics, they said.
People should remember that.
Secondly, it needs investigated what it was Trump promised. In the days before the bill passed,
Reince Priebus asked “no” votes what they needed to get to yes — whether on health care or "other things" the administration might be able to "do for them."
It should also be noted that they then bypassed the checks and balances given by the Congressional Budget Office to force this legislation through.
Why did they hurry? What was promised?
9
Why do so many headlines and articles in the Times and other news organs keep referring to the Trump (doesn't) Care bill passed in the House as a great "victory"? How can denying affordable health care to millions of poor and ordinary Americans in order to give massive tax cuts to the richest Americans be anything but a cynical and terrible travesty. The smiling faces of the republican legislators rejoicing at this debacle should have been covered in shame and humiliation.
6
Obamacare represented a transfer of wealth (in the form of taxes) from the blue districts won by Obama and Hillary to the red districts won by Trump.
Trumpcare represents a transfer of wealth from the red districts won by Trump to the blue districts won by Obama and Hillary.
Think Trump's base realizes this?
Trumpcare represents a transfer of wealth from the red districts won by Trump to the blue districts won by Obama and Hillary.
Think Trump's base realizes this?
17
What isn't mentioned is that even people with employer provided health care are not at all immune either the house bill: if there are no reasonable govt standards for health insurance employers can scale back what they should have to offer. Perhaps the new normal will be health care without maternity, cancer or mental health benefits.
Trump conned millions of Americans to vote against their self interest and elect him president and now he has done the same to house republicans. Many will lose their seats in 2018 trying to defend their vote for this mean spirited and immoral bill and all for a win for Trump.
Enjoy the thrill of victory because the agony of defeat is soon to follow.
Enjoy the thrill of victory because the agony of defeat is soon to follow.
9
He was elected and stated time and again on the campaign trail that this would happen. Why do you think the country is suddenly going to punish him for doing what he said and what he was elected to do?
4
Grant, a lot of those voters thought there was a difference between the Affordable Care Act and Obamacare and wanted to keep the former. Too late for that. Double A from New York , in a previous post, said that Republican voters demanded that the ACA be repealed. I wonder how many received benefits from it such as I - open heart surgery in 2015, at low or no cost. Will they refund those costs, in my case over $300 thousand? Medicare for all can't come soon enough for this nation but Republicans are too mean spirited to allow it. And, yes, we can afford it; just as all of the rest of the developed countries do.
5
Did you watch any of the Trump voter interviews? The Democrats need to get out the vote; we outnumber Republicans. Especially those with no front teeth out there in fly over country.
2
Wasn't Hillary Clinton's presidency the previous bet of the Democrats?
3
Democrats are dreaming of the GOP receiving a "shellacking" for repealing Obamcare just as they received for passing it. What they don't realize is this move is actually another democratic shellacking. It is a wholesale rejection of Obamacare demanded by republican voters.
2
Sure, Trump's campaign based on prolific lying worked better than expected.
You must be proud, aren't you?
You must be proud, aren't you?
10
You'll be fine with NY subsidized insurance premiums. The GOP didn't give you that, the Democrats gave you that. You can be the most regressive Republican voter in NY; you will still get benefits Democrats make possible.
2
It's so refreshing to see that health care policy has nothing to do with health care but all to do with unprovable predictions of election wins, political bad mouthing and mission accomplished celebrations with nothing accomplished.
"But Democrats believe that the potential ramifications of the House-passed measure — millions losing insurance coverage, a diminished array of benefits, no definite guarantee of coverage for those with pre-existing conditions — provide them with powerful ammunition against Republicans."
The Democrats need to stop this republican style sky is falling talk. Imagine if they spoke about concrete alternatives and fixes when they went before the microphones. They can say if xyz was done rather than Trump's abc in the healthcare bill, then this amount of money will be saved or this amount of citizens will keep coverage and this amount will be able to get coverage. But to incessantly spew negativity without corresponding positive alternatives and to claim how this bill will get more Dems in Congress is Trumpesque to say the least.
It's time for the Dems to show what they can do now to fix or replace Obamacares rather than to claim future election victories. It is not about WINNING its about doing what's right for America.
"But Democrats believe that the potential ramifications of the House-passed measure — millions losing insurance coverage, a diminished array of benefits, no definite guarantee of coverage for those with pre-existing conditions — provide them with powerful ammunition against Republicans."
The Democrats need to stop this republican style sky is falling talk. Imagine if they spoke about concrete alternatives and fixes when they went before the microphones. They can say if xyz was done rather than Trump's abc in the healthcare bill, then this amount of money will be saved or this amount of citizens will keep coverage and this amount will be able to get coverage. But to incessantly spew negativity without corresponding positive alternatives and to claim how this bill will get more Dems in Congress is Trumpesque to say the least.
It's time for the Dems to show what they can do now to fix or replace Obamacares rather than to claim future election victories. It is not about WINNING its about doing what's right for America.
3
The premise of your comment is that Democrats want to improve Obamacare. Except the only thing they have talked about is the need to make it a single-payer system (I believe this was their real goal originally, but it fell apart much faster than they predicted). Had they wanted to discuss ideas to improve the law, they have had 6 years to work with the GOP to do so, but they refused and continue to refuse.
By the way, do you really think that either side of the isle is trying to do what is best for the country as a whole? I certainly don't. Politicians are people, and they put themselves first and foremost (just look at someone like Harry Reid who amazingly became a multi-millionaire while serving as a "humble" servant of the people)
By the way, do you really think that either side of the isle is trying to do what is best for the country as a whole? I certainly don't. Politicians are people, and they put themselves first and foremost (just look at someone like Harry Reid who amazingly became a multi-millionaire while serving as a "humble" servant of the people)
1
Are you talking about the GOP led by McConnell; he said his main job was to defeat anything Obama wanted to do. He did his job. The ACA finally made it through years of stalling; the Jobs Bill, (including infrastructure, health care and education) was tabled due to so many poison pills added in. So, now they own it; all of it. If history is a guide, they will do a terrible job; they will hurt millions of citizens, help a few hundred billionaires and a few thousand millionaires. Republicans do not like governing. We have seen this movie; it ended in 1929.
3
Which way does the U. S. want to go in?
Do we want universal healthcare, as it seems most people want? Where everyone (including the rich) pitche in to keep down healthcare costs for all? Or do we want Darwin's survival of the richest?
The Republican party wasn't always as infected with greed and addicted to hate as it is now. But in its current condition that's the way it is. There's no way to sugar coat it for anyone.
The Republican House members who partied last night on the graves of their constituents firmly believe that people who can't pay for healthcare should die. And that people who can afford it, should not contribute one penny to anyone but themselves for anything, except to make sure that the rich and big corporations have all the power, and the country has a lot of big bombs.
That's what they believe. And stories of people in fear and pain don't move them. Nor do they care if their constituents are unhappy, because they figure they will never vote for anyone other than a Republican.
If the People of the United States want a unified community that works together, they can't vote Republican. They'll only get shafted. If they turn away from the entire Republican party for a generation, perhaps these hate filled people who have been infected with greed will be replaced by a more principled group.
Till then the Republican party will be the party of hate and greed. Where only the richest have any chance in life. And where corruption is the rule of the road.
Do we want universal healthcare, as it seems most people want? Where everyone (including the rich) pitche in to keep down healthcare costs for all? Or do we want Darwin's survival of the richest?
The Republican party wasn't always as infected with greed and addicted to hate as it is now. But in its current condition that's the way it is. There's no way to sugar coat it for anyone.
The Republican House members who partied last night on the graves of their constituents firmly believe that people who can't pay for healthcare should die. And that people who can afford it, should not contribute one penny to anyone but themselves for anything, except to make sure that the rich and big corporations have all the power, and the country has a lot of big bombs.
That's what they believe. And stories of people in fear and pain don't move them. Nor do they care if their constituents are unhappy, because they figure they will never vote for anyone other than a Republican.
If the People of the United States want a unified community that works together, they can't vote Republican. They'll only get shafted. If they turn away from the entire Republican party for a generation, perhaps these hate filled people who have been infected with greed will be replaced by a more principled group.
Till then the Republican party will be the party of hate and greed. Where only the richest have any chance in life. And where corruption is the rule of the road.
4
Target the 217. Put their names on a poster and have people create groups that go after each one of them.... Let's do this in a systematic way....
16
The Democrats have a history of choking and losing from winning positions, so for now I'd hope rather than expect that the Republicans will be made to pay. The GOP has proven time and again that through propaganda and misinformation their ruling elites and wealthy donors can always count on selling garbage wrapped as treasure to the American people.
Not to forget that with the current gerrymandered Congress, it looks like the repeal of ACA and the "free market" replacement will return similar numbers in 2018 and 2020. If you pool all the poor in one town, you can't lose much no matter how painful the collective suffering, since at best there will be just one elected member from the poor district.
Not to forget that with the current gerrymandered Congress, it looks like the repeal of ACA and the "free market" replacement will return similar numbers in 2018 and 2020. If you pool all the poor in one town, you can't lose much no matter how painful the collective suffering, since at best there will be just one elected member from the poor district.
6
American Deceptionalism.
11
Just to say as a reminder that Trump is hardly a popular choice:
Donald Trump lost the popular Presidential vote.
The new healthcare plan passed the House of Representatives by two votes.
These are hardly margins that justify the sweeping changes Mr. Trump has been making and trying to make. In my opinion these narrow margins should be the focus of every discussion and article about Trump and our democracy.
Or as Trump might tweet: not liked, bad ratings, loser, should be cancelled
Donald Trump lost the popular Presidential vote.
The new healthcare plan passed the House of Representatives by two votes.
These are hardly margins that justify the sweeping changes Mr. Trump has been making and trying to make. In my opinion these narrow margins should be the focus of every discussion and article about Trump and our democracy.
Or as Trump might tweet: not liked, bad ratings, loser, should be cancelled
9
How again was Obamacare passed? Remember, that too was a completely party line vote (in the middle of the night) using reconciliation. Not sure you have much of an argument saying "well, it barely passed"
2
Grant: It doesn't matter how the votes total, a win is a win. Close votes indicate a divided constituency, and a frightened Congress. I worked for a political law firm in D.C.; Congress watches polls, hates demonstrations, and doesn't like negative phone calls. Believe me.
Hardy HarDING!
This is what you get when you use a Barnum to carry your bail of hay. Get ready for a massive collapse of leadership with a side of car rides clowns would pay to see.
This is what you get when you use a Barnum to carry your bail of hay. Get ready for a massive collapse of leadership with a side of car rides clowns would pay to see.
5
This article is disingenuous. You can't pretend US elections are fair and it all comes down to policy and benefits to the people (in this case with respect to heath). Cynical lobbyists and super-PACS are actively lying about the outcomes to fool the public. Many voters didn't even realize that their new health care was Obamacare. State legislatures are actively suppressing the vote. Aggressive Gerrymandering protects incumbents, particularly Republicans but also some Democrats.
The Republicans barely won the 2016 popular vote, yet got over 50 more seats than their vote should have given them. If those who had their vote suppressed could have exercised their Constitutional rights freely and voted it seems unlikely they would have won the popular vote and yet the Gerrymander would have delivered them the house even so.
US democracy is a disgrace.
The Republicans barely won the 2016 popular vote, yet got over 50 more seats than their vote should have given them. If those who had their vote suppressed could have exercised their Constitutional rights freely and voted it seems unlikely they would have won the popular vote and yet the Gerrymander would have delivered them the house even so.
US democracy is a disgrace.
94
Agreed.
hill won the pop vote.
The problem for democrats is that there is still that cohort that has been extremely unhappy with Obamacare, whether because of high costs or restricted networks, and will be extremely happy to get their old plans and doctors back. And they vote.
After reading the article and 60-70 comments it was revealed that some commenters were outraged over the Healthcare enjoyed by your politicians compared to the swill they just tossed out to their constituents. In the interest of informing the people, why doesn.t the NYT post a detailed analysis on their website on the differences between their health care and what is offered in AHCA?
28
They might have the same health care policies; the big difference is the access they have to the best care: Walter Reed for example.
If by "hornet's nest" you mean voters rallying against the Republicans you can save your insecticide. Republican voters will continue to vote spoiled milk back into the frig to see if it gets any better, and Democrats - heck, they don't vote anyways so who cares about them? And the Democratic party? Free fall, and all our DNC leaders can do is run back to the head of parade once they realize everyone is heading in a different direction and left their tired efforts behind.
My money is on Jill Stein rising up to save us all.
My money is on Jill Stein rising up to save us all.
1
Great, thanks for putting Trump in the White House.
3
Republicans believe that a bill that overwhelming favors middle and upper class white voters will not cost them because these are the blocs that are base of their support. These groups also have the highest turnout rates at the polls and provide the most financial support to candidates giving them political power that far exceeds their numbers.They are expertly playing to their base here and no Democrat should too confident about chances for a return to the majority next year.The GOP and it's supporters still reflect the immature behavior of fairly young country in which many residents do not appreciate the importance of intelligently sharing our relative wealth and good fortune. How many houses, boats and cars do people need to own before it's time to look for something more out of life? I say let's keep chipping away and I believe that, eventually, Americans will do the right thing.
3
If grasping at straws is a sound political strategy, as suggested by this article, the Democrats will control the House in 2018. Let's remember that the will of the American people as regards Obamacare is expressed here based on the results of the same liberal-biased polling that proved so wrong in 2016.
1
This opportunity makes me more willing to start a personal check writing campaign to the Democratic Party.
6
Huzzah! we're finally cutting medicare so super wealthy people can get the yuge tax break they so desperately need! i see it as a first step on the path to restoring our national greatness. i concede that some of you, the little people, may die, but that is a small price to pay for our president to finally score *some* kind of legislative win!
7
Much as we'd hope that the fallout from Trumpcare would bring deserved retribution on the GOP, we have to remember that it's not over yet!
Sadly, I predict that the Senate will significantly moderate the worst aspects of the "repeal" of Obamacare, giving the GOP their cake and the eating. In other words, regardless of how the Senate softens the blow from T-care, House GOP will claim a monumental victory till the cows come home.
Also, given the fact that their base got conned into believing that Obamacare was bad, the torch-and-pitchfork constituency will probably cheer its demise.
Sadly, I predict that the Senate will significantly moderate the worst aspects of the "repeal" of Obamacare, giving the GOP their cake and the eating. In other words, regardless of how the Senate softens the blow from T-care, House GOP will claim a monumental victory till the cows come home.
Also, given the fact that their base got conned into believing that Obamacare was bad, the torch-and-pitchfork constituency will probably cheer its demise.
2
Congress controls the money, so they will be exposed as too cheap, or too partisan to support health care people can afford. The Senate will speak, but they have no financial power.
"They say their candidates will have the experience and resources to fight off Democratic challengers."
Mrs. Clinton had the most resources and lost. It's a new world. Donald Trump is now exposed as a liar on healthcare. We'll see if Teflon Don is still Teflon to his hangers on.
Mrs. Clinton had the most resources and lost. It's a new world. Donald Trump is now exposed as a liar on healthcare. We'll see if Teflon Don is still Teflon to his hangers on.
6
I dearly hope that Democrats are reading their tea leaves correctly this time. But this is no time for complacency - we must all be on guard and fight to the very end. The disaster in the White House must be stopped.
11
Here is my recommendation. Whatever is ultimately passed also becomes the health plan coverage model for all House and Senate members and their staffs.
Lets see how "great" this plan is when those who voted for it, must also use it.
Lets see how "great" this plan is when those who voted for it, must also use it.
12
And they exempted themselves. Shows you what they think of their plan.
3
Mark,
No our political system has no accountability. We need to fire both politicial party's and start over with term limits.
No our political system has no accountability. We need to fire both politicial party's and start over with term limits.
2
Oh, joy. I get to run down all the stored records of my pre-existing conditions diagnosed over the last few decades.
I hear that's up to twenty bucks a sheet of paper these dayz. Using the chart we've all seen, I see I'm getting hit additionally for using mental health services as well as surviving stage III CIN from HPV. We are a vast cohort who will cost a lot more if let to progress into stages of deadly oral, neck throat and anal cancers, aside from all the cervical cancers we could prevent. We must be too bad for good medicine.
I hear that's up to twenty bucks a sheet of paper these dayz. Using the chart we've all seen, I see I'm getting hit additionally for using mental health services as well as surviving stage III CIN from HPV. We are a vast cohort who will cost a lot more if let to progress into stages of deadly oral, neck throat and anal cancers, aside from all the cervical cancers we could prevent. We must be too bad for good medicine.
5
Voting for Ryan-Trump Care will only hurt Republicans from moderate districts if the Senate passes the bill.
The at-risk Republicans can benefit if they vote for the bill but it fails in the Senate. They can then claim they supported it in the primaries and claim they didn't repeal Obamacare in the general election.
The at-risk Republicans can benefit if they vote for the bill but it fails in the Senate. They can then claim they supported it in the primaries and claim they didn't repeal Obamacare in the general election.
3
The Democrats may not be as lucky as they think. It's well known that there were problems with obamacare, especially rising premiums and insurance companies leaving the exchanges, But I don't seem to see the Democrats stepping forward to try to make fixes. By doing nothing it's very possible that obamacare could collapse on it's own. If that happens who is to blame at the polls?
Wouldn't we all be better off if both sides of the house, sat down and tried to fix it? or maybe even do something better? The Democrats don't need that many votes from the Republican side to do that.
Wouldn't we all be better off if both sides of the house, sat down and tried to fix it? or maybe even do something better? The Democrats don't need that many votes from the Republican side to do that.
2
Democrats are not only ignoring Obamacare's problems, they are also trying to spin it into being about only pre-existing condition coverage.
People are not going to forget their high costs and bad options. Nor are they going to ignore that millions received subsidies while they had their rates hiked for coverage they didn't want. This is particularly important to the group just above the subsidy levels. They could hardly afford higher costs.
Democrats don't seem that sophisticated. They've become everything they claimed to abhor in the GOP. If they're going to do nothing but play politics, they're going to have to get much better at it. Or maybe Trump will actually get them to do some work. He's managed to put the GOP back to work.
People are not going to forget their high costs and bad options. Nor are they going to ignore that millions received subsidies while they had their rates hiked for coverage they didn't want. This is particularly important to the group just above the subsidy levels. They could hardly afford higher costs.
Democrats don't seem that sophisticated. They've become everything they claimed to abhor in the GOP. If they're going to do nothing but play politics, they're going to have to get much better at it. Or maybe Trump will actually get them to do some work. He's managed to put the GOP back to work.
2
AACNY,
Every single problem you mention will be made much worse in Trumpcare. Is that really what American people want? I don't think so, Obamacare is now more popular than it ever was.
Every single problem you mention will be made much worse in Trumpcare. Is that really what American people want? I don't think so, Obamacare is now more popular than it ever was.
6
You absolutely cannot consider yourself "pro-life" if you support this bill that deprives 24 million Americans, including our most vulnerable citizens, of life saving health care.
6
Don't know why folks are tossing around "24 million"
Less than 10 million people use the ACA.
Less than 10 million people use the ACA.
2
As if that would make it ok.
2
Senate:
First, the CBO was way off on its Obamacare estimates. It overestimated the number of healthy people who would buy it, and grossly underestimated the cost of Medicaid expansion.
Just as it was highly optimistic then, it might be highly pessimistic now. Plus, the CBO estimates are inaccurate because they only count "insured" but don't factor in "access" or lack thereof.
Perhaps those newly "uninsured" are the millions who have health insurance now but cannot afford to use it. They'll simply stop paying for something they're not using.
First, the CBO was way off on its Obamacare estimates. It overestimated the number of healthy people who would buy it, and grossly underestimated the cost of Medicaid expansion.
Just as it was highly optimistic then, it might be highly pessimistic now. Plus, the CBO estimates are inaccurate because they only count "insured" but don't factor in "access" or lack thereof.
Perhaps those newly "uninsured" are the millions who have health insurance now but cannot afford to use it. They'll simply stop paying for something they're not using.
3
Dream on Democrats. Once President Trump's tax cut plan kicks in and people have the ability to choose lower cost medical policies( i.e. a Gay couple not having to pay for maternity benefits) the deadbeats and laggards who currently are being subsidized by taxpayers will be dwarfed by the hard-working voters who will appreciate having more money in their pockets.
3
You don't understand how insurance works. Just like the republicans
2
John: When the current Congress funds infrastructure, health care and education, there might be enough "hard working Americans" to pay taxes. I knew a lot of gay couples in SF when I lived there, and none of them ever complained about maternity benefits. They complained about late buses with the rest of us, but not about maternity benefits.
Spencer,
AACNY, I believe, is talking about folks who had policies they liked and used before ObamaCare made them buy policies with huge premiums and huge deductibles to pay for sex change operations and other stuff they don't need or want.
Folks with policies that have a $5k to $10k deductible will not use them.
AACNY, I believe, is talking about folks who had policies they liked and used before ObamaCare made them buy policies with huge premiums and huge deductibles to pay for sex change operations and other stuff they don't need or want.
Folks with policies that have a $5k to $10k deductible will not use them.
An astute commenter points out the hypocrisy of Americans' expectations:
"The collective demand of the American people is universal healthcare -- but they also demand low taxation, a massive military, and numerous other benefits..."
Americans get all this NOT by increasing taxes, but simply by shifting the cost forward -- borrowing to cover the shortfalls.
Future generations' failure to complain about this must mean they don't mind paying tomorrow for benefits that we receive today. Or maybe those future generations don't complain because they don't yet exist -- who knows? All we know for sure is that (1) we don't pay for current benefits currently, through taxes -- instead we impose most of the cost on future generations; and (2) those future generations never seem to complain about this.
"The collective demand of the American people is universal healthcare -- but they also demand low taxation, a massive military, and numerous other benefits..."
Americans get all this NOT by increasing taxes, but simply by shifting the cost forward -- borrowing to cover the shortfalls.
Future generations' failure to complain about this must mean they don't mind paying tomorrow for benefits that we receive today. Or maybe those future generations don't complain because they don't yet exist -- who knows? All we know for sure is that (1) we don't pay for current benefits currently, through taxes -- instead we impose most of the cost on future generations; and (2) those future generations never seem to complain about this.
3
Let's not make any assumptions. Democrats should feel emboldened, but we still need to do the work and get people to show up. Our weakness has been turnout during the interim elections. If that doesn't change then articles like this one are nothing but sound and fury signifying nothing.
3
Great everyone wants free health care, free college, strong military, increasing SS payments...and no one wants to pay. Actually just not pay they want to lower taxes.....Good luck with that type of math.
We need to start electing Accountants.
We need to start electing Accountants.
4
The GOP is good on spin. Anything bad that passes will be blamed on Democrats. I can hear Fox News gearing-up its spin machine. Like a time machine, it will spin so fast we will be back in the 1950's before you know what happened.
4
The continued predictions of the demise of the Republican party are met with the reality that an ever increasing numbers of Republicans are being elected at every level.
3
You can take pot shots from a safe Democratic State where you don't have to worry about affordable health insurance. Compare what you have with what someone in Kansas or Indiana has. Or, move to one of those Republican States and try to find affordable health care. Or rivers and streams not polluted by industrial waste. How about West Va where mountain top mining has produced piles of sludge held back by precarious barriers? Maybe Kentucky? Wisconsin and Michigan just gave way to corporate money, try those States. You have plenty of options, if you don't like CT. I lived there for 33 years, and didn't suffer any lack of benefits.
1
As a related NYT article emphasizes, a coalition of:
1. Hospitals.
2. Doctors.
3. Health insurance companies.
opposes this proposed dramatic change to US health care laws.
I always thought hospitals, doctors and health insurance companies were "bad," inclined to support Republicans. Now they're "good?" Hard to keep track!
Under the current system, what do hospitals, doctors and health insurance companies have in common?
1. Hospitals.
2. Doctors.
3. Health insurance companies.
opposes this proposed dramatic change to US health care laws.
I always thought hospitals, doctors and health insurance companies were "bad," inclined to support Republicans. Now they're "good?" Hard to keep track!
Under the current system, what do hospitals, doctors and health insurance companies have in common?
3
My brother was treated for a fistula he blew between his bowel and bladder, the result of untreated diverticulitis for twelve years a miserable basterd. He was unable to afford insurance for that condition. If he'd only lasted another month, he'd have had ACA to share the pain with everyone and not leave those who showed him mercy unpaid while he went bankrupt.
With the ACA, he was able to reverse his colostomy, otherwise, he'd have had to save a few years and held a few golf fund raisers for the affordability to relieve himself traditionally. Thank god, he got this over with while the Dems cared for US.
With the ACA, he was able to reverse his colostomy, otherwise, he'd have had to save a few years and held a few golf fund raisers for the affordability to relieve himself traditionally. Thank god, he got this over with while the Dems cared for US.
7
In a word? Profits. That's what they have in common. ACA has been a cost shifting boom for them.
The doctors are largely irrelevant to the discussion. ACA incentivized hospitals to buy their practices and turn them into wage earners. The doctors who chose not to be employees are by and large being slammed financially by declining reimbursements and people shifting from well-paying private insurance to poor-paying Medicaid.
Money makes strange bedfellows.
The doctors are largely irrelevant to the discussion. ACA incentivized hospitals to buy their practices and turn them into wage earners. The doctors who chose not to be employees are by and large being slammed financially by declining reimbursements and people shifting from well-paying private insurance to poor-paying Medicaid.
Money makes strange bedfellows.
1
Spare me your tears, Rep. Ros-Lehtinen. You are, after all, a loyal Republican and as such you are equally responsible. I pray your south Florida district will now go to a Democrat.
12
The Dems need to be pro-active in this debate and put together a plan that fixes ACA. That plan needs to be present to the American people so that they can see how the Dems plan compares to the Repubs. Sitting around and chanting is not helping the American folks one bit. They need to show the America people what they can offer: action over words.
3
Republicans cheered as they handed 24 million Americans an early death sentence and guaranteed the gutting of the accumulated wealth of 99% of us.
At the same time, they chose for themselves lifetimes' of privilege, access, and affordability. While their constituents face bankruptcy, pain, loss, and sorrow, they will flock to Mayo, Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, they will be 'concierge' primary care plans.
These people are violent monsters and thieving marauders. This plan is tantamount to a genocide of mid-lifers and those with chronic conditions, destroying any hope of access to care for those born at the tail-end of the baby boom and the Gen X'ers. We are essentially being given 60 years, and then told to go off and die after turning over all our accumulated savings and wealth in tax cuts to the 1%'ers, leaving our children and our children's children with nothing.
I hope these people laughing and mocking us yesterday eventually get to experience themselves the pain and loss they so gleefully hand out to those who pay their salaries/benefits.
At the same time, they chose for themselves lifetimes' of privilege, access, and affordability. While their constituents face bankruptcy, pain, loss, and sorrow, they will flock to Mayo, Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, they will be 'concierge' primary care plans.
These people are violent monsters and thieving marauders. This plan is tantamount to a genocide of mid-lifers and those with chronic conditions, destroying any hope of access to care for those born at the tail-end of the baby boom and the Gen X'ers. We are essentially being given 60 years, and then told to go off and die after turning over all our accumulated savings and wealth in tax cuts to the 1%'ers, leaving our children and our children's children with nothing.
I hope these people laughing and mocking us yesterday eventually get to experience themselves the pain and loss they so gleefully hand out to those who pay their salaries/benefits.
9
This is not some partisan game. We're playing with Americans' health. The Rose Garden gloating and the exuberant clapping by GOP legislators is shameful. Nancy Pelosi's reminding the GOP about 2010 reverses for her party while perhaps true solves nothing. We can expect another do over in a see saw game. Societies that marginalise maternal care and planned parenthood's access to young women's health and toss millions of poor including poor children do so at their own peril.
6
It is about time - these 'hidden' taxes for obamacare became public. I know several people who sold their homes -- AND SUDDENLY DISCOVERED THE HIDDEN 3.8% TAX THEY HAD TO PAY ON THE SALE PRICE OF THEIR HOMES to pay for obamacare. That was a very large taxable amount for these people to have to pay.......not to mention THE SURPRISE!!!
obamacare was a disaster from the beginning - with its high deductibles - not to mention obama never provided the American people with the amount collected in premiums!!!
Pelosi -- that woman is a disgrace. She was very instrumental in getting obamacare passed -- her FAMOUS QUOTE - PASS IT AND WE WILL 'READ' IT LATER". So, I have no respect for the democrats who passed this bill -- WITHOUT EVER READING IT FIRST.
obamacare was a disaster from the beginning - with its high deductibles - not to mention obama never provided the American people with the amount collected in premiums!!!
Pelosi -- that woman is a disgrace. She was very instrumental in getting obamacare passed -- her FAMOUS QUOTE - PASS IT AND WE WILL 'READ' IT LATER". So, I have no respect for the democrats who passed this bill -- WITHOUT EVER READING IT FIRST.
I will hopefully be able to afford a catastrophic policy until Medicare kicks in, because this disaster won't insure me for less than the real cost of services unless I hand over my life's savings. It's a craps shoot for me, turkeys.
I guess I'm the GOP's bad property, me and my Gina and HPV.
I guess I'm the GOP's bad property, me and my Gina and HPV.
4
"Democrats point out that Republicans will have to defend a reduction in federal help for people who have come to rely on it. "
Democrats keep making the same mistake. People do not want government handouts. They will gladly trade government handouts for choice, even if it means slightly higher costs.
Democrats are just running the 2016 election over, hoping for a different result. Sure, some Dems are solidly enthusiastic, but they are all crammed into limousine liberal neighborhoods.
In case people have not noticed, unemployment and crime have skyrocketed in Democrat run places like Chicago and Baltimore, and Puerto Rico just declared bankruptcy. The Democratic socialism of the far left Democratic party won't be super popular in 2018 or any other time.
Democrats keep making the same mistake. People do not want government handouts. They will gladly trade government handouts for choice, even if it means slightly higher costs.
Democrats are just running the 2016 election over, hoping for a different result. Sure, some Dems are solidly enthusiastic, but they are all crammed into limousine liberal neighborhoods.
In case people have not noticed, unemployment and crime have skyrocketed in Democrat run places like Chicago and Baltimore, and Puerto Rico just declared bankruptcy. The Democratic socialism of the far left Democratic party won't be super popular in 2018 or any other time.
3
There are 20 solid red states that voted for Trump and have 2 Republican senators. Take out Texas and the remaining 19 states have a little over 23% of the nation's population but control 38% of votes in the Senate. And now 80 Republican representatives from those 19 states, or roughly 37% of the 217 votes cast in favor of this ridiculous health care bill, have exerted disproportionate influence over policy making in Washington. The political clout of these 19 states is more than half again mightier than what their numbers would suggest.
The real problem is not these members of Congress, it's their constituents. The citizens of these 19 states share a very different view--compared on average with folks living in the northeast and out on the west coast--of what it means to be an American. And the divide is growing wider with each Trumpian tweet and Sean Spicer "mess conference." It's time to realize that those of us in "blue state" America have irreconcilable differences with "red" America. Let's sue for an amicable divorce so we can regain control over our future and be free to pursue the noble dream of a diverse, inclusive and caring polity.
The real problem is not these members of Congress, it's their constituents. The citizens of these 19 states share a very different view--compared on average with folks living in the northeast and out on the west coast--of what it means to be an American. And the divide is growing wider with each Trumpian tweet and Sean Spicer "mess conference." It's time to realize that those of us in "blue state" America have irreconcilable differences with "red" America. Let's sue for an amicable divorce so we can regain control over our future and be free to pursue the noble dream of a diverse, inclusive and caring polity.
12
"People are saying" the leader of the US is entering the funeral business. "They say" you will soon see a whole chain of Trumpcare Funeral Homes from coast to coast. This is his way to drum up fresh business.
13
I suggest we just throw a managable amount of money into a pit and let the insurers, doctors, drug and device makers fight over it. I'd pay to watch it, too.
3
Instead, we got a lot of boxes managed by lobby lifters and their handy congresspersons who all know as long as the price will rise, they all get raises.
People in my state will be hit hard by this, if the Senate doesn't rescue them. Thirty-six percent of West Virginians have a pre-existing condition.
You may be thinking, "Well, serves the Trump voters right." When you're desperate for hope, it's easy to believe the lies about bringing coal back.
You may be thinking, "Well, serves the Trump voters right." When you're desperate for hope, it's easy to believe the lies about bringing coal back.
11
Kennedy ran in West Va and lost. Hillary Clinton ran in West Va and lost. What do you want Democrats to do? Move to your red State and help with the votes? Why don't you elect people who will honestly represent you, rather than absentee mining owners. Coal is dying. Natural gas requires a new set of skills.
Joe Manchin is not representing your interests; he represents those who can pay him for his votes. Try putting your money into upgraded schools, good teachers, and job re-training. Mountain top mining interests are not going to save West Va or Kentucky; the owners pay local mining agents to overlook safety, pollution and voter suppression.
Joe Manchin is not representing your interests; he represents those who can pay him for his votes. Try putting your money into upgraded schools, good teachers, and job re-training. Mountain top mining interests are not going to save West Va or Kentucky; the owners pay local mining agents to overlook safety, pollution and voter suppression.
There are two completely different goals driving the healthcare debate.
One goal is to find the best healthcare for the American people.
The other goal is to make the richest Americans richer at the expense of the health of the American people.
This is a complete farce.
One goal is to find the best healthcare for the American people.
The other goal is to make the richest Americans richer at the expense of the health of the American people.
This is a complete farce.
13
Tragedy.
Not farce.
In that many people do not know their own self-interest or are easily moved to hatred, racism, sexism, etc., rather than open their hearts and minds to truth.
Both your assumptions are wrong.
Insurance does not guarantee the best healthcare. The 1% are going to seek more no matter what the health of the population in general is or who/what/where/when the government does.
The 1% is the government with somewhat shared powers with the military and spy systems.
Not farce.
In that many people do not know their own self-interest or are easily moved to hatred, racism, sexism, etc., rather than open their hearts and minds to truth.
Both your assumptions are wrong.
Insurance does not guarantee the best healthcare. The 1% are going to seek more no matter what the health of the population in general is or who/what/where/when the government does.
The 1% is the government with somewhat shared powers with the military and spy systems.
1
I think 2018 will be referendum on Trump. Since the law passed will not be acceptable to the Senate. The House once again can pass a bill that is dead on arrival. The Senate Republicans in an unintended way are going to rescue the House Rs from suffering the full brunt of taking responsibility for this misbegotten waste of time.
7
How can anyone with a conscience support a bill that gives more money to the wealthy and at the same time makes it impossible for someone to have adequate health insurance simply because their job doesn't pay enough? Its cruel, it's indecent and it's morally bankrupt.
The Republicans will pay a steep cost for such an atrocious bill and they should.
The Republicans will pay a steep cost for such an atrocious bill and they should.
15
No one is "giving" money to the wealthy. It is their money. The government is simply not taking as much of it.
3
AACNY,
Living in a fantasy land?
Markets work as people set them up. It is all up to people, there are no natural laws of markets. The wealthy control and rig the system in US so markets work for them, just look where all the money has gone last 40 years. Than they turn around and convince stupid people that's how the system suppose to work.....
Living in a fantasy land?
Markets work as people set them up. It is all up to people, there are no natural laws of markets. The wealthy control and rig the system in US so markets work for them, just look where all the money has gone last 40 years. Than they turn around and convince stupid people that's how the system suppose to work.....
4
If they control the means of production, they also control the markets. If they control both, they control the government. "Their" money is extracted from working people, and from the government which supplies the venues, support systems and the military to protect their interests. The very rich do not have "paychecks"; they have portfolios, accountants and paid lobbyists.
This isn't a healthcare bill; it the first step in redistributing money upward to their wealthy donors in the forthcoming tax bill. It doesn't serve We the people ... because, except for our vote, they don't need us.
15
Because health care is so expensive yet so needed by all Americans, the Only Solution is single-payer universal health care which will lob off 30 – 40% of the cost components of the current approach.
Medicare costs about 3% to administer and basically Medicare modified for all throughout our lives has to be the goalpost.
Best for the country would be an improved ACA 2.0 including a stronger individual mandate and all states bringing in the Medicaid expansion component. This as a stepping stone while we transition to universal care. Including defining how to pay for it, not easy and a fight. But remember, we are reducing by the 30-40% what it costs to provide health care vs the current approach. Test the universal model and perfect it in 2 – 3 states before a national roll out.
Is health care a right? Moot point. Like public education, we all need it. And the private marketplace is ill suited and greatly enlarges the complexity and cost of health care, for patients and providers. No, single-payer is not socialized medicine. Our government (we) are the payer only, not the provider. Further, this will become a two-tier system where those who can afford it can chose to pay for ultra-care and will. A good source is Physicians for a National Health Care Program http://www.pnhp.org/
Medicare costs about 3% to administer and basically Medicare modified for all throughout our lives has to be the goalpost.
Best for the country would be an improved ACA 2.0 including a stronger individual mandate and all states bringing in the Medicaid expansion component. This as a stepping stone while we transition to universal care. Including defining how to pay for it, not easy and a fight. But remember, we are reducing by the 30-40% what it costs to provide health care vs the current approach. Test the universal model and perfect it in 2 – 3 states before a national roll out.
Is health care a right? Moot point. Like public education, we all need it. And the private marketplace is ill suited and greatly enlarges the complexity and cost of health care, for patients and providers. No, single-payer is not socialized medicine. Our government (we) are the payer only, not the provider. Further, this will become a two-tier system where those who can afford it can chose to pay for ultra-care and will. A good source is Physicians for a National Health Care Program http://www.pnhp.org/
7
Don't the poor folk, the down-and-out, those just barely "getting by" about those TAX CUTS?
Apparently there is a huge disconnect between the American People and those who represent them.
Apparently there is a huge disconnect between the American People and those who represent them.
3
I'm mystified by the political calculus behind this Bill. Clearly, House Republicans were voted into office to complain about Obamacare, not to replace it. Certainly not before they've computed at least the budgetary impact of the legislation, let alone the morbidity impact on the american people.
If Senate Republicans have the temerity to sign this into law, and if "pregnancy brought to term" is indeed a pre-existing condition likely to incur 425% increase in premiums, the decision will forever dominate the destiny of the Republican party. Their may finally reflect on whether giving Barak Obama the finger (or worse hand signs) was worth watching their parents, grandparents, and wives de of treatable conditions. If Senate Republicans have the temerity to sign this into law, and if "pregnancy brought to term" is indeed a pre-existing condition likely to incur 425% increase in premiums, the decision will forever dominate the destiny of the Republican party. Their constituents may finally wonder whether giving Barak Obama the finger (or worse hand signs) was worth watching their parents, grandparents, wives, and sisters die of treatable and preventable illness.
We should be honest with ourselves: there's a good chance their answer would be yes.
If Senate Republicans have the temerity to sign this into law, and if "pregnancy brought to term" is indeed a pre-existing condition likely to incur 425% increase in premiums, the decision will forever dominate the destiny of the Republican party. Their may finally reflect on whether giving Barak Obama the finger (or worse hand signs) was worth watching their parents, grandparents, and wives de of treatable conditions. If Senate Republicans have the temerity to sign this into law, and if "pregnancy brought to term" is indeed a pre-existing condition likely to incur 425% increase in premiums, the decision will forever dominate the destiny of the Republican party. Their constituents may finally wonder whether giving Barak Obama the finger (or worse hand signs) was worth watching their parents, grandparents, wives, and sisters die of treatable and preventable illness.
We should be honest with ourselves: there's a good chance their answer would be yes.
3
November 6, 2018. Get up, and vote with vigor! Lives depend on it.
5
Gerrymandering will be mostly impossible to overcome in 2018.
Most of these people feel very safe.
Most of these people feel very safe.
1
Maybe, if the DNC doesn't screw it up.
1
Really?
How about liberal voter? Too lazy to vote, maybe?
How about liberal voter? Too lazy to vote, maybe?
Cheering and Jeering ain't gonna cut people ... it's time for sensible congressman to think and behave independently of their hives ... and take back democratic process away from the hands of the grinches ... are there no bravehearts and straight talkers left in Washington ...
2
By forwarding the heartless and mindless Trumpcare bill to the Senate, the GOP representatives have proven themselves to be the Cowardly Lions, Tin Woodsmen and Scarecrows of American politics. Unfortunately, unlike the characters from "The Wizard of Oz," this crew is beyond transformative redemption.
Speaker Ryan now knows how to unify his vaunted Republican House majority: Cave into the GOP House Freedom Caucus and unanimity is assured.
Speaker Ryan now knows how to unify his vaunted Republican House majority: Cave into the GOP House Freedom Caucus and unanimity is assured.
1
Random Facts on healthcare:
My daughter graduated from Medical School with over $300,000 in debt. Why does it take so much to become a doctor?
Rural areas in the Midwest have an acute doctor shortage and the healthcare facilities receive over 50% of their income from Medicare which is being substantially reduced by this new Trumpcare.
Nobody has ever mentioned how much the government gives the hospitals as subsidies to cover the uninsured walk-ins
For those Republicans who consider health care a personal responsibility, whose fault is it when a child is born with a heart defect or gets stricken by cancer? Try reading Matthew 25.
My daughter graduated from Medical School with over $300,000 in debt. Why does it take so much to become a doctor?
Rural areas in the Midwest have an acute doctor shortage and the healthcare facilities receive over 50% of their income from Medicare which is being substantially reduced by this new Trumpcare.
Nobody has ever mentioned how much the government gives the hospitals as subsidies to cover the uninsured walk-ins
For those Republicans who consider health care a personal responsibility, whose fault is it when a child is born with a heart defect or gets stricken by cancer? Try reading Matthew 25.
The Republican Party has a long history of opposing health care that encompasses those less fortunate than the "born with a silver spoon in his mouth" crowd.
Harry Truman tried mightily to move toward a universal health care system after WWII and saw the Republicans drown the effort with claims that it was a communist conspiracy.
For our era, the more well-know repeat was the staunch Republican opposition to Hillary Rodham Clinton's health care reform efforts in the early 1990's.
After five decades as a physician serving in both war and peace, in the Army, Navy, and civilian life, in Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, Antarctic, on the high seas, and now in Southern California, I cannot believe we the people will let this level of cruelty stand.
But perhaps we will not act with compassion and by this time next year we will all be reading "civil charges were filed today against the president and 270 members of the House and Senate in the wrongful death of citizens denied health care by the repeal of President Obama's health care reform." Hopefully, we will have replaced many of those offenders in mid-term elections, but the damage will already be done.
Harry Truman tried mightily to move toward a universal health care system after WWII and saw the Republicans drown the effort with claims that it was a communist conspiracy.
For our era, the more well-know repeat was the staunch Republican opposition to Hillary Rodham Clinton's health care reform efforts in the early 1990's.
After five decades as a physician serving in both war and peace, in the Army, Navy, and civilian life, in Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, Antarctic, on the high seas, and now in Southern California, I cannot believe we the people will let this level of cruelty stand.
But perhaps we will not act with compassion and by this time next year we will all be reading "civil charges were filed today against the president and 270 members of the House and Senate in the wrongful death of citizens denied health care by the repeal of President Obama's health care reform." Hopefully, we will have replaced many of those offenders in mid-term elections, but the damage will already be done.
I believe the Republicans made a big mistake, but the Democrats better remember there is more than the House. We need to regain control on a state level, too. That means governor's mansions and stage assemblies. None of this will be easy but to move our country forward, it must be done. I want my country back, too. What is happening now in the United States is unrecognizable to me.
The republicans have been trying to undo Obamacare for years. The people elected them, so this must be what the people want. If the people decide that this wasn't such a good idea, they might vote democratic next time. But the democrats have to put up reasonable candidates. Many people are tired of the anointed legacy candidates like Ms. Clinton, and carpet baggers like Teachout. Run a fair and honest primary for all levels of office.
3
A completely incorrect appraisal. The AHCA is not an election issue the Dems can use in 2018 because its effects won't be widespread until afterwards. Trying to critique the AHCA will seem a combination of TMI and sour grapes to voters.
What the Dems have to do has been made clear by Sanders & Warren: jobs.
What the Dems have to do has been made clear by Sanders & Warren: jobs.
4
My prediction is people will suffer tremendously if this passes the Senate. And then they will vote republican again. Why? They hate Obama and liberals and democrats and everything they represent to them more than they care about their own welfare or that of their loved ones.
9
This whole debate is mis-directed.
As per the NYT series, the issue is the underlying out-of-control cost structure of American health care.
This bill does nothing to address this.
Payments are not the issue.
Costs are.
As per the NYT series, the issue is the underlying out-of-control cost structure of American health care.
This bill does nothing to address this.
Payments are not the issue.
Costs are.
7
It won't help the Democrats if their response is as immature and puerile as the GOP partying after this irresponsible vote like a bunch of drunken frat boys. Many of us are looking for Congressional representatives to act like the grown-ups in the room and stop acting like they are on competing rugby teams.
The Democrats need to get out there and communicate to the max about how this will affect individual voters and their neighbors. Don't waste your and our time jeering at the GOP. Go win back the voters!
The Democrats need to get out there and communicate to the max about how this will affect individual voters and their neighbors. Don't waste your and our time jeering at the GOP. Go win back the voters!
5
I get your point but how, exactly, do you "win back" voters who seemingly revel in their own ignorance?
The best we can hope for with this congress is single payer faith healing.
6
My son, 19, asked me to explain the fuss about Pre-existing conditions in the health care bill. I'm pretty well versed on the ACA, a democrat, and a father of 3. So I did the best a father could to his son.
He just couldn't understand why if people are covered now the Republicans would take that away or make it more difficult for Americans of any income bracket or age level. Why would we risk people's lives like that, is what he asked me. Don't they care about people, was his next question.
One can only hope they do!
He just couldn't understand why if people are covered now the Republicans would take that away or make it more difficult for Americans of any income bracket or age level. Why would we risk people's lives like that, is what he asked me. Don't they care about people, was his next question.
One can only hope they do!
2
Clearly, they do not care about we, the people. The only other alternative I can see is that they lack the imagination to see the devastation they will cause.
I hope that you explained to your son the ugly reality of how self-serving rich perpetuate helping themselves at the risk of middle class and poor Americans. This is the underpinning of such horrible deeds as ripping health care away from sick people.
2
"No one knows better than House Democrats how a contentious health care vote can exact a steep political price — losing control of the House in the first midterm election of an untested new president’s tenure for example."
The difference is that conservatives turn out to vote during midterms and liberals, generally, do not. The Republican House majority is safe no matter what they do, in part because of the gerrymandering that has created safe Republican districts, and also the lack of electoral participation among liberal voters.
The difference is that conservatives turn out to vote during midterms and liberals, generally, do not. The Republican House majority is safe no matter what they do, in part because of the gerrymandering that has created safe Republican districts, and also the lack of electoral participation among liberal voters.
7
Same ACA plan now that was approved in 2010- yet the constituents were/are so under/uneducated they simply fell prey to the simple ploy of the "name game". Call ACA "Obamacare" and they hated it, call it the ACA- they love it.
Who knows the depths of inequality and ultimately despair the under/uneducated will fall into before actually researching a issue.
I personally feel it's too late- we and the "republic" are being swept out into the sea of confusion, blame and apathy as the unhinged wealth mongers were hoping for.
Problem for that little plan is, as goes the middle class, so goes the rest of the nation.
Who knows the depths of inequality and ultimately despair the under/uneducated will fall into before actually researching a issue.
I personally feel it's too late- we and the "republic" are being swept out into the sea of confusion, blame and apathy as the unhinged wealth mongers were hoping for.
Problem for that little plan is, as goes the middle class, so goes the rest of the nation.
2
When a representative is more concerned about holding on to his or her seat vs doing the right thing, they need to go. Kudos to those few GOP members who put people over party loyalty.
5
Is it just me or has there been virtually no mention of the disgustingly high cost of medicine and the deplorable big pharmaceutical companies who are the main cause of exorbitantly high premiums and costs? If the government would go after these thieves to make the cost of getting well within the reach of most folks, then maybe things would be manageable. But, no, the Big Pharma interests are driving way too much of this. it's horrifying that these Republicans are not even bothering to figure out a way to help the American people at all. It's disgusting.
5
The photos of Trump, Ryan, Price, and others celebrating their win at the White House will come back to haunt the GOP.
Arrogant, insensitive, and utterly tone deaf. Everyday Americans will suffer and die as a result of their actions.
Arrogant, insensitive, and utterly tone deaf. Everyday Americans will suffer and die as a result of their actions.
4
We KNOW how this will turn out: Badly. This should STIR UP those who believe in fairness and equal accessible to healthcare at an affordable cost.
History of Obamacare's Medicaid opt-out right demonstrates how TrumpLessCare' wide-ranging grant of state opt-out rights are likely to affect the residents of up to 2/3rd's of the states (2/3rds of the States are ruled by State legislators). For instance, Bright Red Texas denied coverage to 1 million of lower paid taxpayers by opting out of the limited extension of federally paid Medicaid (after 3 yrs,full federal funding would phase down to 90% over a 6 yr period). Lost in this political move is the bottom line: ALL taxpayers in the State pay more because those denied coverage will defer routine healthcare and seek avoidable State-subsidized emergency room care.
With TrumpLessCare, Nationwide, millions with a preexisting condition will have to pay a surcharge of 30% for the first year, millions will be denied any health coverage in the Red States through expanded opt-out of federally funded Medicaid insurance, and millions more in those Red States who do still receive Medicaid coverage will no longer be entitled to care for maternity coverage, prescription drugs, and mental health care.
Finally, by eliminating the "stick" (the penalty) for not purchasing the required insurance, you are not effectively requiring anyone to buy insurance - grossly distorting the annuity/risk management process of pricing health insurance.
History of Obamacare's Medicaid opt-out right demonstrates how TrumpLessCare' wide-ranging grant of state opt-out rights are likely to affect the residents of up to 2/3rd's of the states (2/3rds of the States are ruled by State legislators). For instance, Bright Red Texas denied coverage to 1 million of lower paid taxpayers by opting out of the limited extension of federally paid Medicaid (after 3 yrs,full federal funding would phase down to 90% over a 6 yr period). Lost in this political move is the bottom line: ALL taxpayers in the State pay more because those denied coverage will defer routine healthcare and seek avoidable State-subsidized emergency room care.
With TrumpLessCare, Nationwide, millions with a preexisting condition will have to pay a surcharge of 30% for the first year, millions will be denied any health coverage in the Red States through expanded opt-out of federally funded Medicaid insurance, and millions more in those Red States who do still receive Medicaid coverage will no longer be entitled to care for maternity coverage, prescription drugs, and mental health care.
Finally, by eliminating the "stick" (the penalty) for not purchasing the required insurance, you are not effectively requiring anyone to buy insurance - grossly distorting the annuity/risk management process of pricing health insurance.
1
My how times change. Just a few years back, Ryan and his colleagues were outraged that any healthcare reform bill would go to a vote without a CBO score (and actually the CBO score for the ACA did come out just before the vote) and without people knowing exactly what was in it. More GOP hypocrisy.
http://time.com/4766895/health-care-vote-republicans-process-quotes/
http://time.com/4766895/health-care-vote-republicans-process-quotes/
9
Priebus and Ryan had to show they could close the deal. It may help end their careers - what a bunch of sad sacks.
Then to have Donny T say that this is a "Great Plan" that will lower premiums and deductibles is quite funny, he just did not say for who.
Watching his press conference was like a bad apprentice episode.
Then to have Donny T say that this is a "Great Plan" that will lower premiums and deductibles is quite funny, he just did not say for who.
Watching his press conference was like a bad apprentice episode.
4
@ epmeehan - I wonder if Ryan is desperate to pass this bill so that he can run for President in 2020. He can now brag about how he kept his campaign promise to repeal Obamacare whether the Senate passes it or not.
2
Yes, yes, once again the Senate will rush in and save those rowdy frat boys slurping from the kegger from their own foolishness.
The Senate will take this bill, soften it, puff it up, smash some lipstick on the pig and save-face for the Boyz.
And, you know? I'm really tired of that.
I'm sick of those ignorant men being rescued by the adults.
These Boyz are a bunch of juvenile delinquents, posers, hoods hanging out on the street corner hooting and cursing every female that walks by. They want all the money - which is not THEIR money! to go for BigBoy toys like nukes and Tomahawk missiles, none of that touchie-feelie stuff like food for poor children. They want the banks to act like casinos, gambling with someone else's dough.
Half of the Senate is their enablers.
The other half is oblivious to the fact that this nation has just been limping along since Saint Ronnie (of Iran-Contra fame).
Speaking personally, I no longer have a dog in this fight.
And, speaking personally, I can't see how trying to make this piece of legislative vomit palatable to the masses is going to further this land and help anyone except the insurance company's CEO's and Rush Limbaugh.
Perhaps it is time for the goons to be held responsible?
The Senate will take this bill, soften it, puff it up, smash some lipstick on the pig and save-face for the Boyz.
And, you know? I'm really tired of that.
I'm sick of those ignorant men being rescued by the adults.
These Boyz are a bunch of juvenile delinquents, posers, hoods hanging out on the street corner hooting and cursing every female that walks by. They want all the money - which is not THEIR money! to go for BigBoy toys like nukes and Tomahawk missiles, none of that touchie-feelie stuff like food for poor children. They want the banks to act like casinos, gambling with someone else's dough.
Half of the Senate is their enablers.
The other half is oblivious to the fact that this nation has just been limping along since Saint Ronnie (of Iran-Contra fame).
Speaking personally, I no longer have a dog in this fight.
And, speaking personally, I can't see how trying to make this piece of legislative vomit palatable to the masses is going to further this land and help anyone except the insurance company's CEO's and Rush Limbaugh.
Perhaps it is time for the goons to be held responsible?
7
No, because their supporters will blame the Democrats for not working with the GOP or blame themselves for what they can't stop happening. I doubt that very many GOP representatives, congressmen or senators, will lose their seats in the 2018 elections. Remember that most congressional districts are gerrymandered and most candidates, GOP ones in particular, have donors with very, very deep pockets. In addition, in the reddest states and the purple ones, the GOP is quite active in attempting to deny minorities and the poor the ability to exercise their right to vote.
In present day America only some people are entitled to decent lives and that some does not include 99% of us.
In present day America only some people are entitled to decent lives and that some does not include 99% of us.
7
I have seen comments regarding the ACA as a "wealth transfer scheme" to the poor who are subsidized to help pay for their insurance. And yet some how these same people are ok with that same wealth being transferred to the top 400 richest people in the US by way of a huge tax cut? That is what this is all about, our priorities and what we care about as a nation, money for the rich, or health care for the poor. In the end, it seems, money interests won, as usual, while poor people are once again thrown under the bus, this time with no way to pay for their injuries.
6
As they say in Charlotte - "GO HORNETS!"
Everyone acts as if this is the end of the world, but as I recall the House had already passed OVER 20 BILLS to repeal Obamacare. So anyone who is surprised by this is being taken in by what in reality is the world's great photo-op. Kudos to Donald Trump.
1
Democrats must not only resist, they must lead. As a nation we are still having a conversation about health insurance. We should be having a conversation about health care. Insurance companies profit when we, as a nation, pay more insurance than we receive in health care. And the job of a company is to maximize profit, not health. Democrats, change the conversation to something we can win.
1
If Obamacare had been so successful, it would not have been repealed and replaced. Many of those covered under this plan were dissatisfied with the cost and poor quality care that it offered. Obama said that those who were covered would be guaranteed to keep their current doctors and that did not happen. Premiums rose and health insurance companies opted out of Obamacare which left many people with few choices.
The voters supported President Trump because he promised to acquire a better healthcare plan for all and was able to deliver on that promise. It is highly unlikely that the Republicans will lose many seats over this as this was not the only issue that got them elected. Now all that must happen is that this healthcare bill pass in the senate. It may have to be tweaked a bit, but eventually it will pass.
The voters supported President Trump because he promised to acquire a better healthcare plan for all and was able to deliver on that promise. It is highly unlikely that the Republicans will lose many seats over this as this was not the only issue that got them elected. Now all that must happen is that this healthcare bill pass in the senate. It may have to be tweaked a bit, but eventually it will pass.
2
Nonsense. This bill is junk, and does nothing to address the real problems of providing more access to healthcare. You can wallow in ignorance if you choose, but don't try to peddle that line to the rest of us.
2
Pelosi just ruled out single payer, supported by 58% of the population.
The Democrats will not be able to claw their way back from the political wilderness while being led from Pacific Heights and Park Slope.
The Democrats will not be able to claw their way back from the political wilderness while being led from Pacific Heights and Park Slope.
3
House Republicans squandered a chance to work with Democrats to improve upon what is good in the ACA. In their hasty rush to log a 'Win', they neglected to even find out the ramifications through the CBO analysis. They didn't care about the fact that with their fervor to win, they are putting people's lives in grave danger. Such and easy thing to do when it doesn't affect one's own health or that of their children. But this is not a game. And I hope they do pay for this. Let them hear the voices of their angry, sick constituents at the ballot box.
2
I have heard Republicans vilify the the Affordable Care Act for years -as if it were a biblical plague created by the devil. But I have never heard WHY they so vehemently opposed it. Other than ObamaCare being a Democratic victory, enacted by a black democratic president, and being an expense to benefit those who could not afford health insurance -unspoken horrors to the right- I would just like to know SPECIFICALLY what was so WRONG about the ACA?
3
Have never said this about a President since I respect the office. But......Trump could be labeled "liar in chief".
It is thoroughly disgusting for him to be gleeful about the House bill after telling voters, over and over, that they would have something like " the most complete and beautiful healthcare ever that would cover everyone"
He doesn't deserve the title nor the job.! A truly terrible man and he is our leader.
It is thoroughly disgusting for him to be gleeful about the House bill after telling voters, over and over, that they would have something like " the most complete and beautiful healthcare ever that would cover everyone"
He doesn't deserve the title nor the job.! A truly terrible man and he is our leader.
In all other developed nations, the well being of its people is valued. Not in America. In America, the politician only cares about money. Small mindedness breeds small results. It's a shame how short sighted Americans are.
Yes, it has stirred a "Hornet's Nest." Otherwise known as Obamacare. Time to start over. Wait till 2020 0r 2024, your turn will come to screw it up again.
It's not the bennies, folks, it's the bucks to pay for it.
It's not the bennies, folks, it's the bucks to pay for it.
2
Victory ? It's a Shame for America . We are going down the tubes. We better organize ourselves for a strong election 2018/2020 we need to Resist , talk with people to VOTE this idiots out of our lives. They are very cynical, hypocrites. We the people have the power to take one by one . If I did protest in WDC on Jan/21/17, I will go many times here in NYork or elsewhere, like I did before.
3
I think it is a good thing that AHCA passed the House. It will ensure the continued debate on health care for the next few months. This will make the contrast between democratic and conservative plans even more striking. Add to that GOP-supported tax cuts for the rich, at the cost of health care, education, environment, R&D, and unhinged Trump presidency, we have the issues for 2018 already defined.
9
Freedom care is what Ryan call the TrumpRyan Not Health care that they celebrated with with a beer blast and yet more Trump boasting - as if he knows what's in it.
So here's the deal. For every American who loses healthcare, a GOP member of Congress will be denied healthcare entirely. No insurance, no medical treatment - nothing. NOTHING FOREVER. They will be entirely free of Medicine. Or Health insurance. Including Medical care.
And their families as well. Let them die.
They should receive no salary or any government payment of any kind. They will be free of driving on government funded highways and flying from airports with any government funding. They will be free of any transportation involving government funding, cars, aircraft, ships, boats, etc.
No banks that are regulated in any way. They can use piggy banks or something to store non-government value.
They will be free to watch their families die free of medical care, free of pensions, free of any regulated investments. Free of anything the government touches.
Let's let Paul Ryan and his crew, Donald Trump,and the rest be free of everything. And Trump will be free of money and it's curse. His children will be allowed to die in front of him.
So here's the deal. For every American who loses healthcare, a GOP member of Congress will be denied healthcare entirely. No insurance, no medical treatment - nothing. NOTHING FOREVER. They will be entirely free of Medicine. Or Health insurance. Including Medical care.
And their families as well. Let them die.
They should receive no salary or any government payment of any kind. They will be free of driving on government funded highways and flying from airports with any government funding. They will be free of any transportation involving government funding, cars, aircraft, ships, boats, etc.
No banks that are regulated in any way. They can use piggy banks or something to store non-government value.
They will be free to watch their families die free of medical care, free of pensions, free of any regulated investments. Free of anything the government touches.
Let's let Paul Ryan and his crew, Donald Trump,and the rest be free of everything. And Trump will be free of money and it's curse. His children will be allowed to die in front of him.
So, I'm saving maybe $20,000 a year in taxes so that the states can decide who lives and who dies? No thanks.
22
Amen. Those Republicans who decried fake "death panels" in the ACA are now ignoring the fact that they just voted for the real thing.
Here in Georgia's 6th House district, Tom Price's empty seat, we have a chance to demonstrate the result of kicking the hornet's nest. I think of us as "first responders" to the emergency created by this vote. We'll see if we send another Republican who supports this anti-citizen agenda or a Democrat who will represent those with health care, and other needs. Right now the race is a dead heat in a reliably Republican district going back to Newt's days.
11
The insurance markets are already in a death spiral - the sick are buying coverage, the healthy are not because they do not see the need. Premiums are going up, insurers are exiting the marketplace. The states need the flexibility to determine what the plans are within their own boundaries, not some one size fits all mandate.
1
I just love the revisionist history that goes on in these comment boards.
The vast majority of Americans never wanted the ACA and it was forced down their throats with politically chicanery in the middle of the night with 51 votes.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/h...
If folks here think the GOP will pay a price at the polls in 2018, it will only because they didn't kill this horrible law known as ObamaCare outright when they promised they would.
The vast majority of Americans never wanted the ACA and it was forced down their throats with politically chicanery in the middle of the night with 51 votes.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/h...
If folks here think the GOP will pay a price at the polls in 2018, it will only because they didn't kill this horrible law known as ObamaCare outright when they promised they would.
2
I wish the Democrats would stop complaining about Trumpcare and start focusing on a concrete plan of Medicare for All.
Anyone whose moral compass tells them that health care is not a basic human right that they are entitled to should be able to sign a waiver to opt-out of Medicare and fend for themselves. If they get sick or injured, they can pay all of the expensive bills or suffer for their beliefs. Meanwhile the rest of us can finally have the health care that we deserve, no matter who you are and what state you live in.
Anyone whose moral compass tells them that health care is not a basic human right that they are entitled to should be able to sign a waiver to opt-out of Medicare and fend for themselves. If they get sick or injured, they can pay all of the expensive bills or suffer for their beliefs. Meanwhile the rest of us can finally have the health care that we deserve, no matter who you are and what state you live in.
5
Yes! Good comment, NYReader. I feel the same about SS - don't like it? Don't collect it! But everyone has to pay into it for the collective good. That's what an enlightened and moral society does.
4
Democrats need to gain control of the House and the Senate before enacting Medicare for all.
And, allowing people to opt-out of Medicare only increases the burden on other taxpayers.
Bravo, House Reps!
Health care here in the US was and still is in need of reform - but the abomination that is ObamaCare was not the answer and is already collapsing under its own weight. Yet, typical of the Dems, they rammed through an entitlement program because they thought once ObamaCare was in place it would be impossible to reform or repeal. Sad!
Well the Reps are showing them otherwise! Making America great again!
Now, perhaps finally, the Dems will come out of their snit and start working across the aisle with Reps for real health care reform.
Health care here in the US was and still is in need of reform - but the abomination that is ObamaCare was not the answer and is already collapsing under its own weight. Yet, typical of the Dems, they rammed through an entitlement program because they thought once ObamaCare was in place it would be impossible to reform or repeal. Sad!
Well the Reps are showing them otherwise! Making America great again!
Now, perhaps finally, the Dems will come out of their snit and start working across the aisle with Reps for real health care reform.
2
So, having lost and lost and lost, and lacking a coherent message or credible leadership, Democrats are now predicting a coming crushing victory because, um, because, um, well, just because.
The folly never ends with these folk.
The folly never ends with these folk.
Celebrating their 'win' was incredibly tacky. 24 million citizens are facing possible loss of their healthcare coverage? This is cause for celebration for Paul Ryan whose been having wet dreams about the day he gets to repeal ACA. The republicans set it up to fail by tampering, and in many cases removing the subsidies and funding for the ACA. Unfortunately, it takes citizens and the Judiciary, not the Exec branch or the Legislature, to restore things to normal until a better solution is drafted.
The Congress knows the plan, which not all members have read, is a bad one: but they 'passed' it. The true reason to celebrate: the republican congress working together (?). In order to pass it, they had to do it fast and not share its contents with some members or they may not vote for it...?
'If it fails, it didn't fail in the House. The House did it's job.' This is what they hope voters will remember come next year when they are voted out!
The Congress knows the plan, which not all members have read, is a bad one: but they 'passed' it. The true reason to celebrate: the republican congress working together (?). In order to pass it, they had to do it fast and not share its contents with some members or they may not vote for it...?
'If it fails, it didn't fail in the House. The House did it's job.' This is what they hope voters will remember come next year when they are voted out!
3
The House republicans are a real threat to the American people. Please pay attention and demand that they work for you -- not for themselves and their billionaire money vein. Ashamed of this country's government under this regime!
6
I think we should vote all the politicians that are currently in office out of office. My entire family's health care cost went up over 300% not to mention the deductibles. They are all a bunch of bums who don't care about the rest of us and we need to send them packing. WE THE PEOPLE need to get rid of the career politicians. Right now all the Democrats can think of is to stall everything the Republicans are doing and the Republicans can't agree on anything, what a joke.
3
I wish I could share Democrats' optimism, but Republican voters have proven time and time again that they're willing to cut off their nose to spite their face. Their winning is not as important to them as Democrats and progressives losing. Many of them will merrily vote their healthcare away in 2018 if it means "sticking it to" immigrants, women, the LGBT community and Obama.
The Democrats MUST move the party to the left and energize their base if this country stands any chance of stopping Trump's fascist agenda.
The Democrats MUST move the party to the left and energize their base if this country stands any chance of stopping Trump's fascist agenda.
8
I gotta say this Kathy Castor is an alluring prospect for the 2020 presidential. I saw her interviewed the other night, and she came across as extremely smart, thoughtful, personable and real.
"Celebrating" the passage of this supposed healthcare bill is kind of like laughing at a guy being subjected to painful torture. It is the domain of sadists.
5
It is a LONG time till 2018
A lot can happen
As a liberal, I see this bill as huge loss for us: the US congress is on board with killing thousands of Americans to create a tax break for the ultra rich
we lost today, big time
A lot can happen
As a liberal, I see this bill as huge loss for us: the US congress is on board with killing thousands of Americans to create a tax break for the ultra rich
we lost today, big time
4
Its time to play "hardball" with the Republicans, starting with impeachment of the clown in the White House, if the puffed up suit who stands behind him and who will succeed him could be included, all the better.
1
How republicans call themselves representative of the public? NO, they're representative only for billionaires, pharmaceutical companies, Insurance.. investors . They're lying constantly,just like the president.They're NOT telling the people that they're reducing healthcare access for the poor ; elderly and citizens with pre-condition disease . They're taking from the vulnerable citizens to give a fat tax cut to very wealthy and corporations. How cynical they became, is outrageous. They're destroying the best of Obamacare,the expansion of Medicaid" which millions of people got the Medicaid, specially the states that accepted the expansion of the Medicaid. The deal was, for the first 3 years the federal government gave 100%, after that the states only had to come with 10%. How bad is that? Off course , others had to pay more to help the vulnerable people and elderly that Never had chance to have health insurance. How there this idiots brags about exceptionalism ? really!! Sick, Shame! I know many selfish individuals,like this 217 republicans that voted to bring down the rights and dignity of many americans .Why this people go to whatever church to pray ? how unhuman , racists, bigots they are is unconscionable. Only in this nation under evils. A person has the rights to have healthcare, It's not a privilege, The government has the obligation in three basic things.1- Housing,2- Education 3- Health. This is the minimum they can do.
1
As the Republicans cheered and toasted themselves for their victory over the less fortunate, the less fortunate Republican base is cheering that the signature success of America's first black president is no more. This is despite the fact that these same people would agree to amputate their legs as a weight loss program cause Trump said it was good. The hornets nest is who to blame when TrumpCare goes south.
2
I don't see this as stirring up a hornets nest but there will be a few Democrat victories just from the mid term effect. The problem here is that Democrats have completely allowed Republicans to flood the information space with: "It's collapsing from its own weight !" and "people are begging for relief from it !" and "It's a disaster!" to the point where Trump voters with ACA insurance think that some kind of favor has been done for them. With the effect of this bill skillfully postponed until after 2018 and the complexity of health insurance , voters for Trump will by default support Trump candidates
6
It's called leadership.
3
strong leadership made Hitler the man he was, too
but it wasnt the kind most germans wanted
3
You mistake leadership for power. This bill is about power. It hurts all Americans.
This article reflects the delusions of the Democratic Party that has brought them to their current sad state. Democrats keeps acting on the premise that voters will vote their self interest. What since 1980 would make an objective observer believe that? Killing the ACA and pushing through more tax cuts for the rich--always called "middle class"--will do great damage to the majority of Americans. but there is no evidence voters will blame Republicans for the consequences. Democrats have proven themselves politically incompetent, and things won't change until they adopt tactics similar to those of Republicans.
5
I am sorry to break to bubble, democrats do not have the same thing as Right Wing Propaganda that is mostly self-financed and carry the conservative message to 50-60 millions Americans for free. This propaganda has been the key to shape the 2016 election outcome. Want more disparitues? How about 10,000 christian congregations pushing their message in support of conservative candidated, also for free?
All democrats have is MSM that will continue to play "she said he said", and they will have to pay for 100% of their message in top dollars. There is no doubt that liberals and progressives are at huge disadvantage. Unfortunaty, many liberal voters have no clue.
All democrats have is MSM that will continue to play "she said he said", and they will have to pay for 100% of their message in top dollars. There is no doubt that liberals and progressives are at huge disadvantage. Unfortunaty, many liberal voters have no clue.
1
Finally, the breathtaking hypocrisy and bald partisanship of the republicans is revealed. I must hope that those who swallowed the propaganda against the ACA will finally see the light and refuse to accept the gutting of healthcare for all Americans and that this country will finally take a turn toward progressive legislation that works for all Americans. The democrats ought to be able to use this horrible act by the republicans to underpin a progressive movement to retake the House, the Senate and the Presidency. If they cannot do this then we need a new party called The Progressive Party.
4
All I can say is that if the American people don't stop the GOP in the 2018 elections, they better start applying for Canadian citizenship. I'll bet right about now the Canadians might be thinking about putting up a fence to keep out dumb Americans.
14
These fools bought a pig in a poke and it will come back to haunt them...bigly,
The problem is it will also haunt the poor and middle class people with health care needs. We should not let the electorate forget who is responsible for this disgraceful abdication of responsibility.
The problem is it will also haunt the poor and middle class people with health care needs. We should not let the electorate forget who is responsible for this disgraceful abdication of responsibility.
6
Actually 800 billion dollars is getting cut from Medicaid.... They are doing this so they can pay for a larger tax cut for the wealthy when they do tax reform later this year. Like any tax cut one has to find money elsewhere in the budget. That's why they wanted to repeal and replace Obamacare. Obamacare did something that the GOP loathes, shift federal tax dollars to support groups that normally don't vote Republican i.e. the poor, the sick, minorities, and the elderly. The GOP are beholden to an ideology that believes that only the 1%, powerful corporate interests, and the 'job creators' are the only ones should have government that works on their behalf. For the middle class and poor folks whom voted GOP in the recent election cycle, got fleeced in broad daylight when they voted for Trump. The GOP only supported Trump because they know he would sign any legislation that supported their interests and he wasn't keen on the details of any legislative policy put before him. For all those Trump supporters buyer beware and be careful for what wish you for. When you elect a clown expect a circus.
147
Indeed. Government by the few and for the few, seems to be what we have today, and it's getting worse, as it is a snowball effect. And don't forget the Reaganite oligarchical mantra- "Mergers are 'good for the consumer'!" and the rich are "job creators."
Yeah, right.
Yeah, right.
Seems to me I read a 19th century philosopher that said something about the purpose of government is to maintain the status quo.
Hmmmm, what was that guy's name?
Hmmmm, what was that guy's name?
You can assert anything about consequences you wish, but before doing so you might wish to assess the mood of the electorate. They've become a little unruly in recent years.
3
What an amazing "Victory" this was. For the 55th time the House voted to repeal, change , defund, or otherwise undermine the ACA. This time, as a novelty, they added the 'Replace' half of 'Repeal and Replace'. Only, as of this morning, after the back-slapping and photo-ops in the rose garden nothing has actually changed (again). Who knew governing could be so complicated.
Seems there is something called the Senate, and the most powerful guy there is Sen. Phil A. Buster (I-DC). Takes about 60 Senators just to rassle him to the ground long enough to pass anything important. So, while there is a chance that something vaguely related to the House bill could pass the Senate, it remains to be seen whether yesterday was a Huge, really big step in unwinding Obama's legacy, or just another case of the House majority wasting time and congratulating themselves for wasting it so well.
Congressman - 2018 is calling and really wants to talk to you.
Seems there is something called the Senate, and the most powerful guy there is Sen. Phil A. Buster (I-DC). Takes about 60 Senators just to rassle him to the ground long enough to pass anything important. So, while there is a chance that something vaguely related to the House bill could pass the Senate, it remains to be seen whether yesterday was a Huge, really big step in unwinding Obama's legacy, or just another case of the House majority wasting time and congratulating themselves for wasting it so well.
Congressman - 2018 is calling and really wants to talk to you.
9
Best-case scenario is that the bill fails in the Senate and they don't try again for fear of a third embarrassment. House Repubs have outed themselves to their constituents, so they will pay the price even if the bill doesn't pass the Senate.
5
Sadly and ironically, the folks in red states like McConnell's own KY are the folks who voted these guys in and who rely on ACA the most.
7
No, they mostly relied on the failing VA.
managed by Democrats.
Which means dying on secret waiting lists with very little outrage.
In New York, liberals are too busy screeching about manspreading after sending our men to die in 15 years of lies and Israeli pipelines.
Sure can't muster up any concern for the people who have been screwed the most by big Govt.
Sorry I don't feel exactly inspired to sentence myself and my children to working off trillions of debt slavery,
When I see morbidly obese illegals & their 10 kids shuffling in sweats in the grocery store.
managed by Democrats.
Which means dying on secret waiting lists with very little outrage.
In New York, liberals are too busy screeching about manspreading after sending our men to die in 15 years of lies and Israeli pipelines.
Sure can't muster up any concern for the people who have been screwed the most by big Govt.
Sorry I don't feel exactly inspired to sentence myself and my children to working off trillions of debt slavery,
When I see morbidly obese illegals & their 10 kids shuffling in sweats in the grocery store.
1
@kookykatt
Thanks for contributing your reflexive bigotry and terminal ignorance to this discussion.
Thanks for contributing your reflexive bigotry and terminal ignorance to this discussion.
zb writes: Why does it seem like every time the GOP wins at anything the people of America lose?
My answer to that is comment I submitted yesterday:
The bottom line of everything that the Republicans do is to take from the poor and give to the rich. Everything. Unless it designed to restrict your rights every law, regulation, merger, all have the same goal: strip what money you have left and funnel it to the wealthy.
It's that simple.
So, at every opportunity, in every election, local, state, and national, the people must be reminded through editorial, ads, and debates that Republicans are the people that take from the poor and give to the rich. Whether it is taxes, laws, or allowable business practices, everything that they do is done with the same goal: take from the poor, give to the rich. Everything.
It's really that simple.
My answer to that is comment I submitted yesterday:
The bottom line of everything that the Republicans do is to take from the poor and give to the rich. Everything. Unless it designed to restrict your rights every law, regulation, merger, all have the same goal: strip what money you have left and funnel it to the wealthy.
It's that simple.
So, at every opportunity, in every election, local, state, and national, the people must be reminded through editorial, ads, and debates that Republicans are the people that take from the poor and give to the rich. Whether it is taxes, laws, or allowable business practices, everything that they do is done with the same goal: take from the poor, give to the rich. Everything.
It's really that simple.
11
I agree with you, however if you (dare to) follow the "discussion" on right-wing comment threads you will see that they believe the Democrats have the same agenda: funnel money to the "globalists" (this term is ill-defined but enough to rouse the rabble). They rail against the astronomical speaking fees of HRC (and now BHO), talk about the "Davos class," etc.
In many ways "we the people" are actually on the same page but lobbying and media manipulation by the likes of the Koch brothers (nto to mention Russian media ops) have put us at each other's throats, which is how "they" (whoever you choose to hate) can push their agenda through.
In many ways "we the people" are actually on the same page but lobbying and media manipulation by the likes of the Koch brothers (nto to mention Russian media ops) have put us at each other's throats, which is how "they" (whoever you choose to hate) can push their agenda through.
Many of the Republicans' supporters seem to be utterly brainwashed, especially their supporters among the middling and "working" classes. "Government bad, unbridled, unregulated free market good", "socialism is Stalinism", etc,.
One thing for certain is that the town halls will continue to be exciting places to be.
10
The Congress passing legislation supported by only 17% of Americans only weeks after their last attempt to do so was fought by millions of protesting Americans, is proof positive that what President Jimmy Carter said is true - "America does not, at this time, have a functioning democracy."
19
wow 17% surely does not seem to be much of the majority when the rest of the county is very shaky about this legislation
It is amazing that the Republicans keep winning elections since the question of "who DO they represent?" is puzzling. It should be obvious to everybody that they represent the top 5% or 10% rich.
The Republicans swept into the House in 2010 (based on a carefully engineered outrage) before any of the ACA provisions were implemented. They didn't want to participate in its drafting: it was clear they wanted to block it from the start. Over the last 7 years, they have proceeded to do everything in their power to actively undermine the law in the states. They have also crafted federal legislation to financially undermine health insurers in less than robust markets and then call it a "failure," imploding, whatever.
Now they have passed a monstrosity that will create real "death panels." (I have found over the years that by listening carefully to what Republicans are shouting about the opposition you can find out what they are secretly guilty of or intend.) Now is the time to nail them with the radioactive paint on this one.
I also agree that some aspects of the ACA need to be fixed. Any legislation of this magnitude requires changes, sometimes big changes, over time. But the Republicans are still the party of no and we are not getting a fix here.
I thought the ACA could be a good starting point and over time evolve into a single payer system, which we desperately need. Maybe to get there, Republicans will have to destroy the existing framework and take the consequences. Then we can start over. People shouldn't have to worry about being covered for their healthcare needs if they are sick, have a pre-existing condition, change jobs or are un- or under-employed.
Now they have passed a monstrosity that will create real "death panels." (I have found over the years that by listening carefully to what Republicans are shouting about the opposition you can find out what they are secretly guilty of or intend.) Now is the time to nail them with the radioactive paint on this one.
I also agree that some aspects of the ACA need to be fixed. Any legislation of this magnitude requires changes, sometimes big changes, over time. But the Republicans are still the party of no and we are not getting a fix here.
I thought the ACA could be a good starting point and over time evolve into a single payer system, which we desperately need. Maybe to get there, Republicans will have to destroy the existing framework and take the consequences. Then we can start over. People shouldn't have to worry about being covered for their healthcare needs if they are sick, have a pre-existing condition, change jobs or are un- or under-employed.
8
ACA is well suited to add Public Option, which was part of the House bill in 20010 anyway. This would add much needed pressure on overall costs cutting effort. Spread over 4-6 years it would easily provide a relatively smooth transition to single payer with Medicare, Medicaid and Public Option becoming one.
The Republicans are going to have a difficult time at midterms.......
4
Let me guess, you also thought Clinton would win the election?
1
No, I didn't.
I would be interested in a supportive point of view on this topic. There are still many voters who support Trump, his cabinet, and his policies. I am curious as to where they would see merit.
People were paying for the poor under the old system too. A great republican wish is to get as much government money as possible, through whatever means necessary, while denying it to the poor and minorities.
People were paying for the poor under the old system too. A great republican wish is to get as much government money as possible, through whatever means necessary, while denying it to the poor and minorities.
8
Yes, but... This idea alone, "That is a most unusual position for politicians since federal benefit programs are rarely scaled back once they are established..." is enough to satisfy those who have come to detest politics as usual. In other words, Trump voters will feel vindicated knowing that their man in office has done what they sent him to do--upset the status quo.
2
Let them celebrate the health care bill by drinking Bud Lite (which is made by a foreign owned company) because hopefully the red state voters will come to realize that they have been hoodwinked by Trump and his congressional supporters.
5
Let's work to get rid of Pete King (R-NY2, Long Island).
If you go to his website http://peteking.house.gov/ his big thing is fighting
against the gang MS-13. Like that is more important than making sure our loved ones with preexisting conditions can get medical care.
Just keep hammering him with, "He voted to deny health care to our loved ones with preexisting conditions".
If you go to his website http://peteking.house.gov/ his big thing is fighting
against the gang MS-13. Like that is more important than making sure our loved ones with preexisting conditions can get medical care.
Just keep hammering him with, "He voted to deny health care to our loved ones with preexisting conditions".
7
"Relieved Republicans celebrated on the House floor and at the White House and said they had been in danger of retaliation from their own conservative base if they had not delivered on the pledge to repeal the law they had been promising to strike from the books for seven years. "
Why? Because the conservative base keeps putting them back in office, even if they never pass legislation that benefits that conservative base.
A recent NYT article, "ACA: A Tale of Two States" compares Oklahoma's and New Mexico's implementation of ACA: the health of the insurance marketplaces depends on the "political and policy decisions by each state. New Mexico embraced the law, and its marketplace has been healthy, while Oklahoma resisted at every step, and its marketplace is foundering."
Meanwhile, Rep. Tom Cole, R-OK, said on NPR this week: "We think people in Oklahoma probably make better decisions for Oklahomans than people in Washington, D.C."
"it's far easier, if they make an error, for people to frankly correct them [state lawmakers] and - or fire them if they need to, than it is to deal with a sort of faceless, federal bureaucracy that's in many cases thousands of miles away."
But they haven't fired them and they won't apparently. Trump won Oklahoma with 36 pt margin. Cole won with a 44 pt margin. The lowest margin win for a R was 20 points. It's safe to say R dominance of Oklahoma is safe no matter what R's do to make life worse for OK citizens. This is broken democracy.
Why? Because the conservative base keeps putting them back in office, even if they never pass legislation that benefits that conservative base.
A recent NYT article, "ACA: A Tale of Two States" compares Oklahoma's and New Mexico's implementation of ACA: the health of the insurance marketplaces depends on the "political and policy decisions by each state. New Mexico embraced the law, and its marketplace has been healthy, while Oklahoma resisted at every step, and its marketplace is foundering."
Meanwhile, Rep. Tom Cole, R-OK, said on NPR this week: "We think people in Oklahoma probably make better decisions for Oklahomans than people in Washington, D.C."
"it's far easier, if they make an error, for people to frankly correct them [state lawmakers] and - or fire them if they need to, than it is to deal with a sort of faceless, federal bureaucracy that's in many cases thousands of miles away."
But they haven't fired them and they won't apparently. Trump won Oklahoma with 36 pt margin. Cole won with a 44 pt margin. The lowest margin win for a R was 20 points. It's safe to say R dominance of Oklahoma is safe no matter what R's do to make life worse for OK citizens. This is broken democracy.
7
I live near the border of Mexico. A new benefit of my employer supplied health plan is that we now have access to a network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies in Mexico. We can get very expensive prescriptions for a $10 copay. My maximum out of pocket, currently, with my U.S. network plan is $4000. and I could pay that if it happened. But not yearly. Many of my coworkers who speak Spanish are glad about the access to the Mexico health plan for it is far less costly. The Republicans want a wall and to drive their fellow citizens to Mexico for healthcare.
3
The passage of this in the House does codify the Republican ideology regarding health care coverage for American citizens. It is no longer a theory or political rhetoric, but rather a legislative priority to remove Americans from affordable care and protect the profits of the health insurance industry. Every Republican, supporting or rejecting this legislation, has now become members of this favoritism of profits over people's lives. What a sad day for the conservative movement in this country.
3
Since there are many "low information voters" out there, you should avoid headlines that might give the wrong impression. Passing a bill through the House is only a first step - It not a "victory." In fact, it seems that our low-information president is also unaware that the bill isn't yet law.
10
all true, but the fix is in
The Republicans are going to try and ram this through the Senate using reconciliation, which will only require 51 votes. We are at their mercy. Be prepared for massive death and bankruptcy.
But much of the disaster has been scheduled for after the 2020 elections to avoid the voter backlash that would topple the GOP from power. Getting voters to mobilize by 2018 is going to be very difficult when they don't lose coverage immediately.
All of this political maneuvering shows once again that the Republicans don't care about the public, or even their own constituents. They are the party of death in the service of maintaining power.
But much of the disaster has been scheduled for after the 2020 elections to avoid the voter backlash that would topple the GOP from power. Getting voters to mobilize by 2018 is going to be very difficult when they don't lose coverage immediately.
All of this political maneuvering shows once again that the Republicans don't care about the public, or even their own constituents. They are the party of death in the service of maintaining power.
4
Even with reconciliation, a single GOP defection will kill the bill. Many GOP Senators are on the record saying that they will absolutely not support the bill as it is currently written.
"They are the party of death in the service of maintaining power" – astute observation and great quote.
"They are the party of death in the service of maintaining power" – astute observation and great quote.
1
This vote takes a step closer to the inevitable conclusion of the Healthcare debate: Single Payer, Medicare for all.
Obamacare was designed to fail and push us closer to a single payer system. The Republican plan will not change the march toward government controlled healthcare. The Dems have owned our lousy system since O-care passed, now the GOP owns it. Bad decision.
As a dormant independent voter in the past who has not participated in campaigning activities, I look forward to enlisting as many people as possible to exact the same pain to the Republican party as will be realized if their goals are ever realized in this and other endeavors. To think that by getting a repeal going forward of the Affordable Care Act and replacement with a plan that has not even been properly vetted by the CBO is unconscionable and thoughtless. It's also a continuation of the HOLLOW promise of "I've got great plans in store for America" which has been portrayed over and over again in this current presidency and Republican controlled congress. To think that by merely saying this, things that are meaningful will just arise is shear folly. If I were to simply say this over and over again to my current employer without producing results, they would simply let me go. So, why is it as a nation we allow the continuation of this faulty premise. Why is it we're still buying snake oil from the snake oil barker at the fair when we SHOULD know better. All I can say is, "let's exact the kind of voter revenge in 2018 deserving of what those in congress have been doing in coordination with this current president" as he seems to be acting more like a king/dictator, than a president should act. I'm not currently a Democrat (and had never hoped I'd have to claim as either major party), but at this point, I am annoyed beyond belief and realize I need to do something.
1
It's remarkable to me that the mainstream media reports this as a "big victory". A rotten bill, no hearings, no CBO analysis, no bipartisan support, no chance of passage in the Senate in its current form. Nothing but a short-lived colored ribbon for Trump and Ryan. That can't qualify as a big victory.
5
“We’re going to have insurance for everybody,” Trump said in an interview with The Washington Post. “There was a philosophy in some circles that if you can’t pay for it, you don’t get it. That’s not going to happen with us.”
“I was the first & only potential GOP candidate to state there will be no cuts to Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid”
“We don't want anyone who currently has insurance to not have insurance.”
“I am going to take care of everybody … Everybody’s going to be taken care of much better than they’re taken care of now.
2
Words as hollow as the look in his eyes
You forgot to add that all those comments are now provable lies. To some of us at least. Trump's 63 million will believe him before they believe the CBO scoring, the MSM stories, any analyst that contradicts Trump. That's our biggest danger, that conservative, Republican, ignorant citizens understand that the only promise that was important was to repeal the ACA, no matter what. That's called rabid irrationality and ideology and it is more dangerous to a democracy than Russian interference.
Seems like his idea of "being taken care of" is the same as a gang leader vs. a rival.
Before they get too proud of themselves, the Democratic representatives on every level need to make a grassroots effort in every state and show them with facts what the GOP has now proposed to replace Obamacare. Ask these voters if they truly believe their premiums will now decrease as a result of this potential policy -- can they get an actual guarantee from their representatives? My only hope is when you actually hit these constituents with facts perhaps they will finally wake up from the Trump trance they've been under!
1
Since 2010, Republicans have been laying the groundwork for eliminating the social safety net. Voter disenfranchisement campaigns in the guise of "voter rights" programs; redistricting to keep house districts safe; massive donor-funded misinformation campaigns in the form of PACS; and right-leaning propaganda "news" outlets (i.e. Fox News, Breitbart, etc.) are there to either turn off enough voters from the political process, misinform them, or prevent them from taking part. With this latest move, the GOP better kick these efforts into high gear, because 2018 is not that far away. And from what I see, the electorate seems to a little more interested than their cud-chewing reputation lets on.
1
They've been working on that agenda since the Reagan days. Their overarching goal is a complete corporate takeover of the government due to a naive belief that money is God.
"Charity for none and malice towards all".
4
Unless you happen to be in the top .1%!
In what is maybe the biggest karmic stroke, the Republican Party just defined itself as a pre-existing condition come the 2018 elections.
1
The cheering seemed premature. Have the Dems forgotten about gerrymandering? Who do they think is inhabiting these bright red Congressional districts? Maybe an all out assault of lies, misrepresentations and howling town halls like the Republican did on 2009 might flip these voters but it will be very heavy lifting at best.
1
I am typically aligned with Dem values but they may lose more voters than they gain with behavior like they demonstrated yesterday. They looked/sounded like disrespectful children.
1
Me thinkst thou presumest too much.
Trump couldn't win the election. The Senate would never use the nuclear option.
Please - let us progressives not retreat into our presumptive happy place on this one. Mitch McConnell spent the past 8 years deriding the president and vowing the end to Obamacare. Do you think they won't simply rubber stamp this bill with minor changes? Do you really believe that loathe for harming ones own constituency was ever a part of their calculus?
Let us not fool ourselves into underestimating the depth of the spinelessness and depravity of our elected officials.
Trump will be reelected. The right wing propaganda machine will convince voters to let the new laws "settle in" and just watch prosperity flow.
It won't be until the end of Trumps 2nd term that the death count rises to the point the red voting bloc breaks down.
Meanwhile, immeasurable, irreparable harm will be done to our nation.
Presume nothing, progressives. It's only a change in your tactics that will have an effect. We lost believing our own egotistical presumption. We are eating our own dog food, as we say here in Silicon Valley.
Time to open our eyes and get to work.
Trump couldn't win the election. The Senate would never use the nuclear option.
Please - let us progressives not retreat into our presumptive happy place on this one. Mitch McConnell spent the past 8 years deriding the president and vowing the end to Obamacare. Do you think they won't simply rubber stamp this bill with minor changes? Do you really believe that loathe for harming ones own constituency was ever a part of their calculus?
Let us not fool ourselves into underestimating the depth of the spinelessness and depravity of our elected officials.
Trump will be reelected. The right wing propaganda machine will convince voters to let the new laws "settle in" and just watch prosperity flow.
It won't be until the end of Trumps 2nd term that the death count rises to the point the red voting bloc breaks down.
Meanwhile, immeasurable, irreparable harm will be done to our nation.
Presume nothing, progressives. It's only a change in your tactics that will have an effect. We lost believing our own egotistical presumption. We are eating our own dog food, as we say here in Silicon Valley.
Time to open our eyes and get to work.
3
Trump lied, people died.
- 2018 mid-term campaign rhetoric
- 2018 mid-term campaign rhetoric
11
Democrats are on the right side of this, and many other issues. And the popular side, actually. But we are lousy at getting our message across. The Republicans do much better at it, and have way more discipline. Bill Maher--on a comedy show--made a better case for the Obama legacy in two minutes than HRC did during her whole campaign. We need to sharpen our public relations skills mightily. And, by my lights, that starts with getting unified. This Sanders vs. Perez nonsense has to stop.
2
The first law that should be passed this year is "Congress cannot exempt themselves from any law."
5
Not sure any of this is going to matter - with so many "safe" seats due to gerrymandering, any republican who loses isn't likely to be replaced with a democrat - just another republican.
1
Can't wait to start counting the Republican voters killed by this bill.
Speculation and wishful thinking masquerading as news. Fake news!
Trump Voters: Are you winning when you, or a family member is severely injured or chronically ill, and you can't pay for care???? Will your Uncle Donald loan you the money??? Let's see how THAT works out. Sad.
1
Let's take a look at how much the insurance companies gave to the GOP. Citizens United strikes again. The GOP caves again.
2
Please Proceed, GOP.
2
"But Democrats were confident many colleagues across the aisle would come to regret this vote," Really? One thing Ii have learned for CERTAIN is NEVER underestimate the stupidity of the American voter. Time and time again over the last 4 decades that have voted against their better interests. I wouldn't bet on this!
Jerry W NYC
Jerry W NYC
Just sent this comment to Corey Booker who asserted that the health plan will lead to "Death, pain and suffering"!
Do you really think this is anyone's intention or objective? Most reasonable people know this is hyperbolic rhetoric but some of your uninformed constituents will take your statements literally. Why must you blatantly lie and demonize the opposition? Is it because they are mindlessly doing it, too? This childish, irresponsible, selfish, tit-for-tat squabbling is destroying the fabric of our America and must stop.. You are better than that! We need reliable, conciliatory, level-headed statesmen not anarchistic rabble rousers. You have everything it takes to break up this schoolyard fight and lead by sterling example. It is apparent that the Democratic leadership thinks these vile and reprehensible tactics will work but they are dead wrong. Frankly, it is embarrassing, disgusting and disheartening to see quality people on both sides act like raving lunatics and say things they don't truly believe for self-interest and partisan political objectives. Separate yourself from this self-serving pack of hyenas, rise above the fray, return to your noble aspirations and core principles and be the inspiring, efficacious man many of us believe you can be. Please!
Do you really think this is anyone's intention or objective? Most reasonable people know this is hyperbolic rhetoric but some of your uninformed constituents will take your statements literally. Why must you blatantly lie and demonize the opposition? Is it because they are mindlessly doing it, too? This childish, irresponsible, selfish, tit-for-tat squabbling is destroying the fabric of our America and must stop.. You are better than that! We need reliable, conciliatory, level-headed statesmen not anarchistic rabble rousers. You have everything it takes to break up this schoolyard fight and lead by sterling example. It is apparent that the Democratic leadership thinks these vile and reprehensible tactics will work but they are dead wrong. Frankly, it is embarrassing, disgusting and disheartening to see quality people on both sides act like raving lunatics and say things they don't truly believe for self-interest and partisan political objectives. Separate yourself from this self-serving pack of hyenas, rise above the fray, return to your noble aspirations and core principles and be the inspiring, efficacious man many of us believe you can be. Please!
2
The Republican party used Obamacare as their winning medal. Obamacare is good for ordinary people and it could be improved. The Democratic party is marginalized all over the country over Obamacare. The propaganda machine of GOP is fantastic. They have FOX TV and FOX news net work. They have Rush Limbaugh, Hannity and so many right wing radio talk shows. They have billionaires like Koch brothers, Adelson and so many. The GOP is very regimented party. They have also good think tanks. The Democratic Party has nothing but infighting among different groups. The Democratic Party forgot how to win elections . That is the reason Trump is president today. I do not think that the Democratic can use the Trumpcare/Ryancare as effectively as their counterpart did with Obamacare.
Here is a thought. To quote Pelosi, lets pass the law so we can see whats in it. None of you people know. We are being told by the side we are on, what the bill is about. Lets wait and see.
2
What will it take I must say
before people say what the hey?
this bill is a mess
and who--let me guess!
is cruel enough to cast a 'yea'?
before people say what the hey?
this bill is a mess
and who--let me guess!
is cruel enough to cast a 'yea'?
The decision on how to vote really no longer has anything to do with the quality or content of the actual legislation, does it? Sad times indeed.
1
Not sure which was more painful and ugly to watch - the vote that will put so many in harm's way or the Trump "happy dance" for the press later when he was joined by a bevy of sycophants who did his bidding.
Yes, many Republicans have wanted to make changes to Obamacare over the past 7 years, but it was Trump and his sycophants who wanted to do it simply out of their hate for anything "Obama."
Even thinking and moderate Republicans were the losers here. I know at least two Republicans who won't be back in 2018. I live in California.
Yes, many Republicans have wanted to make changes to Obamacare over the past 7 years, but it was Trump and his sycophants who wanted to do it simply out of their hate for anything "Obama."
Even thinking and moderate Republicans were the losers here. I know at least two Republicans who won't be back in 2018. I live in California.
It will have a much harder time passing in the Senate... relax, folks... this is just another roadblock on our way to single payer.
You make it sound like the hornet's nest is all those republicans loosing their house seats at mid-term. The real hornet's nest is the havoc this will cause to REAL peoples lives.
1
The Democratic Party is still clinging to its fantasy that once Republican voters understand who will more effectively represent their interests, they will leave their party. How many times do Democrats need to suffer defeat before they understand this is no longer true, nor has it been for nearly half a century?
Republican voters don’t want affordable health care, or at least don’t care if they don’t have it. They’re happy with the trade-off they’re getting --- massive tax cuts for the wealthy, in exchange for stripping civil rights and civil liberties from ethnic and religious minorities, women, and the LGBTQ community. Health insurance becoming out of reach or non-existent to most Republican voters, in exchange for their “religious freedom” to discriminate against gays and any others who don’t meet their Christian theological “requirements”. The loss of massive Medicaid supplements – of which Republican voters will bear a heavy brunt – in exchange for the reversal of Roe v Wade. The inability to afford life-saving medical treatments in exchange for the willful neglect of sky-rocketing hate crimes by our nation’s Attorney General. Republican voters are quite pleased with the deal they’re getting.
The Democratic Party needs to wake up. They need to understand that affordable health care will never be a winning issue for well over half this country’s voters – either Trump supporters or those who don’t care enough to vote at all. It’s really that simple.
Republican voters don’t want affordable health care, or at least don’t care if they don’t have it. They’re happy with the trade-off they’re getting --- massive tax cuts for the wealthy, in exchange for stripping civil rights and civil liberties from ethnic and religious minorities, women, and the LGBTQ community. Health insurance becoming out of reach or non-existent to most Republican voters, in exchange for their “religious freedom” to discriminate against gays and any others who don’t meet their Christian theological “requirements”. The loss of massive Medicaid supplements – of which Republican voters will bear a heavy brunt – in exchange for the reversal of Roe v Wade. The inability to afford life-saving medical treatments in exchange for the willful neglect of sky-rocketing hate crimes by our nation’s Attorney General. Republican voters are quite pleased with the deal they’re getting.
The Democratic Party needs to wake up. They need to understand that affordable health care will never be a winning issue for well over half this country’s voters – either Trump supporters or those who don’t care enough to vote at all. It’s really that simple.
143
I disagree. Democrats don't need to wake up, they need to change their strategy. If they based their ideology on the number of people who disagree, much of the social policy we enjoy today would never exist.
Democrats and Republicans fight for what they believe is right, not because people disagree with them, but because it's the foundation of their values. Those actions are the reason women have the right to vote, gay men and women can marry, and minimum wage isn't 5.25 an hour.
What you're suggesting is that people conform to what makes the majority happy. But what makes the majority happy isn't always the right thing to do.
Democrats and Republicans fight for what they believe is right, not because people disagree with them, but because it's the foundation of their values. Those actions are the reason women have the right to vote, gay men and women can marry, and minimum wage isn't 5.25 an hour.
What you're suggesting is that people conform to what makes the majority happy. But what makes the majority happy isn't always the right thing to do.
Zapatista, you have captured the essence of this issue perfectly.
I am a pharmacist in a retail setting. People were complaining about their so -called Obamacare Rx coverage before Obamacare even went into effect.
They continued to complain about coverage restrictions and their tiny co-pays (a whole $1.20 sometimes!). It's not unusual to see people with coverage much better than mine. Yet still they complained. We often hear the vicious complaint "Is that because of that Obamacare?".
My point is that so many are completely clueless on this. Whether the bill passes or not, the new scapegoat will be Trump and Republican Congress. This time around, I will not bother to correct their assumptions.
I am a pharmacist in a retail setting. People were complaining about their so -called Obamacare Rx coverage before Obamacare even went into effect.
They continued to complain about coverage restrictions and their tiny co-pays (a whole $1.20 sometimes!). It's not unusual to see people with coverage much better than mine. Yet still they complained. We often hear the vicious complaint "Is that because of that Obamacare?".
My point is that so many are completely clueless on this. Whether the bill passes or not, the new scapegoat will be Trump and Republican Congress. This time around, I will not bother to correct their assumptions.
3
Zatari,
You left one really big issue off your list of what a huge number of Americans want: they would much rather have the unfettered freedom to buy and possess guns than the unfettered freedom to receive good health care. Ironically, our gun problem is a huge health issue, one that is drowned out by the hysterical and the worshipers of the 2nd amendment, who prefer that it be left alone to fester.
You left one really big issue off your list of what a huge number of Americans want: they would much rather have the unfettered freedom to buy and possess guns than the unfettered freedom to receive good health care. Ironically, our gun problem is a huge health issue, one that is drowned out by the hysterical and the worshipers of the 2nd amendment, who prefer that it be left alone to fester.
1
The biggest and most deadly Health Care Problem America has Is The Anti-Social Psycho/Social Sicko Pathology in the GOP side of The US Congress.
America's prima facia, first principle, most deadly, Health Care Problem..
Make no mistake about this.
America's prima facia, first principle, most deadly, Health Care Problem..
Make no mistake about this.
3
The Republicans again showed they are made up of individuals, people who think for themselves and debate facts. Not so much with the DIM sheep; they continue to march lock step with the party leadership. I wonder if the isssues with Obama (and there are plentiful) could have been fixed if the elected Dims would represent people instead of party? But, Nancy said Baa, and the sheep replied Baa.
2
How shallow and myopic and lemming like are the Republicans. Their capitulation to Trump and Ryan proves they place a higher priority on winning, than the lives of the many Americans. They will need triage centers to stop and treat the bleeding they caused by passing this faux bill.
6
Hey!Deliverance country.It's now time to realize the
result of your support for the Wizard of
Oz.For the longest time I supported the
ACA.I still do.But now I am of the
realization that Oz supporters should no
longer be protected from themselves.
Maybe if you feel what Republican
governance is about you'll get to the
ballot box in the mid-terms and start the process
of ridding the country of the worst
affront to our democracy we have ever
experienced.To witness the celebration in
the Rose Garden yesterday as many will be
deprived of health care is the symbol you
need to motivate you.It's not so very far
from "Let them eat cake."
result of your support for the Wizard of
Oz.For the longest time I supported the
ACA.I still do.But now I am of the
realization that Oz supporters should no
longer be protected from themselves.
Maybe if you feel what Republican
governance is about you'll get to the
ballot box in the mid-terms and start the process
of ridding the country of the worst
affront to our democracy we have ever
experienced.To witness the celebration in
the Rose Garden yesterday as many will be
deprived of health care is the symbol you
need to motivate you.It's not so very far
from "Let them eat cake."
5
This vote, just as others before, is completely symbolic.
The Senate will save House Republicans from themselves and there will be little, if any political blowback......and I imagine House members know this.
The Senate will save House Republicans from themselves and there will be little, if any political blowback......and I imagine House members know this.
1
They may have small victory for themselves (Republicans) but a step backward for the American people. The Republican Party is a party that care only for the rich.
8
70 yo trump has never done a thing for anyone except to enrich himself and his family
no financial charity, no personal charity
and yet he convinced millions of numpty americans that he cared about them
3
A president and his political party are pretty shallow if success at the first stage of passing a bill is hailed as a “victory”; a bill, roundly despised by the citizenry, which shows every sign of being defeated at the second stage.
3
Let's hope and pray that our elected senators will do the right thing.
Also, many people here keep on beating up on "those" deluded voters who took the slimy bait from the inept and cruel DT. and from his egocentric handlers. Everyone wants an easy solution, a magic bullet, especially in such dire circumstances that exist now.
People will not, cannot stand this affront and all the other hurtful, pathetic decisions that this ship of fools has foisted upon us.
We can't, we won't put up with this.
Do what you can.
Call your senator and try to keep the faith.
Thank you for reading.
Also, many people here keep on beating up on "those" deluded voters who took the slimy bait from the inept and cruel DT. and from his egocentric handlers. Everyone wants an easy solution, a magic bullet, especially in such dire circumstances that exist now.
People will not, cannot stand this affront and all the other hurtful, pathetic decisions that this ship of fools has foisted upon us.
We can't, we won't put up with this.
Do what you can.
Call your senator and try to keep the faith.
Thank you for reading.
Kimmel made an emotional speach about his kid's bad heart. He said we need good insurance act to ensure that every kid could get heart care. Walsh asks why he should have to fork over his dough to pay for other kids' care?
It seems the 1% right and some fools who repeat what their master say, including the revelations of some faux preachers who seem to have forgotten Jesus' "Love thy Neighbor." and "What you do to the least among you, you do to me." adages, are now on board to see the collapse of society, nation, and community.
Recently, this female conservative columnist was suspended by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for her defense of the NRA and saw nothing wrong with writing without dosclosing her non-paid closeness to that organization. Seems she likes to hold phallic guns and doesn't seem to mind that guns kill black and others with and without color, unless of course you want to believe the line that "...people kill people.....and not guns." If all be true, then cops are not killers and their guns should go to jail. Same for others charged with murder!
Imagine if a Jew wrote for the Nazis during WW II that "Hard work will make Jews free." or a gal went to Japan during WW II to broadcast to American soldiers to give up their guns for Rosie.
This black woman did not think ethics rules established by the industry to reveal potential and real conflicts applied to her. Paraphrasing her response: she supports the NRA, is a Bible-thumper and loves Jesus.
It seems the 1% right and some fools who repeat what their master say, including the revelations of some faux preachers who seem to have forgotten Jesus' "Love thy Neighbor." and "What you do to the least among you, you do to me." adages, are now on board to see the collapse of society, nation, and community.
Recently, this female conservative columnist was suspended by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for her defense of the NRA and saw nothing wrong with writing without dosclosing her non-paid closeness to that organization. Seems she likes to hold phallic guns and doesn't seem to mind that guns kill black and others with and without color, unless of course you want to believe the line that "...people kill people.....and not guns." If all be true, then cops are not killers and their guns should go to jail. Same for others charged with murder!
Imagine if a Jew wrote for the Nazis during WW II that "Hard work will make Jews free." or a gal went to Japan during WW II to broadcast to American soldiers to give up their guns for Rosie.
This black woman did not think ethics rules established by the industry to reveal potential and real conflicts applied to her. Paraphrasing her response: she supports the NRA, is a Bible-thumper and loves Jesus.
1
Some new sources have reported that the passage of this legislation by the House is a great victory for Trump and the Republicans. It occurred to me that having a victory requires that someone be defeated and that the defeated were the American people. This act could be construed as a victory by those who wanted it to pass, but make no mistake who the losers are -- you and me.
3
A most despicable act has ben perpetrated upon us. All the Ayn Randers, Gilded Agers, and neo-Dickinsonian Crachit's can have their cake today. Enjoy it. Democrats will win only if they offer something of value. It cannot simply be how cowardly this act has been constructed. People continue to vote against their economic interest. Americns have short attention spans. Make short declarative statemnts. What does the Democratic Party offer?
4
The Democrats offer health care and a sane Supreme Court. That's enough for me
4
Many of the GOP voters who put Trump in office simply don't get it.
They are like the woman at the McCain rally when he ran against Obama. She was adamant that she wanted social programs and welfare cut, utterly against 'socialism', she was.
But she made certain to tell the Senator not to cut her Social Security and Medicare.
Sorry, but these people are beyond ignorant, they are actually stupid.
They are like the woman at the McCain rally when he ran against Obama. She was adamant that she wanted social programs and welfare cut, utterly against 'socialism', she was.
But she made certain to tell the Senator not to cut her Social Security and Medicare.
Sorry, but these people are beyond ignorant, they are actually stupid.
10
I am a Republican and more and more I am completely ashamed to say so. These so-called conservatives deserve to lose their Congressional majorities ASAP. #NOTMATUREENOUGHTOGOVERN
10
I find is laughable that the Congress will whine and whine about this matter when they don't get forced to utilize the same system as the rest of us get. End privilege and let's see how quickly this gets fixed.
4
So America is burning while its politicians act like a bunch of squabbling adolescents hung up with being "winners" and "losers" and spending their time dialing for dollars from big donors rather than seriously engaging in the "art of politics" required in any viable democracy.
The majority of blame goes to the hate-government obstructionist Republicans, but the Democrats look like fools and aren't good at playing the GOP's gotcha politics game. Start a new game Democrats and stop getting sucked in to the GOP maelstrom of negativity.
And this is why voter turn out is so low, why an ignorant and politically inexperienced con artist can beat an accomplished politician, why voters are disgusted with politics, why 40+% of the electorate identify with neither political party and declare themselves to be Independents, and why an older backbench senator from VT who is an independent nearly beat Hillary Clinton in the primaries and according to polls had the highest rating on trustworthiness from respondents.
I fault the Democrats for not doing their homework and focusing on political fundamentals, such as making sure they have attractive, articulate candidates running at all levels of government. Stop whining about gerrymandering and do something about it. Ands, don't count on the citizenry voting Democrat in the next election just because the Republicans double crossed the people once again.
Keep up the squabbling and the 2018 election will be the Democrats' to lose (again)
The majority of blame goes to the hate-government obstructionist Republicans, but the Democrats look like fools and aren't good at playing the GOP's gotcha politics game. Start a new game Democrats and stop getting sucked in to the GOP maelstrom of negativity.
And this is why voter turn out is so low, why an ignorant and politically inexperienced con artist can beat an accomplished politician, why voters are disgusted with politics, why 40+% of the electorate identify with neither political party and declare themselves to be Independents, and why an older backbench senator from VT who is an independent nearly beat Hillary Clinton in the primaries and according to polls had the highest rating on trustworthiness from respondents.
I fault the Democrats for not doing their homework and focusing on political fundamentals, such as making sure they have attractive, articulate candidates running at all levels of government. Stop whining about gerrymandering and do something about it. Ands, don't count on the citizenry voting Democrat in the next election just because the Republicans double crossed the people once again.
Keep up the squabbling and the 2018 election will be the Democrats' to lose (again)
3
The idea that the Senate will stop or significantly change the bill ignores the same kind of political pressure brought to bear on the House from the President, conservative groups, and the wealthy will be brought to down on the Senate in full force. There is nothing magical about a Senator's response or a House member. In fact 2/3 of the Senators feel even more removed from the voters as their reelections are for 4 or 6 years.
Previously Republicans, as a minority, stopped many things simply by threat of filibuster. Not even an actual filibuster. Now the Republicans will ignore such threats and if the Democrats actually try to filibuster the Republicans will change the rules so there is no more filibuster. Just the threat that the Republicans will take away the filibuster will probably mean the Democrats won't use it to preserve the rule.
In speculating about the future of the this tax break for the wealthy it must be be remembered that to Republicans, and Trump, that winning is not only everything. It is the only thing. And any means justifies their winning. Thus I wouldn't bet on the bill failing in the Senate or from reaching Trump's gleeful pen.
Previously Republicans, as a minority, stopped many things simply by threat of filibuster. Not even an actual filibuster. Now the Republicans will ignore such threats and if the Democrats actually try to filibuster the Republicans will change the rules so there is no more filibuster. Just the threat that the Republicans will take away the filibuster will probably mean the Democrats won't use it to preserve the rule.
In speculating about the future of the this tax break for the wealthy it must be be remembered that to Republicans, and Trump, that winning is not only everything. It is the only thing. And any means justifies their winning. Thus I wouldn't bet on the bill failing in the Senate or from reaching Trump's gleeful pen.
14
Mr. Finegan, "the silent majority?" Are you kidding?! You all are out of the shadows and we are taking names.
5
The ACA in part explains why the Democrats took a beating in the 2010 congressional elections, but that wasn't just because of the bill. The economy was still in very bad shape that year. Unemployment averaged 9.47% from August through October. So it was Democratic congress members who took the fall for not instantly undoing 8 years of GOP damage.
In addition, as soon as the ACA passed, the GOP began an unrelenting attack on all aspects of the Bill. Their entire healthcare policy election strategy was built around lying to the public about the ACA itself and about what a GOP congress would replace it with. And they were abetted in this by a press that drew any number of false equivalencies between what the GOP and Democratic critics of the ACA were saying while amplifying the GOP's lies.
I don't think that Democrats have the level bile fueled gall in them to keep up that sort of attack on the GOP for the next 18 months. And they certainly don't have a propaganda network as effective as Fox news and its allies. Nor do I think the economy will implode the way it did from 2007 through 2010. Big tax cuts for rich people will create deficits that will stimulate the economy and spur growth. That’s what huge budget deficits always end up doing.
So yes, I guess there's a pretty good chance that the GOP won't pay a political price for what it did yesterday. And I truly hope I'm wrong.
In addition, as soon as the ACA passed, the GOP began an unrelenting attack on all aspects of the Bill. Their entire healthcare policy election strategy was built around lying to the public about the ACA itself and about what a GOP congress would replace it with. And they were abetted in this by a press that drew any number of false equivalencies between what the GOP and Democratic critics of the ACA were saying while amplifying the GOP's lies.
I don't think that Democrats have the level bile fueled gall in them to keep up that sort of attack on the GOP for the next 18 months. And they certainly don't have a propaganda network as effective as Fox news and its allies. Nor do I think the economy will implode the way it did from 2007 through 2010. Big tax cuts for rich people will create deficits that will stimulate the economy and spur growth. That’s what huge budget deficits always end up doing.
So yes, I guess there's a pretty good chance that the GOP won't pay a political price for what it did yesterday. And I truly hope I'm wrong.
14
"The ACA in part explains why the Democrats took a beating in the 2010 congressional elections, but that wasn't just because of the bill. The economic was still in very bad shape that year. Unemployment averaged 9.47% from April through October."
You're absolutely right that there was still a lot of economic pain in 2010. (Heck, there's still a good amount of it today.) The Democrats paid a heavy price that year because a confluence of factors convinced many voters that the Democrats didn't feel that pain:
1. The stimulus was widely recognized as being nowhere near big enough and was also laced with giveaways to donors and special interests as opposed to plain-vanilla infrastructure projects which would have put more people to work.
2. The Obama Administration was widely seen as not being honest, or at least not being able to relate to the still-widespread economic suffering of the time, when it publicly predicted a "summer of recovery" that year, which of course failed to materialize.
3. The Obama Administration alienated many liberals by prioritizing Wall Street's recovery while doing nowhere near enough to help struggling homeowners address their underwater mortgages and avoid foreclosures. Some prominent liberals openly advocated a voter boycott of the 2010 elections as a protest against this approach, and I think their message did get through to many.
You're absolutely right that there was still a lot of economic pain in 2010. (Heck, there's still a good amount of it today.) The Democrats paid a heavy price that year because a confluence of factors convinced many voters that the Democrats didn't feel that pain:
1. The stimulus was widely recognized as being nowhere near big enough and was also laced with giveaways to donors and special interests as opposed to plain-vanilla infrastructure projects which would have put more people to work.
2. The Obama Administration was widely seen as not being honest, or at least not being able to relate to the still-widespread economic suffering of the time, when it publicly predicted a "summer of recovery" that year, which of course failed to materialize.
3. The Obama Administration alienated many liberals by prioritizing Wall Street's recovery while doing nowhere near enough to help struggling homeowners address their underwater mortgages and avoid foreclosures. Some prominent liberals openly advocated a voter boycott of the 2010 elections as a protest against this approach, and I think their message did get through to many.
1
Why does it seem like every time the GOP wins at anything the people of America lose.
32
To answer your question: The GOP generally favors wealthy people, who are a small minority but who have overwhelming influence over elected officials who generate legislation, such as the reversal of Obamacare. They do NOT champion the causes of the vast majority of Americans, and these are the "people" who loose. Therefvore, when the GOP wins the People loose.
1
The best health care plan is to remain as poor as possible and just use the ER as your insurance. Go there for EVERYTHING! Why not? Millions of illegals can't be wrong.
3
Here's a better idea (instead of blaming "millions of illegals"): eliminate ER price gouging. THAT would have an effect on insurance rates. I was recently billed $80 for a "pulmonary function test": a nurse stuck a $29 pulse oximeter on my finger for 30 seconds. What's next-a new charge for taking my pulse as well?
Standard lab work was $1300 instead of the usual $100. The billing department said "Yeah, it's the ER--they charge more..."
The very heart and soul of American medicine is price gouging. As more cities see hospitals consolidate down to one or two massive for-profit systems, it will only get worse. A great example is Cleveland: There used to be a dozen different hospitals. Now, there is likely no medical institution not owned by either the Cleveland Clinic or University Hospitals.
Standard lab work was $1300 instead of the usual $100. The billing department said "Yeah, it's the ER--they charge more..."
The very heart and soul of American medicine is price gouging. As more cities see hospitals consolidate down to one or two massive for-profit systems, it will only get worse. A great example is Cleveland: There used to be a dozen different hospitals. Now, there is likely no medical institution not owned by either the Cleveland Clinic or University Hospitals.
3
Your high costs reflect paying for the uninsured.
1
This is not a fair comparison. In the end, Obamacare has been a positive revolution in our society, leading us all to understand that we all have a right to health in a civilized society. What happened in 2010 relates more to the election in 2016. The Democratic base stays home and the Republican base was stirred up by racism and self delusion. However, now that we know that having health insurance is better than not having it, everyone may finally recognize that the Republicans of today are not the Republicans of your parents. Today's Republicans want to steal from the poor to give more to the rich, because they think the poor do not deserve social support, whike the rich deserve it all because of their awesomeness. Bloody revolutions erupt from social inequality and unbridled ambition.
7
Until democrats learn to take an outrageous lie, repeat and rinse it enough to become palatable, find a bullhorn like FOX to broadcast and spin it, they will not be able to capitalize on the Republican mess that is the US Government today. The truth is no longer real. It is Fake News. The lie is reality. Might be time to start looking for an island retreat.
9
"bullhorn like FOX...?" hello? MSNBC? WaPo? HuffPo? NPR? NYT? liberals have dozens of "bullhorns," as compared to one, Fox News for conservatives.
2
The difference is those outlets report facts, not fiction. FOX is in the business of selling lies.
1
I think republicans should be required to live with the consequences of the bills they support. So, they should be denied health care due to pre-existing conditions or be charged for high risk insurance that they must pay out of their pocket (since employers aren't required to give insurance to their employees).
Oh, and while this is happening, they should also be required to carry a gun into congress and their office. And, don't forget the White House, guns should be required there, too. These politicians shoudn't be absolved from the fear that the rest of us feel when going to the movies, or meeting someone in an office with a gun who is mentally ill and has a grievance.
Oh, and while this is happening, they should also be required to carry a gun into congress and their office. And, don't forget the White House, guns should be required there, too. These politicians shoudn't be absolved from the fear that the rest of us feel when going to the movies, or meeting someone in an office with a gun who is mentally ill and has a grievance.
9
"president" trump: repeal and replace.
4
TeaPublicans of the House have indeed stirred a hornet's nest. yet partied like never before at the People's House drunk of joy about a bill that hasn't even passed the Senate yet.
And that very same evening their 'leader' met with the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in New York, not remembering his name and calling him his 'friend from Australia.
Our non-curious mind and mentally confused president than congratulated his counterpart that Australia indeed had better healthcare than the US, obviously not knowing that Australia - just like all other advanced nations - has a single payer system.
How about the few sane member of this administration giving the president a little cheat paper containing facts before he opens his mouth in front of a microphone. Or they should just write it on the palm of his hand as Sarah Palin did.
And that very same evening their 'leader' met with the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in New York, not remembering his name and calling him his 'friend from Australia.
Our non-curious mind and mentally confused president than congratulated his counterpart that Australia indeed had better healthcare than the US, obviously not knowing that Australia - just like all other advanced nations - has a single payer system.
How about the few sane member of this administration giving the president a little cheat paper containing facts before he opens his mouth in front of a microphone. Or they should just write it on the palm of his hand as Sarah Palin did.
2
I wrote this yesterday, but the moderator's refused to post it.
Less than 10 million people use ACA.
5 million people had insurance that they liked stolen from them by the ACA after they were lied to time and time again "if you like your plan you can keep your plan."
There will be no price for the GOP to pay in 2018 over this.
Less than 10 million people use ACA.
5 million people had insurance that they liked stolen from them by the ACA after they were lied to time and time again "if you like your plan you can keep your plan."
There will be no price for the GOP to pay in 2018 over this.
5
another alternate fact. Give me a break.
2
I don't know why your comment wasn't posted, but it may have been because your numbers are suspect and misleading. There are nearly 50 million Americans on food stamps alone. The need for affordable health care is clearly very great. Obamacare wasn't nearly enough, but what the GOP did yesterday was criminal!
2
I'm betting that you're wrong. This isn't just going to be about healthcare....
1
I can only describe the spectacle in the Rose Garden yesterday as the Dance of Death. That any human beings with any vestige of decency would applaud, laugh, hug and pat each other on the back after consigning millions of the oldest and poorest among us to loss of healthcare, to suffering and death is contemptible.
And all to score a win, a notch in the gun belt, an apple for the trump.
God weeps.
And all to score a win, a notch in the gun belt, an apple for the trump.
God weeps.
11
Good! Let the red states bleed.
3
The debate yesterday was disgraceful. Unfortunately, many opportunities were missed by the Democrats. Many Democrats voted against motions to have the new health care bill apply to Congress as well. Democrats voting to exempt themselves weakened the force of their argument, may have foiled the bill and would have strengthened the force of their attacks on the GOP and Trump himself. There was no down-side, but they let it slip away. It would have been like Solomon, the two mothers and the baby--epic! Congress, grow a pair!
3
Actually the separate bill that was passed to remove Congress's exemption (they had to use a separate bill or they couldn't use reconciliation in the Senate) passed 429-0. Democrats opposed the bill so they may have voted no during the making of the bill, but once the bill was a done deal, every Democrat voted to make Congress a part of it.
" Many Democrats voted against motions to have the new health care bill apply to Congress as well. Democrats voting to exempt themselves weakened the force of their argument, may have foiled the bill and would have strengthened the force of their attacks on the GOP and Trump himself."
These Congressional birds of a feather flock together and their plumage is as green as campaign donation money. Does any rational and reasonably intelligent person really think that the Democrats or Republican members of Congress, were going to abandon their generous healthcare paid for by that we pay for? Now more than ever it is apparent that it is party first and country second irregardless of political party. Shame on both Democrats and Republicans for this mess. These so called representatives of the American people should be the first ones on this new non-healthcare plan, let them beta test it and lets see how that goes before forcing it on the good people of the US. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
The line from Al Pacino, playing Frank Slade in Scent of a Women best encapsulates how I feel towards this weak and ineffective Congress.
"If I were the man I was five years ago I'd take a FLAME-THROWER to this place!"
Burn Congress, burn!
These Congressional birds of a feather flock together and their plumage is as green as campaign donation money. Does any rational and reasonably intelligent person really think that the Democrats or Republican members of Congress, were going to abandon their generous healthcare paid for by that we pay for? Now more than ever it is apparent that it is party first and country second irregardless of political party. Shame on both Democrats and Republicans for this mess. These so called representatives of the American people should be the first ones on this new non-healthcare plan, let them beta test it and lets see how that goes before forcing it on the good people of the US. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
The line from Al Pacino, playing Frank Slade in Scent of a Women best encapsulates how I feel towards this weak and ineffective Congress.
"If I were the man I was five years ago I'd take a FLAME-THROWER to this place!"
Burn Congress, burn!
Don't call it Trumpcare. It should be called "Trump Doesn't Care."
5
Seems a rather simple question that someone who claims to want to put America First and make us great is to ask why we can't have Australia's Health Care. Clearly WE CAN NOT. Shouldln't Trump tell us why?
4
Healthcare and Big Pharma have Democrats swimming in their tank as well. It's one big special interest pool party. Whether it's "Obama Care" or "Trump Care" both systems reward corporate executives and their multi-billion dollar empires. My goodness the current ACA was written by the insurance lobbies- What we have here is the same ugly pig shared by both parties- This week the GOP decided to disguise it with a wig and lipstick and the DEMS are mad because the GOP stole their costume and now they have to shop for a new one. Universal healthcare will solve this but both parties are beholden to their lobbies so it will never happen.
7
I agree with your shark tank comment, but let's not wander into false equivalence territory. The Clintons and Obama wanted single payer, and I believe would have--to some extent--taken on the insurance companies, but Republicans, and a critical handful of Democrats, in congress would never allow it.
One can only hope. But these are Democrats. A choke team par excellence.
8
First step: repeal the ACA. Next comes Medicaid and then Medicare. Finally the big cahuna: Social Security.
29
How did people survive BEFORE there was any ACA, Medicare, or Medicaid?
Seems to me they did just fine, because back then family helped family and did things for each other that they wouldn't dream of doing now. We have become a culture of everyone for himself or herself and if it feels good or benefits oneself, then do it regardless if it hurts or destroys someone else. We are sliding down a slope from which we will not be able to return from , which will only lead to our final destruction.
Seems to me they did just fine, because back then family helped family and did things for each other that they wouldn't dream of doing now. We have become a culture of everyone for himself or herself and if it feels good or benefits oneself, then do it regardless if it hurts or destroys someone else. We are sliding down a slope from which we will not be able to return from , which will only lead to our final destruction.
Medicare is part of Social Security. Social Security doesn't cost tax payers anything in the annual budget of the government, unless the government borrows from it and has to pay it back with interest. You're essentially saying for everyone that contributes to it that we must give up our retirement funds and health insurance. Medicare offers elderly people a cost effective insurance that they would never receive from private insurance companies.
So in short, you want to take away my money that I had earned and put into Social Security that would be used to give me retirement money and healthcare. Note, I paid for both. We call that theft buddy.
So in short, you want to take away my money that I had earned and put into Social Security that would be used to give me retirement money and healthcare. Note, I paid for both. We call that theft buddy.
1
Matt, Matt, so naive, thinking it is "your money!" If and when Republicans get the taste of blood by repealing the "entitlement" of Medicaid, they will be embolden to go after all the rest. They rank your Social Security and Medicare with a welfare handout, just another "entitlement," a vast amount of money collected in taxes that best belongs in the off-shore bank accounts of the 1%.
If this bill passes, this country will become even more balkanized. States which keep good healthcare regulations & protections will grow & thrive, will be seen as healthy places to start a business, take a job, have a family.
The states that put in place more regressive 'punishing' regulations will take a big economic hit when people who can afford to go will leave to live in states with better options. No one wants to live in a state where getting sick or losing your job could leave you uninsured, without decent healthcare options, possibly driving your family into bankruptcy - because you live in Alabama or Arkansas instead of California or Vermont.
Passage of this bill will not only be stupid & cruel, it will have a terrible economic impact on the parts of the country most likely to adopt harsh policies. I live in Virginia & wonder what this state would be like if the state government wasn't hellbent on punishing the people in the poor western part of the state where there's no Medicaid expansion & little work or educational opportunity leaves large numbers of people to suffer - while other parts of the state - notably the D.C. suburbs, are well-off & thriving.
Is Trump really too stupid to understand this? Is Paul Ryan?
Stupid is as stupid does.
The states that put in place more regressive 'punishing' regulations will take a big economic hit when people who can afford to go will leave to live in states with better options. No one wants to live in a state where getting sick or losing your job could leave you uninsured, without decent healthcare options, possibly driving your family into bankruptcy - because you live in Alabama or Arkansas instead of California or Vermont.
Passage of this bill will not only be stupid & cruel, it will have a terrible economic impact on the parts of the country most likely to adopt harsh policies. I live in Virginia & wonder what this state would be like if the state government wasn't hellbent on punishing the people in the poor western part of the state where there's no Medicaid expansion & little work or educational opportunity leaves large numbers of people to suffer - while other parts of the state - notably the D.C. suburbs, are well-off & thriving.
Is Trump really too stupid to understand this? Is Paul Ryan?
Stupid is as stupid does.
9
It ain't stupidity; it's indifference.
1
It sounds like a bad idea but once there is an epidemic crisis in those states, I'm sure they'll pass better regulation. The issue I have with people's complaints is that they forget the federal government is suppose to have the least amount of laws and states should have their own laws. That is why in some places you can't turn right on a red light and we dont have a federal driver's license instead of a state one.
They agreed on new fabric for the deck chairs AFTER the Titanic hit the ice and passengers had started to scream. Really?
6
The GOP Trumpcare agenda has shown its hand with the "high risk pools". It's clear that what passed this travesty is the belief that there are "Two Americas". One for those who feel they are entitled to health care, and another for those "others" to be cast away in the "high risk pools".
It's the hight of a delusional cultural narcissism rotting out the core of this country, because those "others" are us.....this is sheer ignorance.
It's the hight of a delusional cultural narcissism rotting out the core of this country, because those "others" are us.....this is sheer ignorance.
13
The disconnect between Republican leadership and American citizens is stunning. Our problem with Obamacare is that it does not make affordable insurance available to enough Americans. Republicans somehow want to make it less available and more costly, despite the lies they spew. Can't wait to vote them out.
If I were to describe to you a country run by a brutal, corrupt demagogue whose only principle was self-glorification, who put in place around him a cabal composed of family members and sycophants chosen for their loyalty without regard to competence or qualification, and then added that this demagogue and his minions installed policies designed to enrich themselves and their friends at the cost of impoverishing the citizenry and plundering the nation's natural wealth, you'd say I was talking about a a third-rate banana republic.
Don't slip on the peels, people. You won't have health insurance to pay for getting your broken legs fixed.
How quickly Trump is destroying what was a great country, despite its myriad problems. Seeing Tom Price, one of the most corrupt public officials in recent memory, smiling with satisfaction at yesterday's victory party to celebrate the imposition of incredible hardship and even death on millions of people turned my stomach.
Don't slip on the peels, people. You won't have health insurance to pay for getting your broken legs fixed.
How quickly Trump is destroying what was a great country, despite its myriad problems. Seeing Tom Price, one of the most corrupt public officials in recent memory, smiling with satisfaction at yesterday's victory party to celebrate the imposition of incredible hardship and even death on millions of people turned my stomach.
52
The GOP's platform for the midterms is clear. That nasty President Obama who took away your Ryan-Trump health care.
3
If the Democrats were so sure that passage of this bill would harm the Republican Party and eliminate the Republican majorities, then why did they fight tooth and nail to oppose it?
Let the Republicans pass what they want, and then hand their fates to the voters. If they lose, then the Democrats were right. If they retain or increase their majorities, then we'll have to discuss why Democrats are so bad at political predictions.
Let the Republicans pass what they want, and then hand their fates to the voters. If they lose, then the Democrats were right. If they retain or increase their majorities, then we'll have to discuss why Democrats are so bad at political predictions.
2
They opposed it because that was the right thing to do.
They fought so they can tell angry voters that they fought against it.
1
Because it will harm people. When people choose to not get necessary care because they fear it will bankrupt their families the result is often less than ideal.
Democrats will only have the last word if they get out there in Republican districts to educate people who supported Trump that Republicans are not acting in the population's best interests - but in their own.
7
The anti-Trump campaign didn't work, and neither will the anti-Ryan-McConnell campaign. A positive policy pursued by persuasive politicians is what the Dems need. Right now they are in Brownian motion, randomly trying to find how to accommodate big donors while appealing to the little man. Same problem as the GOP, but with more conscience.
1
From this turn of events one might assume that conservative republicans never have sever asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, their children are always born healthy, they all have compassionate and understanding employers who won't take advantage of loopholes to minimize expenses.
I'm at a loss to understand how all the great parts about the ACA which should have been universally welcomed in this country were effectively re-interpreted and mass-marketed as the epitome of government overreach.
Another way to look at this is that if the ACA is repealed, the Republicans have surrendered their biggest rallying force. The next best asset in their armory is still the ignorance of the populace, though, and the conservative movement's willingness to manipulate that ignorance in service of their greedy and short-sighted goals.
I'm at a loss to understand how all the great parts about the ACA which should have been universally welcomed in this country were effectively re-interpreted and mass-marketed as the epitome of government overreach.
Another way to look at this is that if the ACA is repealed, the Republicans have surrendered their biggest rallying force. The next best asset in their armory is still the ignorance of the populace, though, and the conservative movement's willingness to manipulate that ignorance in service of their greedy and short-sighted goals.
11
The true motive behind this shameful bill is to save federal dollars (at the expense of most of America) so that the rich can be given a tax cut without the deficit going up too obviously. Is there anything more sickening than this? The Republicans have outdone themselves in their cravenness.
12
Why would this article call this vote a "win" for the Republicans?
This "win" required a party line vote they barely achieved. There were no democrats voting for this measure. The Republicans know the Senate will not agree with the bill and rather than tinkering with it, the democrats should filibuster it.
I don't see this as a win. I see a bunch of dishonorable Republicans who have forgotten why they were elected, passing a bill that greatly harms their constituents all for political theater. As I have said in many comments, they have no honor.
This "win" required a party line vote they barely achieved. There were no democrats voting for this measure. The Republicans know the Senate will not agree with the bill and rather than tinkering with it, the democrats should filibuster it.
I don't see this as a win. I see a bunch of dishonorable Republicans who have forgotten why they were elected, passing a bill that greatly harms their constituents all for political theater. As I have said in many comments, they have no honor.
10
What is the problem? The military is covered through Veteran's insurance. Police and firefighters have excellent lifetime health care coverage through their unions and WE hard-working taxpayers. The wealthiest have the best health care coverage and they take care of those in their circle.
These are the "important" people to The Con Don and his Republican International Mafia Robber Baron Radical Religion Good Old Boys' Party.
Ask Warren Buffet what the problem is. In his authorized biography "Snowball" he talks about the problems he faced with the health care system when his wife was dying of cancer. Money is simply not enough. Yes, OUR health care system is horrid BECAUSE it is a private for-profit system from health insurance down.
America is no country for sick, poor or old people right now.
WE THE PEOPLE ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN PRESERVE/RESTORE/IMPROVE DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA and we must do it today. Pick one thing you value most about democracy and fight like hell to save it. This is no time for heads in the sand - unless WW3 and a global financial meltdown are in your plans for the future.
These are the "important" people to The Con Don and his Republican International Mafia Robber Baron Radical Religion Good Old Boys' Party.
Ask Warren Buffet what the problem is. In his authorized biography "Snowball" he talks about the problems he faced with the health care system when his wife was dying of cancer. Money is simply not enough. Yes, OUR health care system is horrid BECAUSE it is a private for-profit system from health insurance down.
America is no country for sick, poor or old people right now.
WE THE PEOPLE ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN PRESERVE/RESTORE/IMPROVE DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA and we must do it today. Pick one thing you value most about democracy and fight like hell to save it. This is no time for heads in the sand - unless WW3 and a global financial meltdown are in your plans for the future.
8
This is a Multi-Billion Dollar tax cut for the wealthy and a cut in healthcare for 24 million Americans despised as a "healthcare bill". If this is a Big Victory for the GOP, it is a bigger win for the Democrats who will replace them after the 2018 mid-term elections. It won't take 18 months for the pain and suffering to make the GOP the enemy of the people who will vote them out of office in November 2018.
4
What the GOP has done is raise the expectations of its party members, especially arch conservatives while passing the real responsibility for compromise or defeat on the Republicans moderates in the Senate. In other words the GOP has created its own quagmire. The GOP Republican moderates cannot let this bill pass without modification. The Senate is different than the House of Representatives. Putting GOP senators in a lose-lose situation will not bode well for the Republicans. Any moderate who allows this to pass and hurt their constituents will not serve another term. That means a possible Democratic win in the mid-term elections and loss of the Senate. Obama Care needs repair. So does the Republican Party.
6
I can guarantee all the ACA will stay in place until the Congressional elections take place,
9
Rep. Chris Collins admitted on CNN that he didn't read the bill before voting for it. (That's what congressional staff is for, apparently.) Then a reporter from his local newspaper in Buffalo pointed out New York State's loss of billions in extra ACA support. (It was news to him.) There are going to be dozens of stories like this across the country, and the campaign ads practically write themselves.
14
And this is just another uneducated, moron who we've put in charge. What a sham. It's the blind leading the blind and the rest of us are suffering because we have non-caring, callous, uneducated fools in office. Let's move away from wanting only hear sound bites and start educating ourselves. Then we can demand that our elected officials act in our best interest rather than the best interest of capitalism.
I worked many hours on the Trump campaign in Pa. Phone calls ,door knocking etc. The Pa. Republican Party didnt not support our local Trump campaign office. We did however support Toomey. I never liked Trump as a businessman but worked to get him elected to save the Supreme Court. He did his part. The rest is gravy. I consider myself a conservative first and a Republican next. I vote for who holds my values, Democrat or Republican. But let me tell you something, the people I worked with in the campaign office were all determined to change the dreadful direction the country was being taken in. And we all were aware of and discussed the need to remain vigilent and be prepared to support all Republican reelection efforts. There are two more Supreme Court seats that may come up soon. We are more concerned with changing the court for a generation than what happens over four years.
3
The supreme court won't mean a lot when the nuclear weapons start going off.
Save the Supreme Court? From what? Enlightenment?
Dreadful direction? What dreadful direction? Freedom and equality?
"We want the right to insure other citizens don't have the same rights"
"We want to insure theocracy is installed in its rightful place"
Finally a single issue voter admits it. They would be will to see anything happen, anything at all, as long as their issue is addressed.
Dreadful direction? What dreadful direction? Freedom and equality?
"We want the right to insure other citizens don't have the same rights"
"We want to insure theocracy is installed in its rightful place"
Finally a single issue voter admits it. They would be will to see anything happen, anything at all, as long as their issue is addressed.
A bill is no pill for what us ills.
2
What differentiates the GOP is fear and the most common symptom is the sense that everyone is out to get them. Government is clearly one of the big bad evils that is out to get them to the point they would pass legislation that is clearly worse for the people. It is yet another example how their fears are prioritized over the well-being of the people and country.
3
Dems started this mess. Maybe rightfully so to correct some wrongs that needed to be right, like pre-exsisting conditions. Now its the Reps turn to balance this mess somehow.
1
So you feel that people with pre-existing conditions should not be able to get insurance or should not be able to afford insurance. The House just voted to allow this and you think this is a "dems" mess.
I think the Democrats give too much credit to the voters of this nation. Obama ran a clean, efficient, and moral executive and still the voters went with the con man...... People here are dumb dumb dumb and easily distracted by shining celebrity, of any ilk.....
9
The Republican Party is the death panel instead of the 2009 figment of Palin's imagination she claimed she found in Obamacare.
4
The GOP voted to spit on the American elderly, poor, disadvantaged, sick, and helpless. They are consistent as their first initiative upon winning the majority was to dismantle the Ethics Office ( https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/13/opinion/house-republicans-try-to-bull... ). This HAS to be the last straw.
4
Unfortunately for the Democrats, the people most likely to lose benefits are notorious for their inability to recognize their own self interest when going to the polls--if, indeed, they even bother to. They prefer to give the finger to those they perceive to disrespect them and their most cherished values which include gun rights (more) and controlling women's reproductive independence (less).
Add to this cohort all healthy, younger voters who feel put upon by having to participate in an insurance pool which they believe penalizes them economically.
The most obvious and stark lesson from the slow, inexorable dissolution of the Democrats agenda and influence at every level and branch of government which culminated in the 2016 election of Trump is this: The majority of Americans are selfish, uninformed, racist, and solely loyal to their own narrow view of the world.
Add to this cohort all healthy, younger voters who feel put upon by having to participate in an insurance pool which they believe penalizes them economically.
The most obvious and stark lesson from the slow, inexorable dissolution of the Democrats agenda and influence at every level and branch of government which culminated in the 2016 election of Trump is this: The majority of Americans are selfish, uninformed, racist, and solely loyal to their own narrow view of the world.
4
No matter who votes for what in Congress the essential problem remains - Republicans always vote, they will stand in line in a driving rain, they are fanatical as are all wannabe dictators and supreme rulers.
Democrats support the right things for the right reasons....but they don't turn out on voting day and rely on "the right things will prevail"...and they frequently don't!
So Sad, Too Bad...Bye-Bye Miss American Pie
Democrats support the right things for the right reasons....but they don't turn out on voting day and rely on "the right things will prevail"...and they frequently don't!
So Sad, Too Bad...Bye-Bye Miss American Pie
6
The biggest problem with any healthcare bill is forcing people to buy insurance who don't want it. If the govt subsidized and helped people who did want it pay for it, that's not an issue. Forcing healthcare on people who look at insurance companies as the thieves they are is the big issue people here in texas have with any healthcare act. Insurance companies are vile.
Congratulations on never getting sick or needing health care; or on being so wealthy you and your fellow Texans can afford to pay for everything yourself.
1
Yet, I am forced to get a permit for a water heater (Florida). I must have car insurance if I wish to drive. I must buy home insurance if I have mortgage. I pay property taxes that go to education although I have no children. I already pay for other people who don't buy health insurance. I pay for it with higher premiums and higher deductibles. Insurance companies aren't vile unless Congress allows them to be.
1
I wrote my Republican congressman Lee Zeldin the following letter:
You were elected as my representative in Congress and, with your vote for this disastrous health care bill, you failed miserably in that responsibility. How can you possibly vote for something when the cost of that program has not been determined? How can you do that? When you represent the people of this country in the greatest democratic system the world has ever seen, casting a fully informed vote on the floor of Congress should be the minimum expectation. Please correct me if I am wrong, but the only way you can do that is when you put politics ahead of the welfare of this country! You were more interested in giving this poor excuse of a President a victory lap in the Rose Garden than making sure your constituents had health coverage. Is the Affordable Care Act perfect? No. But it is not in a “death spiral” the way your Republicans co-conspirators try to tell us. For seven years the Republican party has done everything they could to undermine the Act and, yet, it has covered more people than ever before. Did ANYONE in your party think about helping to fix it rather than making it an object for a power grab? You are a disappointment. Your party is a disappointment. Your President is a disaster and is unfit for office. Apparently, when you cast a vote for a program that represents one sixth of the country’s economy without knowing the full financial impact, you are unfit as well.
You were elected as my representative in Congress and, with your vote for this disastrous health care bill, you failed miserably in that responsibility. How can you possibly vote for something when the cost of that program has not been determined? How can you do that? When you represent the people of this country in the greatest democratic system the world has ever seen, casting a fully informed vote on the floor of Congress should be the minimum expectation. Please correct me if I am wrong, but the only way you can do that is when you put politics ahead of the welfare of this country! You were more interested in giving this poor excuse of a President a victory lap in the Rose Garden than making sure your constituents had health coverage. Is the Affordable Care Act perfect? No. But it is not in a “death spiral” the way your Republicans co-conspirators try to tell us. For seven years the Republican party has done everything they could to undermine the Act and, yet, it has covered more people than ever before. Did ANYONE in your party think about helping to fix it rather than making it an object for a power grab? You are a disappointment. Your party is a disappointment. Your President is a disaster and is unfit for office. Apparently, when you cast a vote for a program that represents one sixth of the country’s economy without knowing the full financial impact, you are unfit as well.
5
Agreed, but from what I understand if you want to make your voice heard, don't bother writing a letter as they don't read them. Same for emails. I gather from several sources that the only way to be heard is to call them. Phone calls must be logged and the information must be taken.
The Republicans have a death wish all right - they will wind up killing off the very people who voted for them when their health care evaporates.
2
Isn't it ironic that in the world of Politics we have to wait for a damaging, hateful piece of legislation to actually pass before we talk about repercussions? Isn't the fact that this was on the floor and supported by Republicans enough evidence to keep them out of Congress for good? We have long known who their base is and who they want to please. And it certainly isn't the millions of citizens who will reap the horrific consequences of having basic healthcare taken away from them.
I am reminded of the Republicans stating that the ACA will lead to death panels. Trump/Ryan Care makes this a reality.
5
Off with their heads!
1
The GOP Trumpcare agenda has shown its hand with the "high risk pools". It's clear that what passed this travesty is the belief that there are "Two Americas". One for those who feel they are entitled to health care, and another for those "others" to be cast away in the "high risk pools".
It's the hight of a delusional cultural narcissism rotting out the core of this country, because those "others" are US!
.....this is sheer ignorance.
It's the hight of a delusional cultural narcissism rotting out the core of this country, because those "others" are US!
.....this is sheer ignorance.
What is the DNC doing to set up a national program to take advantage of this action? I think the point made that the impacts won't be felt in full until 2020 highlights a factor that the GOP is counting on - people have short memories. The DNC needs to start a campaign to raise awareness of people's insurance coverage NOW - premiums, benefits, etc. - so that this can be used as a benchmark as the marketplace begins its inevitable slide towards making healthcare disappear. Only by ensuring that Americans are aware of what they have today can the DNC provide demonstrable proof to the everyday citizens of what they have lost tomorrow. Dems need a plan for today, tomorrow, 2018, 2020 and every time point in between - and not just for taking advantage of this monstrosity.
I live in NJ and a recent poll indicated that nearly 70% of residents are unaware that there's a gubernatorial election this year. Given Christie's immense unpopularity maybe the Dems view this as easy pickens' come the fall - but can they really afford the luxury of self-assuredness? Spend some money on general awareness and do what is necessary to win back the states for crying out loud. The lack of any sort of visible strategy is beyond frustrating to rank and file folks like me. I see the party energized at the base but without any sort of true agenda against which to direct it. How can that be? It's great fun to taunt at the passage of the bill but without a strategy to back it up its just hot air.
I live in NJ and a recent poll indicated that nearly 70% of residents are unaware that there's a gubernatorial election this year. Given Christie's immense unpopularity maybe the Dems view this as easy pickens' come the fall - but can they really afford the luxury of self-assuredness? Spend some money on general awareness and do what is necessary to win back the states for crying out loud. The lack of any sort of visible strategy is beyond frustrating to rank and file folks like me. I see the party energized at the base but without any sort of true agenda against which to direct it. How can that be? It's great fun to taunt at the passage of the bill but without a strategy to back it up its just hot air.
215
It would also be helpful if the media regularly devoted space to coverage of how lives are being negatively impacted by this legislation, should it pass in its current form, or in any form that fails to protect those with pre-existing conditions.
Spot on. The Democrats should learn from the stunning lack or preparedness of the Republicans who focused their efforts on a vitriolic campaign against the ACA, then came into power with no plan of their own. Talk about squandering an opportunity.
Stop acting like poor sports with the musical mockery and start strategizing.
Stop acting like poor sports with the musical mockery and start strategizing.
To give up your political career just to make Trump look good is a stupid move.
2
Is the GOP cheering the prospect of more Americans gaining access to health care insurance? Obviously not. Are they cheering the possibility of better quality or less expensive health care? No. Are they cheering their ability to screw the American people with impunity? You betcha!
11
I think this is waaaay too optimistic. As noted in "What's the Matter With Kansas," Republican voters will keep coming back regardless of how often they get screwed by the people they elect.
11
The liberal project has failed (on both sides of the Atlantic) because it has become exclusionary, elitist and undemocratic. Some commenters in The Times routinely use words like "stupid," "ignorant," and "bigoted" to describe Trump voters. I assume they do so not only because it makes them feel virtuous, but also because it gains them a big thumbs-up total, as if this were a child’s game and not the future of democracy we’re talking about.
By tarring 63 million fellow Americans with such a broad, hateful brush, they demonstrate that they, themselves, are stupid, ignorant and bigoted. And what do they accomplish? By broadcasting their blanket hostility for the white working class, they play right into the hands of Trump, the very man they want to beat.
Political scientists tell us that when there is turmoil in Washington, the "out" party has a better-than-average chance in the midterm elections. In fact, the Democrats may have a historic opportunity to turn the tables in 2018, to win back both houses of Congress, and important state races as well. But it seems the vast majority of liberal Democrats would rather kvetch than win.
By tarring 63 million fellow Americans with such a broad, hateful brush, they demonstrate that they, themselves, are stupid, ignorant and bigoted. And what do they accomplish? By broadcasting their blanket hostility for the white working class, they play right into the hands of Trump, the very man they want to beat.
Political scientists tell us that when there is turmoil in Washington, the "out" party has a better-than-average chance in the midterm elections. In fact, the Democrats may have a historic opportunity to turn the tables in 2018, to win back both houses of Congress, and important state races as well. But it seems the vast majority of liberal Democrats would rather kvetch than win.
5
Of course your own comments don't represent a broad brush approach. You're just objectively characterizing "the vast majority of liberal Democrats."
6
Please, Ron, point out which Democrats are actually liberal.
Trump is ignorant and so are the 63 million who voted for him. Get over it.
Trump is ignorant and so are the 63 million who voted for him. Get over it.
1
Ron, No. When an individual admits that they will still vote for someone even though that person will vote against the very thing that they need to stay alive, then something is amiss. Supporting a party, any party, because 'you always have' or 'my parents do' or any other reason devoid of knowing the facts, is the literally definition of ignorance. Much of the decision to not learn the facts is borne of bigotry.
Why does the “G.O.P. Cheers a Big Victory” when “it has It Stirred a ’Hornet’s Nest”? They should know that their so-called ‘victory’ will be of very short duration. Dems are waiting in the Senate to either reject their satanic creation or change it at their will. But then, no one will ever accuse GOPers of being THAT smart.
On the other hand, DEMs are also extremely happy and cheering. They see a big defeat for the GOP, as a result of their vote for Trumpcare3.
On the other hand, DEMs are also extremely happy and cheering. They see a big defeat for the GOP, as a result of their vote for Trumpcare3.
4
Democrats are delusional. They constantly are throwing mud at Trump and hoping something sticks. If anything I I believe quite a few Democrats are going to lose their job in 2018 along with some RINO(s). The silent majority is still angry with the DC circus.
3
Nice try. No, what is in reality happening is that the GOP being, finally and unfortunately, left in charge of both the Congress and The Presidency, are being completely exposed for being the frauds they have been for the last 30 years. This "Rich White Boys Private Country Club Healthcare Bill" is a joke and an insult to the other 99% of Americans. You know it as well as we all do, the GOP is going to finally pay, and pay big league.
Trump promised that everyone would be covered. He failed us.
Trump lied, as he had over and over. He promised the "best healthcare ever" and "everyone would be covered." The Republicans AHCA cuts $800 billion from Medicaid, money needed by our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly and disabled! Anyone who tells me that they are "pro-life" is lying!
They claim the ACA was dying....no it wasn't, it needed funding which they refused to give! Let's be honest, a brilliant, Black man was our president and he gave us, Obamacare. Republicans are so hate filled that they had to destroy the ACA, and then gloat!
I, and many others swear we will do all we can to flip Congress! If you look at the record of the Democrats, they have given America: Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, unemployment insurance, Civil Rights, the Minimum Wage, Affordable Healthcare, etc. What have the Republicans done? Oh yeah....tax cuts for the wealthy!
Please vote, in every election!
They claim the ACA was dying....no it wasn't, it needed funding which they refused to give! Let's be honest, a brilliant, Black man was our president and he gave us, Obamacare. Republicans are so hate filled that they had to destroy the ACA, and then gloat!
I, and many others swear we will do all we can to flip Congress! If you look at the record of the Democrats, they have given America: Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, unemployment insurance, Civil Rights, the Minimum Wage, Affordable Healthcare, etc. What have the Republicans done? Oh yeah....tax cuts for the wealthy!
Please vote, in every election!
35
You mean a lie like
"if you like your plan you can keep your plan"?
Or was it a lie like,
"We have to pass the bill to find out what is in it."?
"if you like your plan you can keep your plan"?
Or was it a lie like,
"We have to pass the bill to find out what is in it."?
I am an otherwise healthy 30-something who just completed treatment for a rare form of cancer in March. I have insurance through my employer, but I worry about the provision in the bill that will allow the re-institution of the lifetime maximum benefit. I have four hospitalizations under my belt, one of which was two weeks long, three surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. I'm currently being followed by three oncologists. My only hope is that the most detrimental aspects of this bill will be changed in the House, or that it will not pass at all. Until then, I'm stuck with images of congress people high-fiving and cheering at my potential death warrant. Grinning at the expendability of my life.
36
I hear you. My reaction to the grinning Republicans was the same as yours.
I believe that Mr. Hulse is correct: the GOP now faces a "Hornet's Nest". Mostly from the GOP. And deservedly. Who ever heard of a national health care plan designed to benefit the middle class and the wealthy, while leaving the poor people under the bus? Let's hear it for The Hornets!!!!
7
Lots of talk about 2018.
Don't underestimate the power of nefarious gerrymandering and voter suppression.
Don't underestimate the proven maliciousness of the right wing.
And don't OVERestimate the reasoning capabilities of the Trump voter.
Don't underestimate the power of nefarious gerrymandering and voter suppression.
Don't underestimate the proven maliciousness of the right wing.
And don't OVERestimate the reasoning capabilities of the Trump voter.
20
And the negligence and laziness of some Democratic voters.
Calling 63 million voters ignorant is a sure fire way to win elections.
Senate - Questioning an individual's ability to reason through a problem is quite different than calling them ignorant. I consider the term "ignorant" to be mean-spirited and vastly overused.
I wish so much that some journalist asks Trump specifics about 'his' bill. I am almost certain he doesn't have a clue. At least Obama knew what was in the ACA and his intentions were honorable.
14
I share the fear that, absent immediate consequences, Republican voters will drink the cool aid in 2018 and vote Republican. The Democrats need to begin working now on their talking points describing the last chance to reverse this disaster in 2018. And highlight the wide repercussions in red states.
10
Donald J. Trump is the President of the United States. Just consider that for a moment. I think that's more than enough evidence to prove that Americans will never kick the habit of voting against their own best interests in election after election.
9
Dearest Republicans and Mr. Trump (whatever it is you are),
The tar has been bubbling. The feathers have been plucked. You just provided the Democrats with the perfect rail. Don't bother calling an Uber. Your ride out of town will be ready by 2018.
The tar has been bubbling. The feathers have been plucked. You just provided the Democrats with the perfect rail. Don't bother calling an Uber. Your ride out of town will be ready by 2018.
4
Why does “G.O.P. Cheers a Big Victory” when “it has It Stirred a ’Hornet’s Nest”? They should know that their so-called ‘victory’ will be of very short duration. Dems are waiting in the Senate to either reject their satanic creation or change it at their will. But then, no one will ever accuse GOPers of being THAT smart.
1
Maybe. However, we are talking about people who gloat when they pass any cruel bill that will harm people. We are talking about an election where ignorant people either turned their backs on cruelty, or voted directly for it. It couldn't possibly affect them, could it? It will. I can only hope for another wave of humanitarian victory and gloating.
2
Democrats should just keep quiet, for now, and carefully build a team of candidates, from statehouses to the White House, in a four-year, *50-state strategy* of reclaiming both the Congress and the White House. They need a chairperson who has vision and charisma and who can redefine itself as the party of help. It needs to be the party which can do things that individuals can't for themselves. It needs to be the "Un-Wall St. party" again.
The GOP is mucking things up so completely that they should be very vulnerable in '18 and '20 (a census year!) The Dems need new faces. No more well-connected Clintons or Bidens.
This gift from the GOP is only as good as Democrats' ability to capitalize on it.
The GOP is mucking things up so completely that they should be very vulnerable in '18 and '20 (a census year!) The Dems need new faces. No more well-connected Clintons or Bidens.
This gift from the GOP is only as good as Democrats' ability to capitalize on it.
13
you all have missed the point of this bill
the millions who will die will have paid in billions to ss and medicare, and they will never collect on it
a treasure trove for trumps oligarch gang to plunder at will
robbing dead people is a long held gop dream
have a nice day
12
Q. When was success first measured by the amount of people who hate you?
A. 1931 in Germany.
Congratulations Republicans!
A. 1931 in Germany.
Congratulations Republicans!
2
Elephants have been repeating "Repeal" mantra for 8 years, including Trump himself. They won election. They literally did what they promised.
Dems: "This is shameful, they betrayed voters".
If the Left will ever return back to this planet, which I doubt, they might find out that self-med and less government spending/involvement has been a Republican policy of the last...always. How come is this a surprise?
Dems: "This is shameful, they betrayed voters".
If the Left will ever return back to this planet, which I doubt, they might find out that self-med and less government spending/involvement has been a Republican policy of the last...always. How come is this a surprise?
The idea that the electorate in red states will someday become wise and turn to the Democratic Party is delusional, pure fantasy. Possibly even psychotic. Chanting like a bunch of junior high schoolers only gives credence to the GOP line. juvenile antics don't inspire confidence.
If it is to survive as more than a token, the Democratic Party needs new leadership. A new image. An actual message from a cohesive, palatable platform. Or we will be a land of one-party rule that is hardly trying to disguise their quasi-fascist intentions.
If it is to survive as more than a token, the Democratic Party needs new leadership. A new image. An actual message from a cohesive, palatable platform. Or we will be a land of one-party rule that is hardly trying to disguise their quasi-fascist intentions.
4
I hope that the old adage rings true for the Republicans in the House. "Be careful of what you wish for. You just may get it."
1
Passing this horrible bill seals the fate of many GOP Congress people in 2018. I and many other progressives I know are going to be working hard- outside our own districts, and with our time and dollars- to elect Democrats and get rid of these bums!
2
Preexisting Conditions in the ACHA bill:
AIDS/HIV, acid reflux, acne, ADD, addiction, Alzheimer's/dementia, anemia, aneurysm, angioplasty, anorexia, anxiety, arrhythmia, arthritis, asthma, atrial fibrillation, autism, bariatric surgery, basal cell carcinoma, bipolar disorder, blood clot, breast cancer, bulimia, bypass surgery, celiac disease, cerebral aneurysm, cerebral embolism, cerebral palsy, cerebral thrombosis, cervical cancer, colon cancer, colon polyps, congestive heart failure, COPD, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, DMD, depression, diabetes, disabilities, Down syndrome, eating disorder, enlarged prostate, epilepsy, glaucoma, gout, heart disease, heart murmur, heartburn, hemophilia, hepatitis C, herpes, high cholesterol, hypertension, hysterectomy, kidney disease, kidney stones, kidney transplant, leukemia, lung cancer, lupus, lymphoma, mental health issues, migraines, MS, muscular dystrophy, narcolepsy, nasal polyps, obesity, OCD, organ transplant, osteoporosis, pacemaker, panic disorder, paralysis, paraplegia, Parkinson's disease, pregnancy, restless leg syndrome, schizophrenia, seasonal affective disorder, seizures, sexual assault, sickle cell disease, skin cancer, sleep apnea, sleep disorders, stent, stroke, thyroid issues, tooth disease, tuberculosis, ulcers.
Put me down for sleep disorders, anxiety, and more if the ACHA—or anything like it—passes the Senate.
AIDS/HIV, acid reflux, acne, ADD, addiction, Alzheimer's/dementia, anemia, aneurysm, angioplasty, anorexia, anxiety, arrhythmia, arthritis, asthma, atrial fibrillation, autism, bariatric surgery, basal cell carcinoma, bipolar disorder, blood clot, breast cancer, bulimia, bypass surgery, celiac disease, cerebral aneurysm, cerebral embolism, cerebral palsy, cerebral thrombosis, cervical cancer, colon cancer, colon polyps, congestive heart failure, COPD, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, DMD, depression, diabetes, disabilities, Down syndrome, eating disorder, enlarged prostate, epilepsy, glaucoma, gout, heart disease, heart murmur, heartburn, hemophilia, hepatitis C, herpes, high cholesterol, hypertension, hysterectomy, kidney disease, kidney stones, kidney transplant, leukemia, lung cancer, lupus, lymphoma, mental health issues, migraines, MS, muscular dystrophy, narcolepsy, nasal polyps, obesity, OCD, organ transplant, osteoporosis, pacemaker, panic disorder, paralysis, paraplegia, Parkinson's disease, pregnancy, restless leg syndrome, schizophrenia, seasonal affective disorder, seizures, sexual assault, sickle cell disease, skin cancer, sleep apnea, sleep disorders, stent, stroke, thyroid issues, tooth disease, tuberculosis, ulcers.
Put me down for sleep disorders, anxiety, and more if the ACHA—or anything like it—passes the Senate.
2
Wow...just wow, for a so called Christian country God must be shedding a tear today.
The GOP simply wants to depopulate the poor in the US. If people don't have basic healthcare, they will eventually join the opioid epidemic and disappear. On the flip side, the GOP did this too soon, people could actually feel the pain before the midterms so this could be reversed, but only if the Democrats can remember how to do voter registration drives and real canvasing.
1
Good thing for Trump he dined with Murdoch last night and spoke with Putin a few days ago.
He is going to need their spin machines more than ever.
He is going to need their spin machines more than ever.
3
The video of trump chest bumping ryan was a true sign of the fall of the American empire. Trump has no values and the fact that the"Family Values ' party is falling for his ego driven 12 year old mind, is very scary
4
"G.O.P. Cheers a Big Victory. But Has It Stirred a ’Hornet’s Nest’?"
Well, I certainly hope so!
Well, I certainly hope so!
2
The Democratic Party's response to this bill, should it become law, is to remind us daily that the GOP passed the bill without it being scored by the CBO and in spite of objections raised by the American Medical Association, the American Heart Association, insurance companies and other qualified medical authorities. Passing any legislation without fully examining and understanding its impacts is simply bad public policy for which our electeds must be held accountable. The outrage in AZ CD 2 (where the incumbent Republican won by 165 votes) is palpable. Votes have consequences and we get to exercise ours in 550 days.
5
A change in the House will only happen if the people who are sufficiently outraged by what is happening get involved in a meaningful way between now and next November. This includes,
1) The Democrats/left/progressives burying their differences on Election Day and voting for its tribe, just like the Republicans will vote for theirs.
2) Identifying vulnerable red districts and identifying Democrat candidates who are good "fits" for each particular district, not one who passes some kind of progressive purity test. A candidate defined by the requirements of the 5-10% on the far left is a guaranteed loss in a red district that could potentially swing blue.
3) Present a broad populist message that appeals broadly to the working and middle classes, one that is not perceived as "coastal elitism." (Less emphasis on free tuition and more on worker needs/rights, for example.)
3) Volunteering and working with your local Democratic Party. Particularly if you live in a red district or near one.
1) The Democrats/left/progressives burying their differences on Election Day and voting for its tribe, just like the Republicans will vote for theirs.
2) Identifying vulnerable red districts and identifying Democrat candidates who are good "fits" for each particular district, not one who passes some kind of progressive purity test. A candidate defined by the requirements of the 5-10% on the far left is a guaranteed loss in a red district that could potentially swing blue.
3) Present a broad populist message that appeals broadly to the working and middle classes, one that is not perceived as "coastal elitism." (Less emphasis on free tuition and more on worker needs/rights, for example.)
3) Volunteering and working with your local Democratic Party. Particularly if you live in a red district or near one.
4
I remain hopeful that the Senate will stop this madness. That does nothing to change the fact the Republicans are perfectly willing to contribute to increased sickness and death to line the pockets of the already wealthy. If that is not evil, then the word has lost all meaning.
10
TrumpCare trades coverage for price, so you will get a cheaper policy with a higher deductible and copays or a cheap policy that doesn't cover anything...either way it is only better for people that don't get sick and don't need care. For those that choose not to buy anything you will get a surcharge of 30% for not joining which is a tax but it will be paid to insurance companies...
The ACA could have been fixed if all states expanded Medicaid and a Public Option was implemented based on income for those areas only served by one provider or no providers. The ACA was never broken, just neglected.
The ACA could have been fixed if all states expanded Medicaid and a Public Option was implemented based on income for those areas only served by one provider or no providers. The ACA was never broken, just neglected.
Your analysis presupposes that most Americans are paying attention to the health care debate, have a grasp of the basic relevant facts and issues, and are capable of cogent analysis. Recent electoral results would suggest emphatically that this is not the case.
8
What I do not understand is what have Republicans got against people having health insurance?! Regardless of the elections in 2018, one outcome is certain: More monopoly rents for the big insurance companies in health care.
4
If everyone who loses his or her health care, or has to pay higher premiums, or higher deductibles, votes in 2018 the Republicans are toast. And we're another step closer to a single payer system just like the Australian one our president extolled.
3
RE: "If everyone who loses his or her health care, or has to pay higher premiums, or higher deductibles...." it will be the Democrats fault.
I have absolute 100% faith in the conservative pundits and talk show hosts will find a way absolve themselves of any responsibility and make it a liberal debacle. It's what they do. They are very practiced at it. And the Republican base will believe them. So, if they all vote they are likely to vote much the same as before because they willingly believe.
I have absolute 100% faith in the conservative pundits and talk show hosts will find a way absolve themselves of any responsibility and make it a liberal debacle. It's what they do. They are very practiced at it. And the Republican base will believe them. So, if they all vote they are likely to vote much the same as before because they willingly believe.
1
No doubt Obamacare is seriously broken. This bill is even worse. Though, it has 0 chance of passing, I almost wish it would become law. Ultimately, Obamacare will continue on. Even so, in the end we eventually need to build a new healthcare system that works, works for all of us, and doesn't bankrupt the country. One thing that aggravates me in particular is the employer's current involvement. This needs to be replace with a healthcare payroll tax. Paid by both employee and employer. The actual healthcare plan is controlled by you and is completely outside a company's or church's control. If you change jobs or are laid off, you and your family will continue to have the same healthcare. This also gets rid of that joke, known as COBRA. As for saving on HC costs there are many examples around the world how this can be done. First cut Big Pharma's strangle hold on America and get us on the same leveled playing field as the rest of the planet. For systems to guide us, the French, Swiss and Australian systems appear to be working pretty well. They all hover around 10%-12% of GDP, opposed to our 17%-18%+. That would be huge savings. The only problem is that congress, at least in its recent super partisan state cannot get this done. This falls on us, the American public to get this done. Outside of Congress's and President's control. Think of it as a new amendment. Granted this is a formidable task, Big Money obviously will try to derail it. But what other choice do we have?
1
Thank you House. Now, if we can only get the Senate to do the same. Then, come 2018, and especially 2020, we can once and for all relegate the money party to the ineffectual place where it belongs. I admit several thousands of people are gong to be reduced to absolute poverty, and suffer needlessly, and even die, but I'd like to remind everyone of a basic Republican principle that they live by but will never admit openly and that is that they believe if you haven't somehow miraculously provided for any health problem you have it's your fault and they feel no obligation whatsoever to help you. For that reason you can be assured that no matter what you might see or hear from all the media pundits the Senate will find a way to grind Trump through to success. Let's hope they do. They haven't a clue to how enormous the backlash will be.
1
While we Dems would like to think this is the beginning of the end, we know how weak the Democratic party can be with messaging to the masses. And we know how strong the GOP can be with their evil lies, so I'm not optimistic (yet).
One of the many things that just gets me is the ACA was supposed to be such a big "job killer" according to the GOP. Today the job numbers come in at all time high of employment. What's that all about? Could the ACA have helped with job creation?!
One of the many things that just gets me is the ACA was supposed to be such a big "job killer" according to the GOP. Today the job numbers come in at all time high of employment. What's that all about? Could the ACA have helped with job creation?!
3
Though the bill tends reduces the vast amount of the complex, 20,000 pages of Obamacare, nothing could ever be perfect in this over-regulated ologopoly. It's been a mess since Truman's allowance for tax deductible health insurance for private business and has just got worse and worse and worse.
Here's the upside, as long as innovation continues in genomics, proteomics, CrispR and other technologies, the price of more and more personalized healthcare will begin to drop over the next three decades and the need for all but catastrophic insurance, will disappear...no need for government intrusion.
All the banter now is about positioning for power.
Tom
Here's the upside, as long as innovation continues in genomics, proteomics, CrispR and other technologies, the price of more and more personalized healthcare will begin to drop over the next three decades and the need for all but catastrophic insurance, will disappear...no need for government intrusion.
All the banter now is about positioning for power.
Tom
Recent behavior of the Democratic Party leadership gives me no confidence that they will know how to manage this issue or execute a successful plan. The simple fact: Elections at all levels of our country have become a battle of one group of big money interest vs. another group, and neither of those groups of big money interests feel their objectives are served by the improvement of health care for working Americans. Otherwise, we would have long ago adopted a simple, cost-effective, and humane single payer system. Both parties are simply following the money, and the money leads away from the interests of most working American men and women.
1
Over the years, and as advised by my neurologist when I was finally diagnosed with MS, I have not regularly disclosed my condition to my doctors. As long as I am not receiving medical treatment for the disease, I feel no need to tell doctors of my condition. When I do have symptoms and mention it to a doctor, I ask that the doctor not write it down. Most of the time, they understand and comply. I have lived like this for almost 20 years. I am nervous writing this comment here. How many more people like me are out there?
If we don't provide affordable health care to the most vulnerable, then what is the point of having health care at all? Health care for only the healthy? Really?
If we don't provide affordable health care to the most vulnerable, then what is the point of having health care at all? Health care for only the healthy? Really?
2
The republicans have been the party of "no" for so long they still don't know how to lead. (Ignoring that individuals are elected to lead and not just say no to everything).
This bill is just another political move so that republicans can say the replaced Obamacare, while really just substituting something that has worked for something from the past that hasn't worked. The problem with high risk pools is they rely on annual funding. In the past there has rarely been enough money put into the pools (once the public attention has moved on) to bring premiums to an affordable level. It would have been much simpler to increase the existing subsidy if they felt premiums were too high.
Further evidence are the comments of republicans coming out of the vote saying they knowing the bill will be changed in the senate.
I think we can blame ourselves (55% voter turnout) as much as these guys. Their focus is on reelection not governing.
This bill is just another political move so that republicans can say the replaced Obamacare, while really just substituting something that has worked for something from the past that hasn't worked. The problem with high risk pools is they rely on annual funding. In the past there has rarely been enough money put into the pools (once the public attention has moved on) to bring premiums to an affordable level. It would have been much simpler to increase the existing subsidy if they felt premiums were too high.
Further evidence are the comments of republicans coming out of the vote saying they knowing the bill will be changed in the senate.
I think we can blame ourselves (55% voter turnout) as much as these guys. Their focus is on reelection not governing.
2
This is why the Democratic Party needs to rally behind Single Payer/ Medicare for All. The majority of the people back this now, and if they were better informed the number would grow. Instead Nancy Pelosi and the others are beholden to the Health Care Industry cash, so fight against it.
The Democratic Party needs to stand for something. Resistance is not enough. Right now they stand for Republican lite. The people want progressive policies such as Bernie Sanders is proposing. The Democratic Party is now fighting off Bernie Sanders they most liked senator by far, to maintain their corporate funding.
When the Democratic Establishment gets behind progressive policies such as Medicare for All they will win again. Sadly, it is evident though they would rather have Republicans win rather than propose progressive policies.
2
Under Trump's Administration - Typhoid Mary would be regarded as having a pre-existing condition.
This House bill is ‘repeal’ as were the AHCA and the fifty plus earlier votes from the Republicans. When Ryan, et al, said yesterday they had kept their promise, we all should know promise to whom. It is not to the common good, public health, the standing of this once-great country in the eyes of the developed and developing world, frankly not even to their own personal consciences and integrity. It is to their masters and controllers, their money source, the powerful lobbyists. It isn’t just the Koch network, although it is to that.
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/koch-network-poised-for-new-role...
It also is to the prescription drug industry, extended care industry, and all others who have had their revenue growth slowed by the success in its three short years of Obamacare’s effectiveness. “Bending the cost curve” sounds like gobbledegook. Reducing the prescription drug industry’s and hospital/extended care industry’s revenue growth because Obamacare provides explicitly for wellness counseling, preventive care, drug addiction counseling, is what that gobbledegook phrase really means.
It’s simple. More healthy people equals fewer sick people. Follow the money.
Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/koch-network-poised-for-new-role...
It also is to the prescription drug industry, extended care industry, and all others who have had their revenue growth slowed by the success in its three short years of Obamacare’s effectiveness. “Bending the cost curve” sounds like gobbledegook. Reducing the prescription drug industry’s and hospital/extended care industry’s revenue growth because Obamacare provides explicitly for wellness counseling, preventive care, drug addiction counseling, is what that gobbledegook phrase really means.
It’s simple. More healthy people equals fewer sick people. Follow the money.
2
I think the hornets nest has been jabbed and the hornets are not happy. But that can work for the good possibly. I think both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate will be energized now to deliver a health care bill that will benefit America's citizens and fix the flaws in the ACA. It is not important that the ACA be amended or repealed entirely. If is is replaced entirely the replacement hopefully will address all the issues successfully. The pressure is definitely on the Senate to come up with a bipartisan bill. The House bill is flawed and a messy patchwork of a bill. No one in the House Republican side could overcome ideologies of different factions and vote for something that would benefit Americans. The House should be ashamed of this bill they passed but being ashamed is not in their vocabulary. The Senate may let the ACA stand but I hope they can fix the flaws in it if they chose to let it stand. 2018 is coming.
2
If the Republicans are successful in getting this bill through the Senate, and that is a big if, then one group will be ecstatic, the bankruptcy lawyers. That legal constituency saw a big drop in their client base since the passage of the ACA.
Homeless shelters will probably see a big boom as well. At least the homeless will finally have more say, along with their doctors, about their health care. Oh, that's right, they won't have any. Good job, GOP. Your party truly outdid itself by showing just how much contempt you have for the citizens of our nation.
Homeless shelters will probably see a big boom as well. At least the homeless will finally have more say, along with their doctors, about their health care. Oh, that's right, they won't have any. Good job, GOP. Your party truly outdid itself by showing just how much contempt you have for the citizens of our nation.
1
One can only hope.
The Democrat's experience was not disastrous. Over nearly a year they carefully crafted a law that took care of their special interests. The law was supposed to save taxpayers money while giving free or nearly free care to many people while increasing the costs for the young, healthy, and those in the "middle class". All of that was achieved. Providing insurance for many Democrat voters by using money from Republicans was a huge success.
And what would give Democrats confidence pray tell? The Democratic Party failed to beat Trump who campaigned relentlessly on the repeal that was just done. The party understands that right? What new strategy will break through the ignorance? Because it certainly isn't the same playbook used in 2016.
12
Though still progressive, I no longer feel the Democratic Party is my best possible representative. It has just too many long-established commitments to be open to reform. I do hope many present-day Democratic incumbents will join me in seeking a less impacted and tradition-bound party through which to serve progressive interests. Thus far a new party based on principles of the Bernie Sanders “Revolution” seems the best hope for stopping the disintegration of American Democracy.
3
@ Micheal, And how was the 'repeal' just done. pray tell.
As far as I, a naturalized citizen know, that so-called repeal and replace - with this abomination of a bill - has not even landed on the door steps of the Senate yet, the upper chamber of the legislative branch which by law has to wait for the CBO's score first before even starting to discuss it on the floor of their hallowed hall.
I suggest that you and others take a US citizenship test and see how you score on that.
As far as I, a naturalized citizen know, that so-called repeal and replace - with this abomination of a bill - has not even landed on the door steps of the Senate yet, the upper chamber of the legislative branch which by law has to wait for the CBO's score first before even starting to discuss it on the floor of their hallowed hall.
I suggest that you and others take a US citizenship test and see how you score on that.
2
How twisted of a society we live in where democracy works for the elected officials but fails the people they were elected to serve. The Republicans that voted for this bill are out of touch with society, show a total unconscionable disregard of moral dignity and should not be in office.
The basic right to health care which is a necessity to all should not be treated as a political wrestling match between elected officials to benefit the rich. Many lives will inevitably be affected and where will these individuals to turn to. For those individuals thinking they will not be affected …..think again. Everyone gets sick and it’s just a matter of time before healthy people like you and I are impacted as well. I truly believe the loudest outcry has yet to be heard…..that will come from the voters who put these GOP incompetents in office when they eventually lose their health care.
The GOP photos says it all….they are proud of pulling a fast one with supporters too blind to fathom the truth behind their efforts and the real consequences of their actions. If this bill passes the senate it should be at the top of the list as one of the most despicable acts orchestrated by a congress in the richest country in the world and it sickens me.
The basic right to health care which is a necessity to all should not be treated as a political wrestling match between elected officials to benefit the rich. Many lives will inevitably be affected and where will these individuals to turn to. For those individuals thinking they will not be affected …..think again. Everyone gets sick and it’s just a matter of time before healthy people like you and I are impacted as well. I truly believe the loudest outcry has yet to be heard…..that will come from the voters who put these GOP incompetents in office when they eventually lose their health care.
The GOP photos says it all….they are proud of pulling a fast one with supporters too blind to fathom the truth behind their efforts and the real consequences of their actions. If this bill passes the senate it should be at the top of the list as one of the most despicable acts orchestrated by a congress in the richest country in the world and it sickens me.
397
Congressional Republicans live in the Capitol Echo Chamber into which the rich throw money.
2
I would love to see the house and senate's healthcare be the lowest level of care in each of their states...emergency rooms, closed clinics, doctors who can't handle more patients. Then you'd see action...but until our leaders exhibit a bit of empathy, maturity, the god-given sense she gave a earthworm, nothing will change.
1
"Basic right to health care"--you're confusing us with all the other industrialized countries of the world. In the Republican world, it's a basic right to ACCESS.
Unless, of course, you're in Congress, where you get the best and least expensive health care for life.
Unless, of course, you're in Congress, where you get the best and least expensive health care for life.
"Democrats glimpsed an opportunity to possibly recapture the House majority."
Democrats ought to glimpse something, anything at all. They allow opponents to run unopposed; they abandon their base; they do not understand this populist moment": No more of the same three families from the past fifty years. This is not a monarchy. Or a democracy. Not at the moment. A kakistocracy?
Every Democrat should be behind Bernie's bill—Medicare For All—single payer. They should be on all news shows where they are consistently under-represented, calling for single payer. They need to shout out SINGLE PAYER every minute of the 24-hour cycle. The time is now.
Over two-thirds of the population is in favor of single payer. Why is this a difficult decision for any elected official? What? You say you smell money?
Democrats need to stop taking corporate money. Period. They never manage to rake in as much graft as their opponents. They're paid to lose. We stand at the edge of a generational shift in Congress. Retire gracefully. Maybe get rid of the ridiculous oil subsidies as a parting gesture. Unless you need their money in retirement, or for your relative's campaign.
Learn to message.
Single payer.
Democrats ought to glimpse something, anything at all. They allow opponents to run unopposed; they abandon their base; they do not understand this populist moment": No more of the same three families from the past fifty years. This is not a monarchy. Or a democracy. Not at the moment. A kakistocracy?
Every Democrat should be behind Bernie's bill—Medicare For All—single payer. They should be on all news shows where they are consistently under-represented, calling for single payer. They need to shout out SINGLE PAYER every minute of the 24-hour cycle. The time is now.
Over two-thirds of the population is in favor of single payer. Why is this a difficult decision for any elected official? What? You say you smell money?
Democrats need to stop taking corporate money. Period. They never manage to rake in as much graft as their opponents. They're paid to lose. We stand at the edge of a generational shift in Congress. Retire gracefully. Maybe get rid of the ridiculous oil subsidies as a parting gesture. Unless you need their money in retirement, or for your relative's campaign.
Learn to message.
Single payer.
21
Oh I don't know, Daniel. Rebekah Mercer threw lots into Trump's campaign. Having gone bankrupt so often, he didn't want to spend anything. He owes too much to Russian mob bosses.
And no. :) I don't mean horror stories. I mean drugs and treatment at reasonable prices, I mean taking the burden of health care off the back of business. Do yourself a favor—watch Michael Moore's SICKO. I personally know many Canadians and French people who are happy about their care.
You be well. And take it easier, as my Polish father used to say. You'll give yourself high blood pressure, dear. besos
And no. :) I don't mean horror stories. I mean drugs and treatment at reasonable prices, I mean taking the burden of health care off the back of business. Do yourself a favor—watch Michael Moore's SICKO. I personally know many Canadians and French people who are happy about their care.
You be well. And take it easier, as my Polish father used to say. You'll give yourself high blood pressure, dear. besos
1
My mother is 86 and can no longer care for herself. She pretty much needs 24/7 help that I simply cannot provide. I put her in assisted living two years ago and have exhausted her meager savings to pay for it. Now she is enrolled in Medicaid to cover part of her expenses there. If this is rolled back, she will be both flat broke and out on the street, in the most vulnerable time of her life. I am very afraid.
581
Call your congress people and ask them what will happen in your situation with your mother - demand and get a response. Then write a letter to the editors in your local newspapers and here if you like, with the responses you receive from your elected representatives. They must answer questions about the legislation they voted on and how it affects their constituents. But, if they don't give you a reasoned and direct response to your questions, let others know in your letters to the editor. Believe it or not these legislators are accountable for their actions. BTW, even if they voted against the legislation, it is their job to explain to you what the legislation entails.
Be prepared for a real eye-opener about how little these people know about what they are voting on. I would like to know how they can justify voting on legislation that has not been vetted, analysed and debated - pro or con. If they don't know all there is to know about the legislation they are voting on then they should abstain until they get answers. This is very shoddy governance on potentially a life and death issue. It is beyond shameful - it is criminal wrongdoing!
Be prepared for a real eye-opener about how little these people know about what they are voting on. I would like to know how they can justify voting on legislation that has not been vetted, analysed and debated - pro or con. If they don't know all there is to know about the legislation they are voting on then they should abstain until they get answers. This is very shoddy governance on potentially a life and death issue. It is beyond shameful - it is criminal wrongdoing!
2
Ray. So will many others. And many of us. They don't care. It's your/our fault for not being wealthy.
Ray- Are you willing to give up your "rights" to sue said nursing home for anything and everything in exchange for keeping medicaid costs down?
I've often asked conservative friends to name one program or one piece of legislation ever proposed or enacted by Republicans that was specifically designed to help the average American. They can't do it. Oh they'll cite the EPA created by Nixon but then I remind them the Republicans have been trying to destroy the EPA since its inception. Republicans have told people they intend to destroy Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, EPA, Education, equal rights for all Americans and yet, voters keep sending them back. Well the chickens are coming home to roost. Republicans create nothing, they only destroy and they will destroy this Nation...We are dealing with the Trump Crime Syndicate and it's time to wipe the smirks off their collective faces come 2018. Pitiful, just pitiful...
If I understand the Republican position on Medicaid, states will now have the option/power to determine the allocation of Medicaid funds if this bill or something similar becomes law. However, here in Florida, the Republicans refused to expand Medicaid even though the funding would be provided by the Federal Government...the result -- more than 800,000 seniors and retired military were denied expanded Medicaid coverage even though they would qualify because of their incomes. Florida, by the way, is not the only state where Republicans refused to accept the ACA funds for Medicaid expansion...
. Complain all we want but if people don't get out to vote, this is the result...
If I understand the Republican position on Medicaid, states will now have the option/power to determine the allocation of Medicaid funds if this bill or something similar becomes law. However, here in Florida, the Republicans refused to expand Medicaid even though the funding would be provided by the Federal Government...the result -- more than 800,000 seniors and retired military were denied expanded Medicaid coverage even though they would qualify because of their incomes. Florida, by the way, is not the only state where Republicans refused to accept the ACA funds for Medicaid expansion...
. Complain all we want but if people don't get out to vote, this is the result...
33
Whether the Democrats can capitalize on the passage of this horror show of legislation remains to be seen. The party has been demonstrating an uncanny aptitude for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory since the 2010 mid-terms (at least) and its current status as a failed political institution does not engender hope or confidence. Perhaps the party leadership will recognize the need for immediate structural and systemic change but I'm not betting on it.
15
It's arguable whether we still have government by the people. It's inarguable that we no longer have government for the people.
22
This abomination has a silver lining. It should seal the fate of many of the Republican house members in the mid-term elections. Many ardent Trump supporters I know who have benefitted from the ACA are now scared to death that they will lose coverage.
6
But, will they actually vote their own best interest at the mid term elections, or will they, like they do here in Kansas at every election, fall prey to the attack ads funded by Americans for Prosperity, the Heritage Foundation, et al, and pull that R lever in the voting booth? I'm pretty sure many who are at greatest risk of losing coverage will vote R because, you know, abortion.
I'm disgusted and frankly getting to the point that I don't care what happens to the ignorant masses conned by the Neo Cons in DC.
I'm disgusted and frankly getting to the point that I don't care what happens to the ignorant masses conned by the Neo Cons in DC.
1
Alright, I figured it out.
What we know:
1. Senate will not vote on House Trumpcare bill.
2. Trump has not been "winning" much.
3. Trump's mental state is fragile at best.
4. If Trump doesn't feel like he is winning; he may take action that does not have to be approved by Congress, like bombing countries & starting trade wars.
5. It was Paul Ryan's bill and he needed to make it look like a win too.
Therefore, the only explanation is that this vote was to make Trump feel better and allow the House to move on to tax reform & repealing Dodd/Frank.
Thoughts?
What we know:
1. Senate will not vote on House Trumpcare bill.
2. Trump has not been "winning" much.
3. Trump's mental state is fragile at best.
4. If Trump doesn't feel like he is winning; he may take action that does not have to be approved by Congress, like bombing countries & starting trade wars.
5. It was Paul Ryan's bill and he needed to make it look like a win too.
Therefore, the only explanation is that this vote was to make Trump feel better and allow the House to move on to tax reform & repealing Dodd/Frank.
Thoughts?
10
Many of those affected do not vote. They will not be taken into account.
4
I look forward to reading the CBO analysis of this and to finding out what the Senate will do with this bill as they likely won't pass it in its current form.
I also looking forward to hearing something of substance from the Democrats. While I understand the urge to pander to their base and follow the Republican example of total resistance that seems to have succeeded, the Democrats are going to get nowhere without IDEAS. They have either failed to discuss what should have happened with the ACA or the press has failed to report it. Either way, I'm still waiting for the adult in the room to appear. Wild swings from one side to the other aren't good for anyone and the sooner that the electorate figure that out and stop voting in extreme partisans on both side, the better off we'll all be.
I also looking forward to hearing something of substance from the Democrats. While I understand the urge to pander to their base and follow the Republican example of total resistance that seems to have succeeded, the Democrats are going to get nowhere without IDEAS. They have either failed to discuss what should have happened with the ACA or the press has failed to report it. Either way, I'm still waiting for the adult in the room to appear. Wild swings from one side to the other aren't good for anyone and the sooner that the electorate figure that out and stop voting in extreme partisans on both side, the better off we'll all be.
6
The way the Republican's were celebrating and high-fiving, you'd think we had just passed some kind of landmark legislation, like Universal Healthcare for every citizen in this country, and making it a right to have complete healthcare coverage regardless of what the aliment at no cost.
I'm a little confused by Paul Ryan with his smug smile in the Rose Garden yesterday, by every measure this bill is worse than the previous version that won the approval of only 17% of the people.
It is also confusing to see Paul Ryan speaking during the debate about Affordable Healthcare Act in 2009, that it's irresponsible to vote on a bill that hasn't been scored by the CBO or read by the Congressman to know what they are voting on, well words have a funny way of coming back to haunt you.
This is a shameful act of kowtowing to a President more concerned with trying to claim any legislative win good or bad, even one so blatantly as bad for the people he so promised to help. This bill doesn't improve the Affordable Healthcare Act, it makes it worst at every level and is not supported by the Medical Association, Doctors, healthcare providers and AARP.
So, tell me again........what is there to celebrate?
I'm a little confused by Paul Ryan with his smug smile in the Rose Garden yesterday, by every measure this bill is worse than the previous version that won the approval of only 17% of the people.
It is also confusing to see Paul Ryan speaking during the debate about Affordable Healthcare Act in 2009, that it's irresponsible to vote on a bill that hasn't been scored by the CBO or read by the Congressman to know what they are voting on, well words have a funny way of coming back to haunt you.
This is a shameful act of kowtowing to a President more concerned with trying to claim any legislative win good or bad, even one so blatantly as bad for the people he so promised to help. This bill doesn't improve the Affordable Healthcare Act, it makes it worst at every level and is not supported by the Medical Association, Doctors, healthcare providers and AARP.
So, tell me again........what is there to celebrate?
618
This has nothing to do with the voters and everything to do with their donors! They're celebrating that they were able to screw the American voter and provide tax breaks for their donors in this bill, which now passed in the House, paves the way for tax reform (which again helps their donors and in turn themselves).
Trump lives in a city which subsidizes health care. He benefits in all sorts of ways, including health care for his employees. He tried to take advantage of 9/11 by claiming to have damaged businesses; he didn't have any. NYC is now investigating his suspicious requests for donations to a non-certified "foundation". He is a grifter who just settled 25 million dollars on his Trump U scam. Now he sits in the Oval Office with his predatory family in the West Wing. What could go wrong?
........what is there to celebrate?
Finally getting to dump the hot potato into the Senate's lap?
Finally getting to dump the hot potato into the Senate's lap?
I am a stalwart Democrat and I certainly hope that the GOP pays a huge political price for this one.
But you know what would have been even better? A circumstance where the bill never passed and millions of my fellow American's didn't have to face the terrifying prospect of losing insurance.
So, there is nothing to celebrate and no silver lining. I'd happily trade my fellow Americans' well-being for political gains.
But you know what would have been even better? A circumstance where the bill never passed and millions of my fellow American's didn't have to face the terrifying prospect of losing insurance.
So, there is nothing to celebrate and no silver lining. I'd happily trade my fellow Americans' well-being for political gains.
19
If the Democrats gain control of the House in 2018 they gain the power to investigate Trump which will change completely the dynamics of politics in the country. Everyone in the know, knows that Trump has a ton of baggage and probably skeletons in the closet - enough to take down not only Trump but the Republican Party that thus far has unabashedly colluded with Trump to reward the 1% at the expense of the 99%.
This health care legislation fiasco is pure politics for the Republicans (putting a check in the win column) but it is bad legislation that should be easy for Democrats to decimate and hopefully eliminate before too many people suffer or die. In the coming months there could be hundreds of Jimmy Kimmel type stories that will be hard for Republicans to gain cover.
We are living in a new era of politics and hardball tactics are the norm which is something that Democrats are terrible at - they better learn fast or 2018 will come and go and they will set themselves up to lose in 2020. The 2018 mid-term has never been more important to a party's long term future.
This health care legislation fiasco is pure politics for the Republicans (putting a check in the win column) but it is bad legislation that should be easy for Democrats to decimate and hopefully eliminate before too many people suffer or die. In the coming months there could be hundreds of Jimmy Kimmel type stories that will be hard for Republicans to gain cover.
We are living in a new era of politics and hardball tactics are the norm which is something that Democrats are terrible at - they better learn fast or 2018 will come and go and they will set themselves up to lose in 2020. The 2018 mid-term has never been more important to a party's long term future.
20
Albert Einstein while working on the Theory of Relativity once wrote about how physics had gotten too wrapped up in the micro perspective of nature (couldn't see the forest for the trees)...he said that he chose to take a much broader perspective of nature. He wanted to take a look at the much larger pieces of the puzzle. To do that, he took a big step back to see the big picture.
Instead of getting wrapped up into the letter of the written documents, the laws, the money and the many other micro issues involving the nation's care for its people and take a step back to see a broader picture.
If people are ill, should they be helped whether it be via medical in its various forms or other types of needed help to bring them to a state of proper health?
Or
If people are ill, should they just be left alone to pass through whatever illness to the end result whatever the future holds for those people...you know, death.
It is a question of whether you help others or not.
Instead of getting wrapped up into the letter of the written documents, the laws, the money and the many other micro issues involving the nation's care for its people and take a step back to see a broader picture.
If people are ill, should they be helped whether it be via medical in its various forms or other types of needed help to bring them to a state of proper health?
Or
If people are ill, should they just be left alone to pass through whatever illness to the end result whatever the future holds for those people...you know, death.
It is a question of whether you help others or not.
6
It is a sad fact that one of the least considered aspects of federal health legislation is health. Medical care and medical care insurance are front and center. Democrats want more medical care and Republicans want less medical care. They are locked in this eternal struggle which does nothing to promote good health or the best health possible for individuals and communities. There are people and programs throughout the US that place emphasis upon health so as to avoid illness, disease and disability where ever possible. Medical care is a partner in that effort but it is not the leader nor can it compensate for a society with so many unhealthy habits. Instead of wasting our time and money the politicians should join together to look for the best examples of achieving the best health possible and the ways that might be implemented.
1
Paul Ryan and the congressional Republicans never tire of trying to kill Americans. My cousin will die if this law passes. My brother in law, owner of a small business, will be bankrupt in a matter of months if it becomes law. My entire family have pre-existing conditions and being told that coverage "will be available*" under this bill is like saying "Roll Royce Silver Phantoms are available*"
*caveat being that no one can afford them except the .01% who will get billions in welfare from this bill
I want a reporter to ask the Resident this question:
"What in the structure of this bill makes you think it will improve health care for average Americans?"
He has no idea what is in it because he has not read it. If he did read it, he would not understand it. Paul Ryan knows, and that just makes him evil.
*caveat being that no one can afford them except the .01% who will get billions in welfare from this bill
I want a reporter to ask the Resident this question:
"What in the structure of this bill makes you think it will improve health care for average Americans?"
He has no idea what is in it because he has not read it. If he did read it, he would not understand it. Paul Ryan knows, and that just makes him evil.
21
It is going to take a lot more than just opposition to the Republican health care act to look for wins in the upcoming 2018 elections. While the new ACA is despicable, so was Trump as a candidate. That alone did not stop millions of Americans voting for him.
Hello Democrats! Where are you? What do you stand for? Has anything changed since the disaster of 2016? We know Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schemer and now Hillary are still there but what of the new voices of the party? What I have witnessed is nothing new. Hillary does not help the situation when she speaks about her loss and just blames others. People groan.
Okay, it takes time to re-set. Fine. But the Democrats should be thinking along a
entirely new playbook if they hope for future victories. As opposed to the GOP the Democrats must offer a vision for America that shows how government can uplift all who need jobs, health care and education and security from hunger. Not just programs but why it is appropriate for the government to do so to build strong communities. Democrats must be positive about the future of America where supporting each other is for the good of our town or city no matter where you live.
Hello Democrats! Where are you? What do you stand for? Has anything changed since the disaster of 2016? We know Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schemer and now Hillary are still there but what of the new voices of the party? What I have witnessed is nothing new. Hillary does not help the situation when she speaks about her loss and just blames others. People groan.
Okay, it takes time to re-set. Fine. But the Democrats should be thinking along a
entirely new playbook if they hope for future victories. As opposed to the GOP the Democrats must offer a vision for America that shows how government can uplift all who need jobs, health care and education and security from hunger. Not just programs but why it is appropriate for the government to do so to build strong communities. Democrats must be positive about the future of America where supporting each other is for the good of our town or city no matter where you live.
8
Well said, although Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker and a few others actually do inspire... I agree that Hillary needs to give it a rest.
I agree Elizabeth. Democrats must get all hands on deck supporting a progressive agenda and make it very clear that they are not on the side of the wealthy. They need to be working for votes not campaign contributions. Bernie proved that the money will come in if you support progressive issues. If Democrats want to fire up voters they need a few big wins and they will get that by playing hardball like the Republicans have for the last 30 years. So far there is too much rhetoric of little substance.
Say what you will, the first shovel has been dug in the foundation of a healthcare plan that will ultimately create the best possible system. Trump will not be the architect, the builder, the seller or the consumer, but it will happen because of him; and the common good will be served. Congress, State Governments, Medical Professionals, Tort Attorneys and, yes. each and every person living in this country must use their tools do their fair share. You and I may not like his style but Trump gets things done. Even if he does something outrageous, reckless and unpopular, the issue gets almost universal attention and our revered, unparalleled Constitutional system of checks and balances is activated. Is the resolution process easy? Most certainly not; but at least there is a viable, albeit not perfect, mechanism to address and resolve the problem over time. People have to make an effort understand the mechanism and the process and become a part of it. This is where the media can be of invaluable service by educating and informing the public in terms they can digest. In healthcare, for instance, without Tort Reform any plan will stagnate and wither. Yet, many cognoscenti have already conceded that the legal industry lobbyists will quash any attempt to attack this blatant abuse by selfish lawyers of what appears to be a good thing. Trump put the shovel in the ground it is up to each of us to meet our responsibilities to erect the building we desire.
beneficial
beneficial
So let me get this right - the GOP has run on a platform of repealing Obamacare for 8 years - over which time they have picked up numerous gov't seats, including the Presidency. Now the GOP is making progress towards this promise of repeal and the Dems think that the GOP will now lose seats in the midterm because of this?!
Dems again living in the la-la land of their coastal cities and ignoring whole swaths of the country - hope the Dems are ready for another "surprise".
Dems again living in the la-la land of their coastal cities and ignoring whole swaths of the country - hope the Dems are ready for another "surprise".
57
Talk is cheap. When the ramifications of this become clear you will find out how we all react.....
1
The surprise is your intolerance
1
I hope the GOP voters in the non-coastal center of the country, skewing older and lower income, are ready for a surprise when premiums continue to rise and coverage decreases if this bill goes through as is.
3
Obama-care was the brainchild of a man who was opposed by Republicans more intensely than any other modern President in history. Donald Trump who also hates this man because of his skin color, is not interested in the details of health care policy, he just wants to get rid of a law that bears a political rival's moniker. Not only is Obama-care a fight about health care. But it’s a fight about nearly everything else in American politics.
4
"Obama-care" had its origins in Romneycare and was based on ideas from the Heritage Foundation.
Where was the Democratic party to save its cherished Obamacare? The Democratic leadership did nothing to prevent its collapse; double and triple digit increases, increased deductibles and co-pays with increasingly limited coverage and service option. I remember the lie of "if you like your plan you can keep your plan". Obamacare is a mess, the Democrats know that and refused to admit it or fix it. Kudos to the Republicans for trying something.
2
Trump should have thought before he promised better, cheaper coverage with everyone covered.
I hope and will work toward the GOP losing the House. The reasons are self-evident, but the one near and dear to my heart is gaining the subpoena and investigatory power necessary to fill in articles of impeachment.
28
You guys are all higher than a kite if you think this is going to be some explosive issue in 2018. It was an explosive issue in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016, and Republicans reaped a ton of political benefit by specifically targeting the ACA. In 2008, health care was just a small part of the Democratic platform, and then they sprung a disaster full of lies (if you like your doctor/plan, health care will be affordable, etc.) on the country with zero bipartisanship. Repealing the ACA has been on the Republican platform for nearly a decade, and the House has sent more than 50 clean repeal bills to the Senate over that time period.
So guess what? They just kept their promise! It's just going to be status quo next year, and Democrats don't have a broad enough base to go with the snobs in the far left corner of the spectrum to make that much of a difference. This Democratic plan of essentially hoping all voters are complete imbeciles and will blindly swallow the predictable (and laughable) propaganda without question is going nowhere.
Plus it's not like the Republicans shot down a soaring eagle of a law...they mercifully ended the life of a dying, gasping monstrosity that never should have been passed in the first place.
So guess what? They just kept their promise! It's just going to be status quo next year, and Democrats don't have a broad enough base to go with the snobs in the far left corner of the spectrum to make that much of a difference. This Democratic plan of essentially hoping all voters are complete imbeciles and will blindly swallow the predictable (and laughable) propaganda without question is going nowhere.
Plus it's not like the Republicans shot down a soaring eagle of a law...they mercifully ended the life of a dying, gasping monstrosity that never should have been passed in the first place.
1
It was a right wing plan put into law by a corrupt corporate Democrat majority and a coward President.
Single payer is coming .
Single payer is coming .
Sorry, providing health care to seniors, disabled and the dis-advantaged, removing the pre-existing exclusion is not a dying, gasping monstrosity. It is those disgraceful, greedy, selfish Republican congressmen that have now severely reduced Medicaid and proposed cuts of pre-existing conditions. What you didn't mention is that the main cause of contention for this bill was the super selfish greedy rich were asked to contribute more in taxes. Why not, they're the ones benefiting the most. This bill eliminates these taxes, the main reason of all this hub-bub over the bill. These Republican congressman who voted for this disaster of what is called a bill are the monsters and will be gasping their final breaths come this next election if not before through a recall vote.
You are very wrong.
I watched on CNN yesterday an interview of a New York Congressman who was positively in love with the Trump Healthcare Bill. He almost had me believing that it was the best thing ever. It's amazing how what came out of his mouth and what was in the bill differed. No one would lose healthcare, no pre-existing condition denials, etc. Unbelievable.
7
Too bad the mainstream media will not even utter the words "single payer" because it's not even on the congress-creatures radar of options... although it's proven to be the best system for many other countries. We need to clean house and get some people in there with common sense and the ability to explain it to the people plain and clear.
7
I thought Christian Republicans prided themselves on being fiscally responsible.
Yet they smugly stood at the podium when announcing they passed a sadistically cruel healthcare plan, without even knowing what it will cost.
President "I don't stand by anything" Trump needs to share his motto.
Yet they smugly stood at the podium when announcing they passed a sadistically cruel healthcare plan, without even knowing what it will cost.
President "I don't stand by anything" Trump needs to share his motto.
6
Republican congressional representatives were willing to take coverage away from 24 million low income people and to put tens of millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions at risk of not being able to afford coverage - all so the top 1% could get an average tax cut of $37,000 per year. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/15/us/politics/obamacare-repeal-tax-cuts...
In 2014 the top 1% earned $1,260,508 per year. 90% of Americans earned only $33,068 per year. So, the tax break to the top 1% is greater than the annual income of 90% of Americans.
From 1975-2011 the after tax income income of the top 1% had increased 200%. Clearly the top 1% were having no problem absorbing the 4.7% of extra taxes to help support Obamacare (with deductions, etc. it was only a 2% tax increase). But that was too much for their congressional representatives, who obviously thought the poor and middle class could make do with less
From 1979-2011 low income (bottom 20%) and the middle class (21%-80% of income distribution) saw their after tax incomes increase less than 50%, and their real (inflation adjusted) incomes decreased. Nonetheless, Republican congressional representatives took $881 billion in health care benefits away from the poor and will make tens of millions of seniors and the middle class with pre-existing conditions pay much higher premiums or go without coverage http://inequality.org/income-inequality/
That's fair!
Well, maybe they will get justice at the polls in 2018
In 2014 the top 1% earned $1,260,508 per year. 90% of Americans earned only $33,068 per year. So, the tax break to the top 1% is greater than the annual income of 90% of Americans.
From 1975-2011 the after tax income income of the top 1% had increased 200%. Clearly the top 1% were having no problem absorbing the 4.7% of extra taxes to help support Obamacare (with deductions, etc. it was only a 2% tax increase). But that was too much for their congressional representatives, who obviously thought the poor and middle class could make do with less
From 1979-2011 low income (bottom 20%) and the middle class (21%-80% of income distribution) saw their after tax incomes increase less than 50%, and their real (inflation adjusted) incomes decreased. Nonetheless, Republican congressional representatives took $881 billion in health care benefits away from the poor and will make tens of millions of seniors and the middle class with pre-existing conditions pay much higher premiums or go without coverage http://inequality.org/income-inequality/
That's fair!
Well, maybe they will get justice at the polls in 2018
4
The Democrats and leftist liberals must hope and pray that the Republican House has stirred a hornets nest. Of course they thought Hillary would win the election.
Our election system is rigged to favor Republican wins, therefore, Democrats will not control the House after the 2018 election.
It's called gerrymandering. In 2011 Republicans in my state and many others drew Congressional district lines in a way that packed Democrats into as few Congressional districts as possible and gave Republicans an edge in as many districts as possible.
Congressional elections in gerrymandered states are decided in the primaries, not the general election. The hyper-partisans who vote in primaries elect representatives who promise them what they want to hear and will vote out any candidate who deviates from these promises. The result is uncompromising dolts on both sides of the aisle.
Nothing changes in 2018.
It's called gerrymandering. In 2011 Republicans in my state and many others drew Congressional district lines in a way that packed Democrats into as few Congressional districts as possible and gave Republicans an edge in as many districts as possible.
Congressional elections in gerrymandered states are decided in the primaries, not the general election. The hyper-partisans who vote in primaries elect representatives who promise them what they want to hear and will vote out any candidate who deviates from these promises. The result is uncompromising dolts on both sides of the aisle.
Nothing changes in 2018.
Gerrymandering assumes constituents will vote as they have in the past. While that usually is the case, it's not a guarantee.
Does anyone see - or care - that all of this political bickering on both sides of the political aisle does little for the American people? How do we benefit from our elected 'leaders' when all that they do is take a stance against each other - even on good ideas - and gloat over the failures of the other side? I don't think our democracy works at all, despite all the high school textbooks claiming it does.
2
Democracy needs a well-educated or at least an educated populace. Without citizens who are knowledgeable, who vote for their own and their nation's best interest, we get what we got in November. Also, don't forget that approximately 92 million Americans who are eligible to vote choose not to! What a difference their votes would have made!