***You just don't want to post my reasonable comments, do you? Any special reason why?***
Sometimes I like to think that the 'gods that be' made Hillary Clinton the sacrificial lamb so that hopefully the American public will begin to see what they have done by voting the present crop of GOPs in office.
These folks have divided this country into pieces using race and money as a barrier to keep people from talking to each other without yelling.
It is my hope that the people will note that unlike one average joe blow panelist on Face The Nation that a TV personality does not a president of this country make, no matter how he makes people 'feel'.
These folks have divided this country into pieces using race and money as a barrier to keep people from talking to each other without yelling.
It is my hope that the people will note that unlike one average joe blow panelist on Face The Nation that a TV personality does not a president of this country make, no matter how he makes people 'feel'.
Republicans and Democrats alike don't get the real problem. Neither Trump's or Obama's health care plan was, or is, worth the paper it is printed on...if you have money or work for a decent company you have pretty good healthcare. If all of your money is tied up in barely getting by then you are screwed. The ACA coverage for the people without disposable income was a complete and utter joke and the Trump plan is no better!
4
The Red Queen leads us down, down, down, the rabbit hole.
4
You said it, Mr. Blow. The gathering in the Rose Garden is obscene, a leering slavering death squadron, tantamount to a Biblical plague. The media must remind Americans that these devil's disciples have the Cadillac healthcare plan awarded members of Congress.
May they be chained to a rock like Prometheus and their livers devoured by eagles, only to have their livers nightly regenerated (free of charge by their healthcare plan) before the eagle return to feast east day.
May they be chained to a rock like Prometheus and their livers devoured by eagles, only to have their livers nightly regenerated (free of charge by their healthcare plan) before the eagle return to feast east day.
17
I guess it is back to seeing jars at the local convenience stores asking people to donate money for someone's very expensive medical treatment !
This is America and we have to solicit quarters, dimes and nickels to help desperate sick people defray their medical costs, while only putting a dent in their huge bills.
I guess the Republicans don't see these jars, as long as they have a golden health care package!
When will all the poor, hardworking people wake up to what the people they voted for are doing to them and their families?
This is America and we have to solicit quarters, dimes and nickels to help desperate sick people defray their medical costs, while only putting a dent in their huge bills.
I guess the Republicans don't see these jars, as long as they have a golden health care package!
When will all the poor, hardworking people wake up to what the people they voted for are doing to them and their families?
8
Many will disagree with me but this Entire gambit and much of their intransigence during the Obama administration has been a huge dog whistle.
This is what many Trump supporters say Charles:
"Well yeah I'm going to lose it but other people are going to lose it too"
So basically the 'undeserving' - a highly SUBJECTIVE and most likely racially tinged 'assessment' in the minds of these folks - get 'stuff' taken from them at the end of the day!
Wow!
These freedom caucus members are bouyed by racist angst amongst their constituents frankly. These constituents feel that if all these 'brown skinned' folks are getting something out of it then it must be bad and that 'somehow' they are getting fleeced to benefit these undeserving masses.
Let's cut the niceties out folks
Barack Obama's name in whole or part on anything invites a visceral negative response from these voters which doesn't make sense when you look at the fact
Many liked the ACA - which is why there is such fury - but we're adamant about getting rid of (the GOP derive coinage) 'Obamacare'.
What does that tell you folks??
Their entire bent is destroy Barack Obama's legacy due a personal intense dislike Trump has for the man which is couched in his own racism coupled the the long-time racism of the GOP.
This is what many Trump supporters say Charles:
"Well yeah I'm going to lose it but other people are going to lose it too"
So basically the 'undeserving' - a highly SUBJECTIVE and most likely racially tinged 'assessment' in the minds of these folks - get 'stuff' taken from them at the end of the day!
Wow!
These freedom caucus members are bouyed by racist angst amongst their constituents frankly. These constituents feel that if all these 'brown skinned' folks are getting something out of it then it must be bad and that 'somehow' they are getting fleeced to benefit these undeserving masses.
Let's cut the niceties out folks
Barack Obama's name in whole or part on anything invites a visceral negative response from these voters which doesn't make sense when you look at the fact
Many liked the ACA - which is why there is such fury - but we're adamant about getting rid of (the GOP derive coinage) 'Obamacare'.
What does that tell you folks??
Their entire bent is destroy Barack Obama's legacy due a personal intense dislike Trump has for the man which is couched in his own racism coupled the the long-time racism of the GOP.
18
Ready, aim, fire them all...Repair/replace with a national single payer system!
21
I wish I could agree with your prediction that Republicans will have to pay a political price for supporting this cruel travesty. We have seen time and time again that the better argument has no chance when it is pitted against a preconceived truth. Logic and reason have no place when one is asking voters to take a position that doesn't conform to their certainty, no matter how outrageous it proves to be.
13
The democratic party is full of dinosaurs who are just as partisan as members of the GOP. If they fight the GOP on these policies they will inevitably be to blame when these policies fail -- the GOP can spin any republican made disaster into a Democratic screwup in the eyes of their base.
What the DEMS actually should do is walk away. Let Trump and the Repubs do everything they want --- claim to do it in the interest of unity while going on record as saying that each and every policy will turn out bad.
Then when it all finally does turn out bad the GOP base will have no choice but to blame their chosen leaders.
What the DEMS actually should do is walk away. Let Trump and the Repubs do everything they want --- claim to do it in the interest of unity while going on record as saying that each and every policy will turn out bad.
Then when it all finally does turn out bad the GOP base will have no choice but to blame their chosen leaders.
3
I'm not so sure of that. I think that they will use some contorted "logic" to prove that whatever they do is all Obama's fault.
7
Trump's base gets its "news" from Fox and other right-wing propaganda outlets. Take a few minutes and turn on Fox for a few minutes. Hannity would be a good choice to see how Fox operates. Tonight, he led with a story of what he called the biggest scandal in the country's history. He referred to the "shocking news" from the hearing today that was supposed to be about the Russian interference in the presidential election. Except he said the "shocking news" was James Clapper's "admission" that he had unmasked the names of Americans when he was the Director of Intelligence in the Obama administration. Hannity he then told his viewers that President Obama used the intelligence agencies to politically attack Trump during the campaign. The actual subject of the hearing was not mentioned in the beginning part Hannity's show I watched before I had to turn it off. Trump's base has no idea what is really going on, and until they do, they will stick with him no matter what he does.
21
We do have a Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and other Constitutional protections for private citizens but I am sure you are aware of that and Hannity's outrage is much ado about nothing.
1
Agree w your assumption.
During the campaigns and currently I switch between , MSNBC , Fox , CNN , HLN, PBS, and all the c span channels thru out my news day.
Fox gives an altered facts focus and twist to the truth. I don't how real journalists can work there.
All about the money I guess.
Hannity isn't not and never was a REAL journalist.
He has gotten more extreme as time goes by to support the trump machine no matter truth!
Trump supporters are a lost cause.
During the campaigns and currently I switch between , MSNBC , Fox , CNN , HLN, PBS, and all the c span channels thru out my news day.
Fox gives an altered facts focus and twist to the truth. I don't how real journalists can work there.
All about the money I guess.
Hannity isn't not and never was a REAL journalist.
He has gotten more extreme as time goes by to support the trump machine no matter truth!
Trump supporters are a lost cause.
Further proof, if any were needed, that the GOP — and current "administration" — are a collection of sociopaths, misanthropes and sadists.
The question was asked by a truly great American more than six decades ago, "Have you no sense of decency sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?" (Joseph N. Welch to Senator Joseph R. McCarthy, June 9, 1954, the 30th day of the Army–McCarthy hearings.)
Now, as then, the answer to that question for virtually every Republican office holder across the land is a resounding and unequivocal NO.
The question was asked by a truly great American more than six decades ago, "Have you no sense of decency sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?" (Joseph N. Welch to Senator Joseph R. McCarthy, June 9, 1954, the 30th day of the Army–McCarthy hearings.)
Now, as then, the answer to that question for virtually every Republican office holder across the land is a resounding and unequivocal NO.
10
The Republicans will mostly be re-elected. Why? Because their voters are being targeted literally individually with lies tailored specifically to them, primarily via Facebook. There was a detailed article about this in today's Guardian newspaper. These tools were developed for overseas warfare - to help the CIA topple regimes through "hearts and minds" covert ops. These tactics are being used by Republicans to great success. Democrats are clueless, still talking about policy. That's what elections should be about, but clearly, this is a war and Dems got rocks and Repubs got nukes.
13
I've never understood why it wouldn't be in the best interest of businesses to have a single-payor system. Wouldn't the burden be lifted from employers? Could someone please explain that to me?
10
I thought that the man who lives in the White House was the nastiest human being to step into that honored space for all time. I was wrong. The House Republicans, who shamed the Rose Garden to celebrate a potential bill, have trumped their Trump. They have pimped out a big fat tax cut for the wealthy, while incoherently hammering away at its "benefits" for all.
Trump seems to be incapable of truth or core values.
Now these hubris-laden men use the methods of this incompetent man.
Who is more evil? Beats me.
Trump seems to be incapable of truth or core values.
Now these hubris-laden men use the methods of this incompetent man.
Who is more evil? Beats me.
20
As Democrats, women and Republican moderates are locked out of the Senate healthcare strategizing, please call for some alternate numbers on the financial impact of single payer. CBO: Is it 5% on our taxes...10%?
In speaking with Trump voters, I often ask: Would you sleep better if you knew 1.) You would never go bankrupt from an illness, and 2.) Your children were guaranteed a college education? They always agree, so let's see some numbers.
In speaking with Trump voters, I often ask: Would you sleep better if you knew 1.) You would never go bankrupt from an illness, and 2.) Your children were guaranteed a college education? They always agree, so let's see some numbers.
13
U.S. voter turnout in presidential elections: 50-60%. In off-year elections: under 40%.
We can rant and rave all we want about threats to healthcare, environmental protections, public education, reproductive choice, and the safety net, but the inescapable fact is that most Americans literally do not care.
We can rant and rave all we want about threats to healthcare, environmental protections, public education, reproductive choice, and the safety net, but the inescapable fact is that most Americans literally do not care.
8
And the sad thing is, a lot of Red State voters will still believe Ryan, Trump, and company.
A lot of the Red State voters really believe that it's wrong for the government to do anything for anybody, except maybe for police and fire. It's almost a religious conviction; at least it was when I lived in Indiana, the home of Mike Pence, the John Birch society, and the (fictional) Frank Burns from MASH. If people die because they need medical care and can't afford it, well, that's too bad; but we can't compromise the principle of minimal government, even to save lives. Let the needy apply for private charity, not ask for tax money that's forced out of honest citizens by the Government. And, while we're at it, let the needy eat cake, too.
I am not trying to be funny, and I am NOT making this up.
A lot of the Red State voters really believe that it's wrong for the government to do anything for anybody, except maybe for police and fire. It's almost a religious conviction; at least it was when I lived in Indiana, the home of Mike Pence, the John Birch society, and the (fictional) Frank Burns from MASH. If people die because they need medical care and can't afford it, well, that's too bad; but we can't compromise the principle of minimal government, even to save lives. Let the needy apply for private charity, not ask for tax money that's forced out of honest citizens by the Government. And, while we're at it, let the needy eat cake, too.
I am not trying to be funny, and I am NOT making this up.
13
Pay-it-forward only works if greed is not an issue, which is unlikely especially in this country, or if you remove the contention altogether, like we do with Social Security (nobody complains about having to contribute to it.)
So, how do you do that? Single-payer, government-funded universal healthcare that's managed like a service, not like an industry. Small, less wealthy countries like Costa Rica have figured that out. We're too greedy and too stupid to even consider it.
So, how do you do that? Single-payer, government-funded universal healthcare that's managed like a service, not like an industry. Small, less wealthy countries like Costa Rica have figured that out. We're too greedy and too stupid to even consider it.
7
Thank you for another great piece, Mr. Blow. I always look forward to your articles. I really hope the American people wake up and go to the polls in 2018 and 2020 and vote these Republicans out. And I hope the media do their job by continuing to inform people as to what is at stake here with their healthcare.
3
One reason that it is very unlikely that the Republicans would face the same fate as did Democrats: many people who oppose Obamacare don't actually know what it is. Many think it is some sort of giveaway program for people who don't work. By expanding Medicaid as part of the effort, this impression was allowed to grow cancer like and take over public opinion in many minds.
There are even multiple stories of people whose lives have been improved, perhaps saved, by insurance obtained through Obamacare who nonetheless go right ahead and vote for those who say they want to end it. Workers assigned to getting people enrolled in Kentucky, by some reports, resorted to l lying, telling people, yes, you can get health insurance but, no, its not Obamacare.
The Republicans are about five light years ahead of the Democrats on propaganda. There is no guarantee that people who cheer ripping the heart out of Obamacare now will associate it with losing health insurance later. In fact, the Republicans will try to convince them that any loss is the fault of the original bill.
Consider, too: programs like Social Security and Medicare for the elderly are universal programs. Everyone, rich and poor, gets them. In this sense, they are not like welfare programs, they are not targeted benefits. Medicaid, however, is a targeted program and many of the working near poor resent others getting a free ride. Will those directly harmed rise up or even vote? Remains to be seen.
There are even multiple stories of people whose lives have been improved, perhaps saved, by insurance obtained through Obamacare who nonetheless go right ahead and vote for those who say they want to end it. Workers assigned to getting people enrolled in Kentucky, by some reports, resorted to l lying, telling people, yes, you can get health insurance but, no, its not Obamacare.
The Republicans are about five light years ahead of the Democrats on propaganda. There is no guarantee that people who cheer ripping the heart out of Obamacare now will associate it with losing health insurance later. In fact, the Republicans will try to convince them that any loss is the fault of the original bill.
Consider, too: programs like Social Security and Medicare for the elderly are universal programs. Everyone, rich and poor, gets them. In this sense, they are not like welfare programs, they are not targeted benefits. Medicaid, however, is a targeted program and many of the working near poor resent others getting a free ride. Will those directly harmed rise up or even vote? Remains to be seen.
18
There will be no fix, even if we keep the ACA. The elephant in the room is "cost containment," and nobody (except maybe one or two Democrats) from either party dares utter that phrase.
We got the government that we deserve, sorry to say. And I don't just mean the current regime.
We got the government that we deserve, sorry to say. And I don't just mean the current regime.
3
"Let’s cut to the quick: Access to affordable health care keeps people alive and healthy and keeps families solvent. Take that away, and people get sick, run up enormous, crippling debt and in the worst cases, die. It is really that simple."
Even simpler: everyone dies. It's good to keep that in mind, not just for the worst cases but actually, for everyone.
The question for our society is really whether, after a life of relative luxury, benefits that come from the control and limitation of other people's incomes, an obscene influence over our "democratic" system with their money, and the use of a disproportional amount of our resources for their pleasure, the wealthy, in their sickness and old age, deserve to be cared for in a different way than those who fill the potholes on our streets or teach our children English. Yes, everyone dies. Not everyone dies without a medical care, nor should they.
Even simpler: everyone dies. It's good to keep that in mind, not just for the worst cases but actually, for everyone.
The question for our society is really whether, after a life of relative luxury, benefits that come from the control and limitation of other people's incomes, an obscene influence over our "democratic" system with their money, and the use of a disproportional amount of our resources for their pleasure, the wealthy, in their sickness and old age, deserve to be cared for in a different way than those who fill the potholes on our streets or teach our children English. Yes, everyone dies. Not everyone dies without a medical care, nor should they.
4
"The A.C.A. had made a basic societal deal: The young, healthy and rich would subsidize access to insurance for the older, sicker and poorer."
Given that Obamacare was passed exclusively with Democratic vote, the societal deal sounds like the sound of one hand clapping.
Given that Obamacare was passed exclusively with Democratic vote, the societal deal sounds like the sound of one hand clapping.
4
"The A.C.A. had made a basic societal deal: The young, healthy and rich would subsidize access to insurance for the older, sicker and poorer."
That is only part of the "deal" the young, healthy and rich make -- they also receive medical coverage should they become older, less healthy and/or less wealthy.
That is only part of the "deal" the young, healthy and rich make -- they also receive medical coverage should they become older, less healthy and/or less wealthy.
13
Dann: Of course, you're right. The Ryan view of insurance is that the lucky are forced to pay for the unlucky, and that isn't fair. The actual bargain is that everyone pays a small certain loss to avoid a large unlikely loss.
The way healthcare differs from this standard insurance bargain is that those who already are unlucky to a degree (a known increased risk such as bad genes or a heart defect) are allowed to join the pool for the same small loss as others, even though we know they have more likelihood of disaster.
The basis for this approach is not insurance but compassion, a notable lack among the religious right.
The way healthcare differs from this standard insurance bargain is that those who already are unlucky to a degree (a known increased risk such as bad genes or a heart defect) are allowed to join the pool for the same small loss as others, even though we know they have more likelihood of disaster.
The basis for this approach is not insurance but compassion, a notable lack among the religious right.
7
I'm American R.N. who worked in the NHS in England and the universal coverage version in Australia. These systems deliver excellent, state-of-the art healthcare, and no one worries about becoming bankrupt if they become ill in those countries. I'm scared to death of getting sick in the USA. I wish I'd never returned.
21
Then why do you stay?
3
This healthcare bill probably won't change a thing in congress. Gerrymandering ensures that the same venal, incompetent hacks will be re-elected in perpetuity. As an extra added protection for wealth Americans have been trained to vote for candidates that enact laws that benefit the rich. It's remarkable to witness how effective this has been. The red scare of the fifties effectively neutralized socialism in America and Reagan made capitalists our friends and benefactors. Americans have been tamed. The labour movement has been gutted, stuffed and hung up for display in the trophy room of plutocracy. Blue collar people vote for "right to work" candidates as wages stagnate or decline.
The extent of the brainwashing is evidenced by the fact that no one except senator Sanders talks about the most logical and cost effective fix for health care - goverment funded single payer.
American politics has painted itself into a corner where the only solutions to problems that are considered acceptable for consideration are those which make money for wealthy people. Any attempt to thwart that flow of money upward is effectively squashed.
The extent of the brainwashing is evidenced by the fact that no one except senator Sanders talks about the most logical and cost effective fix for health care - goverment funded single payer.
American politics has painted itself into a corner where the only solutions to problems that are considered acceptable for consideration are those which make money for wealthy people. Any attempt to thwart that flow of money upward is effectively squashed.
11
I have yet to see--from any side in this debate--a simple chart that lists the support, lack of support, or outright subversion of the ACA from the 50 state governments, and then correlates this with the severity of problems in that state (high premiums, high deductibles, abandonment by insurers, etc).
I have a sneaking suspicion that the correlation is very high. The more a state (like California) supported the ACA the more successful it has been in that state; the more the state has ignored or even subverted it, the more problems there are.
I have a sneaking suspicion that the correlation is very high. The more a state (like California) supported the ACA the more successful it has been in that state; the more the state has ignored or even subverted it, the more problems there are.
9
U don't see correlations because of course you r right.
The idiots deed would not support their greedy vote.
I am a registered nurse!!!
Universal health care for all and insurance companies step aside.
The idiots deed would not support their greedy vote.
I am a registered nurse!!!
Universal health care for all and insurance companies step aside.
The truth is that you may never use your house insurance or your car insurance, but EVERYBODY WILL INEVITABLY HAVE TO USE his health insurance. People who are young and healthy will become old and sickly.....so insurance works because people who don't have to use their insurance pay for those who do, just in case they eventually have to use that insurance, and believe me, they will.
8
The young see insurance as something they can join via text from the back of the ambulance; it is a waste of money until then. And why shouldn't they? They've been encouraged by the structure of this and by the insistence on "no pre-existing conditions" although by now everyone should have some sort of insurance so there should be no pre-existing conditions to worry about.
2
I don't know Wisconsin well, but I believe it's correct that quite a few medical device makers and insurers are located in the state.
So, it seems like Mr. Ryan is achieving a trifecta with this bill: tax cut for the wealthy, undo Obamas legacy, encourage private profiteering from people's ill health.
So, it seems like Mr. Ryan is achieving a trifecta with this bill: tax cut for the wealthy, undo Obamas legacy, encourage private profiteering from people's ill health.
4
The US healthcare system is terminally broken. The causes of this are legion but mostly represent greed. The Republican's decision to rob the poor to pay the rich is just the latest rendition of this. Despite all the wailing and gnashing of teeth, there will be no fix for the system.
There has to be a melt down and with that many bankruptcies. With just a little bit of luck, Medicare for all will rise from the ashes.
There has to be a melt down and with that many bankruptcies. With just a little bit of luck, Medicare for all will rise from the ashes.
3
You can always leave this terrible country
1
More seriously, I learn that my provincial government may be guilty of serious but localized corruption - hopefully that will be addressed in tomorrow's election.
Finally, I note in breaking news that our prime minister, Justin Trudeau, wears Star Wars socks.
How many people, I wonder, would feel secure and grateful - as I do - that these are the three major stories of the week about Canada...
Finally, I note in breaking news that our prime minister, Justin Trudeau, wears Star Wars socks.
How many people, I wonder, would feel secure and grateful - as I do - that these are the three major stories of the week about Canada...
5
Wish my Italian ancestors went farther north.
Let's start with a few facts. First every aspect of US health care is government subsidized, from medical/nursing education, to hospitals, to medical research. All of it. Many, many individuals are profiting on the fruits of those subsidies. Second America is the only developed country in the world where medicine is a business. This is the result of the post-war hospitals and doctors vehemently lobbying Congress to not nationalize the health care industry, like every other civilized country on the planet.
To think that a US citizen doesn't "deserve" health care is equivalent to saying that he doesn't "deserve" a fire department or a national defense. It's absurd on the face of it. And for folks like Rand Paul - a physician - and Dr. Thomas Price (did these guys even read the Hippocratic Oath?) to suggest that any citizen in the US doesn't deserve the best health care available is not only illogical but un-American.
And let's stop the lie that you can "make America great" and not provide health care for all - because that's what great nations do. They take care of all of their citizens, not just the rich ones.
To think that a US citizen doesn't "deserve" health care is equivalent to saying that he doesn't "deserve" a fire department or a national defense. It's absurd on the face of it. And for folks like Rand Paul - a physician - and Dr. Thomas Price (did these guys even read the Hippocratic Oath?) to suggest that any citizen in the US doesn't deserve the best health care available is not only illogical but un-American.
And let's stop the lie that you can "make America great" and not provide health care for all - because that's what great nations do. They take care of all of their citizens, not just the rich ones.
14
More money for billionaires in tax cuts - $1 trillion through repealing ACA and perhaps $5 trillion in tax "reform." More avoidable deaths and untreated illness for the poor, the old, and the sick. It's difficult to believe that the American people, no matter how divided by politics, will accept these outcomes of the 2016 election.
8
I always enjoy reading Charles Blow's opinion columns. I find I agree with him almost without exception. But he, like so many in the media, seems to miss the fact that the American electorate has a very short memory span and, if as is widely expected, the Senate kills this abomination of a "health care" bill, then the House GOP members are fairly safe come midterms. The ACA ("Obamacare") could very likely still be in place and all those oblivious GOP voters will simply send their Republican back to Congress because they are happy with the status quo.
3
"I find I agree with him almost without exception."
Mr. Kuhn, did you agree with him on his campaign to defeat Bernie Sanders and accusations of white Democrats to be "Berniesplaining"? That votes in states Hillary had no chance to win in November should weigh more heavily than the warning signs in Michigan, where Sanders won? What were the consequences of beating the only person with the capacity to defeat Donald Trump?
Mr. Kuhn, did you agree with him on his campaign to defeat Bernie Sanders and accusations of white Democrats to be "Berniesplaining"? That votes in states Hillary had no chance to win in November should weigh more heavily than the warning signs in Michigan, where Sanders won? What were the consequences of beating the only person with the capacity to defeat Donald Trump?
I love reading charles blow because I almost always disagree with him
1
Where is the political arm of the AMA, the AARP and other medical providers and users? They need to save themselves as much as we need to save our loved ones. The media coverage is remaining weak, and, if so, the sheep in this photograph will prevail. We need doctors and nurses to run for office. We need youth who see the greater good for our society to run for office. Every breath Americans take between now and 2018, who are healthy, needs to be used for calling every citizen, in every town, in the United States and alert them to the imminent wrong turn on our sick, our poor, our disabled, and our elderly. This is economic, targeted, legislated terror on a scale we have never seen in our lives. The uber-wealthy need to starting running for their lives...the barricades are tumbling down...and resistance will be as fierce as a raging cancer; ceaseless.
5
Unfortunately, the Democrats have their own death wish. Sanctuary Cities. Ask Comey. I believe it is the most divisive issue of our time, the ultimate recipe for corruption. And for what? Some higher principle?
However, the GOP Health Care Debacle will give it a run for its money. No principle involved here, at all.
However, the GOP Health Care Debacle will give it a run for its money. No principle involved here, at all.
2
The Republican party is supposed to be all about money and economics, yet they fail to comprehend how much economic damage our fractured and inadequate system of health insurance does. We'll ignore for the moment the percentage that becomes profit, and so does not provide care. We'll ignore the administrative bloat our complex, fractured system requires. Those who get campaign contributions from healthcare and pharma companies might not see that as a negative.
But what about the middle-aged Americans kicked out of the labor market or relegated to part-time contract work because they're too expensive to insure? That's a lot of lost productivity. What about the workdays lost to illness, which could have been prevented? And do they not realize that our current "system," in which one really serious illness can result in bankruptcy, quietly discourages ownership and investment. After all, why buy a house or amass savings if it may all be taken from you should you fall sick? If you must be indigent to get Medicaid, and the alternative is working like a dog to pay premiums, copays and deductibles that leave you indigent anyway, what incentive is there to work harder? If you have no children to care for you in your elder years and can't save hundreds of thousands to pay for care, why save? By rendering the future so financially precarious for so many, do the Republican policies not encourage the very nihilism that drags the economy down?
But what about the middle-aged Americans kicked out of the labor market or relegated to part-time contract work because they're too expensive to insure? That's a lot of lost productivity. What about the workdays lost to illness, which could have been prevented? And do they not realize that our current "system," in which one really serious illness can result in bankruptcy, quietly discourages ownership and investment. After all, why buy a house or amass savings if it may all be taken from you should you fall sick? If you must be indigent to get Medicaid, and the alternative is working like a dog to pay premiums, copays and deductibles that leave you indigent anyway, what incentive is there to work harder? If you have no children to care for you in your elder years and can't save hundreds of thousands to pay for care, why save? By rendering the future so financially precarious for so many, do the Republican policies not encourage the very nihilism that drags the economy down?
6
These are the points we should drive home to our Republican senators.
1
THIS SO-CALLED HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUIRED, OBLIGATED, AND BEING PAID TO DO WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF ALL AMERICANS,
TO HAVE COMPASSION, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND AMERICAN VALUES. THEY HAVE DEMONSTRATED A MORAL REPUGNANT ACTION, LACK OF HONESTY, SUCH AS I HAVE NEVER SEEN, I HOPE THEY WILL BE VOTED OUT,
TO HAVE COMPASSION, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND AMERICAN VALUES. THEY HAVE DEMONSTRATED A MORAL REPUGNANT ACTION, LACK OF HONESTY, SUCH AS I HAVE NEVER SEEN, I HOPE THEY WILL BE VOTED OUT,
5
Charles,
Your article is dishonest. While it is fair to bring attention to the tax plan and how it ties to the current iteration of the healthcare plan, you neglect to mention that Obamacare is imploding. My family has been paying nearly double our 2015 out-of-pocket healthcare costs (family of 4) this past year. My family own-owned business has to pay our employees much less than they deserve because of the tremendous costs of the plan.
I have plenty of problems with the Republcans - but let's be honest about the sad and pathetic healthcare law we have now.
Your article is dishonest. While it is fair to bring attention to the tax plan and how it ties to the current iteration of the healthcare plan, you neglect to mention that Obamacare is imploding. My family has been paying nearly double our 2015 out-of-pocket healthcare costs (family of 4) this past year. My family own-owned business has to pay our employees much less than they deserve because of the tremendous costs of the plan.
I have plenty of problems with the Republcans - but let's be honest about the sad and pathetic healthcare law we have now.
2
Fred,
I totally agree, and the former president did too, that the ACA had many problems that needed to be fixed. That is not the approach the GOP took from day one. Do you think if they put the energy they did into voting to repeal it 50+ times into fixing it we all might be better off? How do you feel about Medicare for All? Much of the world has a plan like that.
I totally agree, and the former president did too, that the ACA had many problems that needed to be fixed. That is not the approach the GOP took from day one. Do you think if they put the energy they did into voting to repeal it 50+ times into fixing it we all might be better off? How do you feel about Medicare for All? Much of the world has a plan like that.
4
Thank you for honest response. Republicans aren't great but healthcare is a rip off. Family of 4 paying 24k per year for bronze coverage
1
Republicans don't expect another election. They have to loot the Treasury of Social Security and Medicare funds now quick and send it to a Swiss bank. When they create a debt crisis with tax cuts they cut all safety net and declare martial law to put down rioting citizens with machine guns.
4
Death panels anyone?
1
Death wish for themselves? Or death wish for a sizeable number of their constituents?
1
From your pen to God's ears!
5
Medicare for all is the only humane and responsible healthcare policy for our country.
5
I hate how it sounds to say this, but if the Republicans are determined to inflict an inequitable, unaffordable, and just pain mean program on the American people for the ultimate benefit of their fat cat oligarchs, then let's start the pain in time to realize it's impacts before the mid-term elections. Let's not subscribe to a reverse gradualism that leads to a tolerance for a "new normal", like the lobster in the pot.
5
For a country that does not believe in funding health care, they should be maintaining clean air and water to keep us healthy. Gyms should be free and children should have access to healthy food to start out right. Nope, not the case. In every case this administration wants us to die. Remove EPA regulations for a cleaner environment, lower automotive mileage and emission requirements, return to pre Michele Obama lunch guidelines, and have the so called President inform everyone that exercise is useless. Let's face it, they want to kill us.
3
Healthcare was unaffordable and you could not keep your doctor. That is the issue!
1
Trump says illegal immigrants and refugees are trying to kill us when his own party is doing a far more efficient job of it.
4
Even though Mr. Blow quoted Rep. Labrador correctly it appears he didn't hear what he actually said. Labrador said, "Nobody dies because they don't have access to health care." The GOP has constantly inserted the word "access" in its proclamations, so Labrador was right. People die because they don't have health care, access has always been there even before the Affordable Care Act was law. Millions had the access, they just didn't have the financial means to exercise that "access," They also had that other favorite GOP word, "freedom." They have always had "freedom" to pursue health care.
But then I have always had the "freedom" and "access" to own The New York Times; I just didn't have the money to purchase it, had the owners wanted to sell..
But then I have always had the "freedom" and "access" to own The New York Times; I just didn't have the money to purchase it, had the owners wanted to sell..
3
We should not forget that our money we pay in taxes is going to pay these incompetent House members who would pass such an awful bill. Are we getting our money's worth?
2
Access, access
That is a dirty word
It’s de-ceit-ful
As if you haven’t heard
We can’t afford the copay
Unless our health is okay
Affordable care... is not really there…
Once you add your "H" to A.C.A.
That is a dirty word
It’s de-ceit-ful
As if you haven’t heard
We can’t afford the copay
Unless our health is okay
Affordable care... is not really there…
Once you add your "H" to A.C.A.
3
The Republican calculation is not hard to follow. They believe that their marketing allows them to do whatever they want. All they have to do is smile and lie, Americans will go along. The only thing the Democrats do is prevent Republican policies from becoming catastrophic. For this the Republicans are rewarded by re-election. this is exactly what happened with the economic meltdown. The Republicans drove the country into a ditch and the Democrats pulled it out. Voters only hear that the Republicans oppose all the voters' enemies.
Not this time. There has to be some pain. Only when stupid (YES, STUPID) Americans face reality will sensibility come into play.
Not this time. There has to be some pain. Only when stupid (YES, STUPID) Americans face reality will sensibility come into play.
4
The voters, and those who didn't vote, are now responsible for the actions of their elected officials. This is still a working democracy. Trump, Ryan, Sessions, and all the rest are there because OUR democracy put them there. One way or another.
That they turn out to be liars could have been seen months before November 8th. The same is true for Clinton, just a liar of another stripe.
Maybe France is leading the way. I'd love to see parties rise up to replace the inept GOP and the DNC. Parties of liars.
That they turn out to be liars could have been seen months before November 8th. The same is true for Clinton, just a liar of another stripe.
Maybe France is leading the way. I'd love to see parties rise up to replace the inept GOP and the DNC. Parties of liars.
2
And let's not forget that a team of 13 male senators -- and no females -- is now plotting to remake the house bill. Yes, not one woman is engaged in policy that will disproportionately affect women. I've absolutely had enough with the sexist arrogance of the GOP. Should we just conclude now that pregnancy and trauma due to rape will be pre-existing conditions that raise your premiums? What century do people want to live in?
5
"Republican Death Wish"
From your mouth (or computer terminal) to the ears of all those progressives who did not bother to vote last November, Mr. Blow.
From your mouth (or computer terminal) to the ears of all those progressives who did not bother to vote last November, Mr. Blow.
4
I'm outraged by both the process and the content of this AHCA that the Republicans vomited out of the House toward the Senate ... but any conclusions that they will pay for their hypocritical cruelty (so perfectly captured by Raoul Labrador's "nobody dies for lack of access to healthcare") remains to be seen.
We'll find out what the American public will tolerate, and how long their memories are.
We'll find out what the American public will tolerate, and how long their memories are.
3
Hell-oh!!! Anyone home?
Or is the GOP incompetent? and led by idiots?
OR...
Does the GOP REALLY think that taking money from the needy so that and giving it to the corporations so they can make STILL MORE AND MORE MONEY is a win-win position?
As I recall, Robin Hood actually won by taking on the Lords of the Universe and giving them their just deserts..,.
Or is the GOP incompetent? and led by idiots?
OR...
Does the GOP REALLY think that taking money from the needy so that and giving it to the corporations so they can make STILL MORE AND MORE MONEY is a win-win position?
As I recall, Robin Hood actually won by taking on the Lords of the Universe and giving them their just deserts..,.
2
I am unconvinced that the Republicans will pay any price at all for this bill. Trump will find a way to spin this as a huge victory for personal choice and financial savings, and half the country will believe him, plain evidence be damned.
6
Let's hear it for the Republican Death Congress!
1
Access of Evil.
Nah....it's not misspelled. Access is the diabolical word America has been hearing with the promise of universal health care...cheaper and better.
"Everyone will have access."
Like Bernie suggested, everyone has access to a Park Avenue penthouse. All they need is the money.
Nah....it's not misspelled. Access is the diabolical word America has been hearing with the promise of universal health care...cheaper and better.
"Everyone will have access."
Like Bernie suggested, everyone has access to a Park Avenue penthouse. All they need is the money.
3
It's not a death wish. Lemmings don't have a death wish.
Thank you for your columns, Mr. Blow.
I will look forward to the day when GOP no longer exists.
34
"Republican Death Wish" I'm afraid this is simply a wish that people of goodwill wish, but is not going to happen.
10
Oh how I hope and pray their wish is granted...soon!
4
I'm glad the phrase "death wish" has been used here. My feeling is that a death wish somehow lies at the core of Trumpism. For some it's suicide, for others, murder.
12
I wish I could agree with you Charles - but the Republicans do not have a death wish. Quite the contrary, they're pretty certain they're going to strip health care from 24,000,000 Americans with minimal ill affect to their political aims.
They are spineless but they're not stupid. They wouldn't have done this otherwise.
They're pretty sure they'll be back for round two of blaming their woes on the poor and the recently immigrated.
By the way - I'm reading the same newspapers and tea leaves you are - and I don't see any sign of them acknowledging any risk at all to hurting the most vulnerable of this country. Far as they're concerned, the poor should all be given guns to fix their problems.
They are spineless but they're not stupid. They wouldn't have done this otherwise.
They're pretty sure they'll be back for round two of blaming their woes on the poor and the recently immigrated.
By the way - I'm reading the same newspapers and tea leaves you are - and I don't see any sign of them acknowledging any risk at all to hurting the most vulnerable of this country. Far as they're concerned, the poor should all be given guns to fix their problems.
10
Human Sacrifice.
That’s what Republicans’ willingness to offer up (others’) lives to their Free Market gods resembles, given how they would snatch health insurance from the vulnerable. And the fact that those who reap most rewards of such burnt offerings (a trillion tax dollars redistributed to the richest) will not be those bound to the altar to entreat them, doesn't lessen that impression.
Human Sacrifice.
And it may be only the beginning of the rites, as the GOP tries to reduce pollution and consumer financial protection. Soon, safeguards for food and water purity, to prevent hosts of other menaces to workers, clients and the public at large, may be at risk, on the pretext of free enterprise. But a self-dealing, irresponsible system that imposes such costs is hardly "free." All these 'anti-regulatory' (read public interest) policy rollbacks will result in many lives ruined, and many lost.
Human Sacrifice.
Some Conservatives seem to feel this is no bad thing, that it is right and fit for the strong to exploit the weak as they will; that has more than a hint of Fascist (Nazi?) undertones. Rarely have so many been threatened with so much harm to benefit so few.
The unchanneled Free Market keeps proving its unreliability to uphold civilized values. Many of its beneficiaries like it that way. but it is incompatible with humane, decent Democracy; like big wolves gorging while small ones starve.
So perhaps such intents would better be called Inhuman Sacrifice.
BryanP
That’s what Republicans’ willingness to offer up (others’) lives to their Free Market gods resembles, given how they would snatch health insurance from the vulnerable. And the fact that those who reap most rewards of such burnt offerings (a trillion tax dollars redistributed to the richest) will not be those bound to the altar to entreat them, doesn't lessen that impression.
Human Sacrifice.
And it may be only the beginning of the rites, as the GOP tries to reduce pollution and consumer financial protection. Soon, safeguards for food and water purity, to prevent hosts of other menaces to workers, clients and the public at large, may be at risk, on the pretext of free enterprise. But a self-dealing, irresponsible system that imposes such costs is hardly "free." All these 'anti-regulatory' (read public interest) policy rollbacks will result in many lives ruined, and many lost.
Human Sacrifice.
Some Conservatives seem to feel this is no bad thing, that it is right and fit for the strong to exploit the weak as they will; that has more than a hint of Fascist (Nazi?) undertones. Rarely have so many been threatened with so much harm to benefit so few.
The unchanneled Free Market keeps proving its unreliability to uphold civilized values. Many of its beneficiaries like it that way. but it is incompatible with humane, decent Democracy; like big wolves gorging while small ones starve.
So perhaps such intents would better be called Inhuman Sacrifice.
BryanP
11
Capitalism succeeds because it not only fits human nature but also mimics nature in that it promotes survival of the fittest. Like nature, capitalism can be cold, cruel and heartless. Some succeed beyond the imagination while others fail catastrophically. And capitalism is best defined by what it is not. It is not socialism, fascism, collectivism, Marxism or communism. Capitalists reject every economic and political theory espoused by each of those models. True capitalists believe in the free market as a secular religion. You are born into it and thus are a believer until your last breath. Just as the loss of a close loved one to a long and agonizing illness isn't a basis to reject God, the lack of a pay increase or the loss of a job to off-shoring is not a reason to reject capitalism.
1
I hate to be so negative but even if the republican party disintegrates before our eyes these haters and greedy sociopaths will still be out there. They will simply reorganize under a different name and maybe assume a more low key profile but you can bet they will still be out there and up to their old tricks and they have the money to back them. They are what they are.
13
Just the worry this causes. Don't tell me there is no way this healthcare bill can get through the Senate, these are republicans. I live in Michigan, our republican controlled government cut retiree pensions & then help fund a hockey arena for a billionaire. They poisoned the water in Flint & still charged the residents for that water.
21
It sure seems that the GOP has a death wish. The issues keep piling on. Health care? A sure loser. Parks? Close them and liquidate. Debt? Pile it on with some awesome tax cuts!
And what we have left in common? The past.
And what we have left in common? The past.
8
No, it's your death wish for the Republicans - what's dying is Obamacare.
1
Perhaps both this atrocious GOP/Trump plan AND the ACA will die together.
Obamacare was certainly not perfect, and could have been improved. But, tell me how you feel about Medicare for All. Now that seems like a win for all.
Obamacare was certainly not perfect, and could have been improved. But, tell me how you feel about Medicare for All. Now that seems like a win for all.
1
Red-Statism is a neoconfederate, white nationalist civil war against liberalism, a biblicalist rage against secularism.
The political & policy positions of the GOP and any negative consequences for the redstate electorate are not what powers their civil war.
Redstatists could care less if destroying Obamacare destroys their own healthcare, they've already sacrificed themselves to the redstate neoconfederate cause.
The political & policy positions of the GOP and any negative consequences for the redstate electorate are not what powers their civil war.
Redstatists could care less if destroying Obamacare destroys their own healthcare, they've already sacrificed themselves to the redstate neoconfederate cause.
9
Mr. Blow, you like most liberal Trump hating Democrats have lost all objectivity and have no credibility except with your own hyperventilating cohort of followers that believe that under Trump the apocalypse has truly come. You refuse to believe that Obamacare was on it's deathbed and the facts associated with its inevitable demise: 25-33% premium increases, insurers pulling out of markets and leaving subscribers with only one option available, and the even bigger question of how is government (and all of us) going to pay for the out of control excalatiing costs of this poorly concieved program. Furthermore, you refuse to acknowledge that the protections for people with preexisting conditions have remained intact except those few who have allowed their insurance policy to laps (and even they will be insurable, even with preexisting conditions, with a temporary increase in thier premium). This bill will most likely be further modified by the Senate and the final bill will achieve all the promises that Obamacare made (and did not keep) with a more rational and economic structure that will make it more affortable. The real losers here are you Mr. Blow and all those who's hatred of Trump and desire to see him fail is greater that their concern for the truth.
2
"Labrador said last week at a town hall, “Nobody dies because they don’t have access to health care.”
And another said, in effect, "if you can't afford health insurance, you don't deserve it," and yet another claimed "bad lifestyles" were responsible for preexisting conditions."
Do you have anything to say about the "concern for truth" in these statements, Raul?
And another said, in effect, "if you can't afford health insurance, you don't deserve it," and yet another claimed "bad lifestyles" were responsible for preexisting conditions."
Do you have anything to say about the "concern for truth" in these statements, Raul?
4
No one has less concern for the truth than Don Trump.
2
Charles Blow thinks passage of the so-called A.C.A. represents a death wish for its Republican authors and supporters. Has Mr. Blow reckoned with the Democrats' superlative talent for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory?
2
Basically the GOP is like a Penn State frat...it drags its wide eyed ignorant supporters through hell convincing them the entire time that it will all work out in the end - until their supporters end up dead
8
This feels wrong and dangerous. Taking the health of many and transforming it into lucre for a few would be an evil alchemy with no winners. Sickness and disease would be created on both sides of the exchange, in bodies of the many and souls of the few. Let's not do this. The entire county might catch a disease that is hard to name and has no cure.
12
Deny healthcare, destroy environmental safeguards to protect air and water, remove freedom for women, end arts and education, get rid of experts in scientific fields so in case of emergencies the government can watch reality tv, determine conservative religious values trump diversity and fairness, remove labor protections and do it loudly and happily in front of cameras and what do you have: a home grown terrorist threat of ISIS ideals of my way or die.
14
So, updating in America, instead of having Dr. Mengele decide who shall live and who shall die, we have some Freedom Caucus members -- who apparently feel taking health care away from people does not lead to their early death -- deciding who shall live and who shall probably die.
11
Republicans have two constituencies -- voters who put the GOP's (claimed) values above their interests, many of whom will stick with the Republican brand even as it brings them to an early death, literally. And their real constituents in whose interests they serve, the richest top ten of one percent of Americans. Their real constituents will profit handsomely from the new bill if it goes into law.
14
No one has been able to explain to me why the US is so fearful of having a single payer system that would cover each and every American at a reasonable cost. Every country in the industrialized world has it in some form. Only the US which by the way spends the most money on healthcare and has dismal outcomes on parameters like infant mortality and others does not. Why is it so difficult to overcome the idea of healthcare being a for profit industry rather than a right of the populace? Why is big pharma allowed to have a stranglehold on the outrageous pricing of medications in the US? A single payer system would provide more healthcare for less money than is being spent now. It is not creeping socialism or a communist plot. Who will educate the American public so that they will demand what people everywhere else in first world countries have? It is more than time to make that leap instead of dealing with these disingenuous solutions which cover fewer people and make the 1% richer in one fell swoop. What does a tax cut have to do with healthcare? Nothing at all. Let us have some profiles in courage from politicians to get real coverage for all Americans at an affordable price. Americans should demand that this happen.
20
Judy, those raking obscene profits from the bloated US Healthcare system—Big Pharma, insurance, hospitals, doctors, medical suppliers etc. don't really want to change it and use the fear of 'GOVERNMENT CONTROL' of healthcare, mostly through political surrogates, esp. Republicans. Informed, affluent Americans who have healthcare plans through their employer don't want to rock the boat, they have good coverage, though hellishly expensive, know it's a crazy system, many have experienced life in Canada, Australia, Europe, where we enjoy universal healthcare. Untold millions of ill-informed Americans (Trump voters) are frightened of the federal government and have bought into Reagan's "Government isn't the solution but the problem" worldview, so they're easily swayed by politicians who have no interest in turning off the billions in profits pouring into the pockets of the suppliers and providers. And so it goes. I really don't know how it's going to change. Sad.
It is very simple. People who are not wealthy don't matter in this country. We are simply wallets to be emptied then we should die and get out of the way. First, though, we must produce babies to replace us and keep the income stream going to the Oligarchs.
3
Judy,
In the American political sysytem it is called money, not logic. Citizens United saw to that by making bribery legal. The healthcare industry spends hundreds of millions of dollars every year lobbying to maintain the status quo and buy politicians just to keep it that way. Single payer would eviscerate their business.
Americans have been haggling about healthcare for over 60 years, all done when the answer has always been right in front of them.
In the American political sysytem it is called money, not logic. Citizens United saw to that by making bribery legal. The healthcare industry spends hundreds of millions of dollars every year lobbying to maintain the status quo and buy politicians just to keep it that way. Single payer would eviscerate their business.
Americans have been haggling about healthcare for over 60 years, all done when the answer has always been right in front of them.
It is time for single-payer socialized medicine. Take the insurance companies away. Control the cost of medicine and hospitals. Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Is this country civilized? Not enough.
23
'Socialized medicine' is poison to most Americans' ears—except to the politicians who get it free for life. Hypocrites! There's just too much profit extorted from hard working Americans for the current system to change any time soon. I lived in NYC for 20 years until 2012 and never got over the eye-watering medical bills—and I was healthy! Sensible healthcare seems to be a national blind spot, a bit like gun control—those making all the money don't want it to change, the rest know it's not great but don't want to lose what they've got. For once Trump was right last week when he said that "Australia has a better healthcare system" all the while singing the praises of the latest disaster from congress! of which he most certainly has no understanding of its terrible repercussions to the people who voted for him. Good luck!
8
For Trump, repeal of the ACA not only gratifies his ego, but also provides a tidy windfall. Last month, the NYTimes analyzed Trump’s 2005 tax return in light of his tax proposals. Thanks to the revocation of the ACA taxes alone, Trump would enjoy a $1.5 million tax cut, because the $42 million in investment income he reported would no longer be subject to the special ACA tax for wealthy individuals. https://nyti.ms/2pdMj4j
Admittedly, $1.5 million is only 1% of his total income of $153 million that year -- practically chump change for the billionaire-in-chief, but rest assured he will grab it with both hands. Trump change for him means Trumpcare for everyone else. As a result, millions of ordinary Americans will longer be able to afford regular access to a medical services because Republicans have decided that people like Trump deserve a tax cut. When Trump promised to make America great again, he failed to mention the fine print: great for Trump, but not so great for everyone else.
Admittedly, $1.5 million is only 1% of his total income of $153 million that year -- practically chump change for the billionaire-in-chief, but rest assured he will grab it with both hands. Trump change for him means Trumpcare for everyone else. As a result, millions of ordinary Americans will longer be able to afford regular access to a medical services because Republicans have decided that people like Trump deserve a tax cut. When Trump promised to make America great again, he failed to mention the fine print: great for Trump, but not so great for everyone else.
15
This might have been a problem for the GOP had 2 conditions not existed:
1) The GOP rank and file will believe anything they are told no matter how obvious the lie or deception.
2) Dems don't vote in mid terms no matter what. Though they do have loads of time to complain about the fact that, because they don't vote, the GOP runs the game.
The American electorate is too lazy to think for itself, or act in time of crisis. This is what we earned.
1) The GOP rank and file will believe anything they are told no matter how obvious the lie or deception.
2) Dems don't vote in mid terms no matter what. Though they do have loads of time to complain about the fact that, because they don't vote, the GOP runs the game.
The American electorate is too lazy to think for itself, or act in time of crisis. This is what we earned.
11
What a trenchant analysis! You should write for the NYT. Don't worry simplistic propaganda, the biased the better is de rigueur.
I wish I could be stunned by the callousness of those supporting the AHCA, but I"m long past that point.
15
Paul Ryan is NOT the intellectual so many claim him to be. His analyses of nearly every problem are wrong, misguided and neglectful of the human cost of the solutions he proposes. That is why he has such trouble steering legislation through his chamber. In a few words, he doesn't are about people.
20
Why is it that everyone that writes about how good Obama Care is.....
NEVER changed health care providers and purchased the affordable health care for themselves and family?
NEVER changed health care providers and purchased the affordable health care for themselves and family?
1. you don't know that
2. Many people have employer-provided insurance or Medicare. There is no need to change if you are already covered.
2. Many people have employer-provided insurance or Medicare. There is no need to change if you are already covered.
I personally know two families in NJ who for the first time were able to buy affordable healthcare under 'Obamacare'. One family worked as contractors and freelancers and therefore covered under an employer's plan, and the other had 2 family members with pre-existing conditions. I think 24 million Americans now have coverage who didn't before—or don't you read? Maybe you have a secure job with an employer who subsidizes a generous healthcare plan so it's a case of "I'm OK, who cares about anyone else?" Sad.
The "Na, na, na" stuff is a good example of why I generally don't vote for Ds or Rs anymore, or take many columnists seriously. Many, if not most members of both parties are lost in partisan rancor and childish displays of anger. Right now I'm watching a hearing about Russian interference in our election. As usual, it seems to me more about scoring political points and revenge. The former highly placed intelligence/FBI witnesses, will not or cannot answer the central questions b/c of the investigation. What's the point? I just don't have any faith in the ability of any branch or dep't of gov't to do this impartially, and it would not matter to me if we had an independent counsel, if he/she or the staff has political associations - and who that could be considered would not have them?
As to health care, the issues were sealed when the ACA, a bad law for many reasons, even if made with some good intentions, was passed, as once an entitlement is given it is political dynamite to take it away, and Rs know it. I expect our health care system to fail, even if propped up artificially one way or another, regardless of which party is at the helm. We are seeing another horse and pony show to supposedly "keep" a campaign promise, which is, of course, not going to do that. "Repeal and replace" was a good idea if it was actually done. But, it is not and probably will not. That doesn't mean "yeah," we get to keep the ACA, it means our parties are abysmal and are making it worse.
As to health care, the issues were sealed when the ACA, a bad law for many reasons, even if made with some good intentions, was passed, as once an entitlement is given it is political dynamite to take it away, and Rs know it. I expect our health care system to fail, even if propped up artificially one way or another, regardless of which party is at the helm. We are seeing another horse and pony show to supposedly "keep" a campaign promise, which is, of course, not going to do that. "Repeal and replace" was a good idea if it was actually done. But, it is not and probably will not. That doesn't mean "yeah," we get to keep the ACA, it means our parties are abysmal and are making it worse.
2
Charles Blow's spectacularly simplistic overreaction is good news for Republicans as it confirms that extreme leftist commentators in the blue bubble will continue to lead the Democratic Party away from mainstream Americans dealing with the train wreck of Obamacare on a daily basis.
1
Cliche' ? Your party of liars and thieves have had 8 years to "replace". I guess lying to you is fine. maybe its time for you to start whining about the fascist commentators and the far right wackos who run all press in this country.
But, where would you get your stale cliché's
But, where would you get your stale cliché's
3
This hits the nail on the head. The ACA presumes that the upper socioeconomic classes, who already had adequate insurance coverage by and large, give a crap about those who are less financially equipped to deal with health care problems. But many of them, and their representatives, don't.
I was genuinely appalled at my fellow citizens and their legislators who were so violently opposed to giving less-well-off Americans the same kind of health care options they have. I could not believe there was such a big segment of the population that was inclined to be so meanspirited. Obamacare was passed over their misinformation and objections.
And now, here we go again. These individuals genuinely don't care about people who can't afford the expensive treatment that is available to them and theirs. And now it's worse--they don't even flinch about the now very public fact that the rich are going to benefit from the illnesses, worries, and even deaths of poorer folks in our country. We are becoming Ugly Americans, not just to the rest of the world, but here at home as well.
Raul Labrador has the gall to suggest that no one dies of lack of health care--absurd! And our president, as with so much else, has not compunction about his many lies about it.
I was genuinely appalled at my fellow citizens and their legislators who were so violently opposed to giving less-well-off Americans the same kind of health care options they have. I could not believe there was such a big segment of the population that was inclined to be so meanspirited. Obamacare was passed over their misinformation and objections.
And now, here we go again. These individuals genuinely don't care about people who can't afford the expensive treatment that is available to them and theirs. And now it's worse--they don't even flinch about the now very public fact that the rich are going to benefit from the illnesses, worries, and even deaths of poorer folks in our country. We are becoming Ugly Americans, not just to the rest of the world, but here at home as well.
Raul Labrador has the gall to suggest that no one dies of lack of health care--absurd! And our president, as with so much else, has not compunction about his many lies about it.
9
Pardon, Raúl.
But why are they "less well off"? For a slew of reasons, their income doesn't allow them to afford a number of things. Among these is health insurance. That is a natural function of free markets. In fact, if it weren't for liberals tampering with how the market values labor, they might not be able to afford much of anything.
I don't understand why people are confused with Republican logic on this. Republicans have always been in favor of the death penalty. All they've done here is made poverty a capital offense.
15
A perfect assessment
There is so much ignorance in American society. Just the other day my Pharmacist mentioned that people are going without treatment in Canada due to their terrible health care system. Even pointing out that I know many Canadians, including health care providers who are satisfied with that system doesn't seem to register in the old noggin.
9
I'd like to know just where the druggist is talking about.... it's nonsense
Lack of insurance certainly does kill people. Hospitals are obligated by law to administer emergency care to anyone who needs it (EMTALA, 1986). But non emergent care is not readily available if no insurance. So no colonoscopies, mammograms, check ups for blood pressure, blood sugar etc etc. If you wait for any one of these potential problems to grow then by the time it is an emergency, the mortality is high.
Certain hospitals do have charity clinics but the care is usually slow and fractured. Many hospitals absolutely do not want such clinics.
Healthcare is a moral issue not economic. It is true that the pro-life zealots are numerous and can decide elections, but the same pro-life people are letting people die of neglect. Democrats should loudly proclaim that they are the real pro-life people and the real Christians if you have to appeal to the religious electorate.
Certain hospitals do have charity clinics but the care is usually slow and fractured. Many hospitals absolutely do not want such clinics.
Healthcare is a moral issue not economic. It is true that the pro-life zealots are numerous and can decide elections, but the same pro-life people are letting people die of neglect. Democrats should loudly proclaim that they are the real pro-life people and the real Christians if you have to appeal to the religious electorate.
15
While I do not believe that abortion should be illegal, I do firmly understand the difference between an innocent unborn life and an adult who encounters the results of their actions, lifestyle, even genetics.
“House Republicans’ willingness to spend political capital on a proposal that garnered the support of just 17 percent of the public in a March Quinnipiac poll is consistent with past scenarios that have generated a midterm wave.”
17%?! All that hubris, hatred, and rage to appease 17%?!
17%?! All that hubris, hatred, and rage to appease 17%?!
9
That 17% would tolerate the death of millions to pay $1 less in taxes. Sociopath economics.
7
"Republicans are likely to pay dearly for this outrage."
I don't think so. The Republican party has so discredited the concepts of truth and fact that they can say anything about the AHCA and their loyal base will believe it. Few, if any, Republicans will lose their seats. At the end of the day, when millions are thrown off the insurance rolls, the GOP will just blame it on Obama/Clinton. I can hear President Trump now:"We tried to fix it, but Obamacare was so bad there wasn't much we could do. You're lucky we enacted the AHCA when we did, because it would have been a lot worse if we hadn't, believe me."
I don't think so. The Republican party has so discredited the concepts of truth and fact that they can say anything about the AHCA and their loyal base will believe it. Few, if any, Republicans will lose their seats. At the end of the day, when millions are thrown off the insurance rolls, the GOP will just blame it on Obama/Clinton. I can hear President Trump now:"We tried to fix it, but Obamacare was so bad there wasn't much we could do. You're lucky we enacted the AHCA when we did, because it would have been a lot worse if we hadn't, believe me."
9
And they will...
2
I feel as if I have been moved in time to 1930s Nazi Germany.
10
Actually it's Dogpatch, USA.
1
Hmm, there seems little alternative but to go to single payer should Mr Ryan fail. I do hope Donald Trump won't get stingy on the Rope when the blame game starts.
4
So after trying and failing to reach the Trumpeters on grounds of intelligence, kindness, fairness, economy -- we have reached the bottom rung -- reminding them of self preservation.
But they are giddy with revenge and running berserk with paybacks, so I don't expect them to come to what senses they have left, until they hit some real concrete walls, like midterm elections.
But they are giddy with revenge and running berserk with paybacks, so I don't expect them to come to what senses they have left, until they hit some real concrete walls, like midterm elections.
9
Mr. Blow, many can respect your opinions about race; few about politics; none about health care. Your ignorance, hyperbole, and leftist hackery are on full display here. Stick to what you know! (from a reader 33 years in medicine, trained at Harvard and Johns Hopkins)
3
and your argument is?
2
JDL--So...a right wing Republican, who doesn't mind if millions of American citizens are harmed. We get you...
6
Hippocratic wasn't a thing back then?
3
As for the repubs'. plans for health care, we're just looking at a group of spoiled, irresponsible boys grabbing more goodies for themselves, funding these goodies by withdrawing necessities from the low-life. The low-life, after all, don't deserve health care because they're losers.
The repubs. con the losers into believing that they're being given big gifts--the gift of freedom, the gift of dignity--so that they won't make a fuss.
The repubs. con the losers into believing that they're being given big gifts--the gift of freedom, the gift of dignity--so that they won't make a fuss.
9
The cruelty porn of Ryan and DJT celebrating passage of this abominable law should be meme-ized and used in place of various current memes featuring clubbing of baby seals and grinding of kittens.
Like Pelosi said - the republicans should have this tattooed on their foreheads in one big letter A. I am sure you all know what it stands for.
Like Pelosi said - the republicans should have this tattooed on their foreheads in one big letter A. I am sure you all know what it stands for.
I propose a more appropriate name for "The World's Greatest Healthcare Plan of 2017":
DUMPCARE
DUMPCARE
9
Let it be known ... one condition not listed in this legislation is erectile dysfunction ... which means coverage is allowed for someone "gaming the system" ...
2
A blow-hard doesn't see the forest for the trees in his view.
Charles once agains overreaches, overpreaches and tries to make a mountain out of a molehill; all while defending 90% increases in premiums and deductibles in the individual market.
Mr. Blow, perhaps if you'd spend 1/2 the energy at convincing your Progressive Party collegues to engage vs. #Resist, you'd get a few of your progressive ideas into consideration. As it is...you're doubling down on stupid with your theory the GOP is going to take a hit for this. The only hit they're going to take is knocking each other over as they get to 60 Senate Seats next year.
The 15% of the people you could never convince to buy free health insurance were going to vote Progressive anyway, and this is the only group of people put out a little bit by these changes.
You have a guy in the White House more liberal than Bill Clinton, and the opportunity of a lifetime to do good for the poor people of America, and instead...you defend ObamaCare to the deathbed...and beyond.
Wake up Charles. History doens't always repeat itself. While Democrats were sitting on their hands the last 7 years declaring nothing needed to be changed in Obamacare, the rest of the country figured it out on their own. It was an abortion of a law and it needed to be flushed down the drain.
Charles once agains overreaches, overpreaches and tries to make a mountain out of a molehill; all while defending 90% increases in premiums and deductibles in the individual market.
Mr. Blow, perhaps if you'd spend 1/2 the energy at convincing your Progressive Party collegues to engage vs. #Resist, you'd get a few of your progressive ideas into consideration. As it is...you're doubling down on stupid with your theory the GOP is going to take a hit for this. The only hit they're going to take is knocking each other over as they get to 60 Senate Seats next year.
The 15% of the people you could never convince to buy free health insurance were going to vote Progressive anyway, and this is the only group of people put out a little bit by these changes.
You have a guy in the White House more liberal than Bill Clinton, and the opportunity of a lifetime to do good for the poor people of America, and instead...you defend ObamaCare to the deathbed...and beyond.
Wake up Charles. History doens't always repeat itself. While Democrats were sitting on their hands the last 7 years declaring nothing needed to be changed in Obamacare, the rest of the country figured it out on their own. It was an abortion of a law and it needed to be flushed down the drain.
2
and not one attempt by the GOP to do better?
Why are reps so silly?
Why are reps so silly?
3
The fact that the Senate has zero women and zero moderates on their committee for the Health Care bill shows that Republicans care only for elderly rich white men and their backwards 1950s ideas.
11
God the Father, He's somewhat inscrutable. It takes considerable experience and thought and prayer to work out where He is at, and even then no one can be 'sure'. But God the Son, he's a lot easier to work out. He really did live on earth as a human; there is a substantial number of His words recorded, even if we reduce the ones quoted in the Bible to those substantiated by hard-headed scholarship. In other words we know a fair bit about the way he thought, what he said, even if you don't believe he was the Son of God. So even I can say with absolute certainty that Jesus would work towards any small attempt to help us all, as national, local, and global communities, pitch in to provide everyone, particularly the least advantaged among us, with the best medical care our species can attain...What would Jesus do? It's not rocket science. And when these Republicans work it out, I hope they spare a further thought for a much-neglected Holy Spirit.
4
Ian--There is little hard evidence that this guy walked the earth. In fact, historians, Bible scholars (notice I didn't say believers,) and archeologists have found more evidence of the numerous OTHER "saviors," who traveled the region at that particular time. Looks like the Jewish people were looking hard, in that period, for someone to be their all-knowing king.
What would any clear thinking, compassionate, self- aware, intelligent person do? Nothing the Republicans do, I'm afraid.
What would any clear thinking, compassionate, self- aware, intelligent person do? Nothing the Republicans do, I'm afraid.
1
You're right :-)
It's not about health care, health insurance or the federal budget. It's about the tax cut and the primary beneficiaries, who are not the rich themselves but their Wall Street bankers. The bankers will supply the money necessary to substitute massive propaganda with a new issue to engulf any persistent misery over health care. It is all about moving wealth out of physical capital, out of communities, out of people's homes into portable fortunes they can take with them to wherever the environmental, military and demographic/epidemiological catastrophes are not striking next.
7
This would be a more effective argument if Democrats and media analysts hadn't said the exact same thing in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016. Despite all the horrible things Republicans did they kept gaining seats and eventually took Congressional and Senate majorities, not to mention state legislatures and governor seats...and the Presidency.
This would indicate that not only are the people constantly predicting Republican defeat because of lack of compassion wrong but also that they don't understand what voters want or how to speak to voters,
Just talking about how bad the Republicans are and warning of dire results hasn't worked for a while now. How about trying something different?
This would indicate that not only are the people constantly predicting Republican defeat because of lack of compassion wrong but also that they don't understand what voters want or how to speak to voters,
Just talking about how bad the Republicans are and warning of dire results hasn't worked for a while now. How about trying something different?
5
I suggest a new bill that requires the health care plans available to all senate and congressional representatives to be no better than the worst of those offered in their state's individual market.
Let's let those making the rules live with the consequences they create.
Let's let those making the rules live with the consequences they create.
13
The republican controlled Senate will most likely pocket this bill until after the 2018 election to prevent a wave election for democrats.
Democrats need to constantly hammer home the fact that republicans care more for the health of corporations than the health of their constituents.
Democrats need to constantly hammer home the fact that republicans care more for the health of corporations than the health of their constituents.
7
Sec. Price lied through his teeth on Sunday television about healthcare. When confronted with the obvious Medicaid question, his ludicrous response was essentially, if 800 billion gets stripped from healthcare to fund upper bracket tax cuts, then people on Medicaid will have a better product. That of just one of the lies.
Then there was Yates hearing today with Senators on the committee looking around the room or down at the table with attention spans of outfielders on a 4yr old baseball team. The significant decline in leadership in the USA is more than alarming.
If the Senate,with its extremist leader, Mitch McConnell shoehorns the AHCA into law, we'll know pretty quickly how the future of the USA will go. Because if 24 million people who are stepped on by the people they supported continue to support them, it could be over for USA as we know it.
Who knows how the outcome of the French election will work out for them, but an example of voters moving to the center in large numbers is refreshing. It is time for US voters to tune out the extremists on both sides and tack back to the center. The Republic depends on it.
Then there was Yates hearing today with Senators on the committee looking around the room or down at the table with attention spans of outfielders on a 4yr old baseball team. The significant decline in leadership in the USA is more than alarming.
If the Senate,with its extremist leader, Mitch McConnell shoehorns the AHCA into law, we'll know pretty quickly how the future of the USA will go. Because if 24 million people who are stepped on by the people they supported continue to support them, it could be over for USA as we know it.
Who knows how the outcome of the French election will work out for them, but an example of voters moving to the center in large numbers is refreshing. It is time for US voters to tune out the extremists on both sides and tack back to the center. The Republic depends on it.
There was nothing affordable about Obamacare unless you went on Medicaid or received subsidies. Those making just a bit more than those getting subsidies were paying large amounts for premiums and ridiculous amounts for deductions and co-pays. They were paying a fortune for catastrophic coverage.
As to pre-existing - what do you do about those who refuse to pay for insurance until they need it? In a few of the Times "human interest" stories re the ACA, they told the stories of people who did just that. One - a woman who didn't get insurance till she was pregnant - and then complained about her trouble finding an ob/gyn - and another who, not only did not get it until sick, promptly stopped it as soon as she recovered. Somehow premiums were affordable when she needed healthcare but became unaffordable with wellness. I expect the NYT tried to avoid such cases while pushing the ACA and the fact that they included 2 tells me they had trouble finding those who did not game the system.
As to pre-existing - what do you do about those who refuse to pay for insurance until they need it? In a few of the Times "human interest" stories re the ACA, they told the stories of people who did just that. One - a woman who didn't get insurance till she was pregnant - and then complained about her trouble finding an ob/gyn - and another who, not only did not get it until sick, promptly stopped it as soon as she recovered. Somehow premiums were affordable when she needed healthcare but became unaffordable with wellness. I expect the NYT tried to avoid such cases while pushing the ACA and the fact that they included 2 tells me they had trouble finding those who did not game the system.
2
I suspect the gaming would have been a lot more difficult if the GOP had taken an interest in improving the ACA instead of working assiduously to make it dysfunctional.
2
I came to ACA health insurance from my state's high risk pool. Even without receiving ACA subsidies, I had better coverage, lower premiums, and lower deductibles under the ACA than the high risk pool. Obviously, this was due to the difference in risks for those covered.
One of the most serious mistakes made by Barack Obama as President (I'm a fan, but I certainly know he made mistakes) was to let the enemy (GOP) brand the Affordable Care Act as Obamacare. That was always a pejorative term and, however many American have decided they like the results, the term "Obamacare" remains a negative. So the GOP did as they promised their base and repealed "Obamacare". The GOP base are so thrilled by that (not to mention the Trump base) that many of them won't even notice the nasty details. Just pray the Senate doesn't let it get to the Executive Office.
4
Many Republicans who are celebrating the impending repeal of "Obamacare" will be sorry when they learn that their ACA coverage has been terminated.
2
Maybe the most disturbing part of this story is the willingness of the masses to be duped into something that is clearly not in their favor. I say disturbing, because this is a sure sign on far more insidious. Our president is turning his deceptive sales pitch into propoganda by use of the presidential microphone. It's a slippery slope to totalitarianism.
“Mass propaganda discovered that its audience was ready at all times to believe the worst, no matter how absurd, and did not particularly object to being deceived because it held every statement to be a lie anyhow.”
― Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism
“Mass propaganda discovered that its audience was ready at all times to believe the worst, no matter how absurd, and did not particularly object to being deceived because it held every statement to be a lie anyhow.”
― Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism
6
The poor, the sick, the elderly and the disabled. The sooner they all die, the better. Just like Jesus would have wanted. /sarcasm
7
This is like a real life version of Hunger Games. The House Republicans are the elite class falling over themselves.
11
While I would like to believe that the Democrats will be able to regain congressional seats as a result of this horrific legislation, NEVER underestimate the ability of the Republicans to spin this in a way that makes it seem that it is all Obama's fault. They are spin masters and the Democrats are very skilled at clutching defeat from the jaws of victory.
6
Republicans are spinmasters, yes, but it requires uninformed Republican voters to get into office and there are plenty of them out there.
1
While I hope it's true that the Republicans will pay for this vote, they have so effectively gerrymandered House districts in more than 27 states that no matter how many Democrats vote in 2018, they will still win re-election. When you count in so called Voter ID Laws, laws Republican legislators admit are designed to limit Democratic votes, I think it is very unlikely we'll take back the House. They've made it almost impossible for Democrats to win by drawing ridiculous boundaries in a way they've boxed Democrats into one or two districts while giving Republicans multiple districts they could win even if they had been found guilty of killing someone.
7
I paid into the insurance pool for more than 25 years before I actually had to use it in any major way. It infuriates me that the Republicans suggest that someone like myself who now has a pre-existing condition should pay more because it's obviously "my own fault" I got sick. I've paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to insurance companies over the last 30 years in premiums, co-payments and deductibles. The most important part of the ACA was mandating that everyone have insurance. I know many people who rather than insure themselves simply use the ER as their physician, many of them then unable to pay the bill for their services. Who pays when that happens? All of the rest of us with insurance because the charge us more. The hospitals charge more. Healthcare should not be run like a business. It's not a business. For profit insurance companies don't care about your health. They care about profits. Period. We need to get the "market" out of our healthcare system and go to a single payer system. Insurance companies should go the way of the dinosaurs they are.
15
If fear mongering is the best the Democrats can do I see a long time before they ever win any elections. What will they tell there voters or how they helped make the health system better??? I guess by complaining and spreading fake news?
4
If you had read even a half dozen books in your life, you might have picked up on the difference between "there" and "their." That's really all it takes.
You're from West Virginia - and it shows.
You're from West Virginia - and it shows.
2
Ian, I think you are being unfair. There are uneducated, ill-informed people in every state, not just poor maligned West Virginia. This was just a good example of that kind of ignorance.
This bill will kill health care jobs as well as people as hospitals and clinics are forced to close. But, that's Biblical logic-carry out the curse of Eve by protecting conception and fetuses, nothing and no one else matters. Give the wealthy a massive tax break and move the 401k money of the middle class into the wealth care system; nothing else matters. The two extremes unite as one.
4
Donald doesn't understand the issues and he doesn't care. He wanted a "win" and the House accommodated him. Their only risk is that someone -- voters or even, Donald himself -- will remember this hubris on election day. Odds are with them.
3
I was recently diagnosed with a rare disorder. I care about people over politics, environment over money and the future over tax cuts. This may be a preexisting condition not covered under a Trump / Republican health care plan but I don't plan to roll over and die because one group of old rich white men want to be richer at everyone else's expense.
6
How's do you know it's worse than ACA?
Did you read it?
Did you understand it?
It's only relevant once it's law.
The process now takes it to the Senate.
What will they do?
I'd rather read an explanation of how it works than a jaded politician or journalists opinion.
Both of whom haven't read it...as with ACA.
When do grown ups show up to inform us?
Did you read it?
Did you understand it?
It's only relevant once it's law.
The process now takes it to the Senate.
What will they do?
I'd rather read an explanation of how it works than a jaded politician or journalists opinion.
Both of whom haven't read it...as with ACA.
When do grown ups show up to inform us?
2
Once again, the party that is vehemently “pro-life” for “persons” in the womb demonstrates a staggering lack of empathy for those very same lives when they are in the world. What is the moral logic here? It is beyond me.
Let me explain it to you Charles, it's very simple.
The unborn are presumed innocent because they haven't gotten to have the chance yet.
The other group isn't so lucky.
Since you like to judge so much, you should be able to understand that.
Let me explain it to you Charles, it's very simple.
The unborn are presumed innocent because they haven't gotten to have the chance yet.
The other group isn't so lucky.
Since you like to judge so much, you should be able to understand that.
Single Payer Now. Because no other policy or program matters to you if you're dead.
You don't need a job if you're dead. You don't need an education if you're dead. You don't need infrastructure, defense, or social security if you're dead. Climate change doesn't affect you if you're dead. You don't care about gun rights or gay rights if you're dead. 98% of us don't pay taxes if we're dead. So healthcare to keep people alive should be the highest priority, because being alive is a prerequisite for benefiting from anything else. Keep it simple and keep repeating it until the slowest students understand.
You don't need a job if you're dead. You don't need an education if you're dead. You don't need infrastructure, defense, or social security if you're dead. Climate change doesn't affect you if you're dead. You don't care about gun rights or gay rights if you're dead. 98% of us don't pay taxes if we're dead. So healthcare to keep people alive should be the highest priority, because being alive is a prerequisite for benefiting from anything else. Keep it simple and keep repeating it until the slowest students understand.
5
The only way to get these Republicans out of office is for some strong democratic candidates to enter the race - the NYT's commentators are always an impressive group of citizens and I hope that many of you will consider using your leadership skills and wisdom to help bring humanity to government and truly set the US on the course it needs to be. When we know better we need to do better - the next election will be a huge opportunity for this country to truly move away from "me" and become a country of "we".
3
Another article that speaks the truth, at least in part. Yes, the Republicans have lied about this latest bill and yes it shows they don't care about most of America, and we can hope it loses them votes in 2018. But I'd also like to hear more about the true motive of the Republicans with this bill, which is to lower government spending so that they can give themselves a massive tax break without it raising the deficit or the debt. Lowering taxes for the 1% is the # 1 goal of each Republican administration. Pretty much everything they do is with that goal in mind and Americans need to be better informed about this. Talking about the pros and cons of any health care bill is probably what they want us to focus on because it distracts us from their true motive: taking from the poor and giving to the rich.
If your house was on fire, would you be OK with having to get authorization to call the fire department from your insurance company, after finding out which firefighters are in your network, and whether or not the type of fire you have is covered? Maybe you couldn't even get insurance, because you bought an old house with a stairway that wasn't up to code. Sounds crazy, right? Now imagine if it were a matter of life and death - you'd pay any price. The Republicans know this, and don't care if your house burns. They want the money, and the sooner your house burns, the sooner they get it.
Whose lives matter?
Fingers crossed Charles, fingers crossed. Do you know if the golden health care plans that these Republicans have will affected by say, treatment for pre existing conditions no longer be covered? Just curious because a lot of these old white men will have to pay for their ED meds if so.
I don't get it either, except to observe that no amount of deathwishing kills the GOP, they are the political arm of 'Redstatism', & redstatists are in it forever.
Redstatism isn't about proper policy, it's about the Civil War, the Confederate culture 'rising' again.
The long war of the red-state base has no more interest in the actual policies their politicians pursue than the confederate soldiers who owned no slaves fought their war to secede.
Perhaps this started with the southern factions of churches with their biblical pretensions justifying slavery. Redstatists are still driven by their churches, their brand of biblicalsm. The church was instrumental in building the vast base of red-state hate.
Red-statists are still fighting the war they lost, for better or worse, they equate 'liberals' with blue-state oppression, & their cause remains a fight for the freedom to oppress.
For red-statists it's still 'sic semper tyrranus', and their foundational nationalistic cause is to fight liberalism to the death, regardless of consequences & whether or not the policies of their Republican politicians help or hurt them.
Nationalist ideologies are notoriously immune to logic, common sense or proper public policy. For red-statists, nationalism is their national disease, & they will sustain the GOP.
I wouldn't expect bad GOP healthcare policy to hurt their political future at all. Their base is devoted, forever, and it's not about policy.
Redstatism isn't about proper policy, it's about the Civil War, the Confederate culture 'rising' again.
The long war of the red-state base has no more interest in the actual policies their politicians pursue than the confederate soldiers who owned no slaves fought their war to secede.
Perhaps this started with the southern factions of churches with their biblical pretensions justifying slavery. Redstatists are still driven by their churches, their brand of biblicalsm. The church was instrumental in building the vast base of red-state hate.
Red-statists are still fighting the war they lost, for better or worse, they equate 'liberals' with blue-state oppression, & their cause remains a fight for the freedom to oppress.
For red-statists it's still 'sic semper tyrranus', and their foundational nationalistic cause is to fight liberalism to the death, regardless of consequences & whether or not the policies of their Republican politicians help or hurt them.
Nationalist ideologies are notoriously immune to logic, common sense or proper public policy. For red-statists, nationalism is their national disease, & they will sustain the GOP.
I wouldn't expect bad GOP healthcare policy to hurt their political future at all. Their base is devoted, forever, and it's not about policy.
3
Amen! This is the most knowledgeable comment I have read about the ideology and aims of our Dixieland Neo-Confederate States of America.
You have described the spiritual and cultural environment I was raised in. These are my people and my homeplace, but even though I still live in the city I was born in, I feel like an exile. I am cut off from my parents and my former church community simply because I believe in the principles of the Enlightenment and the values of the Civil Rights Movement. I am a traitor to their life's cause.
Please know they long for another race-based Civil War in America. They have been planning this war for decades within the white Dominionist churches and communities throughout Dixieland.
It makes my blood run cold when I consider who the police unions and prison guards supported in this last election. Those who want the war are closer to their goal than I ever imagined.
We must all decide right now whose side are we on.
You have described the spiritual and cultural environment I was raised in. These are my people and my homeplace, but even though I still live in the city I was born in, I feel like an exile. I am cut off from my parents and my former church community simply because I believe in the principles of the Enlightenment and the values of the Civil Rights Movement. I am a traitor to their life's cause.
Please know they long for another race-based Civil War in America. They have been planning this war for decades within the white Dominionist churches and communities throughout Dixieland.
It makes my blood run cold when I consider who the police unions and prison guards supported in this last election. Those who want the war are closer to their goal than I ever imagined.
We must all decide right now whose side are we on.
1
No threat Charles. With today's snap chat, Facebook and twitter We have 15 minute memories.
Republicans are setting us up for the tax cut, mainly for the rich. Cutting everything except military and security to the bone, and now health care allows the Republicans to have the money for the tax cut and probably Trump[s pet projects, like the wall. It is reality TV. They do not give a hoot for the people that voted for them, as well as the rest of us. It reminds me of Disney, which scared me years ago. All employees are "cast members" and can only say scripted lines or be fired. Reality star Trump is starring in his show, and we are all cast members. This is scarier than 1984.
Disingenuous, Charles. These sculpted anti-Trump polls continue to expose the weakness in your Party and in your logic. The 17% includes 95% of those who have not read the bill as you have not. Your political righteousness only amuses the choir.
3
Boy these "compassionate Christians" in the Republican party sure seem super-interested in protecting the unborn, but somehow seem to have lost a page or more from their Bible.
Here's a passage for you, GOP congresspeople. Read, reread, and then think about what you are selling as "choice" and what it really means to the less fortunate. Then think about what it means for you.
"But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18
Here's a passage for you, GOP congresspeople. Read, reread, and then think about what you are selling as "choice" and what it really means to the less fortunate. Then think about what it means for you.
"But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18
1
Is it the Republican death wish or Mr. Blow's wish for death of the Republicans?
1
Nothing shows the divide between the left and the right more clearly than this bill. It is racist to it's core. Some lives matter, some don't. It is the opposite of "Christian". So no reason to be surprised that they embraced Donald Trump.
It is the party of me first, too bad for you. Sad.
It is the party of me first, too bad for you. Sad.
1
Charles, if you haven't, and if your reader haven't, MUST reading - it's long and dense and circuitous but the most important article folks can be reading now:
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/07/the-great-british-bre...
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/07/the-great-british-bre...
Republican pro life sentiments begin and conception and end at birth.
1
No wealthy person ever died because they didn't get a tax break.
Well put, Mr. Blow. I'd add a couple of observations. While it is generally true that the young and healthy subsidize the older and sicker among us, it is quite possible that a younger person will need to avail himself or herself of insurance benefits. Young people are diagnosed with costly illnesses, like various forms of cancer. Many Young women require costly maternity and delivery care. Children and adults alike are often injured in accidents -- sometimes with costly catastrophic injuries. We all want insurance, whatever our ages, to insure against risks, whether likely or more remote, because we never know what our needs might be, or when we might need crucial, lifesaving care. This seems to be lost on the ignoramuses who make up the GOP. this is the basic concept of insurance. I'm an excellent and careful driver, and don't expect I'll ever be in a serious accident, but I buy car insurance because it's possible I may need it. I don't complain that I've never benefited from the premiums I've paid.
And let's just call a spade a spade. The GOP and its supporters care exclusively about money in their pockets, and not one whit about their fellow humans. No sugar coating it.
And let's just call a spade a spade. The GOP and its supporters care exclusively about money in their pockets, and not one whit about their fellow humans. No sugar coating it.
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In addition, if that uninsured person gets acutely sick or injured, the ER is obligated by law to render care. The average citizen votes for health insurance to be a commodity like having a plumber, but when they are sick suddenly they have a right to be treated even if they cannot pay their medical bills. The plumber can say no to the job if you.do not pay, the hospital cannot.
That is the main reason we need universal coverage, because when it comes down to it we all really believe we have a right to health care.
That is the main reason we need universal coverage, because when it comes down to it we all really believe we have a right to health care.
I'm terrified about this Trumpcare, bug if I'm honest, I don't want "insurance" for all, I want medical care for all. I want what family in Europe has--that orthopaedic medical specialists can make house calls for an inflamed Achilles, no charge, that ninety year olds can get stents put in for free and gain another four years of joyful life. (Both in our experience.) the other side of this story involves the family members who are doctors. They are not dripping wealth, but they are comfortable. And they are so happy in their work--they earn enough, they have challenging work helping people and then they go home. Single-payer. That's what I want. I want to know that if we are ill, we can get treatment--not for $ 6000 deductible, not costing us the house (literally), not limited to young, healthy people or old, very rich people. For all of us.
Death wish for the Republican Party? I'll believe it when I see it. Everyone said last year: Trump is the death of the GOP. Hmm. We hear this sort of mantra repeatedly. When you are this craven and self-serving, you will find new ways--illegal, vicious, immoral, gross, destructive--to win.
As for the "logic" of this? It's called class struggle. The GOP is becoming more and more purely the part of the ruling class. Read your Marx: "the bourgeoisie"(replace this word with something more palatable today--the rich) "has left remaining no other nexus between man and man than naked self-interest, than callous “cash payment”." (Manifesto, Ch. 1: Bourgeois and Proletarians)
As for the "logic" of this? It's called class struggle. The GOP is becoming more and more purely the part of the ruling class. Read your Marx: "the bourgeoisie"(replace this word with something more palatable today--the rich) "has left remaining no other nexus between man and man than naked self-interest, than callous “cash payment”." (Manifesto, Ch. 1: Bourgeois and Proletarians)
3
I watched ethics-challenged (medical stock trades just before votes affecting the stock) multi-millionaire former orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tom Price of HHS shill for this reverse-Robin-Hood bill all weekend on the cable shows.
All I can say is wow. Even in my law career I never saw such a smooth silver-tongued liar. Even informed, skilled interlocutors like Jake Tapper and Andrea Mitchell could not get the better of this greedy con artist.
Price is the most dangerous kind of liar – – he can tell you that the sky is green and the ocean is red so convincingly that you almost believe him. He fits in perfectly with the new administration.
All I can say is wow. Even in my law career I never saw such a smooth silver-tongued liar. Even informed, skilled interlocutors like Jake Tapper and Andrea Mitchell could not get the better of this greedy con artist.
Price is the most dangerous kind of liar – – he can tell you that the sky is green and the ocean is red so convincingly that you almost believe him. He fits in perfectly with the new administration.
7
A keg party photo op to celebrate the gutting of Medicaid is quite simply institutionalized lynching.
6
Hey Charles, every time you write you paint yourself in a corner. Obamacare is
a failed venture, not because of Trump. Because Obama made deals with the insurance and medical industry to get it passed, bad deals. Explain why a 60 year old man has to pay for maternity care under Obamacare? Obama and the Dems are arrogant, and incompetent. Obama may have known how to run a soup kitchen (maybe), but certainly not a country.
a failed venture, not because of Trump. Because Obama made deals with the insurance and medical industry to get it passed, bad deals. Explain why a 60 year old man has to pay for maternity care under Obamacare? Obama and the Dems are arrogant, and incompetent. Obama may have known how to run a soup kitchen (maybe), but certainly not a country.
2
You obv have no idea how healthcare works. We pay for male heart attacks and diabetes and prostate cancers. Educate yourself.
A 60 year old man should pay for maternity care the same way others should pay for a 60 year old man's prostate care if there's something wrong. It's called insurance. Everyone pays into a pool to get care if needed. It would seem especially important to the human population to care for pregnant women. Also as everyone knows it's called the Affordable Care Act not Obama care. Your last comments are just insults and have nothing to do with the article IMO.
3
So much poison against the Republicans. It ought to be directed at Hillary for spewing it.
Republican death panel by any other name
7
I guess the upside for the all white Southern GOP in this bill is that some people of color will lose their healthcare. That would be a cause for celebration amongst the Southern Evangelical racists that form the Tea Party base of the party.
5
Contrary to the fake news bluster of Charles, the only death wish associated with Obamacare is that of the Dems to lose control of the Whitehouse, Congress and a majority of statehouses and governorships. The crooked bargain, lies and shoddy product that is Obamacare has destroyed the Dem party. Good riddance.
Btw, watching Obama get his participation award at the Profiles In Courage boondoggle last night was a howler.
Btw, watching Obama get his participation award at the Profiles In Courage boondoggle last night was a howler.
Saying it, does not make it so. Mr. Blow was just as adamant about the election. Hillary would crush Trump and bring along both houses of congress. Right now we have a bill, not a law. There will be changes. In the House not one democrat worked with the Republicans to write the bill
and not one voted for it. In the Senate there is another chance to be involved with the final product. A law will be passed. The Democrats have to decide if their role is destruction or construction
and not one voted for it. In the Senate there is another chance to be involved with the final product. A law will be passed. The Democrats have to decide if their role is destruction or construction
You are dreaming. As they always manage to do, the Republicans will feed the voters a foul tasting pablum and have the voters requesting even more in the next midterm election. Why did the GOP do this? Because they can. They know they will not be held accountable.
3
charles....if you're looking for rationality and logic, you'd better start doing some research into what other country you might like to move to......
1
The GHOULS in the machine. Seriously.
Mr. Blow the republicans have a vast propaganda network. Somehow they will turn this into Obamas fault, or Clintons, probably Warren's. You can not get any lower than this band of bullies but they will try and half the citizens won't remember from the poisoned water, chemical run off.
I have asthma, if I lived in the United States of Central North America, I would be paying an extra 4,000.00 for insurance. Are you people crazy!
I have asthma, if I lived in the United States of Central North America, I would be paying an extra 4,000.00 for insurance. Are you people crazy!
Obama stole billions of dollars from upper middle and middle class American citizens and gave it to the wealthiest and poorest. You can stick your head in the sand as long as you would like, but hopefully the theft is over.
2
Why should they care about the 2018 midterms? They have Faux News, Koch money, and Cambridge Analytics. When will the Times start focusing on the lies and brainwashing techniques?
3
In my many years on this earth I have met people who can only be described as 'demonic'. You can add to that list the republican legislators that voted for this evil document.
Boring, predictable and inflammatory articles are Chuck's specialty. Well done!
As usual there's a lot that's "beyond you" Mr. Blow. Economics 101 for instance. Young healthy people cannot afford to pay outrageous premiums to subsidize old sick people like you. Because you need to see a therapist to salve your angst and hatred doesn't mean a healthy 21 year old has any interest in your health, mental or otherwise. You don't deal in facts, propaganda is your stock in trade.Only someone who is consumed by hatred could make the assumption that their political opponents are out to murder sick people. Only someone who is paranoid would assume anyone elected to serve the people of the US, of any political stripe are there to harm others and are members of some vast conspiracy to do so. After reading many of your paranoid musings about your "enemies" and their relentless attempts to wrong your innocent tortured soul there is one conclusion that is abundantly clear. There is a well that all free people drink from called political speech and discourse.You are a callous and deliberate poisoner of that well. Your aim is not to consider ideas but to condemn any that that don't agree with your rigid, reality denying hysterical world view. Just as in North Korea, anyone bringing up flaws in your self-serving narratives is an enemy of the state and needs to be not defeated, but destroyed. Why are these "enemies" always cartoon evil doers whose deeds if believed don't really make sense? Do Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell really hate old poor people, or is someone lying?
1
Ah, yeah, I get it; “Nobody dies because they don’t have access to health care.” See, the "detail" here is that you end up in soul-crushing debt for the rest of your and your family's life, as a result of being so bold as to go get yourself saved by a doctor--that's a WHOLE other topic, obviously...completely unrelated.
2
The Merchants of Death and Destruction
1
Mr. Blow, you obviously have not spoken with people who have found the ACA anything but affordable. It's expensive, cumbersome and according to most small business owners as well as all the health professionals I have asked, unaffordable. Only those with complete subsidies seem to appreciate it. Speak with small business owners and most will tell you their premiums and deductibles have doubled. I know you are safe and sound in your New York Times office, but there are others out there who are not as fortunate.
The lack of diversity of thought on the NYT Opinion page ,e.g. Blow,Krugman,Egan,Edsall,Kristof,Dowd,Collins,and the Editorial Board, is mind numbing, the opposite of thought provoking.
How does this differ from propaganda?
How does this differ from propaganda?
Forgive my seeming disparaging of the intelligence writ on this page but nothing ---NOT ONE THING---will cause Republican voters to vote for a Democrat. They would rather die than allow the party of the line-cutters, takers, moochers, gays, browns, and illegals give them healthcare, secure Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and help pay to educate their children. The only way Democrats can possibly win back the House is by a massive turnout of new voters in gerrymandered districts or _enough_ disaffection from reliable Republicans that simply stay home. The only remedy is simple: low turn from Rs, high turn out from new Democrats. Nothing else can change America the Stupid.
3
"That, like so much else coming from these folks’ mouths, was a lie."
Mr. Blow here was fine when Obama delivered nothing to working class, despite the promises. And now he is outraged.
Old political game of "we are the ones who really care" nonsense is on the media pages now.
Mr. Blow here was fine when Obama delivered nothing to working class, despite the promises. And now he is outraged.
Old political game of "we are the ones who really care" nonsense is on the media pages now.
1
The Republicans who keep their healthcare under Trumpcare will consider it a success. It is still a terrible bill. Healthcare is a closed market where the only players are insurance companies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. No American should trust that those players are looking out for any interest other than their own. our elected officials should be looking out for us and not those companies.
3
Typical hyperbole from Blow who still can't wrap his head around the will of the people and accept that Trump is President.
We need to have some common sense budgetary constraints when it comes to healthcare. We cannot afford to give unlimited care to everyone when only 1/2 of us are paying for it.
The gravy train is over.
We need to have some common sense budgetary constraints when it comes to healthcare. We cannot afford to give unlimited care to everyone when only 1/2 of us are paying for it.
The gravy train is over.
2
Silly wabbits. Y'all should know there is no universal health care, there never was and there never will be, whether there be 535 Harold Ickes in office, or 535 Grover Nyquists in office. It will not matter whether Comrade Sanders puts his feet up on the Oval Office desk or whether Marine obtains a work visa and a constitutional amendment to become Madam President of Les Etats-Unis. This country is an oligarchy and NO ONE achieves high, policy-impacting office without their blessing, their money and without total fealty to their objectives and intents. Keep dreaming foolish liberals and addle-brained populists. You keep rowing unaware the vessel is riven with leaks and poised for a painful collision with the reality of arithmetic shoals.
I believe a more accurate title to Blow's commentary would be Blow's wish for death of republicans. Obamacare is a failure.
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TrumpCare is not a “Death Panel”, TrumpCare is a DEATH SENTENCE…!!!
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"Republican death wish"? Thank God. The Republican Party as an organization deserves to die.
1
Labrador should be put down for his inhumane comments. That spectacle in the Rose Garden was truly appalling - yay for dead babies! Yay for suffering mothers! Yay for cancer victims dying! Yay...wait...WHAT?
1
The fact that Obama and Democrats flat out lied to the American people that under their ACA "If you like your health plan, you can keep your health plan..If..."; and told the public that the mandatory requirement to buy insurance was not a tax, but then claimed it was a tax when defending the bill at the Supreme Court, why should Americans now believe anything that Obama, Blow, Waters, the NYT and other shifty-eyed Democrat hustlers tell us about the Republicans attempt to change the ACA?
1
I see millions marching in the streets. I see a backlash coming against these fascist elitist traitors. It's coming.
3
"The obscene spectacle of the Republicans gathering last week in the rose garden" says it all. It's a relief to see these words in print. When is this terrible dream going to end? France is out of the woods, for now, along with several other European countries. France chose democracy not fascism, not Putin. Why did America have to chose fascism and Putin? Nightmarish. We need more writers like Mr. Blow to keep up the morale!
2
"... these folks mouths...." His mouth, Charles. His lie.
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To soften the negative blow of this tax-relief (fake healthcare bill), watch the Republicans in the House: before the 2018 elections, a GIANT tax reduction plan will also be passed by the House, another fake bill, to eliminate the memory of the AHCA -- think the flash of the Neuralyzer in the movie Men in Black. I estimate it lands sometime before the end of 2017, so House Republicans can say it could lower your taxes immediately if only the Senate will pass it....
1
"Obscene spectacle" just about says it all. Disgusting.
That the Republicans will pay is wishful thinking and how we got into this mess. MAYBE if the election was held this November, but so much can happen in a year.
Also, you are assuming that the Trump voters - act and vote rationally? What gives you that idea? You can't grow a brain and logical thinking is even harder. It's up to Democrats to drill, baby, drill that idea and they are clueless! If they win, it'll be due to nothing they did. They were so smug on Nov 8th, like they're smug now, it's time to WORK WORK to make that vision come true.
Also, you are assuming that the Trump voters - act and vote rationally? What gives you that idea? You can't grow a brain and logical thinking is even harder. It's up to Democrats to drill, baby, drill that idea and they are clueless! If they win, it'll be due to nothing they did. They were so smug on Nov 8th, like they're smug now, it's time to WORK WORK to make that vision come true.
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What your Rep.Labrador must have meant to say was that no member of the U.S. House or Senate "dies because they don't have access to health care."
Why you Americans allow your elected Representatives & Senators & their families to enjoy a healthcare system of which you can only dream is beyond me. Why not simply demand what your employees have no more but certainly no less?
Why you Americans allow your elected Representatives & Senators & their families to enjoy a healthcare system of which you can only dream is beyond me. Why not simply demand what your employees have no more but certainly no less?
1
Today's House Republicans: Ignorant, hateful, morally bereft, and dishonest to boot.
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welcome the GOP... your "elected" Death Panel...
Yet elsewhere in this paper. John McCain's cluelessly advocates for our country to uphold our belief in human rights without an ounce of self introspection......
Nothing belies our morally corrupt nature more than the GOP. They are a cancer on our soul. More and more, people I know are becoming "never-againers"--meaning people who will vote any which way but Republican.
Nothing belies our morally corrupt nature more than the GOP. They are a cancer on our soul. More and more, people I know are becoming "never-againers"--meaning people who will vote any which way but Republican.
The republican evangelicals only have to look to their deep lack of moral values to answer the question as to why millennials are leaving organized religion in droves. Trumpcare as passed by the house is a clear example of the hypocrisy of hollow bible thumpers. Cruel and ignorant.
Man I am getting to love Mondays.
"Once again, the party that is vehemently “pro-life” for “persons” in the womb demonstrates a staggering lack of empathy for those very same lives when they are in the world. What is the moral logic here?"
Answer, There is none!
Charles, I would that you could inject a little of your forth right courage, "It was a stunning expression of idiocy." into the Editors of the NYT.
Last night a real President made a talk after being awarded the Kennedy Profile of Courage Award. Courage among politicians is not that common. I would think that it would be an essential quality for anyone who dreams of being a member of the Fourth Estate. The facts are that that a great deal of what comes out of the mouths of individuals like Trump , Tillerman, Sessions, Prince, etc, are simply lies.
Why cannot what is the one of the best voices in Journalism "Speak Truth to Power"? Just call a lie what it is and put the Truth alongside of it.
"Once again, the party that is vehemently “pro-life” for “persons” in the womb demonstrates a staggering lack of empathy for those very same lives when they are in the world. What is the moral logic here?"
Answer, There is none!
Charles, I would that you could inject a little of your forth right courage, "It was a stunning expression of idiocy." into the Editors of the NYT.
Last night a real President made a talk after being awarded the Kennedy Profile of Courage Award. Courage among politicians is not that common. I would think that it would be an essential quality for anyone who dreams of being a member of the Fourth Estate. The facts are that that a great deal of what comes out of the mouths of individuals like Trump , Tillerman, Sessions, Prince, etc, are simply lies.
Why cannot what is the one of the best voices in Journalism "Speak Truth to Power"? Just call a lie what it is and put the Truth alongside of it.
This will kill more Trump voters than Sanders voters, so it is a self-correcting problem.
"Trump & Publicans Lie Again:
This Time About [X]"
There you go, NYT -- if you actually mean it about your "mission" about "hold[ing] power to account" (your NEW "mission," I should strongly emphasize, since this was so clearly absent in the campaigns that brought us the Late Unpleasantness, and installed an insulting joke of a creature into our White House), I've just written your leading headline for every single day of the next 18 months.
This Time About [X]"
There you go, NYT -- if you actually mean it about your "mission" about "hold[ing] power to account" (your NEW "mission," I should strongly emphasize, since this was so clearly absent in the campaigns that brought us the Late Unpleasantness, and installed an insulting joke of a creature into our White House), I've just written your leading headline for every single day of the next 18 months.
The GOP to those without insurance and thrown off Medicaid....
get a job pal.
get a job pal.
Re: "...The obscene spectacle of House Republicans gathering last week in the Rose Garden to celebrate the House’s passage of a bill that would likely strip insurance coverage from tens of millions of Americans, while simultaneously serving as a massive tax break for the wealthy, had the callous feel of the well-heeled dancing on the poor’s graves..." {Pic: Paul Ryan speaking at the White House after the passage of the health care bill}"
This Republican sense of, (false), triumph reminded ME of Eb. Scrooge; {Pre_Spiritual_Visitation-/-Awakening}, as he disrespects people...seeking Xmas donations for the poor while he, (Scrooge...), preferred to speak of the poor in terms of "workhouses", and 'prisons';
Much as today's alleged evangelical(s), 'N, neo_nazis, involved with this allegedly, 'Xian' White House, like to do!
After reading / seeing this article / pic, I felt like I might 'SPEW', on my K-board. I will continue my voting policy, aka: avoiding Republicans at election time(s)! (aka: 2018 / 2020, Etc.)!!!
This Republican sense of, (false), triumph reminded ME of Eb. Scrooge; {Pre_Spiritual_Visitation-/-Awakening}, as he disrespects people...seeking Xmas donations for the poor while he, (Scrooge...), preferred to speak of the poor in terms of "workhouses", and 'prisons';
Much as today's alleged evangelical(s), 'N, neo_nazis, involved with this allegedly, 'Xian' White House, like to do!
After reading / seeing this article / pic, I felt like I might 'SPEW', on my K-board. I will continue my voting policy, aka: avoiding Republicans at election time(s)! (aka: 2018 / 2020, Etc.)!!!
The last paragraph shows the Dems are doing a carpe diem like mad!
I did read somewhere in this paper last month a quote by one kamikaze-Obamacare Congressman which was "If I lose my job over this vote, so be it."
'Nuff said!
I did read somewhere in this paper last month a quote by one kamikaze-Obamacare Congressman which was "If I lose my job over this vote, so be it."
'Nuff said!
Other than the other obvious (they're all pretty obvious) things - the tax cut for the rich - the need to get something passed because of pressure coming down from the Executive, combined with the toady-like sychophancy of the Reactionaries who are the majority in the House....
...its this - blind HATRED, and RAGE. Unreasoning. Unhthinking. Probably partly racially oriented as well (I mean - let's face it - no one read the Bill before voting on it - Trump undoubtedly did not either).
How else to explain this?
And then this ridiculous, clearly staged "victory dance" that happened right afterwards.
Its shameful.
...its this - blind HATRED, and RAGE. Unreasoning. Unhthinking. Probably partly racially oriented as well (I mean - let's face it - no one read the Bill before voting on it - Trump undoubtedly did not either).
How else to explain this?
And then this ridiculous, clearly staged "victory dance" that happened right afterwards.
Its shameful.
Billionaires, with their lackey Republican shills, would charge Americans for oxygen, if they could.
When will we ever accept that everyone needs healthcare as a basic human right, not as an opportunity for profit? This evil bill should bring on a repeat of the French Revolution. We must avoid creating a permanent aristocracy. Off with their heads!
When will we ever accept that everyone needs healthcare as a basic human right, not as an opportunity for profit? This evil bill should bring on a repeat of the French Revolution. We must avoid creating a permanent aristocracy. Off with their heads!
These republicans call themselves Christians? Oh that's right because Jesus said screw the poor and the sick for they are a burden unto us. Bless the rich and powerful for they shall crush the less fortunate, inherit the earth and enter heaven on winged chariots of gold.
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GHOULS in the machine. PEROID.
Charles Blow is a consistently better writer than David Brooks, both in his command of language and style, and by his grasp and use of honest facts.
1
I find it quite fitting that congressional republicans, who created the fantasy "death panels" under Obamacare, have now become the Supreme Death Panel. It goes right along with their messaging for 50+ years: 1. the proletariat is expendable and stupid, 2. anyone who does not look like, live like, we do is expendable & stupid AND is deserving of God's wrath, 3. we really only support the pro-lifers because it is a way to control women, (as was slavery with Africans Americans), 4. why on earth would we pay for health care for the "other" when we don't even advocate that they breed?
Any questions?
Any questions?
3
"Once again, the party that is vehemently “pro-life” for “persons” in the womb demonstrates a staggering lack of empathy for those very same lives when they are in the world. What is the moral logic here? It is beyond me."
That is the real rub, Charles. Can't make heads or tails of what goes on in the minds of these "pro-lifers"...
That is the real rub, Charles. Can't make heads or tails of what goes on in the minds of these "pro-lifers"...
1
Gawd, I'm getting tired of all these arguments! When real American patriots are ill, they should just die for the good of out County's important people! All this health nonsense makes me SICK! }cough-cough ...{
What's worse than a smarmy real estate con-artist trying to sell you a condo in Trump Tower? Now he's got an insurance broker's license to kill!
1
Call your reps and tell them you don't buy the lies. That GOP photo op was straight out of a Buñuel surrealist film and should be made into the ad that sinks these rats.
Have they no decency? At all?
Have they no decency? At all?
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hopefully charles those in charge will just nuke us all soon and not let us suffer for years before nuking us then.
Moral and Logic-- and Republican are antonyms.
Can we please start "tattooing" on republicans heads, quotes like
that of Labrador, or trump, or ryan.
Democrats, spend money on adds in papers, online, on billboards,
townhalls, exposing this heartlessness. Just repeat, and rinse...
When you're on the "shows" just repeat quotes; show the pixs of
all the republican white guys in the rose garden. Or the pix of all
the white senators now in charge of the AHCA... Few or NO women!
Ladies, you're the majority in this country, and are more responsible for
health care for yourselves, and your family. But where are you in the
republican party.
Lets get out the ink and the tattoo needles.
that of Labrador, or trump, or ryan.
Democrats, spend money on adds in papers, online, on billboards,
townhalls, exposing this heartlessness. Just repeat, and rinse...
When you're on the "shows" just repeat quotes; show the pixs of
all the republican white guys in the rose garden. Or the pix of all
the white senators now in charge of the AHCA... Few or NO women!
Ladies, you're the majority in this country, and are more responsible for
health care for yourselves, and your family. But where are you in the
republican party.
Lets get out the ink and the tattoo needles.
1
I do not share CB's optimistic pessimism because HL Mencken was proven right yet again. No one ever went broke underestimating the stupidity of the American public. Remember the Oklahoma folks all being horribly hurt by Trump policies, yet STILL ardent supporters of him?
Or the polls showing people hate Obamacare but love the ACA? And what about the signs "Keep Your Government Hands Off My Medicare!"
Combine that with the total Goebels willingness to craft complete blatant lies and the GOP will SOMEHOW hang this on Dems, who, like Charlie Brown think this time they will kick the football.
No, the Resistance and Indivisible who are ahead of the Dems and DNC are the real hope. The DNC is just the hobo riding the train fooling himself he's driving it.
Or the polls showing people hate Obamacare but love the ACA? And what about the signs "Keep Your Government Hands Off My Medicare!"
Combine that with the total Goebels willingness to craft complete blatant lies and the GOP will SOMEHOW hang this on Dems, who, like Charlie Brown think this time they will kick the football.
No, the Resistance and Indivisible who are ahead of the Dems and DNC are the real hope. The DNC is just the hobo riding the train fooling himself he's driving it.
1
We have the votes.
For what?
We have no idea really, except there are yuge tax cuts for the ultrarich that come with it, and it means the end of Obamacare as we've trolled it into being known.
That means there will be revenue loss, which in turn means we can't pay all the doctors, nurses, expensive treatments, medicines, medical devices and therapies that patients will be needing anymore, as either their insurance premiums will rise to unaffordable whopper levels or they will stop covering a lot, or a large deductible bite out, of the treatments. But you have no clue or clarity on how much harm you just did to them?
No, but tax cuts! Let's paaarty!
Isn't this like partying hard on a Grim Oligarchic Predator death panel cruise ship that is looking for an iceberg in the fog of karma denial for owning the actions that steer its course?
Tax cuts, my friend.
Are you willing at all to have society fund anything beyond the military, the police, prisons, deportation, a border wall, the mother of all bombs and your own cushions?
Tax cuts! See ma face? It's smiling and smirking and gliding with smooth and smug glee through this bathtub full of swampy snake oil I'm drowning my government in.
Are you pressing for Affliction, Harassment, Crosscheck & Assault, Ensnaring Deserving Americans instead of delivering them healthcare? Sort of like operating like the AH CAEDA of healthcare in particular and US government in general?
Cut. I think we're done.
That's what I think.
For what?
We have no idea really, except there are yuge tax cuts for the ultrarich that come with it, and it means the end of Obamacare as we've trolled it into being known.
That means there will be revenue loss, which in turn means we can't pay all the doctors, nurses, expensive treatments, medicines, medical devices and therapies that patients will be needing anymore, as either their insurance premiums will rise to unaffordable whopper levels or they will stop covering a lot, or a large deductible bite out, of the treatments. But you have no clue or clarity on how much harm you just did to them?
No, but tax cuts! Let's paaarty!
Isn't this like partying hard on a Grim Oligarchic Predator death panel cruise ship that is looking for an iceberg in the fog of karma denial for owning the actions that steer its course?
Tax cuts, my friend.
Are you willing at all to have society fund anything beyond the military, the police, prisons, deportation, a border wall, the mother of all bombs and your own cushions?
Tax cuts! See ma face? It's smiling and smirking and gliding with smooth and smug glee through this bathtub full of swampy snake oil I'm drowning my government in.
Are you pressing for Affliction, Harassment, Crosscheck & Assault, Ensnaring Deserving Americans instead of delivering them healthcare? Sort of like operating like the AH CAEDA of healthcare in particular and US government in general?
Cut. I think we're done.
That's what I think.
51
Hey, what's the problem? Upset about our GOP reps. taking a party bus to the WH where they did fist bumps and pumps, patted each other on the back and drank beer in celebration?
This whole thing is utterly disgusting. This so called health care bill- AKA TrumpDoesn'tCare- is nothing but a tax break for the wealthy. Any health care that does, or more likely doesn't, come out of it is secondary to the tax breaks.
It's 2017 and we are still debating who "deserves" to receive adequate health care! Enough already. All these vile old white men need to go. Oh, in case you didn't catch this...good ol' Mo Brooks let us know who is deserving of health care. Those who lead good lives and therefore don't have preexisting conditions!
This whole thing is utterly disgusting. This so called health care bill- AKA TrumpDoesn'tCare- is nothing but a tax break for the wealthy. Any health care that does, or more likely doesn't, come out of it is secondary to the tax breaks.
It's 2017 and we are still debating who "deserves" to receive adequate health care! Enough already. All these vile old white men need to go. Oh, in case you didn't catch this...good ol' Mo Brooks let us know who is deserving of health care. Those who lead good lives and therefore don't have preexisting conditions!
5
Trump has already established a basis for this obscene Rose Garden bravado: That WE AMERICANS ARE STUPID, CYNICAL AND NAIVE. This done by successfully winning the election helped along by white women who are now targeted by his Trumpcare Bill. Go American White Women!
3
not cynical at all
gullible
were you cynical youd have laughed trump from the stage
This college educated white woman never even considered voting in #TRUTHLESStrump. So don't blame me.
When will the repugs fully embrace preexisting conditions pricing? Soon they'll be saying that blacks and blue collar workers should be charged more because they're more likely to get ill, while rich folks should be charged less because they tend to be healthier.
4
Consider this: the Republicans have created a healthcare situation in which the american people have to believe that the Republicans that voted for the AHCA Bill (that passed the House of Representatives) are either good-intentioned IDIOTS or bad-intentioned LYING LIARS.
There really is no space in between the two.
There really is no space in between the two.
3
As idiotic as what Raul Labrador said, he outdid himself later saying that people will have access to health care via emergency rooms. Stunningly stupid.
And people all across this country actually put Republicans into elected office. Why?
You can't fix stupid, but if this bill passes, a good deal of stupid will be killed off.
You can't fix stupid, but if this bill passes, a good deal of stupid will be killed off.
1
Charles M. Blow, you're my inspiration.
2
Many Republicans' death wish is like that of suicide bombers. They'll blindly follow their leader, no matter where he takes them.
The only difference is that there'll be only one virgin waiting for each one of them up in heaven
(or wherever they end up), the Vice President
Will make sure of that.
The only difference is that there'll be only one virgin waiting for each one of them up in heaven
(or wherever they end up), the Vice President
Will make sure of that.
The sung chant from the album "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" came out in 1969, just a few years after (but still contemporary with) another chant aimed at Lyndon Johnson that, with but a slight change is every bit as appropriate today:
Hey hey A-H-C-A
How many kids did you kill today?
Hey hey A-H-C-A
How many kids did you kill today?
3
Well said Blow. Wonder how Howdy Gowdy and Republican house colleagues stand to look at themselves in the mirror each morning. I am sure they are all good Sunday Christians. Hypocrites.
2
Mr Blow. It is beyond me as well. I just dont get it. I know for a fact there are intelligent thoughtful people on both sides of the aisle- but this race to devolve and destroy is unprecedented.... or is it?
1
trump tells the australian pm he thins single player is the best plan, then crams this down americans throats
insanity ?
hypocrisy ?
duplicity?
stupidity ?
put 'em in a blender and the slimy mess you get is trump
1
All of this is well and good; Charles, as usual, lays out the issue clearly. But this is the looming question that the Democrats have yet to answer: how are you, in each district and constituency where this change is going to make the greatest impact, going to drive home the message that this change to the ACA is going to cause job losses, sickness and deaths?
It seems to me that there is a longstanding issue whereby the side with the supposed upper hand gets too complacent about their chances and doesn't do their utmost to get ahead of the story and take the lead in messaging. Don't think that just having the moral superiority over a party that is hell bent on making the rich even richer is going to be enough. Remember: many of the people who voted for the corrupt orange gaslighter are happy with his bids to defund Planned Parenthood and remove support for maternity care. You have to break through that wall to get people to see the overarching harm that the rest of the measures bundled up with that is going to cause them and their families.
Democrats, go to your districts and talk to your constituents and hammer that message, NOW. It's fine and dandy to sing a victory song on the House floor, but don't be lazy and think that people just get it! They need to be told, then reminded again and again. And then again, right before they go to the polls! Otherwise, I fear all these heightened hopes and expectations for a reversal of fortunes for the Dems in 2018 will fall flat.
It seems to me that there is a longstanding issue whereby the side with the supposed upper hand gets too complacent about their chances and doesn't do their utmost to get ahead of the story and take the lead in messaging. Don't think that just having the moral superiority over a party that is hell bent on making the rich even richer is going to be enough. Remember: many of the people who voted for the corrupt orange gaslighter are happy with his bids to defund Planned Parenthood and remove support for maternity care. You have to break through that wall to get people to see the overarching harm that the rest of the measures bundled up with that is going to cause them and their families.
Democrats, go to your districts and talk to your constituents and hammer that message, NOW. It's fine and dandy to sing a victory song on the House floor, but don't be lazy and think that people just get it! They need to be told, then reminded again and again. And then again, right before they go to the polls! Otherwise, I fear all these heightened hopes and expectations for a reversal of fortunes for the Dems in 2018 will fall flat.
If you buy the GOP bs that "the young and healthy" subsidize the old and sick, then get ready for that bogus argument to be used for Medicare also. Which by the way saved Paul Ryan's family from desperation because American taxpayers paid his way when his father died.
The young will go to the ER like before and we ALL will pay minus Liar Man Trump who pays no taxes so count him out.
The GOP had NO problem sending our healthy sons and daughters to Iraq and Afghanistan and subsidizing republican wars with their very lives.
PS: Veteran care IS socialized medicine.
The young will go to the ER like before and we ALL will pay minus Liar Man Trump who pays no taxes so count him out.
The GOP had NO problem sending our healthy sons and daughters to Iraq and Afghanistan and subsidizing republican wars with their very lives.
PS: Veteran care IS socialized medicine.
1
Group think is socialized thought, so is moronic mob rule and the rise of gangs.
". . . a sunning expression of idiocy." Thanks for telling it like it is, Mr. Blow!
1
Hypocrite: a person who indulges in hypocrisy, a pretender, a dissembler, deceiver, liar, pietist, a sanctimonious person, plaster saint, phony, fraud, sham, fake, a Republican.
5
Remember when Sarah Palin talked about "death panels" as if they were a *bad* thing? Ah, the innocence of those bygone days...
Charles... the Republicans lied about this plan? Really?
Well, you know what they say about that kind of thing - there are lies, damned lies, and Republican Healthcare Plans.
This so-called "plan" was never about providing better healthcare, which the people supposedly "wanted" so that they could take back "control" of their healthcare decisions. That rhetoric is just partisan misdirection to hide the Big Lie behind this plan.
And the Big Lie is that this "plan" is not about healthcare. It's really about massive tax cuts for the wealthy, paid for by the working class. This plan is the biggest theft of wealth in American history. It's Robin Hood in reverse.
It isn't about healthcare at all. It's about wealthcare. It's time for the Republicans to start being honest about that.
Well, you know what they say about that kind of thing - there are lies, damned lies, and Republican Healthcare Plans.
This so-called "plan" was never about providing better healthcare, which the people supposedly "wanted" so that they could take back "control" of their healthcare decisions. That rhetoric is just partisan misdirection to hide the Big Lie behind this plan.
And the Big Lie is that this "plan" is not about healthcare. It's really about massive tax cuts for the wealthy, paid for by the working class. This plan is the biggest theft of wealth in American history. It's Robin Hood in reverse.
It isn't about healthcare at all. It's about wealthcare. It's time for the Republicans to start being honest about that.
5
I am going to have to steal that.. "wealthcare". Perfect!!!
You start being honest first, the rest will follow.
There is no moral logic, Mr Blow. Just heartless & heartbreaking greed. The poor and sick & elderly were used to pave the way for a tax break on corporations & the upper classes. Period.
3
I fowarded this column to friends because
Blow says it so well.
Blow says it so well.
1
The US healthcare system is more expensive and less effective than in other developed countries.One of the (many) reasons is that until the ACA,a large segment of the population had limited or no access to care.The Act reduced the number of such people but did nothing to reduce the cost of resources consumed.the Republican alternative does nothing to address this either.Until costs are reduced we will not have an effective solution to the travesty that is American Healthcare today.Clinton tried to address this as First Lady and came up against the power of self interested stakeholders.They include providers (individuals and institutions),suppliers(drugs, labs etc )and insurers.Twenty years later, the needs of patients remain in the background.
4
"Everyone wins, no one loses, better plan, people will love it, provided everything people liked about the A.C.A. and eliminated everything they didn’t
We're gonna love it"
Our leaders speak in 4th grade superlatives. Congress makes pawn shops and cash-checking scams look good by comparison.
We're gonna love it"
Our leaders speak in 4th grade superlatives. Congress makes pawn shops and cash-checking scams look good by comparison.
5
What I also find amazing is that the Republicans do not understand the links access to care and insurance have on the economy. After the ACA was passed, we needed more physicians, nurses and other care givers. It raised the demand for these jobs as it addressed the increased demand posed by people who had not been covered. This will go away. Hospitals will have much more unfunded care and insurance companies, health providers and organizations that use health care services will lay off people. There will be thousands laid off over time and there will be a multiplier effect on communities where people live and buy things with their families. The GOP do not understand that our economy is interconnected not just nationally, but internationally. They are trying to implement a stovepipe model that is not feasible. So all the Trump supporters who want "choice" - (HA), they will be choosing a path backward that shrinks our economy and growth potential. It will take us years to fix this and we will be way behind the rest of the world by then.
4
When Paul Ryan says, “Let’s give people more choices and more control over their care.”, he's not talking about the insured, the customers of the insurance industry. He's talking about 'more choices' and control FOR the industry.
Just like Republicans always talk about 'freedom' and 'liberty'. They're not talking about freedom and liberty FOR individuals--citizens--in a republic. They mean 'freedom and liberty' FROM that government; a nominal democracy who's purpose for existing is to represent individual citizens in the project of self-governance.
That is apparently no longer a project that the GOP stands for. They've given up on representative democracy (but haven't dared to say it yet). Instead, it seeks to make our constitutional republic the enemy, but rather conveniently, without identifying its replacement as the focus of citizens allegiance and loyalty: the modern (predatory) corporation. One just has to recognize their doublespeak and view their actions...it's in plain view, for all to see.
Just like Republicans always talk about 'freedom' and 'liberty'. They're not talking about freedom and liberty FOR individuals--citizens--in a republic. They mean 'freedom and liberty' FROM that government; a nominal democracy who's purpose for existing is to represent individual citizens in the project of self-governance.
That is apparently no longer a project that the GOP stands for. They've given up on representative democracy (but haven't dared to say it yet). Instead, it seeks to make our constitutional republic the enemy, but rather conveniently, without identifying its replacement as the focus of citizens allegiance and loyalty: the modern (predatory) corporation. One just has to recognize their doublespeak and view their actions...it's in plain view, for all to see.
Anyone who has ever doubted that the Republican party is in the back pocket of the rich, both personally rich and corporate rich, can clearly see whose interests they champion. If this bill ever gets through the Senate in its current form, Republican legislators in blue, purple, and even some red states, will get their comeuppance in the mid-term elections.
4
Medicare for all is the obvious solution to the health-care-for-profit nightmare we are living out. Republicans won't support it because they are in the pocket of large health care corporations, and Democrats won't support it because they are afraid of the ruckus the health care corporations could kick up, spoiling their very short-term hope of winning the House in 2018. As long as Democrats think in terms of short term political strategy, we will continue to get outright social piracy from the (R) side and uninspired policy and uninspiring candidates from the (D) side. The only real long-term strategic cure is to replace our outdated Constitution with one that is based on one-person-one vote and making legalized bribery of public officials (in the form of campaign contributions) unconstitutional.
4
If everyone had insurance we would be a stronger, safer, better nation. We are in this together--that is what insurance is about that is what America is about. Patriots for Health Care for all.
4
Another striking example of 45 and his enablers lying to those who believed in his promises and taking the bread and health care from those whose pre-existing condition amounts to being born without wealth.
Where are the investigations about the shameless conflicts of interest, handing oversight of our protective agencies to people whose careers are based on destroying these same agencies and allowing pollution of air and water in order to let companies ruin the planet in favor of profit.
What happened to investing illicit contact with Russia.
What is happening to our democracy.
What is happening to our country?
Where are the investigations about the shameless conflicts of interest, handing oversight of our protective agencies to people whose careers are based on destroying these same agencies and allowing pollution of air and water in order to let companies ruin the planet in favor of profit.
What happened to investing illicit contact with Russia.
What is happening to our democracy.
What is happening to our country?
3
I was working in Spain when I discovered that I was HIV positive. Apparently I had had the condition for quite a while and became sick enough to be hospitalized in Spain for 3 weeks. I received excellent care and it did not cost me a single penny. I returned to the United States within a month of leaving the hospital and attempted to find health insurance. I called over 15 insurance companies, and once they learned my HIV status, I was told by every single one that they could not help me. I was unable to afford the expensive medications prescribed to me by the doctors in Spain and my condition worsened significantly. 6 months later when I was found unresponsive my parents called an ambulance to take me to the hospital. They were told that I had developed AIDS and should not leave the hospital because I was expected to die during the night. The hospital happened to be one of the best institutions in the country and I spent 3 weeks in intensive care while the hit me with every form of antibiotics to kill the 3 types of lung infections I had developed. I spent another 3 weeks in the hospital as I recovered. My hospital bill was over $375,000, which they, in a miracle of sorts, forgave. If only I had had access to coverage for my pre-existing condition. Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot die if you don't have medical coverage. I was incredibly lucky, but I know that there are so many out there who were not. We cannot go back to those times.
7
No longer mandated by this bill are "Essential Benefits", which include Substance Abuse and Mental Health benefits. So, the republicans are stripping benefits from those struggling with addictions (remember the Opioid Epidemic?) and mental health problems, whereby sabotaging their best efforts to receive treatment. This is a heartless, mean spirited attempt by Republicans to deny help to those who most need it. The ACA was making it possible for Social Workers and other Clinicians, like myself to actually address the issues underlying depression and substance abuse to stop people from hurting themselves (& others). We are going backwards and there is no sympathy towards those who are struggling and might possibly die from their addictions and/or mental illness without treatment.
3
Is it true you charge 150.00 per hour to help these people (to the tax payers of course)? Maybe there's a cheaper way of helping by cutting off the supply of drugs, now so readily available. You can be retrained to treat perpetually whining Democrats back to a productive life of work and reflection on their ulterior motives.
Unfortunately, this country must go through this madness before we have a single payer system like in any modern country. My biggest criticism of Obama (and I have many) is that when he had Democratic majority in both houses he still gave it to the greedy insurance companies. He still did not fix the obscene prices we pay for pharmaceuticals. Any surprise that he is now getting $400,000 from Wall Street? And we had been fooled to believe that he is one of the 99%. But here is my problem - and I have no solution - Bernie and his kind would be excellent for domestic policies by terrible for leading the free world. So my hope is that if the Democrats do win back the house, and may be the Senate, if in four years we have a Democrat in the oval office, he/she will be a leader who understands the needs for equality, justice, environment, parks, infrastructure, safety net, medical insurance and education, but at the same time does not reward enemies and through allies under the bus, understands that immigration should be carefully designed and managed, and that the Muslim Brotherhood has no place in the White House.
1
Muslim brotherhood?
But you're ok with the new Nazi white supremacist
Breitbart group currently occupying White House?
But you're ok with the new Nazi white supremacist
Breitbart group currently occupying White House?
1
We now need 4 parties?
1
When I complained strongly to a relative who's an Evangelical Christian about the deep hypocrisy of campaigning against abortion while not caring at all about the health and well-being of human beings after birth, she just stared at me blankly.
I insisted by saying that health care is a basic human right, and that anyone following the teachings of Christ should support universal health care "from womb to grave".
Her response? "Ah, but this is utopia. It would cost too much to support everyone. You can't have that".
So much for the religious right. They are behind all this and they disgust me profoundly.
I insisted by saying that health care is a basic human right, and that anyone following the teachings of Christ should support universal health care "from womb to grave".
Her response? "Ah, but this is utopia. It would cost too much to support everyone. You can't have that".
So much for the religious right. They are behind all this and they disgust me profoundly.
4
On the National Day of Prayer, the "Good Christians" in the House of Representatives celebrated 24 million Americans loosing health care insurance... To the "good christians"....DO YOU REALLY THINK Jesus would have said you were doing the Lord's work?
5
Before Mr. Blow or the Democrats start counting up all the seats the Republicans are going to lose in the House because of this bill, they should stop to remind themselves that Republican voters have historically had no problem whatsoever voting against their interests. I think it quite plausible that the House could pass numerous pieces of legislation like this that would be disastrous for Republican voters and these same voters would still vote them back into office. Such is the hatred for Democrats in the land of the Philistines that legislation like this would likely have little effect on their masochistic voting persuasions. The Republicans who voted for it are probably aware of this and hope to beat the rap yet again.
The young subsidizing the old trope is getting overdone. When one is young, there are two courses in life, get older or die. In the latter instance healthcare premiums won't bother you. If they survive youth, they'll want healthcare. And young people have parents and grandparents, some of whom will burn their life savings in a nursing home and be on Medicaid -- despite working, savings etc. Truth is: every person of every age needs health care and someone in every family needs it more than others. As one get older, the odds of major health problems go up, but the risks are ever present.
Having just witnessed the death of 44 year old mother who survived way longer than expected with breast cancer and who, prior to that diagnosis, seemed to be healthier with better habits than most Americans, I am reminded as I wish more people would be that the concept of health meritocracy is overrated, by left and right. As one doing everything I can to live a healthy life, I still can't avoid the reality, life and biology are not fair. I'm lucky and trying to stay lucky, but we are all in this overpriced inefficient health system together. One of many things it should try to accomplish is preventative care for everyone -- or there's the GOP plan, withhold healthcare from poor people and assume the lost economic productivity will be recovered as lower deficits letting fewer poor people live to old age. Well to do people already live more than 10 years longer in some categories.
Having just witnessed the death of 44 year old mother who survived way longer than expected with breast cancer and who, prior to that diagnosis, seemed to be healthier with better habits than most Americans, I am reminded as I wish more people would be that the concept of health meritocracy is overrated, by left and right. As one doing everything I can to live a healthy life, I still can't avoid the reality, life and biology are not fair. I'm lucky and trying to stay lucky, but we are all in this overpriced inefficient health system together. One of many things it should try to accomplish is preventative care for everyone -- or there's the GOP plan, withhold healthcare from poor people and assume the lost economic productivity will be recovered as lower deficits letting fewer poor people live to old age. Well to do people already live more than 10 years longer in some categories.
12
NYT writers: Please make front and center the facts around the pre-existing conditions roll-back. All insurance companies in any state that requests a waiver will be able to re-rate accordingly. Even if you're on an employer-sponsored plan. Given the behavior of our corporations regarding our healthcare benefits, why does anyone think this won't eventually impact them? I've always had employer-sponsored insurance; and, pre-ACA- even when the plan covered you, any ailment related to a perceived pre-existing condition could be denied. And when you lose your job? Good luck getting coverage at all. Same goes if you change jobs and the new company/plan picks you up. Even if they cover you at the new company's premiums, claims will be denied for anything that might have existed before you joined their plan. The only thing that will generate mass outrage is when people realize it's not only 'the other' that will be hit by sky-rocketing premiums, claim denials and outright coverage denials. This will trickle down to all of those smug Americans who think their job-provided coverage will protect them from unfettered market forces.
15
In the USA we have attempted to deal with the combination of inelastic demand and unregulated medical care prices in various ways. One method of keeping medical care expense as a percent of GDP to "only" double that of other developed countries was to have a significant portion of the population uninsured and denied medical care in some circumstances. The existence of large numbers of uninsured (conscripts in the war against rising medical costs) did moderate the growth in health care costs.
HMO's were once thought to be a way of dealing with the inexorable price increases. The problem is that HMOs have to compete against each other for services of doctors and hospitals. As long as medical prices are set by market forces, the inelasticity of demand will force market prices inexorably higher. In a "mixed system" with both free-market and controlled health care prices like the USA, prices inexorably are driven upwards to the market level as long as demand is inelastic. Prices such as payments from Medicare that are "controlled" have to be increased continuously with legislation such as the "doctor-fix" to stay competitive with market prices. Medical prices can only be effectively controlled either by direct price controls as in Japan or with systems where everyone gets care for "free" from the government where only the extremely wealthy can chose not to use the government paid health services that they have already paid for with th..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
HMO's were once thought to be a way of dealing with the inexorable price increases. The problem is that HMOs have to compete against each other for services of doctors and hospitals. As long as medical prices are set by market forces, the inelasticity of demand will force market prices inexorably higher. In a "mixed system" with both free-market and controlled health care prices like the USA, prices inexorably are driven upwards to the market level as long as demand is inelastic. Prices such as payments from Medicare that are "controlled" have to be increased continuously with legislation such as the "doctor-fix" to stay competitive with market prices. Medical prices can only be effectively controlled either by direct price controls as in Japan or with systems where everyone gets care for "free" from the government where only the extremely wealthy can chose not to use the government paid health services that they have already paid for with th..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
4
It has become quite clear by now that the Republican Party is one gigantic Death Panel, not only for American citizens, but for the entire planet.
The truckload of Bud Light to celebrate was a classy touch.
7
Liberal elites drink craft beer.
As often with Charles Blow, an article which calls a spade a spade.
Another angle of view of the ACA-repeal offensive should be the religious : what can be furthest from all basic christian values that this deadly move ? And amn extra layer of tragic irony is that it comes from the very cicles which fight abortion and birth control.
Another angle of view of the ACA-repeal offensive should be the religious : what can be furthest from all basic christian values that this deadly move ? And amn extra layer of tragic irony is that it comes from the very cicles which fight abortion and birth control.
8
The challenge, Mr. Blow, is when in 2018 those 20% who will benefit by the tax cuts from this travesty see their taxes lowered and vote - - this polarization is one of not silos, but Pig(gy) banks.
3
This is the same party that said that there were going to be 'Death Panels' and this, at least, appears to have the ring of truth.
11
Which is more unpopular, the Bill itself or Donald Trump himself. Which came first the chicken or the egg? Dump Trump.
7
Is the Republican contingent of Congress really as stupid as this caustic article implies? YES IT IS! Trump's lackeys are beyond repair.
A Death wish or is it truly a badly disguised death sentence for the poorest Americans.
4
@Edward Calabrese. The latter.
It's really kind of simple. Mathew 16: But certainly do not suppose that ye can combine the eager pursuit of wealth with striving after the kingdom of God! no, aut, aut! Ye cannot serve both God and Mammon.
Clearly, the Repubs, having thought this over for at least eight years, have made their choice.
Clearly, the Repubs, having thought this over for at least eight years, have made their choice.
4
Never underestimate the power of the well-greased GOP spin machine to marshal the United States Army of the resentfully gullible to buy this poisoned turkey as a comely bird of paradise.
5
Don't forget: it's name is NoCare--in every sense of the word.
4
How's this for a bumper sticker?
How's this for a bumper sticker? "Conservatives are those who value life BEFORE birth, while Liberals..."
How's this for a bumper sticker? "Conservatives are those who value life BEFORE birth, while Liberals..."
3
Close, but given the lack of concern for prenatal care or comprehensive health education, I would submit: "Conservatives pretend to value life before birth. Liberals actually do."
1
Let’s call these More Choice Republicans. Look! You are fired from your job, and now you have more choice to find the job of your dreams. Look! You are kicked out of your home, and now you have more choice to find the home of your dreams. Look! Your health care is gone, and now you are free to find the health care of your dreams. Look! You are dead, and now you don’t have to worry about it ever again.
A better solution: No one in government gets a better health care plan than the worst health care plan offered to the lowest citizen in America. You get what you give. No more, no less.
Now there’s an incentive, Mr. Ryan.
A better solution: No one in government gets a better health care plan than the worst health care plan offered to the lowest citizen in America. You get what you give. No more, no less.
Now there’s an incentive, Mr. Ryan.
12
I'm hoping that this obscene, immoral and totally un-Christian health care bill alone will topple many GOP Congressmen in 2018, but I'm afraid it might not. Republicans have always treated their supporters as stupid enough to believe all their lies, no matter how blatant, or else forget those falsehoods over time. I'm afraid that millions of these lowest common denominator Republican voters will still be around during the next voting cycle, ready again to suck up all the false promises and vote for candidates who'll do everything they can against their backers' best interests.
4
They needed to put a mark in the "win" column. They will tell their brain-dead constituency they delivered on their promise to repeal Obamacare. They expect all their little voters to dance in the streets with glee, but they will not. They will prove to be less brain-dead than assumed by their fearless leaders and ask: where is that "cheaper and better" health care you promised? It's gonna get ugly.
I can hardly wait.
I can hardly wait.
3
But many will still vote straight ticket Republican because that is what they do.
1
Trump supporters will celebrate. You will see. They really are brain dead.
Let it be so. Any party that could pass such a bill as this through the House deserves extinction.
All I know is that if you don't like it then it must be good. Thank you Republicans, keep up the good work.
Why is everyone still shocked/surprised/ horrified? Are you really that dumb?
You elect Trump, buy everything heis selling, then express surprise that he doing exactly what he said he would do.
As the saying goes "'Have you been living under a rock?"
He has demonstrated over and over that he doesn't read, he tweets. He doesn't like people who think independently, if at all. He respects nothing except wealth, no matter how ill gained.
We got exactly what we asked for. It is childish to complain now.
And those who don't complain about him think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread. There's no point in arguing with them, they believe and it's enough for them.
In 50 years we have gone from the skeptic Bugs Bunny to Elmer Fudd, still trying to "shoot the wabbit" We're the 'wabbit"
It's a crying shame that they believe in fantasy. but that's America today.
Trump as "Leader of the Free World". What a fantasy.
You elect Trump, buy everything heis selling, then express surprise that he doing exactly what he said he would do.
As the saying goes "'Have you been living under a rock?"
He has demonstrated over and over that he doesn't read, he tweets. He doesn't like people who think independently, if at all. He respects nothing except wealth, no matter how ill gained.
We got exactly what we asked for. It is childish to complain now.
And those who don't complain about him think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread. There's no point in arguing with them, they believe and it's enough for them.
In 50 years we have gone from the skeptic Bugs Bunny to Elmer Fudd, still trying to "shoot the wabbit" We're the 'wabbit"
It's a crying shame that they believe in fantasy. but that's America today.
Trump as "Leader of the Free World". What a fantasy.
"The obscene spectacle of House Republicans..."
Odd, I wasn't aware there were any obscene Republicans remaining. Mr. Blow told us repeatedly between 2009-2016 that the GOP was doomed. Throw some more adjectives at 'em, Charles, that ought to do the trick.
Odd, I wasn't aware there were any obscene Republicans remaining. Mr. Blow told us repeatedly between 2009-2016 that the GOP was doomed. Throw some more adjectives at 'em, Charles, that ought to do the trick.
1
Mr. Blow,
I agree with everything you say SHOULD be and very little of your analysis of what is. The huge shift to the right in Congress, 2010 had little to do with passage of the ACA and everything to do with Republican's stirring up of the Race Card. The voters by and large weren't speaking against those that supported President Obama's Healthcare Bill but against the color of his skin. Maybe the Repubs themselves are not as racist as they seem on the surface, and their agenda is in favor of more laws that represent their Christian Ideology on one hand and their belief in keeping the $$ closer to home on the other, but they are willing to use any method to advance this agenda.
I agree with everything you say SHOULD be and very little of your analysis of what is. The huge shift to the right in Congress, 2010 had little to do with passage of the ACA and everything to do with Republican's stirring up of the Race Card. The voters by and large weren't speaking against those that supported President Obama's Healthcare Bill but against the color of his skin. Maybe the Repubs themselves are not as racist as they seem on the surface, and their agenda is in favor of more laws that represent their Christian Ideology on one hand and their belief in keeping the $$ closer to home on the other, but they are willing to use any method to advance this agenda.
Oh well, if they can't afford it, let them eat cake.
7
Nowadays we would say let them smoke weed -- a pathetic salve to the wound of contemporary hell.
What would you call them? Oh I know: Christian.
Charles, please...
Republican voters won't learn a thing. They're not big on learning.
Many don't even believe in evolution. And life is only sacred in the womb. Once your out, you're on your own.
Democratic politicians aren't far behind in their inability to learn.
The last hope is the Democratic voter. Maybe 2018 is the year when they finally vote in some decent Bernie-type Democrats to free the party from the stranglehold of the Clinton cabal,the Tom Perez, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and the like.
Cautiously optimistic.
Republican voters won't learn a thing. They're not big on learning.
Many don't even believe in evolution. And life is only sacred in the womb. Once your out, you're on your own.
Democratic politicians aren't far behind in their inability to learn.
The last hope is the Democratic voter. Maybe 2018 is the year when they finally vote in some decent Bernie-type Democrats to free the party from the stranglehold of the Clinton cabal,the Tom Perez, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and the like.
Cautiously optimistic.
The smug expressions and jovial laughter exhibited by Trump, Paul Ryan and other rich fat cats while celebrating at the white house was truly obscene.
4
I now understand why Republicans don't want evolution taught in school and opt for creationism instead. They know that if Americans learn about Darwinism, they will immediately recognize the Republican MO, red in tooth and claw...
4
the rich get richer and the poor get sick and die
the american dream 2.0
4
Republican congressman are (attempted) mass murderers.
Delivering tax breaks for billionaires has been their guiding star for over 35 years.
Delivering tax breaks for billionaires has been their guiding star for over 35 years.
7
While I agree with Mr. Blow substantively, with all due respect, he has been woefully incorrect in predicting any demise of the GOP.
2
Perhaps, Agent GG, they really are dead. Just still walking.
It's pretty obvious we live in a sick country: morally, intellectually, physically, economically.
9
I think the time has come to explain to all of US, here in America, why we don't have free health care like the rest of the industrialized world. I mean there has to be a reason. Why are we the lucky ones, and why us alone. Is there something in the American DNA that says helping your fellow man by paying somewhat higher taxes is an absolute sin, Or is is a belief that if people have it too easy that it will somehow destroy the American economic machine. Seriously there has to be a reason why America is so backward in this one area. Please somebody explain it to me,
10
The Republicans have to constantly lie in order to "keep their promise." That's how it works in our new Trump World Order where up is down and wrong is right and dumb is smart and bad is good.
6
You refer to 'the party that is vehemently “pro-life” for “persons” in the womb demonstrates a staggering lack of empathy for those very same lives when they are in the world.'
I couldn't agree more and for more than 40 years I have been calling this group "pro-birth". Pro-life would be too nice an adjective to apply. I have surely come to believe that their philosophy is protect them before birth and once born, they are on their own.
As President Trump might tweet "SAD".
I couldn't agree more and for more than 40 years I have been calling this group "pro-birth". Pro-life would be too nice an adjective to apply. I have surely come to believe that their philosophy is protect them before birth and once born, they are on their own.
As President Trump might tweet "SAD".
5
I'm hoping this was their "Mission Accomplished " moment. 2018 is just around the corner...
3
There is something pathologically wrong with any person who has more than they could ever need or want for a thousand lifetimes trying to take food and medicine away from somebody else just so they can have more.
14
Look, I am in no way advocating what I am about to say, but this is the reality that many liberals seem to somehow miss time and time again.
All those who criticize republican and trump supporters for voting against their interest are missing a critical point and are fundamentally WRONG! These people ARE voting in their best interest. Consider ...
1. Their views are based on MERIT. In other words - some people deserve healthcare (hardworking non-drinkers / non-smokers) and some don't (lazy smokers/alcoholics).
2. Trump/republican supporters (for the most part) believe THEY deserve health care.
3. Trump/republican supporters believe there are MANY undeserving people getting healthcare right now. They see their taxes going to pay for smokers' lung cancer treatment or alcoholics' cirrhosis treatments.
4. They think that those outflows are so significant that the entire health care entitlement system will collapse. And as those who DON'T DESERVE to get healthcare siphon all the money out of the system, none will be left for them or others like them who DESERVE the help.
If you thought like that - would you not not believe that it's in your best interest to support republicans and trump?
Oh, and by the way, NON-DESERVING people also include illegal immigrants and those muslims who somehow agree with ideas espoused by radical islamists, which in republican/Trump supporters minds are a significant percentage.
All those who criticize republican and trump supporters for voting against their interest are missing a critical point and are fundamentally WRONG! These people ARE voting in their best interest. Consider ...
1. Their views are based on MERIT. In other words - some people deserve healthcare (hardworking non-drinkers / non-smokers) and some don't (lazy smokers/alcoholics).
2. Trump/republican supporters (for the most part) believe THEY deserve health care.
3. Trump/republican supporters believe there are MANY undeserving people getting healthcare right now. They see their taxes going to pay for smokers' lung cancer treatment or alcoholics' cirrhosis treatments.
4. They think that those outflows are so significant that the entire health care entitlement system will collapse. And as those who DON'T DESERVE to get healthcare siphon all the money out of the system, none will be left for them or others like them who DESERVE the help.
If you thought like that - would you not not believe that it's in your best interest to support republicans and trump?
Oh, and by the way, NON-DESERVING people also include illegal immigrants and those muslims who somehow agree with ideas espoused by radical islamists, which in republican/Trump supporters minds are a significant percentage.
6
Non deservers are also anybody who is overweight and anybody who doesn't go to a gym. I had cancer and I can say from my experience. Seek people are blamed for being sick.
Trump supporters also seem to not be able to grasp the impact of an issue until it affects them personally. I've noticed this for years with Repubs. Dick Cheney for example. A thoroughly cruel man, but with a surprising and completely out-of-character soft spot for gay rights. Why? Because he has a gay daughter. Trump supporters don't care about sick kids being denied healthcare because they don't think it's going to happen to their kid.
1
Don't you see the gaping hole in this argument? Health is not doled out based on merit. There are many hardworking, non-smoking, non-drinking people among us who nevertheless have been diagnosed with major, life-threatening illnesses. Under the Republican plan of "health care" these folks may be denied care, not because they are in any way "non-deserving," under your description, but simply because they are ill, or have a condition that renders them more likely than others to be ill in the future.
Much as I hate to say it, Mr. Blow is dead wrong.
Republicans will pay NO PRICE for this hateful, malevolent, immoral monstrosity of "health care" bill (it was really just window dressing for the real aim: tax cuts for those who don't need them).
They have delayed the effective date until after the 2018 mid-terms, and even when things go sour after that, their Fox-news swilling voters will be told it's all Obama's fault, or Democrat's fault, or whomever and they will swallow that lie hook, line and sinker.
Republicans will pay NO PRICE for this hateful, malevolent, immoral monstrosity of "health care" bill (it was really just window dressing for the real aim: tax cuts for those who don't need them).
They have delayed the effective date until after the 2018 mid-terms, and even when things go sour after that, their Fox-news swilling voters will be told it's all Obama's fault, or Democrat's fault, or whomever and they will swallow that lie hook, line and sinker.
6
I'm very afraid of this possibility. The Repubs are working hard at voter suppression and they are so much better than Dems at controlling and manipulating the narrative. Not to mention they are morally bankrupt. They will do anything to win.
1
The New York Times should research and publish the details of health care plans available to U.S. Congressmen. It would be interesting to compare their plans to what they are offering the American people.
7
Don the con man is in full effect. It's all in the semantics the Republicans are using to describe their version of health care - words like "access" which means nothing when a health plan is priced out of reach. Sure you have "access" but you probably won't be able to afford to cross the portal. The con is on!
5
Mr Blow
You are merely documenting another sordid episode in the life of the Trump regime which is revealing itself to be more and more as the enemy of the American people, to paraphrase how Trump views your profession as a journalist.
An article in today's Guardian relates another way the Trump regime is oppressing its citizens. Human rights rapporteurs from the UN are going to inform the State Department of human rights violations in 20 US states where new legislation is being prepared to limit assembly for peaceful demonstrations.
Trump's supporters will be delighted to know that Tennessee motorists will not have to fear legal consequences for running down protesters who block their route. More potential casualties for the Republican Death Wish. Anyone who believes that the US government cares about the integrity of its citizens is a self-deceiving chump, an ignoramus who never cracked open a book nor travelled abroad.
You are merely documenting another sordid episode in the life of the Trump regime which is revealing itself to be more and more as the enemy of the American people, to paraphrase how Trump views your profession as a journalist.
An article in today's Guardian relates another way the Trump regime is oppressing its citizens. Human rights rapporteurs from the UN are going to inform the State Department of human rights violations in 20 US states where new legislation is being prepared to limit assembly for peaceful demonstrations.
Trump's supporters will be delighted to know that Tennessee motorists will not have to fear legal consequences for running down protesters who block their route. More potential casualties for the Republican Death Wish. Anyone who believes that the US government cares about the integrity of its citizens is a self-deceiving chump, an ignoramus who never cracked open a book nor travelled abroad.
1
Ryan keeps repeating his talking point about choice, choice, blah blah choice. And patient empowerment whatever that means. Gosh, sounds good! Freedom you know!
Mr. Ryan, choice does us no good. We want health insurance. We already have all kinds of choices most of which few of us can afford. Access too! There's already plenty of access to the best health care in the world if you can only afford it.
Mr. Ryan, single payer, Medicare for all, would be the best solution for all Americans. Mr. Trump admitted as much to the Australian PM. But I'm sure you will do your best to block it since you doggedly remain chief spokesman for Billionaires for Their Own Prosperity!
Mr. Ryan, choice does us no good. We want health insurance. We already have all kinds of choices most of which few of us can afford. Access too! There's already plenty of access to the best health care in the world if you can only afford it.
Mr. Ryan, single payer, Medicare for all, would be the best solution for all Americans. Mr. Trump admitted as much to the Australian PM. But I'm sure you will do your best to block it since you doggedly remain chief spokesman for Billionaires for Their Own Prosperity!
3
We had a saying in the Army - "don't leave your wounded behind, the battle's won when all the soldiers cross the bridge together". This is essentially what health insurance is - the lucky non-wounded caring for and carrying the wounded to safety. Obviously Donald Trump & Paul Ryan never served in the military. Don't they have enough humanism & foresight to realize that someday someone will be carrying them over the bridge when they are infirm?
4
As horrible as this bill is, the people that voted for Trump will vote for him again in 2020. There will be no Democratic wave in 2018, Democrats still do not vote in large enough numbers to make a difference in key states. No analysis in the pages of the NYT, no matter how well written, will alter a single Trump voter's mind. The future is looking bleak thru at least 2024. But, hey! Bill O'Reilly was fired and given $25M! Let's hang on to that empty victory.
2
All this fuss over a bill in the House stoked by the White House can only be attributed to Benedict Donald's desire to keep the attention off of RUSSIAGATE. After all it was just a bill, that won't become law, so what's to celebrate? But that's Benedict and his false vibrato, if he says something is great it is great. Whenever someone tells you how great they are you know even they don't believe it.
Sorry, Mr. Blow, you may be once again overestimating the intelligence of the average American voter. Remember, the Republicans know better; that's how they achieve and maintain power.
2
Every testimonial, from Jimmy Kimmel to NYT Comments about how lives saved by the current health care insurance in the U.S. would have resulted in death under the Republican health care proposal should be gathered up and sent to every congressional representative for them to read.
3
For all of the blah blah blah fear-mongering spewed by Republicans about Obama "death panels" during the run-up to the ACA, it's at least ironic to note that they've made government more efficient under Trumpcare. In one fell swoop, they've turned the House of Representatives into that death panel. Why am I not reassured?
3
"Once again, the party that is vehemently “pro-life” for “persons” in the womb demonstrates a staggering lack of empathy for those very same lives when they are in the world. What is the moral logic here? It is beyond me."
Republicans only care about "persons" when (A) they are in the womb, or (B) they are old enough and physically able enough to serve as cannon fodder in wars for the benefit of big oil, corporations and the already filthy rich. At all other times of our lives, the GOP could care less about their fellow Americans.
Republicans only care about "persons" when (A) they are in the womb, or (B) they are old enough and physically able enough to serve as cannon fodder in wars for the benefit of big oil, corporations and the already filthy rich. At all other times of our lives, the GOP could care less about their fellow Americans.
3
"The business of America is business."
If ever Coolidge was proved right, it was with the passage of this bill.
The pursuit of the mighty dollar sweeps all before it.
It may be comforting to tell yourselves that the USA is somehow better that the rest of humanity, but in truth you have now proved that monetary gain comes before anything and everything, now and always.
Exceptional? For sure.
Moral and better, an example to be emulated? I don't think so.
You have actually chosen death over life...
How can you look yourselves in the mirror?
And do you know what the worst of it is?
Come 2018 most of these House and Senate Republicans WILL get reelected.
Some nice attack ads, a small "rally 'round the flag" crisis somewhere, and the Dems still trying to figure out what to do about Trump, will virtually gua-ran-tee that the blank check writing and the deconstruction will continue.
Do bear in mind that the administration is populating the administration and the judiciary with "its" people, cunning, callous and devoid of humanity.
Bear in mind, too, that the States are very much in the GOP's sway.
This is a grinning and gleeful movement that seeks the destruction of civil society.
Oh, and no.
Op-eds in the NYT aren't going to make a blind bit of difference.
If ever Coolidge was proved right, it was with the passage of this bill.
The pursuit of the mighty dollar sweeps all before it.
It may be comforting to tell yourselves that the USA is somehow better that the rest of humanity, but in truth you have now proved that monetary gain comes before anything and everything, now and always.
Exceptional? For sure.
Moral and better, an example to be emulated? I don't think so.
You have actually chosen death over life...
How can you look yourselves in the mirror?
And do you know what the worst of it is?
Come 2018 most of these House and Senate Republicans WILL get reelected.
Some nice attack ads, a small "rally 'round the flag" crisis somewhere, and the Dems still trying to figure out what to do about Trump, will virtually gua-ran-tee that the blank check writing and the deconstruction will continue.
Do bear in mind that the administration is populating the administration and the judiciary with "its" people, cunning, callous and devoid of humanity.
Bear in mind, too, that the States are very much in the GOP's sway.
This is a grinning and gleeful movement that seeks the destruction of civil society.
Oh, and no.
Op-eds in the NYT aren't going to make a blind bit of difference.
1
Unless people actually VOTE, this means nothing.
4
"Once again, the party that is vehemently “pro-life” for “persons” in the womb demonstrates a staggering lack of empathy for those very same lives when they are in the world."
Indeed.
Where are the 'pro-lifers' when grandma is sleeping on the street and going hungry and suffering from ulcers because she can't pay for a room and is eating whatever she can find? Where are the pro-lifers when cousin Joe who served three tours needs medical care today and is told he has to wait 8 months for an appointment? Where are the pro-lifers when aunt Sara needs high-blood pressure medication but can't afford it, even though she's working two jobs? Where are the pro-lifers when uncle Ray needs help paying for day care for his 3 boys so he can go back to work to pay the medical bills from his life-threatening work accident?
Absent.
Indeed.
Where are the 'pro-lifers' when grandma is sleeping on the street and going hungry and suffering from ulcers because she can't pay for a room and is eating whatever she can find? Where are the pro-lifers when cousin Joe who served three tours needs medical care today and is told he has to wait 8 months for an appointment? Where are the pro-lifers when aunt Sara needs high-blood pressure medication but can't afford it, even though she's working two jobs? Where are the pro-lifers when uncle Ray needs help paying for day care for his 3 boys so he can go back to work to pay the medical bills from his life-threatening work accident?
Absent.
2
It would be wonderful if that "slam dunk" that took place in the Rose Garden last week, come the midterms, turns into what Marv Albert sometimes refers to as, "serving up a facial."
1
The idiocy continues as Sec Price and the GOP congressmen who voted for this abomination trot out and spout off meaningless platitudes about flexibility, and condemning the lies from the opponents.
My favorite one is on the order of "We want to get back to doctor-patient centered health care, without the government getting involved in this relationship." What hogwash! For years now, the insurance companies have been in the middle of health care decisions but I guess the GOP figures that is ok, after all, unlike the government, the insurance industry is benificent, whose first priority is their insured. Ironically, those very same insurance companies have doctors on staff to review claims and referrals.
I repeat...HOGWASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My favorite one is on the order of "We want to get back to doctor-patient centered health care, without the government getting involved in this relationship." What hogwash! For years now, the insurance companies have been in the middle of health care decisions but I guess the GOP figures that is ok, after all, unlike the government, the insurance industry is benificent, whose first priority is their insured. Ironically, those very same insurance companies have doctors on staff to review claims and referrals.
I repeat...HOGWASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1
If someone had machine-gunned the entire celebratory Rose Garden crowd, would the result have been anything other than positive?
3
I'm trying to understand how the religious-right (and the pro-life GOP) squares the AHCA with their pro-life stance. It is of utmost importance for this group to save the lives of all unborn children, yet when they are born into the world -- if they are born into a lower income household, or God forbid they have a medical condition upon birth -- they may very likely not be able to afford medical care to keep them healthy in their post-womb world. Is their goal to save the life to be able to put it in peril at a later date? Do they literally want the power of life AND death?
2
Mr. Blow -
You are great with stats. Let us know what the white old men in the photo op stand to gain from the forthcoming tax cut. I would guess that they all make over $250k and will get a tax cut if the Republican plan should ever become law. There must be some making over $1mil that will gain even larger tax cut.
You are great with stats. Let us know what the white old men in the photo op stand to gain from the forthcoming tax cut. I would guess that they all make over $250k and will get a tax cut if the Republican plan should ever become law. There must be some making over $1mil that will gain even larger tax cut.
2
At least the Democrat's song choice (""Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye") has been used on a bipartisan basis over the years, by fans in political and sports arenas. The media was not universally fond of this most recent iteration: http://www.ajc.com/news/national-govt--politics/what-they-are-saying-abo... .
I get a bit nervous with that sort of taunt, although it was equaled--if not surpassed--by the old, white, rich guys, grinning in the garden with our president.
More to the point, the malevolence displayed in that "health care" bill was stunning, as has been repeated so many times. Watching the "Freedom" Caucus club members try to defend this thing, saying "we just want to improve the care for those with poor folks Medicaid..." is beyond revolting.
Some prominent Republicans understand that Trump did not care what was in the bill, as long as he could have his celebration: http://thehill.com/homenews/331062-kasich-trump-doesnt-care-about-whats-... .
I get a bit nervous with that sort of taunt, although it was equaled--if not surpassed--by the old, white, rich guys, grinning in the garden with our president.
More to the point, the malevolence displayed in that "health care" bill was stunning, as has been repeated so many times. Watching the "Freedom" Caucus club members try to defend this thing, saying "we just want to improve the care for those with poor folks Medicaid..." is beyond revolting.
Some prominent Republicans understand that Trump did not care what was in the bill, as long as he could have his celebration: http://thehill.com/homenews/331062-kasich-trump-doesnt-care-about-whats-... .
1
Blow says, "Republicans are likely to pay dearly for this outrage." I would Changing "are likely" to "will" is more the expected reality!
I agree that the passage of the House Republican healthcare plan is like "Death Wish" the movie. The movie depicted a sane, law-abiding taxpayer who finally says enough and proceeds to blow away the bad guys. Similarly the House Republicans said enough of the failed Obamacare plan and blew it away. Is that what you meant Mr. Blow?
1
Republicans like the Idaho congressman and House Freedom Caucus member Representative Raúl R. Labrador deny this most basic of truths. Labrador said last week at a town hall, “Nobody dies because they don’t have access to health care.” It was a stunning expression of idiocy.
According to a 2009 study conducted by Harvard Medical School and Cambridge Health Alliance, “nearly 45,000 annual deaths are associated with lack of health insurance,” and “uninsured, working-age Americans have a 40 percent higher risk of death than their privately insured counterparts.”
An analysis last month by the Center for American Progress estimates removing price protections for pre-existing conditions would mean that “individuals with even relatively mild pre-existing conditions would pay thousands of dollars above standard rates to obtain coverage.”
Well, LOL...'Fake Data'!
According to a 2009 study conducted by Harvard Medical School and Cambridge Health Alliance, “nearly 45,000 annual deaths are associated with lack of health insurance,” and “uninsured, working-age Americans have a 40 percent higher risk of death than their privately insured counterparts.”
An analysis last month by the Center for American Progress estimates removing price protections for pre-existing conditions would mean that “individuals with even relatively mild pre-existing conditions would pay thousands of dollars above standard rates to obtain coverage.”
Well, LOL...'Fake Data'!
1
One addition, Mr. Blow. Its not just fetuses that we have to keep alive until they are born. We also have to keep people in vegetative states alive on machines. What nonsense and I am sure it isn't the government that covers those costs. Remember Karen Quinlan and the woman from Florida? Bush, as governor wanted to take that issue all the way to the supreme court.
1
The gleeful celebration at the White House had nothing to do with healthcare and everything to do with the "victory" photo op and the success of dumping the mess onto the Senate. Mission Accomplished! If the unstated & indefensible goals of healthcare "reform" are tax cuts and ending government involvement in healthcare, the Senate can do no better. The GOP could have buried this issue much faster if they had just voted for Repeal. Talk about shooting yourself in the keister. May the wounds be fatal! #resist
From the article: "Once again, the party that is vehemently “pro-life” for “persons” in the womb demonstrates a staggering lack of empathy for those very same lives when they are in the world. What is the moral logic here? It is beyond me."
The GOP has always favored post-natal abortion.
The GOP has always favored post-natal abortion.
1
plus, they're great at cheating.
A hue and cry now about a DEM win next year is just the kind of arrogance that made blue voters complacent and stay at home and let the Trump disaster unfold. Please keep quiet.
Can't people just find a job with health benefits?
3
Some simple queries for House GoP and Trump constituents...
--If the chance of uninsured working age adults dieing is 40% higher, how many people will die prematurely of AHCA?
--What is the difference between "premeditated morbidity followed by an early death" and "premeditated murder"?
--What shall we call the 'cause of death' when this happens?
Hint, this is not a trick question. The answers to the first two questions require a modicum of intelligence. However, there may be some debate about cause of death which might reasonably be termed
-Death by Republicanism? (DbR)
-Death by Vested Interests? (DbVI)
-Death by AHCA? (DbAHCA)
-Death by pre-existing GoP dedication to tax breaks for the rich? (DbGoP)
-Death by poverty and advanced age (DbPAA)
-Death by being born impoverished--especially for children (DbBBI)
But not to worry. Fortunately we will have the good religious --the Evangelicals that broke overwhelmingly for Trump and other conservative men and Little Sisters of the cloth-- to pray over the defunct's body and offer consolation to the bereaved, "...don't worry, the departed has gone to a far better place...God would never allow anything as heinous as an AHCA..."
--If the chance of uninsured working age adults dieing is 40% higher, how many people will die prematurely of AHCA?
--What is the difference between "premeditated morbidity followed by an early death" and "premeditated murder"?
--What shall we call the 'cause of death' when this happens?
Hint, this is not a trick question. The answers to the first two questions require a modicum of intelligence. However, there may be some debate about cause of death which might reasonably be termed
-Death by Republicanism? (DbR)
-Death by Vested Interests? (DbVI)
-Death by AHCA? (DbAHCA)
-Death by pre-existing GoP dedication to tax breaks for the rich? (DbGoP)
-Death by poverty and advanced age (DbPAA)
-Death by being born impoverished--especially for children (DbBBI)
But not to worry. Fortunately we will have the good religious --the Evangelicals that broke overwhelmingly for Trump and other conservative men and Little Sisters of the cloth-- to pray over the defunct's body and offer consolation to the bereaved, "...don't worry, the departed has gone to a far better place...God would never allow anything as heinous as an AHCA..."
1
Paul Ryan says he is on a rescue mission with this bill, who is going to rescue us from him??
One real problem is people actually believe the words of our foundinjg documents which in practice have never been followed.
However "Give me your tired, hungry and poor" is a great slogan fora hot new franchise opportunity, "Coffins 'R Us"
However "Give me your tired, hungry and poor" is a great slogan fora hot new franchise opportunity, "Coffins 'R Us"
1
Will ignorance and spite. The Trump fan will STILL blame Obama, no matter what happens. Seriously.
1
"People who treat other people as less than human must not be surprised when the bread they have cast on the waters comes floating back to them, poisoned." James Baldwin
2
You are again correct, Mr. Blow. But - and this is a big "but" - can and will the outrage last until the midterm election, or even through the next local elections, or even through the next news cycle once the next "shiny object" comes along to replace it?
The ACA was not so much a deal with the Devil but the Left trying to build up a constituency. The typical Right Wing argument that its all about the Democrats trying to enlist those who need health care but cannot afford it in a cynical plot to ensnare them to perpetually owe the Ds allegiance. Its Social Security and Medicare all over again. All the details of deconstructing a program that is more than providing cheap insurance is too complicated for the Right. So don't think about it, as most of the Republicans who voted for the repeal, including Trump, don't know what's in the bill except that it opened up funds to be given out in tax cuts to the rich.
When candidate Trump promised more and better healthcare for less money, the old saw applied: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Experts predict that the Republican so-called healthcare bill will be a job killer for many people other than Congressional Republicans. If the money going into healthcare is reduced by hundreds of billions of dollars, healthcare workers who had been paid with that money will lose their jobs by the tens of thousands. As for Congressional Republicans, I am still not sure they will pay a price at the next election. In addition to voter suppression efforts, never underestimate Democrats' propensity for shooting themselves in the foot. They may end up squabbling internally about how much support for reproductive rights qualifies one to be a Democrat, rather than working together to oppose Republicans' destructive policies.
2
Anyone can, in an instant, become uninsurable according to underwriting standards that existed before the ACA. A car accident or a freak accident can render a young, previously healthy person uninsurable. A bad diagnosis out of the blue can happen to anyone, regardless of a healthy lifestyle. It happens all the time.
The whole purpose of insurance is to create a large enough risk pool to pay for our health care if we end up being the unfortunate person who needs it. We each pay for our own basic care and other people's care for serious ailments, and we hope that we never become the person who needs the serious care. We receive the benefit of routine wellness services to reduce our odds of developing a serious health problem. We get the peace of mind of knowing that if we will have coverage if catastrophe strikes us personally.
Before the ACA, insurance companies would routinely reject coverage or raise premiums to unaffordable levels for seemingly less than catastrophic health concerns -- a bad back that might someday require surgery, childhood asthma, an injury that might require medical care over a period of time.
The GOP high risk pool idea is a failure. There is no way to sufficiently fund it so that care will be available and affordable to those unlucky enough to need it. And any one of us could be unlucky one day.
The whole purpose of insurance is to create a large enough risk pool to pay for our health care if we end up being the unfortunate person who needs it. We each pay for our own basic care and other people's care for serious ailments, and we hope that we never become the person who needs the serious care. We receive the benefit of routine wellness services to reduce our odds of developing a serious health problem. We get the peace of mind of knowing that if we will have coverage if catastrophe strikes us personally.
Before the ACA, insurance companies would routinely reject coverage or raise premiums to unaffordable levels for seemingly less than catastrophic health concerns -- a bad back that might someday require surgery, childhood asthma, an injury that might require medical care over a period of time.
The GOP high risk pool idea is a failure. There is no way to sufficiently fund it so that care will be available and affordable to those unlucky enough to need it. And any one of us could be unlucky one day.
Blow at least framed the question correctly. "The A.C.A. had made a basic societal deal: The young, healthy and rich would subsidize access to insurance for the older, sicker and poorer. " To be clear, that's NOT the way most insurance works. If I have a poor driving record, I will pay more for car insurance. But this should not cost someone else with a perfect driving record a dime.
Instead, really what we are talking about is redistribution - and in a way that was politically expedient for Dems. Obama took $741 bn from Medicare (elderly) and an additional $318 bn from the rich. Both the elderly and the affluent are historic GOP voters. And he gave this money disproportionately to the young and poor - groups which favor Dems.
But somehow Obama is excused for taking $741 bn from Medicare - but Trump is criticized for taking almost the same amount from Medicaid ? That's hypocrisy.
Republicans generally believe that people should pay for costs that they generate. As a man, I expect to pay higher car insurance because men cause more accidents. But men also tend to have lower health costs. If we are going to say as a society that the person with cancer costing $1 m should only pay the same $200/mo that everyone else does (which is not insurance), shouldn't we distribute that cost over everyone (not just the rich) as Europe does ?
Instead, really what we are talking about is redistribution - and in a way that was politically expedient for Dems. Obama took $741 bn from Medicare (elderly) and an additional $318 bn from the rich. Both the elderly and the affluent are historic GOP voters. And he gave this money disproportionately to the young and poor - groups which favor Dems.
But somehow Obama is excused for taking $741 bn from Medicare - but Trump is criticized for taking almost the same amount from Medicaid ? That's hypocrisy.
Republicans generally believe that people should pay for costs that they generate. As a man, I expect to pay higher car insurance because men cause more accidents. But men also tend to have lower health costs. If we are going to say as a society that the person with cancer costing $1 m should only pay the same $200/mo that everyone else does (which is not insurance), shouldn't we distribute that cost over everyone (not just the rich) as Europe does ?
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Trump's lies continue and still his supporters stand behind him. They argue there hasn't been enough time for Trump to make good on his promises, a scenario very troubling at its core because it is permitting the disassembling of our country's underpinnings as we've known them. Therefore we must continue to resist, with the eventual outcome of our 'resistance movement' being the removal of Donald Trump through Impeachment Proceedings.
2
The next time a Republican says that this bill gives states more flexibility, he (most congressional Republicans are men) should be asked to give an example of a preexisting condition that should be covered in one state, but not another. More people may have a certain health problem in one state than another, but I can think of no reason why one state should decide that, say, hypertension is a covered condition, but another state decides it's not. To the best of my knowledge, the human body is the same everywhere.
The next time a Republican says that individuals, not the federal government, should decide what healthcare they want, ask him to work through a scenario where a woman has breast cancer, but has lower income and needs Medicaid subsidies to afford insurance has more "choice" than if Medicaid is slashed by $800 billion.
When a Republican says that everyone already is covered, since hospitals are required to provide emergency treatment. Ask him who pays for that treatment? The answer is everyone else. Ask him why, for emergency care at least, it is fair that if everyone is covered by, effectively, an emergency care insurance policy but not everyone pays the premium (which raises rates on those who do)?
Let him answer that.
The next time a Republican says that individuals, not the federal government, should decide what healthcare they want, ask him to work through a scenario where a woman has breast cancer, but has lower income and needs Medicaid subsidies to afford insurance has more "choice" than if Medicaid is slashed by $800 billion.
When a Republican says that everyone already is covered, since hospitals are required to provide emergency treatment. Ask him who pays for that treatment? The answer is everyone else. Ask him why, for emergency care at least, it is fair that if everyone is covered by, effectively, an emergency care insurance policy but not everyone pays the premium (which raises rates on those who do)?
Let him answer that.
1
I heard a story from NPR news this morning on a study that looked at expected longevity in every County in the US from 1980 to 2014. There was a stunning 20 year difference between the best and worst numbers. The best numbers were produced by the richest counties and the worst by the poorest, many in the deep South along the Mississippi river. It would truly be interesting (and not unexpected) if those numbers also correlated well with access to health care and health insurance. I hope someone looks at that.
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Thanks for making the "pro-life" point - something I have been arguing for decades. You can't be "pro-life" and "pro-gun," and you can't claim to be "pro-life" and anti-health care. Note the correlation between "pro-life" & "pro-gun" states, their overall unavailability adequate health care, and their refusal to participate in Medicaid expansion. I am tired of having their representatives running roughshod over my country, and I am tired of spending my tax dollars to fill the gaps their representatives and local governments fail to correct.
My real question is: in calculating our real GDP, what affect does our lack of universal health care have on real GDP - we should not be measured equally among other industrialized nations who DO provide health care for all. To not account for the US's inability to provide single-payer health care for all citizens, seems to put a thumb on the scale, unless we are also accounting for the stifling of personal savings and economic advancement due to what so many of us pay out-of-pocket for health care in this country. If the White House really wants to make America great "again," they would focus on our biggest problem: the highest cost healthcare "system" that lacks the outcomes one would expect for the price. Instead, they choose to abandon social contracts to line the pockets of their cronies.
We have a government drunk with power. We are suffering the hangover.
My real question is: in calculating our real GDP, what affect does our lack of universal health care have on real GDP - we should not be measured equally among other industrialized nations who DO provide health care for all. To not account for the US's inability to provide single-payer health care for all citizens, seems to put a thumb on the scale, unless we are also accounting for the stifling of personal savings and economic advancement due to what so many of us pay out-of-pocket for health care in this country. If the White House really wants to make America great "again," they would focus on our biggest problem: the highest cost healthcare "system" that lacks the outcomes one would expect for the price. Instead, they choose to abandon social contracts to line the pockets of their cronies.
We have a government drunk with power. We are suffering the hangover.
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We are be run into the ground by gerrymandered districts of hyper-conservative special interest representatives being funded by special interest groups. The wishes of the majority are being thwarted by less than 100,000 people. This is just another example of taxation (or lack thereof) without representation.
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As always, wise words and thoughts from you. However, based on reactions from my Trump supporter friends, they are refusing to back down from total support. It's mind boggling to me they can support him.
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Not only are they risking their majorities in Congress, but the Republicans seem to be be relentlessly pushing the nation towards a European-style single-payer system. How else to fix America's bizarre, arcane, overly complex, un-navigable, profit-driven healthcare maze? The whole private, for-profit insurance system is an unworkable nightmare that Americans have suffered with for decades, constantly battling slippery, deceptive providers who stiff them every time they need real medical care, and force working families to either spend countless hours pushing back against the lack of reimbursement, or just give in and pay more than they should for their healthcare.
Enough!
Paul Ryan, through his Rand-ian, social Darwinist zealotry is pushing Americans too far. We look at the insane mess that we call a healthcare "system," and compare it to every other industrialized nation on Earth, and think, "huh. what's that about?" Instead of our citizens suffering needlessly, while constantly living in fear of financial ruin, let's just catch up with the rest of the world, and finally cover all our citizens with a simple, sane, single-payer system. Apparently it's what the GOP really wants.
Enough!
Paul Ryan, through his Rand-ian, social Darwinist zealotry is pushing Americans too far. We look at the insane mess that we call a healthcare "system," and compare it to every other industrialized nation on Earth, and think, "huh. what's that about?" Instead of our citizens suffering needlessly, while constantly living in fear of financial ruin, let's just catch up with the rest of the world, and finally cover all our citizens with a simple, sane, single-payer system. Apparently it's what the GOP really wants.
This is a tax cut for the wealthy masked as affordable health insurance for Americans. One thing the article does not include is that this House bill, in its current form, removes millions of dollars for Medicaid coverages for the elderly, which puts that money right into the pockets of the friends of those House members who gathered on the White House lawn to celebrate the bill.
Paul Ryan says “Let’s give people more choices and more control over their care.” Well that’s assuming that people have the money to afford some of those choices. There will be people who are faced with very serious medical problems that were covered through subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, who will now be unable to receive care for those medical problems.
Will the actions last Thursday by the Republicans cause them to lose the House in 2018? I hope so - but as the old saying goes, only time will tell.
Paul Ryan says “Let’s give people more choices and more control over their care.” Well that’s assuming that people have the money to afford some of those choices. There will be people who are faced with very serious medical problems that were covered through subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, who will now be unable to receive care for those medical problems.
Will the actions last Thursday by the Republicans cause them to lose the House in 2018? I hope so - but as the old saying goes, only time will tell.
Single payer would eliminate all the problems with our wish for healthcare for all Americans. There is no excuse, other than greed, and legislators debts to insurance companies, for not going ahead with this plan. We can continue to re-invent the wheel, or we can move forward showing we are serious about solving this national nightmare.
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"What is the moral logic here?"
The moral logic is that conservatives, as now defined by most of those calling themselves conservative, are good people and liberals are bad. It is therefore necessary for conservatives to distinguish themselves from liberals, in stark and simplistic rather than nuanced terms. If liberals are tolerant of diversity, conservatives have to be intolerant. If liberals contend that a woman is definitely a woman, while it is not clear if a fetus at an early stage is a human being or not, the conservatives must define human beings as cells at the moment of conception and pregnant women as mere vessels carrying those cells. If liberals do not impose particular religious values on others, conservatives (of whatever religion) must do so. If liberals do not focus on the personal accumulation of wealth to the exclusion of all other goals, then conservatives will use the power of the government to help the wealthy. To summarize, if liberal values are anathema, then the opposite of them must be sacred. Conservatives also focus on themselves. Their opinions must take center stage. Their economic status is more important than that of other people. Their religion is the right one. Just as an example, Ann Coulter would have no trouble speaking at Berkeley or anywhere else if she would consistently say something like, "I am not here to judge any unwed mother. I'm here to work with others to find a way to help her and her child. Let's get started."
The moral logic is that conservatives, as now defined by most of those calling themselves conservative, are good people and liberals are bad. It is therefore necessary for conservatives to distinguish themselves from liberals, in stark and simplistic rather than nuanced terms. If liberals are tolerant of diversity, conservatives have to be intolerant. If liberals contend that a woman is definitely a woman, while it is not clear if a fetus at an early stage is a human being or not, the conservatives must define human beings as cells at the moment of conception and pregnant women as mere vessels carrying those cells. If liberals do not impose particular religious values on others, conservatives (of whatever religion) must do so. If liberals do not focus on the personal accumulation of wealth to the exclusion of all other goals, then conservatives will use the power of the government to help the wealthy. To summarize, if liberal values are anathema, then the opposite of them must be sacred. Conservatives also focus on themselves. Their opinions must take center stage. Their economic status is more important than that of other people. Their religion is the right one. Just as an example, Ann Coulter would have no trouble speaking at Berkeley or anywhere else if she would consistently say something like, "I am not here to judge any unwed mother. I'm here to work with others to find a way to help her and her child. Let's get started."
The Republican controlled Senate is in the catbird seat, able to deliver a transition to Medicare-for-All health plan that could solidify their control of American politics for a generation. Trump would recognize what a good deal it would be for him to sign it into law, unless he is mentally ill.
But, Republicans aren't in politics to help everyone, even if it means hurting themselves.
But, Republicans aren't in politics to help everyone, even if it means hurting themselves.
1
The good news: Paul Ryan is right. We have more choices for health care.
The bad news: We made our choice on November 6,2017 and a poor one at that. We chose a liar's hand from a group unconcerned about their constituents.
Let's hope the Senate doesn't punt on this like the House did, passing a bill just to get it on the "Not my problem" side of the ledger.
The bad news: We made our choice on November 6,2017 and a poor one at that. We chose a liar's hand from a group unconcerned about their constituents.
Let's hope the Senate doesn't punt on this like the House did, passing a bill just to get it on the "Not my problem" side of the ledger.
1
"Republicans are likely to pay dearly for this outrage."
I'm not holding my breath. They've been dog whistling "southern strategists" for decades, opposing most everything the "majority" favors: gun control, environmental protections, infrastructure maintenance, women's rights, minimum wage, gay rights, universal health care etc ... on and on. It didn't matter, especially in their gerrymandered districts.
I'm not holding my breath. They've been dog whistling "southern strategists" for decades, opposing most everything the "majority" favors: gun control, environmental protections, infrastructure maintenance, women's rights, minimum wage, gay rights, universal health care etc ... on and on. It didn't matter, especially in their gerrymandered districts.
1
Outstanding column! Should be required reading for all in Congress and for all voters.
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Calling out the House Republicans as would-be murderers is a strong action to be sure, but Mr. Blow is correct in doing so. The scene of the crime of attempted murder is located in the House of Representatives. Let us never forget the inhumane character of the run-of-the-mill Republican Congressmen presently in office. It is time to reinterpret the right to vote as an obligation to save your own lives, which, in my opinion, makes it practically mandatory to vote and convince others to vote. It is a matter of life and death, and of suffering.
2
Since the 4th Estate still seems intent on giving both sides of the aisle the benefit of the doubt on "truthiness" I am not so confident we can vote the bums out next year. And if we don't vote them out next year I'm not sure we will ever find the political will to get our democracy back on track.
What gives me hope are two things: 1. the number of Americans who have taken to the streets and the town halls to express solidarity with one another and outrage at republican malfeasance. 2. the face of t rump will be permanently etched as the face of the party and all but his most rabid base (and I mean base) seem to understand that he conned them. Witness the story on 60 Minutes last night about the t rump voters dismay over the deportation of an undocumented Mexican who was a pillar of his community. As his naturalized wife said of voting for t rump because he promised to improve the economy and therefor their lives, "You must read the small print in a deal like that."
What gives me hope are two things: 1. the number of Americans who have taken to the streets and the town halls to express solidarity with one another and outrage at republican malfeasance. 2. the face of t rump will be permanently etched as the face of the party and all but his most rabid base (and I mean base) seem to understand that he conned them. Witness the story on 60 Minutes last night about the t rump voters dismay over the deportation of an undocumented Mexican who was a pillar of his community. As his naturalized wife said of voting for t rump because he promised to improve the economy and therefor their lives, "You must read the small print in a deal like that."
Mr. Blow, you are so astute and persistent - thank you. But please, please stop using the misogynistic rhetoric of the anti-choice GOP, even in quotations. They invented the marketing term "pro-life" but you don't have to repeat it. What they are is against: against the right of girls and women to choose when and whether to have children. Against the right to an abortion, unless they approve of the reason, and some not even then. Many are also against some or all forms of birth control and against accurate reproductive health education. In short, they are against the right of self-determination for more than half of all American citizens. The hundreds and hundreds of anti-choice bills proposed in state legislatures over the years have had their effect: in 90% of counties across the country there is no abortion provider. But there's never a shortage of impoverished women or abused or neglected children, is there? What a shame that these actual problems are so rarely addressed by the anti-choice crowd. Could it be because all that suffering doesn't really matter?
Please stop using their rhetoric.
Please stop using their rhetoric.
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I hope Mr. Blow is right, and that this bill contributes to the return of the house to Democratic control. However, I still remember the last election and how wrong essentially ALL serious pundits were about who would & wouldn't be elected. I wonder if humanity has not entered a 'lemming phase', Re-invoking the same Darwinian principles we have for centuries struggled against. The ancient Chinese curse has come true; We live in 'interesting times...'
You can't talk to or negotiate with a die hard conservative Republican. I've tried since Reagan won in 1980. They do not believe health care is a right; they believe that health care is a commodity to be purchased and traded on Wall Street.
But have you noticed when a conservative experiences the loss of a child or partner due to insufficient health care, they start demanding a single payer system where everyone pays in for the good of all. So, thinking and empathy are not qualities which die hard conservatives show. Sad.
But have you noticed when a conservative experiences the loss of a child or partner due to insufficient health care, they start demanding a single payer system where everyone pays in for the good of all. So, thinking and empathy are not qualities which die hard conservatives show. Sad.
There are three major obstacles to the Democrats taking charge. One, gerrymandering districts keeps the GOP securely in office. Two, the disastrous regulations of a new health care law will not take effect until 2020 after the mid-term elections, and three the Democrats are so out of touch, they've forgotten how to relate to people and win. I'll throw in a fourth reason, and that is the stupidity of the voter.
1
Yes, Charles - you have expressed a thought that I have entertained for many months. People vote values, but what happens when they discover that their Paladins are in fact Stalking Skeletons? Too late to save their Granny or their dear friend?
It would be good if we all could refrain from nasty satiric humor. Progressives and liberals, in my experience, seek the common good. We are not doing a very good job of communicating that essential point.
It would be good if we all could refrain from nasty satiric humor. Progressives and liberals, in my experience, seek the common good. We are not doing a very good job of communicating that essential point.
I keep reading the single payer suggestions from all of the informed times commentators, I have my doubts as I'm sure many of us so. What I'd like from the Times is there best effort on what a single payer system would look like. Costs, accessibility, physician salaries, physician recruitment, preventative care, rationing of care, plus I'm sure many other questions.
Many if not most of the people who will lose there health care will be Trump supporters in swing states. I'm looking forward to that.
The singing by House Democrats was unseemly, and the confident gloating about elections 18 months in the future is unfounded. All one needs to remember is that Donald Trump won the last presidential election.
Obamacare is the POINT OF ORIGIN to build FROM. What Obama gave to the U.S. Taxpayers was an engineering model on par with our FREEWAYS, railroad system and space program that pulled it's people out of the MUCK and LIFTED tens of MILLIONS out of the grips of poverty from would be profiteers.
Just like the development of the aerospace and aircraft industry; with all the it's regulatory, certification and compliance requirements, you don't stop after the FIRST ITERATION. You need to build from there and IMPROVE on it. Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Gulf Stream, etc. build different aircraft for different needs and uses. But BECAUSE human life is at stake every-single-time, they MUST meet a very high bar to be allowed to operate in this country and across the globe. And it's why piloting and flying a Hot-Air-Balloon is not the same as piloting a 747, A380 or other commercial aircraft.
Similarly as with the development of the first microprocessor for healthcare, Obamacare brought together amplifiers, transistors, resistors, and integrated circuits together AND IT WORKS GREAT for most people (and SAVES LIVES.) We should not throw that away and start from scratch...!
What our misguided administration and the the GOP caucus wants is a system that FUNDS tax cuts while it sprinkles in some healthcare provisions. What they offer fails to meet the BASIC NEEDS of tens of millions of taxpayers and that KILLS PEOPLE and competition.
Just like the development of the aerospace and aircraft industry; with all the it's regulatory, certification and compliance requirements, you don't stop after the FIRST ITERATION. You need to build from there and IMPROVE on it. Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Gulf Stream, etc. build different aircraft for different needs and uses. But BECAUSE human life is at stake every-single-time, they MUST meet a very high bar to be allowed to operate in this country and across the globe. And it's why piloting and flying a Hot-Air-Balloon is not the same as piloting a 747, A380 or other commercial aircraft.
Similarly as with the development of the first microprocessor for healthcare, Obamacare brought together amplifiers, transistors, resistors, and integrated circuits together AND IT WORKS GREAT for most people (and SAVES LIVES.) We should not throw that away and start from scratch...!
What our misguided administration and the the GOP caucus wants is a system that FUNDS tax cuts while it sprinkles in some healthcare provisions. What they offer fails to meet the BASIC NEEDS of tens of millions of taxpayers and that KILLS PEOPLE and competition.
So tell me, when in the recent past, have Republicans paid a price for these kinds of callous votes?
When has the Republican electorate NOT voted against their self interests?
In an interview sometime before the November election, a Republican blue collar worker in Pennsylvania was interviewed and he stated that he has been disappointed in the past 5 or 6 elections (five or six elections!) by the Republican Party. He said the party had "let him down."
Why does he continue to vote for Republican candidates? That is the million-dollar question.
So much as I share the hope Mr. Blow writes about in this piece about the Republicans paying a price at the ballot box in 2018 I don't share the belief that this will happen. Some people are just too stubborn or too plain stupid to actually vote for their best interests.
When has the Republican electorate NOT voted against their self interests?
In an interview sometime before the November election, a Republican blue collar worker in Pennsylvania was interviewed and he stated that he has been disappointed in the past 5 or 6 elections (five or six elections!) by the Republican Party. He said the party had "let him down."
Why does he continue to vote for Republican candidates? That is the million-dollar question.
So much as I share the hope Mr. Blow writes about in this piece about the Republicans paying a price at the ballot box in 2018 I don't share the belief that this will happen. Some people are just too stubborn or too plain stupid to actually vote for their best interests.
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Mr Blow, could you please report on what reintroducing all of the sorting based on pre-existing conditions is going to do to the process of getting health insurance through the exchanges? This bill would send us back to filling out extensive medical histories to apply for coverage, and possibly having that coverage revoked later when its needed 's the insured person gets medical care and the insurance companies then claim that the applicant did not disclose a pre existing condition. Just the effort involved in figuring all of that out adds significantly to the cost of health insurance for everyone, and the online exchanges simply will not work in that environment.
One would think "W" promoting torture and starting a war on fase pretences would be a blow to his electoral prospects. Wrong
One would think nominating Trump as their candidate would be a blow to Republican electoral prospects. Wrong.
One would think not funding medicare in states would be a blow to Republican statehouse gains. Wrong.
Voting against saving the auto industry? Stimulating and saving the economy? Voting against minimum wages? Closing down gov't? Union busting? Anti health care? Acting in bad faith on filibusters? Preventing hearings for a supreme court nominee?
I am not confident Repubs will pay a price for their perfidy. They haven't yet.
One would think nominating Trump as their candidate would be a blow to Republican electoral prospects. Wrong.
One would think not funding medicare in states would be a blow to Republican statehouse gains. Wrong.
Voting against saving the auto industry? Stimulating and saving the economy? Voting against minimum wages? Closing down gov't? Union busting? Anti health care? Acting in bad faith on filibusters? Preventing hearings for a supreme court nominee?
I am not confident Repubs will pay a price for their perfidy. They haven't yet.
Any readers remember when Republican Dick Cheney needed a mechanical heart to keep him alive--a device that the cardiologists in our hospital couldn't get for younger patients--and then got a transplant despite being over the age limit? And that it was all paid for by our tax dollars?
The billionaires don't even need their new tax break to pay for medical care. Congress will continue to be covered, 100%. And the rest of us are merely surplus population.
The billionaires don't even need their new tax break to pay for medical care. Congress will continue to be covered, 100%. And the rest of us are merely surplus population.
1
What opponent Democrats need to focus on during those midterms is not just irresponsibility, or the political deceit, but home unique-even-for-Washington those lies really are in severity. Just to lay cover for getting that money back for their WEALTHIEST class. We know about the inequality, this law redistributes in a necessary way. And they can't abide by that. So they form their own death panel: for the law, for the recently insured, and hopefully for their own careers.
The press keeps writing about the death of the Republican party. They are walking the plank. They have a death wish etc. They are in firm control of the three branches of the federal government and most state governments. Reports of their impending demise are premature. American voters have the attention span of Trump which is about as long as an MTV video.
It's not about the people. It's about the insurance companies. If we are ever to get single payer, *someone* will have to take them on and it won't be the Trumpublicans. Elizabeth Warren, can you hear us?
Labrador says what the congressmen from a neighboring district, my district, Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) only implies in her OpEd for the WaPo. That the idea that young people should pay for the health of older people is wrong. That the entire social contract that we should care for each other, and sacrifice for each other's health is wrong. The reality is that Republicans feel, strongly, that you only deserve health care if you can afford it yourself.
Trump's Cabinet is lying more than he does these days. Price keeps changing the subtrahends before we can equate what he's saying. This is the worst kind of lying when we are discussing insurance policies. If anyone tried to sell you one of these, you'd have to be Trump to buy it.
The Republicans had better listen to the critics.
I was talking about this bill with a staunch far right conservative acquaintances the other day. Even he acknowledged that the only realistic way forward is some sort of least-common-denominator catastrophic health plan that people could supplement through private plans.
Republicans - get with the program! Listen to your voters! They are starting to figure out that "repeal and replace" was a lie!
I was talking about this bill with a staunch far right conservative acquaintances the other day. Even he acknowledged that the only realistic way forward is some sort of least-common-denominator catastrophic health plan that people could supplement through private plans.
Republicans - get with the program! Listen to your voters! They are starting to figure out that "repeal and replace" was a lie!
The Health Care Bill is a DEATH PANEL. I would advocate each Congressional District evaluate their Representative and if they found them against the popular will of the PEOPLE then issue a RECALL of them from Congress. No muss no fuss. DJM
This bill takes hypocrisy to new highs (or lows, I should say). To talk about Christian values and then pass this bill is a travesty. Are the Republicans so sure that they have a lock on a majority of the House districts that they can pass this abomination and still get elected? If so, then our system is broken and needs immediate repair.
And on top of that, our unfit and unstable president joined the Republicans in celebrating their "accomplishment". As if he had anything to do with it. Although, following him for the past 2 years, I believe he would sign this bill in a heartbeat. He cares less about the average American than his cronies in the Republican Party.
Welcome to the Banana Republic of America.
And on top of that, our unfit and unstable president joined the Republicans in celebrating their "accomplishment". As if he had anything to do with it. Although, following him for the past 2 years, I believe he would sign this bill in a heartbeat. He cares less about the average American than his cronies in the Republican Party.
Welcome to the Banana Republic of America.
"Care for those in the womb but not those who're here": You can't see the logic?
Those in the womb cannot care for themselves. Those here can and should, is Republican reasoning.
But it is Darwinian medicine. Only the fittest shall survive. I get the logic but see it conflicts with their religious view of caring for others. But that is not really their religious view: that has now become: judge all others, not care and love all others.
Republicans have devolved into current day Cotten Mather's: All fire and brimstone.
Those in the womb cannot care for themselves. Those here can and should, is Republican reasoning.
But it is Darwinian medicine. Only the fittest shall survive. I get the logic but see it conflicts with their religious view of caring for others. But that is not really their religious view: that has now become: judge all others, not care and love all others.
Republicans have devolved into current day Cotten Mather's: All fire and brimstone.
I thought this was a great article. You had a great structure to your argument and you covered opposing views. But, the last sentence seemed very out of place given the style of the rest of the piece.
Don't bet on your premise. The ignorance of the average Trump voter got us into this mess. They have shown & currently affirm that they will vote for him even if it is against their health & economic best interests. It is only at the local level that shame may assist your campaign with the support of every educated discerning American born and more importantly American naturalized foreign born US citizens who know whence they came and see where many Trumpists bereft of any understanding of history have lost their common sense & judgment.
It is also important to disabuse ourselves of the fantasy that the GOP-led Senate will somehow "fix" this monstrosity. This is the same McConnell-led crowd that stole a Supreme Court seat!
Play this bill out if it is enacted. Large numbers of poor and lower middle class people who paid into Social Security will drop dead and never get to use their benefits, whereas the rich will be healthier, live longer, and drain Social Security. One solution would be a reverse Hunger games, for each poor person who dies before Social Security kicks in a rich person with excellent health care at the same age will be picked at random and shot to maintain a modicum of Social Security justice. Sure that sounds heartless, but is it really more heartless than this repeal and replace bill which drives tens of millions from having any health care at all.
Oh my, I'm afraid this article neglects a crucial point: the depth of stupidity to which American voters have fallen. From where I am, I don't see Republicans suffering much in the way of consequences for this vote. Republican voters would vote for their own execution as long as they are told they can keep their guns.
Exactly Jared. Yet, It seems Republicans are bewildered when people point out the irony.
Are you paying attention evangelicals? Anti-abortion, one-issue voters were determined to limit our choices and access to healthcare and now suddenly, with a huge tax cut for millionaires at stake, your republican leaders are adamant about "choice" and "access" to healthcare in a very different sense.
You were warned. You reap what you sow.
You were warned. You reap what you sow.
Those voting for this Trumpcare bill need to retire. The republican party is now a majority of 1920 thinkers.
It is reassuring that the rest of the world isn't falling into the right wing extreme that we fell into. Viva La France.
It is reassuring that the rest of the world isn't falling into the right wing extreme that we fell into. Viva La France.
5
Republicans blaming unhealthy American lifestyles is laughable. It is Republicans caught in their own web. Congress allowed unhealthy chemical and food industries to peddle their poisons. Eat all the antibiotic food, the Twinkies, the Bloomin Onions you want.....Big Pharm will give you a pill. It seems most Americans are complacent little soldiers. Republicans are now saying, "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" even though most Americans can't even touch their toes. Wait until insurers stop giving any medical insurance to the obese. Wait.....that would include our obese President and most of Congress, Governers (you know who you are), a lot of our soldiers. The United States would be in big trouble if we had a draft. There are more 4F (unfit for duty) in this country than ever before.
The House majority is against abortion rights and yet they passed an abortion of a bill. Go figure.
4
And you voted for "I take full responsibility for all my excuses" Hillary, the not President. Who's the stupid one?
They forgot to choose life. Like they want pregnant women to do.
1
"Republicans are likely to pay dearly for this outrage."
I wouldn't bet on it. Never underestimate the willful gullibility, ignorance, pure hatred, and in some cases pure stupidity of the average Trump/right wing voter.
I wouldn't bet on it. Never underestimate the willful gullibility, ignorance, pure hatred, and in some cases pure stupidity of the average Trump/right wing voter.
51
Plus I am sure that all of the Republicans will keep their seats after the next legislative elections in 2018 with a little help of tinkering the machines from Moscow. All part of the plan to cull the masses.
Actually, I WOULD bet on it: Take a look at the links in this column to the Nate Silver and Cook Political Report items: The Republicans---I'm gleeful to say---have painted themselves into a corner and now they're "damned if they do/damned if they don't."
For the Democrats to win big in 2018, they don't need to reach the hard core, far right Trump voter. If they can just reach 10% of Trump voters and turn them around, and get another 10% to just stay home---which won't be too tough to do---they'll have a tremendous victory next year.
I can't wait to see it. And Republicans, you brought this on yourselves, with your greed, your viciousness, and your insular world view that results when you spend all of your waking hours with people who are part of the 1% and couldn't care less about anyone outside your little circle of elite parasites.
For the Democrats to win big in 2018, they don't need to reach the hard core, far right Trump voter. If they can just reach 10% of Trump voters and turn them around, and get another 10% to just stay home---which won't be too tough to do---they'll have a tremendous victory next year.
I can't wait to see it. And Republicans, you brought this on yourselves, with your greed, your viciousness, and your insular world view that results when you spend all of your waking hours with people who are part of the 1% and couldn't care less about anyone outside your little circle of elite parasites.
Exactly! What's the saying..."never underestimate stupid people in large groups." Trump gave a voice to the pure racists idiots and they have and will continue to vote Republican.
Pro choice activists need to reframe the debate and start calling anti abortion forces "pro-birth" instead of "pro-life." The Pro-Birthers clearly don't give a damn what happens after that precious baby, they are determined to protect, is born. Pre-natal care? Who needs it? Post natal care? Your on your own. Childhood wellness? Who cares? Childcare? What's that? But you sure as hell are gonna birth that baby!!
21
They're also called anti-choice because it's usually men whose real goal is controlling women. Read or watch The Handmaid's Tale.
Glenn, you believe in human rights as long as they're for everyone on the planet except American citizens that oppose your idiotic snowflake utopia.
"Once again, the party that is vehemently “pro-life” for “persons” in the womb demonstrates a staggering lack of empathy for those very same lives when they are in the world."
The GOP has been this way a long time. There are certain people they just don't care about. "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" should be limited to their tribe only.
The GOP has been this way a long time. There are certain people they just don't care about. "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" should be limited to their tribe only.
8
And they don't want the right to pursue happiness. They DEMAND the Right to have it all the time. At everyone elses cost.
The paraphrase: "There's lies, damned lies, and Republican lies."
10
Charles ,only if the these stupid bunch of Republicans in Congress as well as outside could think like normal human beings instead of behaving like goddamn racist individuals,they could look themselves in the mirrors and see that they're nothing but a bunch of racist monsters.
Each time they voted to repeal the Obamacare in the Congress, they used their age old jealousy and century old prejudices to eliminate our first Black president Obama's name out of an important piece of legislation that was signed into law.
They voted 60+ times in the House just to remove the legacy of our first Black president's name from the bill.
Nothing else.
Because as soon as Obama's name was written to an almost the similar piece of legislation like Romney's, all the antennas of these racist individuals' tuned in against the A.C.A. just because it gave a lot of publicity towards our country's history bending president.
And now with their racist Trump in the White House, they passed this very dangerous A.H.C.A. bill in the House thinking they could sleep better in the nights after 8 years of Sleep Apnea to punish Obama.
But when you ask them that if they did all these damages to our 24+ million poor and older Americans who will be cut off from healthcare access because of Obama's color of the skin, they'll all say in unison: NO.
But the citizens like us know damn well that these bunch of racist Republican thugs did it only because of Obama's heritage which they hated since their births.
Each time they voted to repeal the Obamacare in the Congress, they used their age old jealousy and century old prejudices to eliminate our first Black president Obama's name out of an important piece of legislation that was signed into law.
They voted 60+ times in the House just to remove the legacy of our first Black president's name from the bill.
Nothing else.
Because as soon as Obama's name was written to an almost the similar piece of legislation like Romney's, all the antennas of these racist individuals' tuned in against the A.C.A. just because it gave a lot of publicity towards our country's history bending president.
And now with their racist Trump in the White House, they passed this very dangerous A.H.C.A. bill in the House thinking they could sleep better in the nights after 8 years of Sleep Apnea to punish Obama.
But when you ask them that if they did all these damages to our 24+ million poor and older Americans who will be cut off from healthcare access because of Obama's color of the skin, they'll all say in unison: NO.
But the citizens like us know damn well that these bunch of racist Republican thugs did it only because of Obama's heritage which they hated since their births.
10
Not from their births. I believe all babies are born free of prejudices of any kind. Now, the first time Mommy or Daddy opens their mouths, it all goes down hill. As everyone needs to look down on someone else, just so they can survive. It's a fault in all humans. Someone must be below you. You can pick any reason, racism is one of the most noticeable, but prejudice against others' religion or lack thereof, gender, orientation, ethnicity, economic status, education or lack of, place of birth, place of residence, anything can be used to push someone else down, so you may feel up. I finally realized it, as the human condition, listening to a song called: Jesus Was a Capricorn. I have said for a long time that I am only intolerant of the intolerant. Prejudiced against those who are prejudiced. Those statements are true for me. It doesn't make me better. They are just the 2 groups I must be intolerant & prejudiced of, to make myself feel better about ME. Others tried to tell me over the years. I laughed. Finally this song woke me up. Now, I guess to atone, I must say, 'if you need some one to look down on, pick me brother, pick me, Reverend.' As my Lord said. As I believe. I am human. I am not perfect.
Oh the song is by Kris Kristofferson (sorry I spelled it wrong last week). I listen to it often to remind myself that as evil as I think this regime & congress are, as much as I feel they must be stopped. I too have the same faults. I fight against them.
Oh the song is by Kris Kristofferson (sorry I spelled it wrong last week). I listen to it often to remind myself that as evil as I think this regime & congress are, as much as I feel they must be stopped. I too have the same faults. I fight against them.
It won't pass the Senate. So there's that. But who knows what will. The only potential good coming out of this monstrosity is that people (voters!) will be so enraged at the resulting damage that they will demand something better: Medicare for All.
5
I give up. Another less than bright person. Medicare for all means no one gets any medical care through it until they have worked & paid premiums for at least 47 years (18-65) which is what it is for Medicare recipients now. Care to wait?
Some people who have never worked or are not married to someone who has worked all those years, don't qualify for Medicare now. I'm disabled. Have never gotten a cent from the government (it would have been nice). Hubby worked long hours to keep us afloat. Now I am over 65, I qualify for Medicare because of him, he qualifies on his own, same for SS. He won't start to collect until 72 (earliest now is 67), then if you qualify you must start taking. WE can't afford for him to retire, even though he has RhA, asthma (Navy), osteoarthritis (from a life of hard work).
Some unmarried life long disabled will never get SS or Medicare. They often get SSDI (an addon that is an entitlement, not premium paid), & Medicaid. Often they can live on their own with minimal help. If forced they will cost the government, & taxpayers 10X at least what they get now. They will be institutionalized. Though it will take an 'act of congress' to make them enter the institutions. I don't doubt for a minute that the congress will do it. They are after all a waste. So stay healthy, make your family stay healthy, or they may be amongst those who will be thrown away. Throwing people away seems to be the in thing now.
Some people who have never worked or are not married to someone who has worked all those years, don't qualify for Medicare now. I'm disabled. Have never gotten a cent from the government (it would have been nice). Hubby worked long hours to keep us afloat. Now I am over 65, I qualify for Medicare because of him, he qualifies on his own, same for SS. He won't start to collect until 72 (earliest now is 67), then if you qualify you must start taking. WE can't afford for him to retire, even though he has RhA, asthma (Navy), osteoarthritis (from a life of hard work).
Some unmarried life long disabled will never get SS or Medicare. They often get SSDI (an addon that is an entitlement, not premium paid), & Medicaid. Often they can live on their own with minimal help. If forced they will cost the government, & taxpayers 10X at least what they get now. They will be institutionalized. Though it will take an 'act of congress' to make them enter the institutions. I don't doubt for a minute that the congress will do it. They are after all a waste. So stay healthy, make your family stay healthy, or they may be amongst those who will be thrown away. Throwing people away seems to be the in thing now.
Usually I enjoy the NYT comment section because people are respectful to one another. I do take umbrage at your remark directed at me calling me "another less than bright person."
In response to the body of your comment, I would point out that you have misinterpreted "Medicare for All." That means Medicare for everyone, not just over 65, etc.
In response to the body of your comment, I would point out that you have misinterpreted "Medicare for All." That means Medicare for everyone, not just over 65, etc.
Let's not forget that our legislators are millionaires--personally benefiting from this repeal.
Until money is removed from politics, Congress (especially the GOP) will represent themselves and their donors--not their constituents.
Until money is removed from politics, Congress (especially the GOP) will represent themselves and their donors--not their constituents.
14
Today I saw what may be the saddest post I've ever seen on facebook. It was a definition of empathy with the understatement that that was what made people weak. I find that empathy is what makes it possible to love and to be loved. Fear is the opposite of that. It appears conservatives have decided to fight for fear, whether they realize it or not.
And that is a very sad thing.
And that is a very sad thing.
14
The elephant in the room when it come to health care is that many people don't take care of themselves very well, and the so-called "diseases" that need treatment are very often the result of poor lifestyle choices. If our bodies were automobiles, the manufacturer would have voided the provisions of our warranty, because of abuse. We just don't take care of ourselves well enough to warrant the enormous cost of modern health care.
4
I think that's the elephant only in the room of your own mind.
If you are including being overweight, then by your logic at least 66% of Americans do not deserve healthcare coverage. Just by that one factor alone. By the time you add in every other negative "lifestyle contributor," there will be maybe only a couple dozen people to cover!
(By "lifestyles," are we including choosing to live a "lifestyle" of being constantly inundated by toxins and mutagens dumped into the air, water and soil by underregulated industries? Maybe citizens who fail to militate against such underregulation should be threatened with the loss of health insurance because of their unhealthy political "lifestyle.")
If you are including being overweight, then by your logic at least 66% of Americans do not deserve healthcare coverage. Just by that one factor alone. By the time you add in every other negative "lifestyle contributor," there will be maybe only a couple dozen people to cover!
(By "lifestyles," are we including choosing to live a "lifestyle" of being constantly inundated by toxins and mutagens dumped into the air, water and soil by underregulated industries? Maybe citizens who fail to militate against such underregulation should be threatened with the loss of health insurance because of their unhealthy political "lifestyle.")
I am rather tired of reading everywhere that with the ACA "the young and healthy subsidize the old and sick." What is constantly left out is "with the understanding that the same will be afforded the young and healthy should they become old and sick." The young and healthy aren't subsidizing the sick out of the kindness of their souls, but because anyone, of whatever age or health history, can become suddenly ill with something that could costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat. The people complaining bout having to "subsidize" their fellow Americans should remember that.
19
"The young, healthy and rich would subsidize access to insurance for the older, sicker and poorer."
That's not accurate because it is like using the term "entitlements" to describe earned benefits that all workers pay into throughout their working lives. The wording suggests that some are carrying the load of others when in fact we all pay for the care that most of us will eventually need as we age or experience unexpected illness. That''s how insurance works when it's not corrupted to the extent that insurers rig the system to maximize profits rather than serve customer's needs in exchange for a reasonable profit. Don't allow the greedy and selfish and those who represent special interests corrupt the language that describes earned benefits.
That's not accurate because it is like using the term "entitlements" to describe earned benefits that all workers pay into throughout their working lives. The wording suggests that some are carrying the load of others when in fact we all pay for the care that most of us will eventually need as we age or experience unexpected illness. That''s how insurance works when it's not corrupted to the extent that insurers rig the system to maximize profits rather than serve customer's needs in exchange for a reasonable profit. Don't allow the greedy and selfish and those who represent special interests corrupt the language that describes earned benefits.
8
Agreed. So, all those 60 & above should change their wills, leaving nothing to family or friends, political parties or research for humans. Leave it all to overseas environmental projects. Nothing for America which deserves to die. The Elderly gave birth to & raised this greedy generation. They want it all. No taxes, all inheritances, everything those 'under' them have, plus the right to kill off those who are old, disabled, the 'wrong' color, poor. As all of those things are choices & wrong ones to boot. Then I say, being a politician, a rich person, white trash, are all choices & those should be removed from consideration. As in, execute, ALL OF THEM. Make it painful, so none will die happy. Happiness, for them, is the most important thing. So, lets make sure they are never happy for 1 instant again. Having a baby makes you happy? Enforced abortions for all of you despicables. Like going out to dinner? Not allowed for you, you must pick up your subsistence rations for the week by 4:50pm every Monday (oh, you can't leave work until 7pm, so sorry), at that moment all your rations will be burned on TV, as you are forced to watch. Both parents will have to work, the children dumped in vacant rooms in government buildings & not tended to. No education, no entertainment, no fresh air, live in inner cities only. Women will be forced to 'happily' (that word again) give themselves & their female children to the perverts in our prisons. Oh, I guess some perverts prefer male children.
Yes Republicans are lying about the impact of their legislation on access to health care services but their supporters believe them. I suspect the impacts of their legislation won't be felt in time to impact the 2018 elections. The Democrats need to be out in front of this and propose a plan that really will improve our health care system. Democrates can't just be against this plan. They need a plan that actually offers credible solutions to our broken health care system. And they need a PR strategy that counters the Republican lies.
6
The unfortunate part of all of this is that it will be four years. A whole lot of damage can be inflicted in this time span, much of it for many years. One has to wonder if those fools who voted for the big fool and his minions, will wake up and see exactly how they have been "had". I rather doubt it. Why is it the Dems who are the care takers and concerned about others? The repulsives have no soul, ethics, or morals.
7
Another: Nothing can be done but wait for elections, at least 2 years, probably at least 4. Oh woe is me. Many will die, but there is nothing to be done.
You aren't Americans. Americans fight for their Country & her people. They don't wring their hands then go back to watching reality show reruns.
Are the Founding Fathers wrong? Are Americans now so cowardly & lazy they will let what is basically murder happen to other innocent Americans? Including themselves? WE were given the way to clean this up. It's called REVOLUTION. To rid ourselves of these disgusting monsters. We the People can do it now. Or we can sit back & watch as those who will die because of this legislation turn vigilante & go to kill them, & anyone they see as in their way. They won't have the Declaration of Independence behind them, just hate & anger. Many more will die. Anger at your child dying in agony, because they can't even get a script for a pain killer. When hospices are closed as wasteful. When everyone whose dying is called an addict & denied anything for relief. When hospitals (those left) are surrounded by the dead, dying, & those whose families are dying, ready to kill. The Army won't touch this. They will be locked in barracks, cause their families are out there. Maybe not the end of the world. But, the end of our country. With nothing left at the end. I hope the last to die turns out the lights, or automated bills will keep going out. Forever.
You aren't Americans. Americans fight for their Country & her people. They don't wring their hands then go back to watching reality show reruns.
Are the Founding Fathers wrong? Are Americans now so cowardly & lazy they will let what is basically murder happen to other innocent Americans? Including themselves? WE were given the way to clean this up. It's called REVOLUTION. To rid ourselves of these disgusting monsters. We the People can do it now. Or we can sit back & watch as those who will die because of this legislation turn vigilante & go to kill them, & anyone they see as in their way. They won't have the Declaration of Independence behind them, just hate & anger. Many more will die. Anger at your child dying in agony, because they can't even get a script for a pain killer. When hospices are closed as wasteful. When everyone whose dying is called an addict & denied anything for relief. When hospitals (those left) are surrounded by the dead, dying, & those whose families are dying, ready to kill. The Army won't touch this. They will be locked in barracks, cause their families are out there. Maybe not the end of the world. But, the end of our country. With nothing left at the end. I hope the last to die turns out the lights, or automated bills will keep going out. Forever.
Out of control Greed is the biggest problem that our country faces.
12
The outlook for republicans holding on to the majority in the House and Senate may be in jeopardy today, but let's never forget the good ol' American spin factor: the repubs and th Fox News network has got time on their side to work on and word this calamity they've created into something that *appears* more sober and reasonable than what we can clearly see in front of us today. With the never ending assistance of TV media giving them every last ditch effort to appear reasonable, combined with Democrats timidly playing around the edges, afraid to offend anyone...
The repubs, and all their money, will make a large majority of the mid-term races the usual, neck and neck - down to the wire, variety of media entertainment that $erves th dis-United States so well.
The repubs, and all their money, will make a large majority of the mid-term races the usual, neck and neck - down to the wire, variety of media entertainment that $erves th dis-United States so well.
5
So, you agree. The Citizens' Army must march to rid this country of the imbeciles who follow the rich's orders. Then the rich. Legally. With trials & everything. Any member of congress who hasn't made an announcement that they are resigning because they have voted or would vote for the DEATH BILL 2.0 by the time it goes to the Senate vote, will not even rate a trial. They will have proved they are traitors & must die. Running won't help. Runners are guilty & will be shot on sight. Those who try to fight us, will be laughed at, locked up in the Capitol with all ways in & out blocked, all supplies poisoned, no water in or waste out. Easily done. Then we wait. Until all leave in a line, hands up, naked. No weapons then. They will then be taken to the Mall & shot. No trial. Any who try & hide as the others, wobble out, will be turned over to those who had someone die from lack of care, to do with as they will. Won't be pretty. Especially if those who are dying & then beyond help will insist on wielding the knives. It will all be shone on National TV. Not Faux News, as everyone there will be running for their lives. Let them go. Just make sure they get on the cattle boats, without motors, to be set adrift with no supplies. Will be interesting to see if the males start raping immediately or just harass first. I doubt they will notice when the Navy opens up to use them for target practice.
What don't republicans get?
There is NOTHING free choice about healthcare.
Merely life or death!
There is NOTHING free choice about healthcare.
Merely life or death!
3
One thing they haven't gotten, as many haven't. Take away the hope of life, for you or your children & there is no reason to claim you should not fight for all our lives.
Once you are told, no insurance, so no treatment. "How long doctor?" Maybe 6 months. As of that moment you become a guerrilla. 6 months is not long enough to care that you might shorten it a bit as you go about killing those who decided you should not live. If anyone thinks those demonstrations of so called anarchists were scary, think about this. A million people, ill, no hope. Getting together, arming themselves, to do their best to get rid of all of those who decided they were not worthy of even a chance for life, & those who voted them into office. Many others may join them, to fight. As the Citizens' Army would have arrested those who surrendered, tried them, then those who were worst, hanged them, this army will just kill. Some innocents would die either way, innocents die in any war. But, with the 'dead' leading, there is no care about innocents. Just making sure enough of the guilty die to even the score. How many? All. Anything less would be a travesty. I doubt anyone from the upper middle class up would survive. When death doesn't matter, it can be dealt out with impunity. The rich will realize their games have ended. The politicians that there is no one to protect them as everyone has someone marching with the dead. Who no longer care. Like a zombie war. For REAL.
Once you are told, no insurance, so no treatment. "How long doctor?" Maybe 6 months. As of that moment you become a guerrilla. 6 months is not long enough to care that you might shorten it a bit as you go about killing those who decided you should not live. If anyone thinks those demonstrations of so called anarchists were scary, think about this. A million people, ill, no hope. Getting together, arming themselves, to do their best to get rid of all of those who decided they were not worthy of even a chance for life, & those who voted them into office. Many others may join them, to fight. As the Citizens' Army would have arrested those who surrendered, tried them, then those who were worst, hanged them, this army will just kill. Some innocents would die either way, innocents die in any war. But, with the 'dead' leading, there is no care about innocents. Just making sure enough of the guilty die to even the score. How many? All. Anything less would be a travesty. I doubt anyone from the upper middle class up would survive. When death doesn't matter, it can be dealt out with impunity. The rich will realize their games have ended. The politicians that there is no one to protect them as everyone has someone marching with the dead. Who no longer care. Like a zombie war. For REAL.
I have only one question to the evangelical Christians who have tied themselves inextricably to this party and Donald Trump himself.
When faced with malice, greed, and sadism on this scale, please answer this simple question:
What would Jesus do?
When faced with malice, greed, and sadism on this scale, please answer this simple question:
What would Jesus do?
8
In their beliefs, what ever they tell Him to do. They have killed God & put Jesus in His Place. They truly expect Him to bow to them. Do as told. Figuring that since He is the Son of Man, He will be afraid of becoming destroyed. That they have a way of doing that. Easy, just say so, like they did to God. They forget that He is the Son of God. That God isn't dead just because they say so. He'll pay attention to us again, sometime. I'd rather it be after MY time. No flood, but lots of other ways to destroy all. See, HE keeps his promises,whether you believe in Him or not. If it was only belief that was necessary for Him to kill you, then atheists would be safe. But, they aren't either. They'll just be more surprised.
I have never understood the affection the evangelicals have for a liar, adulterer, deadbeat, swindler, rapist and, considering the number of civilians killed in Trump's botched raids in Syria and elsewhere, a murderer. Yet self-described fundamentalist Christians act like he's the political Second Coming. I guess PT Barnum was right; there's a sucker born (or born again) every minute.
Not my president, not my congress, and more and more, day by day, not my country. The French dodged the bullet, why couldn't we?
12
The French dodged a bullet because they, like most of the international community, are horrified by what happened with the US election. The Trump nightmare serves as a cautionary tale for the rest of the world.
2
The French didn't have the electoral college to shoot them in the foot. They didn't have gerrymandered voting districts designed to elect Republicans. They didn't have voting restrictions that hindered voting rights of millions.
" “We’re going to have insurance for everybody.” He continued, “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.”
Not even good lies; Fake lies from fake POTUS.
Not even good lies; Fake lies from fake POTUS.
5
The Gang-that-couldn't-shoot-straight finally found the target; they're own feet (kind of Dick Cheney-esque)! If there was ever a "don't ask for it, you might get it" moment for the GOP it is now! They're only fear/regret is the they can't blame Obama for their death panels and cratering popularity. After all, you still have to answer to the electorate eventually. Every congressman who supports this Kristallnacht legislation should be targeted for removal with a scarlet letter. Hopefully, Ryan and his posse continue to work their magic and hand the Dems more leverage. And stop complaining about Trump's golf outings! Let's encourage him to spend more time on the links! We'll all be safer and have a brighter future since nobody is home at the White House anyway.
If you live to see great grandchildren you should thank the GOP of 2017 for giving us real motivation. The ball is in the Senate's court now, let's see if they fumble it. If not, you can thank Obama.
If you live to see great grandchildren you should thank the GOP of 2017 for giving us real motivation. The ball is in the Senate's court now, let's see if they fumble it. If not, you can thank Obama.
4
The news media must continue explaining what this bill will do to people so that the richest Americans can have a yuge tax break, and they must remind us repeatedly going forward for some years that--regardless of how the Senate replaced this nasty idiocy with a better plan--THIS was the plan that the Republican House pushed through, with no CBO cost estimate and virtually no debate. THIS is who they are.
Meantime, the CBO must do its job, issue a report with cost estimates, and not be intimidated by the radical right. Is it too much to hope that the non-rich who voted in the current crop of (gerrymander-assisted) House Republicans will see that they've been had, and bad, yet again?
Meantime, the CBO must do its job, issue a report with cost estimates, and not be intimidated by the radical right. Is it too much to hope that the non-rich who voted in the current crop of (gerrymander-assisted) House Republicans will see that they've been had, and bad, yet again?
I wish Hillary Clinton would spend less time blaming Comey for her election loss and more time educating the public on the value of universal health care. I'd like to see other Democratic leaders join her in this education process. The only reason Republicans are able to run wild in the Congress is that so many people are clueless about the about the things they claim they are concerned about.
2
So many people should never have earned a High School diploma. It will take more than speeches for them to understand. They refused an education, a real one. When it was offered. People in all walks of life. All economic groups. With or without a college education. Most schools no longer teach civics, government, modern US government, whatever it has been called. Better to leave people without a clue at how things work. Those 'we' think are good for politics, we will teach them what we want them to know. Not a sentence more. It's been that way since the first 3 people decided that one of them should be 'in charge', & politics was born. It's a secret between political parties that both (all) rely on the non education of the most of the population. Some take it to extremes. The white trash think all edukashun is evil. Telling their kids that reading to grade 2 level, & arithmetic so you can tell the coins & count small change is ok (even the arithmetic is going, now they use debit cards), anything else evil. No History, Science, Geography, physical ed, sex ed, Higher Math (multiplication, long division) all lies. You will be promoted the masters (rich & politicians) have said so. You will leave school at 16, go to work at a physically demanding job, like your parents, or if you are in a state with fake diplomas, until 18, when you are handed a document that says, he/she has been in this system for 12 years, never earning enough credits to graduate. Fake diploma. Accepted as one
Hilary is making speeches now about what her listeners want to hear. Like Comey the traitor. No one will listen if she tries to educate anyone. The repugs will scream & threaten investigations, jail. Democrats will sigh & say we know, but, what good is your saying so going to be. Actually nothing.
Those of us with brains & courage must take upon ourselves ridding this country of it's sickness. That the rich are better, that money is the only thing that is important, that God is dead, unless you believe as we do. Cause God is dead, Jesus has taken His place, & He listens to only US. Bow before us, all of you.
That will be a shock to the white trash, they think they are the future leaders of this country. They are white, but, unedukated, immoral, stupid, & lazy. They will end up at the bottom as always. Where they belong. As repugs have made sure. Once the repugs are gone, we will institute stiff remedial classes for all trash. In all the courses they ignored. If they pass, they will be able to be members of society, if not, no vote, no options, no choices. We will take care of them, fully. Nutritious food (though boring), no alcohol, jobs of the governments choice, live in the dorms speckled around the country, to house them to do the jobs needed. Never allowed out of their compounds except to work under supervision. Classes every night, in hopes some will learn & grow. Most important, sex ed., can't pass it, sterilization. Only rights: enough food to live, a roof, a job.
Those of us with brains & courage must take upon ourselves ridding this country of it's sickness. That the rich are better, that money is the only thing that is important, that God is dead, unless you believe as we do. Cause God is dead, Jesus has taken His place, & He listens to only US. Bow before us, all of you.
That will be a shock to the white trash, they think they are the future leaders of this country. They are white, but, unedukated, immoral, stupid, & lazy. They will end up at the bottom as always. Where they belong. As repugs have made sure. Once the repugs are gone, we will institute stiff remedial classes for all trash. In all the courses they ignored. If they pass, they will be able to be members of society, if not, no vote, no options, no choices. We will take care of them, fully. Nutritious food (though boring), no alcohol, jobs of the governments choice, live in the dorms speckled around the country, to house them to do the jobs needed. Never allowed out of their compounds except to work under supervision. Classes every night, in hopes some will learn & grow. Most important, sex ed., can't pass it, sterilization. Only rights: enough food to live, a roof, a job.
“Let’s give people more choices and more control over their care.”
OH WAIT! BUT NOT WOMEN! I DIDN'T MEAN FOR WOMEN!!!!
OH WAIT! BUT NOT WOMEN! I DIDN'T MEAN FOR WOMEN!!!!
12
Ya, women think. Women have & raise the children, & think. They don't want them ill fed, uneducated, forced into servitude, sent to die (told for their country, but, really for the rich, who never serve), Women pray, women care, women are the future. Just make men deposit samples in banks & then we can send them to die. Not all men. Just many of the rich, the rapists, those who dream of being slave holders (of whites too).
I expect women to be the backbone of the Citizens' Army. We know instinctively that this must stop.
So, think about it Ladies. Then find & join the Citizens' Army, march with us to stop this & the other atrocities. FIGHT WITH US.
I expect women to be the backbone of the Citizens' Army. We know instinctively that this must stop.
So, think about it Ladies. Then find & join the Citizens' Army, march with us to stop this & the other atrocities. FIGHT WITH US.
This morning, I woke with the thought, "Decomposers! That's what 45 and his gang are! Biology teachers gotta be adding them to the list of worms, fungi, bacteria and things that complete the process of decay."
President Decomposer. And the rest of the creepy crawlies. Doing their job on our dying nation.
President Decomposer. And the rest of the creepy crawlies. Doing their job on our dying nation.
4
Time to go to Washington & FUMIGATE! Or I suppose you can just sit & whine, whimper, cry, wish, pray. None of which will stop them at all.
The Citizens' Army as suggested by the Founding Fathers can get rid of the bugs that infest our country. All it takes is courage. Americans who went to war in WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, all had it. Draft dodgers who stayed here & fought during Vietnam had it. Those who volunteer for the all volunteer military have it. National Guardsmen who go out on deployment after deployment have it, until suddenly they don't. There are always more where they come from. The poor. For once it is the civilians who must come together & fight. Not march with cute signs, not demonstrate, not write letters to the editor, not listen to speeches, but, risk their lives & FIGHT. I would even take the anarchists, if they would obey orders. But, when the chips were down I think they would show their true colors & run. Cowards. No masks, no hiding who you are, just march with us, ARMED, as the Militia the Founding Fathers meant in the 2nd Amendment. To take back our country & our government. I hope those in the military will at least refuse to leave their barracks, at most join us. Not higher officers, they are lackeys. WE don't want to fight them. They are our countrymen/women. But if they attack, or stand between us & the government that wishes to kill us (& them), we will fight them. Sadly. As they are our children too. More of us may die, but, we will win.
The Citizens' Army as suggested by the Founding Fathers can get rid of the bugs that infest our country. All it takes is courage. Americans who went to war in WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, all had it. Draft dodgers who stayed here & fought during Vietnam had it. Those who volunteer for the all volunteer military have it. National Guardsmen who go out on deployment after deployment have it, until suddenly they don't. There are always more where they come from. The poor. For once it is the civilians who must come together & fight. Not march with cute signs, not demonstrate, not write letters to the editor, not listen to speeches, but, risk their lives & FIGHT. I would even take the anarchists, if they would obey orders. But, when the chips were down I think they would show their true colors & run. Cowards. No masks, no hiding who you are, just march with us, ARMED, as the Militia the Founding Fathers meant in the 2nd Amendment. To take back our country & our government. I hope those in the military will at least refuse to leave their barracks, at most join us. Not higher officers, they are lackeys. WE don't want to fight them. They are our countrymen/women. But if they attack, or stand between us & the government that wishes to kill us (& them), we will fight them. Sadly. As they are our children too. More of us may die, but, we will win.
Let us pray
That you are right.
Kick the bums out.
That you are right.
Kick the bums out.
1
My head spins at the new depths of selfishness and greed we see every day since the election.
In an attempt to be constructive, here is the website for finding your representative (I use that term loosely) to let them know how disappointed we are in their performance:
http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
Since we already know that a slippery majority of them don’t care what we think anyway, here’s information to help you write to your senator, to encourage them to throw this bill into the garbage where it belongs:
https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/
Lastly, for the time being, here is a link to a printed copy of the Constitution, which we can all buy from Amazon for one US dollar and have delivered to the White House (address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC 20006)(suggested gift message: “Get someone to read this to you”):
https://www.amazon.com/Constitution-United-Delegates-Constitutional-Conv...
In an attempt to be constructive, here is the website for finding your representative (I use that term loosely) to let them know how disappointed we are in their performance:
http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
Since we already know that a slippery majority of them don’t care what we think anyway, here’s information to help you write to your senator, to encourage them to throw this bill into the garbage where it belongs:
https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/
Lastly, for the time being, here is a link to a printed copy of the Constitution, which we can all buy from Amazon for one US dollar and have delivered to the White House (address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC 20006)(suggested gift message: “Get someone to read this to you”):
https://www.amazon.com/Constitution-United-Delegates-Constitutional-Conv...
2
Just did it. It's a pain. You need: the zip code: 20006
And the White House phone number: 202-156-1414 (switchboard, not comments). Knew those stupid emails from the White House would be worth something some day. Didn't cost me a thing. I'm a Prime Member of Amazon, so no shipping, & I used reward points: $1.06.
Just thinking of all the Mail Warehouse employees, if millions of them arrive at once (Wednesday for mine) who will make all that nice OT. If they don't they should walk out on strike & make sure it's well publicized.
And the White House phone number: 202-156-1414 (switchboard, not comments). Knew those stupid emails from the White House would be worth something some day. Didn't cost me a thing. I'm a Prime Member of Amazon, so no shipping, & I used reward points: $1.06.
Just thinking of all the Mail Warehouse employees, if millions of them arrive at once (Wednesday for mine) who will make all that nice OT. If they don't they should walk out on strike & make sure it's well publicized.
A note to the media in general: the time of drawing a distinction between lies and bs is OVER, it's a distinction without a difference. The only thing trump and his toadies in congress know how to do is lie.
5
Here's one that is beyond me: These people ask to be trusted with planning for our country's well-being and safety in a world of increasing troubles, yet they can't see beyond their own noses to how damaging this bill will be to millions of American lives.
They no longer should be trusted in any way to know what's best for our country. They have no vision. Time to clean house of all who voted for this bill. The nutty president behind it, too.
They no longer should be trusted in any way to know what's best for our country. They have no vision. Time to clean house of all who voted for this bill. The nutty president behind it, too.
3
Don't wait for elections. Too late. People will already be dying. Instead:
The Citizens' Army must march, ARMED, to DC, arrest the congress & the regime (including all adult members of Trumps family), try them all for Treason. They have all broken their oaths, that is treason. Trial shouldn't take long, they have all committed treason on National TV. Can't talk their way out of it even with good lawyers. Which we will not give them. They will each have a lawyer. A public defender, just out of law school. The best, they say, that a criminal deserves. Once convicted, they will be marched to the Mall, dragged up those traditional 13 steps, & hung. One by one. I bet we can find plenty of volunteers to pull the lever. If not, I volunteer to pull all the levers. Then body bag & take to nearest incinerator after that to the nearest waste treatment plant. The dump trucks full of ashes will be put in the consolidated waste, then shipped out to be make into fertilizer. Then they will be worth something. No appeal. SCOTUS will again be short of a member, as the newest one will also stand trial for committing treason by accepting the nomination.
The Citizens' Army will then sit as the interim congress to fix some things. Like, we all must pass a test (ace it) given once, to vote, flunk, never vote. After that it will be given to all seniors before graduation. Test closed book. Flunk it, or drop out, never vote. Getting a GED later won't help. It will be simple enough, most should pass.
The Citizens' Army must march, ARMED, to DC, arrest the congress & the regime (including all adult members of Trumps family), try them all for Treason. They have all broken their oaths, that is treason. Trial shouldn't take long, they have all committed treason on National TV. Can't talk their way out of it even with good lawyers. Which we will not give them. They will each have a lawyer. A public defender, just out of law school. The best, they say, that a criminal deserves. Once convicted, they will be marched to the Mall, dragged up those traditional 13 steps, & hung. One by one. I bet we can find plenty of volunteers to pull the lever. If not, I volunteer to pull all the levers. Then body bag & take to nearest incinerator after that to the nearest waste treatment plant. The dump trucks full of ashes will be put in the consolidated waste, then shipped out to be make into fertilizer. Then they will be worth something. No appeal. SCOTUS will again be short of a member, as the newest one will also stand trial for committing treason by accepting the nomination.
The Citizens' Army will then sit as the interim congress to fix some things. Like, we all must pass a test (ace it) given once, to vote, flunk, never vote. After that it will be given to all seniors before graduation. Test closed book. Flunk it, or drop out, never vote. Getting a GED later won't help. It will be simple enough, most should pass.
Republicans say the word CHOICE to cover their cruel lies with the false veneer of freedom, freedom, FREEDOM!
In reality- " Freedom just another word for nothing left to lose"
In reality- " Freedom just another word for nothing left to lose"
3
Taking a page from the evangelicals , Paul Ryan is god's vengeance on america for : income inequality , rampant racism , misogyny , all the obscene wars and the other sinful and obscene actions it has taken .
Is it the worst case if someone dies or is the worst case if they live with struggle and pain and ring up huge debt over the corse of years and then die leaving their family in grief and with un payable debt
1
Larry
The Republicans and their president get aroused by such tragic stories. That is my only explanation for allowing social injustice to occur on such a grand scale.
Like when Gomez Addams would blow up his train set when the locomotives collided-- fun stuff.
The Republicans and their president get aroused by such tragic stories. That is my only explanation for allowing social injustice to occur on such a grand scale.
Like when Gomez Addams would blow up his train set when the locomotives collided-- fun stuff.
Where in God's name - literally - are the Churches - and for sure the Catholic Church!? What a horrible outrage these people are. "Caring for the Poor". "Love". God's Mercy". All just words.
3
I will see how serious the Dems and the American people are in terms of punishing these selfish corporate hacks who proclaim their Christianity while violating every tenet of the New Testament
3
Stephanie, join us. March with the Citizens' Army & remove the cancer that is now the leaders of our government.
Bordered on the N/E/S/W by Himself, "President" Trump is self contained.
1
And these people claim to be devout Christians.
2
They can claim to be gods themselves (I think many believe it), but, that doesn't make it true. That part of their transgressions are not ours to punish. The ONE who can, will. Though I wish I could sneak in & watch.
I may not be smart man, but I know what pornography looks like when I see it. The ACHA is so obscene, so cynical, so heartless and so blatantly mean that there really will be a special place in Political Hell for these legislators.
This ACHA boiled down is a full frontal assault on Medicaid taking almost 1 trillion out of Medicaid to give to the top 2%. The real target is Medicaid not Obamacare. The Republican Plan is to over time block grant Medicaid into oblivion. "Obamacare Repeal" is a Trojan horse for the process of destroying Medicaid, and this is only the beginning, because next comes Social Security and Medicare. Get ready for the privatization of Social Security and the voucher-ization of Medicare. There's a new Sheriff in Town, and her name is Paul Ayn Rand.
This ACHA boiled down is a full frontal assault on Medicaid taking almost 1 trillion out of Medicaid to give to the top 2%. The real target is Medicaid not Obamacare. The Republican Plan is to over time block grant Medicaid into oblivion. "Obamacare Repeal" is a Trojan horse for the process of destroying Medicaid, and this is only the beginning, because next comes Social Security and Medicare. Get ready for the privatization of Social Security and the voucher-ization of Medicare. There's a new Sheriff in Town, and her name is Paul Ayn Rand.
4
Racism is the canker eating at the heart of the GOP. What part of 'Make America White Again' is so hard to understand?
Clearly GOP voters clearly understood that message buried in plain sight on their front lawns. They would rather cut the healthcare nose off their own face than extend help to the - by their definition - undeserving poor.
Out of a job and White - then that's globalization's fault.
Out of a job and Black - that's your fault.
Clearly GOP voters clearly understood that message buried in plain sight on their front lawns. They would rather cut the healthcare nose off their own face than extend help to the - by their definition - undeserving poor.
Out of a job and White - then that's globalization's fault.
Out of a job and Black - that's your fault.
4
Are you aware of the Mount Everest of stupidity contained in moronic generalizations? Clearly your only concern is who will feed you dinner.
Remember Alfred P. Doolittle, Eliza's father in My Fair Lady? He said "There ain't no such thing as "the deserving poor."
That rings just as true today as it did in Victorian England.
The poor and sick are victims of their own sloth or bad habits. We, who are virtuous owe them nothing.
I find it passing strange that just when we have the knowledge and tools to be on the cusp of true civilization, we chose to return to the law of the Jungle.
That rings just as true today as it did in Victorian England.
The poor and sick are victims of their own sloth or bad habits. We, who are virtuous owe them nothing.
I find it passing strange that just when we have the knowledge and tools to be on the cusp of true civilization, we chose to return to the law of the Jungle.
1
Not the law of the jungle, the law of the stupid jungle. Real animals at least are true to themselves.
The Republicans lied about The ACA with its death pannels and government health care take over.They bashed Obama lied some more,and added fuel to the tea party.As a result the Democrats took a beating and lost control of the congress.Now they are lying again about the ACA and are in effect setting up the real death panels by denying care to the most vulnerable in our country.
3
The other fellows lie and you're a paragon of virtue. I see.
As despicable as it is, the bill is not about health care. It's really about taxes. This is part 1 of the larger tax cut. The absurdly high Medicaid cuts are a bargaining chip. Democrats should let this play out. Republicans are self-destructing.
3
If their horrible excuse for a healthcare bill passes, they may well kill off most of their base by 2020.
What exactly is the endgame for them? It seems no-win for the repuglicans. The only winners are the billionaires. Who, I guess, are funding said repugs , so I've answered my own question - there is no "end game" - only the immediate gratification of MONEY NOW.
What exactly is the endgame for them? It seems no-win for the repuglicans. The only winners are the billionaires. Who, I guess, are funding said repugs , so I've answered my own question - there is no "end game" - only the immediate gratification of MONEY NOW.
1
The notion that the young, health, and rich pay for the poor, older and sick is so superficial. One day those groups will be old, possibly ill even if not poor and they will want the best affordable health care.
Affordable health care is for the good of all both now and in the future.
We always need a healthy workforce and society.
Fight for the good of all. Democracy and a civil society br damned if ws serve only the powerful, rich and callous.
Affordable health care is for the good of all both now and in the future.
We always need a healthy workforce and society.
Fight for the good of all. Democracy and a civil society br damned if ws serve only the powerful, rich and callous.
3
Sadly it may take caskets to wake up gullible Republican voters to the reality that they've been duped. Many may still not care...
4
My book club here on Capitol Hill in DC just read Orwell's "1984" because of the similarities between Big Brotherism ("The Party"), Doublespeak/Doublethink, and the modern Republican Party as now ensconced in the white-domed Capitol (the "Ministry of Truth") just down the street.
Notably re: TrumpCare, systematically breaking the protagonist's health is how Winston is finally defeated. Making Americans sicker may very well be part of a long-term plan.
Notably re: TrumpCare, systematically breaking the protagonist's health is how Winston is finally defeated. Making Americans sicker may very well be part of a long-term plan.
2
The arrogance and ignorance of some of these Republicans is astounding! How did they ever get elected? I pray that in 2018 we and the Democrats will indeed be singing Na, na, na, na, hey, hey, hey good bye!!
1
Republicans screamed about death panels when Obamacare was being debated. Well, it turns out that Paul Ryan and the Representatives who voted for this bill are the death panel, and they have just signed the future death certificates of thousands of Americans. They don't care about us, only their own families, who are exempted from the bill. Unforgivable. We need to vote these amoral politicians out of office in 2018.
10
FDR said: "A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members" and "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have little." Americans are diminished by the shortness of our memories.
10
Take a long look at the bellwether special elections that have happened since November, democrats. While "competitive" they didn't produce results that would suggest dems are set to flip the House in 2018.
The GOP has gamed the system successfully. It will take a lot more than a sense of decency or high school pep rally chants to cleanse our republic of its parasites.
The solution lies with the 42% of eligible voters who refuse to participate. Convincing 10% of them to take part could go a long way in off-setting gerrymandering and voter suppression laws.
The GOP has gamed the system successfully. It will take a lot more than a sense of decency or high school pep rally chants to cleanse our republic of its parasites.
The solution lies with the 42% of eligible voters who refuse to participate. Convincing 10% of them to take part could go a long way in off-setting gerrymandering and voter suppression laws.
7
How about moronic propaganda?
I also have a pre-existing condition, an amputation. I am not directly affected by either the ACA, but my former employer, under the AHCA, will have the right to max out my expenses or to raise my rates, even though I have had that insurance for nearly 40 years. Do I think these white men have any of my needs in mind? Not a chance; all they want is their $1 T tax cut.
3
"They told their constituents that they had a better plan." Folks bought that. And I have title to the Brooklyn Bridge which I'm willing to sell at a good discount. Down here we call that buying a pig in a poke. Caveat emptor. Damn right they better beware!
2
Let's give the Republicans what they want.
Any chance the DNC will stir itself to use this demonstrated cruelty on the part of the Republicans to win back the House in 2018 or are the Dems just going to use school yard name calling? In my elementary school, we had more imagination than "Na, na na na..." I'm sure the Republicans are now worrying about an escalation to spit balls flying across the aisle.
Any chance the DNC will stir itself to use this demonstrated cruelty on the part of the Republicans to win back the House in 2018 or are the Dems just going to use school yard name calling? In my elementary school, we had more imagination than "Na, na na na..." I'm sure the Republicans are now worrying about an escalation to spit balls flying across the aisle.
1
I wish pelosi would retire. She does more harm than good.
If the Democrats are really serious about taking the House back in 2018 it won't be because the DNC and DCCC throw gobs of money promoting "their" chosen candidates. It will be because the grassroots Democrats are fed up and truly want change. Jon Ossoff of GA and Rob Quist of MT come to mind. It will be women and men like them that seek office . It has to be a bottoms up candidate not a top down pick.
I strongly believe Trump and this horrible health care bill that just passed will keep those grass roots activists in play. And the Democrats just have to keep their "eye on the ball" for the next 20 months. "Take back the House!!"
I strongly believe Trump and this horrible health care bill that just passed will keep those grass roots activists in play. And the Democrats just have to keep their "eye on the ball" for the next 20 months. "Take back the House!!"
5
I see no difference between the politics Orion's Congress then death threats left on the answering machine at my house
1
Well, the Republicans who get voted out of office can become lobbyists for some other industry that makes money killing off poor people.
5
Every time a Republican congressman or senator votes they have an IOU to pay off to a master-an oil company, rich crackpots, the NRA, drug companies, the list goes on. There's always a darkness that surrounds them. Oftentimes we're not sure about Democrats either.
217 bought and paid for Congressmen and women voted first to slash their master's taxes and the money had to come from somewhere so they chose healthcare. It had Obama's name on it and they hate Obama.
There were lots of other ways to cut their bosses taxes like taking it from defense or corporate subsidies. No, in the end it was more fun to stick it to the uppity black guy, show him who's boss.
There is no healthcare service that will cure ignorance and hatred and cowardice. It's a pre-existing condition these people suffer from.
217 bought and paid for Congressmen and women voted first to slash their master's taxes and the money had to come from somewhere so they chose healthcare. It had Obama's name on it and they hate Obama.
There were lots of other ways to cut their bosses taxes like taking it from defense or corporate subsidies. No, in the end it was more fun to stick it to the uppity black guy, show him who's boss.
There is no healthcare service that will cure ignorance and hatred and cowardice. It's a pre-existing condition these people suffer from.
3
Hospitals, doctors, insurance companies and their money-sucking ways are the main reasons our health care system is broken and unmanageable. Anything they're against, I'm for.
38
I thought it was the sick people who were the problem. If only we could just get rid of the sick people, healthcare would be the most efficient and effective business ever.
Good luck when you become very, very ill
Hey Larry, you might work on your critical thinking skills. How about some differentiation here?
1
Remember that the GOP will receive, no matter how much they anger their base on healthcare, the votes of those who (a) oppose abortion, (b) oppose any form of gun control, (c) oppose any taxation in principal, (d) oppose immigration, and/or(e) oppose anything that is in any way "leftist," "socialist," or "European."
And also remember that if the Democrats don't find their candidate "pure" enough they will vote for Jill Stein and her ilk.
Nothing is a given here!
And also remember that if the Democrats don't find their candidate "pure" enough they will vote for Jill Stein and her ilk.
Nothing is a given here!
4
I think when Ryan and Trump spoke about choice, they meant with the Republican health plan, Americans could die quickly or could die very quickly.
All the GOP ever wants to do is push the federal government's moral, ethical and fiscal responsibilities onto the 50 states. "Please take these worthless fools (the American public) because we don't give two wits about them, thanks." They are the cruelest lot of human beings and I hope every single one is out of a job come 2018. But if 2016 was any indication I doubt they will end up paying any political price.
1
The Republicans know exactly what they are doing. Let's stop dismissing their actions as idiocy. They are heartless sociopaths addicted to power and greed, they are full of contempt, loathing and disgust of other human beings who don't act as they do, who don't share their hate of much of humanity. Idiocy is too kind of a word, it diminishes the evil that they do.
1
If Republicans had "moral logic" they wouldn't have had trump as their candidate and so called president.
1
Those clever republicans - they just keep coming up with new ways to suppress the vote of those who do not tend to vote for them. The heck with gerrymandering, voter I.D. restrictions, limiting polling places/times, etc., that's so nebulous, so yesterday. Their genius new plan, disguised as healthcare, simply eliminates these voters altogether. Despite rumors to the contrary, the dead do not vote. And bonus! Look at all those tax $$ they get to keep for themselves!
The champagne is flowing, Paul Ryan is giggling in his sleep, and all those devout Christians surrounding him (looking at you Pence) are thrilled. If there's any justice in this world, I hope there's lightening bolt up there, aimed for every one of these truly evil people.
The champagne is flowing, Paul Ryan is giggling in his sleep, and all those devout Christians surrounding him (looking at you Pence) are thrilled. If there's any justice in this world, I hope there's lightening bolt up there, aimed for every one of these truly evil people.
2
let's stop calling these murderous right wing extremists "republicans." they are fascists and that's the name they have rightfully earned.
1
If these so-called human being who call themselves "Republicans" actually did this to the American people they should, each and every one, be ashamed. They have each one expressed a kind of "death wish" (which will soon start coming true): a death wish specifically for the poor people of our country. And those already very ill. What have we come to as a nation? Reagan's "Bright and Shining City" is now covered in a black shroud of shame..............
1
You say:
"...this demanded that the former gave a damn about the latter, that people genuinely believed that saving lives was more important than saving money, that we weren’t living some Darwinian Hunger Games of health care where health and wealth march in lockstep."
Have none of these people an idea what insurance is, what is supposed to do? Have they ever read the history of Lloyd's of London? Or do they think the only purpose insurance companies serve is peddling toxic debt derivatives.
I suppose if I walked into a bar in Terre Haute today and said, "God bless Eugene V. Debs!" I'd get my jaw busted.
Death, no need of panels.
"...this demanded that the former gave a damn about the latter, that people genuinely believed that saving lives was more important than saving money, that we weren’t living some Darwinian Hunger Games of health care where health and wealth march in lockstep."
Have none of these people an idea what insurance is, what is supposed to do? Have they ever read the history of Lloyd's of London? Or do they think the only purpose insurance companies serve is peddling toxic debt derivatives.
I suppose if I walked into a bar in Terre Haute today and said, "God bless Eugene V. Debs!" I'd get my jaw busted.
Death, no need of panels.
1
My slogan for 2018.
Vote Republican. Die Early.
Vote Republican. Die Early.
1
Death wish?
Don't believe it. To pretend Republican Congressmen are there to govern and be reelected is as naive as believing the "trimp/Ryan DOA Health Hazard Atrocity Bill" is really about healthcare.
In fact most Congress critters of both parites can get cushy consulting, lobbying, or law firm opportunities once they leave office. But the "Movement Conservative" infrastructure that has been laid down for the past 40 years makes the sinecures that follow a stint in Washington one of the primary motivations for running and hewing to the party line which is:
1) Cut taxes for the rich,
2) Remove protections for everyone else,
3) Increase the rate of return on concentrated property.
There are dozens of GOP Congressional Show Horses and Time Servers dreaming of the golden parachutes awaiting them if they pay an electoral penalty for the fiscal booby trap inherent in the House Bill. That's the only part of the bill they read, and that's the only part of it that matters to them in the end.
Don't believe it. To pretend Republican Congressmen are there to govern and be reelected is as naive as believing the "trimp/Ryan DOA Health Hazard Atrocity Bill" is really about healthcare.
In fact most Congress critters of both parites can get cushy consulting, lobbying, or law firm opportunities once they leave office. But the "Movement Conservative" infrastructure that has been laid down for the past 40 years makes the sinecures that follow a stint in Washington one of the primary motivations for running and hewing to the party line which is:
1) Cut taxes for the rich,
2) Remove protections for everyone else,
3) Increase the rate of return on concentrated property.
There are dozens of GOP Congressional Show Horses and Time Servers dreaming of the golden parachutes awaiting them if they pay an electoral penalty for the fiscal booby trap inherent in the House Bill. That's the only part of the bill they read, and that's the only part of it that matters to them in the end.
This is what comes of seven years of hypocritical pandering with "Repeal and Replace!". Republicans had to do something. But they still have no idea how to reconcile any rational healthcare policy with their fiscal and social policy. So they smacked together cuts they could tout as "choice" and drooled all the way to the Rose Garden while eying 850 billion they could take from Medicare.
Some, Paul Ryan included, may believe in the "enlightened self-interest" of libertarian capitalists. He admits dreaming of killing entitlements while sucking suds at frat keggers in his college days. He just may believe the wealthy will provide.
But at heart, he and his fellows in the GOP are addicted to telling America they can get a free lunch. It's been at the heart of their party since George H W Bush embraced Voodoo economics. Bush 1 signed away the soul of the party when he sold out to Reaganomics to be Vice President. It made him President as heir to Reagan. It also made him a one-termer. Most important, it made moderation and sanity passe in the GOP.
So the House GOP voted a tax cut for the wealthy disguised as a bill to "Repeal and Replace!" the ACA. They hope to destroy what's often seen Barack Obama's biggest legacy.
But if this brings the collapse of the GOP, that could be a bigger legacy still. Imagine, hatred of a black man destroying the Party of Lincoln.
Some, Paul Ryan included, may believe in the "enlightened self-interest" of libertarian capitalists. He admits dreaming of killing entitlements while sucking suds at frat keggers in his college days. He just may believe the wealthy will provide.
But at heart, he and his fellows in the GOP are addicted to telling America they can get a free lunch. It's been at the heart of their party since George H W Bush embraced Voodoo economics. Bush 1 signed away the soul of the party when he sold out to Reaganomics to be Vice President. It made him President as heir to Reagan. It also made him a one-termer. Most important, it made moderation and sanity passe in the GOP.
So the House GOP voted a tax cut for the wealthy disguised as a bill to "Repeal and Replace!" the ACA. They hope to destroy what's often seen Barack Obama's biggest legacy.
But if this brings the collapse of the GOP, that could be a bigger legacy still. Imagine, hatred of a black man destroying the Party of Lincoln.
3
How many lives will be lost and SAVED ? No visits to doctors and hospitals means no chance of dying as a result of medical error.
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/05/03/medical-errors-may-cause-over-...
Medical Errors May Cause Over 250,000 Deaths a Year
If medical error were considered a disease, a new study has found, it would be the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind only heart disease and cancer.
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/05/03/medical-errors-may-cause-over-...
Medical Errors May Cause Over 250,000 Deaths a Year
If medical error were considered a disease, a new study has found, it would be the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind only heart disease and cancer.
That day may be the last time we see that many white men (and a couple women) smiling that broadly for a long time to come.
The TrumpNoCare bill will, one hope, not pass the Senate but still kill off the careers of many Trump GOP House members dumb enough to vote for this monstrous bill.
Sorry, but the Republican "death wish" is not for them, it is for those without who need health care.
The Republicans just wish those people will die and stop being a burden on their society.
The Republicans just wish those people will die and stop being a burden on their society.
1
Out of office Republicans will always find work in truth free "Think Tanks" and "Death Panels." There is so much work for them to do!
1
Ryan neglected the key adjective "wealthy" when he said “Let’s give people more choices and more control over their care.”
Never have so many people celebrated an own goal so vehemently. And most of them don't even know it. Democrats need to keep hammering on this publicly until the next election. Make Republicans not only glow in the dark but glow in the light as well.
So the Republicans finally got their "Death Panels" after all!
The Trumplicans will have "the same red blood of patriots" on their hands once they fully destroy the ACA in exchange for the same green cash of greed in their benefactor's offshore accounts.
1
Given that we have That Jester in the oval office, and the track record of the newly refreshed Groping Oligarch's Plutocracy; it seems very likely that they will not only congratulate themselves on this victory, but double-down with more of the same. We should expect more rot ridden legislation coming down the pike.
1
Can I have faith in red state voters? No. They appear to be as blind, cold hearted, self-righteous as those they elect. Unfortunately those they elect are a lot smarter than they are, and those elected officials trick those good old boys and their women into shooting themselves in the foot and blaming 'the government' for the limp every time...
The Republicans' Dark Money billionaire campaign supporters are celebrating in their mansions, country clubs, and hidden resorts--places that are inaccessible to the 98% of the population. Their astounding lack of moral compass should be evident to church-goers everywhere. But far too many of those have also been hijacked by the "prosperity gospel," and are an embarrassment to the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
From what we've seen so far , Trump voters care more about winning than about health, even their own.
Meanwhile, we are forced to be simple Spectators as "President" Trump
performs for his programmed Audience 24/7. Sick, sick, sick......and sickening.
performs for his programmed Audience 24/7. Sick, sick, sick......and sickening.
That photo of scores of rich white men celebrating their tax cuts is going to stick with people. I hope the Democrats use it relentlessly when the next election draws near.
The headline works both ways. It is a catastrophe of Republicans, working to dismantle our civil society and ruin our economy, though you wouldn't know it from the casino on Wall Street. Pride goeth before a fall, and boy oh boy does Ryan worship himself. He's confused himself with God, and wouldn't speak to Jesus if he ran into him in the street.
Republicans appear eager to dismantle and destroy the lives of the working poor, the less fortunate, the elderly, and anyone who doesn't have extra cash to buy their services.
Their death wish is for you, heartland Trump voters! Just because it won't take full effect until 2020 doesn't mean that you are not in the sights of these destructive plans.
Republicans appear eager to dismantle and destroy the lives of the working poor, the less fortunate, the elderly, and anyone who doesn't have extra cash to buy their services.
Their death wish is for you, heartland Trump voters! Just because it won't take full effect until 2020 doesn't mean that you are not in the sights of these destructive plans.
13
The Republicans act like this is a game. It is life and death to millions.
274
And you act like money grows on trees. You want to know why Obama doubled our national debt to $20,000,000,000,000?
Free healthcare for anyone under the poverty line.
Largest tax increase in the history of the world, and it still doesn't pay the bills.
Time to go back to the genesis of ObamaCare, which is RomneyCare.
Let the states decide. If you don't like the lack of Medicaid expansion in Florida, maybe you should move.
If you don't like the individual mandate MA puts on you to buy insurance, maybe you should move to CT.
BTW....I didn't see any crocodile tears being shed for dead veterans as they waited for months on end for their 'single payer health care'' outside the VA.
Free healthcare for anyone under the poverty line.
Largest tax increase in the history of the world, and it still doesn't pay the bills.
Time to go back to the genesis of ObamaCare, which is RomneyCare.
Let the states decide. If you don't like the lack of Medicaid expansion in Florida, maybe you should move.
If you don't like the individual mandate MA puts on you to buy insurance, maybe you should move to CT.
BTW....I didn't see any crocodile tears being shed for dead veterans as they waited for months on end for their 'single payer health care'' outside the VA.
It wasn't so long ago that the notion that healthcare is a right - not access to healthcare, but actual affordable healthcare -- was seen as "socialism" and totally damned. Although the ACA was still a private, usually for-profit insurance gambit, it DID raise expectations in the American public. If this recent abomination gets us closer to universal coverage -Medicare for All - I'll be happy although some people might be harmed in the short run. Let's join the rest of the civilized nations, eh?
145
Please someone explain to me: What is wrong with socialism?
I would urge everyone to look at the documentary regarding Canadian health care, how it was legislated, signed into law, and how the citizens of Canada feel about their health care law. It is fascinating and provides a window into how very important health care is to everyone.
http://thehealthcaremovie.net/home/
http://thehealthcaremovie.net/home/
6
It was grotesque to see these overfed white men with faces plastered with fake smiles, standing behind the imbecile, pathological liar Donald Trump, pretending they had just passed a great piece of legislation. Sadly, there are enough morons out there, who vote these monsters into office, regardless of the consequences.
2
While it would be comforting to take solace in the potential for the Republicans to suffer the same fate as the Dems in the coming midterms, I can't help but believe that the Dems will, again, snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Republican voters are nothing if not predictable in their disdain for anything approaching a liberal (or moderate) policy bent and that is consistently manifested in a willingness (or need) to blame everything on Dems regardless of what the "truth" might be. As such, I don't give much credence to the notion that voters will exact a price for this vote - they are too gullible, too desperate to believe that their salvation lies in the free market and in the promise of lower taxes. Coupled with the damning reality that Dems can't muster a coherent strategy to actually capitalize on this - singing taunts just doesn't come across as serious or even adult - and I can't help but feel that the chance to restrain the administration will be lost to a more vocal and vigorous (and shamelessly prevaricating) Republican machine. I sincerely hope I'm wrong but when I am not, my next hope is that we can finally upend the Democratic party and return it to the people who so desperately need it to stand up for them.
1
Baloney.
"According to a 2009 study conducted by Harvard Medical School and Cambridge Health Alliance, “nearly 45,000 annual deaths are associated with lack of health insurance"
OK. How many of them were junkies ? And why should lower middle class workers health insurance rates double, in order to care for junkies.
Because that's exactly what happened under the travesty known as Obamacare.
Why should healthy people with sensible personal habits be forced to pay exorbitant rates in order to subsidize the health benefits of chronic chain smokers, or alcoholic drunk drivers ?
Why should the rest of us foot a huge tax bill to subsidize people with bad habits ?
This bill provides for a special financial bucket to do exactly that, and it is funded from taxes, not insurance rates. It also eliminates a little more than a half a trillion dollars in taxes.
Who would want that, right ?
Blow's historical writing pattern reveals an ideologue and a collectivist-progressive hack. He will never change his stance, particularly when confronted with facts. He will decry the facts as alt-right racist lies, but he will never accede to their fundamental veracity. Nothing that anyone who opposed the monster Hillary Clinton ever does, will ever written up, by Blow as anything other than a travesty, something that will end the world next week.
He has become somewhat tiresome.
"According to a 2009 study conducted by Harvard Medical School and Cambridge Health Alliance, “nearly 45,000 annual deaths are associated with lack of health insurance"
OK. How many of them were junkies ? And why should lower middle class workers health insurance rates double, in order to care for junkies.
Because that's exactly what happened under the travesty known as Obamacare.
Why should healthy people with sensible personal habits be forced to pay exorbitant rates in order to subsidize the health benefits of chronic chain smokers, or alcoholic drunk drivers ?
Why should the rest of us foot a huge tax bill to subsidize people with bad habits ?
This bill provides for a special financial bucket to do exactly that, and it is funded from taxes, not insurance rates. It also eliminates a little more than a half a trillion dollars in taxes.
Who would want that, right ?
Blow's historical writing pattern reveals an ideologue and a collectivist-progressive hack. He will never change his stance, particularly when confronted with facts. He will decry the facts as alt-right racist lies, but he will never accede to their fundamental veracity. Nothing that anyone who opposed the monster Hillary Clinton ever does, will ever written up, by Blow as anything other than a travesty, something that will end the world next week.
He has become somewhat tiresome.
2
Newsflash: lower middle-class white voters are the new junkies. Do you care now?
By your logic, why should I, a non-driver in Philadelphia, let my tax dollars be used for highways in Massachusetts? Or to bail out a flooded Southern state where I'll never visit? And why should my tax dollars pay for food safety for cucumbers, which I'll never eat?
That's how ridiculous your argument against paying your fair share of taxes sounds to me. You just want to sponge off the rest of us.
That's how ridiculous your argument against paying your fair share of taxes sounds to me. You just want to sponge off the rest of us.
No one can rationally believe Jesus Christ’s and Ayn Rand’s views about the poor at the same time. These completely contradict one another.
Attributed to Jesus:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives… to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
“Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their rights…”
By Ayn Rand:
“Poverty is not a mortgage on the labor of others—misfortune is not a mortgage on achievement—failure is not a mortgage on success—suffering is not a claim check, and its relief is not the goal of existence—man is not a sacrificial animal on anyone’s altar nor for anyone’s cause—life is not one huge hospital.”
“If concern for human poverty and suffering were one’s primary motive, one would seek to discover their cause. One would not fail to ask: Why did some nations develop, while others did not? Why have some nations achieved material abundance, while others have remained stagnant in subhuman misery? History and, specifically, the unprecedented prosperity-explosion of the nineteenth century, would give an immediate answer: capitalism is the only system that enables men to produce abundance—and the key to capitalism is individual freedom.”
Attributed to Jesus:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives… to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
“Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their rights…”
By Ayn Rand:
“Poverty is not a mortgage on the labor of others—misfortune is not a mortgage on achievement—failure is not a mortgage on success—suffering is not a claim check, and its relief is not the goal of existence—man is not a sacrificial animal on anyone’s altar nor for anyone’s cause—life is not one huge hospital.”
“If concern for human poverty and suffering were one’s primary motive, one would seek to discover their cause. One would not fail to ask: Why did some nations develop, while others did not? Why have some nations achieved material abundance, while others have remained stagnant in subhuman misery? History and, specifically, the unprecedented prosperity-explosion of the nineteenth century, would give an immediate answer: capitalism is the only system that enables men to produce abundance—and the key to capitalism is individual freedom.”
1
Trumplicans have never seen a tax cut or profitable deal for the small wealthy elites they did not like - regardless of the current or future body count or planet they destroy. They have conned their masses of believers with their perverse dogma and religion of greed. They want to leave millions who can't pay for health care to pray for it instead - the pay or pray health care bill.
Ryan's offensive "Let's give people more choices" statement is like him claiming the starving in Somali-land have a choice between steak, chicken of fish. He leads the most obscene party in the history of our nation - depraved pornography of greed, wealth and immorality.
It is time for the base of the Right to stop being treated like idiots by blindly accepting "idiocy" claims from their Representatives in the House Failure Caucus. The response to Rep. Labrador's stunning, but expected, "nobody dies" idiotic claim is a start to gain your smarts back. Unfortunately, Rep. Labrador probably has many outside the town hall that believes such nonsense and will blindly continue to support him.
Ryan's offensive "Let's give people more choices" statement is like him claiming the starving in Somali-land have a choice between steak, chicken of fish. He leads the most obscene party in the history of our nation - depraved pornography of greed, wealth and immorality.
It is time for the base of the Right to stop being treated like idiots by blindly accepting "idiocy" claims from their Representatives in the House Failure Caucus. The response to Rep. Labrador's stunning, but expected, "nobody dies" idiotic claim is a start to gain your smarts back. Unfortunately, Rep. Labrador probably has many outside the town hall that believes such nonsense and will blindly continue to support him.
1
The photo of that jubilant( albeit premature) lily White celebration on the White House lawn last week will remain etched in my mind and in the minds of millions of Americans for decades to come. If ever there was a doubt about the basic tenets of the conservative right… rest assured: that photo tells it like it is…. a total commitment to dominance and control of an increasingly diverse America by those who are Wealthy, White and Male. This bill and its passage by the house after over 50 attempts to come up with something for the 8 years of the Obama presidency is, on its face, a paper thin lie. It has nothing to do with access to affordable care for all Americans. Nothing to do with care for human beings. Nothing. And these jokers know it. They know that people with pre existing conditions who are unable to afford coverage will suffer or even die and they don't give a damn. The laughter and look of smugness and relief on Ryan's face says it all. #GOP death panels. This bill is about two things: 1) money -- diverting money to provide tax breaks for the wealthy and increased profits for insurers. And 2) Attempting to mend their wounded and hateful egos by erasing the legacy of Americas first Black president. #be ready for denials.
3
The Republican Party is indefensible.
Their sadism and greed is unmasked for the nation and the world to see. They chuckle, back-slap, and gloat while swilling cheap beer and giving puff speeches to each other's greatness.
But there is nothing great about the Republican Party. Nothing great at all about a cadre of calculating sociopaths and bush league ignoramuses working together to kick millions off their health insurance to give yet another grotesque tax cut to the already obscenely wealthy.
Nothing great at all about a political party that wrings its hands and pours crocodile tears about the "unborn" or "the sanctity of life" or "family values" and then with every move it makes, condemns the innocent to pain and early death by destabilizing their access to healthcare and also their financial security.
Nothing great about a political party that spouts endless platitudes about "hard work" and "opportunity" that then turns around to pull the rug out from under working Americans time and again.
The Republican Party is a domestic evil. If this is what it means to "Make America Great Again" I wish they'd stop.
To the Democratic Party- you'd better get on this. Fight hard, fight loud, and fight dirty. This is literally life or death, and you cannot trust that lofty rhetoric will win the day, or that progressive solutions are self-evident. Get out there. Get Loud. Fight Hard. Start NOW.
Their sadism and greed is unmasked for the nation and the world to see. They chuckle, back-slap, and gloat while swilling cheap beer and giving puff speeches to each other's greatness.
But there is nothing great about the Republican Party. Nothing great at all about a cadre of calculating sociopaths and bush league ignoramuses working together to kick millions off their health insurance to give yet another grotesque tax cut to the already obscenely wealthy.
Nothing great at all about a political party that wrings its hands and pours crocodile tears about the "unborn" or "the sanctity of life" or "family values" and then with every move it makes, condemns the innocent to pain and early death by destabilizing their access to healthcare and also their financial security.
Nothing great about a political party that spouts endless platitudes about "hard work" and "opportunity" that then turns around to pull the rug out from under working Americans time and again.
The Republican Party is a domestic evil. If this is what it means to "Make America Great Again" I wish they'd stop.
To the Democratic Party- you'd better get on this. Fight hard, fight loud, and fight dirty. This is literally life or death, and you cannot trust that lofty rhetoric will win the day, or that progressive solutions are self-evident. Get out there. Get Loud. Fight Hard. Start NOW.
4
I appreciate your commentary and analysis as ever, Mr. Blow. All too true. However, as the last presidential election so clearly reminded me, a significant portion of the electorate dependably will vote against their best interests in a truth and facts be damned attitude. Unless there a robust, overwhelming effort to organize voter turnout at every level, the same sorry crew of gerrymandered plutocrats will continue to make sure their best interests are served by the legislative agenda. I find the memory, focus, level of knowledge and staying power of the electorate writ large to be quite sorry indeed.
2
"Individuals with even relatively mild pre-existing conditions would pay thousands of dollars above standard rates to obtain coverage". From the list of what are considered to be pre-existing conditions, practically the only thing that is not considered to be a pre-existing condition is a hang nail.
The photo-op with Trump in the Rose Garden with Paul Ryan and the others jubilantly smiling as they announced they had just achieved passing a bill that would seriously adversely affect the health of millions of Americans was nauseating. Trump's typical narcissistic reaction of telling everyone (to paraphrase) "Hey look at me I'm president, do you believe that" was likewise sickening. The cruelty in that moment was palpable.
I wouldn't count on this extraordinarily odious piece of legislation being a "death wish" for Republicans. Political prognosticators thought Donald Trump was a guaranteed death wish for the Republican Party, as did most of us. That proved to be horribly wrong. Republicans are masters at getting people to vote against their own best interests, and masters at spinning the truth. They always seemingly manage to rise from the dead.
Right now the House Republicans are out there telling their constituents that this bill is a political promise kept, and that it will give them freedom from interference of big, bad government in their lives. They just don't tell them how it will be to their detriment.
I hope the Senate will be the firewall against this bill.
The photo-op with Trump in the Rose Garden with Paul Ryan and the others jubilantly smiling as they announced they had just achieved passing a bill that would seriously adversely affect the health of millions of Americans was nauseating. Trump's typical narcissistic reaction of telling everyone (to paraphrase) "Hey look at me I'm president, do you believe that" was likewise sickening. The cruelty in that moment was palpable.
I wouldn't count on this extraordinarily odious piece of legislation being a "death wish" for Republicans. Political prognosticators thought Donald Trump was a guaranteed death wish for the Republican Party, as did most of us. That proved to be horribly wrong. Republicans are masters at getting people to vote against their own best interests, and masters at spinning the truth. They always seemingly manage to rise from the dead.
Right now the House Republicans are out there telling their constituents that this bill is a political promise kept, and that it will give them freedom from interference of big, bad government in their lives. They just don't tell them how it will be to their detriment.
I hope the Senate will be the firewall against this bill.
3
As usual, Blow and most commenters blather about matters of which they are ignorant, regarding, for example, pre-existing conditions. Under the House Republican bill, coverage for pre-existing conditions is mandated except where a state applies for a waver. However, even under said waver, all pre-existing conditions must be covered if the person has current insurance. If they have let their insurance lapse, then pre-existing conditions will also be covered by the person being put into a high risk pool where government subsidizes their premiums, which will of course not be as low a price as those who've purchased insurance all along, not just after they've become seriously ill. Now tell us again how millions will die because pre-condions are not covered in the Republican bill.
4
"Mandated except" is not a mandate, Doctor. But you and your clever friends on the right already knew that.
How long will it take many states, mostly red, to opt out of the now non-mandate "mandates"? And how far will the laughable $8 billion allocated to fund the high-risk isolation pools go toward meeting a need impartial medical economists estimate at at least $200 billion for that time period? And logical is it to expect that high-risk isolation pools will work any better than they did in the good old days before Obamacare? Insurance works by SPREADING risk, not by isolating it. And these questions don't even get us to the question of how draining $880 million out of Medicaid in order to give tax cuts to people like me, as this bill does, will not lead to lack of care for those currently covered under Medicaid after their coverage is reduced or stripped.
And guess what, Doctor? Medical care saves lives. The corollary: lack of medical care can kill. Didn't you learn that at medical school?
As usual, here we see a member of the "greed is good" crowd blathering falsehoods in an effort to confuse the ignorant hordes.
How long will it take many states, mostly red, to opt out of the now non-mandate "mandates"? And how far will the laughable $8 billion allocated to fund the high-risk isolation pools go toward meeting a need impartial medical economists estimate at at least $200 billion for that time period? And logical is it to expect that high-risk isolation pools will work any better than they did in the good old days before Obamacare? Insurance works by SPREADING risk, not by isolating it. And these questions don't even get us to the question of how draining $880 million out of Medicaid in order to give tax cuts to people like me, as this bill does, will not lead to lack of care for those currently covered under Medicaid after their coverage is reduced or stripped.
And guess what, Doctor? Medical care saves lives. The corollary: lack of medical care can kill. Didn't you learn that at medical school?
As usual, here we see a member of the "greed is good" crowd blathering falsehoods in an effort to confuse the ignorant hordes.
Do you understand that insurance is not affordable once a preexisting condition is declared. This Republican Bill lets insurance companies and states decide availability and cost. And the emergency fund s pitiful. Have you forgotten what buying health insurance was like prior to Obamacare? How can you see this bill as an improvement for the average guy? And what about the huge cuts to Medicaid? What are the disenfranchised going to do now?
"But this demanded that the former gave a damn about the latter, that people genuinely believed that saving lives was more important than saving money, that we weren’t living some Darwinian Hunger Games of health care where health and wealth march in lockstep."
But the shortsightedness is far greater than this. At some point in our life we all will have pre-existing conditions. And But this demanded that the former gave a damn about the latter, that people genuinely believed that saving lives was more important than saving money, that we weren’t living some Darwinian Hunger Games of health care where health and wealth march in lockstep.
But the shortsightedness is far greater than this. At some point in our life we all will have pre-existing conditions. And with the exception of a few with unconscionable wealth, we won't be able to afford what our health plans will cost.
Period. That is the talking point.
But the shortsightedness is far greater than this. At some point in our life we all will have pre-existing conditions. And But this demanded that the former gave a damn about the latter, that people genuinely believed that saving lives was more important than saving money, that we weren’t living some Darwinian Hunger Games of health care where health and wealth march in lockstep.
But the shortsightedness is far greater than this. At some point in our life we all will have pre-existing conditions. And with the exception of a few with unconscionable wealth, we won't be able to afford what our health plans will cost.
Period. That is the talking point.
3
Every word written today by Charles M. Blow about the Republican healthcare bill is true. The conclusion, however, that Republican politicians voting for the bill will obviously be punished is not true.
Democrats, Independents and moderate Republicans (if any still exist) have not demonstrated an ability to follow through effectively in their opposition to a bill which is immoral and stupid.
This so-called healthcare financing bill is so bad for the poor and for ordinary working people, it cannot be made acceptable by throwing a few dollars at it. Somehow, the public must be educated and convinced that Congress needs to start again from scratch.
Democrats, Independents and moderate Republicans (if any still exist) have not demonstrated an ability to follow through effectively in their opposition to a bill which is immoral and stupid.
This so-called healthcare financing bill is so bad for the poor and for ordinary working people, it cannot be made acceptable by throwing a few dollars at it. Somehow, the public must be educated and convinced that Congress needs to start again from scratch.
3
The biggest con is the Republican stress on "access" to health care, without explaining that it means access for the rich but not necessarily the poor. Never has there been a more disgusting spectacle that this bunch of smiling, clapping, fawning sycophants in the Rose Garden celebrating Trump's "win" at the expense of the elderly, sick and poor -- all for nothing but another tax cut for the wealthiest in our country. If American voters ever wake up and get rid of these swine we'd all be better for it.
8
Nothing will change unless Americans realize that we are heading toward a country that is turning every aspect of our lives into a commodity. Everyone is getting into the picture to make a buck. There isn't one aspect where opportunists aren't sniffing out ways to extract money from us.
The poster boy for this sickness is Donald Trump, a pathological crazed narcissist who lives to exploit.
But he's not the problem, he's the symptom of something rotten in the psyche of Americans that allow a Republican Party to stay afloat, no, thrive, as they bamboozle us. Yes, all Americans must take the blame because they let a known grifter into their home.
We allowed the GOP to take us hostage as they plotted the coup d'etat of November 8th, 2016. Their gerrymandering, blatant voter suppression, and bold-faced lying fooled the gullible, willfully uninformed know-nothings, in denial zombies, and just plain apathetic citizens hiding behind righteous indignation got the Electoral College to crown an idiot our leader.
We are in deep elephant dung and used to living in a sewer of greed that we have become inured to the stench.
Am I painting with a broad brush? Trump is our president. Own up to this aberration, America. Only the American people can fix it; the exploiters we elect are never giving up their racket. Our only option is to neuter the GOP and fumigate our halls of congress - and that includes the Democratic side too.
What's wrong with America?
The poster boy for this sickness is Donald Trump, a pathological crazed narcissist who lives to exploit.
But he's not the problem, he's the symptom of something rotten in the psyche of Americans that allow a Republican Party to stay afloat, no, thrive, as they bamboozle us. Yes, all Americans must take the blame because they let a known grifter into their home.
We allowed the GOP to take us hostage as they plotted the coup d'etat of November 8th, 2016. Their gerrymandering, blatant voter suppression, and bold-faced lying fooled the gullible, willfully uninformed know-nothings, in denial zombies, and just plain apathetic citizens hiding behind righteous indignation got the Electoral College to crown an idiot our leader.
We are in deep elephant dung and used to living in a sewer of greed that we have become inured to the stench.
Am I painting with a broad brush? Trump is our president. Own up to this aberration, America. Only the American people can fix it; the exploiters we elect are never giving up their racket. Our only option is to neuter the GOP and fumigate our halls of congress - and that includes the Democratic side too.
What's wrong with America?
12
If Hillary Clinton had adopted the popular single payer healthcare concept as part of her platform, I bet she would be president right now, and we would not be in this horrifying predicament. Let's not forget the neocon Dems are partly responsible. And that Bernie Sanders, proponent of single payer in the 2016 election, and the candidate who would have won against Trump according to many polls, was unfairly cheated out of his nomination by the DNC. I will not forget or forgive these crimes against the American people.
Now we know 17% of Americans, who approve this bill, slavishly follow and parrot whatever propaganda and lies are broadcast by Republicans and the conservative media. And 8%, who think more Americans would be covered by this bill, are so dumb and deluded they don't even know the first thing about anything. I have been wondering about those things!
Perhaps there is an upside to all this: this healthcare bill, if passed with few changes by the Senate, will be such an egregious disaster that it may finally destroy the Republican party. Especially when you factor in the ongoing slow motion train wreck of Trump. Perhaps such a catastrophe will break the mental illness that afflicts such large percentages of our population. Hitting bottom can ultimately be a positive experience for those with such psychological issues. But how many American lives will it cost?
America will ultimately have single payer healthcare. The faster we get there, the better.
Now we know 17% of Americans, who approve this bill, slavishly follow and parrot whatever propaganda and lies are broadcast by Republicans and the conservative media. And 8%, who think more Americans would be covered by this bill, are so dumb and deluded they don't even know the first thing about anything. I have been wondering about those things!
Perhaps there is an upside to all this: this healthcare bill, if passed with few changes by the Senate, will be such an egregious disaster that it may finally destroy the Republican party. Especially when you factor in the ongoing slow motion train wreck of Trump. Perhaps such a catastrophe will break the mental illness that afflicts such large percentages of our population. Hitting bottom can ultimately be a positive experience for those with such psychological issues. But how many American lives will it cost?
America will ultimately have single payer healthcare. The faster we get there, the better.
6
I wish the Republicans would pay the price for this "legislation", but I have essentially lost faith in the US electorate and electoral system. Between gerrymandered House districts, which offer virtually no opportunity for opponents to toss out the incumbents, and the Electoral College, which has given us two "loser" (both numerically and descriptively) presidents in the past 16 years, where can we find any hope?
Will the people who voted for Trump out of fear change their minds now that the evidence is rolling in daily that he has no intention of addressing their problems? Does not seem likely. But it does seem certain that the people who voted for Trump out of greed will vote for him again, since he is delivering a product that they want to see. There is no end in sight.
Will the people who voted for Trump out of fear change their minds now that the evidence is rolling in daily that he has no intention of addressing their problems? Does not seem likely. But it does seem certain that the people who voted for Trump out of greed will vote for him again, since he is delivering a product that they want to see. There is no end in sight.
10
I'm a senior citizen. I'm one of the fortunate who has both Medicare and a Medicare supplement. Not to forget 8 saving and pensions portfolios that my wife and I scrimped and saved to establish for 45 years. Still, we face many of the problems of the uninsured. We wait for weeks or even months for an appointment. We have substantial co-pays for prescription drugs and we have no coverage for eye care or dental.
Now the Republicans of the House sincerely believe they have passed a fair and affordable health care law. They have not. Although we're ok right now I'm very fearful for the future. So far we're relative healthy. But, if the Republican bill passes the Senate as is (hopefully the GOP senators will come to their senses) we're doomed. One of the drugs we use spiked by 600% in January. Under the Republican bill we can expect more increases. Our supplement premiums are on the rise also. Copays for specialists are expected to increase as well. Worse, if we need long term care or would like to remain at home in our final years I doubt seriously that our wishes can be met. By the time we're both gone there will most likely be nothing left for our children. Republicans are seeing to that prophecy.
So we've made a decision. We're going to travel and do as much as possible while we're still healthy and able to get around. We'd rather go broke spending our last years together and enjoying our lives as active seniors until we just can't do it anymore. We'll be broke either way.
Now the Republicans of the House sincerely believe they have passed a fair and affordable health care law. They have not. Although we're ok right now I'm very fearful for the future. So far we're relative healthy. But, if the Republican bill passes the Senate as is (hopefully the GOP senators will come to their senses) we're doomed. One of the drugs we use spiked by 600% in January. Under the Republican bill we can expect more increases. Our supplement premiums are on the rise also. Copays for specialists are expected to increase as well. Worse, if we need long term care or would like to remain at home in our final years I doubt seriously that our wishes can be met. By the time we're both gone there will most likely be nothing left for our children. Republicans are seeing to that prophecy.
So we've made a decision. We're going to travel and do as much as possible while we're still healthy and able to get around. We'd rather go broke spending our last years together and enjoying our lives as active seniors until we just can't do it anymore. We'll be broke either way.
15
We need Single Payer Healthcare. It is the only sane choice. I trust that eventually we will have it, once the cost savings and support of our human values as Americans are clear to everyone.
One idea that is lost in dividing people through the rich = good and poor = bad dichotomy is the true value of human beings. Every human being is a miracle. Life on this planet is a miracle. Look in any direction from our beautiful blue and white marble in space and it is inhospitable to life as we know it. Misunderstanding our prime directive, our internal human knowing, to cherish each other and what we offer each other; reciprocity of love and caring and cultivating love and compassion within ourselves so we can act with love and compassion in the world is our best defense and offense, simultaneously, against all fears and outrages. Swaddling clothes and soothing is needed for the fearful and the outraged. How do we do that with the l'enfant terribles aka bullies who have reached physical maturity?
When we reach emotional or/and spiritual maturity we can see that what a human being offers at the physical, financial exchange level is diminished or eliminated by our current financial system. How many brilliant minds have we lost, who could help solve our collective problems or/and create new delights to war, oppression, shortsightedness, poverty, i.e., lack of healthcare etc.? What is the cost of this loss to humanity, not just in financial terms?
One idea that is lost in dividing people through the rich = good and poor = bad dichotomy is the true value of human beings. Every human being is a miracle. Life on this planet is a miracle. Look in any direction from our beautiful blue and white marble in space and it is inhospitable to life as we know it. Misunderstanding our prime directive, our internal human knowing, to cherish each other and what we offer each other; reciprocity of love and caring and cultivating love and compassion within ourselves so we can act with love and compassion in the world is our best defense and offense, simultaneously, against all fears and outrages. Swaddling clothes and soothing is needed for the fearful and the outraged. How do we do that with the l'enfant terribles aka bullies who have reached physical maturity?
When we reach emotional or/and spiritual maturity we can see that what a human being offers at the physical, financial exchange level is diminished or eliminated by our current financial system. How many brilliant minds have we lost, who could help solve our collective problems or/and create new delights to war, oppression, shortsightedness, poverty, i.e., lack of healthcare etc.? What is the cost of this loss to humanity, not just in financial terms?
8
The Republicans have been selling out their constituents for decades. And during that time, they have managed to consolidate more power than ever, not only in the federal govt, but even more so in state governments all over the country. Republican voters and Democrat voters are very different. Democrats want to fall in love with candidates, whereas Republicans more often than not fall in line.
Voting for Trump may have seemed like a conscious rejection of the status quo, but ultimately, he represents more of the same, cloaked in a populist persona that claims concern for the average American, while still protecting the interests and the economics of the wealthy. I would not bet too much on them losing too many seats in the mid-terms. It could happen, but it's just as likely Republican voters will suck it up and still believe that they are better off with the selfish GOP than the socialist Democrats.
Voting for Trump may have seemed like a conscious rejection of the status quo, but ultimately, he represents more of the same, cloaked in a populist persona that claims concern for the average American, while still protecting the interests and the economics of the wealthy. I would not bet too much on them losing too many seats in the mid-terms. It could happen, but it's just as likely Republican voters will suck it up and still believe that they are better off with the selfish GOP than the socialist Democrats.
3
The GOP has a death wish all right: they wish all the "takers" would die so the remaining "best of the best" (as they see it) don't have to be bothered with 'dead weight'. GOP healthcare policy is just dressed-up eugenics to kill off people unlike themselves.
The United States has become the laughing stock of the world since Donald Trump and his three ring circus came to town and set up their tent.
A "Death wish" indeed. Let's hope that the Republican Party expires sooner than later. They are a complete travesty and an abomination. A once proud and meaningful political party sold it's soul to the Devil himself, Donald Trump. Their meanness and their cruelty will be there undoing. They deserve nothing but scorn and ridicule. A "Death Wish Indeed!"
A "Death wish" indeed. Let's hope that the Republican Party expires sooner than later. They are a complete travesty and an abomination. A once proud and meaningful political party sold it's soul to the Devil himself, Donald Trump. Their meanness and their cruelty will be there undoing. They deserve nothing but scorn and ridicule. A "Death Wish Indeed!"
16
While we wait for 2018 and the 'death' of the Republican party, many of us will die.
3
Happy dead Republican voters. They will still be Republican in a majority Republican country. They will be dead because of poor health and no health care, but their group won and that is all this tribe cares about.
6
Years ago former Florida Congressman Alan Grayson explained the Republican Health Care Plan in 2009, "Don't get sick and if you do die quickly."
The cynicism of these fascist right oligarchs knows no bounds. Romney made it clear how his party of "haves" felt about the "have nots" by decrying 44% of the nation as deadbeats.
I can't wait to crush these these Republicans in 2018 some we at least slow down their dream of a feudal America
The cynicism of these fascist right oligarchs knows no bounds. Romney made it clear how his party of "haves" felt about the "have nots" by decrying 44% of the nation as deadbeats.
I can't wait to crush these these Republicans in 2018 some we at least slow down their dream of a feudal America
8
47%, he claimed.
Time to take action. Demonstrate by overwhelming the bad system of fake healthcare that is on the way by mobbing community emergency rooms. Headache now, emergency room is my next stop. Shut the system down for those who are about to make bank on this moral outrage of legislation. One gigantic sick out. Stop the USA economy in its tracks.
I'd like to believe the R controlled US Senate would stop this bill but they are no more competent than the R controlled US House.
I'd like to believe the R controlled US Senate would stop this bill but they are no more competent than the R controlled US House.
3
Not sure how I feel about that, because it carries the risk of delaying care for genuinely sick and in-extremis people. We shouldn't do things that hurt innocent victims.
By 2018 and after the midterms hopefully we'll see the end of the gop as we know it. They are overrun by old white men of privilege who can't seem to come to grips with the 21st Century. They will rue the day they all posed for that lovely pic in the Rose Garden.
As a kid, I always heard that America was better than the Soviet Union because in America, you have choices: if you want to vacation on a private island in Polynesia, you can; if you want to buy a Rolls Royce and your own jet, you can, etc. Now Republicans are giving us another example of American freedom: we can have a super duper healthcare plan, that actually covers being seen by a person with an MD whenever we want. We should all be damned for not being billionaires and take advantage of this paradise!
5
Whatever eventually comes of the bill, the death threat it poses for many Americans may well be a death wish Republicans have just issued for their own careers. - From your mouth to God's ears!
2
no reason to worry down the Cape!
Our wonderful GOP knows its votes come from precincts that are beyond thought or reason; they know, as they believe we all should, that our fate is not really in our own hands, but in God's. others have diseases and injuries, but they have FAITH. the good ones will be lifted into heaven and the rest of us will burn in hell. simple! who needs health insurance guarantees when you have voodoo magic like that working for you?
you can sell those rubes anything, destroy their futures, and they will kiss your feet and thank you for it.
rapture away!
Personally, I'm taking my chances on reality.
Our wonderful GOP knows its votes come from precincts that are beyond thought or reason; they know, as they believe we all should, that our fate is not really in our own hands, but in God's. others have diseases and injuries, but they have FAITH. the good ones will be lifted into heaven and the rest of us will burn in hell. simple! who needs health insurance guarantees when you have voodoo magic like that working for you?
you can sell those rubes anything, destroy their futures, and they will kiss your feet and thank you for it.
rapture away!
Personally, I'm taking my chances on reality.
4
This is what they wanted. They only care about making money for themselves and corporation and also, they use it as a population control. In the last 50 years plus or minus a few years they have been established as the DARK Party...slowly deteriorating the US....starting wars and building up trillions in debt! A bunch of sociopaths. It is a requirement to be in the GOP!
5
It's important to remember that the citizens of Nazi Germany allowed horrific things to continue all around them, and a war to go on, based in the idea that they were superior to others. That belief in self-superiority is kept alive and burning through emotional, mesmerizing rhetoric. Trump at his rallies and on his twitter account knows exactly how to play this. And the people, even as they are increasingly harmed, losing more and more of their freedoms, will support this to the bitter end.
The GOP figured out, fifty years ago or more, a plan to gradually weaken our laws and institutions until a power grab would be possible. Now is that time. Saying something is good for America--"Let's give people more choices and more control over their care"--when it's not, is a technique time-honored by despots and tyrants and dictators. The GOP doesn't care how they are beginning to appear because they have the reins of power firmly in hand now. A little bombing here, a little martial law there, and the deed will be complete. Morality? This is payback for ending slavery ever so long ago. The dominant white male slave owner, or potential slave owner, will prevail at long last. Those who would dare to disagree will suffer and die.
The GOP figured out, fifty years ago or more, a plan to gradually weaken our laws and institutions until a power grab would be possible. Now is that time. Saying something is good for America--"Let's give people more choices and more control over their care"--when it's not, is a technique time-honored by despots and tyrants and dictators. The GOP doesn't care how they are beginning to appear because they have the reins of power firmly in hand now. A little bombing here, a little martial law there, and the deed will be complete. Morality? This is payback for ending slavery ever so long ago. The dominant white male slave owner, or potential slave owner, will prevail at long last. Those who would dare to disagree will suffer and die.
7
Morality? This is payback for ending slavery ever so long ago.
Yes
Yes
All developed nations except ours has national health care. So the USA is going to be a third world undeveloped nation, on purpose due, to Republicans.
The Republican Party is not a political party but a form of mental illness.
The Republican Party is not a political party but a form of mental illness.
3
The Republican Party is crime organization.
3
The Republican Party is a crime organization.
They stand there smiling, those self-proclaimed GOP 'Christians,' and tell us they've created a new and better health care plan. What they've given us are death panels, bankruptcy and despair, while preserving their own premium care.
Unconscionable, corrupt hypocrites — all of them, especially Ryan.
They lie!
Unconscionable, corrupt hypocrites — all of them, especially Ryan.
They lie!
6
We fool ourselves that we have a citizenry. Republican lawmakers understand that too many Americans will never bother to care, even when their own and their kids' lives are at stake. Many voters don't vote for what's in their own interest. Hell, too many eligibles don't vote AT ALL! Lawmakers don't have the ultimate power. Voters have the power, and they get what they do (or don't) freely vote for. Don't blame Choirboy Ryan. He's just exercising power. Citizens can take his power away. Instead they vote for Trump and Republicans.
3
I think Republicans are drunk on power and greed. They are acting as if they can do anything now because America elected a sexual predator who has a very cozy relationship with Putin. It is now up to us to show them that they are mistaken.
1
President Trump and his merry band of bloodsuckers can crow all they want from the Rose Garden but the bill that Speaker Ryan rammed through the House is never going to become the law of the land. All that this grand show achieved was generate incriminating audio and video footage that will provide fodder for the 2018 midterm election, which will become all about “Saving Speaker Ryan.” The irony is that a lot of those Republicans, who lose their seats in 2018, will be forced on to Obamacare, the healthcare plan that keeps on giving, even to its detractors.
2
Well said!
1
Republicans share a fantasy that they can make life so miserable for the poor that they will self deport to a blue state and that will cleanse their state of the undesirables that are feeding off their hard earned tax paying dollars.
Several times i have heard Trump and republican leaders say, "people may have to go to another state for that".
Several times i have heard Trump and republican leaders say, "people may have to go to another state for that".
3
The Republicans celebrating in the rose garden reminded me of a child who makes his first bowel movement in the potty - everyone claps and hoots and hollers over the most mundane nothing! I'm not sure the Senate should clean up their mess - maybe Trump voters should have an up close and personal encounter with the consequences of their vote? Then, when it hurts, Americans can begin in earnest to discuss single-payer Universal Healthcare for all. Otherwise, I fear we are doomed to wild swings in healthcare policy at each election.
1
This bill will answer a question, and given the election I fear the answer. Is America going to be the laboratory for 21st century fascism? Are we going to slowly feed the poor, the disabled, the non-white, the newly arrived into this thinly disguised. slow motion extermination oven in an effort to cleanse America into a White Christian neo-fascict oligarchy like Russia? A large number of our fellow citizens say "Yes!" even though most know not what they do. But everyone in that picture knows just what they are doing, and it is purely and simply evil. It would be best if they were removed from power quickly and legally, before their innocent victims start to pile up, but they may want to consider how people leave power in plutocratic banana republics when people feel their existence is threatened be lies, thievery and corruption. They don't always just wave signs and shout. There a plenty of people who don't like Clinton or Obama, but they didn't have to worry about being torn limb from limb by angry mobs, and this bill, if it continues to gain traction, will create a reaction that won't be stopped by barriers, bullets or fire hoses. And history seldom falls down on the side of those who find themselves facing huge angry crowds. They are usually seen to deserve it, regardless of how messy the outcome.
4
(Note: the following is sarcasm) Can we start assembling the angry crowds tomorrow? If our President is guilty of dereliction of duty and betrayal of the Republic, do we really need to wait for Congress to act and lengthy trials? Doesn't power devolve to the People? Ruth Marcus called for Trump to be flayed in the Washington Post, who's up for the job?
The Republican Senate has a chance to rescue the Republican Party from death in the next midterm. If they fail, let the Rs who voted this stench decay away.
2
Republicans surprise no one- they are frauds and fools. Power hungry for their twisted agenda.
2
The Trump voters need to know they have blood on their hands, along with the vacuum in their skulls.
4
The party that is so anti-abortion that they would elect Hitler if he promised to criminalize it is the party that opposes mandatory coverage for maternity care. I can't wrap my head around that.
If the republicans want to call themselves pro-life they need to leave off this tax-cuts-grow-the-economy lie and start spending on real, universal healthcare.
If the republicans want to call themselves pro-life they need to leave off this tax-cuts-grow-the-economy lie and start spending on real, universal healthcare.
3
Giving Trump a win clearly trumped securing high quality healthcare options available to Americans. We now know where house Republican loyalty lies (just look at that picture of beaming Ryan and his gang crowding around Trump as Trump lauds their unread and ill-conceived handiwork) and their loyalty is not with the American people, especially those most in need of healthcare. It's now up to the Senate to thump Trump and his suck up sidekick Paul Ryan and his gang and improve on what we already have. Let us hope the Senate is up to the task: THUMP TRUMP, Senators! Wipe that smirk off Ryan's face.
2
Republicans ought to be ashamed of themselves, for offering unmitigated cruelty in their "sick" healthcare insurance, screwing the life and death parameters of the least among us, an insult to decency and an affront to the most elemental ties that bind us, our humanity. The G.O.P. does not deserve to represent us, as their despicable behavior joins Trump's unscrupulous self-serving swamp of ignominy.
Ironically, Republicans will likely be killing the very constituents who were suckered into voting for them. How many will be alive to vote again for them?
2
1. Those voters who could not connect "Obamacare" with ACA or their Medicaid, will have no problems doing so when their insurance bills come in mail boosted a few hundred per cent and consuming whole social security checks
2. Channeling Dirty Harry: to GOP senators voting for the GOP bill: "Go ahead punk, make my day!" Come election day, you can be a) a Republican or b) a US Senator, c) you will not be both after that healthcare vote
3. Trump and GOP healthcare bills are chemotherapy for the American political process:
2. Channeling Dirty Harry: to GOP senators voting for the GOP bill: "Go ahead punk, make my day!" Come election day, you can be a) a Republican or b) a US Senator, c) you will not be both after that healthcare vote
3. Trump and GOP healthcare bills are chemotherapy for the American political process:
1
“nearly 45,000 annual deaths are associated with lack of health insurance,” ...but....but...but...Benghazi!
2