text:
In "Sicko," iconoclastic filmmaker Michael Moore extols the virtue of health care in such liberal "paradises" as the United Kingdom and Cuba. Leaving his audience to wonder where he would choose to go for treatment if he were facing a life-threatening illness — the People's Hospital in Havana or the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. — Moore exhibits the same Alice-in-Wonderland delusion that has settled over the Obama administration.
A majority of members of Congress, too, seem to believe that if only enough bureaucracy and taxpayer dollars are thrown at the health care "crisis," then everyone in the country will have their every medical need met, when they want it, and at much reduced cost. Such a mind set turns Peter Pan's Never Never Land into a reality show.
For starters, advocates of the House legislation might want to talk to governors of those states, like Massachusetts, that have already implemented "universal" coverage plans. Increasing program costs, coupled with decreased state revenues as a result of the economic downturn, are causing serious fiscal problems and are forcing those states to consider cutbacks in coverage.
However, witnessing the irrational, "gotta-do-this-now" push in our nation's capitol to pass comprehensive health care "reform" within the next few weeks, it is obvious the proponents of Obama-care are not interested in anyone throwing the cold water of fiscal reality on their parade.
The House version of the legislation, unveiled by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) last week, includes substantial mandates on American businesses (including a severe, 8 percent payroll tax on any business that fails to offer health insurance coverage to its employees). Still, the Pollyannaish Pelosi claimed (with a straight face) it would "lower costs to businesses." This is government logic at its finest — you lower the cost of doing business by raising taxes on those businesses.
Pelosi's obvious inability to grasp even the most basic of economic concepts was further displayed when she claimed that the "costs to consumers," too, would be lowered. Apparently, this would be accomplished by placing a new surtax on those American consumers whose income exceeded the levels deemed worthy by the legislators.
Analysts of the 1,000-plus page legislation calculate its 10-year cost to exceed $1 trillion. Other experts fear such a figure greatly underestimates its true cost. Even the Congressional Budget Office calculates that the government subsidy for health care coverage will amount to some $6,000 per person within the next decade, which figures to more than $1.8 trillion.
Pelosi's bill would also create a government-run insurance plan to compete with private insurers. Such a scenario, of course, is never a fair "competition," because the government "owner" can always print money, spend borrowed money indefinitely, operate without regard for cost-benefit analysis, and threaten legal sanctions for those who fail to comply. None of these remedies are available to businesses (except, of course, for the "new" General Motors).
The smoke-and-mirrors approach is evident also in the fact that high-income taxpayers, who would already be taxed in order to pay for the "universal" coverage for their less-well-off compatriots, would face escalating taxes if the government fails in the years ahead to achieve targeted "savings" in Medicaid and Medicare. In other words, the government will set "savings targets," but if it fails to meet them, it is taxpayers who will pay the penalty, not those members of Congress or federal bureaucrats who decide how much to spend on the entitlement programs.
Other industries, including pharmaceuticals, will face increased taxes as well, in order to pay for this "reform." The more successful drug makers will pay a higher percentage tax than their smaller, less successful colleagues. Once again, success in the business arena is punished in the government arena.
Truly, this bill is a monstrosity.
July 20th, 2009
7:05 am
How come the Democrats are the only ones offering solutions? All we get out of the rightwing is a bunch of complaining. But…maybe that's a good thing, as we've seen what happens when ya'll are in charge. No thanks.
I'm just saying, you guys trashed the place with your party, now if your not gonna help clean up your mess, at least sit there and shut-up.
God I miss the real Republican Party. Back when 'conservative' did not mean 'spoiled teenager.'
July 20th, 2009
7:37 am
Thank you Bob Barr, a Great American, for trying to inform America about this obvious travesty of partisan politics and about the raping of America. Socialism is on the way folks…..get ready.
July 20th, 2009
7:54 am
Some cheese with all that whine whine whine, Mr. Barr?
8% is not severe, it is a lot less than what you'd pay for decent health insurance, and a whole lot easier than dealing with insurance companies, who will cancel your employees' health insurance if you're late with payments.
TW is right, all you neo-cons do is moan and complain, and the current system is a disaster…
July 20th, 2009
7:55 am
why do many people around the world come to the america for health treatment because socialize medicine is a total failure and our healthcare is the best in the world .
most americans want to keep their current coverage,the percentage is over 70% in the latest poll,but these misguided dems want to change the entire healthcare and they have no clue what the cost is going to be .
why is the economy not on the forefront of this adminstration because when you raise taxes as much as what the dems want that will reduce jobs even more and this recession will be even longer.
this administration is looking more and more like jimmy carter,when we had double digit unemployment,inflation,interest, mortgage rates and jobs were very hard to find.
this is going to be a very long recession if these clowns in washington do not wake up!
this subject needs to be throughly thought out especially by the ameircan people.
July 20th, 2009
7:58 am
Who pays for Bob's healthcare?
July 20th, 2009
8:02 am
And please put to rest the myth that we have the best care. We may have the best money can buy, if you have all the money.
July 20th, 2009
8:08 am
Help stop this runaway train before it is too late! If not for yourself, then for your children and grandchildren. I plan to call my Congressman and Senators TODAY….(here is the link to find the contact info for your Congressional reps: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt)
and tell them to at least SLOW DOWN, and read/discuss/debate these monumental changes to our society that will irrevocably change this country forever — this is too important to RUSH THROUGH as the Administration is doing. Regardless of whether you are a Dem, Repub, Libertarian or Independent, you should urge your representatives to stop this headlong, insane rush into an irreversible decision. If we were going to war, impeaching a president, confirming a Supreme Court Justice, or doing anything else remotely close to this grand of a scale like Healthcare, there would be LOTS more debate and SHINING THE LIGHT OF TRUTH on this issue. If it is a good bill, it should pass, but IF IT IS A BAD BILL, then it should be voted down — BUT EITHER WAY, IT SHOULD BE READ, AND THE CURRENT AND FUTURE COSTS UNDERSTOOD BY EVERYONE, PRIOR TO VOTING !! Many in Congress are willing to pass this without reading the bold print, much less the fine print– just because the Administration says "we need to pass this, NOW… Trust Us". Let's not be sheep blindly led to slaughter. Please, Call &/or write your Congressional Reps…. TODAY. And if they do not listen, then we vote the bums out, en masse in next year's election. Pass this contact information along to everyone you know to get in touch with their representatives and insist that these bills get properly debated and not rail-roaded through….
July 20th, 2009
8:23 am
TW, you're an idiot. The solution is to LEAVE IT ALONE. Mr. Barr, and most Americans, realize that's the solution.
Oh, and Mr. Barr is not a Republican anymore either. You fail on two levels!
July 20th, 2009
8:24 am
Hop: "Why do people around the world come to the america for health treatment"
I notice you left out the key word–RICH. Why do so many RICH people come to America for treatment? Easy–because we've got the best healthcare system in the world for people who can afford it.
As for the rest of America (and the world)… well, it's their own fault they can't afford healthcare, right? They made "poor choices" and deserve to sicken and die.
July 20th, 2009
8:40 am
The REAL GodHatesTrash, Superstar
July 20th, 2009
7:54 am
Some cheese with all that whine whine whine, Mr. Barr?
Mr. Barr does not need your goverment cheese.
Likewise, because he is not afraid of "dealing" with insurance companies, he does not need your advice on how to suckle the federal teat.
Just because you admire a president that throws a baseball like a GIRL, doesn't mean that everyone else is as helpless as you.
Thank you.
July 20th, 2009
8:52 am
The "U.S. Office of Personnel Mgt." site spills the beans on Barr. He gets to keep his health ins. from when he represented the "people. Still gets it for less than $300.00 a month. Good plan if you could get it.
July 20th, 2009
9:02 am
Why is the high cost of "health care" universally seen as a problem? We are not paying more for the same things: we are buying things that were not previously available. Health care was cheaper when today's drugs and advanced surgical procedures did not exist. We spend a lot more on computers than we did 25 years ago, but no one considers that to be a crisis.
July 20th, 2009
9:24 am
Calling Bob Barr a NeoCon is like calling your argument sound and well researched, TW.
Name one efficient government model. Not even the IRS, whose sole purpose is to take our money is inefficient. Putting our Government in control of our health is like putting an epileptic in scrubs and sending him to do surgery in a room full of strobe lights.
And your comment about whining and use polarizing statements like "your party."
Seriously, who comes off as the child here? If you knew anything about whats really happening, you'd know that the leaders of Republican Party and Democratic Party have been basically in bed with each other against the best interests of the American people for the better part of 8-9 years.
Its only because neo-cons spend like traditional democrats, are we in this mess you refer to so eloquently.
Reinforcing my point, the Left-Right Paradigm is a facade, sir.
This bill will bankrupt us and people will be left with nothing better than medicaid.
Worse off, diluted thinkers will be too stubborn to admit it and convince themselves everything is lovely.
The current system isn't great. The insurance companies have been able to work without enough real competition (from congressional meddling and lobbying) to make it flawed. But a flawed system is better than an expensive doomed one.
July 20th, 2009
9:31 am
Nice article on the House plan.
Two points. 1. The House plan will not survive the Conference Committee.
2. Something must be done to reduce the cost of medical care in this country. If not, we will end up with a Canada-type plan within 10 years. The cost of medical insurance is growing 12 to 18 percent per year on American businesses – and that is where most of us get our medical insurance. If this growth in cost continues businesses will start to drop coverage for employees. Some businesses are already looking at a scenario of dropping coverage and giving employees a raise of about 40% of the company portion of medical insurance. The idea is that the employee can then go buy his own policy.
If this starts happening on a large scale the voters will demand some type of Canada remedy. Remember, when voters realized that they were ultimately in charge of federal spending we started with the tax cuts & rebates that finally led to the 10 trillion dollar deficit. You do remember the "Surplus" and getting a check from the "govmint" don't you?
When the voters realize they are in charge of health care – we will have Canada.
July 20th, 2009
9:34 am
Mr Barr and his ilk, harping at the cost of the health care proposal, avoid the one fundamental fact. There is, at any given time, X number of people in the nation who need medical attention, and it would cost Y amount of $ to treat them. It is no wonder that when the X number includes more people, the Y number also becomes higher. There are ways to decrease the costs. What the proponents of status quo ignore is that among them would be to remove the profits of the insurance companies, and eliminate the expenses of doctors to keep up with the enormous multitude of insurance plans with different conditions.
It is a gimmick of those peddling products to show the cost not as a whole but "per month" or "per day." Mr. Barr uses something of a reverse gimmick: the government subsidy for health care would cost "some $6,000 per person within the next decade." Why not say $600 per year? Condiser it as a percentage of average annual income. Is that so unreasonable for eliminating the plight of so many millions of people?
July 20th, 2009
9:35 am
We fought the Iraq war for $1.8 Trillion. Which would've been a better use of that money? Healthcare or Iraq. Would love to see quotes from Mr. Barr back in 2003 prior to the invasion.
July 20th, 2009
9:57 am
This article is the monstrosity. Never in the entire thing do you bring up how much we are currently paying for health care. Offer up some solutions to small businesses and people who either don't have or can't affor health care under the current system. It makes no sense to complain about the bill but offer nothing to our problems. Under our current system, folks are dying because they don't have access to care or can't afford to go get routine checkups. What's the answer to that? Maybe the bill doesn't do that but I'd just like to hear some solutions not just whining about the bill.
July 20th, 2009
10:02 am
[...] Bob Barr takes you to health care Never-never land. [...]
July 20th, 2009
10:19 am
If we're subsidizing health care to the tune of $6,000 per person, heck… just pay that money to insurance companies to underwrite private insurance for everyone!
July 20th, 2009
10:46 am
The current plan is flawed not because it goes too far, but because it doesn't go far ENOUGH.
We need a simple, cheap, efficient single-payer system like every other industrialized nation on earth has. This halfway bill, designed to appease the insurance lobbyists rather than dismantle their industry, is complicated and unwieldy.
In other words, the current plan should be opposed–but for the exact OPPOSITE reason that Barr gives.
July 20th, 2009
11:02 am
Get Real,
The cost of the Iraq war will be $694 billion by the end of this fiscal year, not $1.8 trillion.
July 20th, 2009
11:08 am
Again, Bob Barr is all about complaining but offers no alternative solutions. Hey Bob, where were you back in 2003 when your man George W singed the MMA, the $1.2 trillion Medicare boondoggle which prohibits the Federal government from negotiating discounts with drug companies. Now there was a real monstrosity!
July 20th, 2009
11:16 am
jt:When Bush kissed King Abdullah, which one was the Girl? Rickster The hosptal I work for claims that our isurance coverage is over $20K per year. Yeah, right. Of course if you deny coverage, they won't increase your salary by that amount. The plan offers government provided INSURANCE, not government run healthcare ala Canada. One of the reasons healthcare costs are climbing so rapidly is that so many people are uninsured or underinsured. Even with insurance you can be left owing thousands after copays and what the insurance company won't cover. People cant afford to pay so the costs are shifted to those who can. I have ankylosing spondylitis (look it up, to long to explain). One of my treatments costs over $12,000 each, due very 6 weeks. I'm lucky in that the hospital covers 100% of our outpatient treatments, but who the h*ll can afford that without insurance other than the extremely wealthy. Even if you have insurance and have a common 20% copay you would e responsible for over $20K per year, not counting any other medical costs you may have. It's a freaking racket ad those who are profitting the most are the ones who are so dead set against change. Look up Rick Scott, the guy behind the Conservatives for Patient's Rights (sort of like the "Clean Skies" and "Healthy Forests" initiatives) that runs on Faux Gnus at least once every 30 minutes. Ex CEO of Columbia/HCA Healthcare. Booted by the board after they were fined $1.7 BILLION dollars for Medicare fraud. Now he's the big spokesman for the evils of healthcare reform. Yeah, they like it like it is. They can get rich by scr*wing everyone with a little theft thrown in for good measure.
July 20th, 2009
11:18 am
Sorry for all the typos. I have some hinckey keys on the laptop.
July 20th, 2009
11:28 am
The problem with this bill is absolutely no one trust the cost figures which are being tossed around. Pelosi claims a total of $500 billion in savings from medicare, medicaid, and effeciencies. Her own Congressional Budget Office after review says they see no savings, and the cost will be much higher than estimated.
The drag on our economy will even be greater. Pelosi is proud to announce that the remainder will be paid for by an additional tax increase on the benevolant richest 5%. This is in addition to the tax increase already announced for this same population. Problem is that 60% of the people in this catagory are small business people who provide 60% of all private sector jobs in this country. In addition this same group will be forced to provide private health insurance or pay a penalty of 8% of payroll. These are the same people we are relying on to get us out of this recession.
July 20th, 2009
11:46 am
I would like to know how people make it like me. I am a widow with 3 kids, paying 800.00 a month for health insurance, which I am getting ready to cancel because I cannot afford it any longer. My house is on the market and not selling, my job is on the rocks, etc etc. WE HAVE TO HAVE INSURANCE to help people like me. I am at my wits ends about what to do. Hannity, Boortz, etc say "get another job to pay for it, do what you have to do, do not be lazy,etc etc"…..WELL, they are all rich and have the luxury of doing what they want.
I never expected my husband to die. I simply do not know what to do anymore. I cry nearly everyday because I am under so much stress. WHAT IS THE NORMAL PERSON TO DO???????
July 20th, 2009
11:51 am
Unless you make a very high income, your children are eligible for health care under the Georgia "Peach Care " program.
July 20th, 2009
11:57 am
Booger, Thanks, I did not know that. AND no I do not make a lot. My husband was the bread winner. I really have tried to do everything possible to take care of my situation but I am at a dead end. Waiting now to see if I qualify for a home modification. IF my house would just sell!!!!! Of course that is me and millions of others. I think I am putting it out there for a DEAL OF THE CENTURY!!!!
July 20th, 2009
12:00 pm
This train needs to definitely be slowed down if not stopped altogether — this is too important.
If you have not already done so — contact your congressional delegation TODAY — here is the link to get the direct office numbers for your reps — http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/index.htm —
There is a reason that the Administration and the Dem leadership wants to RUSH the healthcare bills through Congress — and will do so without anyone having the time to Debate or READ the bill — They know that if the public understands how much this is going to cost now and in the future and that it is still NOT going to improve healthcare but will end up with the Government running HealthCare (Like the Post Office and VA Hospitals both of which are models of waste and inefficiency ) that the public will not support it !
The Administration "said" they did not want to own General Motors — guess what — the government now owns General Motors. The Administration "says" they do not want to nationalize healthcare — but guess what is going to happen.
The small businesses and middle income tax payers are going to be taxed out the wazoo (many small businesses — the employers of the majority of American workers — will go out of business if the Administration's Healthcare proposals pass —
Call your Representative today and voice your opposition — and let them know that if they support this travesty that you will be prepared to vote them out of office next year — do it today — it is that important
July 20th, 2009
12:01 pm
AND I do not see where government health care will be any different than the 800 a month I am paying now!!!! I had some medical problems this summer and thank goodness it was not bad BUT the insurance company did not want to approve anything the doctor ordered! SO what is the difference????? AND this is with a 5000.00 deductible!
July 20th, 2009
12:04 pm
To answer the question:
"why do many people around the world come to the america for health treatment because socialize medicine is a total failure and our healthcare is the best in the world."
Technology. We have the best medical technology, not the best healthcare system. We rank 50th out of 224 in life expectancy, so our overall system probably isn't the best. For instance, Canada spends a third less and has a longer life span, so it is cheaper and arguably better.
I'm sure it won't work as planned, but there are a lot of countries out there who've already done this and can afford it. If Europe can make it work and do so more effectively than what we currently have, we can too.
July 20th, 2009
12:14 pm
Mr McNamara — good thought on Life Expectancy — but one Huge difference (pun intended) is that over half of Americans are obese and many are grossly obese (self inflicted conditions) and in Canada and Europe that percentage is way lower – and Obesity is one of the largest contributors to health problems which lead to lower life expectancy — so it is an apples to oranges comparison
I am sure that some on this forum will argue that Obesity is not an individual's problem and that it is society's problem and therefore the government should fix it — certify obesity from overeating unhealthy meals as a 'disease' throw billions of dollars at it and 'fix' the problem (instead of doing something like stressing individual Accountabilty for your actions (fightin' words in the Democratic Party) and having government/public schools to require P E courses / excerise for the school kids (most private non-government schools require participation in physical activity ) — but we are now a nation of softies and it might cause somone to break a sweat or be uncomfortable and we just cannot have that in the new USSA
July 20th, 2009
12:26 pm
TechLover -
I feel for you.
Regardless, goverment is NEVER the answer. The problems you are facing are compounded by goverment involvement in the first place.
If you are able to secure a passport, (don't mention health care) try flying to south america or china for some "health care" not approved by our goverment. You will probably be pleseantly suprised.
Good Luck.
July 20th, 2009
12:51 pm
Why do people need insurance to pay for everyday type medical expenses like: regular checkups, broken bones, routine surgeries and medications? I don't know. If you provide insurance to cover only catastrophic illness or chronic sickness then the premium for most families (under 65) would be nominal, very nomimal in cost. Then the family covers the everyday expenses of healthcare just like they do the grocery bill.
Libtards will never learn from history so welcome to Communism – again.
July 20th, 2009
1:35 pm
"Peter Pan…..Pollyannaish Pelosi….."
Say it, don't spray it, Barr.
"..this bill is a monstrosity". This metaphor doesn't work with the spittoon-challenged alliteration that should have set up the conclusion. Try to match them in terms of the overall theme of your piece so there's a more cohesive (and thus persuasive) point.
With opponents of Obama's health care plan like you, sir, who needs supporters?
July 20th, 2009
1:38 pm
It's true that obesity is a big problem in the United States, but that still doesn't mean our form of health care is the best.
You can always make up stuff to argue. For example, the obesity could be because people don't regularly see the doctor due to high cost and/or lack of insurance. If they did, they'd be more aware of their condition. Instead, they wait until a major occurance and by then it's too late.
Provide what metric is oranges to oranges or apples to apples on healthcare. I'll look it up if you let me know what to look for. Everything on Google says we spend more and get less service. Could be the liberal machine. Could be true.
July 20th, 2009
1:58 pm
People that want Obama Healthcare and do not understand, comprehend what Bob Barr is saying just plain scare the hell out of me! They must be the exact people that voted for Obama and the likes of Pelosi, Reid and the other idiots in Congress. They need to pass a bill that requires people have an IQ before they are allowed to vote! I have never seen in my lifetime the people that seem to have blinders on and do not see what Obama and Congress are doing to America! They are the same prople that blame Bush but never stop to realize it was the Dimocrats in congress that got us in this mess with the economy and not Bush! Wake up, pull your head out of your a$$ before it's too late!
July 20th, 2009
1:59 pm
The current system is great – IF – you know you will never lose your job, you know that your employer will never cancel or reduce your health insurance, and you know that if you ever DO have to get insurance on your own, you will NEVER be sick enough to have all companies deny your pre-existing condition. And of course, health care today IS rationed – just by some beureaucrat at Cigna, Aetna et.al. rather than the gov't. Do you REALLY think they have your best interest at heart??
July 20th, 2009
2:05 pm
If Obama would just hurry and pass out the Kool-Aid we could improve the IQ drastically in America!
July 20th, 2009
2:31 pm
[...] Health Care Never Never Land The Atlanta Journal Constitution Once again, success in the business arena is punished in the government arena. Truly, this bill is a monstrosity (Barr, 7/20). [...]
July 20th, 2009
2:37 pm
People consistently discuss problems with the system. There are indeed problems with many facets of health care, but problems appear in many aspects of life. Responses to these problems, however, are not to be determined by the Federal Government (nor does it have the right to address these problems). There is little logic behind the argument that an individual can not resolve his own problems but that a collection of far-removed, wealthy bureaucrats can do so efficiently.
"A claim for equality of material position can be met only by a government with totalitarian powers." -Hayek
July 20th, 2009
2:43 pm
Great post Charlie. I love the quote by Hayek!
July 20th, 2009
3:01 pm
Jeff are you under the illusion that the gov has your best interest at heart? The only reason other countries are able to provide even an illusionary version of succesful gov health care is due to the innovation and technology developed in our market system. As for efficiency??? we have a ready made example of gov health care in medicaid and medicare. surely you are not arguing we need more of that?
What we need to do is make individual health care accounts tax deductable, this would give people the ability to switch providers if they are not happy with the service, in the current system only employers can do that. The other thing that is needed is for people to realize the actual costs of the services, most people don't want insurance most people want someone else to pay for it
July 20th, 2009
3:16 pm
Rhonda; have you signed up for your husband's social security survivor benefits yet? You can get a stipend for each of your kids based on the level of payments he made into the program. Peachcare could also help and don't forget to check out the public health department programs for primary care (varies with the county in which you reside). If the kids are 5 years of age or younger, you could probably qualify for the WIC program, which will help with nutritious food.
The mandate on business is there because government has failed to provide a program for the general citizenry of this country. We have the VAMC, Medicare and Medicaid as well as the SCHIPS and all these programs provide healthcare to their various constituencies and seem well accepted. So please spare me the diatribe about government run healthcare. Our government also pays the pricetag for most of the health related research programs in this country; the government also provides a goodly number of students with Pell grants and loans to get through medical, dental and nursing school and subsequent professional internships and residency programs. So spare me the diatribe about government run health programs.
I have been a healthcare practitioner for 30+ years and the system we now have has gone from good to what we have now; it serves only one master and that master is profit [and the extravent salaries of the executives of the private health insurance companies]. They make their money by denying YOU care and limiting the care you do receive by increasing the level of deductibles, copays and use of gatekeepers (by use of pre-authorizations, pre-approvals, etc.). So spare me the diatribe about government run healthcare; it could not possibly be any worse than what we are paying for now. I am more than ready for a system-wide change that allows everyone to have access to care.
July 20th, 2009
3:30 pm
GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE, CAP&TRADE, HIGHER TAXES, CLOSING GITMO, PASSING BILLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT – When does all of this STOP!!! We are slowly giving away our FREEDOMS. Be REPRESENTATIVES of the PEOPLE not the left wing.
July 20th, 2009
3:43 pm
Get on board or get out of the way, the train is leaving the station.
July 20th, 2009
3:49 pm
Rockerbabe apparently economics classes were not part of your healthcare education. Just do the math take a reasonable salary for a doctor (200K) a nurse (100K) and an admin (50K) this approaches $200/hour just for their time (obviously the salaries are a proxy they differ greatly), no tests, no rent, no liability insurance, no cost for equipment or continuing education etc. All of those costs would at least double that per hour cost if not triple it lets just split the difference and call it $500/hour and that is simply for your basic physical or checkup. The copays and deductables are necessary to reduce the number of people that see a doctor for a cold because they think it costs $20 (the copay) Insurance companies save people money by spreading the risk of real emergencies and expensive treatments, in large part what people pay for their "insurance is simply the cost of annual treatments, the real insurance part is extremely cheap if a real issue arises. Further more I have never heard of a health professional say the government agencies are well accepted, the naive ones may appreciate the imagined intent, but only the most altruistic practitioners even give lip service to embracing it. Lastly the private sector spends about 10 times that of the government on viable research, the government is too hogtied by politically correct research to do anything groundbreaking.
Just a tad of common sense applied to the facts as opposed to the rhetoric is all you need to understand
July 20th, 2009
4:02 pm
It's too late. Don't bother saving or planning for the future. Enjoy each day like it's your last. Too many people with their hands out and too few willing to take responsibility for their own actions. The gates have held strong for many years, but the Barbarians will come knocking again… Democrats are the 5th column who will give them the keys.
July 20th, 2009
4:40 pm
Jefferson, The TRAIN is running out of FUEL. It won't PASS!!! AMERICA is WAKING UP and they DON"T like what they see. They don't want their children being strapped and paying for this the rest of their life.
July 20th, 2009
5:24 pm
If you are not moving forward, you are backing up.
July 20th, 2009
5:33 pm
I hear a lot of griping and no solutions. This country spends over $6,000 per man, woman and child on health care. That's twice more than most of Europeans, Canadians, etc. So, again, we spend twice as much money than most other industrialized country on earth on health care right now. Logically, that would mean we have the best health care system? HARDLY! This country has 20,000 people dying annually from treatable illnesses because of the lack of health insurance. Ever priced health insurance when you own a small business or are self employed. You have? Good! Now try finding health insurance with all that AND when you have a pre-existing condition. Now tell me what you find? Let me know because I know a few people facing exactly that situation right now.
Also, 50% of all personal bankruptcies in this country are because of health care related costs. Ever calculate how much that ends up costing the tax payer? This includes unpaid bills from ER visits to treat illnesses when it is usually too late or cost 20, 30, or 50 times to treat because of the delay.
For the record, I support a single payer plan with a private option, as most European countries have. I know because my Mom who is 79 lives in Europe under "socialized" medicine and wouldn't want to change a thing. Yes, the same "socialized" medicine that delivers and COSTS ABOUT HALF than the system we have right now in this country.
When you have some answers, do let us know. Again, I hear complaints but no SOLUTIONS.
July 20th, 2009
6:16 pm
RHONDA, WATCH THAT HOME MODIFICATION! I did that and still lost my house, as Countrywide accepted the agreement for 5 years and then turned around 2 months later and said the contract was "void" – I paid $750 to get the modification done and thought I was OK, but was not. DO NOT TRUST IT. God Bless and I hope you and your family make it through these hard times.
July 20th, 2009
6:53 pm
There could be sanity in the health care proposal if all federal elected officials, yes Congress, the Prez and his minions, were legally required to avail themselves of such health insurance and their current plan abolished. If not, any health insurance program changes should never occur until the countries economy has achieved a semblance of normalcy.
July 20th, 2009
6:58 pm
WELL, Mr. Barr, after a long day, I just found out that I no longer have my LITTLE check. My job was cut. So now there is no way I can pay the 800 a month for insurance, mortgage, utilities, credit cards (WHICH I HAD TO USE TO LIVE, etc etc. SO, tell me now what I need to do. Do you not understand that there are millions without insurance????? NOW I have somebody telling me the loan modifications are not even truthful. Thanks for letting me know, Biteme. And also, Rockerbabe, yes, I have BUT my 2 sons are over 18 and I stopped receiving theirs (they are in collge), so now I just receive my daughters, for one more year! It stops at 18 and mine has also stopped. Believe me, I am now ready to just give my house away. But, Mr. Barr, I would love for you to answer the question—what do people like me do? I am not a lazy nor a dumb person, but there are no choices for me. By the way, I am Republican, but slowly getting turned off by the party because of the things that are said about "people like me"….
People that "want" the government to take care of them. I AM NOT like that. I, unfortunately, am a victim of circumstance. AND now if you all will excuse me, I am going to go finish my crying. THEN I will pick myself up and start looking for a job TOMORROW, maybe 2 Mr. Barr.
July 20th, 2009
7:14 pm
For many years you were my hero until you suddenly decided to run for president. You, and anyone else smarter than a fifth grader, had to know that you would only pull votes from the Republican candidate. Can you explain this or do I continue to ignore you and your ideas?
July 20th, 2009
7:25 pm
Good luck to you. I hope everything works out for you.
I too used to be a Republican, until this past election when I enthusiastically voted for Obama. Republicans and Libertarians have an 'every man for himself' attitude. Capitalism on the way up… socialism on the way down. They don't want government action unless it's THEIR house that's on fire. Obama only wants to return tax rates to Ronald Reagan's level and they label Obama a socialist. Many Republicans and Libertarians are just selfish hypocrites.
July 20th, 2009
7:33 pm
Buddy El,
Take it easy on Bob. Obama won by a whopping 9 million votes so Barr was not freckle of a factor in the election. If you're looking for a problem, take a look at Sarah Palin… now there's a problem for you Rebublicans
July 20th, 2009
7:42 pm
The system is too screwed to recover, regardless of who is in charge. Unless we can turn the clock back to 1776 and start all over again there is no way out of this fiscal mess brought on by both parties.
America: too divided, too in debt, too stupid collectively to know any different.
The etch-a-sketch that is the world needs a really good shake to clear out the clutter. Pandemic, anyone?
July 20th, 2009
7:59 pm
In response to Chris Salzmann-
When you have some answers, do let us know. Again, I hear complaints but no SOLUTIONS.
Here is a good start.
Allow consumers to purchase health insurance companies across state lines.
Widen the availability of medical savings accounts.
Allow consumers to deduct the cost of insurance from their taxable income.
Allow doctors, nurses and medical suppliers to take a credit against any income taxes due for the market value of services provided free to those living at or below the poverty level.
The current crop of incumbants in congress will never allow these easy steps to be taken ,because it takes away their respective powers.
Keep voting republican or democrats. You get what you deserve.
July 20th, 2009
8:10 pm
Thanks for the clarification, Mr. Barr, although it appears you've spent a good deal of time in your life on the public teat for your health insurance – the CIA, a federal judgeship, and 8 years defending marriage and managing failed impeachment trials, etc. And let us not forget the two decades you were on your father's health insurance – he, too, was a public sector employee.
Have you ever had to make a payroll Mr. Barr? Have you ever had to deal with a business downturn or a bankrupt or slow-paying customer, and still make sure that your employees' insurance premiums get paid?
Have you ever been a loyal employee left holding the bag when for one reason or another your employer stops paying his bills, or changes insurance companies, or decides to lay you off because you've gotten older and his cost for your health insurance premium goes up?
Somehow, I doubt it.
July 20th, 2009
8:16 pm
Jt, of course Mr. Barr needs no advice on how to suckle the government teat.
He's spent most of his life firmly attached to one, and now he makes a good living complaining about it.
July 20th, 2009
8:21 pm
The REAL GodHatesTrash, Superstar
July 20th, 2009
8:16 pm
Jt, of course Mr. Barr needs no advice on how to suckle the government teat.
He's spent most of his life firmly attached to one, and now he makes a good living complaining about it.
I cannot dispute that.
And he is a lawyer.
July 20th, 2009
8:47 pm
Quit missing a major cost factor in health care…. paying for illegals aliens health care. That could save us billions. The people use the emergency room as a primary health care resource because they know they will not be turned away. Truth be told, nobody is ever turned away. I believe that if our government actually enforced it's own immigration laws and deported these bloodsuckers, health care would be much more affordable. Of course, we would also have to stop them from coming back. This we can also do if we just resolve to do it.
July 20th, 2009
9:56 pm
jt July 20th, 2009 7:59 pm SAID:
In response to Chris Salzmann- When you have some answers, do let us know. Again, I hear complaints but no SOLUTIONS.
Here is a good start.
JT SAID: Allow consumers to purchase health insurance companies across state lines.
CHRIS SAYS: Consumer protections for Health Insurance are governed by the individual states and vary dramatically from state to state. CA or VT have vastly superior consumer protections than states like GA or AL. This would does not answer the question how to deal with consumers with pre-existing conditions or are they just left to fend for themselves since no insurance company will cover them. Buying health insurance is not buying baseball cards on EBAY. I know since I hold several insurance licenses.
JT SAID: Widen the availability of medical savings accounts.
CHRIS SAYS: They already are. Which planet do you live on? Many banks now offer them. So how do these accounts help low income or unemployed households who don't have the means to put aside any significant amount of savings?
JT SAID: Allow consumers to deduct the cost of insurance from their taxable income.
CHRIS SAYS: Actually, employer based plans are already pre-tax though this tax benefit should be expanded to individual consumers.
JT SAID: Allow doctors, nurses and medical suppliers to take a credit against any income taxes due for the market value of services provided free to those living at or below the poverty level.
CHRIS SAYS: So, the poor and low income under your plan, should now have to depend on the charity of individual doctors and nurses? Like that African saying goes, "The haves have it and the poor can beg". Nice solution there and so typical.
Explain again how "your" plan helps those who are unemployed, have low incomes or who have pre-existing medical conditions? Lets see, it goes BEG, BEG, and SOL, right? That's essentially what you just proposed.
Basically, you just coughed up the typical Republican Talking points that offer no solutions at all. Essentially, DEREGULATE EVERYTHING AND ALL PROBLEMS WILL BE SOLVED!!! Yeah, that worked great on Wall Street. What's that saying? Didn't work the first time, lets try it again and pray for a different outcome. I think they call that "idiot logic" in professional circles and there's no shortage of that in conservative circles.
July 20th, 2009
10:02 pm
Stumpy July 20th, 2009 8:47 pm SAID: Quit missing a major cost factor in health care…. paying for illegals aliens health care. That could save us billions. The people use the emergency room as a primary health care resource because they know they will not be turned away. Truth be told, nobody is ever turned away. I believe that if our government actually enforced it's own immigration laws and deported these bloodsuckers, health care would be much more affordable. Of course, we would also have to stop them from coming back. This we can also do if we just resolve to do it.
CHRIS SAYS: Not really worth even commenting on. Another conservative solution is "Get rid of the Illegals and everything will be solved". BTW, did you know that most of your conservative immigrant baiting Georgia politicians forbid the IRS from raiding farms during picking season? Yeah, conservative values at work: Let the immigrants first do the dirty work for little pay, THEN DEPORT THEM. LOL. Pathetic!!!
July 20th, 2009
10:23 pm
Landon Lord July 20th, 2009 12:00 pm SAID: The small businesses and middle income tax payers are going to be taxed out the wazoo (many small businesses — the employers of the majority of American workers — will go out of business if the Administration's Healthcare proposals pass —
CHRIS SAYS: WOW! Sounds good if it weren't total BS. So, please explain how small businesses, contractors or middle income households can pay for affordable health care insurance right now??? Throw in pre-existing medical conditions and I really would like to know since I know many people in that boat? ROFLMAO. Yeah, nice try if it weren't so pathetic.
This your the latest conservative talking points you have??? Sorry, been there, done that and the SYSTEM'S BROKEN!!!!!!!!
July 20th, 2009
10:41 pm
Chris, you're a dumbass… If it's not even worth commenting on, then why did you comment? Q.E.D.
I never said that getting rid of illegals would solve all our problems. I DID say that removing them would alleviate a major burden on our health care system. Disprove that!
Further, I am a Virginia resident who did not vote for any of my Democrat Senators or Representative. So you can't hang any of their failures on me. Conservative that I am, I believe in the enforcement of the laws that we have on the books. That means, deport the illegals who are taxing our medical system (among other things). Disprove that also, please! If you can…
July 20th, 2009
10:55 pm
Stumpy July 20th, 2009 10:41 pm SAID: Chris, you're a dumbass… If it's not even worth commenting on, then why did you comment? Q.E.D.
I never said that getting rid of illegals would solve all our problems. I DID say that removing them would alleviate a major burden on our health care system. Disprove that!
CHRIS SAID: You're right. I was being a dumbass!!! LOL. Seriously though, good luck in enforcing current immigration laws. I take a pretty hard line on immigration too since I have many friends and co-workers who are legal immigrants after having jumped through countless hoops, given the run around and waiting 2 or 3 years before getting their permanent residency in the US. But again, good luck on that since vested interests won't allow that to happen, namely the farming and construction industry to name a few.
July 21st, 2009
12:15 am
Those who favor current health care legislation often respond to criticism by claiming that Democrats are offering a plan while opponents offer none. Proponents, however, seem to have missed the point; there should be no plan. Health care (and might I add that when they control your health care they will regulate your every waking moment) is not the concern of the Federal Government. The solution to our problems is that the Federal Government is not the solution.
July 21st, 2009
1:53 am
There is no doubt that our healthcare system needs to be fixed, but not at the cost of bankrupting our grandchildren. I fail to understand where the Democrats feel that healthcare is a right provided by our constitution. If anyone can find where our founding fathers wrote that into the document, then let's go, but its not there. Ask our Veterans or elderly how their government ran healthcare is working for them. The elderly are not getting government discounts on their medications. So are you really ready to put your blind faith in the idiots in Washington???
There are many ignorant people who have never experienced government provided healthcare. Ask any Canadian citizen how spending 50% or more of their earned income and what they really think about their GREAT preventative healthcare, America your eyes will be opened. You have no idea what you're asking for and you do not want it. For those that believe that cheap healthcare is the answer look up the words (Cheap and Quality) they are not synonymous terms and you get what you pay for.
How about we setup our healthcare like car insurance, if you diet and maintain healthy weight, non smoker etc your insurance rates will be cheaper. You mean if we are proactive in reducing heart disease, diabetes and other health related issues our insurance rates would be less??? Deductibles which help fray cost and hypochondriacs from going to see the doctor for hang nail.
I am no healthcare expert, but I am wise enough to see that our government has failed miserably with Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, Veterans welfare and we are blindly going to hand our government another program that they can rape the funds from and mismanage…..No dam way, Washington has not seen a tea party like the one that will be coming if they push this 1,000 plus page rip-off through. We know they don't read what they vote on!!!
America wake up and stop falling asleep at the wheel!!
July 21st, 2009
4:05 am
I find the increasingly common view that government is some kind of benevolent force to be very disturbing. Have we been bribed and deceived to the point where the idea that government is a necessary evil has become viewed as ancient paranoia?
Many people subscribe to the saying that power corrupts. What do you expect the outcome to be of this massive growth in the size and scope of government? Utopia? I get it, the tendency of man to amass and abuse power throughout its existence has suddenly evaporated.
Here's another interesting saying… the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
July 21st, 2009
5:38 am
Nick: I find it disturbing that some think that private industry is some kind of benevolent force. They are out for money, not the common good. I also find the "I've got mine, scr*w everyone else" attitude when it comes to health care. It's also disturbing that so much of the oppostion to health care for all is from so called "Christians", ie The Christian Coalition, the "God" party Republicans, etc. who soehow have made Jesus into some sort of capitalist hedge fund manager instead of the man who said, "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Billy Bov: Why do people need insurance for "for everyday type medical expenses like: regular checkups, broken bones, routine surgeries and medications?" Either you're loaded and it doesn't matter or you haven't paid for any of the above lately. A doctor visit can easily cost $150 or more, which is often just the cost of them seeing you. Throw in some labwork, an EKG etc, and you could easily have a %500 dollar bill. The daily cost of a hospital room where I work is around $1,200, just for the room. You also have to scan to charge for every urinal, box of kleenex, iv catheter, bag of fluid, package of EKG leads, plus waaay overpriced meds, etc. If by chance you end up in the ICU or CCU (where I work), the room is over $12,000 per day plus all the add on charges, plus the doctor bills you, you get billed for x rays, Ct scans, etc. then the radiologist bills you and on and on. Catastprohic coverage can still leave you owing tens of thousands. See my above posts on the cost of my treatment. Don't forget that medications can eaily cost $150 or more per each per month. Gee, I can't imagine why some folks want coverage.
July 21st, 2009
9:06 am
Eric, the argument that health care is not a right provided by our constitution is just about the silliest one can make. There are many things you expect the government to do that are not spelled out in the Constitution. The Constitution says that it has been established, among other things, to promote general Welfare. Is health not Welfare?
Ask our elderly how the government ran healthcare is working for them? YOU should do that. You would find how they appreciate Medicare, and Social Security. There are legitimate gripes about health care everywhere, but again, you SHOULD really ask Canadians whether they would like to exchange their health care system for ours – it would open your eyes.
July 21st, 2009
10:12 am
Socialism is "coming"…? No, it's ALREADY HERE, and "socialism" doesn't adequately describe it. A more correct term would be "communism" or "fascism", albeit in an early stage.
July 21st, 2009
10:16 am
Eric July 21st, 2009 1:53 am SAID: There is no doubt that our healthcare system needs to be fixed, but not at the cost of bankrupting our grandchildren. I fail to understand where the Democrats feel that healthcare is a right provided by our constitution. If anyone can find where our founding fathers wrote that into the document, then let's go, but its not there. Ask our Veterans or elderly how their government ran healthcare is working for them. The elderly are not getting government discounts on their medications. So are you really ready to put your blind faith in the idiots in Washington???
CHRIS SAYS: Yes, ask our veterans how health care is working for them and many of them will be thankful for the help they receive from the many veteran hospitals around the country. I especially like this quote, "The elderly are not getting government discounts on their medications". ROFLMAO. Have you heard of Medicare and its PART D which is the PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN!!!!. You obviously don't have a freaking clue so shut up before you bedazzle us with more examples of your abundant supply of ignorance!
Eric July 21st, 2009 1:53 am SAID: There are many ignorant people who have never experienced government provided healthcare. Ask any Canadian citizen how spending 50% or more of their earned income and what they really think about their GREAT preventative healthcare, America your eyes will be opened. You have no idea what you're asking for and you do not want it. For those that believe that cheap healthcare is the answer look up the words (Cheap and Quality) they are not synonymous terms and you get what you pay for.
CHRIS SAYS: Yeah, ask the Canadians and they'll tell you they are pretty satisfied with what they have. My mother lives in Europe under "socialized" medicine and wouldn't change it for anything in the world. I've lived in Europe and also experienced their health care system and its definitely far better than what we have here. I have to wait a week to see my "in-network" doctor here by appointment. In Europe, I could see a doctor the same day and pay a co-pay of about $15. Also, About 22,000 people die each year in this country because they lack coverage and are unable to treat preventable illnesses which sometimes escalate into life threatening sicknesses. Over 50% of all personal bankruptcies in this country are related to medical expenses. Have you also estimated how much that ends up costing the taxpayer?
So Eric, here are your answers from someone who has experienced other health care systems and found what we have here pretty sad. This is especially true since the United States spends about $6,000 per man, woman and child on health care. That's TWICE as much than the vast majority of industrialized nations. So, ARE WE GETTING OUR MONEY'S WORTH????
July 21st, 2009
10:19 am
StJ July 21st, 2009 10:12 am SAID: Socialism is "coming"…? No, it's ALREADY HERE, and "socialism" doesn't adequately describe it. A more correct term would be "communism" or "fascism", albeit in an early stage.
CHRIS SAYS: You ever lived under "Communism" or "Facism"??? Speaking from experience??? NO? Wow, another UNINFORMED and IGNORANT OPINION!!! Another shining example of ignorant discourse.
July 21st, 2009
10:26 am
Charlie July 21st, 2009 12:15 am SAID: Those who favor current health care legislation often respond to criticism by claiming that Democrats are offering a plan while opponents offer none. Proponents, however, seem to have missed the point; there should be no plan. Health care (and might I add that when they control your health care they will regulate your every waking moment) is not the concern of the Federal Government. The solution to our problems is that the Federal Government is not the solution
CHRIS SAYS: Yeah no plan at all. If you have a small business or are self employed, too bad. If you have a pre-existing condition and NO INSURANCE COMPANY WILL COVER YOU, too bad. LMAO. Yeah, lets all return to the law of the jungle. That's what Republicans and Conservatives call progress!
July 21st, 2009
12:12 pm
So for all of you lefties who like to reference all of the people who "can't afford" insurance or health care, what is your proposed solution for all of the young professionals who CAN afford insurance and CHOOSE not to carry it? Included in the numbers of "those without insurance" is this group that are in substantial numbers. You all comment as if there are only two groups; haves and have-nots. I've got news for you…there is a large third group called "choose-not-to". Why should I pay more taxes than the 35% of my money that already goes to it to take care of people who can and choose not to? You have NO WAY to dilineate those who can't and those who choose not to. And I would be ALL FOR helping those who TRULY can't.
July 21st, 2009
12:22 pm
Blue: I'd tell them the same thing I tell childless couples who pay for public education, or apartment-dwellers who pay for public housing, or lucky people who pay for others to be rescued by the fire department.
"We're trying to have a society here, not a random collection of selfish a-holes. Chip in or get out."
July 21st, 2009
2:11 pm
Yes, I am back. Mr. Barr never answered any of my questions. Now, I have lost my job, widow with 3 kids, 2 in college, mortgage, bills, do not even use a/c or heat because I cannot afford it. I HAVE ask numerous talk radio host and now Mr. Barr. What would you suggest for a widow of 54 years old, no college, who is about to lose her house, her only asset!!!!! to do????? I cannot even get loan modification nor insurance. Just what do you suggest Mr. Barr? and do not tell me you are not reading these posts. SO, I would love to hear any suggestions you have.
July 21st, 2009
3:23 pm
Being well is complicated. Not every problem can be solved with a "pill" But not every problem can be solved without a pill. Many factors need to be considered. But each and everyone of us need to be responsible for their own health or their own illness. Many people are under treated and many people are over treated. I work in a nursing home, and see so many illnesses that could have been prevented. A lot of them are based on "PAIN," if that is managed than I feel that the other illnesses could have been prevented. But, PAIN is under treated and dismissed very often by our "medical experts."
July 21st, 2009
5:37 pm
Life isnt fair people. Rich people will always have an advantage over poor people, read up on the U.S.S.R. if you don't believe me.
July 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
It's official. America and the World are now in a GLOBAL PANDEMIC. A World EPIDEMIC with potential catastrophic consequences for ALL of the American people. The first PANDEMIC in 41 years. And WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES will have to face this PANDEMIC with the 37th worst quality of healthcare in the developed World.
We spend over twice as much of our GDP on healthcare as any other country in the World. And Individual American spend about ten times as much out of pocket on healthcare as any other people in the World. All because of GREED! And the PRIVATE FOR PROFIT healthcare system in America.
And while all this is going on, some members of congress seem mostly concern about how to protect the corporate PROFITS! of our GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT NATIONAL DISGRACE. A PRIVATE FOR PROFIT DISGRACE that is in fact, totally valueless to the public health. And a detriment to national security, public safety, and the public health.
Progressive democrats the Tri-Caucus and others should stand firm in their demand for a robust government-run public option for all Americans, with all of the minimum requirements progressive democrats demanded. If congress can not pass a robust public option with at least 51 votes and all robust minimum requirements, congress should immediately move to scrap healthcare reform and request that President Obama declare a state of NATIONAL HEALTHCARE EMERGENCY! Seizing and replacing all PRIVATE FOR PROFIT health insurance plans with the immediate implementation of National Healthcare for all Americans under the provisions of HR676 (A Single-payer National Healthcare Plan For All).
Coverage can begin immediately through our current medicare system. With immediate expansion through recruitment of displaced workers from the canceled private sector insurance industry. Funding can also begin immediately by substitution of payroll deductions for private insurance plans with payroll deductions for the national healthcare plan. This is what the vast majority of the American people want. And this is what all objective experts unanimously agree would be the best, and most cost effective for the American people and our economy.
In Mexico on average people who received medical care for A-H1N1 (Swine Flu) with in 3 days survived. People who did not receive medical care until 7 days or more died. This has been the same results in the US. But 50 million Americans don't even have any healthcare coverage. And at least 200 million of you with insurance could not get in to see your private insurance plans doctors in 2 or 3 days, even if your life depended on it. WHICH IT DOES!
If President Obama has to declare a NATIONAL STATE OF EMERGENCY to rescue the American people from our healthcare crisis, he will need all the sustained support you can give him. STICK WITH HIM! He's doing a brilliant job.
THE BATTLE OF GOOD Vs EVIL!
Join the fight.
Contact congress and your representatives NOW! AND SPREAD THE WORD!
God Bless You
Jacksmith – WORKING CLASS
July 22nd, 2009
9:38 am
Jack Smith, you're a dolt! How many people do you see flocking to Cuba, Guatemala, Britain or Canada for medical care? We are hardly in any State of emergency. People are NOT dying in the street. If you are sick, you go to a DR and you will not be refused treatment. The issue of who pays can easily be rectified by calling the hospitals financial assistance representative who can a) make a payment plan that is affordable or b) forgive your debt if you're in dire straights as MANY hospitals, have funds paid for by those nasty rich people, pharmaceutical companies, and middle class caring Americans who believe in charity and not forced government thievery. And before you rattle off the benefits of HR676 apparently you obviously don't care about the fact that HR676 would outlaw private insurance unemploying 14-17% of Americans, would seriously cripple your rights to privacy, and would snatch 17% of the GDP serioulsy debilitating the economy all for an incorrect interpretation of the WHO's statitics you LIBS like to Taut as evidence of failure. Statistics lie my friend. Whereas I can't go into all the reasons for that ranking, I can illustrate one point, Live birth. The US leads in Infant mortality rate. THat has to do with the differences in defining LIVE BIRTH. In the US every child born whether still born or not is considered a live birth. In other countries, a child isn't considered born alive unless they are a certain weight. Premies are not counted. Socialized countries also pad their stats a bit. When the WHO compiled their stats, they did find evidence that leaders of Socialized countries plain out lied but why don't you go to Costa Rica when you're diagnosed with cancer and see how you do as Costa Rica obviously has better care, hospitals, access to treatments and specialists than we do. What this bill in the House does not do is contain costs. There will be no savings. There will be only be increased costs and increased taxes and sooner or later, we will be taxed at 60% like France but since you like living on 40% of your salary, why don't you donate 60% of it to that charity hospital so that your neighbor can have health care. And while your demonizing big Pharma, Big Insurance, you seem to forget about a segment of the population. THe segment of the population with diseases so rare that clinical trials and experimental treatments are the only option. I am one of those. I have Sarcoma, a rare cancer of the soft tissue. I have stage IV cancer and cannot be happier with the care I have received and how great my insurance company has been in covering my experimental treatments. If a government beurocrat determines what the protocol should be, taking that power away from the Dr., what will we do when there is no protocol? THe protocol for my cancer is surgery, radiation. There are no approved chemos. Let me be the first to challenge this so called reform on Constitutional grounds. I believe I have the right to life. I believe I have the right to my property and I will ascertain that I have the right to fight for my life which is my property and the government cannot interfere. HR676 is plain outright UNconstitutional. Government run healthcare is not patient focused. It's money focused. It's government focused. But if you were to get a rare disease Mr. Smith, I don't think you would lay down and die to save money for the government would ya? The Huffington Post and the Daily Kos both written by "Junior Journalists" are rags. Nothing more and as for Obama, he could give a darn about you or your healthcare. He just doesn't want to miss an opportunity for a government money and power grab to acheive his Socialists dreams. Mr Obama is a Communist and was a member of the Chicago New Party, a Communist/Socialist org here in Chicago. He is for Government, not for the people. Sure you may trust HIM with this power but someday, down the line, we will elect a leader who you may not. Do you like the idea of a President having enough power to tell you that to save money, they will deny you life saving treatment? What if you're his political opponent? And if you really want to see what happens when you give tons of money to the government, look at the social security debacle, the Medicare debacle, and the Post Office. All broke and instead of Congress being held accountable, we all will be as we pay more and more to fix their mistakes. Good vs. Evil, oh brother!!! It's more like freedom for the people vs bondage by the government.
July 22nd, 2009
6:20 pm
Rhonda, it's unfortunate but bad things happen. Perhaps you should direct your anger to the Federal Government which has taxed your income for your entire life and squandered money which you could have saved for a rainy day.
July 23rd, 2009
2:36 pm
All the people against National Health Care options are idiots that do not realize the economy is bad. They don't realize that the Democrats have nothing to gain from this. Obama was put there to change things and now that he is, scare tactics dominate the scene. Big surprises. How many Health Insurance Company Lobbyists do you people think are in Washington painting the pockets of those opposed? Which lobby group is paying the Democrats on this one? Having another "option" does nothing more than create the competition that the "so-called" Republicans push for in capitalism arguments. If people are getting the coverage they want, they can keep it right up until get canceled for something.
Bottom line is this going to pass. No matter what you think. Obama is doing a great job considering.
I am guessing everyone doesn't remember our last president too well…
July 29th, 2009
11:57 pm
Copyleft: "We're trying to have a society here, not a random collection of selfish a-holes. Chip in or get out."
WTF? So now it's come to this, huh? It's selfish to not want to let government thugs take our hard-earned money by force? Civilization is doomed.
July 31st, 2009
1:11 am
[...] The gloves are off and the fight is on, and I intend to join. Cato.org will soon launch a series of radio ads (you can here one here) and Bob Barr has come out with this [Health care Never Never Land] in the Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
August 7th, 2009
1:43 am
Bob, with the outright lies being told by the Republicans and the Conservative Groups, you are on very thin ice objecting to the objectivity/truth as to what the Democrats are proposing. The conflagrations being created by conservative stalwarts like Rick Scott and his Conservatives For Patients Rights, the Rick Scott that was at the heart of one of the biggest Medicare frauds ever when he was the CEO of Colombia/HCA where the company was fined $1.7 Billion dollars, simply have no integrity. These 'shout downs' are manufactured and funded by the corporate and insurance companies with huge financial stakes in preserving the status quo. They make a lot of money from the status quo, and any public option health plan as part of the reform effort will adversely impact their money. Their tactics are malicious, vindictive and dishonest in every pejorative sense of those words. Until the Republicans, the right-wing and the 'conservatives' call off the rabid dogs and try to engage in civil public discourse on Health Care Reform, you folks will eventually have to live with the strong public repudiation and backlash that is coming your way. More genuine information will get out, more people will see what is being proposed in more objective terms and once again, the right-wings tactics will backfire; I just hope they backfire so completely that 'conservatives' are permanently marginalized by the American Public. After the last two elections, one might have thought that 'conservatives' had learned that their phony 'Swift Boat' type campaigns, the Bush Adminstrations incredible dishonesty and the unprecedented number of Bush appointees' that left either under a dark cloud having been caught in the grasp of unethical behavior, or else on their way to jail would have proved at least a little bit enlightening.
August 9th, 2009
12:51 pm
The Cato institute, the heritage foundation, and their ilk were founded when johnson declared his war on poverty. They have done an excellent job of defending the struggling american billionaires ever since, and continue to do so to this day. The war on poverty ended long ago. the poor lost. Now it's the middle class that they are going after, in that time honored tradition of wedge issues. America will wither and crumble if the billionaires continue to run amock, writing laws to line their pockets and bleed ever more money from whats left of the middle class.
September 17th, 2009
7:42 pm
[...] Health care Never Never Land [...]
October 3rd, 2009
7:56 pm
[...] Health care Never Never Land [...]


text:
This article was corrected | View correction
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among US women. Mammography screening may be associated with reduced breast cancer mortality but can also cause harm. Guidelines recommend individualizing screening decisions, particularly for younger women.
We reviewed the evidence on the mortality benefit and chief harms of mammography screening and what is known about how to individualize mammography screening decisions, including communicating risks and benefits to patients.
Evidence Acquisition
We searched MEDLINE from 1960-2014 to describe (1) benefits of mammography, (2) harms of mammography, and (3) individualizing screening decisions and promoting informed decision making. We also manually searched reference lists of key articles retrieved, selected reviews, meta-analyses, and practice recommendations. We rated the level of evidence using the American Heart Association guidelines.
Mammography screening is associated with a 19% overall reduction of breast cancer mortality (approximately 15% for women in their 40s and 32% for women in their 60s). For a 40- or 50-year-old woman undergoing 10 years of annual mammograms, the cumulative risk of a false-positive result is about 61%. About 19% of the cancers diagnosed during that 10-year period would not have become clinically apparent without screening (overdiagnosis), although there is uncertainty about this estimate. The net benefit of screening depends greatly on baseline breast cancer risk, which should be incorporated into screening decisions. Decision aids have the potential to help patients integrate information about risks and benefits with their own values and priorities, although they are not yet widely available for use in clinical practice.
Conclusions and Relevance
To maximize the benefit of mammography screening, decisions should be individualized based on patients' risk profiles and preferences. Risk models and decision aids are useful tools, but more research is needed to optimize these and to further quantify overdiagnosis. Research should also explore other breast cancer screening strategies.
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- About
- Trainings
- Tools for Schools®
- Store
- Find a Teacher
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- Go Give Yoga
YogaKids Tools for Schools
By Darlene E. Paris
When I taught second grade five years ago, my colleagues called me the New Age teacher because I used the tools I had learned during my 10 years of practicing meditation in my classroom.
I kept meditation bells in my room and would clang them together whenever my students got too noisy. I burned lavender essential oils and urged them to utter the word shanti (Sanskrit for peace) just before a test. And if they seemed a bit high-strung after lunch, I'd take them out to the playground and encourage them to scream for about five minutes, and then come back into classroom and sit for another five minutes in complete silence.
I wished that I could do more with my students, but I wasn't sure how I could pass along the gems I had learned during the time I spent living in a meditation community and teach all the subjects that I needed to teach in a day.
After meeting YogaKids founder Marsha Wenig last month, I discovered ways to teach children yoga and meditation and, at the same time, give them lessons in reading, writing and arithmetic.
Wenig, who has been a yoga teacher for more than 20 years, has designed a program especially for children called Tools for Schools. This program aims to solve major problems found in many schools, including low scores on standardized tests, budget cuts that have nixed physical education programs, and challenges presented by students with short attention spans.
"Tools for Schools is something that has been in my consciousness for a long time," said Wenig, of Michigan City, Ind., who visited Chicago-area schools recently to demonstrate the program to teachers. "Whenever I thought about yoga for children, I knew that it would not necessarily be yoga classes, but tools that would give professionals, from teachers to pediatricians, from dietitians to daycare workers, different ways to work with kids."
Tools for Schools is based on Harvard University Professor Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, which explains eight ways in which people process information. Wenig's program uses yoga as a pathway for learning. It emphasizes the body/kinesthetic intelligence — or the intelligence that processes information through movement. It can be used in preschool through the 5th grade, she said.
The program provides teachers with a 106-page manual with lesson plans that focus on different poses and how to use these poses to teach various subjects, such as math and language arts.
The program also includes a deck of cards illustrating 50 yoga poses. Teachers attend a six-hour training program with a certified YogaKids facilitator.
It also includes a home component called Om@Home which are essentially letters to parents informing them of poses learned by their children and when and how to do them.
What happens sometimes is that the children end up teaching their parents yoga. Especially in small cities like Michigan City.
"When I started this program back in the '80s … the children would learn yoga in class and they went back home to their parents and started teaching them. Then their parents started coming to our yoga classes," says Wenig, who along with her husband, Don, owns a yoga studio called Dancing Feet.
Wenig, who began teaching yoga to children more than 15 years ago when her daughter Dakota attended a Montessori pre-school, said teaching yoga to children is very different from teaching adults.
"When you're teaching adults, you use a certain kind of script. You give directives. You say, for example, 'Stand in mountain pose and extend your right hand over your head.' But with yoga for kids, it's not that way. As soon as you do a pose, the kids are ready to do the pose with you. They don't wait for instructions. They're right there in the moment."
Wenig makes the poses more appealing to children by renaming them. One of the most famous poses is downward facing dog, but Wenig calls it Down Diggety Doggy Down — in honor of her son Kiva, now 15, who created the title when he was 3 years old.
And, unlike adult yoga classes, students are not asked to hold poses for a period of time and make noises. When they do Down Diggety Doggy Down, for example, they bark. When they do lion pose, they roar.
Wenig also advises teachers to use yoga to make subjects more interesting. For example, the Down Diggety Doggy Down pose can be used to teach math by having students analyze the pose to find geometric patterns such as a triangle, parallel lines and even right, obtuse, or acute angles.
Or in a language arts class the pose can launch a discussion about dogs being a man's best friend, followed by the students writing an essay about what qualities make a good friend.
Wenig says she's not trying to turn classroom teachers into yoga instructors. She just wants to inspire teachers to use yoga to get their lessons across to students who are enamored with things like computer games, MP3s, DVDs and such.
"Yoga sets the foundation for a healthy lifestyle, builds focus and concentration, provides techniques that help students relax and wakes up sluggish minds," she says. "It's also non-competitive, which fosters a can-do attitude and creates positive social interaction."
She added that although Tools for Schools is designed for students, it's also beneficial for teachers. "Nowadays, teachers are stressed. They're in the classroom for eight hours a day with students who have different learning styles. Some of them even have 35 students to manage at a time. When these teachers teach their students yoga, it will help reduce their stress by giving them a more manageable class, and, at the same time, keep their own mind, body and spirit calm.
For additional information about Tools for Schools, visit YogaKids.com.
Darlene E. Paris is a Chicago-area writer and regular practitioner of yoga.


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Rohan Connolly December 18, 2012 - 6:52AM
Join us for comprehensive live blog coverage of the final day of the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka from Hobart. Rohan Connolly is in the commentary chair on day five with every chance the match may go right down to the wire.
6:22PM And that's all from RC here at Blog Central. Been a pleasure joining you for our live coverage, look forward to seeing you back here again for the big Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Enjoy your Christmas everyone, and good luck to all participants in those inevitable backyard post-lunch games! Cheers!
AUSTRALIA d SRI LANKA BY 137 RUNS
WHAT HAPPENED: A shocking case of deja vu for much of the afternoon for the Australians, the wickets not coming as the Sri Lankan batsmen dug in, frustrating the bowlers and skipper Clarke. Australia still needed six wickets nearly 20 minutes into the final session, but that man Siddle found the breakthrough, removing the obstinate Mathews and Samaraweera, and left-armer Starc did the rest, ripping through the tail, the pace pair sharing nine of the 10 wickets with just under 11 overs to spare.
WHAT IT MEANS: Australia simply had to deliver on the result here, at one stage staring down the barrel of having dominated three of four Tests this summer without a victory. There was no sense of panic, though, and while there will be some questions asked about Lyon's inability to take wickets when it matters, the final session will be a tremendous confidence booster for Starc, whose yorker is a dangerous delivery indeed. Sri Lanka lost no credits for its resilience, but still looks short of its opponent's level.
LOOKING AHEAD: More injury concerns for Australia's bowling stocks after the injury to Hilfenhaus, though Johnson's performance on recall in Perth makes him a warm favourite to replace the Tasmanian for Boxing Day. Skipper Clarke fielded on the fifth day, but if he is to miss, Khawaja looks likely to be the replacement. Either way, the Aussies will be praying their injury curse ends soon.
6:07PM WICKET! IT'S ALL OVER! Starc wraps it up, Eranga gloves a lifter through to the Wade, and the Aussies are ecstatic. Australia wins the first Test by 137 runs, Starc gets five-fpr, but it's Siddle earning man-of-the-match honours with 9-104.
6:04PM Welegedara sees off the Siddle over, took him a few balls to get back into stride, giving Starc the opportunity to wrap it up. SL 9/255, 11 overs to go.
5:58PM Starc and Siddle in a neck-and-neck contest for their fifth wicket now, the Victorian set it up, the lanky New South Welshman has come roaring home. That full-pitched ball is a lethal weapon for him. Wicket maiden, SL 9/250 and 12 overs to go ... and it's Siddle from the other end!
5:56PM WICKET! Starc again! Great ball, a repeat of the previous yorkers, hit Herath on the foot and rolled on to the stumps. Slice of luck, but he'd certainly earned it. Starc's really picked up his pace this spell, might have booked his spot for Boxing Day.
5:49PM Watson back on, you'd like to see Siddle from the other end again, let's give the Victorian his 10-for! SL 8/250.
5:48PM Herath's having his share of luck! Just got the inside edge to Starc, narrowly misses the stumps, then yet again goes through the batsman and misses leg stump, for about the third time! SL 8/250, 14 overs to go.
5:43PM Final drinks break, SL just stalling the inevitable now, surely. Lyon's having his moments, but the pacemen look more likely to be truthful. Important half-hour just gone for Starc, easily his best bowling of the day coming when it was really needed. Perhaps Watson to finish the job now? Or Phar Lap .. sorry .. Siddle?! SL 8/248. minimum 15 overs to go.
5:38PM That was a great ball from the left-armer, has responded really well when it was most required. Eranga is the new man in, four slips and two at gully in place now as Starc smells the kill! End of the over, SL 8/247, 16 overs to go.
5:37PM WICKET! Starc strikes again, great outswinger, zips off the seam and Kulasekara feathers and edge through to Wade! SL 8/247 now, the end is nigh!


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text:
The 2011 Mouse Rive Flood devastated countless homes and businesses
in the Magic City. Another group that was severely affected was Minot
Public School System, but things are looking up. The new Longfellow
Elementary School is up and running, and construction is still underway
at the new Erik Ramstad Middle School.
With about a month
until teachers and staff are able to move into the new Erik Ramstad
Middle School, construction is still underway. But, things are looking
"It's exciting to come up here because everyday I see
something different happening. For instance, just walking in today
opposed to two days ago, we have furniture in the office area and
things are becoming completed throughout the building," says Ramstad
Principal Ione Sautner.
Seen as an emergency need in the
community, contractors have fast-tracked their work time to get this
school ready for December 2nd, the date students will attend their new
"I know our students just can't wait to get in here,
so we're looking forward to that first day when we get to see the looks
on the faces of those students," says Sautner.
A lot of
thought went into the new building, which can house 720 students. The
school is built to handle the projected growth in the Minot community.
The state of the art building features a new commons area, team
resource rooms, and upgraded classrooms, everything teachers need to
meet modern teaching practices.
"Teachers at Ramstad have went
through an awful lot and if any group of teachers deserves to have a
building like this, it is the Ramstad teachers. They've been just
fantastic," says Sautner.
Next week, the library will be moved
from their current location at the Minot Auditorium to the new
building. Classroom resources will be moved in mid-November. The
week of Thanksgiving, all the desks will be moved along with the
kitchen equipment, those materials that are necessary to their occupancy
at the Auditorium.
And, while there's still work to be
completed, teachers and staff are staying focused on what matters most.
"The biggest concern of the Ramstad staff is what can we do to make
this the best place for kids," says Sautner.
The students that
are currently at the Minot Auditorium have been there for a little over
two years, where there are no lockers. Principal Sautner said it
would be interesting to see how the students adjust to using them, but
she said her staff is ready to help the students anyway they can.
Evangelist Franklin Graham prayed on a sidewalk outside the Pentagon Thursday after his invitation to a prayer service inside was withdrawn because of comments that insulted people of other religions. More>>


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Learn more.
The National Products Police tricycle ride-on looks and sounds like a real cop motorcycle for fun and excitement. In black/white.
Product Features:
- Forward and reverse gears
- Police decals and lights
- Siren sounds
Product Details:
- 25"H x 17.4"W x 12"D
- Maximum weight capacity: 55 lbs.
- Ages 18 months & up
- Uses one 6 volt battery and charger (included)
- Assembly required
- Manufacturer's 90-day limited warranty
- Model no. 296
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Kickers Junior Kick Stylee Hi Boots
- In Stock
54 reviews
- Delivery
Kickers Junior Kids Kick Stylee Hi Boots
Keep active feet comforted and supported with these lovely Kickers Junior Kick Stylee Hi boots for stylish youngsters.
These Kickers kids boots feature laces for a secure and adjustable fit, while a textured sole ensures these shoes have an excellent grip. These junior boots are designed to be a practical and stylish pick. A cushioned ankle collar promotes sumptuous softness for all-day comfort.
Trendy kids can wear these boots with camo pants and a hoodie for a cool casual look.
Useful info:
- Kids boots from Kickers
- Logo detail to side and button loops
- Sturdy sole for excellent grip
- Cushioned ankle collar for comfort
- Casual smart shoes
Gola Boys Brando Lace Up Shoes
- In Stock
2 reviews
- Delivery
Gola Boys Brando Lace-Up School Shoes in Coated Leather
Standing out from the crowd since 1905 as a leading footwear brand, Gola introduce these boys smart shoes that will have him looking too cool for his school friends!
With a coated leather upper and sturdy sole, these lace-up shoes promise him all-day comfort at school. The thick tread and grip helps to prevent him from slips when he's running about, making them the perfect playground pal.
But they're not just a practical pick, they're also really stylish. They have a subtle sporty edge, and feature Gola branding to the sides. The shiny surface gets top marks for its smart looks, so these shoes could even be worn outside the classroom!
Useful info:
- Boys Gola school shoes
- Quality coated leather
- Lace-ups
- Sturdy sole
- Thick tread with grip
- Shiny upper
- Gola branding to sides
Timberland Boys Park Street Oxford Shoes with Velcro Strap
Making a stand for comfortable and fashionable footwear since the 1970s, Timberland present these boys school shoes that are a practical choice for term time.
Crafted from quality leather, these smart shoes have a cushioned insole to keep him comfy at school. The branded Velcro strap is easy to fasten, while an ankle collar offers him plenty of padding. A durable rubber sole and grip support his feet – perfect for playtime during break.
Useful info:
- Timberland boys strap shoes
- Quality leather upper
- Cushioned insole
- Branded Velcro strap
- Padded ankle collar
- Durable rubber sole & grip
Demo Harley Boys Two Strap School Shoes
- In Stock
43 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Demo Harley Boys Two Strap Coated Leather School Shoes with a Scuff-resistant Finish
From Demo's high quality, low-priced collection of boys clothing, these school shoes are a smart finishing touch to his uniform that are made to stand up to everything the playground can throw at them.
The coated leather upper has been given a scuff-resistant finish for long-lasting good looks, and they're even machine washable so when he comes home with muddy feet you can simply pop them in the wash and they'll look like new again.
Finished with two Velcro-fastening straps for a comfortable fit.
Useful info:
- Demo Harley boys two strap leather school shoes
- Coated leather upper
- Scuff-resistant finish
- Machine washable for ease of care
- Two Velcro-fastening straps
Demo Corey Boys Round Toe Leather School Shoes
- In Stock
13 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Demo Corey Boys Round Toe Coated Leather School Shoes with Two Strap Fastening
From Demo's range of high quality, low-priced kids clothing, these school shoes are smart enough to keep him happy, and long-lasting enough to ensure you won't need to quickly replace them!
Made with a coated leather upper, the shoes feature a durable sole and fasten with two Velcro straps for comfort and ease.
Useful info:
- Demo Corey boys round toe leather school shoes
- Coated leather upper
- Black
- Sturdy sole
- Velcro-fastening straps
Gola Onset Strap Shoes
- Low stock, selling fast
6 reviews
- Delivery
Boys touch fastening strap shoes.Colour: Black. Upper: Coated leather. Lining and sock: Textile. Sole: Other materials.
Lacoste Toddler Strap Carnaby Trainers
- Low stock, selling fast
3 reviewsColours: Black, White. Upper: Other materials. Lining and sock: Textile. Sole: Other materials.
- Delivery
Hush Puppies Arrow are great back to school shoes.Colour: Black. Upper/lining/sock: Leather/textile. Sole: Other materials.
Lacoste Toddler Strap Marcel Trainers
- Low stock, selling fast
1 reviewColour: Black. Upper: Other materials. Lining and sock: Textile. Sole: Other materials.
- Delivery