I tried to read the bill, and I am wondering to myself,
how the hell does anyone read bills?
There's so much referring to other parts and such that I couldn't even find the actual content that I'm supposed to be reading.
I truly pity lawmakers.

A Senator is trying to allow citizens to buy health insurance from other states, to break state "monopolies". How does any restriction on purchasing insurance from anywhere in the USA exist with the Interstate Commerce Clause?
or...
What law prevents the sale of anything from one state to another, that doesn't contradict the Interstate Commerce Clause?

Okay, so I read section 1233 and think its absolutely preposterous that anyone would think that Dems or anyone else are proponents of the government putting elderly folks to death. The reality is that people are all going to die and planning for how one dies is very important.
Anyone that would try to construe this portion of the bill as an attempt to exterminate the elderly is just grasping at straws trying to put a political spin on things.

What is so sad about the whole thing is that the Republicans obviously have nothing because if they did they would nor revert to lying. There is not one of them that can compete with truth. Lies will never stand. The Republicans will soon self destruct. If you don't think enough of the people you serve to tell the truth, you don't think much of them at all and you certainly do not deserve to lead them.

The 911 caller was a late bloomer. No one knew who she was for a long time. She does not need to be invited to the White House because she is the tail not the head at this point. The damage has already been done. It was her call that caused all the trouble sticking her long nose into something not hers.

I think this is a rep who hasn't read the legislation or is really misinterpreting it for a purpose. What concerns me more is sec. 113 which allows for age variation in premiums "so long as it doesn't exceed a 2 to 1 ratio".

Another more important issue to discuss is sec. 122 describes a basis for "acceptable health coverage" and is followed by sec. 124 wherein it is stated that The Health Advisory Committee and the Secretary of Health will decide what "acceptable Health Coverage" is.

Paying for it? That comes much later in the legislation where it states that those individuals without what is deemed "adequate coverage" are to pay a tax surcharge, an individual with an income in excess of $1,000,000 who does not file a joint return will be charged up to 80% of that adjusted gross income, as well as individuals who are deemed to have underpaid on taxes will receive a tax surcharge.

HOW does this reduce cost for the cosumer?

`(B) The level of treatment indicated under subparagraph (A)(ii) may range from an indication for full treatment to an indication to limit some or all or specified interventions. Such indicated levels of treatment may include indications respecting, among other items–

`(i) the intensity of medical intervention if the patient is pulse less, apneic, or has serious cardiac or pulmonary problems;

`(ii) the individual's desire regarding transfer to a hospital or remaining at the current care setting;

`(iii) the use of antibiotics; and

`(iv) the use of artificially administered nutrition and hydration.'.

After scrutinizing this section the above excerpt might lead some to the conclusions that the Rep from NC made.

Sounds like Rep Fox and her backers are nothing more than Domestic Terrorists. Who in their right mind could believe that The United States Government would do suck a thing? This country needs to go forward. Period. If at an age where I am suffering from a terminal disease, I don't want to be kept alive with no hopes of survival and any quality of life. That my friends....is Not Living.

Oh and I might add, GET THE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS OUT OF OUR HEALTHCARE AND GOVERNMENT.

Sec. 1233 is truly a considerate section of the bill.

Nobody likes to think about end of life decisions. Those decision are complex and some of the most personal decisions a person needs to make for several reasons. Maintaining dignity in one's own death and considerations for family members among some of the most compelling reasons.

This is not just for people who are advanced in age, but something that should be available to everyone.

Imagine a catastrophic unexpected illness or injury which leaves one incapable of expressing their wishes. We've all seen how messy and divisive such decisions can be. We only need to recall Terry Schivo.

Closer to personal experience, I had a relative collapse from a heart attack one morning while he was cooking breakfast. He did not have any sort of end-of-life instructions beyond a will.

Paramedics arrived on the scene and got his started again. But brain death was obvious with no hope of recovery beyond languishing in an intensive care unit indefinitely.

He had no written or informed document expressing his wishes. The decision falling ultimately to his wife. But unfortunately one of his adult children protested taking his father of life support. The ensuing family strife caused by this was unbearable for his wife and other children.

The decisions that needed to be made were under the duress of being in the moment of this tragedy.

The end result was the inevitable outcome of death after three weeks of day and night vigils by the family. Not to mention the cost.

If my relative would have had the benefit of sitting down with his personal physician to explain, counsel, and document his own personal end-of-life decisions at a time where one is not under the pressure of the situation or unable to express his own wishes, the outcome of his ultimate death would not have changed, but he would have had the opportunity to maintain control of his own personal dignity, saved his widow from added cost to pay for his care, and would have been a huge factor in barring the dissenting son's influence in the matter.

By the way, the son in question was estranged from his father for a number of years prior to this. He flew in upon news of his fathers collapse.

If I knew that this kind of personalized counseling were available to me as a covered benefit, I would definitely avail myself to this. I am alone and have no family that I would want to either burden or trust with these decisions.

Under my current situation, without any health care insurance and current economic hardship, I doubt I would take the time or pay out of my own pocket a sit down with my physician. I can only afford to go to the doctor when I am ill and have no other choice.

Rep Foxx's comments are genuinely dishonest, uncaring, and totally embarrassing to her constituency. Shame on her!

The 911 caller is the one that started this mess in the first place. Mr.Gates by not cooperating is also to blame. The police is also to blame, because once they found out that Mr Gates was trying to get in his own house, they should have choke it up.

It's the same old song! Nothing is new!

Foxx is one of many Americans who misunderstands this bill for some reason a lot of Americans think this bill will cause all kinds of chaos

When a friend asked why I no longer went to Major League Baseball games, I explained that it was driven by the greediness of the players. I explained that for me, it was as if I filled my wallet with money, went to the park, turned my back to home plate, bent over and yelled for the players to help themselves with my hard earned cash!! I can not understand why people who don't have savings, barely make a living and live from paycheck to paycheck (many Americans)are opposed to Health Care Reform. They will benefit from this Reform, not the big players who already have more than they can spend in this lifetime, earning $300 Million in a year, when their entire corporation made only as much (Michael Eisner when at Disney) etc etc. I'm not for taxing very wealthy Americans, but we have many corporations that can pitch-in and the Health Care Reform negotiations are bearing that out with concessions from them. Think and speak for yourselves and by the way, this isn't instant coffee, but be patient and you'll get your cup.

Hey Rick.....

Whats shakin?

Gringo in Santiago, Chile

Thank U for pointing out the truth about this distortion. Who is comng up with this lunacy? Who is paying for it? That's the story. What is the IQ of people who believe these whacko twisted rumors?

I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS JUST THINK THIS IS HOW THEY ALL THINK AND NOW THE WORLD CAN SEE

Shouldn't there be some reality behind what tv news reports? If someone makestotally false and misleading statements which only lead to hatred, hysteria, fear, why give it credibility by putting it on tv.

Rick,
How come we're not seeing the other side of health care reform debate? All we're seeing are the republican sound bites. It is your duty the duty of the media to educate us on both sides of the issue.

Get real GOP! Am I the only person who feels the GOP is entirely unpatriotic? I'm an American, and I want equal justice for all. So why does the GOP put politics BEFORE the well-being of ALL Americans? They deserve Oscars for the act they put on.

R. Foxx must have watched the movie Soylent Green too many times. I was a Republican for 35 years and just got tired of their games. God forbid that Pres. Obama should accomplish something no one else could. So glad that we have a leader who has dignity, honesty, and integrity. We've missed that for a long time.

Hey Rick:

Just wanted to say, I profiled my husband! He's black (so am I) and he's a peace officer. I really feel so back for the 911 caller. She does not deserve what she has experienced.

The gentleman "Lou" that Rick interviewed at about 3:12 today is awesome. I'd like to see a lot more of that man.....he has a wonderful perspective on the race issue that would benefit both US and Canada.

Rick, I am a white female, 60 yrs old, professional. I was shopping in Target a while back and came upon a young African American woman and her 2 small daughters in the shoe deparment...one child about 12, the other about 7 I imagine. When I came into the picture, inadvertently I'm sure, the older daughter picked up a pair of flip flops and said loudly, "Momma, this looks like something some stupid white person would wear." The mother looked up at me – horrified and speechless. Mother said to me, "I don't EVEN know what to say right now." I in turn started laughing and said, "It's OK, we all do these things and I'm fine." A moment later, I heard the younger daughter ask her mother what her sister had done wrong. Point is, we all need to understand that we all come from our own world of experience and influence and lighten up a bit. The very unfortuante escalation of the situation with Dr. Gates is not uncommon for our African American and Latino countrymen. However, I wanted to point out that it happens both ways and, at times, we are all subjected to discomforts from what others say and do.

Rick,

If you are going to dispute something the President stated, play then entire piece. You only played as portion of what the President said, not the full thought.

Considering Republicans' penchant for war and guns, I find their "outrage" and fear-mongering over this matter to be downright laughable.

The ad regarding the new health care plan with might cover abortions is really offensive to me. Do the same people who want to ban legal abortions purchase goods from China? It was in the news this morning that the Chinese perform millions of abortions a year. They also only permit families to have one child. Why would they support China by purchasing goods if they are serious regarding birth control?

The lady is scared and so am I because she has enough common since to know that we cant afford Obamas green energy thats going to leave elderly people in the dark and there health care leaving them with less then profesional health care .

I am a Canadian and I know our system is not perfect, but the way President Obama's bill will pay for itself is prevention. What about the pregnant teen who delivers a premature baby that requires months of incubation and ICU care. What about the older man who doesn't show up at a hospital until he needs open heart surgery. These are very expensive propositions and if everyone has access to a doctor then these high costs may be prevented.

Ask the Republicans who are so opposed to health care reform who prepared the report they are all quoting and relying on! Prepared by an affiliate of Unitedhealthcare!! An insurance carrier. The insurance industry is pumping millions of dollars into the Republican coffers to stop the health reform!

Regarding the President comment on Boston police vs Prof. Gates, you seem to be criticizing the president without paying much focus and attention to the details and actuality of what he said. From my understanding of the president word, he wasn't referring to Sgt Crawley as stupid. He was referring to the action Crawley took by arresting Prof. Gates in his home after clear indication that Gates was a legitimate occupant and owner of the home. That act of arresting a rightful occupant in his home was what the president was referring to as "stupid act" and not that Sgt Crawley was stupid. So Rick, stop your criticism of the president and let focus on a legitimate issue of "Racial Profiling" that need to be discussed in details. Just like what the president call it "A Teaching Moment"

Did u know that the ad with the lady from Canada saying that she did not get the care she needed in Canada and had to go to the States for her medical care now has a law suit against her for lying.
The care we get here in Canada IS A OK . My husband had cancer last year and due to the speedy care of the Canadian health care is also doing A OK

How is the new medical plan going to put seniors to death or decide anything when they are already on Medicare and most are on supplemental insurance? If they like their insurance nothing will change.

The states are already paying for abortions through Social Services and Welfare. How will this plan change anything, except the states won't be paying the insurance companies will.

I think the drug and insurance companies have many people working on lobbying.

Our insurance went form $200 deductable to $1000 deductable in 3 years. And the premiums doubled.

Can't keep doing this. We will have to drop it soon if this continues. We still have the heat, rent, and food.

I wonder about the people who put these ads out if they have insurance? Yes they do. The american people are at the hands of
of sorry angy people who's aganist the president.

Rick my wife was sick for 20 years and she was retired medically. she had to go on COBRA and he prem was $887 every 3 mo. when Bush came in office her prem. went to $1637 for the same 3 mo. Copay was $300 every time she went in the hospital. We saved for 15 years for our retirement so you know what happened to our savongs.

DO you know that a congressman earns $174,000 and pays for his family about $250 on health insurance! We have a democracy but how does any of these people represent me! How do they know my problems? All congressman and senators should only be running for 4 years and then go back to their previous professions. This would be the first thing we should do. Ok congressmen and senator let's save some money from the government and buy with your money a private health insurance for your family, which will cost you about $12k/year! I guess with $174k you can afford this. Be a role model before talking!

Rick,
of any of the journalists out there, you might actually take the challenge of my request:
Rather than discussing the discussion of health care reform, actually DISCUSS the bills! What is in those 1200 pages?
I don't care what poles say what about who and when. I want to know what is actually IN the bills from both the Senate and The House.
How can I, as a voter, make an informed decision on giving my elected officials accolades or barbs if I don't know what they're working on?
Thank you!
Leslie
Vestal, NY
43 y.o.f. disabled for 8 years

National Public Radio estimates the cost of malpractice claims, etc. at $5.8 Billion dollars, but only 2% of the total health care budget of $2.4 trillion dollars... please put this argument aside!!!!!!!

The President said that the officer acted stupidly because he is a LAWYER. He knew that there was no legal basis for the arrest.

There was just not enough room on twitter for this. My husband and I like our medi-care except for two things.

First, because we are on a VERY limited income, the deductible sould be gone. We rarely go to the doctor because of it.

Second, perscriptions should be included in the normal premium. We pay monthly almost 200.00 a month. My husband should be on an inhaler to help him breath. He is not because it costs 154.00 per month.

When people have to survive on social security and pay their medi-care perimum everything should be covered.

As for where does the money come from, well, lets cut the polititions salary first. They decided not to give social security cost of living for the next two years, cut their salary. They expect my husband and I to live on 1694.00 a month for the next two years. Taxing food, gas or anything more is going to hurt us more. We use to go to the woods to walk and get exercise. Not anymore, gas is to high.

I think all Congressman that are promoting this lie should pay dearly in the next election,We cannot keep going on with thier deceptive practices and trying to fool the people on the insurance people behalf.

What concerns me as a senior citizen is this proposed bill takes away my right to chose a Medicare HMO replacement. I never ever wanted to be on traditional Medicare. What other options would I have if I don't want traditional Meciare?

There is so much about this proposed bill that no one understands and too many questions. Why the big rush to get this bill passed?

You are wondering where all the money goes in our healtlhcare system. Look at the salaries of CEOs of Health Insurance Companies. Their salaries, bonuses, etc are about as bad as Wall Street. There doesn't seem to be a cap on the billions they "earn" every year. Check it out. If the government becomes the one in charge of health insurance, will there be a cap on these outragous salaries and bonuses?

What about healthcare for people who's employer doesn't offer medical insurance? The insurance companies you can sign up for have very little coverage with very high premiums.

smarten up america, these republicans are counting on you being total unsmart by healthcare. i pay alot every month for my own health care and i have good health care, private health care, but i know alot of people who don't. why be selfish. we need to make congress and the senate pay for their insurance. i would like to be in their healthcare plan. by the way i pay 470.00 a month for just me, i am not on a family plan. yes maybe the public plan can help me and my neighbors.
i live in a republican state that votes no on anything the president wants good or bad......i live in oklahoma -- not one county voted for president obama,,,,, but all counties voted for bush. republican's here reserve the right to keep you poor,... watch them closely. don't take my word people, listen to them closely be smart.

It is the Republican's non-plan (the status quo) that would put people to dealth as a result of n ot having health insurance and not being able to afford to pay for medial care.

Rick; I have been following your discussions about the ability of our government to be able to run a health care program. I'm a 63 yr. old Navey Vet. who gets excellent health care through the VA. The Government has also been running medicare for years, and it is an excellent system. How can people say that the government is unable to run a health care system. They are wrong.

I just think as long as republican's keep trying to keep this healt care bill from happening there wasting our taxpayer dollars we as u say regular people we pay for there health care so in return they can't help us it may cost money but what in America don't.... The thing everyone is forgetting is that he didn't say free health care for everybody at no cost!!!!

Rick,
I am on Medicare and the goverment does an excellent job running medicare. Also my brother and husband get excellent care from the VA. The Republican Sentor was telling the truth. The Insurance, Drug companies and Senators who have received tens of thousands of dollars from these companies need to get out of the way and Congress pass healthcare reform.
Sincerely,
Sharon

Hey Rick,
It's no wonder the US Health Care System in in such termoil!
I just got back from shopping at Wal Mart.
I have a heart condition and forgot to take my nitro pills with me, which I always carry just in case, so I thought rather than take a chance I'd buy some.
I asked,they had them, but they wanted $35.00+$4.00 for the small vile of 100. I was so shocked!
I'm from Toronto, and in Canada they sell over the counter, "even at Wal Mart" for $2.00 or under.
Is it any wonder Americans have such a tough time making ends meet? Yet there are those who fight it all the way! Why?

Rick, you announce with seeming certainty that the Health Care Bill is okay because the AARP supports it? Wow, they are having real members resigning from the organization over this. Barry, the headman of AARP is a supposed Obama supporter and Barry hasn't read Obama's Health Care Bill either, but he jumped early onto the Obama bandwagon in support of it. It will not be liked once people know what it does to them, and what it won't do for them. I expect to see many more quit the organization.

We are the wealthiest nation on earth and we can't come to an aggreement about insuring American citizens. This is not a Republican or Democratic problem,but an American problem..

The thing CNN needs to focus on is how much tax dollars are going on illegal aliens, because they have no insurance so we pay. how is that fare on Americans they can come over here sick,and dieing. but we cant get a good health care for Americans. go figure get it together CNN we need to know why health care got so expensive.

United Health Care seems to be behind a lot of this misinformation! The military people in the Southern states have just been put under this insurance company and there is a lot of complaint on Military.com about this company...many, many people have been poorly treated by this company. I am sure care in these areas are put out for bid and they bid lowest. The previous company had many praises for its care. Why do the military have to be put out to the lowest bidder and to a company who has a very poor record!

Rick I am desperate to have an answer to a question that keeps me up all night.I am a business owner with 45 employees how if I can"t make it now am I going to have the money to pay for health care for these 45 employees. If the Government forces me to pay I will be forced to close shop.

Rick,

Charity is right on by not even believing the police report. Sgt. Crowley lied. Great job panel on healthcare. Good questions and good understanding of the subject matter. Great discussion.

AM ALL FOR HEALTHCARE REFORM BUT CANNOT BELIEVE SOME OF THE SUGGESTIONS ABOUT HOW WE SHOULD PAY FOR IT. FOR EXAMPLE, TAX THE WEALTHY. HOW IS THAT RIGHT? WHY SHOULD THEY BE RESPONSIBLE TO PAY FOR ALL OF THIS?

IF GOVERNMENT CAN ADD A TAX/SURCHARGE TO CIGARETTES THEN WHY CAN'T THEY DO THE SAME TO OTHER PRODUCTS THAT ARE CONTRIBUTORS TO SOME OF THE MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEMS SUCH AS DIABETES, HEART DISEASE, OBESITY, ETC... I AM SURE IF THE GOVERNMENT ADDED A SURCHARGE FOR CANDY, SODA'S, ALCOHOL, ETC. THERE WOULD BE PLENTY OF MONEY TO PAY FOR THE REFORM AND MAYBE EVEN MORE TO HELP WITH MEDICARE/MEDICAID.

YOU CAN GO ONE STEP FURTHER AND ADD .25 OR .50 CENTS TO EVERY RESTAURANT BILL , ESPECIALLY FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS. BY PROPOSING TO PAY FOR IT THROUGH THESE OPTIONS IT REQUIRES THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE PUT THEIR HEALTH AT RISK TO ALSO HELP WITH THE SOLUTION. THE TAX OR SURCHARGE WOULD BE PRESENTED IN A WAY THAT IS AFFORDABLE TO ALL.

PLUS EVERYONE, INCLUDING THE POOR WHO DO NOT PAY INCOME TAXES AND THE ILLEGALS WHO GET FREE HEALTHCARE, ARE CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THE SOLUTION. I HOPE CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT WILL CONTINUE TO BRAINSTORM AND LOOK OUTSIDE THE BOX FOR ANSWERS TO THIS CRITICAL ISSUE.

Rick:

I reside in Toronto, Canada, not the US but I am following this story since I view CNN. This incident between Mr. Gates and the policeman is a hot topic. President Obama's reply when he was asked about it did not mean to inflict any harm on the Police Force. President Obama did not venture to give his opinion but only when he was asked. The reporter(?) at the meeting wilfully asked his opinion so that "they could twist and turn it", nothing unusual and broadcast it all over the world. This is not surprising where politicians and the Media are concerned. I consider that a trick on behalf of the one who quizzed President Obama. It appears it will never go away unless some type of disaster or other situation occurs to take people and the Media's attention away from it.
Keep in mind that President Obama had stated that he will make mistakes. He is a human being, in this sense, no different from any one of us. There are some people who tend to make statements which they may not have meant at all but just for the sake of replying and talking. His reply was broadcasted and was blown out of proportion.
It is unfair for those people to call President Obama a racist. If there is someone who is, by no means a racist is President Obama. Furthermore, as President, since the election campaign, he has shown that he is a fair and just person who will treat all Americans equally. He is for the people; not against them. Those who lambaste him for what he said about the situation between Mr. Gates and the policeman are themselves, no doubt, far from perfect; some of them extremely far from perfect who need to change their overall mannerisms. I would not be surprised if they are racists. If we were to meet them we would conclude that they are not really nice people. What comes out of a person's mouth, their attitude and no exception what they write, tell a lot about them and who and what they are – made up of. All these are imbedded in their hearts and minds.

I worked for 3 years in a Hospital that could not afford tocover thier employees health coverage. Heart problems forced me into disability and the medicare system. Thank God. My monthly cost for medication was over 1000 dollars a month. We absolutely need some sort of national health care. I know I am not the only adult in the United States in the situation I was in. It is WAY past time the government started looking at main stream America and offered a helping hand. Lord knows they don't hesitate to take our tax money for everything else. {Wars, tax breaks for the wealthy, huge salaries for themselves, pork belly agendas for thier own districts, and on and on} It would be nice if some of us could get back a small part of what we pay in.

I would like to point out that it is us the 40 year olds and there kids that are paying for the boomers and older. Old people on medicare and social security need to realize that this is up to us because I can't afford my own health insurance and if I die or loose my job they will not get money to pay into there free govement health plan. I want my goverment to have things to help me with my insurance, like not loosing it because of pre existing conditions.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE CONSTITUTION, GOVERNMENT HAS NO RIGHT TO BE ENVOLVED IN PROVIDING INSURANCE HEALTH COVERAGE. THAT SHOULD BE THE REAL QUESTION. AND THE ANSWER IS THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE DOING THIS.

I do not know is the private insurance will be better than the public option, but I do know that it is time for all Americans to have a good health insurance.
The answer to the health care issues seem to be that all Americans receive the exact health plan that our representatives use at this time. They all seem so satisfied and pleased with the coverage – it seems that as the people that elect them and pay their salaries, we should receive the same. Receiving such excellent benefits for all would in turn stop all the controversy and bickering among our representatives that is a waste of time and so non productive.

I just moved with my wife to Az my wife HAS lupus but when we moved i lost my coverage so now I have to pay for her meds out of pocket thats my concern.Warren Buffet one of the wealthiest men in the WORLD said for people like him to pay less in taxes than his executive secretary is wrong don't you agree? Now the other thing to me is how do repugnicans believe they have some sort of right to voice their opinon with this belief that they have the right ideas. When is the last time the repugnicans passed anything to benefit the public, war i mean warS, racial hatred, separatism and fear, why? Repugnicans NEVER HAVE CARED ABOUT ANYONE ELSE NEVER WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rick:

Pertaining to the wickedness of Iran's authority towards demonstrators, as the wickedness of Hitler and all other such dictators, no exception Sadam Hussein, on that inevitable day these people will meet their fate. Hitler and Sadam and such others have already gone to their eternal judgment with unrepent hearts.
God is patient and the Iran authority will, in time, receive their waterloo. Such people are foolish ones. They will never realize it except, too late when God calls them to their judgment. They do not realize that it is better to do good than to do evil. They harness their very own people and keep them in bondage. They act as if they are God and laud it over the Iranians. God who is love and loves us all, even his own enemy, does not treat people in such an inhumane manner. It is not his nature, as God. However, everyone will one day stand before God and give an account of what they have done and failed to do. Each one will receive his/her fair and just recompense as they deserve. God is patient. That moment will come. We are not to take matters into our hands.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: "Vengeance is Mine! I will repay!" It may take years but people must exercise patience. It is for this reason we pray to God and tell him of our problems and burdens and inform him of injustices committed against us and against the people of the world. He knows it but we still have to pray to him, talk to him and ask of him. We also have to pray for the people of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, in fact, the entire world; all those people who are oppressed and ill-treated by their governments. We must not forget the Marines who are fighting in those countries. There are is a lot of talking and very little praying. It is stated: "Speak more to God and less to people." This is far more beneficial.

The Republicans keep saying that the "government can't run anything right" , so, let's shut down our military and contract out our military service to Blackwater and KBR because they did such a fabulous, cost evffective job in Iraq! And why stop there? Let's turn over our eucational system to private contractors, especially those with a religious affiliation, so that students can be taught creationism instead of Darwin, and will wind up at the bottom of the barrel when it comes time to compete in science. And let's forget about having our police and firemen be government employees; we can all just fend for ourselves because of our 2nd amendment rights to bear arms. And, let's change our national motto from "In God We Trust" to "Stoopid Iz Gud!" because that seems to be where we're headed anyway.

advanced care directives are great tools! Having been through multiple situations where one was in place, the hospital couldn't find the copy! Life and death are in a delicate balancing act. In that moment that a loved one asperates, you want those caring to know their wishes. It has been my experience that hospitals are not a good place to be 'cared' for. Under staffing, constant mis-communcations between shift changes all reflect that 'heath care' in it's current structure is broken. People are fallible, we need health care to run 24/7, 7 days a week. Just try to get more pain meds for your loved one on the weekend.....There are rarely doctors available, they're 'on-call' and you're stuck with a suffering loved one.

This whole reform is a grand idea. Until you put care back into the physicians hands directing and diagnosing and treating, we're all stuck with 'not much, for a whole lot of $'. Insurance, for profit, is in direct opposition to wellness and caring such as the hypocratic oath implies.

Rick, I don't know if a lot of people are leaving AARP because of their support of health care reform. I am just getting ready to turn 65, and I finally joined AARP, because I think they finally got behind we really need. I spent 20 yrs in the US Air Force, and retired 21 Yrs ago. The government has been running my health care for the last 41 yrs, and doing a very good job of it. I am now getting ready to move over to medicare in conjunction with tri-care for the rest of my life. I don't know what the republicans are so up in arms about. If our military and seniors are being well taken care of, whats wrong with expanding that to the other millions that don't have health care.
Don

Hello Rick,
We defiantly need affordable health ins, the president did not say it is free health care it should be affordable and I want shop
just like I do for auto ins, it is about time only in this country health ins it is so expansive. President Obama is doing a great job we never had
a President that talk to the people directly like he dos almost every day. as to the republicans and there miss lading TV adds we are all one nation and they should help the President this is why I am no longer one of them,

I disagree with the "Eric" that posted at July 29th, 2009 3:15 pm ET regarding 1233. Why is this section even needed? Elderly folks already have the right to plan for their eventual death and pallative care. The goverment just wants it's hand in what happens with older American's so that it can try to work it's new healthcare system for others.

From where I sit, I think the Republican ads against the administration's health care initiative are misleading and unfair. For example, they characterize the Canadian system as unacceptable by showcasing a few unhappy Canadian participants. I believe these participants are not representative of the Canadian experience. On the other hand, I can point to as many health cases in the US that were handled poorly by the insurance companies (not the hospitals or doctors). Which leads me to a second point the Republicans mislead us with their ads; The fear that health cases will be handled by government bureaucrats. I view that, while this may be true, it is no different from the current situation where many health care decisions are made by people in the insurance industry whose exposure to health care does not go beyond studies in statistics.

Rick ...
I know the owner of a small company whose health insurance premium (for 10 employees) is going up 36% ($1,000 a month) because someone had to go to the hospital last year and the insurance company lost money. OMG! What happened with the original premise for insurance (that the pool of money paid in to the company would be used to offset claims)? I know! That money now goes to executive salaries, lobbyists, and shareholders. Could it be that the modern insurance companies view their shareholders as their primary customers rather than the people who actually need the health care?

Hy Rick
This LADY is a State representative???
Guess we have representatives that we desearves!!!
End of Life is a personnal choice!!
States should comply with my choice!!
Rather leave this world with dignity and on my own terms... than have to listen to such STUPID comments!!!

LADY!!
Think you should open yourself to the world!!
GOVERNMENT health cares systems have been in existence for DECADES in European countries and in North America!!
And just for your knowledge. A 113 year old vet from the first WW died last week!!
He as been on health care for more than a century!!
By the way he didn`t die with a bankcruptcy!!

Republicans have become virtuoso's of controlling the conversation. The umbrage-taking, fear-mongering, muck-raking rhetoric is a danger to our democracy!!! WHY don't the democrats ever figure this out?? THEY MUST PUSH BACK NOW! Jack Kevorkian spent 7+ years in jail convicted by a jury of his peers because PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE IS ILLEGAL!
PERIOD!!

the question about a living will is allready being asked by docs.&
hospitals in 04 before a sugery i was asked if i had one & if not
did i want one my answer was yes i wanted one, everyone should know what theyre rights are in case something bad happens
we never know what will happen,

no matter what america is a racist country that only works for the rich white people ......that is why the rest of the world hates us when we preach human rights since we are no better. If a black officer treated an educated white male with disgust and disrespect lets see if he would go to the white house. Thank God there are countries willing to expose the liers and hypocrites of this country!

Virginia FOX is a pshcho..she said Matthew SHepard 's murder
was a hoax and now we are killing senior citizens with new
health care bill...HOW DO THESE NUT CASES, these hateful,
smarmy creatures get into public office? Sure does not speak
well for the electorate in their district.
I FIND THEM CONTEMPTABLE!!...Just like LOU DOBBS shift to
right...which is WRONG.

President Obama is doing a great job. This isn't instant coffee. It took the Republicans and Bush years to take us to the brink. This isn't a horse that your riding on, whose reins you can pull and turn around to go in the opposite direction in a few seconds. This is the entire country's economy. However, despite that, in a relatively brief period of time, the President has assembled a team, set-up an action plan, had legislation approved and has his Administration implementing the plan in a quick, yet responsible manner with accountability while addressing other World issues. Are you kidding me? There isn't a world leader today anywhere who can match this Presidents, fortitude, stamina, drive and intellect. Even the biggest skeptics are in awe, sitting on the sidelines, reading and hearing the daily news of recovery. Go Mr. President !!

If most of the civilized (industrialized) counries of the world are able to set up a National health plan, are our congressmen incompetant or corrupt?

In all this talk of health care reform, why has tort reform not been addressed? Testing as a CYA in case of lawsuits is done at great expense because of this litiginous society. Without real tort reform, the cost of health care will remain too high.

Iit is outrageous how these health insurance companies and corporate senators are using these scary tactics in order to
destroy Mr. Obama's idea of a new and better health insurance program. Shame on them""""

This guy Smith is a HIP-o-crit.All they wont to do is slam the ins. They
will say any thing to get on TV. The republicans think IF THEY SAY IT LOUD AND LOnG ENOUGH people will beleave it. It's the law aboration nWhy hospitals and clinics are droping they all are afraid to get blown up bt the religious right and republicans.

Ha, that congressman that was just on CNN is a joke. He could barely defend himself against simple questions.

I don't believe anything the Conservatives/Republicans say. They are racist liers and will do anything to get back in power.

Hi
My friend's 74 yrs. old mother jgot herself pregnant about 2 monts ago. She want an abortion.
Will the present Medicare cover her abortion? Will the proposed HR3200 provide this coverage?
What is a preganant senior citizen with limited means do?
Thanks
Don S

She needs to see her Medicare advisor soon. She has made som many whacked out statements yet I don't see how she is fit to comment on anything eceeding the complexity of a game of checkers.

You know Rick I am sorry that none of you can see the obvious, if I was a cop(14 years private law enforcement) the first thing I would do when answering a call for a break in is try and get everyone out of the house, how was that officer supposed to know as to wether or not there weren't bad guys in the house that may have threatened that Prof. (prior to the police arriving) with bodily harm if he didn't get those officers to leave, the more irrational that the Prof. acted the more my suspisions would have been peeked. Why doesnt anybody look at all the facts......

It's interesting that "Pro-Life" groups would have a problem with a health care bill that would increase the quality and longevity of life. The sad truth is they don't want the nations poor to have the same healthcare options available to the rest of America. So let's block Private insurance companies that offer abortions from participation in government programs. Self Rightious Finatics!!!!!

I worked as a professional in the health care industry for almost 40 years and retired just shy of two years ago in part due to health reasons. I worked for a private hospital most of this time, and in my 28th year they took away my reitrement health benefits. How ironic! Spent my life in heatlh care taking care of others and now have no health care for myslef. I live on social security survivors benefit and a small penson. My prescriptions cost almost $600.00 per month aside from doctor visits, x-rays, and lab work. I am 62 y/o and one serious ilness away from bankruptcy. I have been turned down by 7 companies outright and one offered a "special program" for 1,150.00 per month with no guarantee my rates would not rise with usage, and no guarantee they would not drop me in the future. It was a moot point because I cannot afford it anyway.

I can promise you that they don't have to pass new health care plan to kill seniors. They are doing that now in about 10 percent of nursing homes. They Murdered my Mother in 2005 and I have the pictures, medical reports and all the people we have contacted for help. They start with DA., Texas Attorney General, the U.S. Attorney General the FBI, and every Politician in Texas, to include every news media in the country. If it had been a dog murdered instead of Mexican American Senior at the age of 94, we may have received wide spread attention. Just look at Michael Vic. His dogs could not have been treated any worst than my Mother in only 29 days.

Hi Rick: Virginia Foxx is a North Carolina NUTT, a rock ribbed Republican, and a Dodo bird. Forget logic, and intellectual honesty in these Republicans. They are all in a doctrinal deep freeze. No way are these people able to lead the entire Country. Their philosophy is one for all and all for ME! McCain's recent statements, re "bi-partisanship,' are ludicrous.

Considering all of Obama's socialistic and anti-American ways, I would put nothing past him at this point. I am saddened by the ignorance of the American people – falling for the crap this man has dished out. 4 years and hes gone. I'm ok with that.

Michael it would do you good to research some conservative ideas. Because liberals are a complete and utter joke. They stand for nothing. Well, maybe the deaths of 1.3 millions aborted babies a year. WOW! does you proud to be a freakin liberal don't it?

Welcome to the United Socialist States of America

You pay for the murder of unborn babies. Don' t put that crap on me.

This Foxx woman gives me the creeps, reminds me of a character out of a Boris Karloff movie. And true to form, the insane remarks come from the crazy-ass bigoted red neck hicks from the south. Isn't the south ever going to rise.....out of it's ignorance?
Maybe the Fox Propaganda Channel has a spot for Ms. Fox...?

Major Change in Government Requirement

If this administration wants to make any major changes to help the middle class and the poor they must first break the control over our government by big business special interests, whose greed has devastated the average citizens.

if the gov.is going to run health care, and somthing does not work where are we going to complain? Specially seniors, sometimes to dificult for us to make a claim. If it is so dificullt to recuest any thing or service now IMAGINE RUN BY THE GOVERMENT. I WONDER IF THIS IS DEMOCRATY GOV.

Rick
My Mother was beaten she had bruises on both legs from the bottom of her feet to the top of her thighs, she went to the hospital urinating blood, we were told by doctors she had not been fed for about three weeks, she had a heart attack on a Sunday where my Sister a Registered Nurse for 9 years for the School District asses st her,but we were threaten by the nursing home that we would never see her again, we had to go to the state where they forced them to take test and she was finally taken to hospital a week later. and yet it seems the nursing home was authorized, since they are protected by the DA, the State of Texas, and the U.S. Government. Thank You for letting me air this out.

No rationing of health care in this country!

Rick
If you have your following Hubs you will understand that Hispanics or at least Mexican Americans are not in the same category as African Americans. They have no one looking out for their welfare not even their own Race the. If you don't believe me go the Valley in Texas and you will see even though all most 100 Percent of the Politicians are Mexican Americans they don't want to help because they don't want to be considered bias, or that they are Mexican themselves. Most consider themselves Caucasians or Spanish.http://hubpages.com/hub/Extinction-of-the-Mexican-American-Racehttp://hubpages.com/hub/Authorized-Torture-Chambers-in-the-US-Nursing-Homes

The BIGGEST problem with Health-Care, like most of what Congress does, is that it is explicitly prohibited by the 10th Amendment of the U. S. Constitution. You remember it as the Law of the land. The 10th says that if” the powers aren’t given to Congress by this constitution, or prohibited by the states, it is reserved for the states, or the people. ” Since some states have acted on this “issue”, the Congress can’t or it will be UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

Rict Obamas anti-human programs are starting to show up his lies you seem to agree with I am asking why you seem to be agreeing with themI watch you and I cant help from likeing you but you but hate your loving this phoney so much please explain.

We had a elderly patient in our ICU that we were not being successful keeping alive. As with patient with heart failure his kidneys weren't functional. The dialysis treatment was causing a host of problems and in fact contributing to a miserable eventual death. We nurses are trained to be the patient's advocate. So the nurse caring for the patient spoke with the wife about "comfort care". The patient's wife was frantic sitting at the bedside and watching the medical professionals attempting to keep her husband alive. So the idealistic nurse asked for a consensus from her collegues as what to do. Nurses always poll other collegues to assure best care for patients regardless of experience levels. The consensus was to speak with the wife. When the nurse explained "comfort care" it was if a light came on in the wife's eyes. She had never heard of it and then wanted to speak with the doctor. That doctor became very angry with the nurse, told her she had no right to speak with the wife regarding comfort care. The nurse stood by her decision and she brought the manager into the situation. Needless to say, the wife prevailed and the patient was allow to die with his family at his bedside. We all are going to die of something and we must determine how we die. I have seen patients exhaust medicare and then attempt to qualify for medicaid. I have seen patient's "spend down" to qualify for state aid. I have heard family members complain that they are getting medical bills when insurance is exhausted. If anyone have any better ideas regarding the current heath care industry by all means let's have a meaningful conversation and not use all the scare tactics that are being banded about. The only people that are reaping benefits from the current systems are the CEOs and the ones who have learned to circumvent the system. All I know is that my hospital facility already told us that we are not getting a raise next year because of a $25 million deficit. Living Wills and Advanced Directives should be mandatory by everyone to prevent the drain on families and medical delivery system because no matter how hard we try we cannot prevent death.

Rick
I agree with the RN every body in the world will die. It is not the fact you die that is important, it is how you die. For example some babies die right after birth, some die of cancer or other sicknesses, even accidents. But to die because you can't defend your self by getting beatings or being deprived of food and water, or being deprived of medical attention, that is criminal. Just check with the U.S. Dept. Of Justice and they will tell you that 10 percent of nursing homes are substandard, then check and see how Doctors or Nurses have ever been prosecuted for murder or manslaughter in a nursing home, you will probably find it non existent.

Most of what I hear coming from the right and the South is calculated to frighten and rile up specific groups. Much like their strategy during the election, name calling, exaggerations and outright lies appear to be the strategy to stop healthcare reform. I can't wait to see how they tie Gay Marriage and Gun Cotrol into this. They already did the lie about denying 'the greatest generation care, in order to increase abortions". Someone should tell them that is is not the Government run programs that ration care, it is the Private Insurance Compaines that do that, by requiring pre approval for almost every service. Medicare does not do that. If you have Medicare you just go to the Dr or the Hospital and get what you need, no questions asked. The rates to need to be looked at, otherwise it is a very good program. Ask the Seniors if they want to give up their Government run program Medicare.

Just one comment on Congress: I just heard that social security recepients will not be getting a cost of living increase for the next 3 years. Is this from the same congress that automatically gives itself an automatic increase every year? Nice to be in charge!

Please help us. Please provide us with the whole story.

After 9/11 every news channel was chomping at the bit to go back into Iraq. They were even providing excuses for going in. All they wanted was increased viewers. Fast forward to today and everything Obama says is the truth. To speak against him is blasphemous. All of the stations do nothing more that parrot his talking points and belittle those against him.

Obama has said that over and over again that you can keep your insurance. He also said that $100-200 billion in savings were going to come from eliminating the subsidies for Medicare Advantage, yet when pundits stated that he was paying for this health care reform package at the expense of the seniors, they too were derided. Did you see Fredricka’s face (deer- in- the-headlights) when Eliot Engel, D. NY, on CNN NewsRoom @ about 4:15, 8/1/09 &8/2/09, confirmed that “Those participating in a Medicare Advantage will lose that program. The money saved from Medicare will be needed to cover the uninsured.”

Please help us. Please provide us with the whole story. Please help us make informed decisions. The lesson from the Bush administration, for the media, should be “Find the true story.”

Rick
You know what is real offensive is that I spent 20 years defending my Country in the United States Marine Corps I went in 1971 and Retired in1991 after returning from Dessert Storm. My Mother had 13 kids 11 grew to be adults 6 boys 5 girls of this all 6 boys and 1 girl served in the Military. We could defend our Country but not our own Mother is that not an irony?

Now if we can only get the text of the Republican health plan

I accept that you are biased toward Republicans and conservatives. Your reporting on-air has reflected that for a long time. Such takes you to report a story about issues concerning a TN Republican state senator. Had it been a Democratic senator, I doubt that it would have broken your noise level. With all the things going on in our country and the world, you just had to spend 2 minutes on this "who cares" story. Ho's your ratings?

Sometimes I just would like for those people who are scaring Americans to spend a day with a Nurse. Our work is becoming a biohazard zone. We get people from long term care facilities with breathing and feeding tubes with the most horrendous incurable infections because of all the tubes and long term IV and dialysis lines inserted in their bodies. I would love for those do nothing people to get voted out of office. I don't think I could stomach another person trying to sink the POTUS just because the Health Care lobby is offering them tons of money. BTW where is that lobby money coming from? The ones that they terminate! I don't care for Democrat or Republican at this moment because neither can get their act together. We are a retired military family and thank goodness for military medicine. We will have to use medicare when we turn 65 and I know that when that time comes the system will be bankrupt.

No, the BILL does not push suicide planning. The bill allows for an end of life planning session every five years AND Section 1233 (a) (3)(B) states:

‘‘(B) An advance care planning consultation with respect to an individual may be conducted more frequently than provided under paragraph (1) if there is a significant change in the health condition of the individual, including diagnosis of a chronic, progressive, life-limiting disease, a life-threatening or terminal diagnosis or life-threatening injury, or upon admission to a skilled nursing facility, a long-term care facility (as defined by the Secretary), or a hospice program.”

Under the NEW Health Insurance Reform bill hospitals will be paid for how much they save and not for how much they spend. It is only logical to conclude that under those conditions above (diagnosis of a chronic disease …) that when it is determined that either you do not have end of life planning or that your planning is to live forever, (it is all on that big computer in Wash DC) you will be encouraged to participate in a planning session.

I am sure that everyone reading this has bought one of those useless warrantees when they bought a TV, Stereo, etc. or sat through the 15 to 20 minutes of sales pitch as to why your brand new car (of which you were just told is the best on the road) needs the warranty package, and may have bought it. Or that you have heard from friends in retail sales that their pay raises and/or bonus depends upon how many warranties they sell.

Since the hospital will no longer get paid for how much they spend it will no longer be in the hospitals best interest to keep you on life support indefinitely. If you say keep me alive at all costs, then, after a few weeks on life support at the hospital, you will be transferred to one of the other facilities listed above and receive another session.
You can conclude what you want to about what these sessions will encourage you to do. How would your spouse respond if she just learned tha you had died in the auto accident that has him/her in the hospital?

Note also that Medicare will pay for all of these sessions but still only covers the initial (one and only one) Physical Exam. Since most, affordable, Medicare supplement policies only cover what Medicare covers and only pays the 20% they don’t pay (less the deductable), you are on your own for any physical exams. If you are “feeling healthy” how often would you go for a physical if the whole bill came out of your fixed income pocket? And this health care bill is supposed to emphasize prevention? Big Joke.

You see, RN makes a great point people are not looking at. What is it we call quality of life, being hooked up to tubes for the last few months to years? I guess maybe I am too insensitive, but I know that is not quality of life to me.

Hello! Not dead yet!!! I got some fight left. Rocking Chair-no! Pasture-no but, when the shoe goes on the other foot for some folk is this granny gonna be dancing in the streets!!

Rick,
When someone in the media makes a distinction among "whites", "blacks", "browns", "Asians", and "Hispanics", is there an implication that Hispanics are non of the above, or that they are all of the above? I understand that the distinction is made for statistical purposes and that the comparison is analogous to "yellow bananas", "green bananas", "red bananas" and "bananas from Central America". Am I missing something"
Joe from Charlotte, NC

This is just so over the top. Did Virginia Foxx truly read that section, and if she did, where was her comprehension.
My husband and I are in our mid sixties and of course have some health issues.
Last year, we redid our will, signed powers of attorneys for both medical and business, and signed advanced directives (used to be called living wills). Our three grown children now know our wishes and doing this has given us great peace of mind.
This opportunity is not mandatory, but without one, I can invision being hooked up to a vent, feeding tubes and lots of other things when my quality and desire of life is nill.
Being a retired RN, I saw loved ones desires supercede the patients desires

My Mother-in-Law had Alzeimers. She stopped eating at 87. No feeding tube was inserted because that is what she did not want. It was her decision and her family Dr. had all the papers to bring to the hospital. None of the family felt guilty because Gram made this decision when her faculties were sharp and it was her decision alone.
No manipulating, no forcing by anyone including the Dr.
Treat our senior citizens with respect and realize that most of them are much to sharp and intelligent to believe that a plot is brewing to kill them all.

Rick

It seems their seams to a lot of interest on this subject you should post a question to your viewers like have you ever had your mother, father, uncle or aunt in a nursing home? Second you could ask how many were i n nursing homes where they felt their family members were miss treated? You may ask what does this have to do with health care, well most of the nursing homes operate with medicare and medicaid funds and where they operate under substandard methods usually means they are corrupt are probably defrauding this programs, and stealing taxpayer dollars.

WHAT??????????????? WHAT?????????????????? MORE GOP PROPAGANDA OF LIES!

GOOD GRIEF! Where will it END? Rep. Foxx IS INSANE!

Have the GOP totally LOST ITS SANITY???

Will the GOP continue to head towards the CRAZY & INSANE???

AMERICA USE YOUR GOD-GIVEN COMMON SENSE AND DO YOUR OWN THINKING AND RESEARCH!

Rick- How sad that people in this country think the insurance companies would be worried about their health care- I work for a major Insurance company – bottom line is how much profit will we make – Come on people wake up!! The insurance company is not worried about you! Stop falling for this !
We have so many people in this country without health insurance . Someday there love one may not be insured .
If your college student finishes school and cannot find a job you are no longer able to carry them on your insurance . Think about it!!

Treasonous slander. Criminal misrepresentation to her constituents and America.

Mr. Doggett doesn't realize "we are the other people" . We the people,
are not getting any talking points from ins. co. We would like to know why our insurance companies are not screaming too. We will send Mr
. Doggett and anyone else who votes for this health care bill home. And by the way, most of us watch the Obama networks, cnn,msnbc, abc and nbc.

I cannot believe the democrats are allowing the republicans to coop an opportunity to provide health care to all people (like any other civilized country does)...by allowinging them to redifine the debate in their terms. It reminds me of how we are just not prepared to be as mean spirited and that does us in many times. This is so scary to me.

Email to LLoyd Dogget...

I Want to thank you Mr Dogget ,We really need people to know the truth about whats going on I'm 53 years old and can't believe that these giant corporations are able to lie to the mass's as effectively as they do...Please continue the fight on Health care...I try to inform people on the internet as best I can. Most people don't understand how important this is, and to have it Hi-jacked,,"AGAIN" by some roudy hullagans..shills of the health insurance industry is just Criminal..again thank you ,thank you sir...All the very best...!!!

Very sad when politicians start using very scary tatctics with the elderly.

I was listening to a song the other day by John Mellencamp and the lyrics I thought summed up this health care lies that the insurace companies and the Republican party tells : Walk Tall-
"The single minded and uniformed can be easily led astry-And those that cannot connect the dots look the other way.
People believe what they want to believe. When it makes no sense at all-– Think about it... Stop listening to the insurance companies!

HELLO RICK
I WISH WE COULD CHANGE THE LAW SO THAT THERE WASN'T TERM LIMITES ON PRESIDENTS SO THAT BILL CLINTON COULD RUN AGAIN. HE HAD THIS COUNTRY IN GOOD SHAPE.

YOUR' TRULY
PAUL AND JANET DYER

Democrats we need information so our base cam rally. Let's fight back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

on your show you asked where are all of the rallies of people who don't have health care are. sad thing is not all of us are as fortunate as some others and a lot of these people are at WORK trying to make the MONEY they need for, oh i don't know a 7,000 dollar birth or a 500 dollar pill prescription. and please, i understand that this is the land of the free but wealthy companies trying to sway the vote away from at least 70% of American's doesn't sound the least bit unethical? oh and another thing, how is it you'll cover these rallies but you dont show any coverage what so ever of the DNC OR RNC rallies ETC.
(the list goes on). these are PEACEFUL PROTESTERS STANDING IN FRONT OF POLICE SHOWING THEM THE PEACE HAND SIGNAL AND DOING NOTHING ELSE BEING SPRAYED IN THE FACE WITH MACE FROM POINT BLANK RANGE!? it makes me sick. in the land of the free why are we afraid of the youth, is it because everyone who makes the decisions for WE THE PEOPLE has skeletons in their closets? to whom do they owe their allegiance because it certainly doesn't seem like it's to the people of this great land. try to remember no matter how much we resemble cattle, we are ALL HUMAN BEINGS. please everyone check yourselves and remember BE A HUMAN BEING

Wee need to take a lesson from the Iranian people and go to the streets if we want reform

Dear Rick

I think you are missing the boat, Rick, and I think Congress is missing the point too. These people have to scream because no one is listening.
We do not need more government run programs. They do not need to be involved in our health care, look what a wonderful job they have done with Medicaid and Medicare, their is so much waste and corruption there think what they would do with a trillion or two more of printed money Mr. Geitner
They need to let us know what is in the bill and are able to explain what it will cost our grandchildren, and what further freedoms we will give up.
I have been out of work for 8 months and I don't need anyone from the government telling me what is best for me and my family.
Thank you, Rick, and pay attention while you still can.

Misinformation has always been the republican platform, how soon do we forget that thats why our country is in the mess we are in. How did we get into Iraq?MIsinformation. How did our country go from 100 billions in surplus to a trillion dollars in the red? Misinformation. Those who don't remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Wake-up America because its the same folks telling the same lies. When they can't dazzle you with brilliance they will baffle you with BS. Quit being lazy and letting these neo con-artist lead you into more chaos. Research the facts and make informed decisions because our kids future depends on it. Stop depending on TV news reporters to get you the correct information because in most case now days their job security or personal beliefs gets in the way of the facts. Start excercising your right to be informed not misled.

Rick

I am not sure my blog is working I submitted two blogs and they are no where to be found. I did not say anything disrespectful I was just hoping that you could connect me with someone with in your news room that was more in touch with Mexican Americans and Elderly abuse. Even if you cant post this could send me an email that this was received. I would really appreciate this Thank You.

Virginia Foxx: Is the reason why, the United States is in it current problems....

They had a chance to reform the Health Care System in the United States when they had the Majority...But, they let the Insurance Companies run the show....

Great job Rick.... Another moment that makes me really proud to be an American – and a veteran! Please show us the reunion of Louis and his son Paul!!! – and just as importantly the raising of the new flag. Let the RED, WHITE, and BLUE FOREVER WAVE!

Rick,
I went to doctors office in Naples,FL and the receptionist happily handed out to everyone in the waiting room a 9 page document showing 124 points of lies about the healthcare plan before congress.
These outrageous lies were supposedly verified by the freedom foundation and liberty counsel. They were designed to frighten anyone who didn't know about the healthcare plans.
You were told to contact your congressman and senator and to keep calling and emailing them about how you feel about this atrocity.
It said in the document that the government was going to take control of your finances and healthcare (or lack there of). It also claims that all non US citizens illegal or otherwise will get healthcare.
It was filled with many absolutely untrue points that are not in any healthcare plan, and was purely designed to frighten anyone into contacting their representatives. I pity anyone who believes these lies.
All americans need to educate themselves to what is going on. Unfortunately many don't keep up on what is really happening.

I saw this comment under the email statement of "Senior Death Warrants" which I agree is the most errant attempt by the right wing to discredit Universal Health Care, The on line debunker of Urban Legends, Snopes,com has labelld most of what was i that email as untruth , half truth and deliberate misrepresentation. Yet it keeps coming up on line that Seniors will be denied care or put to death under the Health Care plan. . Sounds like a Republican argument to me.

I live in ky, and everday I have to tell someone our goverment is not going to tell when to DIE.... Stop and think about how crazy people talk and try to scary you in to thinking you don't need health care...

What a nut case! Just a case of more misinformation from the Republicans.

I don't think anyone with half a brain believes this fear mongering. Thanks for debunking these statements though, we do need more information on the bill though. How is anyone supposed to accept this big change without the media's coverage.

Rick Scott has been running the anti-health care reform adds as a scare tactic so his massive income is not touched. Ask him wow much a year he makes.........

The idea that the Gov't would put seniors to death is proposterous

Good interview with Rick Scott (no relation, thank God), but I wished you had asked him who is bankrolling his operation.
As for Rep. Foxx (no relation to the late Redd Foxx, I'm sure), she probably recognizes the strategy of putting people to death since that is the aim of the Republican Party–to get rid of anyone who cannot contribute to the enrichment of their benefactors, the insurance industry.

Until now Canadians and those from the UK come to the United States when they are unable to obtain medical care under their nationalized medicine systems.

I do not want the hand of government inolved in my health care in any way, and frankly the country cannot affored it–we are already almost bankrupt because of the bail out and because of Social Security and Medicare, so the answer is not more of the same.

If nationalized health care is passed, care WILL be rationed as it is in the UK where women with breast cancer over age 65 are refused many forms of effective advanced treatment because it is too costly.

My medical care is my business, I am responsible for it and I do not want the clowns in Washington D.C involved in any way.

This is one more way the politicians will enslave the American people and exert control over our lives.

Lambs to the Slaughter, I can not believe that the majority of the folks debating and disrupting these town hall meetings, dont see how they are being manipulated by Rick Scott, The closest thing to a Organized Crime Leader, White Collar. You are selling out your children that did not grow up with the entitlements that these misguided seniors have enjoyed on the back of your kids future..........I bet Rick Scott will be doing fine......

I feel President Obama is doing a great job. He is doing his best to serve the citizens of this great U.S.A. He is a highly intelligent man with superb ideas. His BIGGEST problem, unfortunately, is his skin color. The greatest amount of criticism stems from the fact that many people cannot accept the fact that a man of his complexion has a brain in his head. Those rabble rousers at those town hall meetings
don't use theirs long enough to listen because the majority of them will not listen to the facts! Of course, it not politically correct to admit to anyone that they have feelings of racism. They are not intelligent enough to know it! People of this nature do not have the sense to look at all the facts. They are like a herd of sheep just following the crowd.

Hi Rick. I am a Canadian and when I hear so many lies about our health care, coming from the GOP, it makes me boil!! This idea that our old people are "killed Off" is just too much! My father died at 101 and my mom died at 98. Both were taken care of by the very best of Doctors and Medical people. Our own Doctor came to our home, so my folks would not have to be inconvenienced by going to the hospital for tests. We in Canada, love our Health Care and do not want to hear the lies the GOP tell the American people. I have American family living in New York and any time they are here and need medical care, our doctors see them for FREE. Just because we are nice people who think that people are more important than money. Love your show, Rick Thanks

Hi Rick. tried to get through before, butnot sure if I did or not, so I will repeat. When I hear the GOP talk about our health care, here in Canada, it makes my blood boil!!! They know nothing about it. This idea that we "Kill Off" our old people is laughable! My Dad died at the age of 101 and my Mom at the age of 98. Both were cared for in such a beautiful manner, you could not pay $1M for it. Our doctor at the time came to our home, so as not to inconvenience our parents with going to the hospital for tests and such. I have American family in New York and when they are home here and need medical care, because our doctor's know us, and trust us, they are seen for NOTHING. Not a dime. It seems that we care more for people than we do for money, unlike the GOP who only want to protect their monied friends. I don't think half of America realizes how lucky they are to have Obama for their President. One like him comes along only once and the GOP know it. He needed security when he visited here, only because the Canadians would have hugged him to death. He makes America look good all over the world and his vision is exactly what our planet needs. Right Now! If we don't go that way, well I wonder how silly all the rich people will look sitting on piles of money when there is absolutely nothing to eat or drink on the planet. Makes a strange picture eh? Thank you Rick. I love your show. Laraine

Why aren't we demanding from our elected officials to go through a mental health test?

I want to say to all that follow blindly the radical republican radio hosts, and GOP politicians. Take a stand for yourself, READ the bill that you scream you have read. If you did, you would know that you are being manipulated by the Health Insurance Machine that sees there cash cow is going to be put on a diet.

Can`t beleive this Lady represents North Carolina??
Do you??

Quality of life is so important in any health care decision! I have seen "elderly" sick people get minor illnesses and go home and I have seen horrendously sick people across the age spectrum experience what I like to call be "tested to death." It never ceases to amaze me why these people are place through the crucible to the medical system. I have told my children when I can no longer walk, talk or shop, my time has come. I absolutely will no be tested to death. I will not use medicine designed to help the recoverable used to prolong my dying. I will not use blood and it's components to prolong my inevitable dying. I will use Morphine and Ativan for pain and sedation to make my transistion comfortable. I am having my time under the sun and like everyone will have to face the sunset. BUT in the meantime I have many more states to visit. More suntans to get and more shoppiing to do. There are more football games to be seen and more family cookouts to organize. I am enjoying life! I work part-time. I don't have credit care debt! When my time comes I will only regret not having more time to indulge my shopping, tanning, and cookouts. I have a good life!

Eutnanasia in the health care reform proposal?? What a bunch of CRAP!! Many, if not all, states have advance directive laws. In fact the Pateint Self Determination Act of the early 1990s mandates a variety of health care provders to ask patients if they have an advance directive. I cannot think of any GOOD reason why someone would deliberately distort both the law and the history of advance care planning. I can think of many BAD reasons. READ THE BILL!!!!

I do believe that that dishonest woman represents North Carolina. I also know that she is a republican. And that is good enough to understand where she is coming from. The republicans are manipulating all the information in their favor. Unfortunately, some people (lots of people) don't read, don't investigate, don't research on their own; So they believe what others tell them. It is sad to see how the right wingers are confusing people.
Rick, I love your show. Please keep up the great job you are doing in keeping the public informed. Hopefully Americans will open their eyes to the truth.

Stop the obstructers, racist and haters. Pass the Health Care Bill. Stop the greedy capitalist and health profiteering. Stop the race bating and anti Obamaism; pass the Health Care Bill. Stop killing America with division and right wing am talk radio lies. Pass the Health Care reform now. Stop spreading wrong ideas to ignorants, that a Black man can not be President of the USA . Pass the Health Bill. Stop the preaching that white America is going to lose all under Obama.. We need Health Care reform now!

Euthanasia being proposed by the health care reform. One wonders the IQ level of people who believe this crap. One also wonders at the average age of the people we're seeing protesting at this town hall meetings. These are older citizens and it stands to reason that they want the status quo since medicare will last out for the rest of their lives. I'm 30 and my age group is the one which is currently working and paying for their health care with an ever dimming hope of being accorded the same benefits in old age. We need to fix this problem so "small town America" wake up and quit letting yourselves be used to fight for what a majority of you do not fully understand. Be quiet and listen and maybe you'll actually learn something. As they say " FOLLOW THE MONEY TRAIL" and it will all become clear. The group behind maintaning the current system is making a lot of money off people's misery. Why is this not apparent to everyone.

As a Canadian I a middle aged Canadian I am very thankful for our universal medicare system. it is a godsend. Although the USA is a wonderful country it has the worst heath care system outside of the third world. I urgte Americans not to succumb to dogmatism and McCathyite tactics from the right and pass Obama's health bill.

I had some doubts, but they have been dispelled. I have seen the news report videos of several of the Town Hall Meetings. No doubt, they have been instigated by the Republicans and I have to assume the Insurance Companies.
The college drop-out and drug addict must be laughing, but I'm hopeful that the last laughs will be on him. I had read someone describing the interruptions as being disgraceful and I wasn't sure if maybe that was too much….now, I agree. The people interrupting the meetings were not interested in being informed, rather in disruption of the same. The Democratic leadership must see thru this and resolve now, more than ever, to pass the Health Care Reform. Shame on the GOP. That it has been hijacked by sub-culture radio pundits with no azimuth is now more than just a saying, it is a fact. I voted Republican three (3) straight elections before the last. Now, I'm not sure if I'll ever get to vote Republican again in my life.

What I think is a big joke is all those hate mongers screaming 'read the bill', then in the next breath saying that the government wants to kill old people. It's so obvious to smart people that they have NOT read that part of the bill about living wills, which, ironically, was written by Repubs....

And, ironies on ironies, if they are so worried about sociaized medicine, then any military vet or senior citizen should refuse their benefits that they take for granted....

sham on Sean Hannity & Glenn beck and the whole CLEAR CHANNEL gang for terrorizing seniors. They are truly America's terrorist. In Houston there are several CLEAR CHANNEL radio stations which espouse HATE all day, every day.

FOLLOW THE MONEY -- CLEAR CHANNEL (owned by Republicans) pays big bucks.

Rush $50,000,000 +
Sean $30,000,000 +
Glenn $???????
Etc. (the rest of the gang) $???????

These people will sell our country for a dime. No telling what they'll do for millions, and millions.

All of them – bought and paid for !!!!!

RE: Questions of Obama's "legitimacy" and the raising of swastikas and
SS emblems at health care town halls–Let's call it by the flag these citizens are carrying, that of white supremacy. The SS murdered handicapped people, minorities, political opponents, gays and lesbians and Jews. Dig a little and you'll find connections to the Aryan Nation and other white supremacist groups who peddle hate. The next logical step is violence.

Rick Sanchez ! you have double standard, you can publish any thing and every thing about republican but yesterday I remark very decent
way about Nancy and your moderator cut me off ! i am sure my this comment wil not make to your comment page Any way Who cares!

Rep. Foxx, should be ashamed of herself for speaking so irresponsibly. Americans are hurting and we deserve to know the truth. We need to stand up against this kind of hateful and irresponsible talk and behavior that is coming from elected officials. This kind of talk benefits noone. It only stirs up anger and causes confusion.

Change will come when we elect persons that really care more about what is right for Americans and less about their political positions.

There needs to be a term limit on Congress and the Senate. They seem to get into these positions and they loose sight of what is happening outside of Washington. Too much power, for too long. They need accountability and a reality check.

Dear Rick,

I am writing because I am tired of hearing how great the health care is in Cuba. I'm and emergency room nurse in Palmetto General Hospital, in Hialeah, Florida. You know the area well, but for those who do not, it is in Miami Dade County, Florida, which is predominately Cuban. I work with many exiled Cuban doctors. As they tell it, health care in Cuba is a disaster. While it is true that it is free, they are given animal grade medications, not human grade. The doctors are limited by the government on what tests they are permitted to order. For example, ER doctors are permitted one X-ray per-day, one EKG per-day, no CAT scans or MRI's. Consequently, diagnosis are made on patients as we did 80 years ago, with physical exam and no lab test nor radiology exams. Cuban doctors have a very difficult time passing US medical boards because the level of education is below that of the US. medical schools.
I would not send my beloved dog to Cuba for treatment.
Why don't the advocates for the great Cuban medical system ask themselves why Cubans risk their lives coming here in rafts?

Republicans are playing politics with the health care issue. They are using fear tactics because they know that many people have not and probably will not read the bill, and they know that fear has been used for ages to control the masses.

If you are happy to not think for yourself and be led around by your nose; if you are willing to be emotionally and mentally terrorized; and if you are willing to accept bold-faced lies through scare-tactics...continue listening to the likes of Palin, Gingrich, Limbaugh and the GOP's false advertising.

Intelligent Americans will not tolerate ignorance and fear-mongering by people who abuse the Constitution for their own personal gain.

Specifically to Dorothy – Let's talk about outright lying. What was it that Dingell told the man with the disabled son the other day at his town hall meeting. He told him there was a special amendment to the bill to protect his son with his disability. Now, how'd he come up with that, if there is no rationing of care to the disabled and elderly? Obviously he believed it himself, or he would have answered differently. Instead, he made up a lie (as they are prone to do, it appears) on the spur of the moment. Why was Obama talking about taking a pill instead of having a pacemaker procedure? Why was he talking about end of life and making decisions to end life. Why did he have his own meeting in which an American citizen actually asked the question of whether there would be any value put on "joy" of life in making the decision to give her mother continued life? Why did he answer it as though there is definitely going to be a group of people who decide who lives and who dies? Most of us will no longer be contributing taxes when we are 65 or 66, and we will take our social security checks because we have to. Hey, it's fixing social security and Medicare in one fell swoop – just withhold medical care and we don't have to pay them or treat them! Brilliant, all of you probably think.
I'm saying that they were agreeing that we will have withheld care to the elderly, until the past day, when they came up with a different spin (which makes no sense, by the way) about how medical tests are repeated and we need to save that money – in regard to the elderly – and that's what it meant. That makes no sense because repeated medical tests are not cost-effective for anyone at any age, so why is it only for the elderly? They believe themselves that they will have this rationed care, only the cheapest, and only that which hastens death, for we, the great unwashed, but of course, not for them. The very idea that we have such an untrustworthy party full of people who have no compassion at all and who are so selfish, and a president who gets the scariest modern Nazi-doctor-hopeful as his trusted advisor makes me sick at my stomach. Have any of you read some of Ezekiel Emmanuel's writings and seen his charts of when you are of no "use" to society?? Don't you give a damn??

WHAT ABOUT THE COST OF A RIDE IN AMBULANCE , AND 8 OF A MILE COST ME A 1,000 DOLLARS AND IAM A VET , SO THE GOV GOT SCREW AND THAT MESS UP .

Dear Rick:
I have been watching the town hall meetings with great interest and have decided the conservative anarchist's have risen. This is not free speech as our Democrates have so politely put these disruptions but shear anarchy. Where were these people when our last administration invaded a country that posed no threat to America? How many Americans have died? Now, when we have an administration that is trying to save lives, here they are. What a shame for America.

Jim

I guess i'm already on goverment controled health care. its called
Medicare.. I pay 20% of my doctor bills .its the tests that are too expensive.,will they be lower ?