Rick,

If the truth be told, there are individuals out who just can't get over the fact that an African American is their president and an intelligent one at that.

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.

i do not agree with the guy u have on with the two women about government run health care he is wrong about the VA,my brother has been going to the VA for years and thay have done every thing right for him and for him to set up there on TV and lie that is wrong and i am a fended.thanks steve

One question that I would like to have asked is how do the Senators like having their health care paid for already? Opposers of Universal Healthcare should take a real stand and deny the free coverage they recieve for just being an employee of the Government. If they don't agree with a free health care system, they should take it upon themselves and actually act like a real citizen for once and see what we go through on a daily basis.

On the other hand, I am not too sure that this new system will be much better than what we have now. The plan sounds good, but to me, it falls into the same category of: 'If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.' I need more assurance of this new plan.

Rick, in trying to understand racism nobody has ever examined the reason that white men hate dark skinned men so passionatly that they will savagely, brutally kill us. We should be asking them, WHY??? What is it that drives them?? This is a topic that should be aired. Maybe some good will come if we have open dicussions on this subject. As far as I know nobody as ever done it. WILL YOU ???

we have had years of doctors and insurance company running our lives its time for the government to take charge and make affordable for us to go to the doctors,i make less than 10,000 a year cant afford to go to the doctors and we haven't for 7 years we hurt but got to take aspirin that's what we can afford .tell our government help.tell the republicans get lost your threw .thank u go aboma

The Media/ Police, Race, Healthcare Coverage?

Why aren't the media and those persons who are calling the president racist not analyzing the discrepancy in Lucia Whalen (the woman reporting the incident), and Sgt. Crowley's depiction of the exchange between Ms. Whalen and Sgt. Crowley-and about who "played the race card." Ms Whalen is the real hero in this situation.

What is also interesting is how the media has not discussed the discrepancy in what Sgt. Crowley said and the woman who actually made the call. In the original tape that I heard, It was Sgt. Crowley who asked the woman more than once- about the color of the men. She was honest about what she had observed. It seems to me that when the evidence before us was not supportive of Sgt. Crowley's assessment of what occurred, there is no further discussion from this perspective. The question still remains, Did the Cambridge police department act unintelligently in arresting Professor Gates?

And why aren't the media having a real talk with the president about what he envisions in the revamping of America's healthcare coverage and delivery to all Americans.

Are there controls to make sure illegal immigrants are not being subsidized? I know Nancy Pelosi says they are not, but what verified methods are being used tp prevent them from entering the subsidized system?. Are we just going to assume or are we going to actually do some verification? Illegal immigranst are not supposed to cross the border without authorization, but they do. Also if one person in the family qualifys for subsidized coverage, does the entire houshold qualify?

We have been told that Medicare is going broke and we read about Medicare fraud all the time. Why not fix Medicare first? Also what about lifestyle choices that contribute to health problems? Obesity, diabetes,heart problems, stroke. arthritis and so many other problems are preventable with lifestyle changes. Address these problems first.

Can't we require that all of Congress read the bill and understand the bill? We saw what the Senate did when it hired a speed reader to read a bill. No more tricks. Congress should read and understand the bills they sign. No more 3:00am 300 page changes and Obama jamming it thru.

We can't fix problems by throwing money at problems.

Kathleen

Rick: seriously, we are looking at goverment managed healthcare....?! I hate to bring up another huge subject into these already muddy waters but social security....not what's going to happen with it but as an example. Look at what has happend and will happen with goverment managed social security and we want them to manage our healthcare? Not saying neccessarily that SS should be privatized like agruments the past few years but still, our goverment has wrecked that and no plans on how to fix it. Now we are talking about them messing with our health. Now to costs, unbelievable. They can't tell me we will break even on this, much less save any money. Look at the airlines when they were regulated. Tickets on flights were unbelievable and now today post deregulation, a person can actually afford a ticket, even with the fees we seem to be getting hit with more and more. Some might say safety is what took a hit then but we really haven't trended upward after any examination. Now we have competition and yes, some fail but that is competition. What the goverment really needs to do is stop all of these frivalous lawsuits and rediculous sums of money being awarded to plantiffs which are driving up their costs. I'm not trying to say Dr's are perfect but sometimes they will make a mistake as they are only human and sometimes there is just nothing they could do but I'm sure they already suffer with a loss or mistake as it's probably an insult to their professionalism. Only the slight few Dr's who are truly negligent in something should be punished and maybe not fiscally in a civil court but we should consider more criminal charges if something was truly horrible. Then we have illegal immigrants getting services and of course, not being covered by insurance and not paying. What about them? Now the hospitals have those charges to right off and make up as well. Again, healthcare rates go up as a result of all of this and as a result, that is why insurance premiums are hiking up as well because they have to cover the higher healthcare costs. Insurance companies are like any other business as well and they need to make money too. Now we are supposed to force them to cover everyone, regardless of their conditions or capabilities to pay. I feel for them, trust me. But then they need to work the rest of us who have conditions as well and pay insurance and maybe it will be higher, but unfortunately, life isn't always fair. Are we going to force the auto insurance companies then to cover everyone equally too regardless of their accident history? What about other businesses? Maybe the goverment should force your local grocery stores and hardware stores to lower their prices to match Wal-Mart's prices to help everyone afford lower food and items to fix up their homes. How long with they really stay in business? Sure lower prices might get a few more shoppers in the door but enough to pay their overhead? Never. I'm not insinuating that nothing needs to be done but our goverment needs to learn how to step asside in some cases and in other cases where something does need to be done, really consider all of the consequences. Sometimes, they might even need to take a hands-off approach and accept that they can't fix everything. Let's start with just trying to work out a few small details and then build it up.

Rick,

Please take a look at JustNews.com and pull up video entiltled "Cops Caught On Video Altering Report."

This might help some people understand how some people may not accept as "gospel" what Officer Crowley said in his police report about
all the things he said Professor Gates said.

By the way, Professor Gates didn't know that someone had called the police so how was he to know that the police officer was who he said he was when he showed up at his door.

Funniest moment in history... Lady comments that, "If the post office can send my letter to CA for .44, they can run health care."
Like this??? Excerpted from federalnews.com:
" Next up for bailout? USPS
By GREGG CARLSTROM
Add the U.S. Postal Service to the list of ailing businesses seeking help from Congress.
The agency asked Congress last week to allow it to dip into a trust fund to pay for its retirees’ health care. In addition, the agency plans to cut 100 million work hours this fiscal year, its board of governors announced last week.
Both steps illustrate the Postal Service’s dire financial condition: It lost $2.8 billion in 2008, despite slashing nearly $2 billion in expenses. Experts say the 2008 numbers underline the need for more sweeping changes.
And they say the next Congress will have to make a tough choice: Either allow the Postal Service to operate more like a business, which could mean numerous facility closures and the end of Saturday delivery, or hand out billions of dollars in subsidies to keep the Postal Service solvent."
Yeah, that convinces me alright. Are the American people all as ignorant of the facts as this very nice woman?
mike

Why don't we make a National Lottery to Pay for this Health Plan.
The amount won, would be limited to one Million dollars, and also tax deductible. What do Americans like best then to gamble this would be a win win situation for, both, the Government, and Americans. My husband sent a letter to Mr. Obama explaining the details. We never received a response. Can you make a suggestion to one of the Political guest that attend your show daily.
Sincerely,
Thank you,

Rick: You asked on today's program how the President can say his health care reform program will not be costly. My friend, we already spend 2 1/2 times more on healthcare than any other country, but much of this spending is wasteful. We will take this wasteful spending and apply it to our people's medical needs. We will then require the healthcare providers to charge prices in line with those charged in other countries around the world. It has been calculated by removing wasteful spending and achieving reasonable prices by the providers we will not spend any more than we are currently spending. In fact in time we will spend less. I know you want our country to have the best healthcare possible, so you will support the President's program on your program.

Rick,

Please will you ask politicians what connections they have to the Pharmaceuticals or medical insurance when you interview them. The viewers will then be able to decide if they have any conflict of interest. This should apply to all politically sensitive debates.
Today you interviewed two politicians on the Medical insurance bills.

I just have a few questions. Why is it that no one wants to challenge the fact that the police report and the 911 tape are two conflicting stories? Why would the police officer feel it is necessary to put in his report, that the caller said there were two black guys with backpacks trying to get into this house? Now the caller goes on television stating she didn't make those comments, and the police officer's story now loses credibility.We have probably been taught that there are always two sides to every story. Somebody is lying, so instead of trying to find out where the racial profiling began, find out what truthfully happened.

WHAT ABOUT WE POOR AMERICANS ON MEDICARE AND PART D Rx?
So far I have seen nothing about the plight of Disabled Americans who can not afford life sustaining medication even with Federal Low-Income Subsidy helping to reduce premiums, deductibles and co-pays. On an SSI Disability income of $1124 monthly my co-pays on just 2 H.I.V. medications tops $200. Then there are the 4 plus other drugs I am on in addition to being a 54 year old single Caucasian male homeowner without a mortgage, but with all the financial obligations of any other honest and honor bound American. I have lived for several years now on just one meal a day. There are no State or Federal programs helping non women, infant and children or family and children services for poor men who believe in paying their obligations. I have paid taxes since my 1st job at 16 and left Selma, AL. in 1984 due to the no job situation there and came to Atlanta.

Professor Gates Controversy
Last week you read portions of the police record which did not reflect the recorded call. Why is the officer's written report differ so dramatically from what the caller stated? I'd like for this to be a teachable moment for me and so if you could answer why officer's reports differ so much. This is what is found in the African American community. The report always seems to be doctored and this is the bigger problem. Make this a teachable moment and let me know why the police report was so different from the released tape.

hi rick im a little disturbed at how some americans are giving up on the president and what he stands for i just want my fellow americans to remember obama is a blessing

Rick:

The most obnoxious thing on the TV screen is the "snow" pattern that appears on our TV whenever the satellite disfunctions.

And the most obnoxious sound on the TV is the screeching static that invariably accompanies the snow pattern when the set disfunctions.

CNN has now combined that atrocious sound and atrocious pattern as a "bridge" between two different "bites." I can't believe it!

Please, find some other way of bridging the switches. I won't suggest anything specific, because ANY sound and sight would be preferable to this god-awful practice.

Ed Bliss

To the Congressmen and -women who say that a government-subsidized healthcare plan won't work because the government will mess it up: YOUR healthcare, courtesy of the taxpayers, i.e. the government, seems to be working just fine. Why do you deny the rest of us same option that you permit yourselves to have? Wait, I know: because most of the rest of us don't have thousands to donate to your campaign coffers.

Nevermind.

Big Government Vs. Big Business

There has always been a lot of politicians and their followers that have talked about the negative attributes of a big government. This idea has been initiated by the Republicans and repeated by many Democrats who want to justify campaign contributions received and claim to save the citizens from the abuses of big government such as high taxes, regulation, wasteful spending, expensive entitlements and progressive taxation. Some say that government can't do anything right, but we rarely are told when big business makes mistakes because the consumer quietly pays the bill.

Big government itself is not bad, but any size of government that is controlled by the greed of big business money is very bad for the average citizen. When big business dictates through over 40,000 lobbyists how the U.S. should replace our workers with cheap foreign labor in order to increase their profits and all regulation should be set aside, it is time for the public to recognize that big business is the enemy of the American working class. If you can't identify the enemy, you will never win the battle. One of the most important functions of a good government is to protect its working citizens from being exploited by the greed of big business, and the lack of this protection is the cause of our current economic disaster.

Hey Rick,

i am a fan of your show, and find you to be one of the few CNN correspondents to NOT have an agenda (like Lou Dobbs, who lives in some delusional world of self importance or Wolfe Blitzer who makes a marshmallow seem to have more substance and less fluff).

But on todays show 8/30/09), where you had both Senators, Brown and Barrusso, i believe you missed an opportunity to FINALLY ask some questions i know i would love to have the opportunity to ask and get an answer to.

You asked Senator Barruso about taking money from pharmaceutical company lobbyists, and the Senator being more a politician than honest man, answered you by not answering you. He suggested that it was not just the cost of lobbyists that make health insurance so expensive, but the frivolous lawsuits by attorneys. he went on talking about something that of course did not reflect on his character or job as Senator.

The QUESTION asked Rick, was not about lawsuits but about this Senator receiving money from pharmaceuticals and how that RECEIVING of money played both a part in the cost of health care and the cost of to the american citizen by ignoring what is good for us but rather concentrating on what is good for the political "coffers" of the Senator.

You allowed the Senator to NOT answer the question, a question i as an American taxpayer so dearly want to know about.

And the second thing, Rick is that Senator Barrusso complained that the government run health care for Veterans is not that good. (never really informing us why it was NOT THAT GOOD), BUT when he was also asked about the government health care for all government employees, the Senator said nothing. Interesting!

If I had the opportunity I would have insisted the Senator tell me why THAT government run program (the one he receives direct care from) works and if it worked so well why he, Senator Barrusso does not encourage the SAME government run program be used for ALL Americans?

i enjoy your program Rick, but please do not fall into the category of reporters who never ask the hard questions, and when they do, and the person they are interviewing refuses to answer, PRESS them until they give up or answer.

a fan,
gerry buncher

Mr. Mike, you'll recall that right after I mentioned the post office getting my letter to California in 3 days for 44 cents, I spoke about government needing to become more efficient and that includes the postal service. And despite all their problems, I'm still amazed that I mailed a letter to Virginia on Monday and they got it Wednesday.

Sgt James Crowley for President 2013

As a NC resident, I am ashamed at the comment made by Rep. Virginia Foxx – our rep's. & sen's. should have to undergo both 'psych' and 'IQ" tests before taking office.

I am a retired senior who receives health insurance from my former employer. Would I have to pay income taxes on the value of this policy? A comparable policy if purchased independantly would cost over $30,000.00. Adding $15,000+ to my income will break me.

Are retiree benefits going to be exempt ?

I have one simple question...why? Why do we not ever hear of it...when children of color are murdered or go missing? Why is that you don't cover this? Why was this little African American child named Jada justice over shadowed by the likes of Haleigh cummings, and Haley Anthony? Why don't I know of one hispanic child that is missing? Although there are thousands that are murdered raped, and left for dead each day. Is this not an attention grabbing topic because they don't have blonde hair and blue eyes? I am only 18....and I don't know this little girl. I have never known a child who was abducted, personally. But I will continue to send you a picture each day, until you began reporting on this unpopular topic. I will do it for Jada, and for the millions of other Cuban and black children who will never get their 15 seconds....

On the boy took took his family's car to get out of church–
How did he get the car keys?!
He is an active 7 year old.
I assume, since he lives in rural Utah, that he goes to the Mormon Church. I was raised in that church. and a 3 hour straight block of "boring" church can seem "abusive" to a young boy., especially if his teacher doesn't put much effort into the lessons or activities–you can only take so much "coloring" scripture story pictures–week after week.
I do not condone what he did. It was very dangerous. But I do understand his passion to leave church.
After his parents recover from their embarrassment, I would hope that they truly listen to WHY he felt compelled to leave. If they don't listen to him, they will have a rough future 10+ years of raising him, and he will feel extremely misunderstood through those formulative years.
(I have 11 children, and went to the Mormon Church for 35 years.)
I do feel for his parents...
Pam

I support the 'public option', but I'm concerned that there is going to be a shortage of doctors to cover the increase in patients. Is there a plan to train/recruit more doctors and nurses.

Thank goodness Rick is back. He is wonderful. If I am sad, all I need to do is look at him. What a joy!!! Campbell Brown is nice, but does not compare to Rick as a journalist. I wish we could see him more often!!!! How about that, CNN?

from her in Canada your debate about healthcare looks like it's a well orchestrated discussion about the health of the insurance industry who would like all to believe that they are concerned about Americans at the expense of their own profits and bonuses.

Six years ago I had a heart attack that required quadruple bypass surgery and so far my out of pocket costs, not counting medication has amounted to $0.00. Yes we pay taxes to cover this coverage, but then you don't see Canadians going abroad for cheaper drugs or medical procedures which they could not afford at home.

i think this sec officer is looking for a deal, he has nothing better to do with his time, his boss needs 2 do someting

I'm a white woman and I declare that this policeman- Justin- should not be allowed to have power over anyone in society– if his words aren't racist nobody's are or ever were. What a despicable person;.
The arresting officer, Crowley, of Professor gates is a man of honor, who I believe conducted himself, with a black man, no differently than he would have treated a white man who raised his voice and became animated as he instructed him..cops don't like people who talk back–no matter what color.

My husband is a truck sales manager at a Chevy dealership. They sold 15 vehicles yesterday because of the Cash for Clunkers program, but were only able to process one because the computers are overloaded. Will the government honor all purchases, even when the dealerships are having problems getting them through on computers?

The officer on Larry King with his attorney answering questions reminded me of McCain answering questions for Sarah Palin by Katy Couric on CBS.

Rick: Racism works both ways.Some minorities see racists behind every white face. I've been accused of being a racist & nothing could be further from the truth. Some of my best friends are minorities, and my wife is East Indian. Many years ago I had a black girlfriend whom I really liked and who really liked me, but her parents didn't like me simply because I am white and made her break off with me.

Hey Rick, just to comment on your guest Lou P, he is very impartial that's the type of people we need for our society to progress

I think this country needs to get over racism we have the first black President..doesn't that mean something? We need to go onto to bigger and better things!

hello rick,
I am a big fan of your show and I am a Canadian Irishman. I continue to be alarmed with two sided racism that continues not only in the US of A but even in Canada.
To give a piece of history to the "white" side of society, lets remember the migration of Irish people to the banks of the US and Canada. Did we open our arms? In the US they were forced to immediately enter the slaughter fields of the civil war. In Canada, well, my grandmother showed me an article from a Nova Scotia newspaper. As part of that article their was a photo of a sign outside a local hotel.........it read: "NO BLACKS OR IRISH ALLOWED".
Any Irish cops out their? If so, become a history buff. And Rick, my two beautiful daughters are Spanish/Irish.....and I am so blessed.

i am watching your show about the Boston "cop". He is clearly a racist. His never had to send that email but, alot of people are glad he did. That may help a lot of of individuals in jail that he may have lied on to put them there...im sure his display of racism now isn't his first.

Rick;

When they look at the health care issue no one seems to look at the fact that the insurance companies get 50% deductions in costs. If my hospital can give up 50% and make a profit it may not be the insurance companies we should pinch. My surgery was $58,000.00 and the meds were $12,000.00 and the insurance company got a 50% discount so they paid $35,000 and I had to pay 10% of that.

I watch you show all the time, but there is something very personal to me. Is abt the 8yr old girl in arizona who waz rape by 4 boys,been a liberian and a rape victim i find it very hard to cope with,and this story does not have that much attention as it should; i'm still having a problem with coping with what happen to me. thanks love

Rick: I am a hispanic living in a predominantly White Anglo Saxon Protestant community in NJ. If the police came to my door like in Prof Gates case and explain the situation I will obey and respect him. I will never bring up the fact that I was hispanic nor claim racism. Less make such a scandal about it. I think I that If I acted like Prof Gate hispanic people will be embarrass by this. Thank you.

Get Rep. Chris Smith off the air. No male has the right to an opinion or the subject of abortion. While I am glad that his last pregnancy was trouble free, a great many are not. However, the point is that men are not able to have a valid opinion on abortion be they of the pro choice or the pro forced pregnancy persuasion.

Notice the second officer, Barrett, on Larry King, regarding the racial slurs he made in his email, never apologized to the African American community or to Professor Gates for making those slurs. This omission of an apology to the black community is deliberate and shows that he meant them and shows the disdain and hatred he has towards African Americans. He was suspended with pay. He should have been suspended without pay and by now be terminated. Case closed. H

Heather

All mankind has some prejudice. The key is how one handles it. For the second cop, it took that much preasure to break where as other people it may take a lot more before they do. No one is all loving but God.

BLightweight. From someone that voted for W twice, that's trul;y amazing. Did he forget about how limited his president was and the state he left this country in?????Thje hypocricy continues in full force. And I suppose Limabugh tells the truth and isn't a rcist. Keep that head firmly lodged

Rich, sorry to sound so upset but Smith from New Jersey is an idiot!
He is in the minority. If we took a vote today the majority of America would be for abortion. Why can't these religious nuts simply leave other people alone. If they don't beleive in abortion find but leave the rest of us alone. Funny also how most of those who don't beleive in abortion are Republicans.

Lois Capps represents my district and we here think she is fabulous.
As a former nurse, Lois has her finger on the pulse of the health care industry. Any bill she proposes is the the best interest of her constituents

Keep bringing up the arrest between the black man and the white officer. That should help bring all of us together.- wrong. I am so tired of hearing that things are racist. If the media would only shut up about race I think things would get better.

Thank you Rick for asking Rep. Chris Smith tough questions and calling him to task. Abortion is legal and it should be treated as such by all elected officials.

how is it ths same people that complained about BO traveling an campaigning during the election (as though McCain wasnt doing the same thing), are now defending Palin leaving her elected ofrfice. And they dont think they are hypocrits. It isnt as simple as GOP good, Dem bad, even though thats what sean and Rush keep telling you.

Rick, at the beginning of today's show one of your guests said that he couldn't date a white girl when he was younger because of racism. Both my parents left Spain as teenagers with not much education. I once asked my father what he would say if I decided to marry a black man. Without hesitation he said, "cada persona pintan con colores de su gusto". (Each person paints with the colors of his own choosing). This is my father's legacy to my son.

If the economy has bottom out with only a small percentage of the stimilus package has been used then what will happen to the balance of the money and why was it needed?

Professor Gates calling Officer Crowley racial slurs sure enough is a racists; but the officer is seen to be the bad guy? High five to police officers doing their job so well, I thank you~!!!

I'm Pro-Choice, however, I believe that abortion is "elective surgery". I don't think it should be covered by health insurance unless the pregnancy is caused by rape (a police report should be required), incest or a life and death health emergency of the mother. Other than that, I don't believe anyone should have to cover the cost of a woman's choice to end a pregnancy under any other circumstances. Too many products are available to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, so no excuses.

Who cares if these guys are racist, its a bunch of them out there, we always knew it, why are so many people in denial like Ann Coulter, so what! they are obviously nobodies, its really funny when you put them on TV there is no question they are incredibly dumb.

Abortion is something the public have to really look at closely. Do we prefer to have fatherless kids all over america? hello? we are in recession. How about encouraging younger ones with good incentives not to have kids in return for college education.

Please find an answer to my question. I have asked my US Senators but only get a standard rhetorical response to the overall Health Care issue - not my question. They seem to be avoiding the question. The question is –

Can you please describe the health insurance that our Senators receive paid for by us, the citizens of this country? Do they really receive this for life? It sounds really good and I'm interested to learn what they have. I think I want what they have. Can they come up with a plan like they have for the rest of us?

Also, I would feel better if people who are deciding these big health care issues for me and all others would actually have the same concerns as us - but oh,no they have free health insurance, apparently and for life! It certainly would inspire confidence in this new healthcare reform if they would have the same plan for themselves as the rest of America.

Rick,

I find it odd that in cases like Gates-Crowley, the race card is slammed down on the table hard enough to cause it to splinter. Yet, events such as the Asian-American Games and the African-American Games receive praise.

What do you suppose would happen if somebody proposed a White-American Games?

It just strikes me as being just a bit 'double standardish."

The only way we can achieve "the rubber meeting the road" would be to have both blacks and white ask themselves to visualize a racial crossover in their family

I'm old enough to remember back alley abortions. I certainly never want us to return to that. A classmate of mine (about 15) had no one to talk to like family planning. So she went to this fellow with a coat hanger and had the abortion. She hemorrhaged to death alone and I'm sure terrified. We had many deaths like that in this country. How quickly we forget or the young that never knew.

Hey Rick, the police will always do racial profiling. There was a man in your show who was shot by the police in his own drive way, there's many cases like that, that police are doing to black people. The police always think black people are criminals, and the police departments will always cover up and back up the police officers all the time weather they are bad or good.

Are the Republicans so desperate that they will say anything, do anything to stop the Health Bill. Do they believe that prayer and Charities will save sick poor people and get them medical care? When does elite-ism mean you can't think of your fellow human. Shame, shame on all these lies and scare tactics. At least George Bush had them silenced to a degree. I refuse to believe their constituents believe in these tactics.

All these republicans and pro-lifers say abortion is wrong, but I like to challenge them and ask them how many children have they adopted? Even animals use various means to control their populations in respect to food and usable area to live on. Has anyone ever heard of ovedrpopulation?

Due to prior court rulings on medical treatment unless directly prohibited in a law abortion is included. You better check with your leagle department. That is why ammendments prohibiting abortion are being put forward for inclusion in these bills. Rick is wrong to say things will not change. Tax payers will be paying for abortions through the proposed Womens Health Centers.

On Crowley no one is questioning he was doing his job but what the president called stupid was the fact he abused his power and crossed the line when he arresred that man in his home for trash talking which was totally illegal, why don't you understand that, now him being a racist I dont know about how he feels. Why should I care how he feels as long as he does not act on his emotions feelings again.

This police thing gets me pissed. I grew up in the south bx when police pulled us over they didn't ask for license or registration. They told us to get out of the car and started to search. But I knew my rights so when they did that to me I called 911 and gave the opererator their names and badge numbers and told her I was being harrased and can she please send a supervisor to the sceen. Guess what? They got back in their police car and pulled off. People we have rights so exercise your rights

We have not heard the end of the Cambridge Police Department. Where there is smoke there is fire. This is not about race. Its about common sense and treating folks with respect. They might also take a course in how to write and remember not to hit the 'send to all" to all your addresses. I want to know how the Police Union will defend the current cop cause his attorney said he was guilty as hell.

RICK

No one wants to solve the aboration issue. Here is I believe the simple answer.

1. Put both sides of the issue in a room and tell them they will remain there until they have new rules that both sides agree to.

2. If I was a women, I would say I'll have this child, but here is what I am going to do after it is born. I will have the child and let my insurance company pay the bill. Then I will leave the child in the hospital and take no responsibility for it's care or needs. This will make the state and federal government responsible for financial support of the child.

I don't want aborations but as long as we have the rules we do, there is no answer.

JERRY

Can you tell me how this is helping? Can this be just another way for people to get in over there head? I wind fall only can help in so many ways with out getting you beyond your means....and who is benifiting from this program? This sounds and feels like what just happened in the last 8 years with Housing.......

the police man who made the comments about the prof. and bananas must be mark ferman's brother.I think all everyone over reacted. including Mr. Obama .This profiling thing go's further than the police .It also happens on the job.Where I worked whites would use the n-word to check out the newly hired African Americans.If you acted as if you didn't hear it, then you were a good African American .If you didn't play like you didn't hear it, then you have a chip on your shoulder.This happened at one of the largerest companies in the world.If they acted this way out in the open there is no telling what they did with evaluations ,which lead to promotions.I teach my kids that when a policeman acts crazy with you, that you can't get any justice on the side of the road.If the cop did something so bad that you feel the need to do something about it ,get a lawyer and take them to court.even if you lose in court it is on the cop's record that he was taken to court for doing something wrong.If he does that to someone else and they take him to court for the same charge pretty soon there is a pattern developing and sooner or later he will not be able to do it and get away with it.

The admitted racist cop Barrett is obviously on TV for a reason, it's funny, and I'm still trying figure out who he was apologizing to on Larry King live, when Larry asked him straight out, why did you say that? he said "i don't know Larry" this man is not a threat to Black people. He is rejected.

This is not usual, Cops always think they are above the law just because they wear uniforms. I have cops curse at me because they feel like it. This is a sentiment of most minorities that most Cops think they are above the law.

In this case it may not really be about race but rather attitude.
It is expected that Prof. Gates would be tired and pissed off at police questioning him about his status in his own home , but the choice of words on both parties may have caused this issue to escalate. I also feel that the police bated him outside in order to arrest him legally – is this right?

Rick, you are very brave reporting those actions of the police in Florida. Not only cops like to protect each other but also dislike people that criticizes their procedures. My best buddy is a policeman and a nice person but when related to work he thinks is the personification of the law. Lawyer, police and judge.

I'm adding my comment to the FL police who "forgot the microphone was on" as they skewed the events of a traffic stop. Recently, a relative was physically assaulted by his "alcoholic cop/stepdad. CYFD helped some but the local police dept. did everything in its power to "make the situation go away," even refusing to allow the cop to attend mandated CYFD meeting because he couldn't be spared from street patrol! Like the FL police dept., refusal to talk, take reports, etc. impeded any justice in this case. Unfortunately, it's not the first time this "procedure" has been used by the city police.

Hi Rick, I really enjoy your program. I had to break into my home when I lived in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. My neighbor and I were trying to break into my front door without doing a lot of damage, so we were going slowly. The police arrived, guns drawn. We followed their directions dutifully, onto our knees hands behing our heads. I truly believe they might have shot us if we had not cooperated. When my neighbor's very pregnant wife came out and identified us, they left. We are both white, living in a predominantly white neighborhood. But we were breaking into a house. I do not think it was a color issue. The Harvard professor was giving attitude.

Health care this, health care that. Where is the talk on the new Cap and Trade Bill that passed the House that will raise electricity prices by 5 times?

Author: Buster99
Comment:
This is not usual, Cops always think they are above the law just because they wear uniforms. I have cops curse at me because they feel like it. This is a sentiment of most minorities that most Cops think they are above the law.

That's not just a sentiment held by minorities! Trust me when I say, A LOT of people have to put up with cops that believe they are above the law. We see them on TV news almost daily anymore. We need someone to police the police now-a-days. (Thank goodness for video tapes!)

I was in Germany 05' through 07' in the US Army. I was the representitive that went to the funerals for the Garrison when a former or current employee died. I attended 7 funerals, the local nationals informed me that if you had cancer and were over 60 that you went to the Hospice to die instead of treatment . The government felt that you were to expensive and had nothing to contribute. It will happen here if the current plans are followed to the eventual conclusion dems are going for. You can keep socialized care I have been in it for 28 years and do not wish it on anyone, they do limit your care and ration testing. I have had to pay for private doctors to get conditions treated because the VA doctor felt she could work off of a two year old MRI with a progressive condition due to the expense.

Rick,
I have two questions, for you? Why wasn't this officer asked on yesterday, did he falsify his police report? Because the witness that call the police, never said anything about black mens with back packs.

Didn't this officer break the law, when he falsify his police report to justify the arrest, as a legal arrest?

I hope the viewer who sent U the pithy tweet (quoting Gloria Steinam, I believe) gave credit to her. Personally, as a Catholic, I find the remark extremely offensive. Rick, as a Latino American,maybe you know some Catholics. Heck, almost everyone knows at least 1 Catholic. You might even B 1 yourself. I'm sure SOME of your viewers laughed when they read this now infamous quote,thinking they were hearing it 4 the 1st time. How sad that most Americans don't MAKE the time 2 read.They could learn SO much...like there R 7 sacraments in the Catholic church, and the destruction of human lives (born)& unborn is not one of them.

the police scandal has become a tiresome issue. i know rick wants
to get on with more important things like health care, perhaps even the war on drugs and poverty in america. but the media won't let him.
no... they want us all to dwell on racism, or abortion, or ... anything that does not threaten corporate profits or government propaganda.
the status quo is killing us as a nation and all we can talk about is the
endless stream of racial profiling. this is like "back in the ussr", commissar.

Man!!!!
First the Elderly and now millions of childrens and women will die!!!!
Are you sure you guys are talking about Health care reforms????
Seems to me the talks are about the extinction of all US citizen!!!!
Wonder if these Reps took their Meds!!!!

I am so sick and tired of all this back and forth regarding the Health Care Reform Bill – that none of the American people actually can read so we have to rely on the media. Depending on who you watch you get a different take. Will someone actually post the proposed bill so we can make up our own minds. What happened to all the talk about, not rushing things or transparency. What a bunch of bunk.

From what I've been able to understand, this proposed bill is massive – again – noone can read it or understand it and it just plain smells of more government interference into our lives. WE DON'T WANT THE GOVERNMENT IN CHARGE OF ANYTHING ELSE, especially our health care. The Medicare and Medicaid system is one big giant mess that causes so many problems for health care providers and Medicaid recipients abuse it constantly. I know, I work in healthcare. Reform and regulation is needed, but it needs to be taken step by step to see how it works along the way. It should not be crammed through congress while President Obama thinks the iron is still hot. This bill represents a giant change that is directed only at benefitting the poor and illegals that cram into our emergency rooms when they have a runny nose (what democratic electees bank on as their future democratic voters.) I don't trust anyone in congress. I didn't vote for the ones representing my state, so why should I have to pay more taxes when I can barely afford to feed my own family to take care of other people. I am not uncompassionate, I am broke. Do not believe a single representative in congress or the senate that says our taxes will not go up. Do not believe President Obama when he says this will be a defecit neutral bill. There is no possible way. He should have already been impeached for saying he would not allow any earmarks and then his first major bill, the stimulus farce, gets passed with the largest number of earmarks in the history of the U.S. All that was was payback for those that got him elected to help him turn this country into a socialist state. I can't buy my kid a pair of sneakers, but someone is getting help from the government with my money to find out why pigs stink. Pigs stink because they are slobs and roll around in crap and mud all day. This is just wrong.

i believe rick sanchez is about as bias as they come about race!i just watched his segment for about 10 minutes, talking about gates? and then a few minutes about the hollywood cops who slamed into the young lady in fla. ,who then made up a story to cover their butts? its well documented in gates past (seen the clips) that he's a border line racist? i think his words speak for themselves! The cops that had the wreck and made the story up to cover their butts, had nothing to do with race,but good old rick wanted to talk about it along with the gates story? a blind man could see what sanchez is doing? (guilt by comparsion) The cops were wrong that hit the young lady and action should be taken against them! so heres my point ! why don't sanchez show some of the thousands of clips and stories that show what good jobs most policemen do? no,he just talked about his brother being a cop,as not to look so bias? and just went on? way to rick,your such a swell guy!

HOW MANY people have ACTUALLY READ the proposed health care legislation?

I believe the professor from Syracuse U., Boyce Watkins, is right on!
He posed a number of excellent questions and observations for BOTH "SIDES" of the Gates/Crowley agenda. But his most important observation which I believe bears repeating: find someone who DOESN'T have your point of view and sincerely LISTEN to LEARN about the other's perception of things. ISN'T THIS WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IN ALL POLARITIES? We have become a country DIVIDED, not UNITED. WE NEED TO COME TOGETHER, PEOPLE, ALL PEOPLE. PLEASE!!!!

I think we ought to take the 1st 1/2 mile of the US around Mexico and call it for eminent domain and plant land mines.

M Ford ..That my friend is prejudice, and even racist people like girls of all races especially if she is hot. There is a difference, I'm sorry but this might surprise you, to me, Black people cannot be racist, maybe a little prejudice. Our ancestors were brought over to American on slave boats as slaves, therefore they were not in power and had no ideal about the meaning.

We didn't come here with the belief we were superior to others.

((edited))

Rick, it seems the media is always quick to show stories of the cops that disgrace the uniform. Where is the coverage when they give thier lives to protect everyone on this blog????????

re: White House beer garden – starring the President, the Vice President, the Policeman and the Professor. Round up Gilligan and the Skipper and "Gilligan's Island" is back!

My statement is harsh and horrible to contemplate. I was in high school in the late 40's early 50's. Unless you had a great deal of money a legal abortion was out of the question. The area was very poor.

What part do you want me to moderate? The young girl died alone and her abortion was done with a coat hanger. With no medical assistance she hemorrhaged and died.

I think older people should remember out loud on occasion. We remember when doing the same job like a bank teller – the men were paid more. Funny things like waring a red dress could get you sent home at least at the bank I worked for.

We are struggling with "don't ask, don't tell. In the 50's if a man was caught in a gay situation he received a Section 8 or a medical discharge. If a woman was caught she received a Dishonorable discharge. ( I was able to avoid the CID plants) My discharges are all honorable. At least we've made some progress, rather like watching grass grow.

Rick, I think there are people out there who can't lay race aside and remember that Obama is not just black...he is also white.

Why isn’t CNN reporting the outrageous audacity of Ralph Janvey (Texas lawyer supposedly trying to get money back to investors who are victims of the Stanford fiasco.) Not only is Janvey charging $2,500/hr. that comes out of whatever money he finds, but now he’s trying to sue the victims of Stanford’s Ponzi scheme. What???? Check it out. Go to Reuters info. on the internet to get updates and the stories. It’s amazing what he’s trying to get away with!

WHY NOT INSURED THOSE INDIVIDUALS WITH NO HEALTH INSURANCE (ESPECIALLY THOSE SELF-EMPLOYED) IN A GROUP AND GIVE THEM WHOLESALE PREMIUMS INSTEAD OF RETAIL PREMIUMS.

IN EVERY STATE, RECORD ALL THE NAMES OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT INSURANCE AND THOSE WHO ARE SELF EMPLOYED AND DIVIDE THEM INTO GROUPS. THE BIGGER VOLUME IN A GROUP, THE LESSER PREMIUM THEY PAID TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE DOCTORS AND THE HOSPITALS WILL BE HAPPY TO TREAT THEM BECAUSE OF THESE VOLUME OF PATIENTS WITH HEALTH INSURANCE.

I THINK, THIS IS A SOLUTION TO OUR PROBLEM IN TERMS OF INSURANCE COVERAGE.

rick, just a note to say you are the best at what you do. You cut people off at the right time, you are not a soft interview, nor are you disrespectful, you always thank the person even if you differ. I just wanted to give you some positive feedback. I have never written on a 'blog' before, but I just felt the need to with you. thanks for being a 'good one' and I enjoy watching your hour.

Here's a simple formula;
Father =1vote,
mother =1vote,
baby/fetus =1/2vote [always for life by proxy].
Rape, incest and coersion =1 vote permanently waived... as with any criminal.

Male and female votes to be heard by the communitty in the form of a jury when in disagreement. When a person doesn't show up to cast a vote, obviously their vote isn't counted.

In this way nothing too drastic changes, except that good men and women will be able to make their cases as reasonable as they can, and at least an attempt is made to protect life. Jury decides outcome based on merits of each parent's arguement.

@Rodney Rhodan

The truth is, whoever wrote that report is guilty of filing a false report. It is a crime, and if it can be proven, it has consequences.

As far as why he didn't answer, he wasn't asked, but had he been asked, it is likely he would have clammed up. Even officers have the right to remain silent as citizens, but in an actual court setting, the burden of proof lies with the accusor.

That complicates things. On the one hand, lets say, for the sake of arguement, that this wasn't a case of possible break in, but Drunk in Public. If Crowley had, for example told Gates he was going to charge him with drunk in public, Gates would have the option to remain silent and just go along, or he could ask for an alcohol test to prove his innocence. Now, if he asked for the test, though he has the right to compulsory witness, it would be likely that the officer would not give him one. Why not? If the guy is so drunk? Because the officer no longer has control of the situation. He is now made vulnerable to the possibility that the test may come back negative [clearing Gates].

Why would an officer deny an alcohol test to someone he is charging with drunk in public? It would do a number of things to put the advantage in the officers favor; it would force the suspect to prove that he was sober without objective evidence, making it a case fo the officers word agtainst the suspect. It would move the burden of proof from the officer, to the suspect. This would make a near impossible case for the suspect to prove. Want proof of that? Turn on oyur TV and see the glowing praise of officers and the dasterdly deeds of the suspects, not yet proven guilty.

In Gates case, Lets say, again for the sake of arguement, that Crowley immediately sought to arrest Gates. Gates tries to pull his ID out of his jacket pocket, Crowley gets paranoid and cries gun, and orders Gates not to flinch. Orders him to pull his hand out of his jacket leaving whatever else behind. Gates complies. Gates gets handcuffed and Crowley, without even looking, pulls the professors contents out of his jacket and places them on the counter "escorting" the gun toting gates outside.

It's misdirection.

So, to make a long answer short, even if he might have been asked, Crowley would never have admitted to falsifying the report. It's no contest. No lo contesto. A plea of No Contest by the way, and this is important for everyone to know, is a double edged sword. The courts see it as a straight guilty plea, but it is considered by most as a guilty plea because the evidence never was really there to begin with, but there is an unequal advantage. It assumes that one case is dependant on the honesty of the others case,and that the other is likely to lie.

Rick, I think a good thing to keep in mind for anyoen interested in court and law controversies around the nation, and in fact on the world stage, is this saying I've come up with:

A court case is like a math word problem; If you don't have the math, all you have is a bunch of words and a problem. Remember to show oyur work, because you can bet your bottom dollar, people will be asking to see it.

President Obama should just leave health care alone. When the middle class get squeezed AGAIN then America will have its "Aha!" moment. Why can't anything get DONE? Is Congress stupid? why are they all self-centered?

Hey Rick, just read your facebook and there are some venimous people there! Being African-American, I was really afraid to leave comment because my pic would have been there. That Miss Kapoor personifies racism. Is that what your page has come to: a place forthe racists and xenophobes go to show their true selves. And you have to wonder by blacks are on the defensive. African-Americans happen to like drinks other than kool-aid.

A subject barely, if ever, mentioned lately is the solvency of the Social Securirty program. Everyone seems so sure that it is in grave danger of running out of money! Nonsense! With one stroke of the pen, congress and the President could solve this problem. How? Very simply actually.
I, as a middleclass American, pay 6.24% of my ENTIRE salary ALL YEAR toward SS. But those who earn over $106.8K pay on only 53.4% of their yearly income. Grossly unfair, don't you think? Anyway, let's say roughly 1% of Americans earn over that amount, say maybe $200K. That's 3 million people NOT contributing their fair share to SS on the difference of $93,200 a year per person. Do the math, that's $279,600,000,000 (279 Billion,six hundred million) dollars a year that's not being taxed. ALMOST $280 Billion? In 10 years that computes to $2.8 TRILLION dollars NOT being taxed! At 6.24% that is $17,447,040,000 not being contributed to the SS program and that's only the taxpayers amount if you figure the employer match that's over $34 Billion dollars.

HELLO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!McFly!

What's even more annoying is that my estimate of how many people not contributing is probably very low.

In fact if you guesstimate the number of pro atheletes in just the 3 main major leagues, Baseball,Football and Basketball, say 2500 guys. They don't all make a million bucks a year but several make a darn site more. For arguments sake let's say half or about 1257 of them make a milliom bucks a year. That rough guess would bring in a mere $70 Million to SS from only a little over 1200 people NOT CONTRIBUTING THEIR FAIR SHARE.

All congress and the President have to do is simply remove the cap on wages subject to SS tax and make EVERY AMERICAN pay on 100% of their income into SS not just us poor slobs that can ill afford what we are already paying.

Please try to bring this to the attention of the entire country as I don't think too many even realize how much money is NOT being collected for SS solvency

I have been paying particular attention to the things that do and don't get media coverage for some time and it is troubling to me. I feel there is a severe defficiency of positive news in this country, and would like to see some CHANGE! How about for starters the fact that the first medal of honor was awarded under the Obama administration to Sgt. Jared Monti of Raynham. Or how about the death of one of our country's greatest hero's, Darryl 'Shifty' Powers. Is it not reasonable that CNN should cover such inspiring and courageous people such as this. Also, why are there articles on CNN like 'Black in America'?

The government's plans (medicare, etc) are broke. They can't even run DMV or the post office right. And you want them to take over your healthcare. Boy America I thought you were the ultimate in dumb when you voted this guy in and you still believe what he says? Excuse me, no taxing on 95% of Americans? You are waking up to that lie aren't you America. American wake up and stop having this guy's back. We are more important than his stupid policies. He is not going to help us one bit. If you can't see that yet, I give up.

To Isaac – that maybe true for some – but the plain truth is this man is not ready to be President, should not be President and for me it has nothing to do with the color of his skin. I don't like him and his socialist policies. Mr. Steele is a black man and I love him!!!!!!!!!!Watch what you say!!! I am sick of being called a racist!!!!!!! sick of it!!!!!!!

You mark my words, this Obama character will be the ruin of us. Period, plain and simple. The ruin of this glorius free country.
And if you don't take that seriously – forget you!

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 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, 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.”

Why does Obama former doctor think Medicare is a very successful government run program? It is going bankrupt. Also there is so much abuse in that program, if fhey could correct that then it would be enough to pay for a health care policy.

What I would like for you to find out is how much is it costing the taxpayer for Obama touring the country (townhall meetings) to sell this health care program. These meetings are fixed in advance with dems. that would ask the questions to really put on the spot.

Please QUIET your hands ! Excessixe hand movements are annoying and distract from your message. Displaying your hand toward the camera obliterates your face and seems amateurish..

i wonder if the mother and grandmother of the state trooper who tazered the great grandmother have him over for dinner anymore???

Rick,
While everyone is busy out there selling President Obama's Health Care plan, there is a story being ignored about a group of Retirees 50,000-70,000 strong that are losing their Health Care beacuse of the administration that suggests "Healthcare for all".
We are retirees of GM and Delphi. We were NOT included in the "deal" that the UAW got for themselves in the GM bankruptcy. The Treasury Department is said to be the catalyst behind the move for GM to escape its responsibility to us. The Delphi retirees have already had their pensions "dumped" into the PBGC. Most took early retirement at GM's urging, to help cut costs to the automaker. Now, someone like myself, 60 years old, with 30 years of service to the company will be getting a benefit of $365.80 per month, and will lose my healthcare too. How can I afford to live, let alone purchase healthcare?
How can an administration "sell" the idea of the Healthcare bill for all, and take the nations senior citizens and cast them aside? It really doesn't matter if they have to cover us for "pre-existing" conditions, which we all have, because we won't have the money to buy food, let alone healthcare.

WAKE UP! How is this so hard of a concept to grasp?! Tell me how this would be unfair...22% tax, across the board! To the VAST MAJORITY, who fall in the "lower income/higher tax" bracket, this would be a God-send. For those whose income/tax already falls right in that range, you wouldn't see a change and should feel good that you were getting taxed fairly all along! And for those of you who's taxes went UP to 22%...well, you're welcome for all those years of "free money". So I ask again...how is this unfair? Now, I'm no economist...but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express the other night, but only because I couldn't afford the Ritz...

Rick, I think that all Americans should pay our fair share when it comes to the health care bill and not raising anyone's taxes . I think instead raising the taxes of the middle class, I think the president and congress, should consider implementing a one cent federal sales tax. This way, all American citizens will help pay their fair share for national health care, and not burden the rich. To do nothing, means that American really likes the way the insurance company has been treating them in the past.

Rick my voice is not loud but your,s is Rick my problem is when AIG was 80 cence i bought 1000 shares from them but my Agent is Sharebuilder but now AIG is $13 and they sed they made a change to revice them so i had a 1000 now i have only 50 so i don,t undestand that

What about those of us that have company provided health care? Would the company be able to drop us and tell us to go buy our own?
Or have us pay for what we are now getting and would the goverment tax our benefits?

No surprise there on McCain’s vote against Sotomayor’s confirmation, Do you know that McCain voted NO on the Lilly’s Act for fair pay for women? It looks like McCain is more against the advancement of women than anything else.

Your meteorologist there needs to get the facts about population density in the Sonora state of Mexico. He made it sound as it is a desert with no people at all. Wrong, there are pretty good size cities (300,000 -700,000) and smaller towns all along that coast of this “desert”.

Are you kidding me? You want the same government who has mismanaged social security (which after 10 years of knowing it is in trouble hasn't fixed it YET!) to run health care? BE AFRAID!

If the government stop spending billions and the two illegal wars that we are involve with, then the country will have enough money to spend on American problems.George Bush got us into this mess only because he wanted revenge for 911 ,now that we have destroyed two countries and killed thousands of Middle Easterns then we need to get out of their country and let them get on with their lives, We have enough technology to protect our borders we do not need to be in the Middle East to protect America from there.

I have owned successfull businesses (24 years) and I have worked for the government (12 years). A governments role is to regulate and provide core required services ((FDA,ATF,CIA,FBI ...) – period. The two are are simply structured differantly and each one should not cross each others lines, it won't work! When it comes to core services, they must be willing to pay for them. They are NOT good business people, in fact they are terribile. I don't believe they should be in ANY business such as postal ,trains and including medical – Regulate Only!

Rick, this is not about Afghanistan. However, I wish you would clarify the cutline presently showing on HLN/CNN that stimulus funds are paying fishermen to recover lost nets. The implication is that the fishermen are benefiting by getting their nets back which is not particularly important, and it is WRONG. The nets are being recovered because fish and marine mammals are getting caught in them and dying. Here in Puget Sound we are particularly conscious and caring about our killer whales (orcas) and dolphins and to lose any in a lost fishnet is a real tragedy. The nets recovered are not usable either. Please do what you can to clarify this. CNN should not be fanning the flames by concealing the real reason for the recovery of old fishnets.

I'm mystified why Republicans don't have their own townhall meetings outlining and explaining their alternative plans to fixing health insurance – instead of heckling townhall meetings organized by Democrats. Is that all the Republicans have to offer – heckling!!?! Are people confused between the issue of health insurance and the non-issue of health care. The issue is ACCESS to our excellent health care and the personal cost to citizens that the private health insurance companies have burdened us with – not to mention THEIR rationing practices.

John McCain says we have to do more to get the Hispanic vote. Is he supposed to give up his objection to an "activist" judge just to get the Hispanic vote! Very lam Mr. Sanchez.

As a Canadian i have watched this discussion of health care in the United States and wonder whats wrong with Americans get it and enjoy it.
I have seen canadians on some right wing conservative ads running down canadian health care system,thats OK no matter what we have, we will always have about 10% who dislike whatever it is we discuss.
I have used my systemn and its never let me down,the GOP chief senator said couple weeks ago on meet the press how in Canada a friend of his couldnt get a procedure done because he was too old,
Ya know what CRAP!! thats what it is CRAP! 3 years ago my moms oldest sister whop was 90 had a hip replecaement shes now almost 94 and still going strong.
Sure many times we have to stand in line for a while but when we look that 50 million americans have no medicare or insurance what so ever, thats equal to the population of Canada and Australia combined.
Yes folks I stand in line if my situation gets serious I go to head of line id not i wait my turn, in america those 50 million plus can go to emergency at a hospital but for long term illnesses they just go home to die.
Your medical system is a for profit system how can you acess a profit for someones health? good old capitalism does, the hospitals have to show a profit for their shareholders, the insurance companies have shareholders who want yearly dividends too,, come to canada and get sick every hospital in canada will book you in do what needs to be done for your health then try and collect the costs later, thats how our system is different, here we dont look at your checkbook.
Some provinces you have to pay premiums which are affordable, used to be in Alberta 680.00 a year for single person 1600.00 for family, I now live in saskatchewan where my medicare is covered by taxes paid.
If americans paid the same rate of taxes we in canada do you wouldnt have a govt defict and could pay for more programs ya do, but seems everytime there's a problem some where , govt lowers taxes etc, well one day theres no more taxes to be lowered and someone has to pay taxes to pay for all the people want.

In Canada we have high taxes most provinces collect app 42% and higher of the federal tax rate, many provinces have sales taxes our federal govt has a 5% GST tax(goods and services tax), for most items including care etc.
Now the goodies we get as a socialist type govt.
(1) we get free medicare and our drug plans are great too because we use many generic drugs to keepp costs down
(2) we have subsidized education so meaning if your kids go to university the taxpayer pays app 62% of costs student pays rest.
(3)we have great unemployment insurance system and if lady gets preganent she gets 1 month off before birth and 11 months after birth collecting benefits, so syhe doesnt lose all her income to have a family.
(4) families with kids say 3 kids under 10 would recieve a monthly govt cheque for app 900.00 about 300.00 per child in whats called a child tax credit as child gets older amount decreases when child turns 18 amounts about 55.00, this helps lower income families survive and cope.
(5) we pay for GST and PST taxes but every quarterly we get a cheque from federal govt for a GST/PST rebate I get 128.00 75.00 is GST rebate and balance is PST rebate so 128.00 X 4 another income for me to enjoy.amount depends on income when you file income taxes april 30th every year.
(6) Seniors may have over years built up a nice nest egg to live on, but not everyones that fortunate, so we have a canada pension plan like american social security where we paid in and can collect when we retire, now if you are a low income senior you are also eligible for a old age pension for seniors born in canada, then a supplimentary support income so that the seniors collecting all 3 will get 1100.00 to 1300.00 a month to live on not just the say 575.00n they collect from canada opension plan aka american social security the poor american gets 575.00 the poor canadian gets 1100.00 to 1300.00 almost 3 times the income.
and Canada has many other programs we enjoy but we pay taxes for them, thats why at start if this comment i said if americans paid the taxes we in canada did theyd have no defict.
IN province of saskatchewan a liter of gas is now 99.9 cents 4 liters make a US gallon so 4 dollars a gallon we pay for gas, a pack of 25 cigarettes varies from 8.00 to 12.00 a pac depends where you buy them beer a dozen beer app 25.00 a quart of whisky about 35.00
theses are what they call sin taxes and we get nailed like crazy on them, but Canada is one better then america, win a lottery and its all TAX FREE!! you just pay taxes on the interest ya may collect so if you win 46 million you collect it u dont have to share it with IRS.and go home with maybe 16 million govt gets biggest chunk..
I see Republican senators and congressmen run down our system, they no nothing about our health care system so wish theys shut theie beeks or go to canada check it out and then speak with some knowledge.
As a Canadian i realise my health care system isnt perfect but my medicare card issued by my provincial govt is as important to me as mu debit care is, and when canadian snow birds come to spend winter in florida or california or arizona they have to pay over 1000.00 for 6 months added insurance coverage to be in the unites states, and this is insurance from canada if they bought locally theyd have to stay home.
To all you smart americans dont believe all thoase who run our system down. just be envious we have a system and you dont, and when your unemployed in canada you still have your health care, ask GM the differnce in costs for benefits paid out to canadian workers over the years and american workers in their american plants,they save a bundle employing canadians because they dont have to pay for medicare insurance like in states they have to so also reaaise GM canada did NOT file for Bankruptcy GM america did.
So americans good luck fight on and tell the nay sayers where to go, it seems health care reform isnt important to many who already have it through their govt jobs.
\all the best in 2009
Blair schaan Regina Sask Canada

Rick, the election was 53/47, so of course reform will also be roughly 50/50. News outlets must follow up to find out if the loud/yelling members of the lawmakers audiences are Republicans or dems and what their persuasion is...looks orchestrated...

Hi Rick---
The rudeness of the demonstrators you are showing reminds me of the complete disregard for free speech perpetrated by the Right to Life zealots. I expect that many of these fascists are members of the same group of folks. I have this to say: The right to life does not end with birth!!! It is a right guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. That includes treatment for horrible diseases and injuries.

Hey Rick – Are you SERIOUS??? You actually don't realize that this whole "Let's disrupt the town halls on healthcare reform" media blitz is being generated by the GOP??? Man, you ought to get another job if you're THAT clueless!!!

Rick,

I'm a constituent of rep Dogget and a 40 yr + democrat who attended this town hall and I do not support this health care bill because it cuts reimbursement to Medicare by $600 billion. I will continue to protest against this bill. So please tell Doggett that not only republicans attended!

Why are all 3 videos you are showing people protesting health care???
The only reason I can think of is that the reason is quite simple:
These are the people who already HAVE health insurance. Those that don't are the ones who have to work 2-3 jobs just to survive. And those people who have to do that CAN'T even get off work to protest if they wanted to.
Way to perpetuate the system, CNN, by only showing those who can already afford health care.
Oh, and for those who actually think this bill is more expensive...just who do you think pays for the health care of those who wait until it's an emergency room visit before going in? Oh, that's right, those of us who already are paying for private health insurance.

I just watched the theatrics on health care reform.
I agree that this was orchestrated by the Republican party.

Where were these people when Bush/Cheny/Rumsfield, etc., etc. lied to us about the WMDs in Iraq.
Where were these people when the economical "wheels fell off the bus" last September?

Enough!

The senator just called us phonies. What about them and their not living up to the Oath or Affirmation they take constitutionally t6ouphold the Constitution, the 10th amendment of which prohibits Health- Care et al. This action, blatantly ignoring the constitution, is tantamount to High Treason or at least Misdemeanors, impeachable offenses according to the constitution.

Im a Canadian who has retired to California. Im 60 and have been here for 6 years. All my life, I have lived with universal single payer health care and I can say without fear of contradiction that it is the best system in the world!! I thank the visionary politicans who brought this type of care to Canadians and hope that Americans will push for the same. The public option may or may not work but I can tell you that single payer will. Every country in the industrialized world has some sort of government backed healthcare...why not the USA??

I marvel at the demonstrators who oppose this type of insurance...your loss.

As for me, iIve kept my Canadian citizenship in case I ever have a catasrophic healthcare issue. If I do Im returning to Canada for care.

Rick,
I wonder, who all the people who appose the health care reform, and are so violantly against it, will turn to, in case they loose their job and get seriously ill or injured?
Wouldn't they turn to the "government" run health care to help them? Unless they wealthy, they will not be able to keep up with the incoming medical bills, even if they wanted to.

Thank you for sharing, Astrid

Where do we go to protest? They need to send letters in the mail to let us know where the rallies are I live in San Antonio and I didn't know anything about a rally .

I am lucky enough to have very good health insurance. I'm scared that my employer will force me to take the government program. If the program is going to be that great, how come we don't see one member of congress willing to give up their insurance (that we're paying for) and take the public option insurance? I think that silence is worth a thousand words!

Americans who don't want healthinsurance, should not have it. Only people who want healthcare and want to pay 50%, the same should be paid by their employer, should have access. Other people rich or poor should pay with cash at the doctor, if they do not want to have insurances. If people are to stupid to realize that we need this, they should be charged before any services. Schooling the young kids is important as of now, all I see people here are not to swift because we have to many schooldrop outs. It shows you, that our residents do not listen in school, the only thing children want to be are singers, ballplayers and actors, they should read books and study, but this is the fault of their parents, they do not know any better. People like this do not want healthinsurances, because they hope for riches, without work. I wonder why we are so dumb.

Rick, In response to the guest you had on this afternoon regarding the town hall forums and the protests. IT IS GRASSROOTS. If I wasn't busy homeschooling my own kids I would make my way to one of these forums and I would be shouting too. We elected these people to represent us as a nation, If WE THE PEOPLE speak, the elected representatives ought to listen and do as we wish not as they wish. The insurance companies "stink', but the government has failed on so many levels they do not deserve to manage my health or the health of any of my family and friends. The government should be mandating that the insurance companies give the coverage that is being paid for and that is all. The government cannot manage social security, medicare or education, it certainly is in NO position to take on something of this magnitude. Start polling those who attend these town hall meetings and THEN you can say if they are republican or if they are being organized by the insurance companies DO NOT ASSUME what you have not investigated and found to be fact. I for example, am a registered independant.
Peace, R in AZ.

I am appalled by the hatred from Whites Americans towards minority and disable groups. How many of them have actually read the health care’s bill to make an educated opinion or to even take a side. That’s ignorance and disbelief off theirs own abilities. They are people crying they know they will loose their 401k over health care bill??? People inform you first and stop listening to the hate mongers in this great country of ours.

Rick, where is the logical thinking in America? We already have 50 million citizens on national healthcare plans and they love it by a 10 to 1 margin...it's called Medicare! Everyone should ask their relatives and friends 65 or older if they want to give up their medicare for a private plan or a tax credit to purchase one. Ask them if they want private insurers to take over Medicare. The answer will be obvious. National healthcare works!

We do need to rally the troops , but we don't have no democrats providing information. The party of no is providing information for there base apparently. Pass flyers out and mail them out . We need reform, I'm ready to protest for the dem base. They aren't giving us college students no info.

The republican party does not care for health care reform. they had 8 years of President Bush to do something and did nothing but deregulate insudtries tobenefit their rich friends. Sadly the republican party of Lincoln is now a party favoring the rich and caring very little for those things that Lincoln held so dear. It is obvious that they do not speak for the American people and when they say that they do, they always distort the truth.

National Health Care is a joke. Anything run by this present worthless government is typical of Socialism.

Let me be clear!!! I am a republican. No one has told me to get out and demonstrate, but I fill it is my duty as a intelligent person to voice my opinion that this health care bill is wrong for our country. I believe we need lower health care cost, but the gov. needs to stay out of the health care business.

For those of you who have dem. congressman fill their ears full. Let them know we the people are not idiots, we know what they are up to spend, spend, spend

President Obama orchestrated this beautifully, Hillary made the apology and her husband a man of great power sealed the deal. President Obama is very in tune to Eastern philosophy, first the apology and then a man of substance interacts with another man of power in secureing the release.

I really think the media needs to teach the public about healthcare reform instead of letting the insurance companies and other vested interests run the show. Insurance companies are for profit; they must deny care. Government doesn't need a profit. We need ethical people who can make the government work. Bush and the Republicans wanted to bankrupt the country so that they could end Medicare and Social Security. This is working for them.

The AMA did support Obama on single-payer health insurance because it sees the connection between malpractice "insurance" and healthcare "insurance." Controlling malpractice insurance is just as important as controlling healthcare insurance. Insurance companies and attorneys do not need to take so much money from us for mistakes or malice on the part of physicians. AMA did a survey and found Medicare is a prompt payer with few denials, thus saving billing costs. Also, single-payer healthcare will reduce fraud.

Rick,

This issue is a huge one for me. I have felt the pain of being a private health care recipient. Over the past two years, my medical premiums have gone up more than $100 to cover my two children. November 30th, 2008, I fell nearly 14ft off my roof onto my concrete driveway and broke the right socket of my pelvis and fractured that same hip three times.
The total bill that I was responsible for was nearly $10k (ten thousand dollars) of which I am barely able to pay for. If I were to get hurt again in any capacity, I would lose my house. I had to work very hard to get the hospital to help me out with paying the balance off in a year. My deductible for the ER is $8350.00. If I go over that, I pay that much out of pocket. That doesn't include what I owe now with a "transport" given by a private ambulance company for $1200 by itself. Only way that UHC would cover that ambulance trip was if it were billed as "emergency", when it clearly was.

If I had a chance to get on the Public option, I'd drop United Healthcare like a bad habit! I dont' like these "networks" of approved doctors, and overall control of my well being that I "pay for!" It's rediculous. We all know these private insurance companies are strictly for profit. People are so mis-informed about government run healthcare.
That and Pharmaceutical companies need to be held in check also.

Please wake up people.. We can't afford to run the system like this. Too many people go bankrupt because they need to be healed. There's something morally wrong with that.

Dems r demonizing GOPS now! Don't cram obomacare care down people's throats. PS I have never talked to ins.co. about politics!!

Let's see: isn't it the campus dems who are so violent that Ann coulter and others need extra police to protect them during speeches on college campuses? Isn't it the left who riots against capitalism, throwing feces, burning buildings, injuring people in places like Seattle? come off it, doggett: stop whining about peaceful protests.

Can speak only for my own tea party–we come from every imaginable group and no group, have only the dollars we can spare to rent a place to gather every few months and are united only by our opposition to big govt, big taxes and government intrusion. We are non partisan, welcome all to events, including democrats who are offered speaking time and information booths. My husband is a govt. employee, I am a homemaker, no connection with any organization, party or company. the leader of our group is a 24 year old democrat who works in a restaurant. No yelling, no talking points, a lot of us printed out the bill so we know what's in it and can ask questions but our congressman won't even meet with us. What a coward.

Almost laughtable if it wasn't so disheartening and upsetting the clear lack of attention paid by the right. Planly disregarding the plan english in which the reform has been explained. It is as if they suck thier fingers in their ears and sang "la la la" for the last three weeks. Very very sad. I like to think most people are relativly smart but when the public acts like that it really just makes me think twice about the over all smarts altted to the genral public.

George is right.

hey rick, just saw your piece on sen. doggett of texas. rick, are'nt these protesters the same ones that were parroting the lies the white house put out so they could get into iraq? how about some old school news reporting by putting the list of elected politicions who take money from the insurnace industary on your show. FOLLOW THE MONEY! post them every day if you dare or will your handlers let you do that. A newsman you are not. HEY RICK, POLLY WANT A CRACKER?

I was just listening to Congressman Dogget from Texas. He said that all of the people that were complaining about health care reform at his town hall meeting were sent by the Republican Party or the insurance companies. That is the problem: Congress will not listen to the American public. They think that we are just too dumb to know what is good for us. If they would acturally stop and listen to us, we would not be as mad. I have a hard time believing that it is a good idea to vote for something that you don't understand as I heard another Congressman say. Why should we listen and agree? They don't have a clue about what they are doingand they still expect us to follow along without questioning them. Before I get branded a Republican hack, let me tell you about myself. I registered as a Democrat in 1973. I am a retired public school teacher and have NEVER worked for an insurance company. Yes, there are problems with parts of the health care system but throwing a half baked, incoherent bill that has not been fully debated is the worst thing we could do. How about Congress actually do what they are being paid to do and what they promised to do when they took their oath of office which was to uphold the Constitution and representative government?

Rick,
The argument over health care is unbelievable! People really need to educate themselves in this matter and not rely on their emotions. Everyone should take a look at the facts of health care systems in Europe and Canada. I hear a lot of people talking about points of the proposed health care options, and I wonder if these people have really studied the proposal of a public health care system or if they are just basing their opinions on the thoughts of others.
I know many people who have no access to health care at all. I know of others who go without adequate nutrition because they need to pay for medication. This should NOT be happening in America. Are our citizens so cold that they don't care for their brothers and sisters? Have we become so infatuated with wealth that it's ok for some of our citizens to go without basic needs? This is shameful! No wonder America has become the laughing stock of the rest of the world.

Last year my husband who is 73 had two hip operations because he could not walk more than a 100 steps. The quality of our life was poor because of this situation. The surgeries were successful and our quality of life improved dramatically. However, it is my understanding that over a certain age (60 or 65) these operations will no longer be available to seniors. My understanding is that a citizen of US who is elderly would not be eligible but an illegal alien who is younger would be for these operations if the Health Plan is passed. Does this upset me? Of course, it does. I heard the President state on TV that he would pay for such surgery out of pocket. Unfortunately, my husband and I do not make the income that Mr. and Mrs. Obama do and would be unable to do so. By the way, I consider myself an Independent. Perhaps if our representatives would listen to civil request people would not become so angry when they are completely ignored by there representatives

I don't think it is the grass roots. I think it is the insurance employees,a nd there families out there protesting. If America didn't want universal health care we would of voted lame ass John Mcain in office , and the senate and house would be mostly lame ass silver spoon republicans that lick special interest asses It seems like the the republicans want racial divide and if this shit keeps going on there will be. You will see young people pooring out on the streets . It seems like it's the old thinking generation is making all this fuss. The New Generation needs to stand up and fight let's Go guys this is our time not the old generation. Oh My God these old people are still stuck in the 1930's

If this health bill is so good. Why doesn,t someone asked why don't
Congress and the White House include themselves in it ,instead of
exempting themselves.

I have no connection to the repubs or insurance biz. and am one who doesn't believe in this bill, and yes I actually took the time to read it. I do believe it has too much gov't infringement on my healthcare. I am all for reform but the right reform, whatever happened to obamas promise to offer us the same insurance congress has? I know if this was going to be their healthcare to they wohldnt be pushing it down our throats. I believe we should get a tax incentive to purchase our own healthcare and the option should be the same plan congress has.

Right wingers must think America is stupid, first we got months of "he's a muslim" crap, then month's of "he's not a citizen" crap, then the fake tea parties that weren't grass roots at all, LOL, now the orchestrated interruption of town halls pretending to be grass roots disatisfaction, LOL, NEWS FLASH for the GOP....America is WAY smarter than you and this crap isn't going to fly. Why not suck it up, deal with reality, and particiapate instead of throwing childish tantrums?

Health care....NEEDS REFORM! I agree with several others on why the Senate and Congresspeople oppose it. Why don't they try to get 'regular' insurance coverage like the rest of us try? Why do the American taxpayers have to pay for their health coverage for life, even if they only serve one-term? If the Republicans (and Democrats) are so opposed to government run health care, WHY are they enrolled in a government-run health care program? Oh, I get it; they just vote it in for themselves, to heck with the general population, just like they vote themselves raises, etc.

It is time for us Americans to fight for reform on health care! No health care insurance lobby (and all the related groups) should be able to shout out anyone. Oh, yeah, right, they have rights, but the rest of us don't? How did that happen? Are they more "American" than me?

I'm an independent voter and not a member of any party. I will continue to write to my congressman and two senators on this subject. Maybe will even write some of the others; after all, if they don't want a public option to make the health insurance companies play fair, why don't they embrace an insurance policy from one of those who has contributed to their campaigns and take the burden off the American taxpayer? Heck, they may even get a 'deal,' seeing as how they are campaigning for the health insurance industry!

re Bill Clinton;
go Bill, go Bill, you are still a HERO to us !!
Thank you for taking American intregrity, ingenuity and intelligence to North Korea and exchanging these renewable attributes for the 2 journalists !!

Mr. Sanchez,

You are doing a poor job trying to turn good works into ugliness. Former President Clinton accomplished his goal of getting those journalist out of there, just as you would appreciate him doing if it were your very own relatives. Please TRY to show some compassion for people other than yourself and yours.

Haven't you heard – the media no longer forms most people's opions. We'may not be journalist, but we are iINTELLIGENT people.

Linda Davies

I hear you talking today about the damage that the North Korean leader to his own nation. Could you be bold enough to talk about all the damage that G. Bush had done to the US people?.

The images of the organized disruptions of honest attempts to reach concensus on health care reform are at best upsetting.
Those who dislike this form of political blackmail should call the RNC chairman and give him a taste of what it's like
202-863-8700

Please tell "Doug who posted at 3:12 PM" that
high crimes and misdemeanors is a charge that he
should have made against Bush and company -
especially Cheney who definitely did not uphold
the Constitution of the United States of America.

To say that health care reform is a crime is unbelievable!
What arrogance!

Thanks for your coverage of the pardon and return of our journalists from North Korea.

Why do we have to talk and think this to death.

How about saying a simple "thank you"..... and let the rest flow down the river.

Again... I say, why should anyone go bankrupt over receiving healthcare. Why should the government control the costs of healthcare and medicine? Do you think that the fat cats (politicians or not) want to stop lining their pockets from our pain?
Pre-existing conditions? I'm sorry, that's evil when you deny someone care for that.
All whom are for their current private healthcare will only wake up when you get hit hard for medical bills. Seriously. What does it take?

You don't have to use the Public Option. Keep your expensive coverage and suffer when the worst happens. You make no sense at all.
The last thing is the healthcare insurance companies lobby by giving out a lot of money. Let's re-emphasize those three words..."LOT OF MONEY." How do you think they pay out a lot of money for lobbying for their own interests? They charge "US" higher costs to screw you!

Do you all get that?! Yes I am angry, but I am logical in my deductions and personal experiences with paying through the nose for my ER bills.

Iwould like you to know i have served in Iraq and i feel for all the soldiers who sacrifice everything to serve our country. When i came home i was told i was a disgrace to my country and that hurt more than anything that can be told to a soldier

I am a Canadian. I pay $33 a month for healthcare – period – whether it's for a checkup, tests, operations, etc.AND we all choose our own doctors here. My 85 year old in-laws have numerous issues that require several hospilizations a year and continuous treatment – no one has suggested we kill them yet.

Stop listening to the anti-health care propagandists and start investigating how the rest of the world works. Sometimes other nation DO have better ideas.

I encourage people to watch "Sick around the world" from PBS Frontline. I think they did a very fair job comparing "socialized medicine" systems from five democratic capitalist countrys around the world. The program was a real eye opener! The salient points I came away with is that EVERYONE is covered and NO ONE goes bankrupt in these countries because they have the misfortune to get ill or have an accident. Unlike the US where 50% of our bankruptcies are due to medical bills. Also, examples like Taiwan have a cost of only 6% of their GDP to cover everyone AND they provide just as good care and technology as the US. Compare that to our 15% of GDP. The main difference is there is no profit motive to be paid for in the Taiwan system. We pay for those huge CEO salaries and dividends to shareholders through our premiums and by the US healthcare industry avoiding risk by limiting coverage. Plain and simple. There is a better way America. Lets stop being so arrogant the we have the "best" system and admit that we simply have the most expensive!

Rick, Most of the comments I have heard from members of congress lead me to believe that they are ingnorant of the health care process in this country. They are not approacjhing the problem on a ratrioal bases.
They are talking about reducing the price of health insurance and not about developing a logical systrm for delivering health care to the amertican people. hjey have no expertize in the field of health care and have not hadf any raal hearings asking questions of health care wxperts on what needs to be cone or what is needed toi improive the delivery of health care and how if posdiple it is possible to reduce the cost of delivering health care.If you have any idea of what the costs are you have to know the labor is the largest componet of any service industry. to reduce the cost you must increase efficiency or lowerthe cost of labor . Wehave a shortage of almost all health care professionals to redduce wages in light of a shortage flys in the face of any economic reality. .Moat of the savings they have talked about is reducing the services privided i.e. thay are taking the saving out of the patients hide.easy to do wyhen congrtess controls the benefits.
As a long time participate in the health care field I find there efforts to be ludicrous. most of them do not seem to know the difference between price and cost. Ignorance still runs rampant in the hall of congress.

rick,thank you so much.you have brought some real important points to each of the stories that you cover during your show.i for one,am a mother of five "african"americans,(aren't we americans first?)but i myself are multi-racial,i only found out later in life that i myself have decendants who were slaves,and my paternal side,were slave owners.being from the bowels of america,(louisiana). i had also lived abroad during the british rule of the west indese,as a small child.so from segragation to the cast system,i was made very aware of these sins on humanity around the world! then to come back to the u.s.during the bussing boycotts of the mid.to late 60's,is it any wonder how the deep sense of shame we must continually sweep under the rug still devides us as a country,along race,relegious,and old party afilleations.all these tea baggers,birthers,and anti-health reform promoters of so much propaganda should feel ashamed too,for they have the biggest messes to sweep! so is it ant wonder they scream at the lifting or the rug,much less the beating it's gonna take.just to clear up what's been hid for so long under there!!!!and lastly,but not forgotten.a shout-out to my cousin,(on our mother's sides),happy birthday cousin barack,bet he did'nt know he's on his white side. ties to the deep south,and we cheer loud,and clear"we're here",and we won't stand down,but have stood beside you,fighting with you "and proudly",thank you! for all that you are tring to accomlpish,in the face of all tose who apose progress!! your cousin,mama leiza

Rick You asked earlier - after viewing noisy Republicans disrupting a Congress man's Health Insurance reform session– where was the other side. This past Sunday Congressman Dennis Kucinich spoke to over 200 people about One Payer National Health Insurance and supporting the President's program. There were 4 other speakers Some one should ask those disruptive clowns why they want to continue payuing thre times as much for their health insurance than any one else in the world..

Hi Rick,
I am back forgetting the most important fact and proof!! I, as million's
of American's have seen a video of Obama in 2004, stating, "I
want a single payer health care plan for all." "Eventually we will
with time eliminate PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANIES." Obama
went on saying, "He is for a universal health care system." I find
this VERY DISTURBING as many American's!!! Obama is
undermining WE THE PEOPLE of America claiming we can keep
our private insurance plan. This is an OUTRAGE how Obama
continues to LIE and DECEIVE us when we know his true intensions!!
I resent Obama for his propaganda agenda, it's WRONG and
DANGEROUS for AMERICA!!!! Also a DISGRACE!!!!

WARNING we are being undermined by our own Pres.!! I have seen
a video of Obama in 2004 saying, "I want a single payer Government
Run Health care plan for all." "Eventually we will with time eliminate
private insurance companies."!!!! Obama went on saying, "He is
for a universal health care system." I find this VERY DISTURBING
as many American's!!! Obama is undermining American's claiming
we can keep our private insurance plan's. BS. This is an OUTRAGE
how Obama continues to LIE and DECEIVE us when we know his
true intensions!!! I resent Obama for his propaganda agenda, it's
WRONG and DANGEROUS and a DISGRACE for AMERICA!!!!

Please stop listening to other go read the bill and then make an educated decision that's the problem, making comment without real information on their heads. This is exactly what insurance companies and republicans are shooting for... Your lack of self reliance to educate yourself about this bill... Rread the bill then talk about it... Thanks

Latino, Spanish, Mexican anyone of those categories are real voters, why such racist remark about us, why do they hate us so much, but yet will eat our food, vacation in areas named after Spanish countries. And why do we have to re-address all of the racist remarks by (white) people, Republicans or not. We of the Spanish race should not have to bend over..we were here first..our ancestors conquered this land from Spain to the Americas, we has a people have knoweledge, we are educated long before the (Whites) we have already estiablished culture. If the politicians don't want our votes then we will not give it to them. And those protesters against Healthcare don't speak for me I'm all for it, many citizen have died because they had no healthcare or could not afford care. If you have Health coverage good for you, if not you will..,we all know it's the Healthcare Insurance Lobbiest are getting people to protest..were not stupid..and the Senators and Representives whom are against it will lose their KICKBACKs and so with the Doctor..WHOM ARE THEY TRYING THE FOOL!!!

The republicans seem to be acting like a group of dictators having groups of people going around drowning out what the opposition says, about healthcare. How can we criticize the people in power in Iran if we do the same.

Rick,

it is interesting to see that some people even "shout" and "scream" in writing. Using aggresive and offensive language instead of trying to discuss this matter in a serious fashion, as it should, doesn't help the cause.

Thank you, Astrid

I think it would be interesting if somebody (CNN) polled those WITHOUT health insurance to see what they think of health care reform:)

Why is the media sticking their head in the ground about Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Citibank and other large bankers that are manipulating the oil market through the commodity exchange? ABC and SLATE have both provided articles suggesting that the banks have been taking delivery on these commodities and holding full oil tankers off the coast of foreign countries to bottleneck the supply of oil to artificially inflate oil prices. This is clearly market manipulation and well worth bringing to the public's attention. Don't you agree?

You aired the town hall meetings across the US today, which showed the outrage that us Americans are feeling over the direction our government is taking. Then you interviewed one of the senators who immediately began the partisan blame game. Does Congress not understand that we taxpayers are capable of voicing our position on healthcare and IT DOES NOT MATTER WHICH PARTY WE ARE AFFILIATED WITH???? CNN you are doing your viewing audience a great disservice by airing interviews with the politicians and not even giving the voters air time to say 1) no, we weren't paid to show up at this town hall meeting 2) we do NOT support the direction that you Mr. Senator are taking our country and 3) we will NOT stand by and watch Obama and Congress turn our country into a socialistic country!

The time is over for the People to stand up and demand that those who we elected need to quit letting Insurance and Drug Company control what kind of health reform we need.
If you don't change anything, then everything will stay the same, even I understand that. Get your hands out of the pocket of these companies and start representing US.
I have been on the same drug for over ten years now, yet the cost of that drug has done nothing but increase ever year. Everyone realizes that companies need to make a profit to stay in business. But when you are raping the consumer to reach that goal, then it is time for you to be PUNISHED.
Myself and some 41,000,000 people have the same right to life as do. Yet these companies spend more on advertising then they do on research. Something about that doesn't seen right or even close to honest. Our we as a nation going to allow the few Greedy Companies to determine whether we live or not.
HIV/AIDS is the third cause of death in this country, yet do we hear about everyday? We also know that the effects of HIV/AIDS in the Black and Latino Community is higher than in some third world counties.

The word is out. It's the Health Insurance Lobbyist who are trying to derail the Health Care Reform. I wouldn't put it past them to be organizing the opposition groups at the Town Hall Meetings. At least we do know who they are and what they are doing. They are spreading fear and lies about the Health Care Reform. I'm hopeful that Congress will act in favor of the constituency that voted for them. I'm also hopeful that people will read and see thru the tactics of the Health Insurance Companies. People need to support this reform; it's for the good of the nation as a whole. Slavery, women's right to vote, banking reform, desegregation, environmental regulation, occupational safety & health, all faced challenges and stiff opposition from the "conservatives du-jour", but they were intituted and made our society better. Let's not fall prey to the big lie and fear mongering. That would be a tragedy and a travesty in the land of the freedom of speech. A freedom whose ultimate goal is the truth; and the truth will set you free!!

The word is out. It's the Health Insurance Lobbyist who are trying to derail the Health Care Reform. I wouldn't put it past them to be organizing the opposition groups at the Town Hall Meetings. At least we do know who they are and what they are doing. They are spreading fear and lies about the Health Care Reform. I'm hopeful that Congress will act in favor of the constituency that voted for them. I'm also hopeful that people will read and see thru the tactics of the Health Insurance Companies. People need to support this reform; it's for the good of the nation as a whole. Slavery, women's right to vote, banking reform, desegregation, environmental regulation, occupational safety & health, all faced challenges and stiff opposition from the "conservatives du-jour", but they were instituted and made our society better. Let's not fall prey to the big lie and fear mongering. That would be a tragedy and a travesty in the land of the freedom of speech. A freedom whose ultimate goal is the truth; and the truth will set you free!!

Blue dogs need to step up,live up to what you swore to do, Serve the people.
A man who does the right thing sleeps well at night, big money lobbies who give you money to sway your votes is whats WRONG with this country. Are there any honest men left???.

Tony in Largo: Thanks for saving me all this typing.

If the Government can name 5 things, that they now run and control, which is "PROFITABLE" then I will consider voting for the Health Care Package.

Yes, CNN, please poll those of us without health care. Those of us who have worked all of their lives, and made great money at it, are in an extreme state of loss. We used to have everyTHING that we ever wanted. Now we cannot pay the mortgage or the doctor! The person who lives next door to me is used to making money in the high six figures. Now he is without health insurance and is feeling the effects. He has a very serious thyroid problem. He cannot afford the doctor and is barely paying for his medication. He is not eligible for medicaid, so what is he to do? Is he supposed to die? Would those people who are against health care reform want him to die because he cannot pay for his medical treatment? It certainly seems that way to me.

Government health care doesn't work? Guess what? It does. I am enrolled in three, count 'em three government run health care programs. As a retired civil servant I have pay for and have access to the same health care benefits as all federal employees (includes congress!). As a senior citizen I have medicare part A. As a disabled vet I have VA health care as well. These programs work very nicely... and oh yes, I have advance medical directives for my family to use as needed. So what's all the fuss about? Lots of nut cases out there... maybe not so nutty, but being paid to make noise? Its the American way; perhaps the republicans' answer to TARP? Create jobs! Boost the economy by hiring crazies to shout? Can't wait for the first noise maker stroke or heart attack. Wonder what medical program will pay for their care.

Hey Rick,

Way to play into the guys plan. Give him all the publicity he was seeking. Not sure what is to be learned from a psyco.

When is my comment for the last few days going to make your show? Lets not talk about health-care as a done deal. Lets talk about it from a constitutional standpoint. Article 1 section 8 of the constitution lays out what congress has the power to do, healthcare isn't enumerated, and the 10th amendment bars congress from doing anything they haven't been told in the constitution that they could. Everything else is reserved for the states or the people. Additionally, the constitution in Article 6, 3rd paragraph demands that Senators and representatives take an Oath or Affirmatrion to uphold the Constitution not usurp it.

Rick, yes the woman dragging her son out of a store with what appeared to be a leash is outragious, abusive, etc.

its interesting that my now former wife gave our youngest daughter a concussion, verified by me an EMT-IV. the sad part??? not one authority did anything about it and the judge ignored it. my daughter is still in her mother's custody.

que mas puedo hacer????

Re: Russian subs.
As long as they were so close, they should have been invited to come ashore and spend some money. We need the business and after a quick call to a bank to get rate of exch.,
The locals would have gladly accepted Russian money.
Don in Mesa

Hi, Rick: next time your kids are a little pain in the.....
Just call them PITA !!!!

P.S. Glad you are there and not Blitzer – your voice is so much more
professional, yet not WHINING!!!!
Hope he takes a much deserved LONG vacation.

Hey Rick- Please check into this. I just heard that on page 59 of the healthcare bill (which one I am not sure, but it is on defendyourhealthcare.com. ) They claim that on page 59, it gives the right to the government to acquire your bank account number, and automatically deduct costs for healthcare from your bank account, without approval from the account holder. Is this true? I would love to hear your response.

I would be for this Obama healthscare if it PROMISED that I would not LOSE my current private healthcare. If it PROMISED and GUARANTEED that ILLEGAL aliens are not covered by this care, and it doesn't emphasis on the limited care to our elderly population. CAN OBAMA KEEP THOSE PROMISES!?!?!?

I'll tell you this Rick and CNN, you have lost a long time viewer with your recent decision to not allow an ad to run on your network criticizing large insurance companies for their efforts to block the health care bill. I have seen several ads criticizing the bill and the Democrats that support it, but if you're going to reject a counter ad and deny the other side from advertising their point of view, then I will just turn the channel. Good luck!

Mike T.

Governmental institutions can't be "profitable" by Law. However, we do all depend on and benefit from the actions of the FDA, the CDC, OSHA, EPA (which contrary to popular belief actually generates many, many private sector jobs), the FAA, the FCC, the Fed Dep Ins Corp, the Small Bus Adm, Housing & Urb Dev, the Army Corps of Engineers, USDA, USDOT, the Interstate Commerce Comm, the Nuclear Reg Agency, Health & Hum Servcs, NASA, the US Dept of Ed, the FBI, the CIA, the DEA, ATF, Dept Of Energy, The ARMY, the Air Force, the Navy etc etc. We are the technologically advanced society that you grew-up in because these institutions exist. The alternatives would be to live in a lawless society. There are places like that in the world today. Somalia, Haiti, Palestine, North Korea, to name a few, are countries that don't have the complex organizations that make us special. Yes, government always needs oversight, anytime anyplace and anywhere, but because that's true doesn't mean that we shouldn't continue progressing as a society, and progress we will with Health Care Reform.

I hope someone on your panel mentions the root cause of our healthcare systems problem, because nobody seems to be discussing it much. The root cause is ...... GREED !

We've turned the sicknesses of our fellow citizens into big business in this country, and we should be ashamed of ourselves for it !

Europe & Canada run their systems the way it should be done, and it works fine for them. We must appear to be money loving bastards to the rest of the world. We put profits ahead of the health of our countrymen.

Why do they say health care is BROKEN? That implies that it used to work fine but now it has broken. When in history has health care been better? Is there a time in the past century when more people have received health care than do now? I would like to know the percentage of people who had health care insurance say 20 years ago vs. now. I know for sure that more people get more complicated, expensive and effective health care now than have ever in history. For instance: Would you rather have breast cancer (heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure, lymphoma etc....) now or 20 years ago ???

Rick, Ive been on a work related injory for over 17 yrs, here in TX, the medical care is broken, because the company who pays the Dr. to do the procedures makes me wait allready a year between procedures. So, my ? is what effect will it have on all of the people who have work related injorys?

Hello Rick,

I am from Europe where the healthcare system is not perfect but provides care to all citizens. I believe it is the governments role to provide health services, security and education in return for taxes and hard work. I also believe that the pharmaceutical and insurance companies are using their lobbyists to rally the middle US states to create havoc and cause the Presidents initiative to fail. It is all about the billions of dollars that these companies are afraid of losing. they are overcharging and do not want any type of accountability. America should wake up and understand that this is not socialism but a key role of the government as much as it is our key role to work hard, raise children and defend the country when needed. WAKE UP AMERICA and do not trust special interest groups.

The U.S. needs to do something! I had major surgery in May and had 3 cancer tumors removed weighing 25 lbs. My cost for 10 days hospital stay, 4 cancer surgeons, meedications, etc. was $410! I have no insurance. How did I do this? I am a U.S. citizen living in PANAMA.

When I had this same surgery and had insurance in the states my bill was $500k. If my husband and I were in the states and no insurance we would have lost our home and everything. Why can a 3rd world country take better care of my healthcare then the U.S.?

EVERYBODY KNOWS ABOUT HEALTHCARE, 100 BILLION,775 BILLIONN 1 TRILLION DEFICITE BUT NO BODY KNOWS HOW MUCH PREMIUM FOR FAMILY, WHAT IS COVERED,I CAN KEEP MY DOCTOR BUT I DONOT PREMIUM FOR THAT.THERE IS THOUSAND QUESTIONS WITHOUT ANSWERS.PEOPLE DO NOT WANT BILLION AND TRILLIONS

Rick, socialized medicine goes against everything that America stands for. We're big kids. We can figure it out on our own. Let the free market handle it. It's the lazy people that want free healthcare. So, I'd rather spend tax dollars buying those people a plane ticket to Sweden. See ya suckers!

Rick, I can not beleive how stupid these rebel rousers are at some of the health meetings. They are being used by BIG HEALTH and BIG PHARMA, and Republicans. Lets call it what it is! Bull shit! We need change and find a way to get out from under the greedy bastards. James NC

I cannot believe the incredible horror stories about our Canadian health care!! My husband has gone through a heart attack, Prostate Cancer, Colon Cancer, radiation, chemotherapy and various surgeries in the last 5 years! He received quick and fabulous care and it never cost us a cent. Yes, in some cases there are wait times for a specialist but our health care takes ALL CANADIANS... not just the ones that can pay. If this means I have to wait to see a Dermatologist , then so be it. We have lots of types of clinics, open to us and the emphasis is on prevention and trying to use the Emergency Wards in the hospital for more serious cases. We do not have families using all their savings because of a serious illness. This system works well ..... a lesson in socialized medicine!

Rick,

As an uninsured American I would challenge these people including Rick Scott to walk a mile in my shoe. His only motive is all about making money and continuing to do so at the expense of America's uninsured and under-insured. These money hungry, profiteering health insurance companies and their executives dont give a hoot about us uninsured...its all about continuing to live high off the hog...unchallenged and unregulated...

SOME PEOPLE THINK UP TO JAN 2009 WHATEVER HAPPEND IS WRONG.TAX SYSTEM,HEALTH CARE,AUTO INDUSTRY, BANK INDUSTRY. NOW THEY WANT CHANGE EVERYTHING. BUT THERE ARE SURE ABOUT THEIR NEW SYSTEMS GOOD AFTER 50 YEARS.SOME OTHER GROUP WILL BE THERE AND TELLING US ALL SYSTEMS ARE WRONG.WE HAVE TO CHANGE EVERYTHING.WHAT IS MEANING OF THAT? TIME

hahaha... good job on exposing this guy that you are talking to right now. what a fraud. the ******** guy.

Rick, I love you for interviewing Scott and talking about how his company has scammed Medicare/Medicaid via upcoding. I knew about this for months and have wondering why no one has called him out for this. He's making money off the system being broken.

How can Rick Scott tell his lies with a straight face? The cost of health care is NOT what physicians, hospitals etc charge, but what the INSURANCE companies charge for health insurance. As a 4 year breast cancer survivor I have 4 years of bills from my physician, surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, hospital and labs to document that during that time, none of the charges increased, and neither did the payments from United Health Care to them increase – what did increase was my monthly premium, almost 400%!!! And, by the way, of course Mr. Scott would suspect everyone else of fraud and waste in the health care business, he knows what he did to Columbia Health Systems and HCA.

I am very disappointed that the you and CNN are presenting a biased reporting on this issue. You act as though people do not have a right to be nervous or speak up on this issue and that it's OK for the WH to try to stamp out people who are concerned about the long term impacts of a bill that is being rushed through the congress. Then you wonder why the media gets a D for reporting. REPORT BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY. HOW COME THE PRESS HAS NOT INTERVIEWED ONE PERSON AT THESE EVENTS? I AM A DEMOCRAT AND I DO NOT LIKE WHAT I AM SEEING IN THIS HEALTH CARE BILLS BEING PROPOSED! IS THAT ALLOWED.

Rick Scott is lying through his teeth.

Why doesn't anyone mention the fact that with privately run health care, the top executives must attempt to MAXIMIZE shareholder wealth or they will lose their jobs. How can insurance companies cover the claims they are supposed and still Maximize shareholder wealth? THEY CAN'T!! Health care has been broke for a long time.

a lot of people are lying through their teeth, people like sean o'hennessey, and that bleeping glen beck.

Why is he not in jail. I have noticed town hall protesters are white , why?Health care affects all americans ,not just white americans.

Rick I have family who are Canadian citizens, they got no more than "walk-in clinic care" on a timely basis while in Canada. Almost all of their medical care was done in hospital s, and clinics in the U.S. I see how the federal government is trying to move into the health care field. Sorry, but I can not trust the government to take care of me! I see no serious inclusion of law suit reform to cut insurance costs! I also see no clear information to confirm or deny that illegal aliens will be given health care under this policy change! This concerns me because no business can kepp in business if forced to give away it's services at a rate that leaves it with little or no profit! I know of more than 1 hospital that has closed it's E.R. rather than continue to lose money!

Rick,

I just watched the segment on health care with your guest Rick Scott. I didn't know anything about him except that he is supposedly an enemy to the White House as they have said. If the intent of the whole segment was to show what a bad guy he is, I don't think it was a success. His hospitals were fined for things that most hospitals were fined for. He may of been doing things wrong, and so was everyone else, but shouldn't we be focusing on the new health care system itself? I honestly have no idea what this new plan entails, and I hear that nobody else does either. I haven't heard any news station try and explain what it actually is. Wouldn't that be more profitable to the U.S.? All I know is that the conservatives say it will ruin the country, and the liberals say it will save the world. Let's try and focus on what is important here.

Where is the so called "Department of Justice" in all of this? Makes no diffrence if it is democrat, republican, independent, or whatever....nothing is gonna change. The rich get richer and us working stiffs are gonna have to pay the bill!

When a health insurance representative can tell a pharmicist that a doctor should not have prescribe 11 pills of erythromycin and that insurance will only cover 9, I think it's time to shake up the system. Yes this happened to me about a year ago and this is only one of the instances that has happened regarding prescription medication!!!!!

As a proud Canadian of our Health Care System I cannot understand what goes through peoples minds that discredit our system. One thing I haven't heard from anyone is to do a comparison of injuries (as and example) what it would cost in the US compared to in Canada. I know people in Florida who's son was almost killed in a car accident and the costs were astronomical. If an individual broke his leg in the US due to a car accident and a Canadian individual broke his leg in Canada (exact same injury) what would it cost in each Country for health care.
The answer in Canada is "ZERO", because this happened to me.

Mark

If you check most of the Tea Coalition sites you will see they are either funded or backed by republicans that plan on running in local elections.

Rick
Why is that I never hear from you or on CNN about how doctors are forced to practice "defensive medicine" to avoid law suits! About a year ago in Illinois more than 1 doctor got out of the OB-GYN business because it was so expensive to buy insurance it left him making less than 50 thousand dollars a year, after expenses!

If Mr. Scott thinks government health care is so bad and his is better,
how come he did not know what the heck was going on in his own system? He admitted it just now and was fined millions for it!
He's leading sheep to the slaughter!

Rick,
I wonder how many people had a choice as to what race they would be born in. I just will NEVER understand people who are prejdice, we are all God's children and who are we to judge someone? Live and let live....like the Bible says, love thy neighbor. Thanks for letting me have a say. I enjoy your program daily.

Ann
Minnesota

Just seeing Rick Scott. I think he is a little too flippunt.
I was in Europe last year and needed medical assistance. My hand had some stitches I had received in America which become infected. I was able to be seen and my infected area was cleaned and healed while I was in Europe. I was there about 2 weeks. The people could not have been nicer.
These rallies are embarassing because these people don't have the true facts. We can see our own physican and keep our own health provider, if we wish. .
We seem to be a selfish countr y. These people seem to say, we have health care, if you don't, that is your problem.
People don't seem to realize that we are paying for those who can not afford insurance now through taxes from the health care services. Our preminums are going higher because of people who do not have health care.
Some people with out insurance would love to be able to buy insurance but the cost is out of range why not give them a chance to buy insurance instead of keeping them down.

Hi Rick, ( An Invitation) Please read bleow
You are a standup guy who in my view trys to bring sense and balance to the news.I enjoy your program on CNN. Regarding the Health Care reform and the pursuant debates, in particular around the erroneous statements and mis-facts about the Canadian system. I am a born and bread Canadian who is 63 years of age and married for 41 years. We have a daughter who along with her husband live in Utah and have 4 children (our grandchildren). Our daughter met her terffic husband while attending College. Over the years we have seen the strain and struggle they have had as a family around the coverage and cost of health care. We have worried and shared tears with some of the decissions they have had to make with respect to care of their precious children (grandchildren.) It hurts!!! My wife and I extend an invitaiton for you and your family to come for a visit and be our guests in beautiful Alberta (next to the Rockies & famous Banff). You will have a great time, and Oh, while you are hear I & my wife will personally show you around our health system by visiting Dr's. Hospitals, Urgent Care, Lababoratories, Pharmacies and individuals both young, old, single and families so that you can have first hand knowledge. Our system is not perfect and needs improvements, but Rick, it is miles ahead of the USA (no one is turned away, no one becomes bankrupt due to cost of care & no child goes without medical attention or a visit to the Dr. becuase of cost. Sincerely, Don
Calgary Alberta, Canada

Have you read any of the House bill? Wake up people, this is not reform but govt. take over. These people at town hall meetings are real not hired mobs! For Obama to set up a tip line run by the White House is absurd...........STOP FREE SPEECH!!!!!!!! THE MEDIA IS NOT GIVING YOU THE TRUTH, READ THE BILL YOURSELF AND YOU WILL FIND OUT HOW MANY NEW PEOPLE WILL BE BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR, THE GOVT. WILL CONTROL YOUR LIFE.

Orchestration of Grass Roots Meetings?
You are kidding me right? I just got off the "Organizing for America" website that pretty much told me it wanted me to hold a meeting with my friends in my home to discuss health care reform. Everything I needed to know was on that site. What to do, what to say, how to feel! Talk about scripted! C'mon. CNN has proven itself a true ally to the President. I respect his position and his efforts but I don't respect the underhanded hypocrisy that your network has so often displayed by failing to examine and expose ALL sides of a story.

Rick,
You wasted the interview with Rick Scott by attacking him constantly on old news. I guess media liberals don't really want to debate healthcare do they.

D.A. Benson
Phoenix, AZ

Hey Rick,
Tell me something whats the difference between these Heath Care Issuance companies and the Financial Companies like AIG.

Not too long ago people were furious with these Financial institutions, and their Big Executive getting all these big bonuses, and practicably begging the government to step int to help regulate this to prevent this from happening in the future.
What do you think is happening in the heal care field right now. If the government doesn`t step in and do something, how can they say the same thing that happened with companies in the financial market won`t happen in the heal care field. The Ceo's of Companies like AIG getting big bonus will now be filled by the CEO of these health insurance companies including those such as your guest.

I don`t understand how people can get mad at companies and executives like AIG one minuet and defend heal insurance companies and their CEO's only a few months later. Other than the fact the heal companies are proving that their smarter than their Financial Counterparts and have learned a thing or too by watching them go through a similar thing, and are now using the media and advertisements to their favor.
In my Opinion their just the same animal in a different skin.
How Stupid are we, do we really have that short of memory to forget the lessors we learned only a few months ago. I suppose that what the heal insurance companies are counting on.

Rick,

I want to commend you on the questions you asked Rick Scott on your program today. I was a healthcare executive during the period that Columbia/HCA was purchasing and closing hospitals, and you were absolutely correct.

AAM

Jason August 6th, 2009 4:04 pm ET

Hey Rick,
Tell me something whats the difference between these Heath Care Issuance companies and the Financial Companies like AIG.

NOTHING. According to the U.S. Constitution explicitly bars both actions. If you'd like I can quote article and section or amendment that proves this point. Most people are just getting swept up in whatever their party ( which ever one it is)sys about healthcare. Just read the constitution and you'll see that the congress or any president do not have the power to do most of what they do.

Rick,

I am an American citizen living in Canada for 30+ years. I am getting a little tired of the descriptions being provided by those against healthcare reform in the States. I am living with a woman who has been in hospital twice in the last four months and suffers from no less that four chronic illnesses. In the last two months she has seen her rheumatologist, pulmonologist, nuerologist and a doctor of internal medicine. The longest she waited for an appointment was 2 weeks and in fact because her case is so complitcated it has been decided that her GP isn't quailified to handle it so her internal medicine specialist has been chosen to manage her case which she now sees on a monthly basis. Because she is over 65 she pays nothing for any of the above and has prescription coverage with an annual deductable of $200. She also is free to ask for a second opinion from any other specialist and may choose which she prefers.

Now compare that with my parents who live in North Carolina with my father working for the Dept. of Homeland Security. My mother has a 2 month wait to get into see a GP because none in her area are taking new patients. My dad who is a diabetic just went to get his insulin and it cost him $386.

Sure the Canadian system has it's problems but so does the US system. Yes we pay higher taxes but when you combine your taxes with what you pay for private healthcare I've got a feeling the playing field is a whole lot closer to level.

For the record because I'm not 65 yet I pay a whopping $27 a month for my medical.

Rick,
After watching Rick Scott and wanting to understand what he and his band of over entitled seniors and easily persuaded flock, I can only see a huskter that swears he has the best in mind for you.....
I mean look what he's done for the industry and himself....I believe fraud was mentioned.... As to his Flock, sit down I want to hear both sides, not the side that got it wrong all these years.

I decided to tune in to your show this afternoon and was very quickly reminded why I stopped watching CNN news last year. I am a registered Democrat and I am appalled that you are helping to perpetuate the myth by the Democratic National Committee that the Republican Party is responsible for some "mob" attacks on US Congressmen. As a registered Democrat, I am opposed to Obama's present plan for health care. Does that make me anti-American? On the contrary, I am opposed because I love this country and hate what Obama is trying to do by having government totally control yet another aspect of our lives.

Magdy Salama and Anne McLean, thank you for sharing your experiences about your Health Care. I can only hope that Rick and Roxanne understood it. It takes intellectual honesty and a willingness to grow using other people's experiences in life to do that.

And so Roxanne, if I see you by the side of the road in need of help, would you like me to stop and provide you assistance, or would you prefer that I not stop at all to lend you a hand?

Hey Rick,
Haven't heard from you, what's up? Kidding Rick.
Wow!! Those town hall meetings, what the heck is that all about? People going bonkers? I wonder if it is the wealthy spouting off or those who don't have health care insurance? hmmmmm!!! No insurance you are doomed in the USA. Poor health insurance and need major care you are broke for life. What gives?

Love to hear from you regarding my e-mail of yesterday. If you can't come for a visit, I would love to have a discussion with you so you can get the real scoop on the Canadian system.

Take care Rick and keep up the great reporting youngman.
DJB from Calgary Alberta, Canada

As someone who lives in Canada and previously lived in the US I am somewhat qualifed to compared the two systems.

I would be willing to pay a substantial premium to have the U.S. health care systerm. Also, I do not know anyone in Canada who prefers our system. It is a disaster for many people.

I feel bad for the U.S. if they copy our plan.

Sad we as Americans don't care about people without health care, we are evil, cruel and mean people, we need help.

Rick,
From what I see on tv, it is a disgrace to be a republican,therefore my family and I are now staunch Democrats.Go Prez OBAMA you are gaining the decent republicans unto your side.

I am a Canadian and as you are aware we have universal health care for every one. Our system its not perfect, but I don,t know anyone thats been refused health care. You may have to wait for a specialist due to the fact ,that they flock to USA where they can make Big Bucks. But they are slowly coming back to Canada to practice. In my view the trouble with the US system its Big Bucks and Big Business. Health care on the stock exchange. Big Business is now getting the little guy all worked up. Because it might effect their bottom line.

For me it is not about Democrat or Republican. It is about finally making them abide by their Constitutional oath or affirmation to support the constitution. The Constitution gives them certain powers and bars them from anything else. Whether it is car, insurance, financial company bailouts or Healthcare or most of what they( Congress) do regardless of who is in power is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. I don't want them to "read the bill", I want them to actually read the Constitution. Then once they see their limited powers, they have to vote healthcare and a lot more down. I know I sound like Robert Byrd or Ron Paul but that is because they're right.

I am a senior using medicare. A public option. I am very happy with it. No civil servant has ever come between my doctor and me.

Why this paranoid about trustung civil servants?

I'd rather trust them than corporate execs who freeze wages while taking large bonuses. Execs who drive the economy into the ground and then hold the tax payer hostage. I could go on ...

If the govt. needs improvement, lets work on that. The civil servants are professionals and deserve our support and encouragement.

can we give each individual state the choice on whether to participare in a federally sponsored government option or start up funds for state run medical health co-opts.

I like rick Sanchez program, so when he is there I just don"t watch it

Rick:
A few weeks ago, my elderly sister was very sick with terrible cough and mucous. Fearing that she might have a neumonia, I took her to an emergency room in San Jose hospital. As expected, we waited for one hour before seeing a triage nurse. Then, waited another hour before seeing a doctor. He ordered an X-ray, two frontal chest views. Came back to an exam room. She received an IV solution because of dehydration. They added some small bottle (less than one ounce) to the IV to make her feel better. The total time we spent in the hospital was about 3 hours including waiting. Two weeks later she received a medical bill. It was $7150. The Medicare and her Insurance paid the most. Her share was $189.00. Now who paid $6900? You and I, the tax payers. Somethiing is dreadfully wrong. Why the hospital and doctors charge sooo much? We NEED this health care reform!

ok im 17 years old and dont really understand the whole health care plan but what i do know is that since americans are so greedy we will never be a stable country and its all raining down on the taxpayers. if congres dosnt stop thinkin wiht there wallet the people of the country arrent going to have any more money to support there plans.

Rick i just do not get all this about the pain killers i was just wacthing your intreview with the guy that got 3 months of pain killers ,
first JUST say no, i had a bad tooth with lots of pain my dentist wanted to give me 30 oxcy i told him no i would not use them all make it 10 and he did , well 4 months later i had the same problem he wanted to give me more pain pills i told him no , i still had some from the last batch , people need to learn that there are other ways to deal with pain i do it on a daily bases i have back and knee and shoulder pain every day this all from the work i have done , i am 48 years old and have had one thumb cut off in anccedent at work and the other at home , did not take anything more than tyneol 3 for both once i left the hospital , so people just have to say no as for your guest did he really bhave pain for 3 months come on stop blaming the companys and peoipel just need to take responsbility for there own actions

As for the health care issiue you do not want what canada has i am canada and i now live in the US, here are two stories , !- i git hit by a log at work and hurt both knees , ha dto wait 4 moths for the speicalist then 4 moths for the surgery after which i went to work in 3 weeks , CANADA , 2- i had a freind drop dead from a heart attck , we lived the same life style so i was worried about my heart went to a doctor and in 7 days had the test all was good and set my mind at ease US
the health care in canada suks and thecost is soring , the problem ois peopel using the emergancy rooms as there doctors office , i pay about 10 times more in the US but will gladly pay it as long as i get this type of care , for the unisured we have to slove this and if we ask all the big companies who make billions from us , to help lower costs , no one person will slove this everyoneMUST help

Robin Peterson August 10th, 2009 1:33 pm ET

can we give each individual state the choice on whether to participare in a federally sponsored government option or start up funds for state run medical health co-opts.

Actually according to the constitution, the question isn't give the state a choice but give the Feds a choice tyo participate in the states plan. The 10 th ammendment says thats the way it works. Article 6 says that Congress must take an Oath or Affirmation to Support the Constitution. Article 1 section 8 lays out the Congress powers and section 9 bars them explicitly from other things. Had Congress read the Constitution they must uphold, then This debate would disappear. Lots of what Congress does is UNCONSTITUTIONAL including Health- Care.

acob Powers August 10th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

ok im 17 years old and dont really understand the whole health care plan but what i do know is that since americans are so greedy we will never be a stable country and its all raining down on the taxpayers. if congres dosnt stop thinkin wiht there wallet the people of the country arrent going to have any more money to support there plans.

As a teacher I will not correct your grammar it being Summer and All, but this is one of the most insightful post I"ve ever seen on this Blog.

Hello Rick,

RE: Government vs. Private Insurance – A Must Read

I have been on disability leave from a large employer since 1985. My disability is from chronic pain and limitations resulting from congenital spinal defects, degenerative disk disease, spinal injuries and spondylosis (osteo arthritis of the spine). Prior to going on disability leave from my employer, I had three spinal surgeries. Since I have been on leave, I have had an additional twelve spinal surgeries. Every surgery was necessary and every surgery since I went on leave has helped with pain. All my surgeries since 1998 were done by the same orthopedic spinal surgeon.

One year after I went on long term disability leave, my employer made it mandatory I file for Social Security Disability benefits and Medicare to reduce my employer's medical and salary costs. I was awarded both benefits, and as a result, Medicare coverage became my primary coverage. Nearly twenty-five years later, looking back, Medicare has always paid for my medical bills and they have never denied coverage for my necessary spinal surgeries. Then, in 2007, I married and was added to my husband's medical coverage resulting in Medicare becoming my secondary medical insurance.

On August 3, 2009, I was scheduled for spinal surgery again but was denied nine of eleven procedural codes my surgeon's office submitted to Blue Cross for pre-approval. I was told by my surgeon's office they put my surgery on hold until I get my insurance to accept my surgeon's surgical plan. But, things are not going in my favor. Time will reveal what I need to do next. The surgical plan is to correct damage from an injury at T10 to L2. My surgeon's plan is to rebuild my spine, adding a cage and spacers at T12 where my spine collapsed, and two support rods to stabilize my spine. Prior to my injury, I was on minimal pain medication. Since the injury, my pain management doctor had to increase my morphine dosage (not PRN, a time release formula) to 30 mg. three times per day to reduce my pain by 10% – 30%.

From information I read on the Internet, Blue Cross is no longer paying for spinal fusions for degenerative disk disease (DDD). In most cases, the only treatment for DDD is a spinal fusion. When fusions are done correctly they can greatly reduce pain and they do help improve a person's quality of life. Additionally, advanced DDD can be so acutely painful, the disease can cause so much pain when the patient attempts to walk, sit, stand, or do any other activity necessary in life. To deny spinal fusions for DDD sufferers when they have exhausted all other forms of conventional treatment is absolutely a calamity.

The reason I am telling you my story is because American's need to know that just because they have medical insurance through their employers, that does not guarantee their insurance will pay for surgery or any other treatment plan their doctors prove as necessary. Without exception, my government medical insurance plan, Medicare, has never denied me benefits for any of my necessary surgeries.

I hope you will share my story to open Amerca's eyes to insurance companies coverage denials going rampant. For this reason, I believe non-profit coverage is the best for all American's.
Thank you in advance for sharing and listening to insurance nightmare.

Sincerely,
Valerie

Rick, thanks for this opportunity to make a statement about some of the current problems facing our country today. There needs to be more
transparency in the government and they need to stop trying to slip bills
in under the radar. If they think they can' t get it passed if the general
population knows about it and does not approve of it, then that means
they are disregarding there constituents wishes. If they are not going
to do the job they were sent to Congress to do, they need to be replaced by the next vote. These screaming matches that are going on at the town meetings are not going to get anything done. If people would let
the speaker give his message and then, in an orderly manner, people
can make statements about there thoughts on the subject at hand.
Everyone has a voice in this very important issue that needs to be addressed. The decisions we make now will either help us in the future or plague us. May common sense prevail.

I find it fascinating that the videos of people screaming down the health care discussion at town hall meeting are, for the most part, angry white people....really angry white people. They seem to want to have this critical dialogue be stifled for a set of reasons that escape me. On Bill Maher's program last Friday night, he had 2 Republican congressmen explaining an opposing position on this issue that was very thought-provoking. But with the 'Angry White People' screaming at town hall meetings, it diminishes their position and, more importantly, distract us from a critical debate that needs to occur.

I'm a Canadian under the "Universal Health Care" system. I would like to let Americans know that we in Canada do not have universal Health Care, alot of us in the province of Ontario have to pay for eye care, paramedical treatment (massage, chiropractor), prescription drugs, and dental, and many of us can't afford supplemental health coverage.

Exactly how many Americans must be in desperate need of (or die due to the lack of) basic healthcare before these selfish people start behaving like human beings? 47 million? 100 million? What's the magic number? Perhaps if it were just one of their loved ones, like my sister with MS or my 30 year old son who lost his job? An abscessed tooth can kill someone as easily as any untreated infection. My sister was rate hiked out of her insurance when she became ill, now she has a pre-existing condition which makes it even more difficult and more expensive to have health care coverage.
What is most disgusting is the majority of the 'minority' against fixing our broken system refer to themselves as 'Christians'. I would challenge them to show one passage in which Jesus ever said "why should I help my neighbor"?
Enough already, we know the tree by the fruit it bears. This is America, you have the right to be as selfish and greedy as you like. Just remember, your rights leave off where someone else's begins.

What exactly about government health care is everybody afraid of? I live in Alberta, Canada, I have never known anything but Government Health Care. I am now 27 and I have 1 child. In 2002 I gave birth to a daughter via c-section. Do you want to know how much that cost me? Nothing absolutely nothing. My family of 3 have been in and out of the doctors for everything from colds to cancer and never had to pay a dime. Actually I lie a bit, up until January 2009 we had to pay $88 dollars a month. Now we pay nothing. I'm guessing that majority of people that don't like the idea of Health Care Reform are the people with money. The middle class, upper middle class, and the rich! What about all the people that can't aford to pay crazy amounts of money for health care? Would you have them die of diseases and illnesses that are easily treatable?

I need an answer as to why it is SO BAD. I don't want to hear "because you won't be able to choose your own doctor" or " you have to wait months for specialists" or my favorite one " you do not want your government to dictate any part of your lives". Give me some real reasons!!!

Dont talk to me about health care reform when you havent created the jobs you offered to create Mr. President. When I have a job to provide for my family and your administration educates me as a citizen and consumer, then I will consider your reform.

Why does congress need to make health care reform so complicated (1000+ pages). People want four things to helath care reform:

1. Health Care Insurance companies should be non-profit. Senior Management salaries set by Congress based on number of participants.
2. Pharmaceutical companies continue to charge Americans outrageous amounts for medicine that these same companies produce and sell overseas for much less. Quit putting the burden of pharmaceutical research and development on Americans alone.
3. No one can be terminated for pre-existing condition; and
4. Plain and Simple - we want the same coverage that Congress gets for the same price Congress members pay.

to Bill Stacy
How do you possibly think companys could be no profit . never going to happen , health care would crumble , the best way to reform this is for the goverment to regulate the profit for drug companies , doctors hospitals etc.but yet give research money to these companies that compliy , keep the cost to the consumer down , get rid of the bad law suits , this country is sue happy , it is a shame that there is this much greed in this counrty.
just look at wall street and all the crooks that come out of there ,lower the cost to the comsumer is the only way this will work but we must spread the cost amoung everyone , a simple fair tax to all products sold in the us will pay for this , there is no one thing to fix here it is everything , do not get me wromg everyone needs to make a profit but at who's expense mine yours , the elderly , the poor ,

A fair tax in this counrty would slove a lot of problems , look at all the waste at the irs , fair tax =simple , one tax and a whole lot less paper work , eevryone from the richest people to the poorest would be paying for everyone , so it does not come down on just the rich or middle class ,is it there fault that they worked there ass off the get what they have no , do not give me the poor have less chances , too many people have used that excuse for too long , work hard and things happen ,
i have no high school dipolma or ged but yet through hard work i am now the operation manager for the company i work for , it was me who made the chioses in the life and believe you me , i did not have an easy road .My point is i made things happen i did not wait for them
to come to me .

Fair tax , stop the fraund , the greed, and the coproarte coruption, start at the elected officals and work or way down max penalty for all and everyone stop the waste . Problem solved

to nicloe D
yes alberta health care is great best province in canada , but check the rest , you have oil and always had great health care , amonug other goverment benifits , but check BC, or the rest of the country , if your dieing great you get the help right away , but say a knee or hip or bladder surgery well guess what your waiting and a long time ,, unless your a well conected sports figure , why does my knee surgey take 8 months but a hockey player say 3 days , give me a break and look over the rockies once in a while ,

To Noel Philippon –
Not impossible at all. Will health insurance companies need a profit and reserve - of course. The question is "What do you do with the profit made such that the company maintains non-profit status?" The answer is instead of the money going into the pockets of the company big boys and shareholders; the profits go into a "reserve account" set up for each subscriber to health care. The reserves needed by a company are established by the government; which also establishes that insurance companies must offer 2-3 covereage plan established by the goverment - they can offer other plans as well. Yearly profits go into the subscriber accounts. If the maximum balance for any one subscriber account exceeds the maximum established by the government, the excess is returned to the subscriber as a refund for that year. In lean years where there is a loss, the company can draw on subscriber accounts to cover losses. If a subscriber moves to another insurance company; the subscriber account transfers with them.

Bottom line is health insurance companies are just a middleman between subscribers and their doctors. Why should they make a profit at our expense? As long as you have middlemen trying to make a profit, that middleman is going to do everything in it power to minimize your health care and maximize their profits. Many european countries have non-profit health insurance companies.

Speaking of taxes - this whole concept of no tax deduction for health care expenses less than 7% of AGI hurts no one except the lower and middle classes of this country. Once more, the rich influence who pays the taxes in this country.

Again to Noel Philippon –
Just to clarify the "reserve accounts" referenced above, profits are distributed equally among the "reserve accounts" during profitable years, and taken equally across the "reserver accounts" in loss years. As insurance companies seldom have a "loss year", the reserves should grow quickly. The caps on reserve accounts would no doubt grow each year with "reasonable" cost increases over time, but within 15 or 20 years, I would expect to see accounts cap out and some refund going back to the subscribers - might only be 5 or 10%, but that's better than nothing.

Secretary Clinton did not say a bad things in Nigeria. She was analizing the situation of Nigeria and the corrupt international aid system.

What she said about the elections are correct.

Kiza August 12th, 2009 4:06 pm ET

Secretary Clinton did not say a bad things in Nigeria. She was analizing the situation of Nigeria and the corrupt international aid system.

What she said about the elections are correct.

How is this related to Health- Care, the topic of this blog. Please read the title and FOCUS please. Don't babble on and on about unrelated topics. I think the Hillary Comment blog is somewhere else on CNN.

Hey, Rick and CNN staff ...
Great Job!!! ...love your work ... you guys are really 'on it' ... Thnk U...
Is there any way you could get your 'truth squad' to answer the 1027 type adverts/commercials in-between your news right after they air ... doesn't matter the subject ... 'cause there's just so much bulldinky being shovelled around ... especially with healthcare issues... just get the schedule of these commercials ahead of time internally...
Got any studio tech jobs avail in NY?
Thank you & ATB
G )

Rick I would like to know why we are hearing about people against health care reform and not hearing from people like me who are needing this and who are for this reform? Am I not important to my president?

I just want to say that you guys do the greatest job supplying the public citizens with news and information. I think that we should think of something different to do with our health care system. Because my parents say its wrong. It is wrong. It's not what we need at all... not a good idea.

Rick – ASK HER TO PRODUCE HER CELL PHONE CALL RECORD TO PROVE THAT SHE WAS CALLING TO GET ANSWERS TO THE PERSON's QUESTION – YOU CAN PROVE HER TO BE A LIAR

Rick, I am glad you finally let it go...regarding the congresswoman talking on the phone during the Townhall meeting. You were on the attack ...more than was necessary...if she were telling the truth (I don't know I was not there) regarding the phonecall that she was getting information regarding the question at hand...she had the right to be on the phone!!!

Hi Rick,

Just HAD to write to say thanks for that interview with congresswoman Lee. She gave the EXACT answer that I thought that she would. I was rolling on the floor by the time she was done. And people wonder if our polititions are doing their jobs.
Thanks again, best laugh I've had in a long time.

Rick,
Love your show, it's too short – they need to give you more time.

Today's show 8/13/09 – RE: Sheila Jackson Lee:
Please watch this segment of the show yourself. The look on your face was absolutely priceless. It told the entire story. I must say...I wholeheartedly agreed.

You are marvelous!!

RE: healthcare...

People need to be careful what they vote for...In listening to Pres. Obama's town hall meeting a day ago, he talked about end of life discussions. Does the citizenry that will be using this healthcare system understand exactly what that means?

If not, look to Oregon's healthcare system. It will show you in action. That is to say, it means the elderly who don't have that many years left, and are not producing anything in society (if they are not working), and if they have and expensive illness i.e., Cancer or another catastrophic illness, become too expensive to take care of...the government will not pay for the cancer treatments but will pay for a euthanasia pill which is cheaper. As Mr. Obama says, the elderly then have a choice. As in Oregon, it is explained to them that they don't want to be a burden to anyone, i.e., their family or the State, so it is better to just end it now. Cancer treatment is too expensive for them, i.e., euthanasia.

Young people seem to think Euthanasia is humane. Old people don't think so. When it's your turn....You won't think so either. Believe me, no one wants to die.

People – remember this – first it is the unborn. Then it is the elderly who are sick. Then it is the chronically ill of any age group. Then it is people who don't agree with the Government. THEN IT IS YOU. This is how your FREEDOM is TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU.
When the Government decides who lives and who dies, there is no such thing as FREEDOM. The people live in fear of the government.

When an Insurance company makes that decision...Your friends and neighbors will help you and maybe even the government, Or, you can go in debt, use credit cards and sell your house. But, when it's the Government...you cannot do anything – your screwed. They make it illegal for you to even go to a private pay doctor.

Please all of you BEWARE. Become "critical thinkers".

If this program was so wonderful all your politicians would want to be on it.

Must be a slow news day. Story about taking a call at a town hall meeting on health care is a non story.
Congresswoman could have said: "Excuse me, I need to take this call". It may have been a family emergency. Otherwise it is rude.

Rick's behavior during Congresswoman Lee interview was unprofessional and disrespectful. She did answer his questions he did not get the sound bite answer he wanted. So he continued by harass her. Shame on you. Does CNN have standards anymore or is it tabloid news?

Dear Mr. Sanchez:
I would like to applaud you the way you handled the lady congresswoman today who was rude and got herself involved with cell phone to ignore the question. Actually if you have noticed the doctor was white whom congressman Mr. Scott was rude to him and again this time it was a white lady who was asking a question from this congresswoman. It is all about race again, It is a retaliation of white policeman and black professor.

Trust me if the congressman or woman were white and questions came from black person . You would never hear the end o it.

It is pure race issue with congresswoman Lee and congressman Scott. Both questions came from white people. If they were black with white lawmakers, then would have another beer at the white house. Can't for re-election, these law makers are going to get hosed.

Great Job Mr. Sanchez:

Your program is short but percise and it covers whatever it is necessary.

This town hall meetings with Ms. Lee and Mr. Scott being rude to white people is just pure retaliation to white policeman and black professor.

Trust me they would not have ignored if they were black. What if the law makers were white and black persons asking quesions. You never never hear the end of it and anothe beer summit a white house.

Forgive me...But it is my munderstanding that the Federal government's mandate from the Constitution of the United States was to SECURE THE BORDERS. The Constitution dosen't say a word about healthcare. I believe it states anything not given to the Federal government by the Constitution was to be relegated to the State. So why exactly does Pres. Obama think it's his moral obligation to force Healthcare down our throats?

He sould be reulating Insurance companies and make them honest.
Not creating more BIG GOVERNMENT.

TO:

End of Life reminds me of Soylent Green which came out in 1973.

Why are none of my comments on any of your blogs? I won't waste my time submitting comments that never get posted.

Hey Rick, What can average citizens do to make sure that President Obama's health care reform gets passed? We should have adequate health care as all other western countries have and we can't let the right wing back us down. I am very concerned that because some on the other side of this are fighting it every step of the way, it may not go through with the public option that the president is in favor of. If we went to the lengths the "tea partiers" did, only with more focus on the issues and without any mean spirited rhetoric we witnessed from some at tea party. I enjoy your show. Thanks, Melinda Jones
(806)729-1665, I have other ideas for your show. I'm on twitter.

Rick,

I thought that consumers should be aware of how poorly our healthcare system is treating "us".
While on vacation in Mexico in August of 2008 I was raped. To say the least, my experience was horrific. I still can't get it out of my head.

When I came back to the United States I sought treatment immediately, because in Mexico they didn't have anyone available to do a "Safe Exam", as they do here. Days following I scheduled a visit with my Family Physician who recommended that I seek therapy from a mental health professional. Knowing that I needed the help, I sought treatment, as anyone would do.

I work for The Tribune Co. and they were amazingly supportive throughout this difficult time and to this day they are very supportive in my efforts to get well.

I received short term disability for 26 weeks and was told I could apply for LTD with our provider, UnitedHealth Group, which happens to be my medical insurance provider, as well. Well, they DENIED my claim for benefits due to the fact that I fall under what they call "PRE-X". Because I received treatment from both my family physician and Mercy Hospital who performed the "Safe Exam", that was considered "TREATMENT" under UnitedHealth Groups Policy.

I made a call last week in hopes of reaching the Co.'s C.E.O, Stephen Helmsley, but I wasn't able to speak to him. I was, however, able to talk to someone who works directly under Mr. Helmsley. Mrs. Hernandez was very helpful and told me that she would further investigate my claim. She began to do so the following day.

My Case representative who had been working above and beyond her "call of duty" did everything she could to have upper management look over my claim again and again. Each time she tried, her management told her "The longer you keep trying to hold on to this claim, the longer Natalie has to wait to get her DENIAL letter, so she can APPEAL it."

She told them it was "PAYABLE" and that I should receive LTD. They continued to road-block her. She was officially pulled from handling my claim last week after all of her efforts to do the right thing by a claimant.

Only NOW is UnitedHealth Group willing to look at my claim again, due to the fact that I made one phone call to the C.E.O's office. Sadly, my Case Rep. had to suffer the consequences for doing the "RIGHT THING."

What has this Country come to? Why do we have to suffer at the hands of INSURANCE COMPANIES? Dealing with what happened to me in Mexico was traumatic enough, must I now suffer under the hands of my own INSURANCE COMPANY???????

Sincerely,

Natalie Worrell