Give Solutions

By Thomas
Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 5:12 AM CDT

I have been watching the coverage of the town hall meetings and listening to and reading all the things the detractors have to say about "Obamacare" healthcare reform initiatives. What I have not heard is any viable solutions coming from those who oppose. This is the United States so citizens have the right to express themselves if they don't agree with the government. My take is that if you are going to argue against reform then at least have something workable in place for the thousands of citizens who can't either afford healthcare or who are paying too much for too little care. Also, represent the facts as they are. Where in the world did the idea of "Death Panels" come from? I never heard the President mention anything even close to something like that. For a guy who lost his grandmother in the fashion that he did, I can't see why he would. But I guess if you only matriculate through your corner of the world and interact with people who think like you, and listen to Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'reilly you would be inclined to believe something that ridiculous. To all these politicians and media personalities stomping for or against healthcare reform, state the true facts so that people can make an educated decision. What I see is a whole lot of half-truths and innuendo to spark the outrage of people who probably couldn't tell anyone what half the President's reforms entail. And for all the Christians out there who go to church and read the Bible, and who call the President a socialist because he wants to make sure that all Americans have what they need to survive, what kind of economic system would Christ have preferred? One where I get my mine and you get yours and if I have to steamroll you on the way to mines, oh well, tough luck. Wasn't he always trying to help people no matter who they were? I'm not making a case for the people of all races, colors and creed who leach off the government because every race, color and creed have them. That's the first thing some readers of this post will suggest I'm sure. It's not just one race of people on welfare like so many people seem to believe. And there are more people who work hard at some of the crummiest jobs than there are sitting home on their butts collecting welfare. I'm talking about the majority of Americans of all races, colors, and creeds who work hard everyday and need a little extra assistance to make ends meet or receive the care they might not otherwise have access to. Whether you work as a CEO at Chevron or a burger flipper at McDonalds, we all pay taxes. It's not just one group paying all the taxes. I for one do not mind if my tax dollars go to help someone less fortunate than me if they had a legitimate need and it doesn't matter what color their skin is. I think people are too narrow-minded in this country and people fear anything different than themselves. And unfortunately those who know better use the ignorance of those who don't to fuel debate and discord and embellish and promote their political careers. We will never accomplish anything if we can't ever sit down and try to determine what is best for all citizens of this country.

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L.L. Onjou wrote on Sep 15, 2009 10:51 PM:

" I admire this post and author. Unfortunately, logic is too little, too late for the minority who oppose anything which questions their authority, makes them feel (rightfully) wrong, and which might force them to leave their 50s era world view of life in the Good Ol' Days of B&W television, folks who 'knew their place' (wink,wink), and education was for doctors and lawyers, not 'real' folk.
The first response shows the anger-as-entertainment mindset. Why don't we listen to their self-admitted 'news' entertainers? Because too many did, for 8 years and you showed yourselves as incapable. "

Pat wrote on Sep 13, 2009 8:58 AM:

" First off, we need to understand that health care is not a "right". It is a commodity. Expecting others to provide it for you is what is wrong with this picture. Lets start with this position and everything will settle itself.

Government isn't Jesus and shouldn't try to be.
In fact, government stealing money from taxpayers to redistribute to those who willingly accept it is THEFT. This is anything BUT Christ-like. True charity is from the heart, not from having a government gun to your head. "

To To Thomas wrote on Sep 8, 2009 4:27 PM:

" Why should we rule out these two just because they've never been elected???? They've offered solutions, that's what this is about!!! Other's have offered solutions too, these were just two familiar names. Your argument is moot here. You can't agree 100% with something and dispute the answer because you don't like who it came from! You wanted solutions suggested, we gave you where they came from, you're done.....period. "

D. Hertz wrote on Sep 8, 2009 8:22 AM:

" Obama and his left-wing kooks have killed 50 million unborn people who could have helped pay taxes and fund our country. Now that they don't have this tax base, they are trying to kill off the elderly and unhealthy.

Next is killing off whoever they want, like Fox News watching Republicans. "

Tom wrote on Sep 4, 2009 2:58 PM:

" TO: state lines

There will be no death panels. However, there will be panels to set reimbursement rates for all procedures. If history shows colon cancer is rare for those under the age of sixty then the government will consider colon cancer tests for those under sixty to be an unnecessary test and will not pay for it.

However….you don’t need to analyze Obama’s BS. Just keep believing anything he says. He gives great “feel good” speeches.

How can he cut Medicare $500 billion without cutting services? "

Jan B. wrote on Sep 4, 2009 12:12 PM:

" To Thomas: I don't exactly know how to believe the president, because his job has only been to push legislation that even he has said he doesn't know whats in.(which means he isn't being totally honest with us) Having read most of HR3200(the only numbered bill of the 3 in the house) and some of the yet unnumbered senate bill, what isn't in these bills that is scary. HR3200 leaves all major decisions to a sec and 26 member panel ,17 also appointed by the president will make all decisions of what coverage you will have, cont. "

ANGRY AMERICAN wrote on Sep 4, 2009 11:39 AM:

" You live in a fantasy world if you think the government is going to give you
anything.The government can not give
anything to anybody with out taking something first.And don't evem get me
started on his pick for cabinet members.
These people could not plan there way out of a wal-mart.Also what about the speaker of the house(The Queen)As
she has called her self.She has a luxury
jet.I don't have to wonder who pays for that.The tax payer dose.Let the people without healthcare get a job and pay for health care.Just like it has been done for ever "

Government vs Private Sector. wrote on Sep 4, 2009 9:34 AM:

" So Tired- The same as any other private business- You have to have more money coming in than going out to survive in the business sector. The Government does not have to live by these rules- The Government will increase the income tax on the working people or print more money. "

KH wrote on Sep 3, 2009 2:41 PM:

" To state lines;

If the death panels were not in the House Bill (H.R. 3200), then why did Sen. Bacus say that they would be removed from the Senate bill? If any of you think the government can run a healthcare system effectively has not been watching what is going on with the Cash for Clunkers, Medicare, or the Social Security systems. The dealers can not get their money from the government and both Medicare and Social Security systems are going broke. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over hoping for different results. "

So Tired wrote on Sep 3, 2009 11:05 AM:

" Insurance, in law and economics, is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent loss.
This is the definition from wikipedia. So, insurance companies take a chance that claims will not be as great as the premiums collected. However, when government mandates that certain people, illnesses, and procedures must be covered, someone has to pay for this extra risk. This coverage becomes the burden of all other policyholders. So, when our president says we must insure all people, who do you think will incur this expense? The taxpayers and the current policyholders. "

everyonehasone wrote on Sep 3, 2009 7:19 AM:

" First of all 40% of the American people pay no taxes.
In Medicare alone there is an estimate of 200 billion yes billion of fraud each year.The politicians refuse to address this. Solutions have been offered, tort reform, buy insurance across state lines, common billing, bulk buying of prescriptions, all would help reduce costs but the politicians are not getting paid to do any of these things. They talk how they're going to "save" all this money, why aren't they doing it now? Read the bill. Notice none of the bills go into effect until after the 2012 election "

To Thomas wrote on Sep 2, 2009 11:02 PM:

" I'll give you a solution. There are actually about 20 million uninsured AMERICANS in this country. You could give each person $5000.00 per year to buy health care insurance and it would only cost 7.5 Billion per year. Over the 10 year period it would cost 5% of what Obama's plan would cost. His plan is a government takeover. Why else would he want us to pay for 15 million illegals in this country? Answer: The democrats would get their votes. You need to look at everything involved with this plan. There's so much your not seeing. "

for now wrote on Sep 2, 2009 9:29 PM:

" When I have time ( I work for a living, and for my insurance) I will post a more complete reply, but at it's simplest, all that is needed to help those who can't get coverage is to enroll them in Medicaid. Obama could do that tomorow. It does not require taking away my coverage which I am happy with. It doesn't require scaring the life out of the old folks. What he is doing has very little to do with covering the uninsured. That is just the cover story. "

D. Hertz wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:45 PM:

" I would bet a $100 bill that Thomas has not read the Health care bill and if he read some of it, he doesn't have a handle on it. I am not criticizing him/her but there are probably only a few people who have actually read the bill and understand it. All the more reason to vote NO.

I agree that we should pay for routine medical needs just like we pay for routine groceries, light bills, gas, etc.

Medical Insurance should only be for large costs. "

state lines wrote on Sep 2, 2009 1:50 PM:

" My health insurer is United Healthcare. The largest in the nation and they and many others cross over state lines. I'll add that it's too expensive and I'm ready for more competition. They are also an Insurance company that has spent a lot of money on misinforming ads. Those who have claimed to read the whole bill I'll ask which one? There were three in the house and the Senate is supposed to be working on another. Those who choose to misinform are liars. And if they'll lie about something as idiotic as death panels they'll lie about anything. "

Frank Rizzo wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:02 PM:

" To XXX: Funny you should mention name calling and fear tactics. Obama tells his supporters to get into the face of his detractors and hit back twice as hard. And now one of his advisors Van Jones, has called Republicans what?
As long as we keep listening to NBC, CBS, ABC & CNN, and the XXXs of the world we will keep electing people like Obama, Reid, Pelosi & Melancon. Our taxes & unemployment will continue to rise, we'll have TRILLION DOLLAR deficits, a weak national defense, and government takeover of private industries. Hows the "change" working out-so-far? "

Frank Rizzo wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:22 AM:

" To crossing State Lines:

If the Government mandates it, yes I do think Texas would insure Louisianians, or they would not be allowed to do business any longer. This would be a much better role of Government, making the laws and then having them enforced. Isn't this what they are intended for? This would be much better than trying to run the system itself. We've all seen how competent and efficient they are at that! "

xxx wrote on Sep 2, 2009 7:43 AM:

" As long as the Republicans listen to the likes of Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly, and the Frank Rizzo's, the Democrats have no worry about staying in office. The GOP has not learned yet that name calling and fear tactics do not work for the vast majority. It's a turn off, especially to the young voters. As long as Republicans stay in the past, they are condemned to repeat their losses. "

TC wrote on Sep 2, 2009 7:38 AM:

" You're right on Thomas. Why do you think the Republicants are so set against this bill? Do you really think they care about poor people or persons just down on their luck during the biggest recession to date? NO WAY. The are concerned about the money they will lose from their lobbists against helathcare reform, the drug companies, etc.. All the Repubs, can do is use fear tactics against the old and misinformed. The President is at least trying to help. What help does the GOP offer..."Do nothing, it'll go away". What a joke. "

Sarah T. wrote on Sep 1, 2009 11:01 PM:

" evidently Thomas has not read a single thing on this healthbill. Would you stop listening to what the President is fibbing about and go read it for yourself. You will be very surprised to find out whats in it. I did and it scares me. All u do is listen and believe everything hes saying. He didnt write the bill and he surely didnt read it. Wake up people! The govt. is not telling u the truth. "

Read the bill wrote on Sep 1, 2009 10:44 PM:

" To Thomas: First of all the President does not even know whats in the bill. He has admitted to not reading it. This is a fact. He is on record as saying so. If you would read the bill it does state the exact things that Hannity is saying. He is reading straight from the bill unlike the other news organizations that do not state the facts. The President wanted this pushed thru without anyone reading it . Why is that Mr. Thomas? Look at Social Security, do u really want govt run healthcare! Keep believing these politicians and thegreatalmighyPresident. "

neworleanscajun wrote on Sep 1, 2009 10:10 PM:

" Thomas, you're either closed minded or naive. If you don't hear alternative health care plans perhaps it's because YOU are just listening to media that has an agenda. Your accusation that anyone disagreeing with Obamacare must be programed by "right wing" commentators is condescending and unfounded in reality.

There are several posters just on this forum that have actually READ the whole proposal and are intelligent enough to come up with their own conclustions. There are many valid reasons to fear what this health care debacle would do to the country. "

To Thomas wrote on Sep 1, 2009 4:58 PM:

" I agree with your assessment 100%. As evidenced by some responses, i.e., listen to 2 men who have never been elected to ANY public office, Rush and Hannity. These are the people that the forum writers refer to for information! Why can't the Republicans offer their own solutions, other than giving ANOTHER tax break to the rich to buy insurance. Working people normally have insurance just as I have, but you pay thru your nose for it. When you lose your job as a lot of people recently did, you have no insurance, no money to buy any either! "

Crossing State Lines wrote on Sep 1, 2009 1:57 PM:

" Frank -do you really really think that The Longhorn Insurance Co. Of Texas would want insure Cajuns whom eat Boudin/Hog Cracklins / Hog Head Cheese and anything else that does not eat them first. Oh - I forgot to mention the drinking and smoking that goes along with the Cajun Lifestyle. "

Mais Jamais wrote on Sep 1, 2009 12:53 PM:

" Awesome thread. A soloutions minded panel throwing real answers against the wall. Does this lead us to believe that neither the demadon'ts or the republican'ts have the answers that Average Joe Taxpayer is looking for? Could it be that our two major political parties are no longer interested in representing us? Why do we continue to vote for them? The real solution is to elect individuals who will turn congress on it's ear and put the career politicians out of a job once and for all. Vote for term limits...demand better representation. "

Chris Wilson wrote on Sep 1, 2009 9:41 AM:

" Moderator, twice now I have submitted 2 or 3 part responses due to the measley 100 word limit on the responses and both times you have failed to post the ENTIRE response...
Do I have to contact Will personally? "

Very Simple wrote on Sep 1, 2009 7:12 AM:

" The solution is to get our politicians out of the pockets of the insurance companies, the pharmaceutical companies, and the corporations that own chains of hospitals. Because of the large contributions these companies make to politicians, most of them roll over and play dead and let them get away with ripping us off. One drug company had a net profit of 12 BILLION dollars. Hospitals get away with charging $10 for an aspirin. And we all know how we are getting ripped off with health insurance. This nonsense bill is not the answer. "

Without myself wrote on Sep 1, 2009 7:10 AM:

" Firstly let me say I am one of those americans withOUT health care.We are self employed and can't afford it. We pay for things out of pocket and things like this flu hit us hard, but we manage. I am AGAINST the current plans!!! I say reform the TORT cases, handle the malpractice differently so the insurance for it goes down, regulate the presc. drug industry so meds are more affordable, but don't force the whole nation into govt healthcare... there are other options where to cut back to make the cost go back down and make it affordable again. "

Frank Rizzo wrote on Sep 1, 2009 6:37 AM:

" health insurance for routine doctor visits. People can pay for the routine things like check ups and minor illness etc out of pocket, just like we do when we go to the department stores.
These are a few options that have been put forward but that the Democrats don't want to hear, and the bias media will not report on. "

Frank Rizzo wrote on Sep 1, 2009 6:31 AM:

" 2. Stop the act of allowing doctors to be sued for every little thing. If any minor little detail doesn't go a patients way the doctor can and probably will be sued in this "law suit-happy age" that we live in. Thus the doctors have to carry ridiculously high insurance policies to protect themselves from those who just want a free ride through by getting rich in a lawsuit.
3. Make the health insurance coverage only be for major instances. We don't need auto insurance for oil change and tire rotations. Therefore we should not carry cont. "

Chris Wilson wrote on Sep 1, 2009 6:29 AM:

" Ok, you want ideas? How about tort reform to start (malpractice insurance is the single largest expense for doctors today)? NONE of the politicians want to talk of that, since most of them are lawyers. Also, a lot of the rhetoric coming from those pushing "health care reform" is just blatantly not true. Roughly 80% of the WORKING population has insurance thru work. Roughly 10% of the rest have private insurers. The poor HAVE coverage thru the state (better than yours or mine, in that they pay NO premiums or deductibles). "

Frank Rizzo wrote on Sep 1, 2009 6:24 AM:

" You say that you haven't heard any solutions from the opposition and then you continue to impugn them and those that listen to them. If you would actually listen to Rush or Hannity, they have given plenty suggestions that the Republicans in Congress are offering but that the left wing media will not report on.
1. Make the insurances become competitive by allowing them to sell across state lines. There is little competition amongst the agencies because they do not have to compete nationally, they can fix their prices at a high rate. "

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