The Heritage Foundation - Leadership for America

July 1, 2009 Abby, New York, NY writes:

I really hope progress is made with today’s town hall. I will be all ears. If you’re going to be at work during the town hall, the app I always use on my iPhone for White House updates will be streaming it, so you can listen to it conveniently here: http://www.iheartradio.com/whblive. Hoping for the best today.

July 1, 2009 ART CORDOVA writes:

Whats the point of asking him questions or providing our insight. Obama has his master plan and will not stray from it. He is just hoping by doing these town halls that he can keep his high approval ratings by talking circles around all the ignorant liberals and followers who voted for him.

The Piper keeps playing!!

July 1, 2009 JOHN N HART writes:

I HAVE BEEN A LIFE/HEATH INS AGENT FOR 35 YEARS IN 18 STATES AND IT DOES NEED REFORM..NO NEED FOR GOV’T TAKEOVER ..JUST SET RULES REGS FOR “ALL” HOSP ,DRS,DRUG CO,HEALTH CARE GIVERS,INS COMPANIES,ETC TO LIVE BY AND FINE THEM IF THEY DON’T..NEED AN INDUSTRY PANEL WITH EACH AREA REPRESENTED INCLUDING PATIENTS..I’LL VOLUNTEER FOR INSURANCE COMPANY REP..SOCIALIZED CARE WON’T WORK..JNH

July 1, 2009 Anthony Santucci Wilmington, Delaware writes:

Our present medicare program & coverage is almost broke, and benifits are being cut. How would Obama’s health care plan which would add millions more to the system be able to afford the quality & regular care of all Americians? His plan won’!. We need to keep our health care systme between the Doctors and patients.What will work is tax reduce incenitives for Americians & busness to purchase health care for them selves or for employees.

July 1, 2009 Jeff Reals Upstate New York writes:

Mr. Obama, Your approach to health care in the United States is wrong in every way. It counters the fundementals of what made us great in the first place. Health care is NOT a right but a benefit. Peoples health are the responsibility of the individual and those who are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves have and will get help from the kindness of their Fellow Americans because Americans give not because they have to but because they want to. Show the People of this country more respect by acting in Our best interest and not the select few or unfeeling Government bueracracy.

July 1, 2009 Sonny Girard, Boca Raton, FL writes:

As someone who believes in the freedom of individuals, not socialism, and that Government’s role is to make it easier for the individual to move upward, it would make more sense to give tax credits for entry into private health care plans, allow cooperative health care buying for individuals anywhere in the country, and provide LOANS to private insurance corporations that would guarantee caps on corporate profit (guaged percentage-wise against other companies), with excess annual profit distributed among those covered by that company’s policies.

July 1, 2009 Speak Out To President Obama About Healthcare Reform « Justbkuz writes:

[...] July 1, 2009 in Can’t Stop The Signal | Tags: Obama, Obamacare From The Foundry, Tell the President What You Think of His Health Care Reform [...]

July 1, 2009 Tom Rugg, Fayetteville NC writes:

I want to add my name to the list of not wanting the Goverment taking over. It’s just not right.

July 1, 2009 Dena, Texas writes:

Mr. Obama,
I have been a nurse for over 30 years and what you are doing will not fix healthcare. I agree with Jeff that healthcare is NOT a right but a benefit. The TWO VERY LARGE pink elephants in the room that would fix healthcare — TORT reform (which you were for until the lawyers got you) and care for illegals and uninsured (EMTALA). You say that for some citizens the only entry into healthcare is the emergency room — can you spell EMTALA? They can go - get treated - without being turfed to other entry points of healthcare. AND hospitals have to get every i dotted and every t crossed when they get there - while they are being treated - and what they sign when they leave — because some lawyer somewhere (John Edwards) will find something that wasn’t any ones fault and sue for thousands/millions. How many TV commercials are seeking individuals that ‘might’ have been given “X” drug while in surgery, etc.?
Since my entry into healthcare, HMO’s have come into being. Medicare in most states is run by HMO’s…does it help - NO. We just have more loops to go through, Medical Necessity, CMS rules and regulations, HIPPA, and the list goes on. You say that insurance companies can compete with a single payer but we all know that contractual agreements and payments for private insurance follow closely the CMS guidelines. It (healthcare) is so emeshed with government regulations and insurance restrictions; the average Joe needs a “healthcare for dummies” to navigate the system.
Next point - has anyone looked at the lateral damage to a single payor system? The job loses in hospitals as they downsize their billing and account receivable departments? 3rd party collection companies that collect for the hospitals? Insurance agencies…on and on. Not to even mention the lack of qualified healthcare providers from nurses to advanced practitioners to physicians?
I have more — but I have to work. Some of us do…

Dena

July 1, 2009 Dena, Texas writes:

correction to “Next point - should be lateral damage from a single payor system…not to!
Dena

July 1, 2009 Veronica Yellin, Cloquet MN writes:

I do not trust you or the government to take care of me. Look at social security, medicare program, for heaven’s sake look at what you are doing to our Great Country, it is all going broke!!!!
I know commenting is a privilege, not a right as the disclaimer says. Well, so is our healthcare!!!

July 1, 2009 » Financial News Update - 07/01/09 NoisyRoom.net: “Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the face of tyranny is no virtue.” Barry Goldwater writes:

[...] Tell the President What You Think of His Health Care Reform [...]

July 1, 2009 Wayne Hatch, Murphy, NC writes:

Granted, healthcare is one of a number of complex problems facing our country. Change is necessary to stem the inflationary trend of health care costs. Nevertheless, all we need to do is look at the state of Medicare and Medicare - both on the verge of bankruptcy. The Medicare/Medicaid experience should give pause to those who represent us. It seems as though the electorate has been left out of the discussions. This is not an issue that can be attacked with quick-fix legislation. Unintended consequences - you bet!

July 1, 2009 EWH writes:

Keep the government out of Health Care! They will only make it worse!

July 2, 2009 VoteTheDay writes:

Obama’s health care plan has advantages and disadvantages as well. He says the new system is for people, so let’s ask them what they prefer - http://www.votetheday.com/healthcare/obamas-health-care-plan-415/

July 2, 2009 Dr. Jerome D. Harold (ret. phys.) writes:

I practiced in Miami for forty years until retirement in 2001.

There are some things, but certainly not everything. that would, or could be a sufficent
improvement in some health plans.

From what I’ve seen you do in your administration
thus far, is like trying to uncap a bottle of
catsup with a bulldozer.

If you are seeking to destroy our country, just keep it up, you’ve got our end in sight.

JDH
Merritt Island, FL

July 2, 2009 Roy Reed, Las Vegas NV 89131 writes:

A government funded health program will not work. It’s obvious that all of us, with private insurance will be the loosers. Also, all of retired paid for healthcare will take a double loss. Were taxed , then we loose our private insurance, and are forced into a government plan. NO THANK YOU!!!! I want to retain my health insurance and all it’s benefits. Start looking for ways that wiil help private insurers better direct their efforts. So far the progressive Democrats have FAILED MISERABELY!!!!

July 2, 2009 Barb mn writes:

Mr. President, I believe your healthcare reform is directly unnecessary of your duties. I believe you are forcing this as a ploy to further YOUR AGENDA!

July 2, 2009 dennis florida writes:

i seem to remember pres. bush had the ideal of instead of one business trying to get health care for their few employee’s, if a large amount of business’s grouped together a a co-op, costs would be a lot lower. however,i don’t think he got congress to do anything.

July 6, 2009 Bart, California writes:

Mr President, if you want to fix something, please start by fixing government policies which do active harm before charging into the unknown. Clean up your own back yard, in other words.

Number one: phase out the EMPLOYER TAX EXCLUSION, preferably in favor of a TAX CREDIT worth a FIXED PERCENTAGE OF THE INSURANCE PREMIUM, applicable ONLY TOWARD NON-UNDERWRITTEN COVERAGE (such as employer provided benefits, COBRA, HIPAA and risk-pool coverage). At minimum, entry into tax credit-qualified plans should be guaranteed for individuals with prior creditable coverage, as is already the practice for group coverage.

A modest fixed-percentage (25 percent or so) credit would provide incentive to remain with group or non-underwritten coverage, obviating the need for an individual mandate or harsher community-rating requirements.

July 9, 2009 georgie California writes:

FIRST WE DON’T BELIEVE OUR GOVERNMENT WILL BE ABLE TO GET ENOUGH Dr OR NURSES TO TAKE CARE OF ALL THESE ILLEGAL THAT OBAMA KEEPS TELLING TO COME HERE FREE. Even if he taxes the people that make 200,000YOU CAN NOT TAX A PERSON THAT MAKES A MILLION THE SAME THING AND ON UP,IT HAS TO GO HIGHER FOR EACH STEP TO MAKE IT WORK. bUT IT IS NEVER THE WEALTHY AND ON UP THAT HURT ITS THE PEOPLE FROM 30,000 ON UP TO THAT 200,000 THAT FEEL THE HIGH INCREASE ON EVERYTHING TO PAY FOR ALL THESE THAT WANT A FREE RIDE, SURE THEIR ARE SOME TRUE cITIZENS THAT DON’T MAKE MUCH MORE THAN 30,000 AND THEY PAY TAXES,THEY DON’T TAKE FROM US AND THEN MAKE MONEY ON THE SIDE AND DON’T COUNT THAT. WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY FOR EVERY ILLEGAL THAT HAS 2 PARENTS AND SAY 6 CHILDREN AND YOU DIVIDE WITH ALL OF THEM THAT ARE HERE ANDTHOSE WITH MORE THAN 6 YOUR GOING TO BE IN DEBIT,BECAUSE THEY WON’T BE MADE TO PAY A THING OR STOP HAVING CHILDREN THEY CAN’T SUPPORT AND NOBADY SHOULD HAVE TO DO THAT. TO PAY FOR SUCH A HEALTH CARE PLAN ALL THESE PEOPLE HAVE TO PUT IN TO MAKE IT GREAT,BUT i HAE’NT HEARD ONE OF THESE WORKING SUCESSFULLY YET. tELL PRESIDENT OBAMA TO GO TALK OR SOME DOCTORS TO GO TO SWITZERLAND ABOUT HOW THERE RUNNING THEIR HEALTH PLAN AND TAKING OF THEIR COUNTRY. MIGHT BE SURPISED. God Bless Our Troops the Patriots of America and our Citizens of America

July 9, 2009 Rosemary, Ohio writes:

Where is the transparency? Where is the process of working in the light allowing all members of Congress to read, respond, and discuss bills? How are the citizens of this United States being represented when most of us do not desire health care reform in the form of a czar government run system? With the magnitude of this legislation, it is unthinkable to push the Congress to vote without seeing a final bill, discussing changes, and voting with full knowledge of what the bill contains and its ramifications on the public. Will you and your family sign on to this plan?

July 12, 2009 BERT GRAY, PITTSBURGH PA writes:

HEALTH CARE … ANOTHER POWER & MONEY GRAB WITH RATIONING FOR THOSE WITHOUT POWERFUL CONNECTIONS.

THANKS TO THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS AND ITS REVISIONIST AMERICAN HISTORY ONLY THE DUMB DON’T UNDERSTAND THAT WE’RE IN THE MIDST OF THE FINAL STAGES OF A GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER. THE MORE PEOPLE DEPEND UPON THE GOVERNMENT … THE MORE THEY WILL VOTE TO GET THEIR FAIR SHARE EVEN WHEN THEY DIDN’T EARN IT.(I.E. MARXIST IDEOLOGIES LIKE PELOSI - OBAMA - REID ETC)

WHAT WE’VE BEEN HEADING FOR THANKS TO WILSON - FDR - JOHNSON - BUSH 2 & NOW OBAMA IS A GOVERNMENT RUN RELIGION WHICH IS A VIOLATION OF THE 1ST AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION. THIS RELIGION IS CALLED SOCIALISM AND ITS CHARITABLE FUNDS WILL BE EXTORTED AT GUN POINT VERSUS FREELY DONATED AND WILL BE GIVEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO VOTE FOR IT TO REMAIN IN POWER.

July 19, 2009 cheryl kokichi, marshalltown,Ia. writes:

Dear sir
I feel that the proposal where people are fined for NOT having health care stinks!First off,I am a health care worker…I have cared for the elderly,Ill,infirm and the dieing for over 32 years.I was injured on the job and because I could not afford the company health care plans and did not have 10K for insurance for surgery I had to go without having it fixed.Keeping in mind had I had the surgery the best an orthopod could give me for recovery and full use of my rotator cuff was mediocre..so I opted to forego surgery.I was labeled a bad workmans comp risk as a result and therefore working or finding work is difficult.No one wants to hire a poor workmans comp risk.Sir,health care workers risk their lives and those of their family every single day.We are the first line of defense between illness,and contagion.We are the first to be injured by needle sticks,or the injured drunk brought into the emergency room because they are too drunk to NOT fight off those trying to save them.We are the ones who bring home illness and expose our families because someone elses germs are carried home on our clothes.We are the first ones to get sick because we work day after day with bodily fluids,blood,airborne sickness’s,and antibiotic resistant diseases that require isolation techniques.Germs are not just carried home on clothes…they can be in your hair because you happened to walk by someone sneezing,it can be on your shoes and any other article or part of your body.If someone doesnt wash their hands and touches a water faucet you can contaminate yourself.We know these risks…yet we gladly do them day after day,because we are proud to serve and help keep the public at large healthy.But where are the kudos or the discounts for us when WE get sick??
Those of us who use alternative methods because our bodies are allergic to so many antibiotics we have no other options but naturopathy to stay well are having to pray that the FDA doesnt pull supplements and herbs from the shelves.We are being told that we may be fined if we carry no insurance..when our own salaries cannot afford to cover that expense…so do we choose to starve instead?
I think those of us in the medical and healthcare field for the first time in YEARS…need to be recognized and given at least discount rates on insurance.Why? Because were it not for the CNA’s who empty bed pans,give the bed baths,or change the beds of those people in hospitals,the doctors offices,labs and home care,there would be NO health care system.If every nurse and cna decided to leave the medical field in protest there would be NO medical personnel to staff anything.This proposed health care reform is a joke.It costs the country MORE to have it than not at the present time and yet it penalizes people for being well and takes away their only sources by removing herbs and supplements they CAN afford. Think about it Mr. president,what happens if you get sick and there is no one left to help care for YOU?

July 21, 2009 Yvonne Rodrigues, RN, San Jose writes:

Hello President Obama,
Please, I urge you to stop, breathe, think about this decision, it is life saving for the country, it is life saving for the American people, and it deserves time to understand it, please do not ram road this down our throats, that may not be your intent, but it feels too fast.

We need for our officials to READ IT, so they UNDERSTAND it, where will the transparency be if this is voted on in the next several days?

It requires the next several months to debate, talk about, and then in the end agree to a plan that will have been heard by all but then it is with eyes wide open we all understand the decision and what it took to come to consensus.

You are right when you say it is not about you, but if you move forward now, in the end you will be blamed when it fails with as fast as you are trying to push. I urge you to please slow down, you have introduced the concept, and the American people are behind you and want you to succeed, what is the harm in taking your time for this critical decision?

Yvonne Rodrigues, RN

July 22, 2009 Margaret Kuennen writes:

Mr.Obama,
In your speech tonight you said that you are in a hurry to get the health care reform passed because you receive e-mails that urge you to do this. I urge you not to have socialized medicine. It has been proven in many other countries that it does not work. Please make sure you read the bills throughly before voting for it. Please conduct some good studies to find out what would really make a change. You cannot make this happen without good research. What I heard you say is that this would not cost the middle and lower class anything but I am sorry I just do not believe that this is true. I am a senior and it frightens me to think that my health decisions will be made by some federal employee and that my right to life may even be taken out of my hands. I was not convinced by your speech that you truly understand the real problems with health care. It is not only a matter of money and making profits it is about people and well trained health care people. I am very happy with my health care and am glad that I was able to pick the doctors that will care for me. My insurance is wonderful about preventive health care. Your proposal will only cost us tax payers more and you have put us in such a financial crisis now that I am truly concerned for the future for my 8 grandchildren.
I am also against fining employers for not supplying health insurance. This would negatively impact the small business man who is truly struggling in todays economy.

Think and pray before you do any of this.