Former AMA Presidents Offer Second Opinion
Posted October 5th, 2009 at 12:41pm in Health Care 
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President Barack Obama pitched his health care reform plan, again, today this time in front of 150 doctors in the White House Rose Garden. Despite the fact that the invitation-only guest list drew heavily from a pro-government-run health plan group, Obama still took no questions and allowed no doctors to speak. Not invited to this health care discussion were Drs. Donald Palmisano, William Plested, and Daniel Johnson, who are all former presidents of the American Medical Association. They offered a slightly different diagnosis in the Wall Street Journal today:
We aren’t among the doctors invited to a Rose Garden event today to “join the President in pushing for health insurance reform this year and [who] have offered their help and support,” as a White House press release put it. It’s unfortunate only supporters of the president’s plans will be there. Mr. Obama has missed an opportunity to learn more about the real issues facing patients and doctors and to formulate a plan that truly puts patients in control with doctors as trusted advisers.
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It is true that there are Americans who fall through the cracks of our medical system every day—and as a caring nation, we must do what we can to expand access to medical care to those who need it. But this can be accomplished without a costly and inefficient government overhaul of the entire system. One easy reform would be to enable individuals to buy policies offered in any state, not just where they live. This will enhance competition. But more government-run health insurance will only lead to disaster.
It is true that there are Americans who fall through the cracks of our medical system every day—and as a caring nation, we must do what we can to expand access to medical care to those who need it. But this can be accomplished without a costly and inefficient government overhaul of the entire system. One easy reform would be to enable individuals to buy policies offered in any state, not just where they live. This will enhance competition. But more government-run health insurance will only lead to disaster.
Read their whole op-ed, here.
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5 Responses to “Former AMA Presidents Offer Second Opinion”
Freedomof Speech TX on October 5th, 2009 at 12:41pm said:
This honesty you can believe in.
The AMA membership does not include the vast majority of doctors in this country. So, as far as their endorsement is concerned – big deal.
Dissent or logical opinions are only valued if they support the left; otherwise, opponents are “obstructionists”.
The fact that the American people overwhelmingly do not want a government-run health care system is not enough.
These people lack humility and will stop at nothing to attain their goals. Their view is that the American people are too “stupid” to know “what is good for them”. And, opinions of other well-qualified past leaders of the AMA count for nothing.
Again, the AMA leadeship does not represent the view of the entire medical profession any more than Obama represents most Americans on his endless “American apology tour”.
The left-wingers can ignore the polls and protesters if they wish; the American people will make their voices heard at the polls.
Jim on October 5th, 2009 at 12:41pm said:
ATTENTION ALL SENATORS THAT CAN READ !!!!!!
HOW CAN YOU EVEN CONSIDER ANYTHING OBAMA
DOES AS HONEST & BI-PARTISAN, WHEN HE ONLY
ALLOWS THE LEFTIST SUPPORTERS TO SPEAK OR
ATTEND CRITICAL EVENTS. THAT IS NO DEBATE !!! GOD BLESS AND HELP AMERICA. !!!!!!!!
Judy on October 5th, 2009 at 12:41pm said:
This certainly won’t receive any media coverage, so what is the point?
Chuck D on October 5th, 2009 at 12:41pm said:
How long will the Democrat Party members continue to think that the Obama administration’s actions are for the good of the nation. rapid inflation, higher spending higher taxes, destruction of the health care system, weaking foreign policy and military respect in the world and more continue for all to see. No impeachable actions but some of the Democrat actions are Constitutional questionable, Nancy P and Harry R are pulling rules in their legislative houses to try to pass at all costs their “socialist” ideals to smuther the U.S. economy and stop continued progress in all aspect of life as we know it. Our grandchildren will reap the actions taken today and their life will probably not even equal ours today. 13 months to the Nov 2010 election can we wait that long to begin the cleaning process?
Bobbie Jay on October 5th, 2009 at 12:41pm said:
Let this be a blatant act of discrimination from the president of this country with his bias invites. As his ignorance is open for NO DEBATE!