Comments on: Lobbyists spending 1.4M a DAY against any public option

By: mon_dieu_ishmael

mon_dieu_ishmael — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:43:39 +0000

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/06/opinion/06kru...
Krugman's seat of the pants estimate.

By: Alexander2

Alexander2 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:52:25 +0000

This is what puzzles me. For the last two weeks, liberal blogs like firedoglake, digby, open left and many others have blasted Ceci Connelly of the Washington Post for her biased, misleading and outright ridiculous reporting on health care (particularly the public option).

But now, CeCi's reporting on the President's telephone conversation (of which she did not participate) is considered as good as gold.

By: mon_dieu_ishmael

mon_dieu_ishmael — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:49:55 +0000

I am ok with single payer, or any other form of govt. health care as long as the long term cost is clearly understood. Govt. programs almost always cost many times the initial projected cost, 2ndary to overly rosy projections and outright falsehoods.

By: HopeOverFear

HopeOverFear — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:44:29 +0000

Same here, Alexander. I don't believe that WaPo article for a minute. It was an obvious ploy to further antagonize some on the left, and unfortunately, they fell for it. The sorta upside to it is that of course this will further motivate some on the left to fight even harder. The downside is, they will start believing that Obama isn't for them, and IMO that has far reaching effects down the road. From now on, it won't matter what Obama says, they will always believe Obama told them to shut up. That's unfortunate.

By: RonnieB

RonnieB — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:39:32 +0000

Former Congressman and two-time presidential candidate Dick Gephardt (D-MO) being a paid hitman for the pharmaceutical industry, is proof positive that politicians could care less about the people or our needs.

By: ruthdfw

ruthdfw — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:07:02 +0000

Frankly news of Obama's comments pissed me off because the President needs to understand we are NOT his puppet. We will not speak only when and how he wants us to.

We need to keep the pressure on the moderate Democrats who are not fighting for what the public clearly states we want and he should understand we will not simply accept "look I tried" and a pretty speech.

We get bombarded STILL almost daily with emails about talk to your neighbors and friends on this issue and that one. OK we talked and we want our damn healthcare.

You wanted us involved and engaged, to be a part of the change we want --- many of us have spoken and we expect to be heard. They already rigged the outcome by not even allowing a discussion on single payor.

By: isonprize

isonprize — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:51:28 +0000

uuh, what are you talking about???

It's EXACTLY the job of American people to make OUR government work for US.

OF the people, BY the people, and FOR the people. One man (or woman) cannot do this all by themselves. The power of it is why BIG PHARMA is paying out BIG BUCKS to lobby against the public option.

If we,the people, don't push for it, who will?

By: nthomas00

nthomas00 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:43:58 +0000

During his campaign, Obama made one of his many false promises that he was going give every American the same health care as congress, and now he's asking the American people to push for it? It just goes to show you that Obama can't be trusted any more than lobbyist or other politicians like him. At some point, Obama is going to have to do something, because it's not the job of the American people to reform healthcare.

-Nikki-

1 dollar ebooks
selling photography 101

By: Alexander2

Alexander2 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:14:26 +0000

I continue to have more and more questions about that Washington Post article, given that writer's sordid history of distorting quotes and slanting the health care debate.

What I do know is that the President IS asking us to call congress and push for a public option. From the President's Organizing For America, Health Care Action Center:

"Help pass health care reform — Call your representatives

The fight for a health care system that works for every American has already begun. But it won't be easy. If we’re going to succeed, members of Congress need to hear from you.

Calling Congress is easy and very effective. You don't have to be an expert, just a concerned citizen who knows we need change.

Here are some tips:

Be polite, respectful and clear.
Introduce yourself to whoever answers the phone and let them know you are a constituent – mention what city you live in.

Tell them you are calling to say that you strongly support President Obama’s three principles for health care reform in 2009. Congress must pass a plan that reduces costs, guarantees choice – including the choice of a PUBLIC insurance option – and ensures quality care for every American." (emphasis mine).