House Passes Health Care Bill

[Sarah]

In a victory for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous.

The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin a long-delayed debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.

A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi likened the legislation to the passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later -- and Obama issued a statement saying, "I look forward to signing it into law by the end of the year."

"It provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It offers everyone, regardless of health or income, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have access to affordable health care when they need it," said Rep. John Dingell, the 83-year-old Michigan lawmaker who has introduced national health insurance in every Congress since succeeding his father in 1955.

In the run-up to a final vote, conservatives from the two political parties joined forces to impose tough new restrictions on abortion coverage in insurance policies to be sold to many individuals and small groups. They prevailed on a roll call of 240-194.

Ironically, that only solidified support for the legislation, clearing the way for conservative Democrats to vote for it.

The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance and provide federal subsidies to those who otherwise could not afford it. Large companies would have to offer coverage to their employees. Both consumers and companies would be slapped with penalties if they defied the government's mandates.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/07/house-passes-health-care/

I suppose they're going to hurry up and bull this through the Senate too before next year seeing as next year is an election year.

[Varmit]

God help us if this thing passes.

[Patriot]

God help us if this thing passes.

And imagine what it will look like when the Senate and House versions are hammered out in conference... with no votes to be openly taken or modified much by public opinion.  The passage of both the house and senate bills will then allow the system to be jacked up and literally rammed down our throats.  It's a safe bet that the president will sign anything they send him.  No matter the cost or content.

Oh well, there are those who will be thrilled that their govt loves them soooooo much as to mandate that they pay for health coverage for everyone (sorta).  I'm amazed that the countries that have tried this nonsense (as well as the state of MA) have found that the costs and complexities are vast, that rationing/long lines/reductions in service are all realities in these programs.

It's interesting, isn't it, that as we sit here and worry about the future and education of our kids in Elk County, that many people throughout the US and a majority (it appears) in the US Congress are working just as hard to bankrupt a nation and pile debt on our kids at a pace never before seen in the history of mankind.

Then there's 500 billiion in 'cuts' to medicare.  Waste and fraud?  Right!  We'll see if grandma agrees when services under medicare are reduced.

Let's hope people with common sense in this country get re-engaged in large numbers before the 2010 elections and actually vote!

Incumbency:  The new 4 letter word!

I think what we need now is... uh...er..... Oh yeah!  Cap and Trade legislation!!!!

[Sarah]

I think they're going to vote on that cap and trade thing next month and from what I hear there's a really good chance it's going to go through and then there's this deal of Obama possibly signing that treaty with the UN next month too.  Sooo, not only will we have mandated health care regardless of what you think about it AND the quality of health care cut especially to the older people, then we'll have cap and trade putting sky high taxes on EVERYTHING that we use everyday like gas,  propane, electric and so forth............to top it all off, if Obama signs that, we'll be under the control of the UN.  Oh boy!!!!  Makes the school bond issue look a tad insignificant in the light of everything else.  Problems all around.  I HOPE that the Republicans get the majority back in the house and senate in 2010, but from what I hear from other people in other parts of the country, I'm not so sure.  People sing his praises like he's the saviour of the world or something.  Sheesh

[Patriot]

I think they're going to vote on that cap and trade thing next month and from what I hear there's a really good chance it's going to go through and then there's this deal of Obama possibly signing that treaty with the UN next month too.  Sooo, not only will we have mandated health care regardless of what you think about it AND the quality of health care cut especially to the older people, then we'll have cap and trade putting sky high taxes on EVERYTHING that we use everyday like gas,  propane, electric and so forth............to top it all off, if Obama signs that, we'll be under the control of the UN.  Oh boy!!!!  Makes the school bond issue look a tad insignificant in the light of everything else.  Problems all around.  I HOPE that the Republicans get the majority back in the house and senate in 2010, but from what I hear from other people in other parts of the country, I'm not so sure.  People sing his praises like he's the saviour of the world or something.  Sheesh

Sarah, you've got the big picture.  Ugly, isn't it?  Though I'm not so sure a republican takeover in congress is the only best answer.  Yes, we need much more conservative (read: conserve, to save or preserve) attitudes, but there are a lot of Republican incumbents who are just as enamored with their power like the Dems we see in action now.  The voters need to send some real solid messages about governmental restraint, etc.  Might not be so bad if some of the current Republicans got their whiskers trimmed too!  Of course, there's local and state offices too.  The old saying goes:  "If nothing changes, nothing changes."

Personally, I think we may have only the next election or two to send those messages.  Beyond that, these crazy laws will be in full force and the powers that are will think they have a mandate.  In short, the Republic may be a goner.  Can't happen, some say.  Ask the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Brits, Zsars, etc.  Empires come, empires go.  It would just be a shame to see this one fall into total disrepair.  As, I believe, the Republic we have has brought forth more liberty, prosperity and growth than any empire past.

Like Varmit said: God help us all.

[jarhead]

Don't forget the "don't ask, don't tell " policy. The "O-man " promised he would chnge that too.That will be a sad day in our military.

[redcliffsw]

Looks like our democrats and republicans are sincere about the USA being the leader of the
New World Order, or the leader of the socialist cause throughout the world.  Obvisously, we are no
longer a Christian nation as we don't seem to have any thought about it or our own Constitution.

 

[Patriot]

Looks like our democrats and republicans are sincere about the USA being the leader of the
New World Order, or the leader of the socialist cause throughout the world.  Obvisously, we are no
longer a Christian nation as we don't seem to have any thought about it or our own Constitution.

You may be on to something.  The 'new' battle for headship of 'The New World Order'.  Though somehow, given the nature of human beings, I suspect the ultimate result will be and endless string of battles for power.  Of course, it's the general populace worldwide who will fund the battles and suffer the losses.

Which begs the question:  How many average citizens are really willing to fight and die for what they believe?

The other point you make is just as valid, I opine.  Of course, without God (a Creator), the entire basis of our Constitiution is nullified.  There can be no inalienable rights to defend if a Creator who endows those rights is not recognized.

But, we drift from the topic.  Suffice to say, the health care proposals in congress amount to the lastest 'midnight raid' on our lives, liberties opportunities to pursue happiness.  And likely not the last such raid!

[Sarah]

Looks like our democrats and republicans are sincere about the USA being the leader of the
New World Order, or the leader of the socialist cause throughout the world.  Obvisously, we are no
longer a Christian nation as we don't seem to have any thought about it or our own Constitution.

You may be on to something.  The 'new' battle for headship of 'The New World Order'.  Though somehow, given the nature of human beings, I suspect the ultimate result will be and endless string of battles for power.  Of course, it's the general populace worldwide who will fund the battles and suffer the losses.

Which begs the question:  How many average citizens are really willing to fight and die for what they believe?

The other point you make is just as valid, I opine.  Of course, without God (a Creator), the entire basis of our Constitiution is nullified.  There can be no inalienable rights to defend if a Creator who endows those rights is not recognized.

But, we drift from the topic.  Suffice to say, the health care proposals in congress amount to the lastest 'midnight raid' on our lives, liberties opportunities to pursue happiness.  And likely not the last such raid!

You know I used to think that people were generally smart, independent thinkers, but after watching the election of Obama and the way they LOVE his policies and think he's the greatest president ever.................Now I just don't know any more.  It seems more and more that people will follow the majority and very few are independent thinkers any more but rather do what everyone else seems to be doing and want government to take care of their every need even at the expense of their own freedoms.

[srkruzich]

Looks like our democrats and republicans are sincere about the USA being the leader of the
New World Order, or the leader of the socialist cause throughout the world.  Obvisously, we are no
longer a Christian nation as we don't seem to have any thought about it or our own Constitution.

You may be on to something.  The 'new' battle for headship of 'The New World Order'.  Though somehow, given the nature of human beings, I suspect the ultimate result will be and endless string of battles for power.  Of course, it's the general populace worldwide who will fund the battles and suffer the losses.

Which begs the question:  How many average citizens are really willing to fight and die for what they believe?

The other point you make is just as valid, I opine.  Of course, without God (a Creator), the entire basis of our Constitiution is nullified.  There can be no inalienable rights to defend if a Creator who endows those rights is not recognized.

But, we drift from the topic.  Suffice to say, the health care proposals in congress amount to the lastest 'midnight raid' on our lives, liberties opportunities to pursue happiness.  And likely not the last such raid!

You know I used to think that people were generally smart, independent thinkers, but after watching the election of Obama and the way they LOVE his policies and think he's the greatest president ever.................Now I just don't know any more.  It seems more and more that people will follow the majority and very few are independent thinkers any more but rather do what everyone else seems to be doing and want government to take care of their every need even at the expense of their own freedoms.

Might be why some folks are afraid of homeschoolers and private schoolers.