Share
Tweet
Print
E-mail
Share
digg
reddit
Newsvine
Fark
Stumble
TechnoratiSun Editorial:
It’s time to move ahead
GOP should work with Obama as health care bill has been stalled long enough
Thursday, March 4, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.
President Barack Obama on Wednesday made it clear that he wants Congress to act on health care legislation that has idled since January. In a speech to medical professionals, the president called for an “up or down vote” on the legislation.
Noting that the issue “easily lends itself to demagoguery and political gamesmanship,” Obama called for members of Congress to put the partisanship aside and work together to bring insurance to millions of Americans.
The president has shown his willingness to work with Republicans. He held a summit for congressional leaders last week and spent seven hours listening to ideas from both parties. This week he sent a letter to congressional leaders outlining his interest in several Republican ideas.
In return for his good-faith effort, the president was shamelessly rebuffed by GOP leaders. Since the president introduced his proposal last year, Republicans have launched increasingly vicious attacks and worked to block plans at every turn. After Obama sent his letter, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky threatened Democrats’ re-elections, saying if they advanced the health care overhaul, “it will be the issue in every single race in America this fall.”
That response, sadly, isn’t a surprise. Republicans have said the status quo in health care is unacceptable, but their actions don’t match their words. They have not only been unwilling to work with Democrats, but they have regularly obstructed progress.
In their fight against reform, Republicans have played fast and loose with the facts.
For example, they have offered proposals they say would save taxpayers billions of dollars, yet an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office shows those plans would leave many Americans without insurance, particularly those who are less healthy than other Americans. The Republicans have bashed Democratic legislation, claiming the plans would drive up insurance prices. However, under the Democratic proposal, the price of insurance will drop, but Americans are expected to buy more — thus the “increase.”
Instead of helping open access to health care to millions of Americans who don’t have insurance or whose coverage is inadequate, the GOP wants to use health care reform to drum up support for its party this election year. Republicans have tried to scare Americans about the health care reform plans in Congress, and they have been fairly successful — even though Americans largely approve of many of the plans’ key components.
If health care reform doesn’t pass, the result will be that millions of Americans will go without proper health care. And if that is the case, one illness or injury could send many Americans, even those with insurance, into bankruptcy.
This is an issue that can’t wait anymore. The Republicans have done a disservice to the American people by continually blocking health care reform. It’s beyond time to put politics aside. In calling on Congress to move forward, Obama said there is an “obsession” about how the issue will play out in the elections this fall. “I don’t know how this plays politically, but I know it’s right,” he said.
Indeed. Congress should move on the reform legislation — now.
Discussion: 37 comments so far…
Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy.
Post a comment
Spotlight
-
Buy 1 Sandwich Get 1 50% Off
Flow Rider Truck
Present this coupon to get 50% off your second sandwich.
Find our weekly schedule at www.flowridertruck.com -
$15 off $55 purchase or $25 off $75 purchase
Barcelona Tapas & Bar
Barcelona Tapas & Bar offers a variety of tapas and specialty cocktails. Mon-Fri 50% off lunch menu. Sun-Mon 50% off tapas 8-10pm, Tues 50% of ...
-
Free In Home Design Service
Furniture Market
Free in home design service by one of our professional designers with this coupon.
-
$1 off Carton of Cigarettes.
Las Vegas Paiute Smoke Shop
*Must be 18 years of age or older. No limit on any one brand carton purchases. Cannot be used to purchase Marlboro, KOOL, Camel, Misty, ...
-
FREE T-shirt with FREE Consultation
Bannerview.com
Get the Official BannerView.com T-Shirt plus outstanding eBusiness advice when you come in for your FREE Consultation!
-
Free Gift With Loan
Sun Loan Company & Tax Service
Redeem this coupon for a free gift with any loan.
-
Where Vegas escapes Vegas
Springs Preserve
$2 off NV resident adult general admission or $4 off non-resident general admission. Code: C01LVSU1210
-
Tax Credit Savings up to $12,000
American West
American West can unlock the key to your dream home! Bring to any American West community. The amount of the tax credit differs based upon ...
-
$15 off Zen Magic
Zen Magic at Planet Hollywood
See Japan's First Ladies of Illusion. Receive $15 off admission with this coupon.
-
3 Races For $45, 40% Savings
Pole Position Raceway
At Pole Position Raceway you will kart race at speeds up to 45 mph on a 1/4 mile euro-style course. Race friends & family, or ...
-
-
$50 Off
TravelForYouToGo.com
Don't let lack of time, or patience prevent you from having & creating a great vacation experience. My travel planning service will help you create ...
-
15% off Premium Cigars
Las Vegas Paiute Smoke Shop
Not valid for accessories, mass market or cigarettes purchases. Cannot be combined with any other Las Vegas Paiute offer or discounts. Must be 18 years ...
-
GET 10% OFF YOUR THERMOSTAT!
ThermostatShop.com
This hot summer keep your home cool and
regulate your home temperature.
Visit Thermostatshop.com
USE COUPON AT CHECKOUT: 3955
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- All signs point to continuing Las Vegas exodus
- AOL Travel warns readers to steer clear of North Las Vegas
- Walking away from a mortgage comes with risks
- Report details school principal’s arrest on meth charges
- Plan for 238 new homes in Mountain’s Edge advances
- State board rules against sheriff candidate Laurie Bisch
- Illegal immigration declines with tighter border security, fewer jobs
- Report: Las Vegas drivers more prone to accidents
- Video released in cab driver’s robbery at knifepoint
- Assemblyman Morse Arberry steps down to pursue lobbying career
Blogs
The Kats Report
Mitchell's "Breakfast" serves No. 1,000; Lewis talks of post-telethon plans
The Damon Political Report
Sharron Angle works to soften her image in latest ad (34 Comments)
The Kats Report
As MDA Telethon approaches, a shout-out from, and to, Jerry Lewis (2 Comments)
Elsewhere
Nevada goes from boom to bust (4 Comments)
L.A. Times: Reid, Angle seize on old gaffes in Senate race (4 Comments)
Politics: Ralston's Flash
Tea Party candidate starts web ad campaign against Reid, Angle (47 Comments)
Elsewhere
Ugly Las Vegas carpets want you to keep playing (3 Comments)
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
This whole health care thing is about jobs jobs jobs, that's why obama is pushing for this hard. We conservatives, on the other hand, have framed the debate in a manner that has crippled our ability to see it for what republicans in the past would have seen it. We are all in it together, and reform is a path to new jobs, medical service, providers and even insurers - and they can't be off-shored. I have changed my mind I hope you will take a look and think about it too
http://bit.ly/brAKLJ
republicanblack - the whole thing is about saving face for Obama, Reid and Pelosi - nothing more. Thats the only reason Obama is willing to consider some republican proposals. If this goes away, which millions hope, Obama has no legacy for his four years. Its not about jobs, its about legacy and trying to go down in history as the president that socialized this country. If this passes, it will be rejected by the new republican congress in January as democrats who vote for this will be gone from office. Obama has so much as said that he will throw you under the bus to get his way. What a mistake this country made by putting this man into office.
The LV Sun lament that "It's time to move ahead.
GOP should work with Obama as health care bill has been stalled long enough.
--------------------------------
It is Stalled by DEMOCRATs and the PEOPLE not conservatives
Why - it is expensive, intrusive and destructive.
Obama announced his "pared down" $1.0 trillion health insurance package Version 6.66.
Obama, Reid, and Pelosi will proceed to CRAM the lavish intrusive and destructive health insurance bill down unwilling citizens throat.
The announced entitlement program price tag is around $1 trillion over 10 years
This $1 TRILLION will be paid for by
REDUCING Medicare and Medicaid benefits,
Adding millions in increased State payments,
Heavy SALES TAX on basic health care services,
Increased "COST SHIFTING" of government costs to private plans,
EXCISE TAX on private health care insurance plans,
PAYROLL TAXES will be increased by increasing the rate for households by taxing UNEARNED income like for capital formation dividends, interest, annuities - and rents and royalties.
We will pay increased taxes for ten year for just four years of benefits.
------------------------------------------------------
Still in the end up to 20 million will not be covered and private plan premium will go up.
There is NO COST Containment.
We are still paying for abortions
It will cost thousands for each person the government through a picking and choosing process will decide give free health insurance too.
Everybody else not picked for free health insurance will be conscripted to buy a plan.
-----------------------------------
Most of the actions rely on the need for future Congresses to actually make the changes like to Medicare.
Pass this spending bill now and TRUST CONGRESS to get the money out of Medicare while adding the doctor fix later. Right
We see this same tired editorial or variations of it at least three times a week at the LVSun. All I have to say to Republicans is, "Dissent is Patriotic". Oh, and God-forbid Republicans should "threaten" Democrats re-election plans,oooohh how evil of them.
Karl Rove Chimes In ! "Work With The Dems Boys!!"
"Why in the world did Scott McClellan write that truthful book on AWOLBush? He didn't have to put the AWOLBush IQ in there .... 79 - The Official Bush IQ .... geez , he's a dis.service to us on that. That's the lowest Presidential IQ in our entire history ... why'd he put that in? "
" If I were still in DC I'd yell at the Repubs to start working with the Dems and get health reform done ...... Bunning and Ensign are true jerks and idiots to vote against their own folks out of work .... two men who are unhappy and bitter in their daily lives and hate even the people who voted them in office. They should quit. How in the world is that adulterer Ensign still in office. A fake and a family wrecker? Carrying on affairs in his Senate home over there on E St?"
"My new book admits a lot of mistakes we made .... and AWOLBush ... man, he hates a lot of folks and especially that Cindy Sheehanan woman who set up by his range in Crawford to protest his dumb war, her only child was killed in that war, and illegal war ... he tried to shoot her when he out hunting ground hogs one day but got Brownie in the buttocks by mistake .... you boys remember Brownie ..... " heck of a job Brownie" as the good folks in New Orleans lay dying in the streets and he had lunch at the Ritz and told his gal Friday not to interrupt him."
" Hey, gotta go , Palin is yelling me a 'shout out' .... she's mad because I can't see Russia from my house in Alabama ... no comment on that .... and I gotta see my lawyer on hiding some cash from my little old lady on this divorce of mine .... how many have I had so far .... don't know .... wonder if Ensign had anything to do with it?"
" Ensign,a slug ... worthless man voting against helping his very own unemployeed out there in Nevada ..... jerk! If he ever gets another vote then they'll deserve what they get!"
See Ya Radio City Music Hall
Karl Rove
Gee, no mention of Tort Reform. Something that has worked in several states. Improving both care and controlling costs. But that wouild harm a large dumbocrat campaign donor now wouldn't it?
The "Party of NO" needs to stand firm before the Dems throw away the constitution, further ruin an already fragile economy, and impose their social agenda on us all.
The Democrats, after one year, have become the party of corruption & incompetence, and their efforts at healthcare reform (or whatever they're calling it this week) are the perfect example or how NOT to reform healthcare. Had they actually chosen to work with the GOP on an incremental approach, the American people could've already had in-place 75% of the reforms most polls show we want. Obama, Reid, Pelosi, and the rest of the Dems have only their own arrogance to blame for their utter failure of a first year.
Poll after legit poll after legit poll (no koolaid push-polls plz) show that a majority of Americans are against ObamaCare.
For good reason too....the bill makes tons of cuts to Medicare, addes taxes which will hurt the economy and in some cases make premiums go up, it puts more of health care under government control, it adds mandates to health insurance to push up premiums.....so on and so on....it is a lousy bill.
If Democrats shove this bill down the American's throat then Democrats should be prepare for losses in Nov.
President Obama is calling for a vote. Good for him, I believe we've all grown weary on this debate. There is no common sense in the approach, method or outcome. He's making promises he can't keep, and many parts are as of yet undefined. My hope is he gets his vote and it is a down vote.
One Change i would like to see: If medical service is paid for by any goverenment program the provider cannot be subjected to any legal action as a result.
55% of Nevadas are for it
You republicRATs are the most selfish group of people on the planet that I have ever seen. Remember when your hero, Ronnie Reagun said "Tear Down This Wall" and the Germans became one (Not giving Reagun credit, it was mostly a financial decision, but I thought I would let you do a bit of chest thumping before I woke you from your stupor) and they have assimilated an ENTIRE country into their health care system.
Are you of the opinion that the Germans can and HAVE figured out a way to do this (insure everyone) and have no real waiting lines -- read this portion of a report done by the Institute For Study Of A Civil Society:
"Not so in Germany, where queueing up in a hospital outpatient department to see a specialist is largely unknown. First, Germans are free to visit any doctor they like. They may either walk in off the street, or ring for an appointment that will invariably be booked for the same morning or afternoon. Consumers can and do penalise bad service. Our recent study of German consumers commonly produced reactions like this: 'I saw a long queue, so hopped on the tube and went to a different practice'; 'she was rather ill-tempered so I never went back'; 'the facilities were drab, so I went to a different one next to my office'; 'I felt rushed at his practice so didn't go back'.
Second, Germans do not have to see a GP before visiting a private specialist. GPs do act as gatekeepers to German hospitals, but about half of all specialists practice outside the hospitals. German hospitals provide few out-patient services. Instead, there are a large number of independent clinics, invariably with the most sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Most Germans have a favourite GP, although many maintain a relationship with more than one - just in case - but if they need to see a specialist they would not waste time seeing a GP first".
I know reading about being civil is heretical to most of you republicRATs, we can do this better than anyone can. IT WILL BECOME LAW, why not start working to make ours the best program in the world.
The answer is likely that you are afraid, afraid you will have to share your doctor with POOR PEOPLE, YUCK! Time to get on board boys and girls, the train is about to leave the station. All aboard!!!
Jeff sure likes to make hate rants:
"You republicRATs are the most selfish group of people on the planet..."
"I know reading about being civil is heretical to most of you republicRATs..."
Elitist Liberals have dragged the Democrat Party so far to the left with their hate, name calling and demonizing that the Democrat Party is now the party of hate...
A huge part of the $40 trillion in medical costs in the next 10 years will be born by US business if nothing is done. We are pricing ourselves out of existance. The cuts to medicare advantage are miniscule given the trillions the program will be getting.
Starbucks currently pays more for healthcare than for coffee. GM pays more than for steel. Everyone is paying a premium everytime they buy something made in the US or use a labor intensive service.
The cost estimates over the next 10 years are roughly equal to the current value of all stocks, bonds and real estate in the entire country.
We need to work on getting people coverage and then strong cost containment.
We are currently paying for many of the uninsured because they are the sickest among us and are sitting in every major hospital. Nearly 10% of the bills never get paid. This amounts to ABOUT $700,000,000.00 a DAY
The "Institute for Study of a Civil Society": a socialist progressive/organization, finds that the health care system is a slave to the government.
Parasites are always parasites!!!
Jeff- if you like the German system so much - move and pay their tax rates. Oh, you would have to have a job to pay taxes. Thats right, let the wealthy pay more so you can get "free" treatment and then go back to your sofa instead of paying your own way. The Republicans are not being selfish - its called making your own way through life instead of wanting someone else to pay your way. Give a man a fish and he eats for one day until the gov't gives him another fish. Teach that man to fish, (read work) and he eats without gov't help on his own. Try it yourself.
Uncle Larry,
All through this healthcare debate we have received one vote for it (after it had passed, Gao from New Orleans) from the republican side of the aisle. The republicRAT party is full of zero's. There is broadbased public support for this, when the polling is done with integrity. Now, because of republicRAT intransigence we have been blackmailed by Ben Nelson, and Mary Landrieu. If you guys had been part of the plan, they would have been an afterthought.
If republicRATs had voted to actually REPRESENT the American people, rather than the republicRAT party we would have had a 20 times stronger bill. Your sides myopia has made our country weaker, looking foolish, and you have spread lies, fear, and set back our competitive advantage 10 years.
Hateful, no. I like your passion. Never had a hateful thought for any of you. 90% of my friends are republicans, until I show them the facts, then I convert about half of them to independence from either party.
In this case, the Dems are right, and righteous. Sometimes the truth sucks. But it is still the truth.
Brownin4:
I said we can do it better, you say move there.
You imply laziness. I give you the benefit of the doubt, if I was to judge you based upon your writings it would likely be taken down by the Sun staff.
The German model is based upon, for the working class a 50/50 split by employer/employee -- much higher employee contribution than in the US on average.
I guess everyone, using your logic, who drives a Honda should move to Japan?
Larry, the present Democratic party is about as centrist as I have seen in my lifetime. Does anyone remember the 60's and 70's, when there was a left wing in this country?
Brownln4...There are just as many republicans in bankruptcy court as democrats. Pay your own way is a myth. The numbers of individuals or businesses that will be able to "pay ther own way" is nil when it comes to medical costs.
5 million millionaires in the US. That's it. The other 306 million people have no chance. Employers will have to dump costs on to their employees. Every hotel and casino concern in Nevada is nearly broke. MGM pays $440 million for employee healthcare.
100% of people over 65 participate in medicare....dems, republicans, independents, socialists, neo-nazis, teabaggers. No one REALLY pays there own way in any society in the industrialized world today. Americans are no different.
The Teabags will be the first to sign-up for Obama care. Right now they're all on VA disability, SSI, Social Security, Welfare, unemployment, or work for Fox or talk-radio. They are the ones squeaking like stuck stuck pigs that "they are going to cut Medicare."
Since we seem to be foolishly inclined to spend our way out of the recession just as the Japanese did in 1997, we should also look at their national health care program which eveyone is required to pay into. Notwithstanding the government promise of free health care, they STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING. Their taxpayer subsidy goes down the same rat hole that ours will.
Check out Sue Lowden's record of illegally cutting health benefits.
http://www.harryreid.com/ee/index.php/ne...
Karl Rove Ain't Done Yet !
" Look, is the Congress about helping the nation and it's people get better, do better and protect them, or is the Congress about saying NO, calling names, spewing out hate or what?"
"It seems some of that is going on right here, too. A sorry state of affairs. Doesn't everybody agree that it's time to work together and get stuff done like a health care bill. Stop giving those insurance companies monopolistic rights, put in an option, or , better yet, just let Medicare cover everybody period. We sent all those boys to Iraq and Afghanistan and now those who have been fortunate enough to make it back need help, not this kind of stupidity from the idiots in Congress. I just spoke with AWOLBush and he said he can't sleep at night thinking about all he did and on top of that putting that idiot and jerk Nickelson in as head of Veterans. What a dumb*** dope Bush is, and was, then too."
" Gotta go boys, have a private jet from GoldmanSachs waiting and you know we can't keep GoldmanSachs waiting ... those are the boys who gave us those 'credit default swaps' - have to do them right!"
Your Buddy Karl 'The Henchman' Rove
(Hey you Republicans, get a life and act like adults and grow up and work with the Dems!)
Mike...Japan has the oldest population in the world. The birth rate is nil and no immigration. A women born in Japan has a life expectancy of almost 90.
They are going to start paying people to have babies. You need young to support the old.
Hey JustinBRidCampaign...
Sue Lowden is already wealthy and will serve as Senator without the worry of bribes, paybacks and backroom deals.
Too bad we can't say that about Harry Reid. He made his fortune while he was representing taxpayers.
America needs health care reform.
50 million Americans have no health care.
The Democratic Party will get it done.
Thank you, President Obama, Harry Reid and
Nancy Pelosi.
Let's get it done.
Nevada doesn't need any more loser republicans.
"It's time to move ahead'? No, no, it's time to remove their heads!
It's time for the republicans to stop crying.
Larry- "Sue Lowden is already wealthy and will serve as Senator without the worry of bribes, paybacks and backroom deals." Is that the best you can say about her. And you've got to be freakin kidding! NO weathy people wouldnt vote to further their wealth. And in case you missed that very big building on W Charleston with the big sign Alverson, Taylor it use to be Alverson Reid the very large very successful firm he was partner in, he was rich before he ran for office.
What a ridiculous "editorial".
Why not save a lot of space and just say you blindly follow the Democrat's policies and you're proud to help Obama trash the Constitution.
I can understand union puppets doing whatever they're told, but anyone who owns a business ought to be concerned about these appalling power-grabbing attempts.
Yes Zipper, I know all of that. My point is that they were sold on a fraudulent national health care plan just like Obummer is doing. I understand that his plan is to resurrect the public option if he gets anything passed. This guy, who can't stop smoking cigarettes, is only about his socialistic agenda at any cost.
Have some of you people been struck with memory loss? You don't remember that the DemocRATS held closed door meetings up until their vote at the begining of this year?
You don't remember Obama being called out as a liar by Joe Wilson when he lied about illegal immigrants not being written in the bill, come to find out they were written into the bill and citizens were to pay for all illegals benefits.
Now that the doors are open and the Repubs are in the room, The dems are pointing fingers at the repubs and getting blamed?
The demos want to pass this pathetic bill as is and fix it later. People have got to realize that if this bill is passed it will never get fixed.
If the dems would have worked through last year with a bipartisan effort and cleaned the bill up as they went, we wouldn't be where we are at today.
Sad truth is I'm a registered Democrat, but I have made a decision that if the Democrats can't and won't work with the Republicans or if the Democrats keep suffering from continuous stupidity, they will not get my vote. 'nuff said!
As everybody fights over which political is more evil, I am going to take the stand that they are all working for big insurance companies and big pharma. Think about it. You will be REQUIRED to buy health insurance from companies that have a long, well known history of screwing us. That is not even close to universal health care. It is another give away to a massive corporate institutions.
Not impressed at all. I believe Obama's plan is a big farce. Not liberal at all. Just a trick to hord the wealth...
The time to move on a Healthcare Plan is when the 3 branches of government join us in a Health Care Plan and not until then.
The government has already proven they cannot effectively run a program of any kind - not social security, not medicare or medicaid; not even Fannie & Freddie, nor the post office. They couldn't even run the Mustang Ranch brothel when they seized it for crying out loud!
Why on GOD'S green earth would we allow them to foist Obamacare on us? To give them another pot of money to mishandle?
This is all bassackwards - FIX the problems with existing programs & get them out of the red before conning us to hand over money for yet another program doomed to failure.
Do you know of any bank who would continuously approve loans to someone who constantly bankrupts every enterprise he touches? Well folks, WE are the bank, & the government has several failed programs under its belt. Stamp this Obamacare bill as: APPLICATION DENIED!
In the spirit of "JeffFromVegas", a previous poster here -
The citizens have seen how the demoNcrats (or is that demoscums?) are the ones who refused any republican input in creating this nightmare-of-a-bill-known-as-Obamacare -- and have the unmitigated GALL to call republicans "the party of NO"??
If this bill was for the greater good, it would be presented on its own merits - all alone, with absolutely NO markups & absolutely NOTHING else in the bill which has nothing directly to do with health care. NO exceptions for ANYONE, period. No special deals to bribe a vote. It would be paid for by EVERYONE, NO exceptions - a very simple national tax of 1/8th or 1/16th of a cent on all taxable purchases in every state. If this bill is supposed to cover everyone, then all can help contribute - no free rides. It would have overwhelming public support, nevermind having overwhelming bi-partisan support.
The fact that it was created behind closed doors without bi-partisan input, deals & waivers made, midnight voting, & now attempts to use sneaky, underhanded methods to pass it by nuclear option and looking for loopholes to avoid even that - PROVES it is a rotten deal for all. The suggestion that it should pass before we are allowed to know all the sordid details, is ludricrous.
I refuse to be a willing participant in allowing our government to foist another ponzi scheme on us. There will be no more "New Deals", or there will be no more democrats at the wheel come November.
EllsBells, enough is enough! Hail NO to expanded entitlements, Obamacare, government expansion, new or increased taxes & surcharges! Stay out of our private lives, stop removing our privacy rights in the name of national security or immigration reform and say hail NO to national ID cards!
Hail No to Harry Reid, Pelosi, & every single politician who allowed this healthcare bill to advance this far against the wishes of the citizenry, whether it passes or not. Vote the bums out! NO more liberals in charge ever again.