Sebelius: Public will embrace health care reform

[NJmaverick]

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON – Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says she believes people who remain skeptical about the massive health care reform that has passed Congress will feel better as they learn more about it.
Interviewed the morning after Democrats pushed it through on a 219-212 vote, Sebelius suggested that public resistance to the legislation largely is the result of statements Republican opponents and insurance industry figures have made about it.
She told CBS's "The Early Show" she thought "what's been going on for the better part of the year is a lot of attempts to confuse and scare Americans." Sebelius said people "will be happy" with the legislation once they learn more about how it changes the rules governing how insurance companies operate.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100322/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul_sebelius;_ylt=AgRw6cTAbVC_x3iW7_RP6_Cs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQxdnVuMzVsBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMzIyL3VzX2hlYWx0aF9jYXJlX292ZXJoYXVsX3NlYmVsaXVzBGNjb2RlA21vc3Rwb3B1bGFyBGNwb3MDMgRwb3MDMTEEcH

[derby378]

1. Many of the teabagger arguments will be decimated, but...

...then there's the much harder task of deflecting progressive opposition to the bill as passed. Even if the Senate passes reconciliation, it may be very hard to convince the holdouts that this is actually reform instead of a corporate sweetheart deal.

[NJmaverick]

2. The 3% of progressives that opposed the bill are hardly a concern

[pattmarty]

13. Did you just pull that number out of your ass?

[NJmaverick]

15. Nope that was from the PPP poll just last week

Sorry if the FACTS offend you.

[pattmarty]

40. Link?????????

[TheWatcher]

60. You really want a link to his ass?

You must be a masochist. :rofl:

[pattmarty]

64. Jeez, you are so hilarious and witty. Ever think of becoming.......

........"TheWatcher"? Watch this!!!!!!!

[PassingFair]

65. As usual, it's not the FACTS that are offensive.

It's you.

Again.




The Progressives are ultimately happy with the political "win"
the party needed so much. I don't dispute that only 3% will nurse
a grudge.

We work hard and cut our losses.

We will now turn to fixing the myriad problems in
the legislation.

[martymar64]

42. That 3% will not be voting for your ticket come November

You got any Republican voters to replace those lost votes?
I doubt it.

[superconnected]

44. So they're going to vote Republican? I doubt it.

[martymar64]

46. No, probably Green or Socialist

I'm going in the other direction. The Democratic Party has moved so far to the right that it resembles more the Republican Party under Nixon. The Democratic Party has abandoned the interests of working people and now openly sides with Big Insurance/ Big Pharma and Goldman Sachs and the other Banksters. The Democrats have abandoned all pretense of actually legislating in favor of people, their corruption is complete and irreversible.
Try getting the Republicans to vote for your agenda. Your Corporate Profit Uber Alles agenda is more their speed. I prefer to vote for the interests working people over corporations, but you probably can't grasp that.
Your pal the OP called us irrelevant, so what do you care if you lose progressive votes?

[superconnected]

56. That really worked out in 2000 didn't it. Nice way to get W #2 in.

go for it. I stopped listening to the green party after nader f*ked up gore while nader had no chance of winning and still didn't get 5% of the vote. You green voters are just brilliant, not.

[martymar64]

58. Well then the Democrats better start moving to the left and in a hurry

And get off your Nader obsession, it's been thoroughly debunked. Gore selecting Lieberman turned off more voters than Nader gained. Gore/Lieberman ran away from Bill Clinton's help in the election, a President with a 65% approval rating. That is unthinkable in a presidential election. The Democrats ran a textbook shitty campaign in 2000, yet you want to lay it all at the feet of Ralph Nader. If you ran a better campaign and not selected a RW nut like Lieberman (WTF were you guys thinking?)for VP, it wouldn't been so close that the Rethugs could steal it. So blame yourselves for 2000, not Nader.

[whats_a_zip]

66. I've had a terrible thought

What happens when the govenment shifts. Eventually the other party will
gain control. How bad are they going to screw it up?
It seems that a lot can be done simply by executive order now?

[ixion]

3. More worthless insights from inside the looking glass beltway from the DLC

I'm unimpressed.

[NJmaverick]

4. sad.. very sad

[ixion]

6. Indeed.. it is very sad.

I'm glad we can agree.

[NJmaverick]

9. I was referring to your misguided comments and poor perceptions

sadly you are even mistaken in your belief that I agree with you.

[ixion]

10. LOL... do I REALLY need to add the :sarcasm: icon for such obvious statements?

I mean, are you really that linear?

[NJmaverick]

16. Sorry if your attempt at snark backfired

[WeekendWarrior]

17. You're dealing with a concern troll. Ignore. nt

[Name removed]

21. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[WeekendWarrior]

23. Here's the thing

You know nothing about me, yet you make assumptions that you know nothing about. Because I'm willing to swallow much of what I'd like to see in this bill -- things I've fought for all my life -- and accept it as a beginning, because I'm a realist and a pragmatist and realized long ago that ideals can only be achieved through compromise in a country that's sliced about a hundred different ways, does not make me a DLC zealot or anything close to it.

But I guess you feel your only recourse is to insult and label, a course of action that those on the right often use, because your hopes have somehow been dashed by the passage of this bill.

The simple truth is, I choose not to be negative about it. I can see many, many positives here and I'll celebrate those, then get back to work to make things even better rather than wallow in some self-imposed idealistic misery.

I'm sorry you didn't get what you want with this bill. I really am. But how about if we move forward and work together to make what we've got even better?

Doesn't that make sense?

[ixion]

25. Fair enough. You stop sniping and me, and I'll do the same.

And you're right. I know nothing about you, just like you know nothing about me. I'll hold back if you will.

[WeekendWarrior]

27. Consider it done.

But I'd also appreciate it if you'd stop sniping at others as well.

The truth is, MOST of us are on the same side here and we're ALL frustrated over a number of problems in Washington and with what I consider a weak-willed Democratic party. Let's hope they're finally getting some of their mojo back and, if not, put their feet to the fire.

[ixion]

29. The deal is between you and I

And my 'work' to 'fix' this is to get it repealed. Real reform entails cleaning up the gamed playing field that is the health care industry, which also entails getting bought-and-paid-for politicians out of office.

What passed last night in no way resembles reform on any real level. I want people to have access to health care, but forcing them to by insurance is not substitute.

Please note that insurance stocks are pegging today. If the market were really unhappy about this bill (as they claim) stocks would be plummeting. They're not.

[WeekendWarrior]

32. Well, then

I guess we can't agree, because I think repeal is the WRONG way to go. I think we can build on this, push for a public option and other provisions to make it stronger -- and I think that, over time, that's exactly what will happen.

Repealing it is a pipe dream. Sorry. And as I said, I'm a pragmatist.

Besides, if it were repealed, what would take it's place? The status quo?

I'm sorry, I can't take that risk. This is not an all or nothing proposition for me.

[ixion]

34. It's okay when people don't agree on things... the problem starts when one group

tries to force those beliefs on others.

We seem to have lost the concept of tolerance and "live-and-let-live" in this country.

[WeekendWarrior]

39. Well I'll agree and disagree

I do think the problem starts when one group tries to force its beliefs on others. The Repugs are a prime example of this, and several of the DINOs as well.

But I don't think we've lost the concept of tolerance -- a term I've never really liked, by the way, since it suggests that things like race and sexual orientation are things that should be tolerated rather than accepted. I think our acceptance of things "outside the norm" is much greater now than it has ever been in our history. Yes, there are plenty of bigots to go around, but many of them are fringe idiots.

Are things perfect? No. But I think we're going forward rather than backward.

[martymar64]

43. You seem not to know anything about him either

Watch that glass house of yours.

[TheWatcher]

63. It's as trasparent as thin air.

I've seen so many like him come and go.

And they ALL think they are clever and unique.

[NJmaverick]

24. !

:spray:

fringe 3% are hilarious in their disconnect from reality

[TheWatcher]

61. Sure. A "Concern Troll" who has been here since 2004.

While you've barely been out of your Diapers on this Site.

You've been here a little more than 6 months and already you know everything there is to know about everyone, huh?

Sounds a bit like Projection to me.

Sorry Baby Huey, we're not that stupid.

You're going to need to try and mask yourself a little harder than that.

[Name removed]

20. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Dawgs]

11. So are the Republicans.

Maybe you should try starting your own party. The teabaggers would be happy to have you.

[ixion]

12. I'm an Independent, because I've never heard of a political party, much less

an individual politician that had anything even vaguely resembling integrity.

[NJmaverick]

14. That's the sort of nonsense Nader was selling that helped get Bush into the White House

[ixion]

26. No, it's called intellectual honesty

something that is apparently totally foreign to you.

I'm an independent because I never put a party over the common welfare, and deal specifically with actions and issues, not talking points.

[NJmaverick]

28. That "intellectual honesty" led us into 2 expensive long wars with no reward

a melt down of our economy and a crippling dependence on foreign oil as well as illegal torture, war crimes and a one of the two wars being an illegal war of aggression.

I would prefer you kept your version of "intellectual honesty" to yourself, I don't think the American people can take much more.

[ixion]

30. I didn't support either of those illegal invasions, however I note you DO SUPPORT

One of them. So you really have no leg to stand on here.

[NJmaverick]

31. If you didn't do everything you could to keep Republicans out of power

your allowed these things to happen

[ixion]

33. Again: that's just it: It's NOT just about Republicans

There were plenty of Dems on board, both then and now.

[NJmaverick]

35. No you're wrong and it is this way of thinking which allows the GOP the opening they need

to inflict all sorts of damage on our nation and its people. You need to appreciate the danger and threat the GOP poses.

[ixion]

36. Daschle, Gephardt, LIEberman, Biden, Pelosi, the list goes on and on

They were right there, and their names on are the paperwork. You have no argument.

[NJmaverick]

37. Well then you can make your lists but then you bear the responsibility for the Republicans you help

[ixion]

38. No, sir. I have alway stood against fascism

from ANY politician.

And the fact that you can't see the damage done by the party you love so dearly is truly sad.

[newspeak]

55. don't bother, it's not worth it

we are the idealistic loonies--still believing in the "great society", watching government privatize the hell out of everything-doesn't matter if it's a democrat or republican. I once prayed that Poppy wouldn't get reelected because of NAFTA and I wanted to see them on trial--but hey that didn't happen. I wanted an investigation into the last administration and out in the open the lies that led us to where we are now--that hasn't happened either. Nope, we're told to suck it up because the democrats have decided to pull out a fifteen year old repuke plan and dust it off--or give us "Romney Care", another repuke plan.

I'm going to observe how this plays out--and probably listen to all of the excuses when the shite hits the fan or maybe the insurance industry will find a conscience and finally give us something good at reasonable prices.

[TheWatcher]

62. Hmmmm, are you talking about one of those expensive Wars that you show support for and

are constantly Copy/Pasting Propaganda for?

NOW it's an expensive War with no reward?

Oh, please DO Dance More for us, Mr. Astaire.

It's ASTOUNDING! :rofl:

[BridgeTheGap]

5. The sausage has been made. We won't know whether we like it or not until we

begin consuming it. Like any law this huge, there will be things that work and things that don't work. Some will like it, some won't. At a bare minimum, it is a bold attempt to fix problems that have been burdening Americans for years.

[ericinne]

7. I'm already loving it

One of the key provisions in the bill that I absolutely LOVE is the one that lets my kids stay on my insurance till they are 26.

I have a son with Hyperlexia (Autism Spectrum), and while I am confident that he will be able to be his own person and take care of himself independently one day, I know the road for him will be a little bit harder then the average young adult, so my wife and I anticipate needing to care for his needs a bit more then my daughter. Being able to have him insured and knowing we won't have to worry about getting him on some government assisted program after he turns 18 is TRULY a god send (I am a Deist BTW), not only to me, but others like me... working class middle class, average Americans.

No my child doesn't need extra medical care, no he doesn't need medication, that was NEVER an issue. Giving him an opportunity for an independent life after he is legally an adult, is. And this is just one less hurdle for that goal out of the way.

[goclark]

18. + 1000 and welcome to DU

[No Elephants]

19. I''m glad it helps your family. It could have done that without enriching the insurers, though.

But, I am truly glad it helps your family.

Just asking: Wouldn't he have been eligible for Medicaid after age 18, even without this bill?

[ericinne]

22. Probably, but that's not the point.

Probably, but that's not the point.

The point being.. maybe I DON'T WANT GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE. I want self sufficiency for my son.

I have no problem, for the most part, with the concept of insurance companies. As long as they are playing by fair rules, and offering fair protections for all, they are tending to my needs.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield are still gonna keep getting my premiums because they have never screwed me or my family over personally. I'm glad at least something has been done so that I won't become one of those horror stories by circumstance some day.

So I see buying my own insurance, and my kids able to afford and buy there own, a total overall reduction to our national debt/ burden to government ran assistance.

[martymar64]

45. You don't like government plans, so you don't want anyone else to get help from the government?

I got mine, so fuck you?

[paulflorez]

47. Where did ericinne say they "don't want anyone else to get help from the government?"

The way I understood what ericinne said was that they could have chosen Medicaid, but preferred to continue to use their private insurance and they were glad to have that choice. Ericinne said nothing about abolishing Medicaid or taking away the choice of any other government programs/assistance from others.

[ericinne]

50. Exactly

I got mine, screw everyone else? Wow, please don't insult me like that again. That is not how I was raised to treat my fellow human. I am VERY happy others are able to have access to an alternative system over private insurance. Your talking to someone who grew up on welfare and the benefits of Title XIX in Iowa, your talking to someone who will proudly admit they dumpster dived for a meal or 2... especially in the summer when school was out so we couldn't get free lunches, and it was towards the ends of the month when mom's food stamps were expended. Insinuating I would snob myself and forget where I came from and the people who are still there is the worse insult you could ever toss my way.

[paulflorez]

51. Those of us who can be self-sufficient put less of a burden on the government benefits that help..

...others. I have health insurance now, fairly good health insurance in fact, but I don't believe that I will always have good health insurance. I am there for my fellow Americans so that when I need help, they will be there for me. I'm sure right now there are many conservatives who are collecting benefits in their time of need which I am currently helping to pay for, and I don't feel bitter about that. For me, it's about helping all Americans, regardless of their ideology, and I'd want to be treated the same way.

[newspeak]

54. medicare is what we pay into all of our lives

it is not a government give away. And, I'd gladly have medicare.

[newspeak]

53. yeah, hubby and I

once loved our health insurance when it was part of his company's package. He once had great benefits, then his company started squelching on that package, then he was laid off. Now, because we are both in our fifties, we have a shitty insurance with high deductibles and ceilings on how much they'll pay (which isn't very much).

My FIL was in the hospital for over a week recently, they just got the bill-- $194,000. Now they have secondary insurance that they pay almost one thousand dollars a month (they live on a pension and SS). Guess who paid the majority of the bill? Yep, medicare-secondary insurance only paid 1,100. We have worked all of our lives and paid into medicare and social security--I don't give a damn what anyone says-they are both great government programs-programs that most Americans understand--too bad medicare for all wasn't on the table.

You have a former insurance industry top employee publicly informing the people about the industry's greed and rapaciousness-about denying claims. You have even some of our media talking about the amount CEOs' make and how much profits are made--and some think it's okay to keep throwing money at them. Those of us in our fifties and sixties who are not entitled to medicare yet, may be royally screwed by this bill. Watching the discussion on Bill Moyers--will the insurance industry be able to raise our premiums for their shitty product to 300%? I'll wait and see-if they do. we will be taking no insurance, but pay the penalty.

Oh, and I am a democratic socialist-not a corporatist, so I will be voting accordingly from now on.

[Iowa]

41. Yep, I have a child/young adult who will benefit from this too...

I am seeing conflicting information on this, however. Several sites are saying that coverage will extend "THROUGH age 26" or "until their 27th birthday". Others say "until age 26". Can anyone clarify? Where does this stand as of today?

BTW, here are links that say coverage must be extended until age 27 (there are many others):

http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/what-you-get-when-hcr-passes

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/03/21/2010-03-21_house_passes_president_obamas_historic_health_care_reform_bill_in_219212_vote.html

[Romulox]

8. Is this news? nt

[nightrain]

48. delusion. catapult the propaganda. It's more expensive to purchase

a policy now than it was previously for a middle-income individual--$5K to 7K! Completely unaffordable. And that's prior to deductibles and copays! We have been scammed!

[BlueIris]

52. That was my first thought exactly.

Has she been dropping acid?

[nightrain]

57. apparently! or drinking the kool-aid...

[AngryAmish]

49. The best evidence of this is the spontaneous, mass demonstrations that broke out today

The people finally free free.

[depakid]

59. They'll just be breaking out the champaign as they learn all about what's supposed to happen

...in 2014.

At best, this will be a wash- and the groups the administration and Democrats in Congress backstabbed along the way are unlikely to forget how much their support was worth hen compared to the health insurance industry.