I know we don't like to talk much about the Bush/Cheney

[Cleita]

excrements these days, but I'm wondering. How much involved is that last administration in corporate health care and big PhRMA? Could it be that the lingering influence, or dare I say huge power, is still involved? Inquiring minds want to know.

[rwheeler31]

1. You are so right on this. Please keep investigating.

[Hekate]

2. KnR, because inquiring minds think there's moles left behind and Repub politicians...

... who will do anything to take Obama down.

Hekate

[waiting for hope]

3. I don't think there is any involvement ..

Bush and Cheney are not in office anymore to receive big donations from the Health Care Lobby ...

Health care groups lobby at record pace

WASHINGTON — The drug and insurance industries have dramatically amped up their efforts to lobby Congress, spending millions over a three-month period to influence legislation aimed at reshaping the nation's health care system, new reports show.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America reported nearly $7 million in lobbying expenses from July through September. Overall, the group has spent nearly as much during the first nine months of 2009 as it did during the entire previous year.

Individual drug companies also have sharply increased lobbying. Pfizer, for instance, has spent more than $17 million in lobbying during the first nine months of this year, nearly twice its lobbying budget during the same period in 2008. Pfizer spokeswoman Kristen Neese said the spending reflects a commitment to "making our voice heard."

America's Health Insurance Plans, an association of insurance companies now battling with President Obama over the final shape of health care legislation, racked up $6.3 million in lobbying expenses this year — $1 million more than the same period in 2008, according to lobbying reports filed with Congress and data compiled by the non-partisan CQ MoneyLine.

Plus the fact that Health Care Reform was never an issue with the previous administration, but if it makes you feel better to place blame on them, go for it.

[Cleita]

4. I guess we would have to know how much stock they own in

the corporations to know for sure and just what chairmanships are involved. I think there is a lot. The reason that health care reform was never an issue with the previous administration should speak for itself.