On ABC’s “This Week,” Speaker Pelosi asked a fundamental question about lawmakers in Congress. She answered it like this:
PELOSI:Well first of all our members — every one of them — wants health care. I think everybody wants affordable health care for all Americans. They know that this will take courage. It took courage to pass Social Security. It took courage to pass Medicare. And many of the same forces that were at work decades ago are at work again against this bill. But the American people need it, why are we here? We’re not here just to self perpetuate our service in Congress. We’re here to do the job for the American people. To get them results that gives them not only health security, but economic security, because the health issue is an economic issue for — for America’s families.
But in her answer she left a hole a mile wide in her answer. Does the current Senate bill offer “health security?” Is she kidding? We don’t even know if people can afford the mandates, so talking “health security” is laughable. Does it offer “economic security?” Absolutely not, as it taxes “Cadillac plans,” but more importantly, mandates insurance for people without instilling competition in the formula. Whatever good the health care bill might do is also delayed for years.
Elizabeth Vargas also asked Pelosi the $1 million question: Do you have the 217 votes necessary to pass it in the House?
Speaker Pelosi’s answer: Well right now we’re working on the — on the policy. The — the president put a — a — I think a good proposal on the Internet on Sunday.
A solid bob and weave.
Pelosi won’t say, can’t say, doesn’t know, but more likely doesn’t have the votes right now to pass health care in the House. That doesn’t mean she won’t in the end, but she couldn’t say she does today.
Rep. Paul Ryan also weighed in, via The Hill:
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said Sunday that Pelosi does not have the votes but that “I wouldn’t count her out because she is very good at muscling out votes.”
For the Democrats to not pass any health care legislation would be politically catastrophic. That they’re likely to pass a very bad bill that doesn’t get things rolling to the people right away, plus does little to reform health care or take care of the problems, makes their incompetence even worse. Is a bad bill better than nothing? Not in 2010 it isn’t, because nothing can save Democrats this year; but Obama will duck that judgment. And if in the end Pres. Obama settles for covering even fewer than the 31 million people currently promised, though we don’t know how many of these people can actually afford the insurance being mandated by Democrats, it will be a win for the Republicans.
A lot is still in the wind. Blowback being one of them.
I’m sorry, but the ridiculous claims of the Right wing need to be exposed for just what they are – a horrible distortion of the facts.
Eric Cantor and others have been repeating over and over that the “public doesn’t want this”. Yet what these lowlifes HIDE is the *reason* the public is negative — and it’s not because of their Rightwing talking points !
It’s because it isn’t LEFT WING Enough !
- (namely the public option)
I wish Debbie would have thrown this right in his face this morning on MtP.
These are the latest figures I’ve seen:
* In Nevada, only 34% support the Senate bill, while 56% support the public option.
* In Illinois, only 37% support the Senate bill, while 68% support the public option.
* In Washington State, only 38% support the Senate bill, while 65% support the public option.
* In Missouri, only 33% support the Senate bill, while 57% support the public option.
* In Virginia, only 36% support the Senate bill, while 61% support the public option.
* In Iowa, only 35% support the Senate bill, while 62% support the public option.
*In Minnesota, only 35% support the Senate bill, while 62% support the public option.
* In Colorado, only 32% support the Senate bill, while 58% support the public option.
I recently wrote about an accidental discovery of waste in my health care system. It is a very small amount about $5 for each occurrence.
When multiplied by the number of times in 3-6 months these aged bills are sent to folks on MEDICAID SPEND DOWN; that by illness or a deteriorating condition, hospice, etc. will become a Full Medicaid patient within that time period. At that point all unpaid portions of Hospital bills normally covered by Medicaid, will be paid for,and up to a year of back billings are allowed. Multiply that by the total number of patients in those exact circumstances. per all Medicaid billing hospitals. Big pile.
I wrote about it in great detail. I asked for feedback.
I suppose it was totally dismissed out of hand. I wonder why? With only five bills after the first, a very conservative estimate, it adds up to about $500,000 per hospital System that has about 200,000 — 250,000 patients. Oh well, I have checked and rechecked and consulted with at least 30 Hospital faculty and staff. It seem impossible. But it is really a fact. There is enough waste in this single tiny area, because of not classifying as a subset. It wastes enough to provide the necessary cash for universal health care, already paid for. Knowing that or at least slightly interested in this discovery. Please explain to me why no one even cares a whit.You think I made it up and is a big pile of stinking rotting misconceptions. I am disappointed and dismayed. What up ?
I’m finally back on line with all systems go in an area that got hammered by the storm last week. No power for 4 days; people still out in the 8 counties serviced by Central Hudson but I have to say “Kudos” to the men and women who worked and continue to work in what can be very dangerous conditions to restore power. What was supposed to be 4-8 inches of snow turned into 30 inches. Now to resume normal life which includes reading everything on TM.
Taylor – when Nancy Pelosi became Speaker of the House I was thrilled that a woman had finally been put in that position. However, with that said, I am very disappointed with Pelosi’s oversight of health care reform. Sometimes there is a moral imperative in passing legislation that has a direct impact on the people of this country. Health care reform is that moral imperative. The bill that is before the Congress is not health care reform. It is so convoluted that you need to read every word to understand what the ins and outs are. The Speaker should have had the spine to fight for the public option; it’s what the majority of Americans want. LBJ knew that he would lose the South when he pushed Civil Rights; he was correct but he knew it was a moral imperative that Civil Rights legislation be passed. It was the chance he took and he won by twisting a few arms to get it done. Medicare was legislation that was absolutely necessary for seniors. He got that passed too even though many in Congress went screaming and kicking in the night. I wasn’t crazy about LBJ but I’ve always admired his guts and backbone in doing what was right. Our Democratic Congress and President could take a lesson from his tactics.
WVMJ says:
01 March 2010 at 4:27 am
WVMJ – you are absolutely right in your comment. When you look at the waste in the health care area it is astounding. And I’ve always been convinced that the waste would be eliminated with universal health coverage. But that isn’t to be because we don’t have smart people in Congress. While I spent most of my career in the international health care field, 15 years of my career was spent in the domestic area of health care provision. I have a question for all of you – what happens to people who don’t have coverage and end up in the health care system due to debilitating illness or a devastating accident? Who do you think pays for their care? Or are we expected to turn these people away? Hospitals have to write off the expense of care for people who can’t afford the kind of care that they need (many will close or have closed because they can’t afford to operate in the red). Or they charge higher rates which directly impacts those of us who have health care insurance. The cost of health care in this country will not only bankrupt the country but make us unable to be the leader of the world. How can we possibly remain a super power when we have people who are in need of medical care and can’t afford it? To me this is a national security issue just as a good defense system is. There is a moral imperative for good health care reform not only for the individuals involved but for our country as a whole.
Have a good day, one and all.
I watched alittle of that interview with speaker Nancy Pelosi,and I took it as she didn’t no what she was talking about. The house bill only passed last time with what 5 or 6 votes. All I know is that she has her work cut of for her if she thinks this senate bill is going to pass the house. I think they would have to take out quite abit of stuff in the senate bill for that to happen. They should have passed a health care bill with with a public option last year and they didn’t. I don’t think neither the house or the senate leaders no what there doing anymore.
fairmindedindependant says:
01 March 2010 at 8:05 am
They don’t know what they’re doing because they’re too busy fund raising. Maybe if they talked to the people or paid attention to what we are saying they’d know what to talk about. But for my money most of them are nothing but a bunch of blowhards. The senate bill is an abomination as it is written. I don’t know how they can pass it when so many people are against it. There’s just too much wrong with it.
You too, WVMJ. ..and welcome back to reality, JA.
Pmichael – HCR + the PO debate being where it is isn’t the fault of right wingers. It’s the fault of Obama and the Dems who have committed political malpractice in the face of their own majorities.
The numbers you cite on the PO prove that 0bama and the Dems have no clue how to lead or govern.
This has zero to do w fundraising, JA
Bush 43 did a whole lot more w less congressional power.
It seems like everytime I hear or read about someone saying “Pass the Healthcare” bill it is followed by a lack of explaination of what is actually IN the healthcare bill. I belive the time to have passed a healthcare bill has gone by. Anyone who thought Obama had a healthcare proposal when he was a candidate should know by now he did not have a proposal and still does not. I believe he relied on others to come up with something that would make him look good. His approach was to pass something, anything so he could be the one to pass healthcare. It is about him and not about us. Even sadder is that there have been so many good Senator and Represenatives who have not fought for what has been right for the people but have rolled over for those who sought special deals. It horrifies me that this monstrosity may pass on the backs of women who seem to be lossing more rights under the Democrats than the Republicans. Something I never thought I would see.
SueTexas — what you said.
Hey SueTexas, welcome.
There is no excuse whatsoever for Obama allowing hcr to spin out of control, particularly on message.
Taylor – I agree with you; health care legislation has nothing to do with fund raising. Yet in the past two months I have gotten numerous letters from Pelosi, Reid, Kerry, Schumer, Gillibrand, DNC, among others, telling me how they are fighting to pass “comprehensive health care reform for the American people.” “And in order to keep fighting for this legislation could you please donate at least $35 to help continue the fight?” Why don’t they just tell the rest of the members of Congress that they want to do what is right for the American people? Why do they need my money to do the job they’re were elected to do?
Ditto Sue Texas!
JA, it’s an election years and they have nothing to lose.
Let’s not, however, forget that many Rep opposed Ledbetter. Though on self-determination Pelosi et al, including so called House progressives decided that Catholic reps writing legislation was no problem.
The entire sorry episode is the most sickening display of cowardice and con-artistry I’ve ever witnessed from a party that should have learned a lesson from the Clinton’s attempt to reform health care in this country. The only answer, as polls for the past 5 years have shown, is to take the profit out of health care, set up a system of universal health care, saving business tons of money, and enabling the government to engage economies of scale to keep costs down. There are many examples of ways it can be done, operating quite successfully despite right-wing scare stories. That Dems didn’t even TRY THIS is enough to make me tear out my hair; it was just such a clear opportunity for real change, SQUANDERED away out of cowardice. it is infuriating.
Noogan says:
01 March 2010 at 10:03 am
I have no hair left after the health care debacle.
Taylor – I understand what you’re saying.
First let me say that of all the women in politics today Nancy Pelosi is my favorite. Jan Schakowsky is a close second. Secondly, I couldn’t care less what kind of health care bill is passed just as long as one is passed ASAP. Thirdly, how anyone can critize a health care bill that does not yet exist leaves me somewhat incredulous. Peace
Thirdly, how anyone can critize a health care bill that does not yet exist leaves me somewhat incredulous.
Are you kidding me?
What part of it’s mostly the Senate bill with some minor tweaks, no public option, mandates, tax increases, don’t you understand?
Jesus, I mean, SERIOUSLY. I reported details on the call I was on with the White House, including DeParle.
Horse to water. Frickin’ drink.
http://www.taylormarsh.com/2010/02/22/reporting-presidents-health-care-proposal/
Imhotep – I think you should reconsider your statement “I couldn’t care less what kind of health care bill is passed just as long as one is passed ASAP.” I strongly believe everyone should care what kind of health care bill may be passed. There is a huge chance that if the current Senate bill is passed it will make the existing system we have worse – not better, especially for women. The discussion isn’t whether or not to pass a bill – it is to improve on what we have – it isn’t a check mark on your way to get a passing grade. As the saying goes – “More governement doesn’t fix bad governement.”
Whoops! Sorry for the incorrectly spelled words – I get dangerous when I don’t look at the key’s when I typed:)
Did it again – I promise I am not doing it on purpose – I am an engineer and we are notoriously bad spellers – great in math though.
It happens, SueTexas! Believe me, we *all* do it, so no worries.
You’re also right on substance.
To add to the fury, how about the Senate recess last week without passing legislation to avoid the 21% reduction in Medicare reimbursements that went into effect today? At least the House passed what was needed.
I am quickly reaching my redline on outrage…