Let the President speak

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in Opinion

Friday, August 14. 2009

Comments (51)

Much has been made of the chance for true, interactive democracy offered by the freewheeling town hall format that lawmakers are using in health care forums across the country.

But what the White House is calling a "town hall meeting" does not quite follow in the tradition of the public-driven forums that sprouted centuries ago in New England.

It's more like a press conference for the public.

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#1 over 60 on 08/14/09 at 08:46 AM

Give us our country back!

#2 Enoc Sioul on 08/14/09 at 11:00 AM

No!

#3 Tom Rauch on 08/14/09 at 12:04 PM

This stuff is getting beyond silly.

Anyone with any reasonable experience in complicated issues understands many more words are required to answer questions than to ask the questions. Most 10th graders of reasonable intelligence already could reason through this.

If I could say anything to Obama I would tell this:

"Our country is now so driven by special interests and people making a living from promoting falsehoods it is unlikely you can fix or explain anything. You will never get closed minded individuals driven by illogical ideas and hate to understand what they are doing to this country. We spent at least 40 years steering our country into this mess, don't expect to steer us out of it in a few years."

It's time to stop the intentional false rumors and misinformation. It is killing the Republican party.

#4 Anonymous on 08/14/09 at 01:07 PM

Keep up the good job! Not everyone in middle Georgia hates you.

#5 Dale on 08/14/09 at 01:26 PM

If you want give us our country back at least give me my tv back. Everytime I turn it on you are there!

#6 Mary on 08/14/09 at 01:30 PM

Why is the healthcare you are pushing on us isn't good enough for you, your family, and congress.

#7 Tom Rauch on 08/14/09 at 02:02 PM

Mary,

The basic insurance will never be as good as insurance others pay a much higher price for. That's the way any system will work. Those who can pay a lot extra will have better care. Right now I pay over $13,000 a year for a basic policy.

The problem we really have is the basic care is terrible, and all of care is far too expensive.

Our country ranks at least 35th in care world wide, and we rank first in expense world wide. This is the most expensive system, yet is way down the ladder for overall performance.

We really do need to change it. While it is a complicated proposal it only takes a few hours to check the rumors and see that nearly all of them are false.

#8 cs belote on 08/14/09 at 04:30 PM

i don't think Obama is qualified for the job, he is in way over his head. What has he done except bankrupt the country. I do not trust a president that reads 99.9% of what he is discussing off a teleprompter,and has a vice president that sticks his foot in his mouth everytime he opens it.
This president is not good for this country,and his administration's LEFT hand don't know what the rigt hand is doing,,,,,Cash for Clunkers///////come on!!!!We, the legal US citizens' and our children are in for very difficult future. we need to do everything we can to save our freedom and democracy.God help us, keep us steadfast.keep our constitutional rights in the forefront.

#9 well well on 08/14/09 at 04:43 PM

well it seems like some of you voted for him and we have to pay for it to

#10 Anonymous on 08/14/09 at 05:31 PM

Your an idiot, Not qualified but I bet you voted for a man who ran a baseball team and an oil company into the ground. He did not bankrupt america. The greedy corporate leaders and politicians on both sides did.

Cash for Clunkers has done far more to stimulate the economy than a couple of three hundred dollar vote buy off checks ever did.

My guess just like the rest of the uber right wing nut jobs out there is that your side did not win. You will never support anything this man does if he happens to change the world you will say Reagan or Bush did it.

You people thrive off of fear, you are afraid of everything out there and you will find a reason not to do something because it is different. You spread lies to deceive people into being afraid. I'm very glad most of you were not voting during WWII because we would have lost that one big time.

#11 george bush on 08/14/09 at 05:49 PM

ilove u president obama white racist people want give u chance but long run every thing gonna be all good walter geiger one of them

#12 cs belote on 08/14/09 at 08:47 PM

just like an extreme leftest ,offended by the truth. And about the cash for clunkers, whats going to happen when the payments on these new cars, that people can't afford,come due and start being repossed, is Obama going to bail out the car buyers, like he is trying to do with the manufactures?
i can tell your a warm and fuzzy,out of touch with reality, far left democrat, when you call someone an idiot while remaining anonymous.
face it obama is a one (1)term president.

#13 wdm on 08/14/09 at 10:31 PM

It's funny how democratic pundits refuse to acknowledge the reason our system is one of the most expensive...insurance coverage for doctors from lawsuits. If this bill was really about lowering cost, why doesn't it address one of the biggest issues doctors face...lawsuits. It's called tort reform but we will never see it because one of the largest group of donors to the democratic party are trial lawyers. Please read the bill the house is working on. Those who say what the Republicans are saying isn't true are obviously just like your democratic leaders...you haven't read the bill.

#14 wdm on 08/14/09 at 10:42 PM

I love to hear this (especially from you.) It only convinces me more the democrats have blown there chance with the American people and are on the way out the door.

#15 wdm on 08/14/09 at 10:48 PM

Mary, you are right. Congress will not be on the same plan they are creating for the average American. If you read the house bill, you will see that what you hear is mostly true and quite possible. There will be rationed healthcare, a government board will decide what health benefits will be best for you, and they will have direct and immediate access to all your personal bank accounts. Anyone who tells you this stuff isn't true is like most democrats leaders in DC, they haven't read the bill.

#16 Texo on 08/15/09 at 12:33 AM

I have my take on Obama at:
http://www.dixhistory.com/obama.htm goes like this

Obama, the United States President who wasn't.
Blame the Democratic and Republican National Parties!
Does the government health care plan meet constitutional muster?

The answer to the question about Health Care at the Federal Level is at bottom of this page.
I'm not trying to tick anyone off. I am trying to point out we have a contract with two parties.
"We The People" and Those 545 people in government and were they come from. Things in Green or underlined should take you to a source link off my web page to the source record.

#17 MINICoop on 08/15/09 at 07:14 AM

gee...that's one of the most racist things I've heard in a while. People like you are a disgrace to society.

#18 Tom Rauch on 08/15/09 at 07:19 AM

We already have rationed health care. We already have people deciding if we can have treatment or not. The insurance companies control everything.

I have a PPO to make my insurance "affordable". For 13,000 plus a year I call in advance to see if the insurance company approves something a doctor says I need. I was at the doctor's office the other week and the PA (I almost never see a doctor, it is almost always a PA) was telling me how much time she spent trying to get an insurance company to allow a young man with MS (or MD) to take a liquid reflux medicine because he would vomit when he swallowed a pill. She said she had hours of time into that and they still refused because the liquid reflux medicine as a few dollars more. It was cheaper to let him throw up.

We already have the most expensive medical costs in the world, and for that we are 35th or worse in health care quality in the world.

Now we even have the Brits getting upset with us over our false claims about their system.

We have a broken system but "think" it is good because the people in that system have hired marketing firms to work people through advertising and by pushing politicians and political talk show hosts into telling outright fibs about the proposed bill. They do this every time this comes up because they don't want to see it change.

The AARP and nearly every independent citizens group are endorsing the changes but it is tough to out-lobby an industry that makes billions in profit. Hate, lies, and fear are effective tools and tough for the AARP and others to combat.

#19 cs belote on 08/15/09 at 09:23 AM

What are you talking about, and why are you using the name George Bush,unless it is your true name,and judging from your statement maybe you need to gain a little more insite on what you're trying to say.
stating"everything gonna be all good"is a very out of touch,ignorant thing to say.
Everyone wants everything to be good,but,it takes more than someone saying, it will be.
spending trillions on people that want,and will take any government handout is not going to make everything good.Most people are good but there are those that expect government to support them because of their lazy take on life, We hard working people, and our kids,and grandkids wii be paying for this presidents "changes" for a long,long time.

#20 george bush on 08/15/09 at 10:22 AM

white people stop hating we need to get alone withe one another not all white r racist butit in them white really think they r better in fact just own every thing

#21 Linda Walker on 08/15/09 at 10:22 AM

Obama, why should we believe you about healthcare, when you have already reversed most of your campaign promises? Why did you change from healthcare reform to insurance reform? (got an earful, didn't you?) How long have you known the seven year old girl (you know, daughter of your campaigner?) and did you forget her name so quickly that you had to ask it at your townhall meeting? Also, I would like to make a suggestion for another one of your czars, please hire a gentleman here in Barnesville by the name of Tom Rauch. He would make a dandy representative for you.

#22 the truth on 08/15/09 at 10:30 AM

obammy has lower ratings than jimmy carter!the guy is a clown.the cash for clunkers is a joke.do you not understand that the program was only going to be a one time thing?this adminnistration cant even get something so simple as this going right.they are already out of money and asking for more.sence when is going over budget on a plan a good thing ?and they want to have national health care?who's going to manage it?

#23 Texo on 08/15/09 at 11:10 AM

Tom,

You don't have to have insurance to day. You can even pay in cash not even worry about the insurance Companies at all.

Those choices and many more will not be there once the Federal Government is your "So Called Health Care Provider".

This is a State issue at best and the Federal Goverment is prevented by law from doing what it is trying to do.

That in efect makes us a Country without any laws.

#24 Anonymous on 08/15/09 at 12:15 PM

I don't understand why everybody is caring around so much hatered for Obama. The economy was jacked up before Obama was elected President.

#25 add my penny on 08/15/09 at 01:54 PM

It is not the color of the man it is what he is doing to our country. Get real slavery went out years ago. I dont care whether he is green yellow orange or purple he is bot doing what he said he would do.

#26 lcd on 08/15/09 at 05:10 PM

one of the requirements of the cash for clunkers is that the car has to have been insured by the owner for the lasts twelve months.....and nobody has complained.....but if the government wants to make everybody insure themselves, people scream about government control......we should want to insure our family more than insure our cars......also people dont complain that they have to supplement insurance for people with water front condos in Florida for water damage....but them will complain for having to supplement insurance for people without health insurance...

#27 wdm on 08/16/09 at 12:14 AM

Tom the reason our healthcare is so expensive versus other nations is because of the amount of money our doctors and hospitals pay for malpractice insurance. Interesting enough, you talk about special interest so why do the democrats never mention tort reform? Check and see for yourself but it might be because trial lawyers are one of the biggest contributors to the democratic leaders. And you can Google the list yourself but there are many other industries that are more profitable than healthcare in America. You can argue it until you are blue in the face but most people do not want the government involved in such personal decisions as their medical care.

#28 Me on 08/16/09 at 01:16 AM

But most of us do.

#29 cs belote on 08/16/09 at 07:38 AM

An Urgent Message from Dick Morris for the League of American Voters

Dear Friend:

I am supporting only one organization to stop Obama's healthcare program: the League of American Voters. And I am encouraging concerned Americans to funnel their support to the League as their main venue for donations.

I believe the League has the most effective program to confront directly and stop Obama's radical healthcare takeover plan.

Obama is moving to ram through Congress his plan and all our resources need to be focused to stop him.

Please donate today and help put its powerful ad on air by Going Here Now.

Also read the League's urgent message below!

Dick Morris

Obama Caught in AARP Lie, More to Come

Dear Supporter:

In our last message, we warned that Obama was on the run, desperate to get his radical health plan rammed through Congress.

But Obama's falling poll numbers, and the fact that outlets such as Fox News and Newsmax are fully informing Americans about the dangers of the plan, have hurt him and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's efforts for their healthcare fiasco.

They are desperate. Obama out-and-out lied this week when he claimed that the AARP, the nation's largest seniors organization, backed his healthcare plan.

The organization does not support it.

Nancy Pelosi has even compared citizens protesting against the health plan with Nazis.

These futile attempts of Obama and Pelosi to twist reality prove that our efforts are working!

This weekend, we will begin our national TV ad campaign. We are rolling out our powerful new TV ad — devised by Dick Morris, our chief strategist.

Dick's ad exposes how Obama's plan will lead to healthcare rationing if he succeeds in adding 50 million people to the government system.

You can see the TV ad and donate by Going Here Now.

Remember, you can't let your guard down. Obama and the Democrats know they no longer have the 60 votes to pass the radical health plan in the Senate.

We are told they are working behind the scenes to change long-standing Senate rules so that they can pass their health plan with just 50 votes!

This is again a desperate measure and an attempt to subvert our democratic and constitutional system.

I can assure you the League of American Voters is working day and night to stop Obama's plan.

We are also preparing for contingencies.

When Congress returns after Labor Day, we must line up all our forces for the final battle.

I realize many people are on vacation or feel confident we can defeat Obama's plan.

Please don't fall victim to overconfidence.

It is critically important that you join with the League of American Voters today and help us defeat Obama.

Please Go Here Now to Donate.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Bob Adams
Executive Director

P.S. Next week, we want to roll out our powerful TV ad to eight more states. We have a goal to raise $5 million for our campaign to stop Obama's plan. We are well on our way to this goal, but we need more help. Please take a moment today and show your support — Go Here Now.

Paid for by the League of American Voters. Contributions to the League of American Voters are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions from individuals and corporations are permitted by law and welcome.

League of American Voters | 722 12th Street N.W. | Fourth Floor | Washington, D.C. 20005

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#30 Anonymous on 08/16/09 at 09:42 AM

So you base the failure of the program on the fact that it was widely popular and taken full advantage of until the funds that were allotted for it were exhausted. So I guess my store is a failure because I sold out of stock.

#31 Martin L. King on 08/16/09 at 10:08 AM

Surely you jest! Step back and see how far we come. We have aquired special treatment status and that is something the whites have never got.

#32 george bush on 08/16/09 at 03:56 PM

fox new is headquarter for k.k.k fox news say nothing good about obama

#33 Anonymous on 08/16/09 at 10:29 PM

Yes our Healthcare system needs a major OVERHAUL, but to go to a Govt owned system is NOT the answer. Medicare/Medicaid is going bankrupt. The United States Postal Service is threatening to close offices. There are simple solutions to correct some of the problems with the healthcare system, but the Govt wants to KEEP control, not loosen the reigns.
Americans, you need to listen, read, and notify your officials of your opinions. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

#34 Anonymous on 08/17/09 at 04:32 AM

So they are racist just because they dont agree with Obama's politics? Are you a racist because you didn't vot for mcaine? Youre an idiot.

#35 Enoc Sioul on 08/17/09 at 04:36 AM

The Bommers are getting to the age to where they are going to spend a much, much greater portion of their net worth on trying to stay alive. Insurance companies and health care providers are geared up to make a killing as Boomers are on the way out. The deck is stacked against this aging population and the government sees this mega tax base falling into the hands of theses super corporations. This, along with the sky rocking rate increases by the medical industry over the past several decades is going to bust the US government with its tax funded health care. This is literally a fight for the economic power of this country. One side stands multi-national corporations who care only about the spread sheet and on the other, the United States government and well… enough said. You pick your poison… no matter who picked….we’re screwed.

#36 Anonymous on 08/17/09 at 08:42 AM

Why did you Lie about AARP?
Why did you Lie about the Census?
Why did you Lie about Acorn?
Why did you Lie about Healthcare?
Why did you Lie about the moon being made of cheese?
Are you a big fat Liar?
The facts say so. Oh , thats right,
You refuse to use facts ... You just make them up as you go!

#37 george bush on 08/17/09 at 09:53 AM

did u vote for george bush u r a idiot

#38 isa on 08/17/09 at 11:48 AM

Yes--we (FOX NEWS-WSB RADIO AND GOOD PEOPLE OF THE UNITED
STATES) know there is nothing good to say about Obummer.

#39 Anonymous on 08/17/09 at 11:59 AM

All but 2 people on here sound like they are not worth saving.

#40 Linda Walker on 08/17/09 at 12:37 PM

Shouldn't you be a little bit careful about judging?

#41 Anonymous on 08/17/09 at 05:56 PM

Is Sheila in jail or something?

#42 Anonymous on 08/17/09 at 06:06 PM

The insurance companies are paying big bucks to republicians to bus people into town hall meetings and disrupt everyone trying to discuss the issue. Republicians have been convincing sheep to vote against their own best interests for years (all they usually have to say is "Do you want them to raise your taxes?". That is why the middle class is shrinking at an alarming rate. We need healthcare reform but the fearmongers tell you to be afraid so you are. You are fighting to keep a system that is not working. Keep believing the lies.

#43 Anonymous on 08/17/09 at 06:50 PM

And you keep being stupid.

#44 Anonymous on 08/18/09 at 05:50 PM

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=33185

Interesting!

#45 Anonymous on 08/22/09 at 08:48 AM

They are the only accurate news to listen too. The other stations are obviously in love with obamma and try to sugar coat everything he says and does. Wake up people!

#46 Sheila Tolley on 08/23/09 at 09:00 AM

Oh, you missed me. Yeah, I was in jail. I enjoyed the strip search most and their food was better than my home cooking. I actually scheduled Big Bubba's rendezvous for him. He said to tell you when you come back for your conjugal visit, to bring him some Viagra and more pot!

#47 Sheila Tolley on 08/23/09 at 09:09 AM

And never got kissed.

#48 Sheila Tolley on 08/23/09 at 09:43 AM

I would say. obama here is your one way ticket back to Kenya. Your birthplace. Take your family including your aunt with you.

#49 Sheila Tolley on 08/24/09 at 10:01 AM

Go Linda...Go Linda....(You have to visualize the big crowd behind me..chanting along.) Tell'em girl!

#50 Anonymous on 08/26/09 at 10:42 PM

Take off your liberal colored glass and wake up and smell the java.
It was reported by most of the news outlets
(liberal and conservative) - (complete with videos) that The only ones doing the busing were the dems.
So the term astroturf really only pertained to
all of the freaking Democratic hypocrites.

Put that in your crack pipe and smoke it.

#51 Sheila Tolley on 08/29/09 at 12:25 PM

I have some commas and periods to spare. Learn to use them.

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