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McCaskill's Jefferson City health care forum draws boos, cheers

By Jeff_Haldiman
jhaldiman@newstribune.com
Published: Thursday, August 27, 2009 10:54 AM CDT
A crowd of nearly 400 booed, yelled and cheered for their points of view during Sen. Claire McCaskill's forum on health care reform Wednesday night in Jefferson City.

People packed the cafeteria of Lewis and Clark Middle School while an estimated 100 or more were turned away at the door because the crowd had reached the maximum capacity allowed for that part of the school.

Those who came began arriving around 3 p.m. Some came in wheelchairs and walkers, many carried signs or handed out stickers promoting their thoughts on the subject.

McCaskill was about ten minutes late, but apologized for that and for not having enough room for everyone to get in. She promised to stay for an hour, as she had at seven other forums.

"I work for you and am accountable to you," she said. "You deserve my attention, whether you are against this or for it. Some of my colleagues have told me not to do town halls, but in Missouri we have good manners."

McCaskill took questions from forms that had been filled out by those in the crowd.

Ralph Keener of Linn told McCaskill he believed this was "socialized medicine" and that "(President) Obama has the death book open ready to euthanize people."

"I know this is dangerous, but I've got to tell you the truth. Read the proposals and you'll find there's been much misinformation out there about them," she said. "Every human being should be left in control near the end of their live. I would never be a part of law that would affect end of life. This bill says if a doctor has a patient request it and explains end of life decisions, then they get reimbursed for it."

Brenda Sapp from Eldon asked if it will be mandatory for every public official to take the plan if it is voted for. McCaskill said if the public option is approved, she would use it or any other that was approved.

"Congress shouldn't be allowed to use a different system than what they pass for America," she said.

McCaskill went on to say that the average American family now pays $12,500 a year in medical costs.

"Any raises in pay have has been eaten up by health care costs," she said.

The senator said currently there are two bills in the Senate that will have to be reconciled before a final vote could be taken. The House of Representative has three bills. She also said there have been 200 amendments considered, with 167 coming from Republicans an 37 from Democrats.

"How do we pay without bankrupting the country," asked one man, which drew loud cheers. McCaskill said she would not vote for anything that would add to the deficit, which prompted some in the crowd to yell about her past votes.

"I have parted ways with my party in the past, but you have every right to fire me if I run again," McCaskill said, which drew some cheers.

"One thing we do not encourage people enough to do is prevention, which would save us in the long run," McCaskill said. "If we could reduce adult onset diabetes by 10 percent, we would save a lot."

One person asked, "Why should I have to pay for bad decisions of people?" McCaskill agreed. "People that smoke should have to pay more; isn't that fair?", which drew some cheers. "I am worried about government going too far because they are looking at charging more for those who are obese," which also drew applause.

"Can we overhaul the system with less government involved," asked Rob Adams of Columbia.

"Right now, the private sector hasn't made it more efficient," McCaskill responded. "We've gone from billions spent in the '90's to trillions being spent now. We can't just kick the can down the road. A lot of people that do what I do are worried about offending people and that doesn't get things done. In all good consciousness I can't support doing nothing."

McCaskill is scheduled to meet with doctors Thursday about their thoughts on the plan.

"What I have heard from doctors, already, is how much the insurance industry is interfering with their practices," she said. "Doctors feel they are being squeezed by the insurance companies."

McCaskill said she has three goals for a plan she would support -- it must make health insurance affordable, it must make sure people are in control of choices and get quality care and it must have reforms to allow consumers to have protection from the insurance industry.

After the meeting, McCaskill was asked if this was the most disruptive crowd she's faced so far and she said it was close, but she said that was OK.

"I'm not going to let disruptive people keep me from doing this," she said.

Citizen video:



Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqj1DDETdLY



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Thanks.

what217 wrote on Sep 2, 2009 9:52 AM:

" handing over the reins of healthcare to the government is a terrifying thought. consider the situation of the woman in Oregon in need of lifesaving medication but was denied by the state run healthcare system and sent a letter regarding assisted suicide - (www).katu.com/news/26119539.html. turning over our health to the government simply gives the government too much power. I want to make my own decisions about my health with my Dr. I do not want a bunch of lawyers in D.C. making my decisions for me. "

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casionman wrote on Aug 31, 2009 1:23 PM:

" Health care is in poor shape because of previous government involvement. Health care needs to be federally deregulated and we need to replace the FDA with free market alternatives. I don't think more federal government involvement with help anything.

We need to look at the bigger picture. If Obama messes up healthcare, where will the Canadians go? "

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boscoe wrote on Aug 30, 2009 8:53 PM:

" Mac, have you ever heard of the CONSTITUTION? That is that thing you liberals use like a doormat. It was written in ink and has a purpose. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 30, 2009 7:17 PM:

" Mac1974 wrote "What's right and what's wrong has always been dynamic. It changes sustantially as time goes by."

Until you stop believing that you'll always be a part of the problem and an impediment to solutions. "

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factsnodrama wrote on Aug 30, 2009 5:22 PM:

" A perfect demonstration of a liberal, thanks herr mac.

Right is just that, and wrong is just that, it certainly does not change, only the behavior and what is tolerated. Just because it's tolerated, does not make it right. Abortion is wrong, but it's "legal", just because it's "legal", does not make it right. It means we have in the quest to give women rights or empowerment, the advocates for women stepped over the line and devalued life in the process. Everyone knows it's wrong. True morality is not subjective, it's impossible, but we should still strive for it. "

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Mac1974 wrote on Aug 30, 2009 3:59 PM:

" Byron said, "There is right and wrong and there is good and evil. Those that are confused aobut that need to get out of the way. "

What's right and what's wrong has always been dynamic. It changes sustantially as time goes by. The only "damage done" is the damage you inflict on yourself by being so inflexible.

Byron W. doesn't dictate what's "right and wrong" in America. America does that. Society as a whole does that. Not Byron... not one political party. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 30, 2009 3:18 PM:

" And, hmarie775, you look to states that have plans that work such as Utah and Minnesota to achieve coverage. You don't choose a failed plan such as Massachusettss and implement that. And that is what Obama wants. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 30, 2009 3:16 PM:

" hmarie775 wrote "Many self employed people do not have insurance simply b/c the premiums are unaffordable or they have been deems "uninsurable" do to age or health. What is the repub's solution to covering the uninsured???"

First, don't take the position that everyone should be insured. A lot of the uninsured are eligible for existing programs but have not applied. Others simply don't see the need and they don't buy it. That should be their right. Third, a large number are illegal aliens that should not be given coverage. Finally, the number that is left could have been insured had Obama chose to do that instead of his "stimulus" plan. He doesnt care. It is politics for him. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 30, 2009 3:10 PM:

" hmarie775 wrote "I think what I am trying to say is values are subjective."

That is the first step toward certain destruction. There is right and wrong and there is good and evil. Those that are confused aobut that need to get out of the way. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 30, 2009 3:09 PM:

" hmarie775 wrote:"It's a free country and I have the right to not have any values if I so choose...why do I have to have YOUR values shoved down my throat through legislation."

When your values, i.e. others paying for what you want, or in other words impinging on others freedom, then you don't have American values. No, if you hold those values you are to a small degree damaging the country. And I do not respect those values. It is time to put those that hold those values in their place because they are, collectively, doing great harm. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 30, 2009 3:05 PM:

" hmarie775 wrote:"Are my values less valid than your values?

Could be. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 30, 2009 3:04 PM:

" hmarie775 wrote:"LOL First of all someone posted about "American values." What the heck are "Amercian Values?"

Hard work, personal responsibility, personal integrity and paying your own way, for starters. "

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factsnodrama wrote on Aug 29, 2009 5:51 PM:

" Mac1974 wrote on Aug 29, 2009 1:24 AM:

"There isn't hope for Missouri, ever. Unfortunately, there will never be infrastructure and industry in this state to shift it to a place that attracts the affluent and intelligent."

Yep it's hopeless herr Mac, you should leave us and our banjo picking ways!

Missouri, forever conservative, and mac knows it. "

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hmarie775 wrote on Aug 29, 2009 4:56 PM:

" Ooops on my typos, should have been deemed and due. "

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hmarie775 wrote on Aug 29, 2009 4:55 PM:

" I think what I am trying to say is values are subjective. Secondly someone posted that Republicans want to increase insurance acess by allowing sales across state lines and reducing costs through tort reform. The problem is too much demand and too little supply. The problem is MORE than that for the 20-40 MILLION Americans who cannot even get ACCESS to insurance due to pre-existing conditions or lack of ability to pay for high premiums that it takes to get individual coverage. Many self employed people do not have insurance simply b/c the premiums are unaffordable or they have been deems "uninsurable" do to age or health. What is the repub's solution to covering the uninsured??? "

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hmarie775 wrote on Aug 29, 2009 4:53 PM:

" Why can I not stay away...I try so hard! LOL First of all someone posted about "American values." What the heck are "Amercian Values?" for one thing I am an American, you are an American, we obviously have different values. Are my values less valid than your values? Who decides who's "values" are best? It's a free country and I have the right to not have any values if I so choose...why do I have to have YOUR values shoved down my throat through legislation. We should be basing our laws and policies on logic, not values anyway. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 29, 2009 4:12 PM:

" Mac1974 wrote "Rural areas in Missouri are inundated with poverty-stricken people and they always prove two things. Firstly, they're easily led with fear and God. The Republican party picked up on this in the late 70's and they've been cashing in ever since. Secondly, they breed like rabbits."

You are disgusting, Mac. And people are seeing what your kind is like. Obama is pulling a mask of the democrat party and showing it for what it is. It hates American values.The process has begun that will excise people like you and the democrat party. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 29, 2009 4:08 PM:

" tried of it wrote "First let me say that I have never voted a straight ticket. I vote for who I believe will be the best for me and my family. Sometimes that is Democrat and sometime that is Republican."

Sorry, but the democrats are not best for anyone's family. They talk a good game but they don't care about you or your family. Most republicans don't either. What you need to do is sit down and see what is best for the COUNTRY. And that ain't more government. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 29, 2009 4:04 PM:

" geoff-f wrote on "The Democrats have offered a solution to my dilemma. I don't think it is a good solution, but it is better than any solution offered by the Republicans. Where are their ideas? Can they think outside of the box?"

No, the democrats have NOT offered a solution. They have offered more problems. Republicans want to increase insurance acess by allowing sales across state lines and reducing costs through tort reform. The problem is too much demand and too little supply. The democrat "solution" will increase demand and reduce supply. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 29, 2009 3:56 PM:

" factsnodrama wrote "Typical far left, run center liberal liar. Never forget she was was of the earliest, and loudest supperters of Obama and his ilk."

But she isn't the brightest bulb or sharpest knife in the draw. She probably really thought Obama was not an extremist. "

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Mac1974 wrote on Aug 29, 2009 1:24 AM:

" tired of it said, "Missouri was carried by the Republicans."

Of course it was. Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis will probably never be enough to shift this state back, and there's a reason for that. Rural areas in Missouri are inundated with poverty-stricken people and they always prove two things. Firstly, they're easily led with fear and God. The Republican party picked up on this in the late 70's and they've been cashing in ever since. Secondly, they breed like rabbits.

There isn't hope for Missouri, ever. Unfortunately, there will never be infrastructure and industry in this state to shift it to a place that attracts the affluent and intelligent. "

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tried of it wrote on Aug 28, 2009 11:57 AM:

" First let me say that I have never voted a straight ticket. I vote for whow I believe will be the best for me and my family. Sometimes that is Democrat and sometime that is Republican. Now it sure sounds like most all the comments on here are sure one sided. (Against Obama Care) Not against Republicans or not against Democrats but Obama Care. Remember not all from the Great State of Missouri supported President Obama. If I remember correctly, Missouri was carried by the Republicans. And as a Senator from Missouri, are you not bound to support all of the folks from Missouri not just the Democrats. Claire are you listening to your voters on this issue and whom you swore to represent. "

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boscoe wrote on Aug 28, 2009 11:24 AM:

" Geoff, you have got it figured out. There is no free ride. Your employer may be "eating" the higher costs, but that is at the expense of your wages and other benefits.

Wages + benefits + working conditions = total compensation.

Total compensation is set by competition in the free market economy, not by your employer.

If the benefit costs go up, there will be cuts in the other areas. "

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devildog35 wrote on Aug 28, 2009 11:22 AM:

" Geoff-f the republicans HAVE offered a health care bill of their own, just before this current recess, it's on the table now....................................strange no one has heard about it in the media. Could it be that the Obama media is refusing to cover it? Could it be that the Dems. don't want people to know about it? None the less, it is there my friend, look it up. "

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boscoe wrote on Aug 28, 2009 11:21 AM:

" I think they need to start over and start by defining what the problems are that they want to solve. What exactly is the problem with health care? Is it too costly? Is it that many people are not getting it? Is it that people are getting it at the expense of others? Is it that only some people are getting what they need? Is health care a right? Is free healthcare a right? Should the government be resolving these problems or should the free market be resolving these problems?

There is just too much unknown and too many interests to tackle all this in one huge bill. Legislators and the president need to start-over. "

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geoff-f wrote on Aug 28, 2009 11:01 AM:

" Sen. McCaskill is right about some things. Healthcare costs have gone up. I am lucky that I work for an employer who has eaten most of those increases. But that generosity has probably come at the cost of wage increases.

I do not believe that we can sit around and do nothing. My employer will not be able to absorb rising healthcare costs for much longer.

The Democrats have offered a solution to my dilemma. I don't think it is a good solution, but it is better than any solution offered by the Republicans. Where are their ideas? Can they think outside of the box?

I would love to examine their alternatives. "

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online_editor wrote on Aug 28, 2009 10:36 AM:

" I removed a couple comments concerning the following. Joytoworld, you mistakenly attributed a Mac1974 comment to boscoe. Give it another try if you wish. Thanks. --Rick Brown, online editor, News Tribune "

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Bsnoltth wrote on Aug 28, 2009 9:41 AM:

" gofish wrote

"HELL-OOO can you say PLACENTA --- UMBILICAL CORD?

Until it is a live birth and someone physically clamps off and cuts the cord, the fetus most certainly is a part of the mother's body (it is physically attached) and cannot survive on it's own without the attachment. Also, the fetus shares enough of the mother's dna to make identification possible."

Uh huh, and yet the mother's body actually considers the child a parasite. Physical attachment has nothing to do with being a part of the body. It's heart beats a different beat, it's brain thinks different thoughts. It does not share the mother's soul, if you want to go religious. You seriously can not see the difference?? "

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gofish wrote on Aug 28, 2009 9:12 AM:

" Bsnoltth wrote "While the fetus requires nutrients and oxygen from the mother to live, it is NOT a part of the mother's body, the way an arm is, or the lungs are. "

HELL-OOO can you say PLACENTA --- UMBILICAL CORD?

Until it is a live birth and someone physically clamps off and cuts the cord, the fetus most certainly is a part of the mother's body (it is physically attached) and cannot survive on it's own without the attachment. Also, the fetus shares enough of the mother's dna to make identification possible. "

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Travelin_Rose wrote on Aug 28, 2009 8:55 AM:

" McCaskill was not at the Town Hall Meeting to listen. She was there to preach and talk the people into Obama Care. When McCaskill came into the meeting, she had the same thoughts when she left, too. It was pro Obama Care. "

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Bsnoltth wrote on Aug 28, 2009 8:22 AM:

" Yes, a woman can do what she wants with HER body. That doesn't mean she should kill a child which isn't a part of her body.

I understand the point of abortion in EXTREME circumstances, such as impregnation during rape. But this BS mentality that we have going were these kids go and get knocked up and then say, "OOPS, gotta get an abortion!" is completely wrong, morally. "

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Bsnoltth wrote on Aug 28, 2009 8:19 AM:

" gofish wrote

"Are you talking about abortion as in "fetus", or are you talking about a live birth?

If you are talking about a "Fetus", then you are "kinda, you know", uninformed. A fetus cannot live or grow or be born in good health WITHOUT the woman's body that is the container of conception."

Is it still a separate organism? Does it have a different DNA signature? Yes.

I did not say that the fetus could live without the mother, obviously. That'd be pretty stupid to suggest, wouldn't it? While the fetus requires nutrients and oxygen from the mother to live, it is NOT a part of the mother's body, the way an arm is, or the lungs are. "

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fishing01 wrote on Aug 28, 2009 7:25 AM:

" Using husband's logon, sorry. "

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fishing01 wrote on Aug 28, 2009 7:25 AM:

" I am going to repeat this once again for you. I am a Republican. Worked for them, hired by them. I have a mind of my own, unlike a lot of people. "

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factsnodrama wrote on Aug 28, 2009 5:12 AM:

" She's smart enough to know her job is on the line, and stomps around acting like a conservative. It's like shes running for reelection already. Typical far left, run center liberal liar. Never forget she was was of the earliest, and loudest supperters of Obama and his ilk.

Hey if a person admires Mckaskill, thinks the world of Kennedy, and hates Palin with a passion that is scary, could that person ever be a republican? "

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CoorsLight wrote on Aug 27, 2009 6:15 PM:

" A lot of people in here don't need to imagine and a lot of people read the posts in here just like you do most days. A lot of people deal with you just as you deal with them. You don't think you're nuts and a lot of other people in here don't think they are either. You implied that you deal with every nut case in the state of MO. Consider YOURSELF a nut case. Everyone else in here deals with you just as you deal with them. JOIN THE CLUB! "

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devildog35 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 6:07 PM:

" During the growth of this country, this GREAT country of ours achived a great deal. Yes I am aware of the atrocities of the native american, (of which I am a card carring member of two tribes.) none the less, this country was very successful in it's growth. People got sick,contracted dieses, jobs were few,and some were homeless,and hungry,ALL the same things we go through today, the only differance? NO GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS ! And yet we got by and survived. There was NO sence of "intitlement" many have today. Families took care of there own ! period ! If you'll study your history, you'll see that this sence of "It's my right" started with democratic welfare programs. "

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devildog35 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 5:51 PM:

" The people of this state need to WAKE UP !! McCaskill is your typical Democrat, She is pandering to you fools who so DESPERATLY want to believe her, and her party. Just because she is a woman, doesn't mean you should expect any less from her as a rep. of this great state.or believe her soft spoken words. She is a democrat,and like all democrats, she will say ANYTHING to keep her jobs, AND her power. The government has NEVER had a program that has worked,and not gone belly up. If any one of us "Regular" people had a track record in our jobs, half as bad as the government, we would be fired, and you know it. LESS government, NOW ! "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 5:41 PM:

" No, CoorsLight, I am not nuts. You may not like what I write but it is well within in the realm of logic and practicality, if not political expediency. "

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CoorsLight wrote on Aug 27, 2009 5:38 PM:

" If don't know already, Byron W., that includes YOU! 'Nuff said! "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 5:10 PM:

" boxergal wrote "Imagine dealing with every nut case in the state of MO on a daily basis."
Dont need to imagine. I read the post here most days. "

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boscoe wrote on Aug 27, 2009 4:52 PM:

" BEST POST IN THE THREAD:

stop wrote on Aug 27, 2009 3:10 PM:
" We have the right to Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We do have a responsibility to help our fellow man. I just dont think the Government is the answer. Our nation became the greatest nation in the word because our constitution limits government involvement. If you look at history you can see that the more government gets involved the worse off we are. "

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boxergal wrote on Aug 27, 2009 4:15 PM:

" You know, she sure doesn't HAVE to have these town hall meetings. I admire the woman for not losing her cool. There is NOT enough money in the world to make me ever want to hold a public position like this. "

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boxergal wrote on Aug 27, 2009 4:08 PM:

" da'lake - I don't care for any disruptions. Republican or Democrat. I have been on the receiving end of being yelled at by constituents. Some we just hung up on because you don't have to tolerate being cursed or screamed at. A couple I had to refer to security. You get your point across better when you talk sensibly to someone. If her staff argued, they were wrong. But if they tried to explain the bill to them, they were doing their job. I can not tell you how difficult a job they have. Imagine dealing with every nut case in the state of MO on a daily basis. "

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gofish wrote on Aug 27, 2009 3:27 PM:

" Bsnoltth wrote "I suspect you mean abortion by this sentence... but how can you possibly consider a living baby the woman's own body? They are kinda, you know, separate living organisms. "


Are you talking about abortion as in "fetus", or are you talking about a live birth?

If you are talking about a "Fetus", then you are "kinda, you know", uninformed. A fetus cannot live or grow or be born in good health WITHOUT the woman's body that is the container of conception. "

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gofish wrote on Aug 27, 2009 3:23 PM:

" "I have parted ways with my party in the past, but you have every right to fire me if I run again," McCaskill said"

Be careful what you ask for. "

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Bsnoltth wrote on Aug 27, 2009 3:23 PM:

" Mac1974 wrote on
"ensuring women have your gawd-given right to do what the heII they want with their own bodies,"

I suspect you mean abortion by this sentence... but how can you possibly consider a living baby the woman's own body? They are kinda, you know, separate living organisms. "

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gofish wrote on Aug 27, 2009 3:22 PM:

" "I would never be a part of law that would affect end of life. This bill says if a doctor has a patient request it and explains end of life decisions, then they get reimbursed for it."

Is it me or did she just speak in one sentence and lie in the next? If a doctor gets PAID to explain "choices" about death, then they most certainly ARE affecting end of life. There are many many uninformed, haughty, unchurched, uncaring, and know-it-all doctors out there that will tell you "there's nothing we can do" or say to the family "you should just let them go". If the consumer is uninformed, they will be talked into a premature death. "

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@da'lake wrote on Aug 27, 2009 3:11 PM:

" joytotheworld wrote on Aug 27, 2009 11:04 AM:

" Claire will vote for whatever Washington wants her to. She isn't about the people or for the people or even listening to the people. She is a mouthpiece for Washington..."

You are exactly right. Her staff actually tried to argue with constituents that called in to express their wish for Claire to not support the bill...her staff ARGUED with voters and told them they were wrong.

boxer or mac, please explain why is it when folks disrupted Bush, they were good Americans exercising their rights. When the same happens to democrats the people are "unAmerican"?? "

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stop wrote on Aug 27, 2009 3:10 PM:

" We have the right to Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We do have a responsibility to help our fellow man. I just dont think the Government is the answer. Our nation became the greatest nation in the word because our constitution limits government involvement. If you look at history you can see that the more government gets involved the worse off we are. "

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tried of it wrote on Aug 27, 2009 2:54 PM:

" Claire you may be at the present in the Driver Seat but not listening to your voters will cause a change in drivers next election. I do not like Elected Official who forget who they really work for. You have time to find your way back. Question is will you? "

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tried of it wrote on Aug 27, 2009 2:53 PM:

" Government doesn't need to take of us in every case. We moved too quickly on auto maker bailout. We for sure went too quickly with little real contols on the Banking bailout. We I truly believe that we do not need this at this time. I believe we need to slow down for now. I also truly believe if we just fixed some of the programs out there already we might not need all this. You know in my household, we don't spend money we don't have. Our government needs to do the same. "

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tried of it wrote on Aug 27, 2009 2:42 PM:

" I'm concerned that Mac has lost her way. This my party stuff has no place. For years now it seems that our Elected Officals represent the Party and not the voters who elected them. Claire, the people of the Great State of Missouri elected you. While I don't disagree on some items the Congress is trying to pass, I am concerned that we are spending way too much money. Obama has truly out done other Presidents in Spending. Everyone talks about those who will lose healthcare but don't we have Medicad now. Can any hospital (which receives public funding) turn away anyone. I know there are folks who have many unhealthy habits. But Claire this is America. We do have some Freedoms. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 2:42 PM:

" Mac1974 wrote "Byron, that power is required to

To impose an illogical and detrimental political agenda on people that dont want anything to do with it. It is tyranny nothing less. "

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Mac1974 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 2:25 PM:

" Byron, that power is required to move forward on issues like the environment, helping the sick who cannot help themselves, leveling the playing field between the uber-rich and terribly poor, implementing programs which help produce higher productivity among ALL Americans, ensuring women have your gawd-given right to do what the heII they want with their own bodies, keeping fundamentalist and dangerous religious organizations at bay, ensuring employees are protected from abuse inflicted by corporations, etc. etc. etc. etc.

You're absolutely right that we care about that power. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 2:17 PM:

" Mac1974 wrote "The question is: Which way is this country headed? Will the majority of people believe that those who cannot do for themselves be abandoned to die, or, will the majority of people believe all humans have a basic right to medicine?

Really? Is that why Obama passed the stimulus bill before taking on health care? When he gave money to the banks? When he bought out Chrysler and GM? Why he is cutting payments to doctors for Medicaid services? "

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Mid-Mo wrote on Aug 27, 2009 2:16 PM:

" I have family members on SSI, WIC, and Unemployment so I know first hand how bad a job the government does with these programs and I know how bad things will become if they take over health care. Mac is partially correct, progress is needed, however, at the sake of beating the dead horse, the government cannot do anything right! I am all for helping my neighbor, and I do it EVERY chance I get any way I can, but I want to do it by choice and in a way that I KNOW will help them, not by handing over all control to our greedy politicians. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 2:14 PM:

" Mac1974 wrote "And that's about what it boils down to......exactly what Byron just said and exactly what his party believes. See, my party believes all people have a right to be treated for their medical ailments, period.

There you go lying again. Your party doesnt care about anything but bureaucratic power. Your bill is going to take away a lot from people that earned it to give it to people that have not. It is the kind of thing that has brought this country to the brink of disaster. "

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Mac1974 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:54 PM:

" Byron said, "If they havent earned it and they cant find charities to provide it it seems they arent worth it."

And that's about what it boils down to......exactly what Byron just said and exactly what his party believes. See, my party believes all people have a right to be treated for their medical ailments, period.

The question is: Which way is this country headed? Will the majority of people believe that those who cannot do for themselves be abandoned to die, or, will the majority of people believe all humans have a basic right to medicine?

We'll have to see I suppose, but I'm putting my money on the latter. Progress is one thing humans cannot escape. "

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stop wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:54 PM:

" Daisydelight who in the US is denied basic healthcare?

With the government health care it wont matter if you are willing to give up some of your money or not, the Government will take if from you by force. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:50 PM:

" Mac1974 wrote "Because your attendance at these meetings isn't legitimate anymore. You're not there to ask rational, educated questions anymore.... no... now it's just for the drama, screaming, venting, and fighting!

We elect people to office because we expect them to be reasonable. When they arent we have to get through their thick skulls what the problem is. The elected officials have failed. If they dont listen and change their ways, well, you know what the next step is. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:49 PM:

" daisydelight wrote "I'm educated, and make quite a bit of money, and you know what? I'm willing to give up some of that for the greater good. "

Apparently you are not educated enough to realize that the gov't has squandered the money you have already sent in. And this isn't about $$$ it is about power. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:48 PM:

" daisydelight wrote "Mac, I totally agree with you today. I think it's shameful that people would deny basic health care to their neighbors in the community.

Nobody is denying them anything. If they havent earned it and they cant find charities to provide it it seems they arent worth it. And you know that sentiment is about what the House Bill has in it. "

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daisydelight wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:36 PM:

" Mac, I totally agree with you today. I think it's shameful that people would deny basic health care to their neighbors in the community. I'm educated, and make quite a bit of money, and you know what? I'm willing to give up some of that for the greater good. "

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bigmess2009 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:22 PM:

" I am neither a Republican or a Democrat, so parties can be ignored in my opinion. I am against the government---1 person (Obama)---controlling an entire need of the country. "

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bigmess2009 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:18 PM:

" Mac 1974.....I really hope you know that what you said is very contradicting. You're saying that the people that are oppposed to this bill are uneducated. What about the millions of people that only get there butt off of the couch is to SUPPORT this bill??? What portion of those people do you think have taken the time out of their day of smoking, drinking and eating McDonald's cheeseburgers to "educate themselves about the bill?"
Do you really believe that the government is going to successfully run an entire health care system when they can't run Medicare/caid or even administer Social Security? "

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Mac1974 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:16 PM:

" joytotheworld said, " Mac is an extreme liberal. Don't mind his blinded ways."

I disagree joy. In fact, it might behoove you to pay close attention to me. After all, my ilk are sort of running the show right now. And it's not because of the devil, evil, magic, or any other whacko conspiracy theories. It's because the republican party utterly and completely failed the American people. You put us here. "

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stop wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:09 PM:

" Mac I think our liberty is worth fighting and screaming about

The truth you talk about doesn't hurt at all it makes me proud. "

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fishing01 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:09 PM:

" "shake, rattle and roll"....Good God, hatefullness is alive and well in River City. "

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HorseGlue4u wrote on Aug 27, 2009 12:55 PM:

" Right! She will do as she pleases in Washington...after all...we work for HER. She got in office fraudulently ( remember the Stem Cell fiasco? ). Her and Mr. Shake,Rattle and Roll (aka Michael J. Fox) lied and lied...and my vote went down the toilet. Nope, no more of our votes go to Ms. Golden Child. "

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Mac1974 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 12:37 PM:

" You're lucky you were only required to sign a piece of paper. I would have required thumbprints and invisible ink stains on your foreheads. Know why? Because your attendance at these meetings isn't legitimate anymore. You're not there to ask rational, educated questions anymore.... no... now it's just for the drama, screaming, venting, and fighting! Ask yourself, ask yourself honestly if that's not true.

Don't believe me huh? Scroll up and look at the headline of this story then. The healthcare reform debate is no more! The ONLY topic that makes it to the news now is how you people are screaming and acting like complete uneducated lunatics.

Sorry, the truth hurts. "

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stop wrote on Aug 27, 2009 12:28 PM:

" The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic "

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redblack564 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 11:44 AM:

" Sounds like her team did a bad job at hand picking the crowd this time. I heard you had to sign up and be approved to get in to the meeting. Boy thats what the founding fathers invisioned when they started this democracy. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 11:33 AM:

" joytotheworld wrote "Claire will vote for whatever Washington wants her to. She isn't about the people or for the people or even listening to the people."

I still have hope that she wants to get reelected. I think she knows if she votes for this she is done. "

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joytotheworld wrote on Aug 27, 2009 11:04 AM:

" Mac is an extreme liberal. Don't mind his blinded ways.

Claire will vote for whatever Washington wants her to. She isn't about the people or for the people or even listening to the people. She is a mouthpiece for Washington trying to make everyone believe what she was told to say. If she get elected to anything ever again, it's your own fault for voting her in, she is breathing air we all need. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 10:07 AM:

" mmills@52 wrote Concerning the perhaps 15% of the crowd that was there only to disrupt and intimidate. It appeared to me that they drove more people toward healthcare reform than they attracted. I know I was disgusted by both their behavior and their lack of respect for other attendees."

Many of the attendees didn't deserve respect. They are out demanding something for nothing and expecting someone else to pay for it. And they were ignorant of what the proposals will actually do. "

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stop wrote on Aug 27, 2009 9:56 AM:

" mac have you taken the time to educate yourself about the bill? "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 9:56 AM:

" mmills@52 wrote "One question I wanted answered was "What will it cost, in dollars, if we do NOT pass healthcare reform?" I would like those numbers out in the debate, because, I fear, the current trend is unsustainable.

Answer: less than if they pass it. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 9:55 AM:

" Mac1974 wrote There really aren't "so many people" as you say. In fact, I would say there are only a handful of truly educated people who have legitimate gripes about the bill."

Mac, you are still denying reality. At least you are consistent . Outside of the school it were the supporters that demonstrated their utter ignorance of the proposals. "

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Byron W. wrote on Aug 27, 2009 9:55 AM:

" scoobydob wrote "The amount of pure and purposely perpetuated ignorance about these proposals astounds meAnd as far as this socialized medicine hoodoo line being passed around what in the world do they think Medicare and medicate is?"

No, they are not lies. They are most true. It is people like you that are lying about the bills. Or it may be you are just ignorant of the facts. And by the way Medicare is going broke even though they are only paying part of the bills. "

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boxergal wrote on Aug 27, 2009 9:15 AM:

" PS - there is full text and summary. Good luck to you. You almost have to have a legal degree to understand any type of bill. "

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boxergal wrote on Aug 27, 2009 9:10 AM:

" You can go to (www).senate.gov/ Click at top on legislation then on the next page click Active Legislation. They are in alpha order. I believe its under health care reform. Whats with the forum not accepting www??? Weird. "

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Mid-Mo wrote on Aug 27, 2009 9:05 AM:

" Mac1974 said: "There really aren't "so many people" as you say. In fact, I would say there are only a handful of truly educated people who have legitimate gripes about the bill. The rest are simply birthers, anti-gov extremists, and folks who've not taken the time to educate themselves about the bill. Regardless, all three types should simply be ignored."

My slight alteration regarding voting: "There really aren't "so many people" as you say. In fact, I would say there are only a handful of truly educated people who have legitimate praise for Obama. The rest are simply lazy, mindless drones, liberal extremists, and folks who've not taken the time to educate themselves about Obama. Regardless, all three types should've simply been ignored." "

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stop wrote on Aug 27, 2009 9:02 AM:

" Does anybody know a link to the proposed bill? I would love to read it myself although I would still oppose it based on my core belief that government sound not run our health care system. "

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stop wrote on Aug 27, 2009 8:59 AM:

" Wow Mac what a perfect example of the thought process of the left wing. If a person disagrees they are called uneducated, called names, and dismissed. As far as anti government, we should all be, even our constitution is anti government. "

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Mid-Mo wrote on Aug 27, 2009 8:53 AM:

" You have to give respect to get respect. How many politicians respect their constituency? What's more annoying, hearing a bunch of irate citizens yell because they have real concerns or hearing a politician throw out bold face lie's like they're candy at a parade? I didn't get to go last night, but I wanted to go just so I could yell "Rabble, Rabble, Rabble" and "They took our jawbs" (South Park reference). "

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scoobydob wrote on Aug 27, 2009 8:52 AM:

" The amount of pure and purposely perpetuated ignorance about these proposals astounds me. The out and out lies espoused by lying nut cases like Betsy McCaughey and rush limbaugh about the "death panels" that people with any common sense would have to know is not only false it's against everyone's interest. And as far as this socialized medicine hoodoo line being passed around what in the world do they think Medicare and medicate is? Those who keep repeating these lies need to actually take the time to read the actual language of these proposals for themselves and stop relying on those who are in this debate purely for egomaniacal reasons and do not give a tinkers damn about anyone but themselves. "

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stop wrote on Aug 27, 2009 8:51 AM:

" I know we are not suppose to add links but under the circumstance I hope the editor will leave this one. It is Ronald Reagan explaining the effects of government run healthcare. youtube.com/watch?v=fYIkmUX7mrw "

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Mac1974 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 8:45 AM:

" Oneconservative asked, "if so many people are telling her do not pass this bill, and she votes for it anyway, does she deserve re-election or to be fired? "


There really aren't "so many people" as you say. In fact, I would say there are only a handful of truly educated people who have legitimate gripes about the bill. The rest are simply birthers, anti-gov extremists, and folks who've not taken the time to educate themselves about the bill. Regardless, all three types should simply be ignored. "

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oneconservative wrote on Aug 27, 2009 8:32 AM:

" she keeps defending the bill. It is fantastic that she accepts some criticism, but if so many people are telling her do not pass this bill, and she votes for it anyway, does she deserve re-election or to be fired? Think if any of us were to do something similar at our own jobs. These Senators, Representatives, both on the State and Federal levels work for us. They are to represent the will of the people who entrusted them with the authority to make decisions reflecting their constituents. The fact that she said "I have parted ways with my party in the past, but you have every right to fire me if I run again" speaks volumes to me on her intentions. "

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stop wrote on Aug 27, 2009 8:27 AM:

" Ronald Reagan quote:
Public servants say, always with the best of intentions, 'What greater service we could render if only we had a little more money and a little more power.' But the truth is that outside of its legitimate function, government does nothing as well or as economically as the private sector "

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oneconservative wrote on Aug 27, 2009 8:26 AM:

" Some people shouting and disrupting are to be expected at any large scale issue where a politician is speaking. Don't forget there were the same type of people doing stuff like that when President Bush was in office. Don't get me wrong, I believe a lot of the things the democrats are making worse had it's foundation laid during the Bush administration, but please don't believe it is all just one-sided. Now, factually many many more people do not support this Health bill than do support it. If town hall meetings are intended for the politicians to learn whats on our mindwhy do they spend so much time talking instead of listening? Senator McCaskill attempts to do some sort of listening but "

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mmills@52 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 7:54 AM:

" One question I wanted answered was "What will it cost, in dollars, if we do NOT pass healthcare reform?" I would like those numbers out in the debate, because, I fear, the current trend is unsustainable.

Concerning the perhaps 15% of the crowd that was there only to disrupt and intimidate. It appeared to me that they drove more people toward healthcare reform than they attracted. I know I was disgusted by both their behavior and their lack of respect for other attendees. "

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happy wrote on Aug 27, 2009 7:39 AM:

" I agree with you Boxergal, I am not really for it either but I would have at least heard her out and let her answer the questions. All they did was make themselves look like fools. "

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boxergal wrote on Aug 27, 2009 7:05 AM:

" And if we are lucky it will end up on the news and makes us all look like uncivilized idiots. "

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boxergal wrote on Aug 27, 2009 7:03 AM:

" "attendees". "

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boxergal wrote on Aug 27, 2009 7:03 AM:

" After working in politics for 30 years I still ask myself why someone would want to do this job. There is NO WAY on God's green earth that I would endure what they do. I watched part of this on tv and was humiliated for some of the atendees. They didn't want answers, they just wanted to scream and yell. I don't want the health plan either but for God's sake give these people a chance to answer your questions. Poor Claire. "

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Gopher wrote on Aug 27, 2009 6:10 AM:

" Claire M has got to be the most fake, politician that has ever represented the st. of MO. This lady spent 6 months on every talk show throwing full suport behind Obama and now all of a sudden she is a Moderate a Conservadem...Total Barbara Striesand she's a left winger just like Obama don't be fooled..... "

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