This is where the congressman sends staffers to town halls to talk with people. It can be really helpful if you have a problem with social security or something like that.
Of course, most talk centered on the health care reform bill.
And, as you might expect, the staffers were toting the party note real well, taking the Republican position.
There were six people there, and only two seemed to support the idea of reform. An elderly lady thought the single payer option was a good idea.
Others were more conservative, and didn't want the government messing with it.
One of the staffers talked about how people need to be responsible with their choices, and not depend on the government. I asked if there should not also be accountability and responsibility with big insurance companies.
It was announced this morning that AIG's top CEO is getting a $7 million bonus. AIG is one of the biggest recipients of bailout money.
That has always been my big problem with republicans. They dont want to give people who might need help anything - personal responsibility - but they don't bat an eye at handing out lots of corporate welfare.
I tried to raise questions along that line, and they did answer them well. They were still more intent on pushing the party line than really discussing the issue though. I think that is the problem on both sides. Neither side is too interested in listening.
There is still too much party politics.
I asked about the Republican plan, and they said the Republicans did offer a plan and it was shot down in committee. I asked if they would try again, the staffer told me probably not as it would just get shot down.
I think its fine to question the bill being put forward, but there should be an alternative advanced, or some other ideas brought to the table.
Do people really think that our health system is just fine and that no reform is needed?
Reform is needed!
ReplyDeleteHonesty and integrity is needed!
ReplyDeleteThat has always been my big problem with republicans. They dont want to give people who might need help anything - personal responsibility - but they don't bat an eye at handing out lots of corporate welfare
ReplyDeleteThe bail-out money that AIG received came from a democrat president and congress. So why are the republicans to be blamed?
As for helping people in need.... it is hard to think of someone as being in need when:
They drive brand new cars and use food stamps
They are on welfare but can afford to talk non-stop on cell phones. They have money for tattoos and cigarettes but none for food. They can't support the children they have but still get pregnant.
I have no problem with people getting assistance, but when it becomes a lifestyle for a family generation after generation then the system is broke.
Am I wrong in thinking that BUSH gave out the first round of bail out money? Or am I uninformed?
ReplyDeleteTheres plenty of blame to go around on both sides, and when the recession ends, both side will take credit and say its the other sides fault.
ReplyDeleteBut, Republicans in general do favor big business, and big tax breaks for business , often at the expense of programs that help people.
Dems have their own issues.
As for helping people in need.... it is hard to think of someone as being in need when:
ReplyDeleteThey drive brand new cars and use food stamps
They are on welfare but can afford to talk non-stop on cell phones. They have money for tattoos and cigarettes but none for food. They can't support the children they have but still get pregnant.
--------------------------------------
While I know there are plenty of those who bilk the system out of money and benifits I truely believe the bulk of those who are in need of assistance with health care are people with families that work but are the working poor or the unemployed. And the bulk of those who oppose health care reform have good jobs with good benifits that pay high premiums and high deductible. My question to you is, did you get much of your raise last year or did the insurance company get it in higher premiums and deductables? Now think of the working poor who can't even pay the premiums to have family insurance. The poor get poorer.....
I know how people get so upset that some poor loser out there might be bilking the system for about 100 bucks a week.
ReplyDeleteYet, they do not complain about CEO's milking millions from their companies - or even from the government in the form of corporate welfare - which result in higher premeiums and taxes for all of us.
Does anyone else see a problem here?
I have a problem with all of it and a problem with the idea that those that are working are expected to pay for the companies that don't produce and expect us to save them and with people that don't want to work and expect me to work more to help them. It is not those that are trying to help themselves that upset me but those that know how to work the system and we know those people exist. Why can't the people receiving welfare after a set time period be put to work on government projects as was done in the 30's?
ReplyDeleteI don't mind working and paying taxes. I don't mind helping people and not only pay my taxes but contribute to multiple charities. I do mind when I am expected to contribute more and more and have less and less for my family. I get penalized for being productive.
I know that health care needs reform and if the insurance companies were smart they would be the ones offering reform and policing their own companies. I do not want the government involved in my health care choices or any more involved in any part of my life.
They can not manage the Cash for Clunkers program and are hiring more people to handle the back logs of claims...each sale required mounds and mounds of paperwork and the car dealers have many questions that are still unanswered...why should I think they can manage my health if they can't handle a heap of rusting metal?
Check out how much AIG gave to DNC then point your blamy finger
ReplyDeleteMore is spent on corporate welfare than social welfare.
ReplyDeleteWhile you complain about poor people getting help, the rich are stealing you blind.
Koolaid anyone?
The Presidents pay czar approved the 7 million dollar bonus, and I believe he is a democrat.
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have known they were coming to town -- this is the kind of information you should let us all know.
ReplyDeleteAnon said: "As for helping people in need.... it is hard to think of someone as being in need when:
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with people getting assistance, but when it becomes a lifestyle for a family generation after generation then the system is broke. August 18, 2009 7:31 PM"
This government from its inception has always redistributed wealth. We wink as they do it to make the wealthy wealthier. We cringe when they do it to make the impoverished a bit less poor.
It's simply true that the people who are least capable of defending or advocating for themselves are always pushed to the bottom of society. And, just as these posts confirm, the perception of poor is that have nothing because they are irresponsible and lazy and simply should be where they are.
A piece on 60 minutes this spring shared the story of a man who was once getting 6 figure bonuses on top of his salary. He was, at the time, living in a $2.5mm home which he was about to lose because he quit his job to open up his own firm.
His decision did not pan out and no one would offer him a job in the business. After being out of work for over a year, he is faced with foreclosure has no insurance for his family (wife and children) and was driving a small older car to deliver pizzas.
Now some of you would label him as a cigarret buying cell phone talking leach on society who never made a responsible decision. But, if his kid gets sick, they are the same place as the one who never made more than minimum wage.
No coverage? No care!
Onestone
ReplyDeleteI don't care which side approved it. I dont care what either side does.
The point is, it is wrong to pay millions to CEO's and neglect the poor. Both sides are guilty of injustice.
Like i told the guy at the satellite meeting yesterday, I dont care which side fixes it and I dont care which side is to blame.
It needs fixed.
Does either side have the guts to do it?
They don't publicize these meetings very well.
ReplyDeleteIll try to keep more of an eye out for them and let you all know.
Health care is an issue Obama feels so strongly about. I think Obama has the guts to keep on trying until he can get more people access to health care and I hope to God he does not back down until there is at least some type of compromise.
ReplyDeleteCharles,
ReplyDeleteI agree with part with your post! I know of someone who recently retired early from a city job and was told the amount they would have to pay to carry that same policy on their own! I am not sure they could afford that amount!
I agree there needs to be a change in the healhcare and insurance. But, competition and fair alternatives not Government is the answer.
In fact too much Government is why we don't have a better system TODAY!
Take some time and really look at all the levels of Government that are regulating Healthcare - Goverment on all levels needs to get their act together or get out of the way!