State of the Union -- Healthcare
Van
Interesting tidbit on who the Republicans chose to lambaste Clinton's
new proposal to expand Medicare in order to cover some of the uninsured
in this country. They chose Bill Frist, a heart surgeon before becoming
a senator, who comes across as country doctor from Tennessee. Natural
choice, and Frist said in part:
"I'm Bill Frist. I'm a senator from the state of Tennessee, but
I've spent the better part of my life working in hospitals,
caring for people with heart disease.
"I've learned a lot by listening to my patients and to the
people who work in hospitals. Earlier tonight we heard the
President talk about his latest health care proposals. The
last time he proposed a health plan was seven years ago.
And then it amounted to a federal government takeover of
our entire health system. It would have forced every American
into a Washington-run HMO and denied them the right to choose
their own doctor.
[. . . .]
"You know, my father was a family doctor for 55 years. As a young
boy making housecalls with him, I remember his stethoscope, his
doctor's bag, and best of all his wonderful and compassionate
heart.
[. . . .]
"And so tonight, Mr. President, I ask you to put your trust
in the American people -- in their creativity, in their
resourcefulness, in their ability to achieve -- free of
government interference.
"Mr. President, please, no more red tape.
"Instead, give us a health care plan that includes choice and
security.
"The American people deserve no less."
But here's the interesting tidbit. From "The Roll Call Fifty", a
list of the fifty richest members of congress --
12 (tie). Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn) - $20 million
It's been a rocky year for Frist's financial portfolio. The
Senator's wealth stems from stock holdings in health care giant
Columbia/HCA. The family connection to the company dates back
to 1968, when Frist's father and brother helped launch the
Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) with the acquisition of a
small Nashville hospital. But this year Columbia/HCA was hurt
by a highly publicized Justice Department probe into charges of
widespread fraudulent Medicare billing schemes - and the
stock tumbled.
Frist's 1996 disclosure forms show a minimum of $13.7 million in
assets - most of it in Columbia/HCA stock amounting to more than
$8 million. His other holdings include stock in Shoney's Inc.,
Disney, Norrell Corp., and Laserscope Biomedical.
Yep, just a po' boy country doctor.
I wonder why Frist didn't start out, "Hi, I'm Bill Frist. My
father and brother and I are multi-millionaire founders of Columbia/HCA,
which owns and operates approximately 220 hospitals and other healthcare
facilities. In true Republican spirit, we've all made a killing
figuring ways to bilk Medicare...."
Van
--
**************************************************
ACLU POLICY
"The ACLU agrees with the Supreme Court's long-standing
interpretation of the Second Amendment [as set forth
in the 1939 case, U.S. v. Miller] that the individual's right to
bear arms applies only to the preservation or efficiency of a
well-regulated militia. Except for lawful police and military
purposes, the possession of weapons by individuals is not
constitutionally protected. Therefore, there is no constitutional
impediment to the regulation of firearms."
http://www.aclu.org/library/aaguns.html
***************************************************
Zepp
Did you notice that was the ONLY part of the SOTU they directly
addressed, too? They know they've lost the political battle, and now
they are just trying to maintain their unearned priviledge.
>--
>
>
>**************************************************
> ACLU POLICY
>"The ACLU agrees with the Supreme Court's long-standing
> interpretation of the Second Amendment [as set forth
>in the 1939 case, U.S. v. Miller] that the individual's right to
>bear arms applies only to the preservation or efficiency of a
>well-regulated militia. Except for lawful police and military
>purposes, the possession of weapons by individuals is not
>constitutionally protected. Therefore, there is no constitutional
>impediment to the regulation of firearms."
>http://www.aclu.org/library/aaguns.html
>***************************************************
>
>
**********************************************************
"I think that we need to put someone in as Attorney General who,
among other things, will enforce the law and then get to the truth
on behalf of the American people and there's nobody that has been
doing that with greater courage and effectiveness--even without
any kind of official position--than Larry Klayman."
-- Alan Keyes, according to the Dec 11, Judicial Watch
**********************************************************
Not dead, in jail or a slave?
Thank a liberal!
For more of Zepp's Commentary, go to http://www.snowcrest.net/zepp/zeppol.html
Warning: Contains ideas
For all things liberal/leftist http://www.snowcrest.net/zepp/lynx.htm
************************************************************
Pay your taxes so the rich don't have to.
The Old Timer
Van wrote in message <389138b6...@netnews.worldnet.att.net>...
The most truthful thing in your entire post. But you just don't get it. Let
me give you a clue. As long as there is guaranteed money to be had from the
government, there are going to be those that will figure out ways to get
most of it. So, instead of being total fools, we should demand that the
government allow us to manage our own damn money and I can assure you we
would be more watchful of who the hell is ripping us off. But folks like you
just can't seem to grasp that. Why is that?
Pointing out the other political parties'
scandals makes you a loyalist. Making
excuses for your own parties scandals
makes you an idiot. Being disgusted with
government dishonesty makes you an
American. Failure to demand government
adherence to constitutional principles, dis-
honors your ancestors.
The OldTimer
Van
Well, imo, there are people who convince themselves that "government" is
this separate entity of which they are not a part of, and that
government is rotten and filled with thieving crooks, lazy miscreants,
and do-gooders. With that model planted firmly in their minds, any
tricky loophole they can find to enrich themselves is peachy keen and
something not to be ashamed of, but to brag about -- that is, when
they're not slavering about how moral and ethical and righteous they
are.
But imo, the intentional misuse of government programs borders on, and
often is, criminal and detrimental to honest attempts at solving social
problems. The idea that government programs should be done away with
because some people abuse them is a red herring. Human nature is wide
and varied. A level of corruption is found throughout society whether
public or private.
>Pointing out the other political parties'
>scandals makes you a loyalist. Making
>excuses for your own parties scandals
>makes you an idiot. Being disgusted with
>government dishonesty makes you an
>American. Failure to demand government
>adherence to constitutional principles, dis-
>honors your ancestors.
You reading a lot betweent the lines there "Old Timer". Best you
just get a mirror and speak to yourself. Btw, Frist was more
than fine with me as the Republican spokesperson. Very apropo
choice for the Republicans. The only better choice I can think of
is former GOP congressman Willis Gradison (Gradison, if you recall,
was the "congressman on Friday, millionaire lobbyist on Monday" that
quit mid-term to become head of the Health Insurance Association of
America -- where he put together the notorious "Harry and Louise" ads).
More and more in todays corporate big money environment, being a senator
or congressman or Party poobah is merely an entry level job into the
big-money Washington lobbyist industry. For example Bob Dole, Newt
Gingrich and Haley Barbour have all made the big time as of late.
Campaign finance reform is most important issue, imo.
Van
--
**************************************************************
The Strange Death of Steve Kangas
http://www.spiritone.com/~gdy52150/steve.htm
Who killed Steve Kangas?
http://www.psnw.com/~bashford/kang-ev0.html
What Happened to Steve Kangas?
http://www.columbia.edu/~jpg40/sk/kangas.htm
Steve Kangas: Suicide ?
http://members.aol.com/fszamazon/kangas.htm
Questions linger
http://www.onlinejournal.com/Questions/Questions/questions.html
Steve Kangas Mirror Site
http://home.att.net/~Resurgence
The truth lives on
***************************************************************
Van
>On Fri, 28 Jan 2000 06:36:17 GMT, jv...@usa.net (Van) wrote:
>
>>
>>
>Did you notice that was the ONLY part of the SOTU they directly
>addressed, too? They know they've lost the political battle, and now
>they are just trying to maintain their unearned priviledge.
>>--
Yes. Clinton's done went and stole all their issues agin'. Susan
Collins, Senator from Maine, gave a broad loopy swipe without claws
extended, that focused mainly on education. She seems alright ... and
her family hasn't made millions in the charter school business.
If Clinton hadn't sprung the gun innitiative on them, they might have
trotted out someone like Bob Barr to rant for awhile, but yes, there was
distinct lack of venom this year.
Van
--
>Pay your taxes so the rich don't have to.
>
**************************************************************
Mary E Knadler
writes:
Now tell how us Diane Finestein who is also near the very top of
the the wealthiest Senators.....how did she & her husband amass that
incredible fortune.
Or is it just some wealthy people who are bad & others good.
Like the Kennedys making their fortune from booze......that's
good????
zepp, a weasel
>On Fri, 28 Jan 2000 14:43:45 GMT, ze...@snowcrest.net (Zepp) wrote:
>
>>On Fri, 28 Jan 2000 06:36:17 GMT, jv...@usa.net (Van) wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
Yeah, I thought Wolf Blitzer, former journalist, did a better job of
giving a GOP response. I suspect that she was there to show that the
GOP can be human and humane. I'm not sure it worked, though. Too
many Tom DeLays and Trent Lotts in there.
I wonder what the story with Al Gore and Hastert was. They were
poking and nudging each other like a pair of nine-year old siblings in
the back seat of the family sedan during the speech.
>
>If Clinton hadn't sprung the gun innitiative on them, they might have
>trotted out someone like Bob Barr to rant for awhile, but yes, there was
>distinct lack of venom this year.
>
>Van
>--
>
>
>>Pay your taxes so the rich don't have to.
>>
>
>**************************************************************
> The Strange Death of Steve Kangas
> http://www.spiritone.com/~gdy52150/steve.htm
>
> Who killed Steve Kangas?
> http://www.psnw.com/~bashford/kang-ev0.html
>
> What Happened to Steve Kangas?
> http://www.columbia.edu/~jpg40/sk/kangas.htm
>
> Steve Kangas: Suicide ?
> http://members.aol.com/fszamazon/kangas.htm
>
> Questions linger
>http://www.onlinejournal.com/Questions/Questions/questions.html
>
> Steve Kangas Mirror Site
> http://home.att.net/~Resurgence
> The truth lives on
>***************************************************************
**********************************************************
"Newt Gingrich showed the country that when he was Speaker
of the House, he was banging more than just his gavel."
-- Mark Russell
For political commentary by Zepp, visit
http://www.snowcrest.net/zepp/zeppol.html
For links to all things Liberal/Leftist, go to
http:/www.snowcrest.net/zepp/lynx.htm
Warning: Contains ideas
************************************************************
Van
wrote:
>On Fri, 28 Jan 2000 23:56:04 GMT, jv...@usa.net (Van) wrote:
>
>>On Fri, 28 Jan 2000 14:43:45 GMT, ze...@snowcrest.net (Zepp) wrote:
>>>Van wrote:
>>>>Interesting tidbit on who the Republicans chose to lambaste Clinton's
>>>>new proposal to expand Medicare in order to cover some of the uninsured
>>>>in this country. They chose Bill Frist, a heart surgeon before becoming
>>>>a senator, who comes across as country doctor from Tennessee.
<snip>
>>>Did you notice that was the ONLY part of the SOTU they directly
>>>addressed, too? They know they've lost the political battle, and now
>>>they are just trying to maintain their unearned priviledge.
>>>>--
>>
>>Yes. Clinton's done went and stole all their issues agin'. Susan
>>Collins, Senator from Maine, gave a broad loopy swipe without claws
>>extended, that focused mainly on education. She seems alright ... and
>>her family hasn't made millions in the charter school business.
>
>Yeah, I thought Wolf Blitzer, former journalist, did a better job of
>giving a GOP response.
Yep, these journalists put lot of themselves into their predictions of
Clinton's demise. So sad. When they yak about the "historical legacy"
of Clinton, I have yet to hear them mention things like the impact of 24
hour news/media for entertainment, and neo yellow journalism.
>I suspect that she was there to show that the
>GOP can be human and humane. I'm not sure it worked, though. Too
>many Tom DeLays and Trent Lotts in there.
Old Strom look good on the walk in, didn't he. I liked his dazed grin,
sort of reminded me of a mature Vice Admiral James Stockdale. About the
only thing I saw that looked like last year was the lemon sucking sour
set jaw expression on the faces of the Texans (Tom DeLay, Bill Archer,
Dick Armey).
>I wonder what the story with Al Gore and Hastert was. They were
>poking and nudging each other like a pair of nine-year old siblings in
>the back seat of the family sedan during the speech.
I think Gore was having Hastert. Hastert doesn't seem all that
comfortable in the job he was volunteered for. Gore seemed to be
helping the poor guy know when stand and applaud and when to sit
... in between his rib pokes and shoulder grabs.
Van
--
Van
wrote:
>In <389138b6...@netnews.worldnet.att.net> jv...@usa.net (Van)
>writes:
>>
>>
>>
>>Interesting tidbit on who the Republicans chose to lambaste Clinton's
>>new proposal to expand Medicare in order to cover some of the
>uninsured
>>in this country. They chose Bill Frist, a heart surgeon before
>becoming
>Now tell how us Diane Finestein who is also near the very top of
>the the wealthiest Senators.....how did she & her husband amass that
>incredible fortune.
Mary, feel free to start a thread on that subject, if you like. But the
issue here is the choice of the Republicans as the spokeperson against
the Clinton healthcare plan ... a story with irony, an eyebrow raising
twist.
A doctor and his family that have made their fortunes founding a nation
wide "healthcare for profit" corporation being the Republican mouthpiece
against national healthcare is the irony. A first term Republican
senator whose families "care for profit" corporation is under
investigation for fraudulent schemes that over-billed Medicare giving an
anti-government speech about the evils of national healthcare is the
interest, not his wealth per se. Sort of reminds me of the raid on HUD
through the Reagan/Bush years or when rich non-farmers get even richer
by milking government programs intended to aid struggling farmers. I
suppose these people convince themselves that are doing a service by
sabotaging government programs they don't like. Or maybe they just see
it all as a game, who knows?
Now if instead of starting out --
"I'm Bill Frist. I'm a senator from the state of Tennessee,
but I've spent the better part of my life working in hospitals,
caring for people with heart disease.
He would have started out --
"Hi, I'm Bill Frist. My father and brother and I are
multi-millionaire founders of Columbia/HCA, which owns and
operates approximately 220 hospitals and other healthcare for
profit facilities. We've all made a killing in this industry,
in part by figuring ways to bilk Medicare....thank you
American taxpayers!"
After his Senate stint, I suspect the man will have a great future as a
lobbyist. Wanna make a bet?
>Or is it just some wealthy people who are bad & others good.
>Like the Kennedys making their fortune from booze......that's
>good????
Again feel free to start a thread on the Kennedy's if you want, but I
usually don't get sucked in to "they do it too!" games.
Van
--
************************************************************
Kip Carter, Newt Gingrich’s former campaign treasurer, was
walking Newt's daughters back from a football game one day.
They cut across a driveway where he saw a car. "As I got to
the car, I saw Newt in the passenger seat and one of the
guys' wives with her head in his lap going up and down. Newt
kind of turned and gave me this little-boy smile. Fortunately,
Jackie Sue and Kathy were a lot younger and shorter then."
*************************************************************
Zepp
>On Sat, 29 Jan 2000 01:28:08 GMT, ze...@snowcrest.net (zepp, a weasel)
>wrote:
>
>>On Fri, 28 Jan 2000 23:56:04 GMT, jv...@usa.net (Van) wrote:
>>
>>>On Fri, 28 Jan 2000 14:43:45 GMT, ze...@snowcrest.net (Zepp) wrote:
>
>>>>Van wrote:
>>>>>Interesting tidbit on who the Republicans chose to lambaste Clinton's
>>>>>new proposal to expand Medicare in order to cover some of the uninsured
>>>>>in this country. They chose Bill Frist, a heart surgeon before becoming
>>>>>a senator, who comes across as country doctor from Tennessee.
>
><snip>
>
>>>>Did you notice that was the ONLY part of the SOTU they directly
>>>>addressed, too? They know they've lost the political battle, and now
>>>>they are just trying to maintain their unearned priviledge.
>>>>>--
>>>
>>>Yes. Clinton's done went and stole all their issues agin'. Susan
>>>Collins, Senator from Maine, gave a broad loopy swipe without claws
>>>extended, that focused mainly on education. She seems alright ... and
>>>her family hasn't made millions in the charter school business.
>>
>>Yeah, I thought Wolf Blitzer, former journalist, did a better job of
>>giving a GOP response.
>
>Yep, these journalists put lot of themselves into their predictions of
>Clinton's demise. So sad. When they yak about the "historical legacy"
>of Clinton, I have yet to hear them mention things like the impact of 24
>hour news/media for entertainment, and neo yellow journalism.
I think the pundits have finally figured out that except for the
Limbots, the country basically ignores them. But they are paid to
attempt to keep the people in line for their corporate masters, so
they keep trying.
>
>>I suspect that she was there to show that the
>>GOP can be human and humane. I'm not sure it worked, though. Too
>>many Tom DeLays and Trent Lotts in there.
>
>Old Strom look good on the walk in, didn't he. I liked his dazed grin,
>sort of reminded me of a mature Vice Admiral James Stockdale. About the
>only thing I saw that looked like last year was the lemon sucking sour
>set jaw expression on the faces of the Texans (Tom DeLay, Bill Archer,
>Dick Armey).
>
I described Strom in another post as drifting in behind Clinton, a
wizened brown little helium balloon of a man, snapping his jaws and
wearing the expression of a man who is trying to remember where he
left his goldfish. He recently announced that he plans to run again
in 2002. It will give the GOP and South Carolina the credit they so
richly deserve.
>>I wonder what the story with Al Gore and Hastert was. They were
>>poking and nudging each other like a pair of nine-year old siblings in
>>the back seat of the family sedan during the speech.
>
>I think Gore was having Hastert. Hastert doesn't seem all that
>comfortable in the job he was volunteered for. Gore seemed to be
>helping the poor guy know when stand and applaud and when to sit
>... in between his rib pokes and shoulder grabs.
I did notice that Hastart was being very accomodating, particularly in
his remarks after the speech. Sock puppet that he is, I suspect his
political instincts are good. He want's to survive the coming
catastrophe the GOP faces and be there to rebuild.
Did you notice the first daughter? She's a stone fox these days. Got
the perfect revenge, too: she's confident and beautiful, and old Rush
is still stupid and ugly.
>
>Van
>--
>**************************************************************
> The Strange Death of Steve Kangas
> http://www.spiritone.com/~gdy52150/steve.htm
>
> Who killed Steve Kangas?
> http://www.psnw.com/~bashford/kang-ev0.html
>
> What Happened to Steve Kangas?
> http://www.columbia.edu/~jpg40/sk/kangas.htm
>
> Steve Kangas: Suicide ?
> http://members.aol.com/fszamazon/kangas.htm
>
> Questions linger
>http://www.onlinejournal.com/Questions/Questions/questions.html
>
> Steve Kangas Mirror Site
> http://home.att.net/~Resurgence
> The truth lives on
>***************************************************************
**********************************************************
"I think that we need to put someone in as Attorney General who,
among other things, will enforce the law and then get to the truth
on behalf of the American people and there's nobody that has been
doing that with greater courage and effectiveness--even without
any kind of official position--than Larry Klayman."
-- Alan Keyes, according to the Dec 11, Judicial Watch
**********************************************************
Not dead, in jail or a slave?
Thank a liberal!
For more of Zepp's Commentary, go to http://www.snowcrest.net/zepp/zeppol.html
Warning: Contains ideas
For all things liberal/leftist http://www.snowcrest.net/zepp/lynx.htm
Van
>On Sat, 29 Jan 2000 05:06:57 GMT, jv...@usa.net (Van) wrote:
>
>>
>>Old Strom look good on the walk in, didn't he. I liked his dazed grin,
>>sort of reminded me of a mature Vice Admiral James Stockdale. About the
>>only thing I saw that looked like last year was the lemon sucking sour
>>set jaw expression on the faces of the Texans (Tom DeLay, Bill Archer,
>>Dick Armey).
>>
>I described Strom in another post as drifting in behind Clinton, a
>wizened brown little helium balloon of a man, snapping his jaws and
>wearing the expression of a man who is trying to remember where he
>left his goldfish.
LOL! To a t.
>He recently announced that he plans to run again
>in 2002. It will give the GOP and South Carolina the credit they so
>richly deserve.
I think the guy might become the first senator to reach
the Hayflick Limit. What is he, 97 now? Sort of an aside, but Strom
brings to mind the claim by the goppers that Shrub is fit for the
presidency because he has the demanding job of being the governor of
Texas. Well, I don't think the fella has been doing a whole of
governing as of late, and afaik, Texas hasn't missed him the least
little bit.
>>>I wonder what the story with Al Gore and Hastert was. They were
>>>poking and nudging each other like a pair of nine-year old siblings in
>>>the back seat of the family sedan during the speech.
>>
>>I think Gore was having Hastert. Hastert doesn't seem all that
>>comfortable in the job he was volunteered for. Gore seemed to be
>>helping the poor guy know when stand and applaud and when to sit
>>... in between his rib pokes and shoulder grabs.
>
>I did notice that Hastart was being very accomodating, particularly in
>his remarks after the speech. Sock puppet that he is, I suspect his
>political instincts are good. He want's to survive the coming
>catastrophe the GOP faces and be there to rebuild.
I suspect as we get closer to the election there will be more Republican
congress critters bailing out -- knowing that besides losing their
chairs they may well be in for some pay-back for the way they've shut
out the democrats since the so-called "Republican Revolution".
>Did you notice the first daughter? She's a stone fox these days. Got
>the perfect revenge, too: she's confident and beautiful, and old Rush
>is still stupid and ugly.
Yep, White House dog she ain't. Looks like she got the best from her
mom and dad ... and the last laugh on Mr. Limbaugh.
The Old Timer
Van wrote in message <38921c78...@netnews.worldnet.att.net>...
And you seem to be in favor of that. Tell you what, try this experiment. For
the next year, send your entire paycheck to your most trusted congressperson
in Washington DC and tell them to manage your affairs. I dare you to do
that. But you you don't have any problem with sending them some of mine, do
you?
Pointing out the other political parties'
scandals makes you a loyalist. Making
excuses for your own parties scandals
makes you an idiot. Being disgusted with
government dishonesty makes you an
American. Failure to demand government
adherence to constitutional principles, dis-
honors your ancestors.
The OldTimer
Bill B.
--
nasa...@ev1.blah,blah.net
(remove blah,blah. to respond to e-mail)
> A doctor and his family that have made their fortunes founding a nation
> wide "healthcare for profit" corporation being the Republican mouthpiece
> against national healthcare is the irony. A first term Republican
> senator whose families "care for profit" corporation is under
> investigation for fraudulent schemes that over-billed Medicare giving an
> anti-government speech about the evils of national healthcare is the
> interest, not his wealth per se. Sort of reminds me of the raid on HUD
> through the Reagan/Bush years or when rich non-farmers get even richer
> by milking government programs intended to aid struggling farmers. I
> suppose these people convince themselves that are doing a service by
> sabotaging government programs they don't like. Or maybe they just see
> it all as a game, who knows?
If you did a little research, you would know that Dr. Frist established HCA,
and that after the merge with Columbia, hence Columbia/HCA, Richard Scott
took over as Chief Executive Officer. When word of Medicare Fraud started
to surface, Scott bailed with over $400 million by liquidating his holdings.
Dr. Frist had nothing to do with the managemnent during the period of the
alleged fraud (more than likely will be proven in a court of law). Dr.
Frist stepped back into the limelight of the largest healthcare system in
the U.S. to try and reestablish the integrity that was once HCA. As a
matter of fact, the company is considering dropping the "Columbia" portion
of the name just to distance itself from the sham of Richard Scott.
Ask any Columbia/HCA employee how it was before the merger, when Frist ran
the show, and how quickly the company degenerated into a "profit at all
costs" kind of money game after Scott took over the reins.
Unfortunately, not much is ever mentioned about the Government going after
who should be held accountable,.....Richard Scott.
When he bailed with over $400 million, my mother, who is on a cardiac
surgical team, and has worked for HCA for years, lost over half of her 401K
and retirement funds.
Don't always believe what you read in the media. Dr. Frist is only involved
with the company "now" because he wants to save it from what someone else
has reduced it to. His association with them at the highest level didn't
begin again until AFTER Richard Scott made a shambles of the company.
The future of HCA will bear out weather Dr. Frist is truly a man of
integrity and character, but it is obvious that Richard Scott is a crook.
Why don't the Feds go after him personally?
Unlike the Democrats, many people of wealth and stature got there by hard
work, dedication, and having a vision. They earned it. They didn't have it
"reappropriated" from other peoples' labors.
George Leroy Tyrebiter, Jr.
>most of it. So, instead of being total fools, we should demand that the
>government allow us to manage our own damn money and I can assure you we
>would be more watchful of who the hell is ripping us off. But folks like you
>just can't seem to grasp that. Why is that?
Because until Medicare many old people could not afford health care at
all. They could watch their money all they wanted and it would STILL
not get them any medical care they could afford. And even if they
could afford their medical bills, they lived in terror of bills they
would NOT be able to afford as they got older. Now, with medicare,
that is not true.
You just can't seem to grasp that. Why is that?
Insurance companies do not want to insure people who might get sick -
because that is expensive.
WHy don't you propose a solution instead of whining about things?
President Clinton proposed a solution - to permit people between 55
and 65 to buy into Medicare at the TRUE COST, with insurers required
to take all comers for the same fee.
That seems a good solution for millions who can NOT find an insurer
willing to cover them.
Solutions may have problems. But sometimes they are better than the
failures of the private market system.
George Leroy Tyrebiter, Jr.
Mitchell Holman
From the GOP response:
"Last year, the Republican Congress approved the largest
increase in military pay in more than a decade. "
"And to protect our country from terrorist nations, we will
build a shield against missile attack."
(and who is going to pick up the tab on *that* boondoggle?)
"Last year, the Republicans boosted education spending by
$500 million more than the president’s budget"
"We will increase federal grants to states and communities"
"Last year, we increased Pell Grants and student loans".
Zepp
>On Sat, 29 Jan 2000 07:26:05 GMT, ze...@snowcrest.net (Zepp) wrote:
>
>>On Sat, 29 Jan 2000 05:06:57 GMT, jv...@usa.net (Van) wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>Old Strom look good on the walk in, didn't he. I liked his dazed grin,
>>>sort of reminded me of a mature Vice Admiral James Stockdale. About the
>>>only thing I saw that looked like last year was the lemon sucking sour
>>>set jaw expression on the faces of the Texans (Tom DeLay, Bill Archer,
>>>Dick Armey).
>>>
>>I described Strom in another post as drifting in behind Clinton, a
>>wizened brown little helium balloon of a man, snapping his jaws and
>>wearing the expression of a man who is trying to remember where he
>>left his goldfish.
>
>LOL! To a t.
>
>>He recently announced that he plans to run again
>>in 2002. It will give the GOP and South Carolina the credit they so
>>richly deserve.
>
>I think the guy might become the first senator to reach
>the Hayflick Limit. What is he, 97 now? Sort of an aside, but Strom
>brings to mind the claim by the goppers that Shrub is fit for the
>presidency because he has the demanding job of being the governor of
>Texas. Well, I don't think the fella has been doing a whole of
>governing as of late, and afaik, Texas hasn't missed him the least
>little bit.
It's pretty much a sinecure post. Kinda like the ethics advisor in
Ken Starr's office.
>
>>>>I wonder what the story with Al Gore and Hastert was. They were
>>>>poking and nudging each other like a pair of nine-year old siblings in
>>>>the back seat of the family sedan during the speech.
>>>
>>>I think Gore was having Hastert. Hastert doesn't seem all that
>>>comfortable in the job he was volunteered for. Gore seemed to be
>>>helping the poor guy know when stand and applaud and when to sit
>>>... in between his rib pokes and shoulder grabs.
>>
>>I did notice that Hastart was being very accomodating, particularly in
>>his remarks after the speech. Sock puppet that he is, I suspect his
>>political instincts are good. He want's to survive the coming
>>catastrophe the GOP faces and be there to rebuild.
>
>I suspect as we get closer to the election there will be more Republican
>congress critters bailing out -- knowing that besides losing their
>chairs they may well be in for some pay-back for the way they've shut
>out the democrats since the so-called "Republican Revolution".
>
>>Did you notice the first daughter? She's a stone fox these days. Got
>>the perfect revenge, too: she's confident and beautiful, and old Rush
>>is still stupid and ugly.
>
>Yep, White House dog she ain't. Looks like she got the best from her
>mom and dad ... and the last laugh on Mr. Limbaugh.
>
keyes.please
- Bill Clinton
ta2...@aimail.net (Mitchell Holman) wrote:
>
> From the GOP response:
>
>"Last year, the Republican Congress approved the largest
>increase in military pay in more than a decade. "
Our men and women in uniform deserve every single penny!!
>"And to protect our country from terrorist nations, we will
>build a shield against missile attack."
(PRICELESS)
>(and who is going to pick up the tab on *that* boondoggle?)
Scrap any ONE of Clinton's 5 hundred new spending proposals,
and we'll have it paid for several times over.
>"Last year, the Republicans boosted education spending by
>$500 million more than the president’s budget"
Oh my. You mean Republicans are in favor of improving education?...
>"We will increase federal grants to states and communities"
(paid for by reducing cash payola to corrupt teachers unions)
>"Last year, we increased Pell Grants and student loans".
Again demonstrating the GOP is the pro-education party.
:)
Van
>
>Van wrote in message <38921c78...@netnews.worldnet.att.net>...
>>On Fri, 28 Jan 2000 15:10:13 GMT, "The Old Timer" <tr...@told.net> wrote:
>>
<snip>
Pretending the government is this stupid or evil or wasteful or
innefficient monolith, choosing all anecdotes that enhance this
stereotype and throwing out the rest, is great rationalization for those
who bilk government programs, cheat on their taxes, or just stand around
the water cooler and whine whine whine every pay day, imho.
Not that things couldn't be run better ... and who would be for fraud,
waste, and abuse? But there are plenty of models in this big old world
to choose and compare with. We have one of the lowest tax bases among
modern countries despite the fact that we spend many times more on
defense. What country do you think has a better idea, or are you one of
those utopians?
Mitchell Holman
}"For Sale, Panama Canal - Highest Bidder"
}
}
}>"Last year, the Republicans boosted education spending by
}>$500 million more than the president’s budget"
}
}Oh my. You mean Republicans are in favor of improving education?...
}
Oh, I get it. When Democrats boost education funding,
it is "tax money being wasted". When Republicans do the
very same thing, it is "improving education".
Thanks for clearing that up.
Mitchell Holman
"I'm glad you asked me that. This gives me the perfect opportunity to talk
about the problems with this Congress"
-- Vice President Dan Quayle responding to reporters' questions about his
use of Air force 2 to go on golf trips at the cost of $26,000/hour.
Van
You've posted some interesting observations, but then I observe that
Bill Frist's brother was and is the CEO of Columbia/HCA:
Thomas F. Frist, Jr., M.D.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
And I also note the Frist family founded what is now the world's largest
healthcare system with a market value of 20 billion dollars, that they
have made their fortune in the Healthcare for profit industry, including
Senator Bill Frist who plays up the "doctor" and plays down the
"multi-millionare stock holder in Columbia/HCA". I also know that money
doesn't grow on trees or appear out of thin air.
I have no way of knowing the validity of your apologia, or whether a
certain amount of scapegoating is involved. But I do know that Dr.
Frist owned 8 million dollars+ in Columbica/HCA stock at a time when
Columbia/HCA was been under investigation for bilking medicare, that
Columbia is involved in a class action suit alleging that Columbia/HCA
encouraged upcoding (a process of diagnosing patients for illnesses
which require the plaintiff to pay a higher fee) and overcharging, and
that Columbia/HCA hospitals have been turning away Humana HMO patients,
which would make you feel pretty sad if Humana happened to be your HMO,
but then there's the bottom line....
The Old Timer
George Leroy Tyrebiter, Jr. wrote in message
<03069ssm930trpap4...@4ax.com>...
Why don't you go to your favorite Dejanews and look it up. I proposed a
solution years ago. And guess what? Bill Clinton must have read it!!! I have
said this:Health Insurance companies should be responsible for paying the
medical bills. They should be allowed to charge a premium to do that. The
premium they charge should be based on an actuarial basis spread of each and
every one of the 270+ million people in this country. No one should be
rated!!!!!!!!! Do you understand that????? No one should be rated!!!!!!!!
Insurance means to spread the risk. It does not mean to spread it among this
group of healthy folks, and not include that group of sick folks. It means
spread the risk. No one should be rated!!!!!!! It should be like going to
the grocery store. If you want a loaf of bread, you have choices of what
kind, and depending on what you chose, you pay the same as everyone else
that chooses that bread. But the way you want it is, you go up to the
checkout counter, and when they ring up the damn tab, they add 60% for the
federal government. If you work for the federal government, I can see how
you would prefer that method. But, you pure and simply do not know what you
are talking about when it comes to healthcare. Until you can demonstrate
that you know what the problem is, why don't you take my suggestion, and do
a little research instead of selling your hot air.
Pointing out the other political parties'
scandals makes you a loyalist. Making
excuses for your own parties scandals
makes you an idiot. Being disgusted with
government dishonesty makes you an
American. Failure to demand government
adherence to constitutional principles, dis-
honors your ancestors.
The OldTimer
The Old Timer
Bill B. wrote in message ...
>
>
>--
But the truth does not matter to these government tit suckers. As long as
they can get a dribble they think that is just fine. To hell with the fact
that people are really getting hammered and the hammer is the damn
government.
I can not understand why people are so ignorant of a very basic principle.
When a price is guaranteed (as all medical procedure prices are under
Medicare/Medicaid) the minimum price for that procedure/service/product will
rise to the lever of the guarantee!!! If it cost 1000 bucks for a MRI in New
York City and 100 bucks for it in Gonzales, Texas and the government
guarantees a price of 500 bucks based on the national average, guess what???
The techie in Gonzales is going to be very happy and do lots of MRIs. The
people in NYC that need MRIs are going to be left wanting somewhat.
I'll say it again. If you think the federal government is the answer, just
send your entire paycheck for one year to your most trusted politician and
tell him to manage your affairs for you. When you put your money where your
mouth is, then you will have a little better understanding of what this is
all about.
The Old Timer
Van wrote in message <38933a47...@netnews.worldnet.att.net>...
But why do you deny (or at least it seems you do) that all of this money
came from Uncle Sugar? That Uncle Sugar gave it to them? That Uncle Sugar
looked the other way? That Uncle Sugar took the money they gave them from
people like me and you? And why do you think giving Uncle Sugar more money
and more leeway, that it will get better? Get Uncle Sugar the hell out of
the healthcare industry, and every other industry for that matter. If they
want to make laws that industries must follow, that's fine. But to take a
citizens money and using it to try to be a particular industry, government
has no business in that.
The Old Timer
Van wrote in message <38932aa4...@netnews.worldnet.att.net>...
>On Sat, 29 Jan 2000 14:28:09 GMT, "The Old Timer" <tr...@told.net> wrote:
>
>>
>>Van wrote in message <38921c78...@netnews.worldnet.att.net>...
>>>On Fri, 28 Jan 2000 15:10:13 GMT, "The Old Timer" <tr...@told.net> wrote:
>>>
>innefficient monolith, choosing all anecdotes that enhance this
>stereotype and throwing out the rest, is great rationalization for those
>who bilk government programs, cheat on their taxes, or just stand around
>the water cooler and whine whine whine every pay day, imho.
>
>Not that things couldn't be run better ... and who would be for fraud,
>waste, and abuse? But there are plenty of models in this big old world
>to choose and compare with. We have one of the lowest tax bases among
>modern countries despite the fact that we spend many times more on
>defense. What country do you think has a better idea, or are you one of
>those utopians?
>
>Van
I don't think any country does, I think the individual has the best idea of
what is best for him and his family. I believe the individual will act (in
most cases) in the best interests of himself and his family. I believe that
any responsible individual will see to it that he and his family are taken
care of properly first. And frankly, for the rest of them, that's their
problem. The only exception to that as far as I am concerned is the truly
physically unable. And as for your "defense" spending crap. Learn the
difference betwee "provide" and "promote" and see where those words are in
our founding documents.