Indexes
February 9th, 2010
February 8th, 2010
February 6th, 2010
February 5th, 2010
February 4th, 2010
February 3rd, 2010
February 2nd, 2010
The following stories have received the most reader comments during the last 7 days.
- Will terrorists be given Miranda warnings? (75)
- Lodi Unified School District president issues warning to speakers over cuts (64)
- President Obama's first year (45)
- Many reject the politics of 'no' (45)
- Islamic symbol in mosaic — what is all the fuss? (44)
- Writer comments on Neely column (42)
- The Home Depot hopes to join Costco at Reynolds Ranch (41)
- Time to shed the convenient sham of 'Don't ask, don't tell' policy (34)
- We need to conduct respectful conversations (30)
- Tasered suspect claims he is Yosemite Sam (25)
ADVERTISEMENT
We need to have a reasonable meeting on health care reform
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 5:55 AM PDT
Isn't it time we had a reasoned debate on health care reform? Shouting down each other in town hall meeting is not solving this issue.
It is quite understandable that Americans are frustrated and confused by the challenges raised pursuing health reform. Additionally, Americans are often resistant to any change in the status quo, especially in serious matters that affect each one of us personally. However, there is a general consensus (by most Americans) that reform is needed.
Here are some facts that lead to that conclusion:
1. At present the United States health system is rated 37th in the world.
2. There are over 45 million uninsured Americans.
3. 22,000 Americans die each year due to lack of health insurance and access to services.
4. Administrative costs are soaring: a. While administrative costs under Medicare (a government program) are around 1 percent, administrative costs by private insurance corporations are about 30 percent. So $30 of every $100 goes to insurance companies rather than paying for providing health care services to Americans. b. Profits of health insurance corporations increased 400 percent between 2000-2007. c. Health insurance corporations are spending millions of dollars every day to lobby against reform. d. A CEO of one insurance company makes approximately $100,000 per hour.
5. Sadly, many members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike, are beholden to health care industry lobbyists and depend on them for campaign contributions.
6. Hospitals are required to treat patients in emergency rooms. ER treatment is expensive and is often sought only after an illness has progressed to the point that it is requires extensive and expensive treatment. This treatment is often not reimbursed by the patient, so those costs fall to Americans already insured or to other government agencies. So we are already paying for this type of treatment, much of which could possibly be obviated by preventative care covered by health insurance.
Insurance companies, like any other corporation, are based on profitability. If fewer services are provided, that will naturally lead to more profitability for insurance companies. That is why treatments do not get authorized and why people are excluded from treatment due to pre-existing conditions. Therefore, insurance companies are lobbying mightily against health reform in any way they can.
Freedom of speech is one of our most treasured provision in the Bill of Rights. However, some of the current "shouters" are the ones limiting that freedom by yelling and causing disturbances, preventing serious discussion.
Some have resorted to lies and the ludicrous to stop health care reform. Scare tactics such as saying reform will create "death panels," pay for abortion rather than health care for seniors and give free health care to illegal immigrants are a few.
Although not one of these issues has been included in the present bills to be considered, scare tactics such as these are powerful. Recall how such tactics such as "mushroom clouds," etc., were successful in frightening Americans into supporting the Iraqi War.
If these current protesters are so worried about spending money on health care and increasing the deficit, where were they during the lead up to Bush's war against a country that was absolutely not threat to our country? That war not only cost us billions in dollars, but cost us dearly in the loss of over 4,000 American lives. They money wasted on that war would have paid for health reform several times over.
Many political leaders and legislators who have not supported Social Security and Medicare and who would like to dismantle these programs are the same folks who say they want health care reform, but then just say "no" to any kind of proposal presented to them.
Until they offer a health plan of their own, perhaps we all should listen and question the present proposals reasonably rather than rant and rave.
Cynthia Neely is a retired city attorney.
Search for Ads 
Today’s Print Ads 
RSS Feeds
Reader Feedback
rantraves wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:11 PM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 2, 2009 4:47 PM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 2, 2009 4:44 PM:
Cogito wrote on Sep 2, 2009 12:19 PM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 2, 2009 10:26 AM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 2, 2009 10:21 AM:
Brian wrote on Sep 2, 2009 8:02 AM:
I'll try to keep my comments simple as to not confuse you. "
Lodian wrote on Sep 1, 2009 11:38 PM:
LOL! "
Lodian wrote on Sep 1, 2009 11:36 PM:
rantraves wrote on Sep 1, 2009 4:30 PM:
Brian wrote on Sep 1, 2009 3:04 PM:
" What? Is Brian using yet another handle? OMG! "
-Lodian never tires of being a big fat 400 pound irritant.
Except for that short stint with onelastthing, Brian is my first handle and the only one I have used. "
Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Sep 1, 2009 8:31 AM:
I am no Jesus expert, but wasn't he crucified because he DIDN'T follow the law? "
Giovanina wrote on Sep 1, 2009 12:04 AM:
" Cog, for humanitarian reasons, illegals and foreign tourists will both receive emergency treatment whether we reform healthcare or not. Immigration issues have no bearing on healthcare reform.
Do they call undocumented workers "criminal parasites" at your church? What does Jesus recommend we do with them? Allow their children to bleed to death in the hospital parking lot?
Let me say this loud and clear!
THERE IS NO ENFORCEMENT IN THE BILL!!!
What an idiot, almost all countries have a recipricol policy for emergency care, but illegals use the ER for their personal health care. This is why so many hospitals are always on the verge of closing down, and some have.
From your question, it is obvious that you don't know what Jesus would do. He would follow the law.
And "demoncats" is a label that has been around since the early 90's. "
rantraves wrote on Aug 31, 2009 9:50 AM:
Lodian wrote on Aug 31, 2009 8:39 AM:
voter wrote on Aug 31, 2009 6:19 AM:
Brian, there's no need to hide. We all know it's you. "
tosh conn wrote on Aug 30, 2009 9:43 PM:
voter wrote on Aug 30, 2009 7:44 PM:
Interesting. "
Cogito wrote on Aug 30, 2009 6:06 PM:
voter wrote on Aug 30, 2009 3:56 PM:
Do they call undocumented workers "criminal parasites" at your church? What does Jesus recommend we do with them? Allow their children to bleed to death in the hospital parking lot? "
Cogito wrote on Aug 30, 2009 3:36 PM:
voter wrote on Aug 30, 2009 11:50 AM:
From the House bill:
SEC. 246. NO FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS.
Nothing in this subtitle shall allow Federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.
From the Senate Bill:
(h) NO FEDERAL FUNDING. -- Nothing in this Act shall allow Federal payments for individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.
Immigration is a separate issue--an important issue, but a separate issue. "
Giovanina wrote on Aug 30, 2009 9:40 AM:
Please show us where the government has spearheaded any kind of enforcement toward illegal aliens. Agents are being killed and shot at, as they make solo runs along the border.
Take a trip to Thornton and see how many illegals are hiding there, or just go to Walmart of Food4Less on the weekend, when all the Thorntonites come to Lodi. Take a good look because Obamacare WILL cover them. "
ttian wrote on Aug 29, 2009 11:50 PM:
Government is going broke because private industries are reaping in the profits, not treated avoidable health care problems, leaving government to take care of it’s people after the fact, conditions increased in seriousness. Let government take care of it’s people earlier than later, where if and when private insurance won’t and don’t, which is now. Where would those on Medicare/caid and Healthy families be? In the ER! Those of you with health insurance, how much higher would you premiums be without those programs, insurance,
Gold Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Love your neighbor.
Where are the good Samaritans?
Cynthia, thanks for being one of those good Samaritians! "
ttian wrote on Aug 29, 2009 11:42 PM:
people with health insurance.
Administrative costs account for 31 percent of all health care expenditures in the United
States. The average overhead for U.S. private health insurers is 11.7 percent; for
Medicare, it is 3.6 percent; for Canada’s national health insurance program, it is 1.3
percent.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/sicko/_media/SiCKO_sickofactoids.pdf "
ttian wrote on Aug 29, 2009 11:29 PM:
Lobbying
Top Spenders (this money didn’t pay for anyone’s medical treatment)
Lobbying Client Total
US Chamber of Commerce
$488,458,180
American Medical Assn
$208,472,500
General Electric
$183,895,000
American Hospital Assn
$172,940,431
AARP
$164,072,064
Pharmaceutical Rsrch & Mfrs of America
$154,533,400
AT&T Inc
$140,516,229
Northrop Grumman
$133,515,253
Edison Electric Institute
$128,645,999
Business Roundtable
$127,980,000
National Assn of Realtors
$127,977,380
Exxon Mobil
$124,626,942
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
$120,491,385
Verizon Communications
$118,344,841
Lockheed Martin
$115,567,888
Boeing Co
$108,728,310
General Motors
$104,774,483
Southern Co
$97,670,694
Freddie Mac
$96,194,048
Altria Group
$88,380,000 "
ttian wrote on Aug 29, 2009 11:29 PM:
Ehrlichman: “… private enterprise one.”
President Nixon: “Well, that appeals to me.”
Ehrlichman: “Edgar Kaiser is running his Permanente deal for profit. And the reason that he can … the reason he can do it … I had Edgar Kaiser come in … talk to me about this and I went into it in some depth. All the incentives are toward less medical care, because …”
President Nixon: [Unclear.]
Ehrlichman: “… the less care they give them, the more money they make.”
President Nixon: “Fine.” [Unclear.]
Ehrlichman: [Unclear] “… and the incentives run the right way.”
President Nixon: “Not bad.”
[Source: University of Virginia Check - February 17, 1971, 5:26 pm - 5:53 pm, Oval Office Conversation 450-23. Look for: tape rmn_e450c.]
http://millercenter.virginia.edu/scripps/digitalarchive/presidentialrecordings
/nixon/oval?PHPSESSID=b813e56b3017d097cd176720bc10fc74
Retrieved from "http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Transcript_of_taped_conversation_between_President_Richard_Nixon_and_John_D._Ehrlichman_(1971)_that_led_to_the_HMO_act_of_1973:" "
ttian wrote on Aug 29, 2009 11:28 PM:
John W Rowe
$22.2 mil
Why is Fannie May struggling: Greed of Wall Street, and loan officers/real estate agents. "
ttian wrote on Aug 29, 2009 11:27 PM:
http://www.iom.edu/?id=19175
Lack of health insurance causes roughly 18,000 unnecessary deaths every year in the United States. Although America leads the world in spending on health care, it is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not ensure that all citizens have coverage.
Private Insurance charged with fraudulent claims to US government (medicare) (how about private citizens?) Wonder why Medicare may have difficulties? Greed of private insurances!
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2003/June/03_civ_386.htm "
ttian wrote on Aug 29, 2009 11:26 PM:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/insur200706.pdf
• In 2006, 43.6 million persons of all ages (14.8%) were uninsured at the time of the interview, 54.5 million (18.6%) had been uninsured for at least part of the year prior to the interview, and 30.7 million (10.5%) had been uninsured for more than a year at the time of the interview. • The percentage of children under the age of 18 years who were uninsured at the time of the interview was 9.3% in 2006.
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=245 "
Cogito wrote on Aug 28, 2009 8:28 AM:
stantaves wrote on Aug 27, 2009 3:28 PM:
wtf wrote on Aug 27, 2009 1:32 PM:
Yours or did you "borrow" it?"
Thanks! But, I cannot tell a lie....I "borrowed it"...it was just so good, I had to pass it on! "
gray cloud wrote on Aug 27, 2009 12:48 PM:
stantaves wrote on Aug 27, 2009 11:38 AM:
Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Aug 27, 2009 10:10 AM:
Wishful thinking, based on most of the posts below. "
Cogito wrote on Aug 27, 2009 8:10 AM:
voter wrote on Aug 27, 2009 6:53 AM:
Cogito wrote on Aug 26, 2009 11:24 PM:
lodidian wrote on Aug 26, 2009 9:05 PM:
Nice to see so many folks responding to this with common sense and facts. "
gray cloud wrote on Aug 26, 2009 8:39 PM:
Whoa Nellie! wrote on Aug 26, 2009 8:23 PM:
Yours or did you "borrow" it? "
anayud wrote on Aug 26, 2009 6:28 PM:
Cogito wrote on Aug 26, 2009 4:35 PM:
wtf wrote on Aug 26, 2009 1:38 PM:
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing. "
wtf wrote on Aug 26, 2009 1:38 PM:
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason. "
wtf wrote on Aug 26, 2009 1:37 PM:
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. "
wtf wrote on Aug 26, 2009 1:37 PM:
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. "
wtf wrote on Aug 26, 2009 1:37 PM:
wtf wrote on Aug 26, 2009 1:36 PM:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault. "
jramagic wrote on Aug 26, 2009 10:55 AM:
Inquisitor wrote on Aug 26, 2009 10:30 AM:
tosh conn wrote on Aug 25, 2009 6:15 PM:
tosh conn wrote on Aug 25, 2009 6:13 PM:
Cogito wrote on Aug 25, 2009 5:33 PM:
tosh conn wrote on Aug 25, 2009 5:16 PM:
Neo wrote on Aug 25, 2009 3:41 PM:
wtf wrote on Aug 25, 2009 10:13 AM:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ZpnRFTDpo "
max stanfield wrote on Aug 25, 2009 8:54 AM:
http://townhall.com/columnists/JohnHawkins/2009/08/25/5_liberal_lies_about_obamacare "
Cogito wrote on Aug 25, 2009 8:45 AM:
tosh conn wrote on Aug 25, 2009 8:44 AM:
She also declined to answer whether the VA, in its educational materials, is in the habit of posing to wounded veterans the question of whether their lives are worth living if they are wheelchair-bound or unable to control their bladder -- two of the many scenarios explored in "Your Life, Your Choices." "
max stanfield wrote on Aug 25, 2009 8:40 AM:
Fannie Mae was established in 1938 - 71 years to get it right; it is broke.. "
max stanfield wrote on Aug 25, 2009 8:38 AM:
Social Security was established in 1935 - 74 years to get it right; it is broke.
71 years to get it right; it is broke..
War on Poverty started in 1964 - 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our money is confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor"; it hasn't worked.
Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965 - 44 years to get it right; they're broke
Freddie Mac was established in 1970 - 39 years to get it right; it is broke
Trillions of dollars in the massive political payoff called the TARP bill of 2009 shows NO sign of working.
I dont share your love of mammoth government spending to improve anything. "
Comments on this story are now closed.