As of 3:00 PM today, over 300 people had tried to contact John Callahan’s campaign office at 610-625-3880. Reason? To ask if Callahan is ever going to take a stand on Pelosicare. He's been silent about the health care debate embroiling this country for months, choosing instead to talk about the architecture at the Sands Casino.Make that 301 people. I just called myself. Nobody answered the phone, and Callahan's voicemail is full.
In a telephone news conference yesterday, Congressman Charlie Dent blasted Callahan's "political cowardice," which is very much like the political cowardice we've seen from House Democrats employ with the Slaughter rule.
Dent's congressional campaign is making the public aware of Callahan's dodgebill antics.
“Basically, we’ve been contacting voters across the 15th District asking them to try and do something that no one else has been able to do – pin Callahan to a position on whether he supports Nancy Pelosi’s health care bill,” said Shawn Millan, Dent’s campaign manager.
Phone calls and emails to thousands of voters across the 15th District are going out, urging them to call Callahan and ask him one simple question.
“It’s ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” said Representative Dent. “Would John Callahan vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the Pelosi health care bill? It’s a simple question – one that he must answer,” Dent explained.
Just yesterday, Dent characterized health care legislation may as the biggest federal issue facing this generation. President Barack Obama says that his Presidency rests on the passage of Nancy Pelosi’s health bill. Meanwhile, most Americans reject both the bill and the tactics being used to force its passage. But Callahan? He must be getting his nails done.
Smart politics? He's refusing to to show leadership or state a position on a pivotal issue. That's smart? Maybe if you're Sam Bennett.
“He either lacks the knowledge or courage to take a definitive position,” Congressman Dent has opined.
Congressman Dent believes that if done correctly and in a bipartisan manner health insurance reform could be a boon to the nation, but done incorrectly and forced upon the people of America it will damage our country, economy, and the quality of our health care.
He prefers an incremental approach.
“The time for parsing one’s words, equivocating and fence-sitting is over. It’s time for John Callahan to decide, ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ and state his position,” concluded Dent.
Joe Biden hasn't visited yet to tell him, so maybe John doesn't know what his position is yet.
ReplyDeleteBernie, today is the 7th anniversary of the Iraq war, $743 billion spent, thousands dead and we're no safer. Deserve a blurb on your page?
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I knew that John had a vote.
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting that Bernie and Dent both seem to be the biggest critics of healthcare reform and neither has private health insurance, apparently. To me that's like complaining about your govt. but not voting.
ReplyDeleteSuffice it to say, if Joe Biden is doing work for John Callahan, it is painfully obvious Joe doesn't think John Callahan will be a trouble maker for Barack Obama.
ReplyDelete300....lmao....you just make shit up....
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know Charlie is against people in need and for big healthcare, but not surprising when you look at his finances....
Dent is the worst kind on health care... he gets PA state employee health care b/c it is the best health care. He is taking a congressman's salary and a state senator's health insurance. Pa Taxpayers are paying for this double dipper.
ReplyDeleteI say we through him out so he doesn't get state pension and federal pension when he retires.
Until Charlie Dent gets off PA health insurance, I don't want to hear anything from him on health care unless it includes the words "health care for all Americans."
sorry, that is "throw" him out, not "through" him out.
ReplyDelete"Bernie, today is the 7th anniversary of the Iraq war, $743 billion spent, thousands dead and we're no safer. Deserve a blurb on your"
ReplyDeleteYes, it did. I will try to write something up over the weekend.
"Until Charlie Dent gets off PA health insurance, I don't want to hear anything from him on health care unless it includes the words "health care for all Americans."
ReplyDeleteHow about Callahan? His health care is paid by Bethlehem. Does he have to get off, too?
Doesn't it bother you just one teensy, weensy little bit that he's too pussilanimous to take a stand on he most significant piece of legislation in our generation?
Or do you like voting for cowards, because politically, that's what he is.
The bill was just finalized, did Dent vote on the bill yet? I would expect that you will hear many members of congress and challengers give their final position now, you know since there is now something to actually review. Till now it was all hype and posture....and history will show Dent once again chose the wrong thing for his district and the nation, but it's ok, he did get buckets of money for his vote.
ReplyDeleteCharlie's working the system like any red blooded pol. If I was an unethical politician, I'd likely be tempted to do the same thing. Until the rules are changed, it's hard to blame the Dents, Stoffas, Grucelas or any other career taker for doing what comes naturally: taking. Callahan just wants what they have. Public service comes after. Maybe.
ReplyDeleteWhy is he a coward for not taking a stand on the health care issue? It is a can't win situation for him. If he supports the health care bill, you and Dent hammer him for supporting it. If he does not support it, you still hammer him.
ReplyDeleteReality is that it does not matter what his position is, he is not a congressman yet.
Also, as for Dent and Callahan's insurance, the difference is that Dent is no longer a member of the state senate...Callahan is actually the mayor. Why is Dent not taking the insurance offered through insurance? Now is screwing the people of Pennsylvania twice--taking our tax dollars for his family's health insurance AND making votes in Congress that hurt the people and help corporations.
A true coward would breach the trust of the people who gave him power--much like breaching a fiduciary duty.
"Why is he a coward for not taking a stand on the health care issue? It is a can't win situation for him. If he supports the health care bill, you and Dent hammer him for supporting it. If he does not support it, you still hammer him."
ReplyDeleteIn other words, he should not take a stand because if he does, someone might criticize him for the stand he takes. Leaders lead. They take positions, even if it costs them a few votes in the short term. But Callahan has taken none at all.
Instead of being outragesd at Dent and taking shots at him, you should all be pressuring Callahan to stand for something already. It really is political cowardice for him to avoid every controversial matter he can.
Doesn't it bother any of the Pelosicare advocates that the 15th District's Dem standard bearer is afraid to say what he thinks? What idf he agrees w/ Dent? What will you do then?
Really, it's not Dent or Shawn Millan or me who should be angry. it should be you.
"Also, as for Dent and Callahan's insurance, the difference is that Dent is no longer a member of the state senate..."
ReplyDeleteWhat a second. Initially, the argument was that Dent and I should give up our public insurance plans, even though I don't have a public plan. Now, it's OK for Callahan to havea public plan but it's not ok for Dent.
Thanks for making yourself as clear as mud.
Silence is golden unless you are running for public office; in this case it may be an indictment. The voting public deserves better.
ReplyDeleteScott Armstrong
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteWhen you write about the Iraq war don’t forget to remind your readers of the fact that the Democrat’s complained that the fist George Bush didn’t go all the way the Bagdad in the first gulf war then voted twice to allow the use of military force against Iraq under the second George Bush. Nice duplicity.
Scott Armstrong
“Why is he a coward for not taking a stand on the health care issue?”
ReplyDeleteWow! He is running for public office, do we need another coward in Washington or do we need leadership?
Scott Armstrong
OK OK we get your point - nothing to see here now move on
ReplyDeleteBernie is Dent a Boehner puppet the way you think Callahan is a Pelosi puppet? Just asking to see if you are able to take off your rose colored Dent glasses? Even as deep in the tank as you are you have to admit Dent has moved very far to the right than when he was in Harrisburg and is pretty much not the independent he was then either.
Have a great weekend? Any BBall plans with the Grandson this weekend?
Bernie get a copy of Callahan's kick off speech a few weeks ago - he spent a great deal of time on health care and staking out his views. I don't remember the local papers covering that. I wonder why?
ReplyDeleteDonald, of course the positions are there...it's just the dents camp trying to make something out of nothing....they keep throwing "coward" around like they think they are tougher or are bothering John....it's laughable. Anyone who has ever spent any time with the two knows Callahan is a better speaker, more personable and thoughtful. I say again Dents phony courage better hold out when he is asked to debate. We will see then who has the best interest of the 15th at heart, and quite frankly who is the better representative of the people.
ReplyDeleteAnd before you lay in on me being an outsider I have lived on Bethlehem for 39 years now.
Donald,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I've had no plans w/ my grandson for the past 2 weekends. That depresses me, to be honest. I miss him.
As far as Dent goes, I consider him fiscally conservative and socially moderate, like most LV Republicans AND Democrats. In his first year as a Congressman, he went way to the right of his usual approach to things. I think he was feeling his way around. Since that time, he has been one of Congress' centrists. He is co-chair of the House Tuesday group, which took Bush to task over his condcut of the Iraq war. He has consistently supported SCHIP. He has brought money back to this district, even as a minority member.
Now you say Callahan discussed health care reform. We all support health care reform. What is his exact position? There are several pro-Callahan blogs, including you. I would think that if he had a meesage to send, he could get it out. The paper could not stop that. Why has he failed to spell out his position. This is the most significant legislation this nation has seen in the last generation. I think it is more than fair to say he should take a stand.
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteI think it is clear why Callahan has not taken a stand on the health care issue. He thinks his position will negatively impact his campaign.
Scott Armstrong
Two words. Swift boat.
ReplyDeleteTwo words. Political cowardice.
ReplyDeleteAnon 9:33,
ReplyDeleteWhat's the big deal here, he wants to gain the voters' support with silence on the issue of the day? Does this make any sense? No!
Scott Armstrong
The voters will decide, not you guys.
ReplyDeleteGood old on the take Charlie will be known to all for what his record really is. Healthcare will be decided and Charlie held accountible for his actual vote. Boy it burns to be on the wrong side of history doesn't it. Maybe Behner will let you break free on a vote at some point...ha ha...we know that won't happen. Charlie is a do nothing republican seat filler.
you might want to focus on your primary and how your losing your already disadvantaged base.
Doesn't it bother you just one teensy, weensy little bit that he's too pussilanimous to take a stand on he most significant piece of legislation in our generation?
ReplyDeleteI think his stand is pretty obvious on his website:
The cost of doing nothing to address health care would be great. For example, as a result of rising costs, one in five employers will stop offering health benefits in the next three to five years. That's over 25,000 workers that will lose their health care in the Lehigh Valley. Eleven million Americans will lose their employer-sponsored health insurance by 2019.
Passing fiscally sound health care reform will help ensure a brighter future for residents of the Lehigh Valley.
It's fair to note that Charlie Dent's largest sector contributor is healthcare. Of that, nearly 2/3 of those contributions are from healthcare PACs. 40% of all of his contributions come from PACs. Source
ReplyDeleteThe more Jacob posts, the more I am convinced he is a Republican sleeper cell.
ReplyDeleteOlive Oil
Anon 11:10,
ReplyDeleteCharlie Dent could have posted the exact same words on his web page. That statement is completely consistent with Dent's position.
It is equivocation.
Where does he stand on Pelosicare? Is he for it or not? Very simple.
He runs from that question because he is a political coward, and at this point, it is costing him votes and credibility.
Awww....who ruined the stream of lies by pointing to facts! Now they will have to start a new thread with more BS...
ReplyDeleteAnon 11:19, Every Congressman in the Pa delegation, Democrat and Republican, is funded by the health insurance industry.
ReplyDeleteCharlie Dent was given $561k. Democrat Alyson Schwartz, who supports Pelosicare, got twice as much money as Dent, $1.1MM.
Do you honestly think, for even a second, that Callahan would turn dowen a dime from the health insurance industry? He's sucking up PAC money wherever he can find it.
Charlie Dent could have posted the exact same words on his web page. That statement is completely consistent with Dent's position.
ReplyDeleteNo it isn't. Dent's real position is doing nothing and at all costs preventing the Democrats from doing something. Not a single GOP Congressman deviated from their marching orders including Dent.
"He's sucking up PAC money wherever he can find it."
ReplyDeleteNo no, mainly from plaintiff lawyers, unions, city contractors, and national democrats.
He's sucking up PAC money wherever he can find it.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting spin. John Callahan received a mere 14% of his $900K from PACs. 86% from individuals.
Anon 11:47, what is Callahan's position? Does he stand for anything? At least we know where Dent is.
ReplyDeleteJohn Callahan's biggest donor sector, "lawyers and lobbyists". Well, that didnt long.
ReplyDeleteHow many of Callahan's donors do business with the City of Bethlehem.
ReplyDeleteIs he exchanging political financial support for contracts, grants and permits?
Hmm?
I mean that must be the conclusion of all those who think that contributions influence politicians.
By the way, if you look up the amount of money that Charlie received from the Health Care sector you'll see that a huge percentage came from individual health care providers -- in other words doctors.
And we all know how Democrats hate doctors -- unless their actors pretending to be doctors at a press conference for El Presidente.
Why are you calling it "Pelosicare?" Her House is pulling tricks to pass the Senate bill. It's more Harry Reid's bill.
ReplyDeleteThe current bill and its breathtaking expansion of federal power, will ultimately lead to regulations on individuals' unhealthy behaviors in pursuit of better collective health and controlled costs.
An earlier post this week called for enforcement of existing laws prohibiting the sale of so-called drug paraphernalia. Once we're all in health care together, there should be similar prohibitions on unhealthy products and services from tobacco and potato chips to skiing and motorcycling. Helmet laws should become federal. The overweight and unhealthy should be restricted in their access after failing to make a sufficient effort at social responsibility.
I hope Callahan will pressure Dent to start representing the interests of the people and not the corporations in his district....yeah, I am looking at you Air Products and PPL.
ReplyDeleteDo PPl and Air Products employ any 15th District constituents? If so, and in a world where the government owns companies and gets to regulate their own competition, they likely support their companies' engagement in the political process. I know I do. It's not far fetched to assume the government will move from its current hot air operations into gas.
ReplyDeleteI pressure dent to take a stand. He needs to vote for the best interests of the people in his district instead of his special interest friends.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Charlie cares, I don't know. What I do know is he is voting against seniors (finally closing the hole), middle class workers, the unemployed (or under employed) and small business.
"Why are you calling it "Pelosicare?""
ReplyDeletebecause that's what the Dent folks told bernie to call it in his daily talking points memo?
Callahan is not a real smart guy. He can't absorb what's in the bill. He knows that if he speaks at all, someone will turn his words on him and he'll be shown for the faker he is.
ReplyDeleteLol....is someone actually saying dent is "smarter" than callahan. You obviously have never spent more than 10 minutes with the two of them. Dislike their policy ok, but there is no doubt who is smarter and more personable of the two.
ReplyDeleteCallahan may be personable, but he is nowhere near smart or informed. He's a party lackey, the best they could find after bra burner Bennett. Not saying much.
ReplyDeleteHe looks the part on the podium I guess. That might have been good enough during hope and change fest last year. Now, people at least want to know what you stand for and what you really know. No more buying the package without knowing what is in the box.
Every day he is silent is a plus one for Dent. If Billy boy doesn't speak up soon, he'll lose by default.
And I agree with Bernie, it is political cowardice on Callahan's part. It's also contempt for the voting public, who deserve to know what they are supporting if they vote For Callahan/Against Dent.
Hate Dent all you want, but at least he has a position that you can vote against if you don't like it.
The issues will be known without a shaddow of a doubt. Dent knows topical points, ask him a follow up and he is lost. Callahan actually gets into the details, now there is a final bill I'm sure we will hear from him. It makes no sense to speak on hypotheticals, he layed out his healthcare points early on and now has an actual bill to review. Unlike do nothing Charlie he was not in position to influence the debate in DC. We all saw how Charlie spoke the republican lines and had no original thought. He was in a position to actually make a difference, thanks for nothing.
ReplyDelete"Why are you calling it "Pelosicare?" Her House is pulling tricks to pass the Senate bill. It's more Harry Reid's bill." Because right now it is in the House.
ReplyDelete"Lol....is someone actually saying dent is "smarter" than callahan."
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying either one is smarter than the others. They are both bright guys, and I have spent more than 10 minutes with Charlie Dent.
What I am saying is that John Callahan supporters should be incensed at their own standard bearer's political cowardice and refusal to take astand on the most pivotal piece of legislation we've seen in 40 years.
"Maybe Charlie cares, I don't know. What I do know is he is voting against seniors (finally closing the hole), middle class workers, the unemployed (or under employed) and small business."
ReplyDeleteA half billion slasdhed from Medicare and he's voting against seniors? A 0.9% payroll tax increase on small businesses, even if they lose money, and he;s voting against small business? Give me a break.
Bernie you know it's wasteful spending being cut from Medicare and we are covering an additional 32 million people. There will be tax breaks for small business and people making up to four times the poverty level.
ReplyDeleteHow about allowing college students and kids just starting out to stay on their parents policies.
750 billion to fight wars of choice but who cares about the people here at home.
You are making me sick with the bogus chatter....history will show this as a turning point that republicans obstructed just like Medicare and civil rights.
Seamus
Funny I spoke with callahan at an event last night and he was quite clear on his support for healthcare reform.
ReplyDeleteReally? Then perhaps it's time he let the rest of the world in on his views. One anon does not cut it.
ReplyDeleteSeamus,
ReplyDeleteYou know what's making me sick? The lack of transparency, the unwillingness to reach across the aisles, the political cowardice of deem and pass, the political cowardice of a Dem candidate for Congress who is unwilling to state his views publicly. No piece of major legislation has ever been successful without something approaching consensus. This is already a failure, no matter what happens tomorrow.
For years, Vongress has tried to cut wasteful spending in Medicare. for years, it has failed. What will eventuially happen is that we will see mega tax increases or programs themselves will be cut. That's the reality.
"Callahan actually gets into the details, now there is a final bill I'm sure we will hear from him."
ReplyDeleteThe silence is deafing.
*deafening...and defining.
ReplyDeleteHold every Democrat candidate to account for their shameful actions related to the health care legislation.
ReplyDeleteScott Armstrong
So anon 11:55 confirms.
ReplyDeleteCallahan is a YES vote. The poster claims to have gotten the word from Callahan himself last night.
Bernie, that merits an individual post. Maybe boy wonder can confirm or deny.
My money is on "No comment".
Anyone remember Nixon's "secret plan" of 1958 to end the Vietnamese war? Anyone remember how many years later the war actually ended?
ReplyDeleteMaybe Callahan has a "secret plan" to give affordable health coverage to everybody in the United States. I'm still waiting for the plan the Republicans were going to offer back in July.
Anon 9:56 there is no doubt Callahan is "smart" but Dent is no idiot. Too many people particularly the new and energized Dem's and Repub's get off on this idea of who is smart.
ReplyDeleteLBJ went to a Texas teachers college and was one of the most effective Senate leaders in history and got major legislation on civil rights through a Congress that opposed it on both sides of the isle.
Enough with the IQ tests in the real world no one gives a shit.
As far as personality goes, Dent is by far the more personable. he will always take a moment to notice and acknowledge you and chat regardless of Party or statue. Callahan is a decent guy if you are in his "circle" if not you will rarely get a nod as he flies by to whatever he is doing. He is the more arrogant of the two. Actually that could be Johns biggest weakness. he needs to break out of his like "Bethlehem mafia" circle and talk to some "15th District "good old boys", who can give him advice on how to come off more like an an average guy like Charley.
The voters aren't going to vote on IQ.
Taco Tom
RS,
ReplyDeleteDent's Tuesday group has proposed a number of bills to deal with health insurance reform incrementally. I prefer that approach myself bc the problem is so big. Unfortunately, they are being ignored by the majority, and that's why you've heard nothing about it.
That's because the Tuesday group is a joke. It's just a group that gathers funds and distributes them oming it's members. You guys are such jokes
ReplyDeleteCallahan must take a stand. Folks are getting a little smarter this year with TV and Internet 24-hour news blasts.
ReplyDeleteThe Tuesday group, yet another political fraud. what a joke.
ReplyDeleteNo piece of major legislation has ever been successful without something approaching consensus.
ReplyDeleteCivil Rights Act of 1964
You should really do research before you post such asinine things.
A half billion slasdhed from Medicare and he's voting against seniors? A 0.9% payroll tax increase on small businesses, even if they lose money, and he;s voting against small business? Give me a break.
ReplyDeleteAre you really perpetuating the Medicare cuts bullshit? As IF the Dems would cut Medicare. The only reason it exists to this day is because of Democrats. An honest blogger would note that overpayment on Medicare Advantage is what is being cut and those recipients are being placed back on the rolls of traditional Medicare.
I can only assume that you have little knowledge of the thing you seem to despise so much. It's like Repubs calling this bill a "government takeover." It is simply laughable.
By the way, an amendment was offered to the Congress last summer to END Medicare and return the money to the citizens of the country. NOT A SINGLE Repub voted for this amendment.
ReplyDeleteCan't walk the walk.
"Are you really perpetuating the Medicare cuts bullshit? As IF the Dems would cut Medicare. The only reason it exists to this day is because of Democrats. An honest blogger would note that overpayment on Medicare Advantage is what is being cut and those recipients are being placed back on the rolls of traditional Medicare."
ReplyDeleteIt's no myth. Congress has never been able to eliminate the rampant waste in Medicare, and will be forced to cut programs. Just as they say women don't need mamograms, they will inexorably start eliminating some of the things seniors take for granted.
This is a bad bill.
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteNo piece of major legislation has ever been successful without something approaching consensus.
Civil Rights Act of 1964
You should really do research before you post such asinine things.
Good for you!
To my Republican friends out there-
How come cost is never a factor for NASA and military spending but whenever the issue is people related - ZIP..."too expensive".
Let's not forget who committed us to two wars at a cost of billions and billions. The same folks who turned a surplus into a deficit in the blink of an eye.
All this vote did was expose you for what you really are- Screw the victims of Katrina... F**k the middle class....Take good care of the insurance industry, the banks, the oil people...all at the expense of the little people you have such low regard for. How many R's turn their back on Social Security or Medicare when their time to collect comes?
That's what I thought.
VOR
The Civi Rights Act of 1964 is precisely what I'm talking about. it had overwhelming support by both parties. Majorities in BOTH parties supported this measure, and the percentage of Republican support was actually higher than Democrat support. So yes, I have done my research.
ReplyDeleteI repeat, no piece of major legislation has ever been successful without something approaching consensus.
Maybe Callahan was smart and realized that in no time at all the healthcare debate would be over. Now Dent has to defend himself for his unpopular decision and Callahan doesn't because he came in after the fact, kind of like Dent came in "after the war" as he's always reminding us. I guess he had no opinion on the war(s) before he was elected.
ReplyDeleteSummary of Party Affiliation on Medicare Vote (1965)
ReplyDeleteSENATE
YEA NAY NOT VOTING
Democrats 57 7 4
Republicans 13 17 2
HOUSE
YEA NAY NOT VOTING
Democrats 237 48 8
Republicans 70 68 2
Looks like repubs are pretty consistent. They need to be dragged kicking and screaming...
It's no myth. Congress has never been able to eliminate the rampant waste in Medicare, and will be forced to cut programs. Just as they say women don't need mamograms, they will inexorably start eliminating some of the things seniors take for granted.
ReplyDeleteThis is a bad bill.
You don't even know what you are talking about, do you? Google Medicare Advanatage and educate yourself. If you'd bother listening (or reading) any of the President's speeches, this wouldn't be foreign information to you.
The Federal Govt pays $1.05 on the dollar for those in Medicare Advantage. Eliminating that program alone (which allows people to opt out of Medicare and get private insurance subsidized by the government) is being done away with.
Civi Rights Act of 1964 was extremely unpopular at the time. But it was the right thing to do. Looking back, you could call it a no-brainer. People will say the same of this bill in 20 years.
ReplyDeleteLet's see...
ReplyDeleteIf you have a medical condition, the bill would make it easier for you to get coverage...
If you're an unmarried adult younger than 26, you could stay on your parent's insurance coverage as long as you are not offered health coverage at work...
Companies could get tax credits to help buy insurance if they have 25 or fewer employees and a workforce with an average wage of up to $50,000. Tax credits of up to 35 percent of the cost of premiums would be available this year and would reach 50 percent in 2014.
The Medicare prescription-drug benefit would be improved substantially. This year, seniors who enter the Part D coverage gap, known as the "doughnut hole," would get $250 to help pay for their medications.
The bill is estimated to cost $940 billion over a decade. But because of higher taxes and fees and billions of dollars in Medicare payment cuts to providers, the bill would narrow the federal budget deficit by $138 billion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
If you have a medical condition, the bill would make it easier for you to get coverage; insurers would be barred from rejecting applicants based on health status once the exchanges are operating in 2014.
People who are sick might face lower premiums than otherwise because insurers wouldn't be permitted to charge sick people more; healthier people might pay more. Older people could still be charged more than younger people, but the gap couldn't be as large.
...yeah Bernie, that's really "bad".
For the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in the House, the original bill was supported by 61% of the Dems and 80% of the Rs. The Senate version had the support of 69% of the Dems and 82% of the Rs. You can read about it here.
ReplyDeleteNow, Medicare was more controversial to Rs, but it still received a lot of R support. 13 Republican senators said yes (17 voyed No) and in the House,70 Rs supported the measue v. 68 opposed.
That's much different thatn what we have here, where there is absolutely no Republican support for this measue and there is even some Democratic opposition. The only bipartisanship I see is in opposition to this monstrosity.
I repeat, no piece of major legislation has ever been successful without some form of consensus.
Ths thing is dead before it's even signed.
"If you'd bother listening (or reading) any of the President's speeches, this wouldn't be foreign information to you."
ReplyDeleteI listen to and read his speeches, but I don't drink Kool-Aid. This legislation will end up hurting seniors bc there is no other way to cut those costs than by cutting programs. And don't get me started on the short shrift given to veterans.
I listen to and read his speeches, but I don't drink Kool-Aid. This legislation will end up hurting seniors bc there is no other way to cut those costs than by cutting programs. And don't get me started on the short shrift given to veterans.
ReplyDeleteWhat aren't you understanding about the 5% overpayment on Medicare Advantage? Like the Repubs, you just don't want to hear reason. Take a deep breath and start sorting out the lies from the facts. If it weren't for Representative Dent's position on this issue, I'd think you'd be a proponent of helping the uninsured and less fortunate.
You do realize the Democrats of 1964 are not the Democrats of today right?
ReplyDeleteNotice a trend of Republican obstructionism? The Democratic minority climbed on board for the Iraq war resolution, the reauthorizations, and the Patriot Act to name a few. That is gone forever. The right is so flummoxed by the Obama victory in 2008 that they will do anything - even manufacturing lies in the House chambers - to destroy his Presidency.
The cost of this bill is 1/7 of the annual defense budget. $685 BILLION spend in defense but $94B puts us into crisis sliding headlong into socialism.
ReplyDeleteI've been taking plenty of deep breaths. I'd suggest you stop slopping at the Obama trough and start lookig for facts from more objective sources. According to a report from The Christian Science Monitor, some seniors are going to lose out. Gov't payments to Medicare Advantage will be cut by $132 billion over 10 years. There will also be a 15-person advisory board imposing additional cuts to traditional Medicare. They are supposed to protected from cuts, but then why have the board?
ReplyDeleteIt's a bad bill.
Anonymous 4:10 said ...
ReplyDeleteLet's see...
If you have a medical condition, the bill would make it easier for you to get coverage...
If you're an unmarried adult younger than 26, you could stay on your parent's insurance coverage as long as you are not offered health coverage at work...
Companies could get tax credits to help buy insurance if they have 25 or fewer employees and a workforce with an average wage of up to $50,000. Tax credits of up to 35 percent of the cost of premiums would be available this year and would reach 50 percent in 2014.
The Medicare prescription-drug benefit would be improved substantially. This year, seniors who enter the Part D coverage gap, known as the "doughnut hole," would get $250 to help pay for their medications.
The bill is estimated to cost $940 billion over a decade. But because of higher taxes and fees and billions of dollars in Medicare payment cuts to providers, the bill would narrow the federal budget deficit by $138 billion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
If you have a medical condition, the bill would make it easier for you to get coverage; insurers would be barred from rejecting applicants based on health status once the exchanges are operating in 2014.
People who are sick might face lower premiums than otherwise because insurers wouldn't be permitted to charge sick people more; healthier people might pay more. Older people could still be charged more than younger people, but the gap couldn't be as large.
...yeah Bernie, that's really "bad".
...but Bernie keeps saying it's "a bad bill".
Bernie says "This is a bad bill"
ReplyDeleteBernie does not say:
That the bill incorporates a non-discrimination clause that prohibits the consideration of personal characteristics unrelated to the provision of health care. That likely means that LGBT people will be protected from discrimination in the health care system.
That the bill provides funding for comprehensive sex education programs. The word "comprehensive" is key there, because it means that sex-ed programs won't solely focus on abstinence like they've done for the past few years. Instead, they could potentially give students the knowledge they need to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancies -- something that abstinence-only programs fail miserably at.
And finally, that the bill will allow states to cover early HIV treatment under their Medicaid programs, a departure from a current policy that only allows states to use Medicaid funds once a patient develops full-blown AIDS.
What a bad bill!
Bernie O'Hare said...
ReplyDeleteFor the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in the House, the original bill was supported by 61% of the Dems and 80% of the Rs. The Senate version had the support of 69% of the Dems and 82% of the Rs. You can read about it here.
Now, Medicare was more controversial to Rs, but it still received a lot of R support. 13 Republican senators said yes (17 voyed No) and in the House,70 Rs supported the measue v. 68 opposed.
That's much different thatn what we have here, where there is absolutely no Republican support for this measue and there is even some Democratic opposition. The only bipartisanship I see is in opposition to this monstrosity.
All this means is that R's have changed in 45 years, and not for the better.
The Republican party lost all of it's moderates in the last two elections. Now it's just the right-wing of the party left.
ReplyDeleteGoogle "polarization." The blog author doesn't seem to keep up on anything except what his handlers supply him with.
2:35 said:
ReplyDelete"The blog author doesn't seem to keep up on anything except what his handlers supply him with."
You may be correct. Comparing a Republican of today with one from 1965 just won't work. The party appears to have been hijacked by the extremists. Not a single vote in favor? Not a one? This (Republican Party) is broken and may not be fixable. The R's have themselves in a real pickle now. November will prove it.
Oxymorons-
ReplyDeleteopen secret
larger half
clearly confused
act naturally
alone together
Hell's Angels
found missing
liquid gas
civil engineer
deafening silence
seriously funny
and now....
MODERATE REPUBLICANS!
VOR
VOR,
ReplyDeleteI could respond with a few oxymorons of my own, but will avoid the cheap shot that you just took.
The R party certainly is more polarized now than it has ever been, but then again, so are the Democrats.
Dent is a moderate R. He has several times stated pre-existing conditions should be insured. He believes the medical insurance company needs more regulation. He supports SCHIP. But he has also made suggestions that have been rebuffed. Incrementalization, where one reform is tried at a time, has been rejected. Malpractice reform, which should reduce defensive medicine an lower costs, has been rejected. Pooling and buying across state lines has been rejected. And this is after the President stated they were all worthy ideas.
No queastion government is broken. Dent has argued for more transparency. So did Obama the candidate. But Obama the President has been all for ramming things down throats, which results in more polarization.
bernie-
ReplyDeleteLet's agree that the important step was to get a law passed. Is it perfect? Of course not. But reasonable people (if there are any left) will work out details so that we end up with an overall positive improvement for most Americans.
As far as moderate and reasonable goes, some members of the D caucus voted against party wishes and against this bill. No R's did so, which seems to prove that there may be more reasonable people on one side of the aisle than the other.
VOR