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THE INSANITY OF CONGRESS (not covered under Government health care)

It's 1,990 pages long. It weighs in at more than 19 pounds. It has 400,000 words and it is costed out at more than $2.4m A WORD! And even if you can convince your Representative to actually read it, they have NO CHANCE of actually understanding it as you can see from this example:

"(a) Outpatient Hospitals - (1) In General - Section 1833(t)(3)(C)(iv) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395(t)(3)(C)(iv)) is amended - (A) in the first sentence - (i) by inserting "(which is subject to the productivity adjustment described in subclause (II) of such section)" after "1886(b)(3)(B)(iii); and (ii) by inserting "(but not below 0)" after "reduced"; and (B) in the second sentence, by inserting "and which is subject, beginning with 2010 to the productivity adjustment described in section 1886(b)(3)(B)(iii)(II)".

And in my continuing efforts to help you, that garbage is all about "incorporating productivity improvements into market basket updates that do not already incorporate such improvements" - I hope that was helpful.

But the thing you MUST remember is that Nancy Pelosi apparently has the votes to get it through the House. ONLY YOU have the power to stop it.

So having looked at a number of political websites last night and this morning I am able to garner the following.

1. You can't find the word "doctor" in there apart from paragraphs dealing with qualifications.

2. The so-called "death panel" measure is still there.

3. Public funding of abortion still survives.

This has to be a combined effort of various news organisations because as I said, it weighs in at 19 pounds and it stands more than nine inches tall. Fox News found this: Among the industries targeted in the bill are medical device makers - one of the few that failed to cut an early behind-the-scenes deal with Obama and Democrats to help pay for an overhaul. The House added $20 billion in taxes on sales of medical devices like artificial hips and heart stents to the legislation Democratic leaders unveiled Thursday.

The Bill also includes dramatic cuts in pay for doctors - something that we really can't understand the true effects of until you actually sit down and talk to a doctor! Recently when filling in on 540 WFLA, I had Orlando Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Steven Weber on the show. Dr Weber is not politically active; does not represent any group and frankly before he appeared as a guest, I really didn't know what he thought. BUT he made it very clear that he would find it extremely difficult "to keep the lights on" in his practise which employs some 150 medical professionals.

Meanwhile, Breitbart garnered Republican reaction: "Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., head of the Republican Study Committee, issued a statement saying Democrats had produced a "government takeover that will limit choice, competition and innovation in health care while increasing costs and decreasing quality." He said the measure would kill jobs, raise taxes and inflict cuts on a program of private Medicare that provides benefits to millions of seniors. "

Democrats are trying to say the Bill hasn't changed much, but that is clearly not true. There's an eight page document listing all the changes. Line after line after line. Or perhaps lie after lie after lie!

I have said it before - both in these pages and on the air - health care needs some reform. It does NOT need a Government take over! I grew up with Government run health care. I genuinely believe my own dad, who died seven years ago last week (10/29) (still miss you Dad), was a victim of socialized medicine.

You know what needs to be done and so I'm not going to remind you. Suffice to say that it is EXTREMELY important.

We'll leave the last word to a Texan. They have a way of bringing things into focus. Republican Rep. Joe Barton said this: "The bill is about four reams of paper that add up to the American public getting reamed."

Picture is a link from The Washington Times

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Simon Conway is the two-time winner of the FIVE STAR Best in Client Satisfaction for Real Estate Agents in the Orlando area.

Please give me a call if you have questions about the Central Florida real estate market. You can reach me on 407 876 8200. Also visit my web site at www.simonconway.net or www.move2orlando.net

Posted by Simon Conway on 11/01/2009 09:45 PM

Comments (24)

Health Care Reform in the ActiveRain Channel

healthcare, nancy pelosi

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24 Comments on THE INSANITY OF CONGRESS (not covered under Government health care)

NOV

Simon,

I already told my critics that reading and understanding is not the same. And everyone who thinks it is, wake uo guys, do not be so naive

Jon - if you can explain that one paragraph I reprinted here then you are a better man than me! And there are LOTS of paragraphs that read exactly the same as that one.

Simon, I knew they would use slight of hand to add abortion, death panels and cut the crap out of Medicare. The Royal screwing is what every American is going to get. I am sure there is a loop hole that allows them to include illegal aliens.

Rep Michelle Bachmann is oganizing a walk on Congress Thursday at noon. Any American who shows up on the Capital steps to meet her will be escorted down the halls and into the offices of all the representatives. I think this is a very brave move on her part and I applaud her for doing it. She wants citizens to look eye ball to eye ball and tell their legislators how they feel.

Congresswoman Bachman was a guest on the radio show last time I did it. I can put a link up to the podcast if you want to listen. She is an amazing woman and I got a very nice personal e-mail from her after the show.

Simon - I have said it before, it is not about making health care affordable, it is about control!

Our church spoke of this bill today. It's atrocious to say the least. I'm glad that people NATIONALLY are getting organized against it.

NOV

Oh goody, Simon - the death panels again. Let's all pray for poor grandmas whose insurance will pay for them to see someone about their end of life choices, like, yah know...whether or not they want to be on the ventilator, tube fed, or what have you; whether or not they have a frekin' will and would like help with it... The INSURANCE will pay for that counseling should the person want it. Who is getting killed here, Simon? It was only removed from the old bill because it "could be misinterpreted", or in my opinion, because the dems got freaked out by the rather paranoid reactions of Beck and Co.

PS: as for abortion, my dear Simon - any abortion performed to save the life or health of the woman WILL be covered, i.e. not elective abortions. Just so you, that's not news. Insurance currently DOES cover such procedures. Would you rather women in life threatening situations paid for their own care or die?

I do agree with you on one thing - the language is so convoluted (but that goes for all legislative language right now) that it's impossible to get through a bill, no matter your IQ or English proficiency. Sadly, that also applies to language we see so often on our ballots.

Simon- As usual, a great post. This boy aint gonna be a victim of socialized medicine.

Simon - Great post, I am sure those who refuse to see what this bill actually has in store for all Americans will pay a great price at future elections.

Simon - Congratulations this post is now featured in Silent Majority of Active Rain.

The crazy thing is that they could make some very simple changes in the law and decrease costs for everyone. Heck even changing the law just to allow people to buy into Medicare at any age for a fee would be simpler than this. You hit the nail on the head - this is insane.

All we know about this bill - is we don't know anything at all. We will have no idea what is in those 1900 pages.

Great post Simon,

Everyone needs to hear this...

Simon, I am trying to sort fact from fiction here. Help me. The bill is still in approval stages, so who knows it may be 3500 pages when all said and done. I would hope it is closer to 1500 when all is finalized, after the pork and pet projects are cut out of it. Every political party does it, so I know this is no different. What you say about abortion is close to fact. The Catholic Bishops are fighting the wording and will not accept it as is. But there are so many myths being spread about what is in here that is not factual. Much of this was begun by a woman named Betsy McCaughey, and they just seem to stick and never go away. The greatest one being the "Death Panels". No such thing. The bill provides for funding of voluntary medical end of life counseling. This advice is done well in advance of the final days, and is decision making (long before) about how those last days of their lives are to be spent. Euthanasia claims are false and it is also against the law. Another myth that seems to persist is the coverage of illegals, when it is specifically spelled out that those covered cannot be illegally in the U.S. (so in reality they will just continue to use our Emergency Rooms, and our rates go up to cover it this way). Or the myth that seniors' benefits will be slashed. The truth is that some "future" costs will be cut, but no cut in benefits. There's a difference. The President has stated repeatedly that he does not want nationalized health care, but everyone keeps calling it that. Another myth is that the government is going to take over which doctor you use or insurance you use. The bill specifically says the government can't issue requirements on treatment or insurance length. Private insurance is not going to be made illegal, another myth. Nor is it going to be driven underground. Every American is probably going to have to be covered by insurance. This is a large potential income pool for the insurance industry that they never had before. Don't underestimate the ingenuity of American business. They are going to continue to make good profits. Lastly the "public" option is feared by many but may be a non issue. Perhaps only 1% of Americans would fall under this option. It is difficult to dig through all of this, especially when it keeps changing. Let's all try to help distinguish between fact and fiction and not perpetuate fears.

NOV

Dan - We are still trying to figure out if you are a fact or fiction as well. You have no place to contact you, when someone does it is a government building. Then you change your number and say that you want no contact from anyone yet this is a networking site?

We know your comments are fiction, because people who "actually" read the bill knows that this bill has funding for abortion, and "death panels" but liberals like yourself always try to cover it up calling it funding for "voluntary ending of life" but you have to have a panel which decides who gets this so called funding for "voluntary" death which opens the door to government euthanasia.

Besides the fact that this so called health care bill will cost the nation over one trillion dollars on paper, we all know that this figure will mutlitply like every other bill Congress has passed in the future. Its like building a baseball stadium, you get the people to agree on a certain amount, and when it is all said and done, the stadium cost twice as much to build as originally agreed upon.

Sorry with the facts, I WAS TIRED OF READING YOUR FICTION WHICH IS NOTHING MORE THAN THE TALKING POINTS OF THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION.

P.S: Wasn't this an argument that Terry brought up in a previous post, almost the exact wording. I will have to look and find it on a previous post. Interesting?

Dan - I dont care who you are. If you are who you say you are that's great. If you are not, well that's great too. The problem is the words. You see the President has reatedly said he wants nationalized health care. Its called a single payer system.

in 2003 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpAyan1fXCE

Numerous times on that and the elimination of private insurance - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-bY92mcOdk

But we know he lies on an almost daily basis. Even the darling of the left - Rachel Maddow - felt the need to take down the President on his lies. You can find that for yourself. its about terrorism.

Next you say that 1500 pages would be ok? What are you smoking? Goverment grass? 1500 pages? Something that no one would read before they voted on it? How about ten pages. That should be the maximum number of pages in any Bill.

The Catholic Bishops are against Government funded abortion? I think you will find that the entire Catholic clergy is against all abortion. The problem with that is THEY DON'T HAVE A VOTE IN CONGRESS.

The so-called death panels are indeed retained in the Bill. I'm not sure they are such a bad idea - apart from the fact that Government should NEVER be involved. Not even as the one paying the Bill. If you don't think our Government is corrupt then I feel very sad for you. If Government is involved in these end of life decisions then Government gets to have a say. We currently have a National Emergency over the flu. Do you have any idea how much power the President can take under a national emergency? Doesn't that scare you? - And this is not about THIS President - this is about ANY President.

You contradicted yourself over illegal immigrants. They will indeed continue to get free treatment. Frankly when they report to the hospital, the law change should be this. We treat them and while we are treating them, we call ICE and stand by to deport them when they are healthy.

The Bill also states that you can keep your insurance. Currently that is correct. But when you move jobs, you will be forced into the Government option.

If you actually read my blog you will see that I recently interviewed a regular doctor. Not politically active; not representing anyone but himself. He will be forced to receive lower rates of return; have massive amounts of Government paperwork to fill in and made it very clear - he does not think he will be able to keep the lights on. 150 medical professionals out of work. One less choice of doctor for you and me.

Finally, unlike you, I have lived with socialized medicine. It killed my dad seven years ago. It didn't have the proper funding to treat my mom 30 years ago which lead to her death 27 years ago. You are more than welcome on my blog - unlike some who only come here to start trouble. But PEASE come with some knowledge and not just to repeat all of Nancy Pelosi's talking points.

stanley, you have made a grave mistake taking this group of people for idiots who would believe your lies.

I don't have the time to debunk all your LIES but I will do a quick 3.

You said: (being a parrot of the obama administration)

"Or the myth that seniors' benefits will be slashed. The truth is that some "future" costs will be cut, but no cut in benefits."

Really? Where does the bill say their will be no cuts in benefits? I can show you were he does CUT benefits though!!!

"The President has stated repeatedly that he does not want nationalized health care, but everyone keeps calling it that."

What an outright LIE. In his OWN WORDS. http://www.breitbart.tv/obama-in-03-id-like-to-see-a-single-payer-health-care-plan/

"Another myth is that the government is going to take over which doctor you use or insurance you use. The bill specifically says the government can't issue requirements on treatment or insurance length"

Are you kidding me?? This bill is 2000 pages (and growing) of MANDATES. If this bill doesn't issue any requirements, why is the word MANDATE in it hundreds of times? This bill is all about mandates. That is the PURPOSE of the bill.

Simon - Are you who you say you are or do I have to search for another? In order to debate a person, it is well to know who you are debating, not some "made up" person because your speech and rhetoric has been abusive and no one will listen to you anymore.

You trust you are speaking to whom is commenting but there seems to be issues with the above commenter.

The point you make is valid Nick, but the arguments must be taken down no matter who is making them. His comment was full of garbage and you simply dont want fake information getting out there no matter what the source.

Simon - I totally agree with that. Point well taken and accepted. Thanks Simon.

Simon, Excellent post and rebuttal. You are correct. Another regurgitation of the Pelosi talking points. This is the most disastrous piece of legislation ever. When it is said and done there will still be about 16 million uninsured. Pushing more people into Medicaid will force the costs onto the states who in turn will have no choice but to raise taxes. Taxes from the federal side and taxes from the state side. Taxation without representation. Our representatives listen to their own drummer not us.

NOV

Dan - I already dealt with you. You long rambling piece of garbage is not welcome on my blog. DELETED!

The so called 'death panels" were actually inserted by a conservative Republican from Georgia to assure that end of life counseling was available regarding things like hospice, health care surrogates, durable power of attorney. I have seen doctors ignore family requests for hospice referrals, many folks make no plans as if they will live forever in perfect health. (oh and in this poor real estate market I have been working part-time in a hospital for 2 years, dusting off those other degrees).

The bottom line is nearly 1 in 6 don't have coverage.

we pay 2.5 trillion dollars a year for a system that doesn't function very well.

bring on reform and I want the public option!

NOV

Simon- Well, Pelosi won this round. We need to make sure this does not pass the Senate. Call your Senators!

Rick- we do need reform but not socialized medicine. That will only make the great doctors leave the business and close their doors because they can not make money enough to pay for insurance and bills and the red tape that will be thrust upon them. You think it is bad now with insurance paperwork just wait and see.

The real stuff is not even being talked about.

Like what these bills really do. It is the government making deals with certain insurance companies and certain businesses. Do you know why the AARP betrayed their members and support a bill that cuts out the medicare supplemental insurance plan that is now in place? It is because AARP is the biggest seller of GAP insurance. If the government gets rid of the supplemental insurance that medicaid offers seniors, seniors will buy GAP insurance from AARP.

Whenever there is a question or something seems to not look just right; follow the money.

Do you know that ony Blue Cross and Blue Shield were in a closed door meeting with the White House? Do you know what they do behind closed doors? I am not talking a party thing, like DEM or REP; I am talking about a special interest thing, I am talking about the destruction of our economic system by government sleeping in bed with big business. This is the opposite of Capitalism. Why would they be having a meeting? Because the government is promising that those insurance companies will be the ones that get their palms greased.

Follow the money.

The simplest way to get rid of the power of insurance companies is not through a public option but through erasing the state line rule. If insurance companies had competition one with another and you could buy insurance in bulk across state lines- which BTW- the NAR could then offer a great affordable plan to all its members because we are all in different states- the free market would work faster than a speeding bullet to offer insurance with pre existing conditions and low rates.

The easiest way to do this is by holding the insurance companies to the Sherman Anti Trust act. Why are they the only industry that does not have to adhere to the Act? Because they sleep in bed with our government.

This bill would force me to buy health insurance that I do not want. I have catastrophe insurance and a medical savings account. That is all I need. I only go to the doctor once a year. We pay cash for our doctor visits. I don't take meds. I see homeopathic doctors, massage therapists, accupuncturists and chiropractors- I take herbs and natural supplements and homeopathic remedies of which none is covered under health insurance. So why should I be forced into something I don't want to buy? Why are my rights being violated and why is my government telling me how and what medical treatments I can have or choose. SO I have to buy their mandated health insurance plus pay out of pocket for all of my homeopathic treatments, etc? Or else I will be fined $250,000???? ANd the IRS gets to be in charge of this fine? And then I go to jail for not paying the fine????? Where is my freedom????????

All the poor people are covered under medicaid right now, today. Most just don't go and get it. If they go to the hospital the hospital fills out a medicaid application for them and they get their stay covered by medicaid.

The rest of the people need to accept more personal responsibility for their health, like having to pay for routine visits out of pocket. You don't need health insurance to see a doctor once or twice a year. Your car insurance does not pay for your oil changes and new tires. Maybe if insurance was not used for routine health and every little boo boo the prices would also come down. Katerina

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