Flu Or No Flu, Health Sec’s Nomination Will Still Require 60 Votes, GOP Says
So Kathleen Sebelius will get her confirmation vote as Health and Human Services secretary tomorrow in the Senate — but even with the flu outbreak, her confirmation will still have to clear a big hurdle, requiring 60 votes.
So says the office of GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell, anyway.
As you know, Senate Republicans have been filibustering Sebelius over lingering questions about her views on late-term abortions and some campaign contributions she received from an abortion doctor. Late last week, the Senate Dem leadership announced that in the face of GOP opposition, they had agreed with Republicans to bring Sebelius’ confirmation to the floor for a vote tomorrow that would indeed require the 60 votes.
The outbreak of the flu epidemic had led some Dems to hope that the GOP would drop their filibuster, which would mean the 60 vote threshold would no longer apply. And even GOP Senator Susan Collins called for the Senate to expedite her confirmation today.
But McConnell spokesperson Don Stewart tells me she’ll still have to clear the 60 vote threshold. The question is, Whose fault is this?
Stewart says that the Senate agreement last week has “locked in” the 60 vote threshold. “She’ll have her confirmation vote tomorrow,” he says, adding that “every single Democrat” agreed to that threshold.
But Jim Manley, a spokesperson for Dem Senate leader Harry Reid, says that Senate GOPers could waive the 60 vote threshold if they wanted to. “With consent it could be changed if they agreed, but as of right now I don’t see any willingness to do so on their part,” he said.
Bottom line: The filibuster over an abortion controversy is still throwing a hurdle in the way of this nomination, despite the flu epidemic.
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Update: A senior GOP leadership aide predicts that Sebelius’s confirmation will nonetheless secure the 60 votes needed for passage.
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“Still throwing a hurdle in the way of this nomination, despite the flu epidemic.”
I’m sorry, Greg, does she have some sort of flu hiding up her sleeve that she is waiting to spring on us once approved? Are you implying that a cloture vote is inhibiting the US response to a swine flu outbreak? C’mon now!
Greg
.
Some context is required here. Susan Collins was the idiot who bragged about getting pandemic preparedness pulled from the stimulus bill. As a matter of fact right up until earlier today she had a link to a WSJ article that pointed out that fact posted up on her website. Since then its been scrubbed and she is trying to shove it down the memory hole evidently. I am pretty sure that a filibuster will fail if she has anything to do about it.
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http://firedoglake.com/2009/04/27/susan-collins-ashamed-of-her-hatchet-job-on-flu-preparedness/
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Just for sh*ts and giggles you might want to call Collins’ office and ask about her role in getting the funding pulled. I wonder if they will shout as you like they have her constituents.
some sort of flu CURE hiding up her sleeve?
And by the way, if the roles were reversed Mitch McConnell would be on FoxNews right now saying Harry Reid wanted babies to die from swine flu and thats why he wants to filibuster the HHS director in the middle of a pandemic. And of course Reid would cave. Thats why I can’t stand Reid’s sorry arse.
C’mon SG. She argued that this funding was not stimulative and should be in the general budget. That’s some weak sauce.
sbj
.
You are failing as a troll and I think Im tired of trying to engage you in honest debate. My prefered methods with trolls are derisive and harsh comments but I will refrain if you just focus on trying to bullsh*t other people who might still actually take your comments seriously. Your move.
Greg,
You need to find out what your talking about.
I think we’ll be ok without the shill
Looks like Fox News can’t swallow another dose of Obama on TV and has refused to air his Wednesday broadcast. If Obama has any sense he would stop his people going on FixNewsSundae. Boycott the idiots. And don’t take their questions at the Presser. Major Garrett : go water the horses.
Let’s see, stealing from Michelle and dKOS liberally . . . 1) Chuck Schumer also opposed the inclusion of pandemic spending in the stimulus bill
2) He called it porky.
3) The majority of the funding was passed in the omnibus bill.
4) The increased funding was first proposed by Bush.
5) The money has been appropriated so what’s your point?
Joey
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How about you tell us with all your vast knowledge what Greg got wrong in his post. I am sure you must know since you are talking sh*t
Sebelius said she supported the existing state law outlawing same-*** marriage
Sebelius has said she supports Kansans’ right to own firearms
Sebelius admitted to “errors” in tax returns and paid nearly $8,000 in back taxes.
Oh almost forgot, Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas. I’m sure that along with a career as a politician qualifies her.
She’s hiding under the democratic party and has no qualifications for the position
SBJ,
Collins argued that it should be in the general budget, and then voted against that budget too.
No two ways about it. She had two chances to vote for flu pandemic money and worked against it both times. Now that the money is needed, she scrambling to avoid responsibility.
Joey
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Unfortunately for you none of that has anything to do with why the Republicans are trying to filibuster her and they barely even try to hide that its all about her being pro choice. Both Republican Senators from her state have endorsed her. An HHS Director has not a d@mn thing to do with same *** marriage nor gun laws. She has been a great governer for Kansas. So you have just shown that you don’t know your arse from a hole in the ground. Please refrain from making a fool out of yourself next time by trying to lecture to somone else about what they don’t know.
The GOP fools. They think they can oppose the will of President Obama and 70% of the American people who support him, and his administration! If the absence of a secretary at HHS leads to one single death in this county all those politicans who oppose her should be charged with negligent homicide. I cannot recall such childlike political behavior in Washington throughout my entire lifetime.
Nice,
you have just shown that you don’t know your arse from a hole in the ground. Please refrain from making a fool out of yourself next time by trying to lecture to somone else about what they don’t know.
Guess if anyone dis-agrees with you, time to start the name calling. I should of expected it.
I still disagree with the article and yourself. I do respect your opinions. have a nice day.
Yeah you really should have expected it.
So right leaners think this filibustering of the HHS head doesn’t matter in the swine flu outbreak? Then why are the right wing nuts spitting all over the airwaves trying to turn this into an issue? Limbaugh, Hannity and right now Levin are screaming like schoolgirls because “Obama doesn’t even have a person in the CDC or heading the HHS post!” Disgusting hypocrisy. They are fools and thankfully destroying the far right’s chances every day of ever gaining power again.
The Internet Tough Guy talks big **** online, but IRL he’s a total *** or a basement-dweller.
passive aggressive p u ssy
When someone tries to annoy or hurt someone verbally by saying a put down in a coy or apparent unaware way.
I move for the comments of “sgwhiteinfla” to be classified as abusive and removed since he/she is unable to engage in constructive debate and discussion without acting like a name-calling fourth grader. All in favor, say “aye”.
Joey
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I know you heard some bad words in the bathroom today at kindergarten but they don’t scare anybody online or off little boy. Now run along, grown folks are talking.
Drew
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Good luck with that
I don’t understand — isn’t abortion still legal in the United States?
Slashin’ Tom Daschle would be kicking some Swine Flu viral butt right now if only…
Further proof the republicans in Congress are controlled by the right wing extremists in their party. With apologies to the Wicked Witch of the East, “I’m shrinking, I’m shrinking.”
HHS Budget, FY 2008 — $707.7 billion
HHS Employees – 64,750
CDC Budget, FY 2998 — $8.8 billion
CDC Employees 15,000
We’re all DOA w/out Sibelius!!!
Oh, Aye.
It seems the GOP insanity continues. I can hardly believe they woudl be so willing to engage in the obstructionist behaviors they’ve engaged in and now, with the possibility of a pandemic a real possibility (I pray it doesn’t happen) yet the Republicans continue to play Russian Roulette with the our Nation. It is no wonder they’ve practically destroyed the country these past 8 years.
This is all fascinating. The extremists on the right are concerned that a pro-choice person might be in a position of power. Interesting how they weren’t concerned that the Supreme Court has been right learning for nearly ten years now and is more so now than ever before. How many anti-choice Justices are on the Supreme Court now? I don’t recall progressives yelling about some undercover scheme when they brought Alito and Roberts to the table.
what happened to the rally cry during the bush years “up/down vote!”?
Sebelius has no power to change abortion laws!
It’s sad that politics once again gets in the way of protecting our people. I can only blame the Republicans. They still haven’t gotten over losing the election. If they had won, we’d be at war with the world via McCain the warmonger. D.
Unbelievable…. Republicans proving every day that the welfare of the country means nothing to them. The only thing they care about is pandering to their political base, which is rapidly eroding. Wait until 2010, GOP. You think you’re in the minority now?? HA!
People need to CALL Mitch McConnell and DEMAND that he stop playing politics with the health of Americans!!
Washington DC number: 202.224.2541
Other numbers: http://mcconnell.senate.gov/contact.cfm
And remember: the GOP claims to be the party of “Country First”. Sure, they are.
hahaha, 2010,2012,2014,2016 goodbye GOP.
drip, drip, down the drain goes the electorate.
I think the Dems are owed this one after they caved on Samule Alito. I always wonder why the GOP are such hypocrites when it comes to fairness.
The Republicans have to be careful about how hard they push back on the Health sec. during a healthcare crisis. They need to use the power of small they once utilized to run washingotn- they used to make sure every member, spokesperson and supporter was on message and that the message made sense.
Who is the baby killer? Sebelius, Republicans, Abortion activist or swine flu? We have a nominee for HHS that believes in choice, her nomination is being held up because of her belief, the flu is here, what are we left with? Partisan bullshit and bafoonery!
How is it in the interest of the American public to BLOCK a nomination because of abortion issues in Kansas?…The one against are less than 30%…the fringe is ruling the repubs to the shame of America…This is not for the people—this is for ideology and religious dogma and partisenship!!! A pox on the houses of the Obstructionists…oh they are @ 21% it is already poxed!
The GOP has always though of itself well before American citizens. This arrogance is why the party will continue to sink and continue to lose representation in Congress. We can send some more home in 2010.
Keep on fighting between each other and pretty soon we, mexicans, will own this country. Bunch of idiots…Obama forever!
The gop are so revolting
Schumer voted for the inclusion of the flu pandemic money in the Omnibus bill…Collin’s voted against the Omnibus bill. So she has opposed the funding twice. In fact, she has never supported it. And it appears she doesn’t think it critical, although every year that it isn’t brought forward means one more year that the country won’t be able to respond quickly. This money has been held up since 2006!
“There is no evidence that federal efforts to address the swine flu outbreak have been hampered by a lack of funds. Senator Collins does, however, believe that it is a problem that the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health and Human Services still do not have top positions filled. She hopes the Senate will move promptly to confirm Governor Sebelius for HHS Secretary.”
It sounds as if she’s running scared if she’s going to break from the caucus. That means all the other Republicans are going to be down on record for voting against Sibelius in a medical emergency. That’ll look real good in 2010.
Oh jeez! WTF?! WE HAVE A DECLARED HEALTH CRSIS BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT ON OUR HANDS! AND THE RIGHT IS OBESSING OVER ABORTION POLITICS!!!!!!!!
There is no such thing as an ‘abortion doctor’. The correct term is a doctor who performs abortions.
Language matters.
One comment here says, “There is no such thing as an ‘abortion doctor’. The correct term is a doctor who performs abortions.”
There is also no such thing as a ’sucky comment.” The correct term is a comment that sucks.
Maybe Obama should appoint Palin to HHS. After all, she always has something smart to say about everything.
I think it is certainly reasonable to question this lady who will be head of HHS and make sure she is the appropriate person for the job– Her beleifs about abortion will take on a significant meaning if she is accepted as HHS secretary, as it is certainly a medical related issue, and her views about the issue are important and will have influence in the medical policies of the country. Also, I believe she has some tax issues, and if her integrity is in doubt, she shouldn’t be in a position with this kind of power -see Tom Daschle, Richardson, et al . I don’t care if people are dropping like flies here in the USA, whether or not Sebelius is in place will make little difference anyway, — I don’t buy the Tim Geithner argument that we must overlook his lack of integrity because of our economic emergency — that one obviously hasnt panned out — so now theyre trying to pull another fast one. No no, just like the stimulus package — this is an EMERGENCY, we have to get this done yesterday. Nah, I think we may want to just take our time with this nomination and uncover all the facts first. THere are PLENTY of people to handle the swine flu epidemic which has taken a MASSIVE toll on the US so far (0 dead, 1 person hospitalized) .
Thanks to the Republicans, just about any idiot can buy an assualt rifle in this country. America has a horrendous health care system because the GOP bloks any reforms. Our economy is in the hell hole because Washington bought in to this Reaganism fairy tale of government is horrible so strip all the regulations. Don’t Republicans understand that a large majority of people living in poverty are single mothers. Do they not understand the motives for getting an abortion. Yet, they claim to value life. It doesn’t make any sense.
Greg—very informative and a great peak behind the real agenda of those bitter hangers-on to the power they so covet.
The NeoCon remnant of this congress is so blinded by ideology that they look every bit the minions of evil that they are. Their true colors have been shining thru for some time… In my humble opinion this behavior meshes in with some sort of population control NWO agenda. I address it at my blog here:
http://blameblakeart.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/prove-me-wrong-on-this-one-please/
Be informed, be safe, good hygene, be courteous to your fellow human beings!
Victor, I’m sorry but you are a complete ignoramus, as far as America and the Constitution are concerned. How ironic that your ability to criticize our fundamental American beliefs is only because of our unwavering protection and support of the rights you have such enmity for. Of course anyone can own an assault rifle in this country — You may not be familliar with the bill of rights but that RIGHT is clearly defined in the 2nd ammendment –More appropriate for debate would be whether a citizen so ignorant of the constitution (such as yourself), should be allowed the right to vote. Of course, prior to the 2nd ammendment, the come right to life (1st amendment) which makes a pretty good case in and of itself, against abortion . Your comment about our economy being in the hellhole because of lack of gov;t regulation is unsupported, and quite frankly, idiotic. I would recommend you read the thoughts of some of the foremost economists in the world before you continue to make a fool of yourself with these kinds of remarks in the future. And finally, your remark about abortions and single mothers is again, complete idiocy — there may be good reasons for getting an abortion, but certainly financial hardship isn’t one . Sadly, this uninformed and deluded point of view is now that of the majority of Americans today. This is most certainly the reason our country is in such a bad way of late. Oh yeah — horrendous health care — are you intentionally trying to show your stupidity — It is universally recognized that we have the BEST health care of any country in the world. Anyone who has the means to do so, comes to the USA for their healthcare because here they can get the best.
Are you freakin kidding me? Her stance on abortion? The woman got elected the governor of KANSAS, for crying out loud, twice. That’s hardly a blue state. As for the Geithner standard, I call b.s. It’s the standard PERIOD. As others have pointed out the Democrats swallowed hard and allowed Alito and Roberts to pass even though they disagreed with their views on abortion. And they have MUCH more of an ability to effect legal change when it comes to that issue than Sebelius will. Why? Easy because they were qualified and we needed Supreme Court Justices. Guess what geniuses? We’re in the middle of one of the worst health crisises we’ve seen in 40 years. Sebelius is qualified and we need a Secretary of HHS. Confirm her already. The Republican Party in this country is absurd. Go ahead vote against a clearly qualified nominee for HHS in the middle of a health crisis because of a political issue. See what happens.
And if it was THAT big of a deal, it’s awful fishy that the Republicans managed to pass all of Obama’s other nominees despite strong views on abortion in equally influential positions (Attorney General, etc.) but NOW all of a sudden they want to have an issue.
I don’t understand how the Repubs can block the confirmation of Sebelius because of their pro-life agenda. I have worked in healthcare for 38 years,and can’t tell you how many women sought “therapeutic” abortions from OB/GYN doctors. If one is pro-life then why take birth control, and kill eggs that could become babies? If one is pro-life then how can you support the death penalty? If one is pro-life then how can you fight a war? It doesn’t make sense to me. Why do politicians and others believe they can determine my morality by pushing their pro-life views on me. I can make decisions on my own without the moral right determining how I live my life. What happens between me and my doctor is protected by HIPAA privacy laws. People should be worried about their own lives….not mine. Repubs always talk about less government, but they all want the government to intervene in issues that they support. This delay on the confirmation is criminal, they are spending our tax dollars to make a point.
Look, Kansas is a republican state. Those good people hired her to run their state, and two Kansas Republican polotitions back this woman. While Collins is a total idiot she’s yet another republican who backs her. This is playing pure politics in Washington! They aren’t thinking about rather any of you live or die, an could care less about any of you! The republicans said they would get back at Obama if he released those torture memo’s, and this is their own little brand of black mailing Obama, and all the people who voted for him. Rather you are from one party or the other, this should just anger you as much as other countries or their leaders threatening and trying to black mail the U.S. if your honest with yourself!
“does she have some sort of flu hiding up her sleeve that she is waiting to spring on us once approved? ”
Probably not. But i do hear that government agencies tend to run better, & more efficiently when, ya know….somebody’s actually running them!
She’ll likely get the 60 votes. It’s just more ‘Al Franken’ delaying tactics BS. It’s all they got left.
GOP moderates, if there are still such, should get out of there and form a party that would make sense. They could be joined by some conservative democrats. But the extremist ‘base’ of GOP and its top crooks are beyond repair.
Chris H——–apparently you have insurance, and don’t have cancer or other deadly desease! Because let me tell you, children and adults alike in the U.S. are dieing, their homeless, and the vet’s medical care is a big joke! Vet’s travel some times hundreds of miles to get health care, and than the Dr’s aren’t educated enough to do their jobs! Cancer Dr’s drop the ball on the poor, untilll it’s to late and their on their way to dieing. We have vet’s liveing under bridges, the Disabled people being put out of their homes and into the streets. Obama is trying to turn some of this mess around, and the only way he’s going to do this is with our help and the coperation of both Parties! So don’t tell the rest of us we don’t know what were talking about! A lot of us are liveing in nightmares you probally would never imagine in your life time. We are the ones that can tell you the U.S is in a medical crisis, and not worth a shut and holler unless you are well to do. You are willing fooling yourself, and it’s time you live in the real world and start opening your eyes and go through what a lot of us do with the health care problems! Oh ya, my husband is dying of cancer, and my Veteran nephew has a head injury he got in Iraq, and my son in law got his knee blowen out in desert storm. So , tell me we have no medical crisis in health care here, Ya right buddy!
Whaddya expect from The Party of NOOOOO!!!
Doc Rock, I’m not sure what gov’t agencies you’ve heard about that run “better & more efficiently”, but when you actually SEE one, let me know. HHS is pointless govt agency, just like DHS and many others…just more wasted taxes and govt cronyism with no results… in fact oftentimes they make the situation worse — See Fannie Mae, et al
Chris H, Wrong on all counts. 1) 2nd Amendment only gives right to bear “arms”–says nothing about assault rifles b/c didn’t exist in 1789. If arms is defined to include all firearms, then our 2nd Amendment rights are currently being violated by prohibitions on bazookas, RPG’s and artillery. 2) Where in the 1st Amendment is abortion proscribed or a “right to life” enunciated? Time’s up, it’s not there. You’ll have to look elsewhere and you still won’t find much. 3) The deregulation of 1980’s-90’s made all sorts of toxic assets, like mortgage backed securities and other derivatives, possible–leading to a bloodbath in financial markets. 4) No one gets an abortion due to financial hardship? You’re kidding, right? Even if you’re eligible for govt. assistance, raising a child isn’t free. I suggest you talk to young parents and women who’ve had abortions. They won’t tell you money wasn’t a factor. In the future, stick to stuff you understand, whatever that might be.
Alberta Treadway,
Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth ! Sorry honey, but health care doesn’t get any better than this — If you were well off, you could maybe get better, but not outside the USA — and your wonderful Obama administration, I’m afraid, isn’t doing much for veterans health care — you may want to get informed on some of his recent policies on this one. Its sad that life has been unkind to you to the point that you’ll blindly beleive and follow anything thats fed to you on Oprah and primetime tv, but if its not too late for you to educate yourself, I recommend you find out first hand what Socialized healthcare is really all about — start with Canada, and then try Europe. If you want to see poor care, inefficient, waiting lists, gov;t controlling if and what care you get, …then move to one of these places — but don’t ruin it for the rest of us who think health care is a privilege, not a right. You don’t get to have gold plated medical care just for having a pulse — you’ve got to earn it, just like a house, a car, a loving family, or anything else you want in life.
Impressed with the informative blog. Thanks
If health care is so great in the US, why are we #38 in the world in life expectancy? And if it’s so bad in other western democracies, why do their ppl live longer? This includes Canada, France, Italy, UK, Germany, Japan, etc. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_life_expectancy
And if health care is a privilege, not a right, shouldn’t we get rid of all govt. health care for the poor and the elderly? Let ‘em die in the streets, right? Also, give a link or cite a statistic to back up your assertions (we don’t all memorize Limbaugh and Hannity).
Bobsmith,
Your strict constitutionalist argument in fact proves your point on #1 — Yes, your right to bear arms “shall not be infringed” — You draw the line at assault rifle — but you can’t pick and choose with this language — What you should realize is that the “intent” of the 2nd ammendment was for citizens to bear arms in order to defend against oppressive govt, so interpreting it strictly on original intent would make a great argument for us to be able to own bazookas.
The right to life is not in the 1st amendment (my mistake) , but you certainly must know that it is considered an even more fundamental, “inalienable” right , not only explicit in our founding documents (The Declaration of Independence), but by its definition as a natural right to ALL men — at least that what Americans believed at the very inception of our nation, so by your logic about intent of the founding fathers, this makes pretty strong argument for not killing an unborn baby. ( Yes yes, we all know this has been hashed out in the court systems. My personal opinion is that it should be for state or local governments to sort out.)
You argument about toxic assets, de-regulation is long and tired, and not enough room for discussion — but there are much better experts than me who have written tomes to refute your short citation completely — you may want to keep an open mind and search out some of these famous economists opinions. Epstein is a good start.
Your point about abortion due to financial hardship — this is unfortunately, a sickening point which undermines your otherwise reasonable prior comments. If you think abortion is the best solution in cases of financial hardship for the mother, I think you are certainly in the minority — even among abortion supporters — this is a repulsive moral belief, and certainly you must agree with me considering your views on guns, that we as a society must draw the line somewere as it relates to morality as it ought to be enforced by law– else we may as well have anarchy, as all actions would be justified as moral for any given individual.
The same dead enders holding up the President’s nominations (my God a Democratic governor of Kansas is now problem – we’re not in San Francisco any longer Toto) are the ones supporting torture – the mutliple waterboarding of two people – for the sole purpose of “providng” a link between Iraq and 9/11. And some people wonder how ordinary Germans could become complicit in the Holocaust. From secession, to suggesting the swine flu is being exagerrated for the sake of Sebelius, to racism idsguised as teabagging…. you got to wonder about this great country. Of course as Churchill said the United States does the right thing… after trying most of the wrong things
Bobsmith,
Regarding your healthcare comments — the first argument is flawed. Life expectancy is not solely predicated on quality of health care. If a person lives a self destructive lifestyle, best health care on the planet wont save him. It would be more compelling to look at where people choose to go when they need the best health care they can get — Ask a Canadian that question some time.
If you are going to give free healthcare to everyone who needs it, where do you draw the line – people die in the streets everyday in third world countries — do we give them free health care? Come on, you know we have to put a stop to it somewhere — our system cannot support that rationale and our whole system would implode — its already happening now with more and more of our tax money paying for health care for illegal aliens and overseas aid to africa, etc. If we stopped funding the gov’t health care except for vets, there is no doubt prices would come down across the board with free market competition in health care, and all that extra tax revenue. People can rely on their families and charity for their health care. Don’t sell the propensity for kindness of the American people short just because you dont want to donate your time or money for the health of others. Personally, I think I can spend my charity money alot better and more efficiently than being forced by the government to spend it the way they want me to.
Chris H:
Your argument that the right to life is considered “an even more fundamental, “inalienable right……but by its definition as a natural right to ALL men”. What about the inalienable rights of women to make decisions for themselves. It drives me crazy when men start deciding what we, as women, can do with our bodies. The founding father’s weren’t talking about the unborn when writing the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution. Actually the use of abortion as birth control has been widely known and used among women for centuries. I do not advocate it for birth control, but please understand that this is not a political issue. When insurance companies will pay for Viagra, but will not cover birth control medications for women I think there is a problem. Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness are guaranteed to us, but your interpretation that it includes the unborn is ridiculous.
Bobsmith – given the miscarriages women endure, God is truly the supreme abortionist. Or should we put all these women in concentration camps to makse sue they eat the right things and do all the right things to minimize God’s abortions. Universal medical care for women and neonatal care would be good starts.
the dirty old GOP is sill holding vulnerable people hostage to fill their pockets…
Hey bobsmith,
how about taking away all gov’t sponsored health care for the politicians too… so they can experience what it’s like to be uninsured and find out if that changes their opinions/votes…
With regard to Universal Healthcare, I believe that this is what the USA needs at this time. I have lived healthcare since1972, and have seen firsthand how the private insurance industry has ruined healthcare for all Americans. When you go to the Doctor, pay your copay, get evaluated and treated….and now the fun begins for the office staff. Submit the claim with the correct CPT code, don’t code too high because the coding police will claim fraud; make sure you have the correct ICD-9 code because if the diagnosis doesn’t support the CPT code then the claim will be rejected; then wait from 45 to 120 days and maybe the Doctor will get paid for your $30 copay visit. IF the Doctor charges $150 for a visit, he or she will get paid approx. 50% of that from the insurance company. Then if a prescription was written and the medication is not on the ins. company formulary the office will have to do a prior authorization, which will be denied anyway so just go ahead and change the med to a less effective one because the patient doesn’t want to pick up the cost of the original medication ordered. Oh, and don’t forget about deductibles, coinsurances, referrals from primary care doctors, incident to billing and denials of perfectly legitimate claims that the insurance companies say they didn’t receive, but you sent the claim electronically on the $75,000.00 EMR and practice management system and you did receive notice from the ins. company on the first submission that they got it. Pleasssssse….if you’ve never worked in healthcare keep your comments to yourself about how we should fix it. Everyone in the government, military, and over 65 is on socialized medicine. What’s wrong with a single payor system that everyone can share in. And for what it is worth, Medicare is efficient and less costly than private healthcare plans. If a physician doesn’t take Medicare it is because his office staff including the manager doesn’t understand how easy it is. When physician offices have to deal with over 200 plans, all with their own rules, don’t you think it would be better to have one plan with one set of rules that everyone could be happy with. And talk about rationing….don’t you think that healthcare is rationed already…..let me give you a little inside information; the medical directors at the insurance company decide if you will get that CT or MRI or Surgery or Radiation Therapy or Chemotherapy or Medication that your Doctor ordered. It is being done everyday, however only the physician offices are dealing with this, not the general patient population.
Just wanted to reiterate
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Rather than only posting your objections online, please CALL Mitch McConnell and DEMAND that he stop playing politics with the health of Americans!!
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Washington DC number: 202.224.2541
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Other numbers: http://mcconnell.senate.gov/contact.cfm
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Please call! And if you have a Republican senator, call him/her a call as well!
The only amendment that is continually argued about is the 2nd. Lets have a national popular vote whether to keep it or **** can it.
The Republican Party can only say “No,” which is probably why only 21% of the public is willing to call themselves a Republican these days.
This is a way for the GOP to stay in the headlines. Riling up their masses, since it is their only hope to win any elections. They certainly aren’t winning many new fans. Not with Rove, Cheney and other fat white guys who are still pissed they no longer rule the country.
ChrisH, An absolutist reading of the 2nd Amendment runs counter to both the framers’ intent and the courts’ interpretation. The framers contextualized the right to bear arms with the “militia clause”, and courts have consistently held that at least SOME restrictions were constitutional. Even most NRA members aren’t pushing for an individual’s right to own military-style weapons that can destroy an entire city block. (2) As beautiful as the DOI is, we don’t look to it as a controlling document regarding fundamental rights–that’s the job of the constitution. As for DOI conferring rights upon “ALL men”, that’s true as long as they weren’t black or female. (3) Maybe termination of pregnancy for financial reasons is selfishly repugnant. That’s not an ethical judgment I’m prepared to make; if you are, so be it. But at least be realistic: a jobless teenage girl is likely to think, “How am I gonna pay for this mess?” (4) Economists who are smarter than either of us are all over the map on this. But when the SEC and other regulatory bodies ignore insane derivatives trading and 35:1 leveraging before a meltdown, then the regulatory structure’s inaction was at least a contributing factor. (5) Finally, Canadians and Brits I know are happy with their system. We can all find horror stories, including here in the US. But if the other western democracies had horrible care, their citizens wouldn’t live on average 2 years longer than Americans. And 3rd World countries have crappy health care for the same reason their schools and roads suck–they’re POOR. We’re not. Good luck to the under- and uninsured who get sudden catastrophic illnesses. Getting friends and neighbor’s to “chip in” won’t keep them from bankruptcy.
Geez, The Party of No striking again. This time they are NOt in favour of the NOmination of the key person who could help in battling the flu epidemic in spite of her superb record of working with healthcare issues and the Republican legislature in Kansas. Has this Party gone braindead? What part of 21% approval rating don’t they get. Hello!!! It ain’t working guys! Try something else but Just Say No may be good anti-drug slogan, but it is a recipe for failure amidst multiple crisis…
How did the Republicans say it when they were in power? Either up or down , yay or nay! Stop wasting the nation’s time and vote for or against this woman!
Also, since good old Maine Senator Collins Stripped Flu Pandemic Preparedness From the Stimulus Bill, 870 million that would’ve helped the CDC deal with the ever possible growing pandemic from Mexico, I guess we get to say: Hey, GOP: Was the 870 million cut worth it?
Why is it John Boehner, Eric Cantor, Mitch McConnell, Bobby Jindahl and Rush Limbaugh never talk about this holdup and overall obsturctionism. Oh right, they have to look like they are being bipartisan.
The Republicans threatened to do away with the filibuster entirely when they were in power. I am more conservative – I would like to see it returned to its original form.
Supposedly a senator dropped dead during a filibuster, resulting in the Senate removing the requirement to speak. Now, all that has to be done is to declare a filibuster to lock up the system. We need ot go back to the days when the supporters of the filibuster actually have to get up and speak for hours on end. Undoubtedly boring to those in the chamber, but the lackof intelligence on the part of Republican leaders almost guarantees that the C-SPAN footage will be a treasure trove for Democrats when the next election comes around.
The people/Republicans who would do this are nothing but traitors.
This whole situation seems too perfect for me. We get a nominee that Republicans don’t like, and all of a sudden we have an “outbreak” of swine flu. Sure, people have died of it, but I really don’t worry about people dying of disease in a country where some live in trash cities. Now we have people getting sick of swine flu. Sick? Thats all? Anyone remember the Avian Flu? The “pandemic”? The Obama administration is fear mongering with illness. Why should the Republicans not do all they can to stop someone they don’t feel is qualified for a position. This kind of anger from the Left is hilarious considering the last 3 years of Liberal Rage.
How is it fear-mongering to ask for an up or down vote on a nominee? If she’s that bad, then vote her down. But to refuse to vote? What cowards the GOP Senators are.
It’s all “too convenient” for you Thomas? We get anominee Republicans don’t like and then all of a sudden an “outbreak” of swine flu? Jesus you’re a moron. Are you really trying to say you think there’s a worldwide conspiracy to get Kathleen Sebelius approved. Give me a break. Put down the peanut butter, step out of the trailer, leave your wife who’s also your sister alone and get a brain.
Who cares about Sebelius or what her beliefs are? I hope every day that this country will finally get what it really needs. I hope we get attacked by terrorist, swine flu, and anything else that will that causes this nation damage. You pitiful obama supporters need it and as a non-supporter (who hopes his administration does fail), I’m willing to take my chances with whatever comes down. The clown in the white house is a nut, his administration is full of nuts and so are his supporters. Hurry and bring on the downfall of a once great nation!
i keep seeing republican this, democrat that. I wonder, will the flu bug discriminate? Will it say”I can’t infect____(insert party affiliation here). Personally I think both parties are resposable for the mess we are in now. I think WE THE PEOPLE need to wake up and realize that ALL politicians are looking out for themselves. Yoa can say Regan didn’t care about economics at home. You can also say Clinton didn’t care about going after Al QUIDA when he was warned about them after the embasy and USS Cole bombings. What it all comes down to is politicians pointing fingers so the American people takes sides and don’t realize that ALL politicians are to BLAME for the mess we are in. IT is time WE THE PEOPLE stand up and say enough is enough.
Yet another case of the extremist Republicans putting party and religious ideology first.
Wow…you people are all idiots…
Democrats have the White House and Congress and all I’m hearing is whining. Nothing will make liberals happy!
Specter defects… Sebelius confirmed…. SUCK IT GOP!!
ImmuneRegen’s (http://www.ImmuneRegen.com) compound Homspera is a strong candidate as a therapeutic and / or adjuvant to pandemic influenza including swine flu. The compound has demonstrated greater effectiveness than Tamiflu. Why isn’t the government expediting the development of candidates like these?
Where is the evidence of an emergency? Mexico City has 22million people living in it. If this flu were virulent enough to cause a pandemic, many more people would be sick by now. 25 deaths world-wide is so few compared to the average flu season!!! This is clearly a media-inspired panic, and the Democrats did use it to push Sebelius into office. If they were really concerned for the welfare of the citizens, they would have withdrawn their controversial nominee and put up someone qualified for the position.
Sadly, life expectancy is most closely related to genetics and life style, not medical interventions. The USA has a large and ever-increasing population of people who are much more susceptible to high blood pressure and diabetes than are northern Europeans, so our life expectancy numbers will continue to decline. We also do not have to walk everywhere we go, so we tend to be fat. This is despite our health care system, not because of it.
I know The Cure for AIDS !!
I know The Cure for AIDS !!!
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