Latest Poll on Obama and Health Care
Looking for broad public support? Not looking favorable according to the latest Quinnipiac poll. NBC/WJS and others are just as unfavorable.
Healthcare: a Christmas Present of Epic Proportions
Half a loaf? No, worse. Here is your pre-Christmas present — a big lump of coal. Let me simplify and make clear my assertion. You are ill, in need of medical care. You want the best. Whose wise counsel and help do you seek? You want someone who is sympathetic, skilled and competent.
This debate has never been about Health. Certainly not your health. For the last six months I have steadfastly maintained the large insurance racketeers will not lose this one. They have thrown all their money into the ring. It has paid off handsomely. Their paid surrogates have performed well. Like their Wall Street kin, the pirates have won again. Robert Reich pulls no punches:
In other words, the private insurers are winning and the public is losing.
Pharmaceutical companies are winning as well.
Chuck Todd of NBC on the economy
Confused about Health Care reform? Dismayed? Here is the front and center issue and why a year’s worth of debate was a strategic mistake. Jobs, the economy and education in America top the polls.
They missed the golden opportunity … financial banking reform.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Keith Olbermann Sounds the Death Knell
Keith Olbermann, always impassioned, penetrating and reflective. The chorus rises: this bill with it’s mandated participation in the insurance protection scheme cannot be supported.
A bad and corrupt bill is worse than no bill at all. The President’s high stakes gamble is overtaken by the raging storm of job insecurity and … the economy.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Howard Dean Says It’s Time to Kill This Bill
Howard Dean at his most articulate and unambiguous self. The time has finally come. There is nothing left to support. It’s now face saving time. It is not about Joe Lieberman. He’s just become the Mannie Ramirez of the Senate.
“It’s not health care reform … and it’s too bad it’s come this.”
“You are going to be forced to pay, on average, 27% of your money to pay CEOs $20 million a year…”
[starts at about 4:08 into this clip]
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Insurance Giveaway?
This just in from Robert Reich. Many of you have received this.
Hi. I’m Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor under President Clinton and currently a professor at the University of California.
You’ve probably heard about a possible “deal” in the Senate to do away with the public option.
I’m here to tell you that this is no deal: it’s a gift to Big Insurance, plain and simple.
To which Captain Renault of Casablanca would have retorted:
“I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!”
We have repeated the same so many times: the insurance racqueteers ultimately will not lose this great battle of wills. And the gang of 5 who are now trying to finalize your Christmas present … are not much better.
HealthCare Napkins: It’s Not About HealthCare
Single payor is not the answer. But this is an illuminating sketch of “HealthCare 101” coming into the bottom of the 8th inning. What is missing is the critical distinction between big business vs small business in medicine. Your old fashioned GP was in small business much as he/she always protested to the contrary.
Longevity Hall of Fame
Current picks for a Longevity Hall of Fame:
Jack LaLaine — still going strong. Our human laboratory of optimal health.
George Burns — an interview at age 94 was daunting
The Rolling Stones — still creating. Who would have ever guessed?
Sophia Loren — still stunning in her 70’s
Dave Brubeck — the voice is a bit weary, but he plays with the same virtuosity as ever in a recent Jazz at Lincoln Center appearance. Over 50 years!
John Glenn — flys into space a generation later at age 78.
Clint Eastwood — the mark of rare genius — continues creating new and award-winning epics.
