NH or Pelosi? Hodes, Shea-Porter can pick one

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Right on Dan from Kingston.

With all that's going on in Washington it's time for all Americans to revolt as our rights are being taken away one by one.

As far as the health care bill goes the only way I would support it is if all of Congress and the President and his cabinet are put on the same health care bill with the rest of American citizens, then you know it is a good policy. If you think Congress is willing to put themselves on the bill they are present to all of us, you've got your head burried in the sand. Enough said.
- Kathy, Kingston

to MikeB in Dover,
You miss my point completely.
The govt isn't in this to compete. The govt hates competition. It's just a matter of time before there's only one game in town.
So why aren't members of congress partaking in the plan like the rest of us? Because the health care plan they're trying to sell isn't only terrible, it will bankrupt us all, well, not all. Just you, me, and everyone else that has to pay for it.
- j, manchester

- jpkant, Northwood

Although I cannot find a link to them now, both Charlie Arlinghouse--of the Concord-based Bartlett Center for Public Policy; and John Stevens, former head of the NH Dept. of Human Services; have written extensively on these pages as to the disastrous effect that the proposed Pelosi bill will have on NH state finances.

The problem is essentially two fold, and faced by many of the states if the Pelosi bill passes.

First, a lot of the states are broke, because the current economic recession has severely depressed state tax receipts. NH's state budget is under additional pressure because the state legislature's appropriations committees have been in 'deficit spending' mode for the last several sessions.

Secondly, the Pelosi bill mandates huge spending increases for covering millions of individuals that are not insured currently--but 'down-shifts' much of those costs to the states.
- Paul, Sunapee

I went to Washington this past Thursday and I am so disappointed in our congress reps. I tired and tired to speak to any one of them (not Gregg), and not even ten seconds was given. I have been reading the bill online and it is, in my opinion, horrid. They lie when they say we can keep our private insurance. As of 2013 there will be a law that does not allow anyone from this date on to purchase private insurance. The granfather clause that supposedly protects this choice is written so basically if your insuance goes up or down even a penny you lose it. If someone is added or taken off the insurance is becomes void and you have to by law buy from the government. If you refuse you face massive fines and 5 years in jail. Our state will have millions in tax increases, where it else will the money come from. I am an Independent and I am never again voting for a Democratic politician again. I cannot believe the way they treated us. At least the Republicans listened and are voting no. We are in deep trouble if they shove this bill though and before anyone thinks it is just peachy please read it. Just skim it and you will see that this is going to wreak chaos on tax payers, the economy, and open floodgates of spending money we don't have. Where does it stop? What is happening to this country? Even if we manage to meet all the rules for keeping private insurance, I am doubting our companies will have any choice but to dump them to be competitive with the ones who drop coverage. I am really discouraged by the superiority my elected officials showed me in Washington, by them ignoring me like I am nothing, and by the fact that they can't possibly have read this bill. Is there nothing we can do to save our children's future? This has got to stop, truly it does or we are in for a horrible future and we can kiss another 16% of the economy goodbye. Does anyone really think they can get this right when they have screwed up everything else?
- Stacey, Manchester

I'm sure that bankrupting the states with unfunded healthcare mandates is just another slice of cheese in this massive crap sandwich for the American people...the federal government will be there to 'help' when states collapse, cementing power at the top and destroying the rights of the individual.
- Jay, Epping, NH

Paul Candia
If any of your yes or no questions had anything to do with reality you might have a valid point but none of your points apply to the current legislation.

As far as the elections last week the Republicans won two races the Democrats won in NY and two congressional seats along with various local elections nation wide. You can keep deluding yourself into thinking this is some sort of “sign” but it was just a bunch of local elections.

If you were paying attention you would know that the election in NY was a clear rebuke of the crazy wing of the Republican Party. So please keep sending out the crazy people it’s a huge help to us. Oh, and in 2012 please, please, please put Palin on the ballot it will be vastly entertaining to see her screw up your party again.
- Jim, Raymond NH

To all of you Obamaites who want to pass this bill let me state some simple facts and the ask you to man up and answer:
* are you in favor of sponsoring government funded abortions?Y or N
* do you want to cover illegal immigrants thht in FLA cost us over 100M last year? Y or N?
* do you want your doctors to leave you due to the restrictions the gov't willput on them? Y or N.
* Finally boys and girls comrades, when the gov't states "don't worry" we have the vaccines and they don't, when they give terrorrists the vaccine before american pregnant women, children, healthcare provider and tecahers, and when the give vaccine to their cronnies on Wall Street but not to the above, do you honestly, yes honestly trust this admin to care for you? Y orN.

The decision ion NJ and VA is the beginning.Het Hodes and Shea-Porter, hear the footsteps yet?
- Paul, Candia

The ranking member of the House ways and means committee just unearthed a provision in the health care bill put out by the House Democrats H.R. 3962 calls for jail sentences up to five years for those who refuse insurance.
- Chris, Merrimack

Right On the Mark Jay in Manchester...I couldn't articulate it better!! Wake Up New Hampshire!! The Thieves will leave nothing!!

NH [Art.] 10. [Right of Revolution.] Government being instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security, of the whole community, and not for the private interest or emolument of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought to reform the old, or establish a new government. The doctrine of nonresistance against arbitrary power, and oppression, is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.

Treason is the only word I have to say. Treason. Oh for the heck of it, have another: Theft.
- Jay, Manchester
- Dan, Kingston, NH

To Tom in Maine, real Americans don't just sit back and watch while big government runs off with their freedom and money.

There is an awful lot of voter remorse out there right now and like it or not the conservative tide is coming back in strong.

I love to hear you few liberals cry about how you are the majority when the majority of the country does not want to see the bloated pig of federal government take over yet another private sector.

It is plain to see if you talk to people; most agree the government has no business in most of the areas they are thrusting themselves into.
- Matt F, Center Barnstead

"j" said: "Here's a simple observation.
Members of congress will be exempt from this plan. So, if it's not good enough for them, why is it good enough for us?"

Uh, because they have a better one. Just like I do - so I won't be using that plan either. It's for people who don't already have a better plan. Duh. Why would you go to community college if you were already enrolled at Dartmouth?
- MikeB, Dover

Come on folks Carol Shea Porter is laboring right now trying to memorize and understand line by line of the 1990 page Healthcare Bill. If Carol lets us down, Barack Obama is going to go through this bill line by line like he promised us he would do with the Federal Budget earlier this year.

Does anybody want to buy a bridge in Brooklyn NY?
- Chris, Merrimack

so...do you think welfare recipients will go to jail? Or just the hard working "real Americans"

“H.R. 3962 provides that an individual (or a husband and wife in the case of a joint return) who does not, at any time during the taxable year, maintain acceptable health insurance coverage for himself or herself and each of his or her qualifying children is subject to an additional tax.” [page 1]

- – - – - – - – - –

“If the government determines that the taxpayer’s unpaid tax liability results from willful behavior, the following penalties could apply…” [page 2]

- – - – - – - – - -


“Criminal penalties

Prosecution is authorized under the Code for a variety of offenses. Depending on the level of the noncompliance, the following penalties could apply to an individual:

• Section 7203 – misdemeanor willful failure to pay is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

• Section 7201 – felony willful evasion is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years.” [page 3]
- Greg L, Hudson

I almost hope this monstrosity of a bill passes so I can say, I Told You So, when the USA goes bankrupt. It's the quintisential cutting off my nose to spite my face!
- Patriot Paul, Hampton

Here's a simple observation.
Members of congress will be exempt from this plan.
So, if it's not good enough for them, why is it good enough for us?
- j, manchester

It is fair to have the debate in support and opposition to the bill. It is hard to argue that the financial effect on NH would not be significant if the program is a 50/50 split like Medicaid. I believe Medicaid spending in NH is one of the largest portions of the state budget with total spending in the hundreds of millions of dollars. If NH has to fund the future government run option at 50/50, it will require additional cuts in NH state government or new revenue sources.
- John, Hooksett

Bill Siroty MD writes, 'The question should be framed as 'health or illness?'" If we framed questions this way, everything furthering health should be obligatory, and everything else should be illegal. Sir, you might not have been trained to maintain freedom but you should have been trained to know the limits of your competence.

Jeff of Goffstown notes that the AMA is only 30% of doctors. That figure may be high, as many of its members are medical STUDENTS, some of which have never had to complete a Form 1040.

The WSJ has just found another provision in the 1,990 pages that Carol Shea-Porter and her staff WILL NOT HAVE READ and will still be unable to explain for tomorrow's vote: It stops indexing certain taxes for inflation. When the stimulus hits, and the price for everything doubles, you will all suddenly be paying rich-man's tax rates. That's one reason why the bill "won't add to the deficit"--though even Obama cannot know this.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

All of this madness elevates the necessity to ensure we fix this mess in 2010. None of this complete dissolution of liberties will be implemented prior to 2010. We absolutely must fix the balance of power in Washington!

I'm not saying vote R or D with simple group think devotion. I'm saying do something different, pay some attention to WHO you're voting for.
- Craig, Manchester

These two jokes we call "Representatives" will hold out their vote til the last minute. If Madame Pelosi has enough votes to pass it, they will vote against it so they can be re-elected. If it is too close, they will vote for it because Madame Dictator Pelosi will tell them. Wouldn't want to listen to the wee folks that don't know how to live their lives without the government. (We call them the PEOPLE)
- Mike, Nottingham

The health care reform bill endorsed by AARP and the AMA, will reduce the number of uninsured by 42 million, provides competition to the monopolistic health insurers, insures pre-existing conditions, can't be taken away from you, cuts the federal budget. And you're opposed to it? You must be a Republican.
- e, londonderry

Let's be clear on something here, most voters didn't vote for state run healthcare, cap and trade, or making bankers rich. What they voted for is fixing the economy and accountability in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, for them and for the rest of us they've gotten neither! If anything our federal government is more corrupt and while bankers have enjoyed an improving economy the working classes continue to lose jobs which is why GDP and unemployment both are rising.

A lot of terms about poverty levels are being bandied about without explaining the federal government has several poverty levels. If you are making less than $66,000 for a family of four you are in one of the poverty levels. Food for thought.

I agree on the 10th Amendment, they have no right. Of course that has never stopped the left wing machine as they have stomped on the first amendment, second amendment, and the fourteenth amendment. They're bound to get to the rest of the amendments eventually.
- Don Diamant, Milton, NH

Beautiful! Tom in Dover/where ever says if we disagree, we are not "Real Americans" like him. Thanks Comrade Tom, I don't ever want to be like you. I prefer to work hard and support myself.
- Ron, Manchester

To the supporters of this terrible Bill. If Social Security is bankrupt. Medicare is about to collapse. Cash for clunkers was a debacle and our tax code is over 30,000 pages what makes you think the govt can run this properly. No matter what they say, the taxes start day 1 and the program starts in 3 years. Sorry won't help you with a terminal disease this time around. A Very Bad bill wirtten by a bunch of power tripping people.
- Ken, Merrimack

Dover Foxcroft doesn't realize that "real Americans" still like to work for everything they get and don't look to their government to solve all of our problems, that's not what the government does but maybe you haven't caught up?
Obamacare is just another "entitlement" for illegals and non-workers.
Insure all kids, elderly, and disabled but make the able bodied folks who have stolen from America for generations go out and work for a living and earn something.
Stop telling "real Americans" what benefits and entitlements you expect us to pay for.
- Greg L, Hudson

The largest consumer of private health care IS the public sector. Many school districts use private companies to provide very good health insurance. One of two things will happen when the public option passes: Members of the NEA will suddenly find themselves using a variant of Medicare, or, wealthier school districts will still offer private insurance to attract quality teachers. The poorer comunities will suffer and the members of the NEA who supported this will get the short end of this deal. 2012 will see if in fact all those who now support Universal Health Care turn sharply against the political party that has removed the sought after benefit of private health insurance. It may take the realization of how they have been manipulated and damaged to rectify this mistake.
- Jim_NH, Madbury

My hope is that both Representatives vote FOR this bill. In doing so, they would be voting FOR the people of NH, not against them. Contrary to so much of what has been written here, this bill would lower health insurance premiums by creating real competition through the public option. And, oh, by the way, Jay, the CBO's budget analysis shows that the Republicans' "plan" would actually insure 6 million FEWER people than now have coverage, would raise premiums, and would increase the Federal deficit by approximately $36 billion more than the Democrats' bill. It's such a sop to the insurance industry that it doesn't even pass the laugh test.
- Dick, Concord

I am very glad many people are talking about Amendment 10 of the United States Constitution. Thank you.

New Hampshire's state government should be able to decide the maximum amount of money it is going to spend on Medicaid. New Hampshire's state government should be able to decide eligibility standards for Medicaid. New Hampshire's state government should be able to decide how it is going to spend money on Medicaid.
- Ken Stremsky, Manchester, NH

Folks, there should be an exam that every American would have to take before given a ballot to vote. If you fail the exam, you're not given the right to vote. If you don't know the issues and where the candidates stand on those issues, get out of the voting line and go back home. I don't know how some of these people made it to Congress.
- Dan, Weare, NH

So much hyperbole and bad argument makes me think that people here don't really see the big picture. Learn about Constitutional powers before you start ranting on how unconstitutional this or that is, because for one thing, there is nothing in the Constitution claiming that the Federal Government cannot enact health care reform and likewise the Constitution itself was created (after serious and intense debate between the signers over whether it should even be written at all, Jefferson leading the pack who were opposed to it) in a manner designed to be adaptable and amendable. It was not written in stone, nor was it meant to be the sole guiding force to Governance in this country. It is a set of basic guidelines for the construction of laws and power in the US. Lets remember, in all of its perceived infallibility, it declared that black people were worth 3/5 of a man. I don't see anyone defending that these days.

Furthermore, stop with this stupid red menace fear mongering. No one in our Government is a communist, they are all capitalists. The creation of a public health care system in competition with private options currently available is not socialism. You are not being taxed to death. Your cushy, spoiled rotten American lifestyle is still preserved and we are still exploiting foreign lands and peoples to keep it so. Before jumping into political discourse, try to educate yourselves about the true nature of political parties, ideologies, philosophies and policies and leave the hyperbolic nonsense at the door. One cannot simply scream socialism at everything they don't like or understand and expect to be taken remotely seriously.
- Nicholas Goroff, Keene

Dave, Sandwich:

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/CBO-Prepublican-health-plan-would-reduce-premiums--69270747.html

The Congressional Budget Office Wednesday night released its cost analysis of the Republican health care plan and found that it would reduce health care premiums and cut the deficit by $68 billion over ten years.

The Republican plan does not call for a government insurance plan but rather attempts to reform the system by creating high-risk insurance pools, allowing people to purchase health insurance policies across state lines and instituting medical malpractice reforms.


====
But we couldn't have lower costs, we need a government take over. It'll work just like the post office, and IRS! Slow and bankrupt! But that's OK cuz the government can run bankrupt as long as it can tax, tax, tax and print, print, print!
- Jay, Manchester

Steve in Sullivan county-
There are 1300 insurance companies in the US- the problem is the Fed Government won't allow them to serve across state lines- why not- is Congress afraid of competition? Over the years the Republicans have fought for tort reform I remember Reagan campaigning for it. However the democrats always squashed it because trial lawyers are big donors. They have been provided for in this latest fiasco as well.
Climate change- Google "Sunspots"- maybe you'll learn something. Unless its your head buried in the sand.
Tell me what democrats have done to try to fix things that wasn't immediately to raise our taxes and redistribute the wealth. I paid $40k in taxes last year- I don't make that much. I have health care through work that I pay for instead of buying a car I can't afford. I have my priorities.
And as for the Constitution- there is no authority for the Federal Government to do any of this. They are treading heavily on States Rights. Last time they tried it we fought a war (that would be the Civil war in case you didn't Google that). I hope someone in Congress reads the Constitution before it gets to that. Oh I forgot- Democrats don't read the bills- they're too complicated.
- Becky, cold spring ny

10. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

NH [Art.] 10. [Right of Revolution.] Government being instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security, of the whole community, and not for the private interest or emolument of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought to reform the old, or establish a new government. The doctrine of nonresistance against arbitrary power, and oppression, is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.

Treason is the only word I have to say. Treason. Oh for the heck of it, have another: Theft.
- Jay, Manchester

Nobody really knows all the details of this bill because it isn’t even in final form. It hasn’t been debated in the Congress, it hasn’t been posted on the internet for public review. Its cost is touted from $860 BILLION to 1.3 TRILLION. Yet Pelosi is threatening and twisting arms for a vote on this bill and our esteemed congresspersons will stand beside their fearless leader and blindly vote to bankrupt this country in the name of social change.

For info: According to Dr. James Rohack, the president of AMA, they “support the principles” of the House bill." He also said that it is not the same as an endorsement. In return, AMA also said the main reform bill must be passed as a package with a separate bill to fix the “chronic shortfall in Medicare reimbursement to doctors”. This is a $250 BILLION dollar cost –in a separate bill because the House doesn’t want its cost counted as a cost to health care “reform”. And, by the way, AMA represents only about 20% of all U.S. doctors. Unmentioned by most mainstream media and ignored by the White House was that 20 other physician groups came out against this bill yesterday. They state the bill will threaten patient access and harm quality… will do little to fix health care's underlying problems, and may make them worse. These groups include the American College of Surgeons, and were signed by groups representing neurological and orthopedic surgeons, urologists, anesthesiologists, gynecological oncologists and others.

The AARP has become nothing more than a reseller of insurance to seniors. You can be sure they have been promised a sweet deal by the White House, for their support. In addition, Illegal immigrants and abortion are still covered in this bill. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (yep, there’s one of them, too) is threatening its 20 votes of support if Congress puts language in the bill requiring verification of immigrant status. There is still no language in the bill to prevent federal funding for abortion. Cong. Wilson must be laughing up his sleeve.

Yet there are still those of you who eagerly grasp every bit of propaganda coming out of the White House in support of your aim to get “free” insurance, wreck the “Bad” insurance industry (read many thousands of more jobs lost) and to heck with the financial ramifications on this country and the rest of its legal inhabitants. The bottom line is we cannot afford to spend trillions of dollars to fix a problem that affects less than 20% of U.S. citizens.
- Sandy, Thornton

If this health care bill was truely intended to help people I would be all for it. Its only intent however is to make as many people dependent on the government as possible. It will not improve health care for anybody. It will only bankrupt us as a country, create wide spread unemployment and ruin whatever chance we might have had to recover from this recession.
- steve, nashua

I'm all for better healthcare as long as my and your taxes do not go up and this program does not create a fiscal problem for new hampshire where the state has to enact an income tax or increase the sales tax or some other tax. This governemt is going to bankrupt our state and out nation. You will see mass revolt in 2010. Both the right and the left fail to listen to we the people anymore. Time for ballot revolt before it become a violent revolt.....and it will if they don't fix things.
- Don, Nashua

"Um, what about that 10th Amendment thing-a-ma-jig?"

As if the liberals pushing this economic time bomb would let a little thing like the Constitution stand in their way. They'll use the Commerce Clause to assert illegal authority over this.
- Brian Drolet, Manchester

Can anyone name one major government program that's run efficiently? I didn't think so. All the costs these folks have produced will double in size before all is said and done.

Let's say this bill did pass. Has anyone out there looked for a primary physician lately? There is a severe shortage of medical staff and the system will be over burdened with the addition of millions of new patients.

We've created a climate where it's undesirable to become a doctor. Some examples are the high cost of tuition, the high cost of malpractice insurance, and wrangling by health insurance companies.

Finally, why do people think they have a right to take other people's money? I've worked hard to get to where I am. I paid for schooling and am constantly upgrading my skills. Why? Not so I give half my salary to others. I live comfortably but am far from a luxurious lifestyle.

Come on folks, stop blaming the government and its people for your woes. This country is the land of opportunity, not the land of free stuff.

Be responsible for yourself. We’ve lost that.

I love this country but it's heading down a really dark path.
- Tom, Amherst

This is not a good time to introduce such an expensive bill. I personally could not endorse this plan during the best of times. Doing so when the country has record debt and the state’s revenues are below projections is completely irresponsible. The president himself lectures the public about spending money they do not have. Maybe he should listen to his own advice.
- Mike M, Mont Vernon

Depends on what marching orders Pelosi gives these twin partisan lapdog bigspenders (OPM, of course). OR...Will she give them cover like the 2008 bailouts? Are they (and their constituents they allegedly represent) "expendable" yet? Because they lierally will be after they pass this monstrosity...
- Mae, Plaistow

A quick note about the AARP endorsement. AARP is morally, if not actually, wholey owned subsidiary of the DNC and has been a unofficial political arm of the DNC for decades. Most AARP members join for the discounts, not the very left of center politics. The AMA represents only about 30% of US doctors, and that percentage is shrinking as the organization becomes more leftist and out of touch with what really works for health care delievery. I don't take either endorsement too seriously since they are politcal not practical.
- jeff, Goffstown

"If Pelosi's bill becomes law, New Hampshire's Medicaid costs would explode...."
Um, can you cite any facts, reports or expert testimony to support this assertion? Or is it just your opinion...?
If you are going to fan the flames of paranoia, at least attempt to do so with facts.
- jpkant, Northwood

Before you jump on me for my math skills, that's 37% less, obvs...
- Dave, Sandwich

Well Porter and Hodes have been bought and paid for so I have no delusions they will do anything less than doing what they are told by Pelosi and friends.

The more we get to see the democrat party in action the more we see no change what so ever. Unless upping the scale of corruption and government doing what is best for government counts as change.

Once upon a time even the democrat party favored creating jobs over handout programs. Then they saw the results of handouts for votes and our march towards self inflicted communism began. I'm starting to think the Republicans are ready to climb on board this thinking or already have.
- Deb, Derry

I have to laugh at the posters who cry about what the people want and the voters not liking the healthcare bills being considered and all the other things that the Obama administration and Democratic House are trying to do for America. Did anyone here miss this fact: the American people voted overwhelmingly for a new direction. The American people stated loudly and very clearly that the 'Right' were totally wrong. The American people have given a mandate through their voices and ballots that this country was headed in the wrong direction. So speak up about what you don't like, that's democracy, but don't try to paint your opinions as the majority, because they ain't. You'll get your chance in the next election and you may win though I very much doubt it. Until then, voice your opinion all you want but stand out of the way while real Americans try to make a better America.
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me.

I would like to see my taxes go up...I have nothing better to do with my money...Oh and I was once a statistic of the poverty level, but worked my way out of it rather then looking for the government to hand it to me.

So you people defending this...think about that! Being poor in America is not force on you and those will to work hard enough can change that, but sadly I find most people who are a statistic of the poverty prefer to remain that way enjoying their government handouts...IE my tax money!

So you people defending this need to get off your high horse and go buy a clue pill...oh wait the government will give you that for free soon!
- Mike, Epping

There will be only one valid reaction to our delegation's vote: "Did you find out anything about them you didn't already know?" Shea-Porter famously Speaks Truth To Power only when the other team is in power.

The text that two previous readers referred to: "The powers not delegated to the US by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people." Wouldn't it be nice if Obama's attempt to "remake America" got the Supreme Court to start doing its job? Except he is moving to weaken America on so many fronts, and victory here would embolden him.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

Is the editor proud of the fact that to qualify for assisted health care in NH someone has to earn 47% less than the povery level? If the private sector insurance companies are so great at managing health care why haven't they done a better job for all these years?

It is great how Judd and all his Republican cronies can complain about the Democrats bill but never did a thing to reduce health care costs when they held the reigns of powere. The party of NO! caters to the insurance companies that dump huge amounts of money into their pockets. Where is your better idea?

The Republicans have had their chance to deal with health care costs and refused to. Let's give this a try. If it doen't work, we can elect Republicans who can repeal it.
- Jim, Bedford

Steve,
Tell me what part of the Constitution talks about "This Planet and it's people".
And how did global warm...I mean climate change cross your mind? As you so clearly illustrate, The left has lost focus and thought the 2008 elections were about them. They thought they could change the landscape of America and push through a bogus healthcare bill along with cap and trade. Better start pushing harder and use the nuclear option because 2010 is just a year away.
- Greg L, Hudson

The problem with the bill is that it does nothing to reduce health care costs and that was supposed to be one of the prime movers behind this reform. All it does is provide insurance to the uninsured.

States will no longer be able to make policy on Medicaid coverage. They will be mandated to provide coverage. Where are the states going to get the monies to pay for this additional coverage? Higher fees and taxes. This plan remains deficit neutral by pushing costs onto the states?

Where is the reform of Medicaid which is estimated to have 10% waste and fraud while Medicare is much less? Why can't this program be run like Medicare. Where's the reform?

The surtax is not indexed for inflation so over time, it will subject more and more of the middle class to the Alternative Minimum Tax.

It assumes Medicare payments to health providers will be cut by 22%. Meanwhile, there is a $245 billion payment that they recently tried but failed to get to be separate from health care reform.

The health commissioner is being given the power to decide what constitutes essential benefits which all insurers must provide. That will jack up costs for those currently with insurance.

Texas passed tort reform 5 years ago that dropped malpractice premiums significantly such that hospitals are now expanding services to low-income areas and many doctors are moving to the state. Why is the govt not doing something similar?
- Harry Greene, Manchester

Steve, in Claremont,

You sound like a very compassionate guy and that is fine. But, the government has no constitutional authority to mandate what they, or anyone else thinks is a "moral obligation". Check the constitution.

What you think is a moral obligation is to others the responsibility of the individual or his/her family.

As for global warming, there is no moral obligation or anything else mandating or requiring action on this topic. It is a farce and you need to do some reading of materials arguing against it to get some other facts.

Humans cannot change the climate of a planet, the sun can, but we can't. And if only the US takes steps to curb global warming and thus ruin our economy, what about all the other countries? Get real.

If you feel there is a moral obligation to take certain steps, then do so. In the mean time let's see if we can get our elected politicians to just do their job.

The bottom line is that this is still supposed to be a representative republic and as such we have the final say. 85% of Americans don't want health care changed to a government program. Our federal boobs would do a much better job if they took action that would increase business (and profits) in the US and allow us to keep our own money. Then get out of regulating insurance and watch the prices come down and jobs go up.

Don't hold your breath though, the real money comes from special interests and not individual citizens.
- Melvin, Keene

If your roof leaks, do you tear down your whole house? Wow, sad to see so many uninformed people. Start by reading the bill. After the first hundred pages or so you'll find things that are quite alarming. Firstly Dave, the Republicans have crafted a very practical bill to "help Americans deal with crippling costs and unfair practices" but right now, if you don't pay homage to Pelosi you don't get admission to the backroom discussions. Secondly Hendrik, only 15% of physicians nationally belong to the AMA, probably even less in NH. I've discussed the AMA with doctors I work with and none belong. My peer group is AARP age and I have not yet met any members so I wonder what their NH membership rate is. Lastly, we need healthcare reform but this legislation is one big mess. If passed, I know that many community hospitals in NH will suffer greatly and most likely some will have to close their doors. Enjoy waiting in line at your regional health center two hours from your home!
- jem, rye

On Aug 29, I asked Rep. Shea-Porter about the impact to New Hampshire of Medicaid expansion at her Manchester health care town hall meeting. After initially erroneously stating that the state would not be impacted, she told me that she or her staff would be back in touch with me about the matter.

It has now been 10 weeks since that meeting, and I have heard nothing from Rep. Shea-Porter and her staff. It appears obvious that she is aware of the massive cost shifting onto the state taxpayers and simply in unconcerned about this impact.

The Congresswoman was elected to make decisions on federal policy, so her vote to increase taxes, mandates and health care costs nationally is explainable. However, forcing many millions of dollars in costs on state taxpayers to pay for her policy is an unacceptable overreach.
- Greg Moore, Manchester

Studies have shown that people with health insurance are healthier, have less morbidity from diseases and live longer.

The question should be framed as 'health or illness?'
- Bill Siroty, MD, Manchester

With the AARP and the AMA backing this bill, most of the comment are somewhat hollow, even with their orchestrated echo. How may AARP members and how many doctors are there in New Hampshire? Republicans beware!
- Hendrik Edelman, Milton

That's our Union Leader - pointing with pride to a Medicaid policy that only covers people if they are making 47 percent LESS than the federal poverty level.

Republicans can be proud that they have done absolutely nothing to help craft a health care bill that will help American families deal with the crippling costs and unfair practices of our current health care system.
- Dave, Sandwich

There are few issues where we can honestly say that every single person in the country is affected by it, but health care is one of those issues. Even if you have health insurance, you can be dropped at any moment because you are under the care of insurance companies more interested in making profits than providing quality health care to New Hampshire families. Some people, like Senator Judd Gregg will want to stand with the insurance companies that have funded his political campaigns. Others, like Senator Jeanne Shaheen, will stand for you.

We must have a public option. Without competition, insurance companies are free to provide us poor care while jacking up costs. Enough is enough; it is time that we had a public insurance option that gave the insurance companies incentives to give us affordable care we deserve.

The Senate Finance Committee bill, which was recently passed through the Senate, does not meet all of these expectations. Although the bill addresses the issue of high health care costs, it does not address the crucial issue of providing a public option that would give insurance companies incentives to put care before cash. I hope that we will extend upon this bill so that it includes a public option to keep insurance companies honest. I also hope that Senator Gregg, Senator Snowe, and Senator Baucus will not stand in the doorway between 47 million American citizens and health care coverage.
- Douglas Marino, Newfields, NH

I fail to see, after writing letters, attending meetings, tea parties, etc. and seeing how many people are against this thing how Shea-Porter and Hodes can believe they are truly representing NH voters if they support this bill. Collins (above) is right, the only good thing to come of this is that in 2010, what the voters feel will be shown and we will have representation from NH that will do what the people want instead of what Pelosi's thinks she can dictate to us all.
We the people have tried to get the point across peacefully and we are being ignored.
- LHemy, Plaistow

I am sure someone who has not been paying attention will chime in and idiotically state how wonderfilly these two are at representing NH. Hodes has at least appeared to be paying attetnion to his constituents, Shea-Porter only listens to those who already agree with her. I have no problem with certain aspects of "reform" but doubt political hacks like Pelosi or Shea-Porter could craft a bill that does anything positive, or doesn't have so many unintended consequences that our medical delievery system will be in shambles for years. In the unlikey event her staffers will read this, since it is in the UL after all, Please tell her to vote NO, since anyone with any sense of how government works has little confidence that this will be anything but far worse than what we have now.
- jeff, goffstown

First, the Right has had how many years to attempt a correction of our health care system, and what have they come up with? Do you consider yesterday's introduction by the Right health care reform or simply more money in the pockets of the health insurance companies?

Second, though there are and always have been severe abuses of the system, while we deal with our moral obligation, finacial savings (or do you feel letting them head for the ER as if that is their doctor's office being financially conservative), and adding some type of equality, you believe we should do what?

If, as a nation, we can keep lining the pockets of the wealthy, why is it so wrong to build a system that provides some fairness. Health care is not inexpensive. Neither is corporate greed.

You seem to prefer to keep your head buried in the sand rather than face the real moral problems. Climate change...let the big oil continue on their profit path. Why, because to adopt REAL and CLEANER alternative energy solutions would cost too much! Open your eyes up to the alternatives rather than continuing to protect status quo. This planet and its people deserve much better than what the Right offers. Get off your butts and try correcting problems instead of blaming those attempting to do something good for humanity.
- Steve, Sullivan County

The Democrats have choices. Socialism or NH. Constituents or Pelosi. This should be a no brainer. What's the name of the character in the Wizard of OZ who wished for a brain.

Since these two will be out of jobs come 2010 we should now consider who would hire them after that. They should be denied any decent jobs in this town. Suggest they go to San Francisco a much better fit for them.
- Bob, Salem

Alan, Manchester:
Good question. Obviously, it would be best if the bill didn't pass. However, if it does the states could refuse to comply for financial reasons--and on constitutionally valid grounds that the federal government lacks specific constitutional authority required under the Tenth Amendment
- Paul, Sunapee

Um, what about that 10th Amendment thing-a-ma-jig?

The fools in our State House are asleep. Wake up!!!
- Alan, Manchester

Hodes & Shea-Porter intend to "walk the plank" on this bill. The only good that is going to come of this mess is that after 2010 NH will no longer have to put up with either one of these fools once the cost of this bill hits home.
- Jay Collins, Laconia