OPINION — Democrats’ healthcare = horror for small businesses

Cal Beverly's picture

I’ve downloaded the healthcare reform act known as HR 3200. I’ve read the first 170 pages of the 1,017-page bill (probably about 170 pages more than most members of Congress).

My initial impression: God save us from Democrats. Unlike many pieces of legislation, this bill is worse even than its opponents are depicting it.

I will read it in its entirety over the course of the next few posts, and I will report to you what this bill looks like to this part owner of a small business of under 20 employees.

So far the big criticisms against the bill have been mainly philosophical and ideological in nature. I’ve published a lot of letters and opinion columns by various private citizens and public commentators on pros and cons of the healthcare legislation now before the Congress.

This series of online postings will get down to how the plain wording will affect you and me, the tax-paying “mob,” as we are described by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Just from the first 16 percent of its verbiage, I can see this will be a bloody disaster of the first magnitude for every small business in America and for the employees of those small businesses.

Let’s take it page by page, line by line:

The bill creates a “Health Choices Commissioner.” Call her a commissar, because this person will have more power over your life than you can currently imagine.

There will be a Health Benefits Advisory Committee to advise the commissar which “shall be composed of the following members, in addition to the Surgeon General:

“(A) 9 members who are not federal employees or officers and who are appointed by the President.

“(B) 9 members who are not federal employees or officers and who are appointed by the Comptroller General of the United States ...

“(C) Such even number of members (not to exceed 8) who are federal employees and officers, as the President may appoint.”

Here’s who will be on that committee:

“The membership of the Health Benefits Advisory Committee shall at least reflect providers, consumer representatives, employers, labor, health insurance issuers, experts in health care financing and delivery, experts in racial and ethnic disparities, experts in care for those with disabilities, representatives of relevant governmental agencies and at least one practicing physician or other health professional and an expert on children’s health and shall represent a balance among various sectors of the health care system so that no single sector unduly influences the recommendations of such Committee.”

Catch this: “At least one practicing physician.” Gee, at least one doctor. But “experts” — plural, you notice — “in racial and ethnic disparities.” Rev. Al finally will have a real job.

Together, all of them will come up with specific standards that all insurers must meet in order to be designated a “Qualified Health Benefits Plans (QHBP)” provider and be part of the government-mandated “Health Insurance Exchange.”

In Section 132, the Commissar will determine “uniform marketing standards that all insured QHBP shall meet.” That reads plainly that the Commissar will dictate what gets advertised and what doesn’t. Welcome to government control of marketing. That is one scary section for anybody who believes the 1st Amendment is still relevant.

A further measure of control: “A QHBP offering entity is required to comply with standards for electronic financial and administrative transactions” set by the feds. Down to what software a doctor’s billing office must use, the Commissar will rule.

Can you imagine the new government-required forms that one rule alone will require to be generated and filed on a strict bureaucratic schedule?

And nobody escapes. The Commissar “shall undertake activities in accordance with this subtitle to promote accountability of QHBP offering entities in meeting federal health insurance requirements, regardless of whether such accountability is with respect to qualified health benefits plans offered through the Health Insurance Exchange or outside of such Exchange.”

No opting out of that onerous new avalanche of federal reporting requirements for businesses to pay for. And that doesn’t even cover the penalties for even unintended mistakes.

Perhaps the scariest of all about this government takeover of all facets of healthcare is the creation of what I call a “super IRS.”

The Commissar “shall, in coordination with states, conduct audits of qualified health benefits plan compliance with federal requirements. Such audits may include random compliance audits and targeted audits in response to complaints or other suspected non-compliance.”

And the audited business will be forced to pay for the privilege of undergoing the audit. The Commissar “is authorized to recoup from qualified health benefits plans reimbursement for the costs of such examinations and audit of such QHBP offering entities.”

Even the feared IRS doesn’t present you with a bill for the hours their agents spend searching your books. Isn’t that kind of like being forced to pay the rapist for the privilege of being ravished?

So far, most of the bill is about the big boys, the big, bad insurance companies. Now all of a sudden, it gets personal — for every manager, every small business owner.

Section 153 offers federal protection to any employee who reports the small business to the feds for ... anything: “... information relating to any violation of, or any act or omission the employee reasonably believes to be a violation of any provision of this Act or any order, rule, or regulation promulgated under this Act ... or objected to, or refused to participate in, any activity, policy, practice, or assigned task that the employee (or other such person) reasonably believed to be in violation of any provision of this Act or any order, rule, or regulation promulgated under this Act.”

Ms. Small Business Owner, under this House bill, that disgruntled employee can make his grievance against you a literal federal case that will bring down a world of hurt on you and your business, whether you make a real mistake or whether the disgruntled employee simply thinks you did.

“An employee covered by this section who alleges discrimination by an employer in violation of subsection (a) may bring an action governed by the rules, procedures, legal burdens of proof, and remedies set forth in section 40(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2087(b)).”

Think you are too small to be noticed by the feds? Not any more.

We’ve just reached Page 53 of the bill authored by “Mr. Dingell ... Mr. Rangel, Mr. Waxman, Mr. George Miller of California, Mr. Stark, Mr. Pallone, And Mr. Andrews” — our friendly Democrat Big Brothers. There are 964 more pages of federal-mandated horror for small businesses to follow in subsequent postings.

— Posted 12:35 a.m., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009.

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Submitted by AirForceDude on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 7:51am.

The first step to insuring health care for all is to make health insurance mandatory. If you work you pay for health insurance. Many workers don’t have health insurance for various reasons. Those unable to work or are disabled would be covered by a social program. Insurance companies control access to health insurance by many variables, i.e. pricing, services, pre-existing conditions, etc. The insurance companies must be strictly regulated and must offer affordable coverage to every one. Patients must be allowed to select their attending physician. Insurance companies may not deny coverage to anyone or deny a procedure ordered by attending physician. Physician’s fees are negotiated by the companies. Of course, elective surgery or procedure isn’t covered. The implementing of a program like this would take enormous planning and won’t take place overnight. After all, we can’t drive a car without insurance. Why don’t we have compulsory health insurance? Think about it.
Much has been said about terrible health care in countries such as Canada, England, and Germany. Those who write negatively about health
care in these countries have, in all probability, have never lived there or visited them. Germany has mandatory health insurance and fees which are taken automatically from the paycheck. People have freedom to select a doctor of choice. It works there and it’s worth trying here. BEWARE of the scare tactics of those who oppose health care for all.

Submitted by Davids mom on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 8:55am.

Upon retiring, I made a mistake in paper work - and was without Medicare for almost a year. Up until this time in my life I was blessed with remarkable health. Now there are challenges. Do you know it can cost more than $5000.00 for a few hours in the emergency room for a simple health situation? How can a person without a good job and/or health insurance pay for that? I also had to pay for the EM/ambulance service. (Around $500.00)? I am so grateful for Medicare!! My mother has a pacemaker - and at 98 needs several services that are covered by Medicare. I don't know anyone receiving Medicare services that have complaints. In a country of plenty like the US - there are those who just let the illness take its course because they have no healthcare insurance. Why are we fighting a plan that would allow us to keep a plan that we like and can afford - and provide coverage to those without insurance? This stinks of insurance companies who don't want to cut their profit margin. There are companies advertising now that will not deny because of pre-existing conditions; allow one to chose their own doctor; and are reasonable in cost. Small business needs to look into switching to those companies for their employees. I hope that those who have jobs will look into switching from the high charging companies. (The problem today is high unemployment/no health insurance.) We pay those citizens in Congress to WORK FOR US! Not reforming healthcare is not acceptable!

Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 8:36am.

Germany has mandatory health insurance and fees which are taken automatically from the paycheck.

I already pay for my family's health care at every paycheck at the tune of almost $300 a month. Now, there's a discussion to tax my employer provided health care benefit.
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Submitted by Davids mom on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 8:58am.

That stinks too. It's so important to keep those people in Washington informed on how we, the people, feel about these 'discussions'.

Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 9:04am.

I just hope that I'm not tagged as an extremist or someone who supports certain talk radio hosts.
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Submitted by Davids mom on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 9:19am.

You are not a 'wing nut' - or a purveyor or fear. You are a sincere individual; conservative in thought; who looks for the facts and challenges those who may think differently without denigrating them. In other words, you're a great American citizen.

Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 10:40am.

I really enjoy this opportunity that The Citizen provides in order to discuss views from the community. Yep, we sometimes get carried way with thoughts and beliefs that are held near and dear concerning political ideology but, our little community is able to move on (that includes Bonker$).

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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


Submitted by Bonkers on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 8:46am.

$300 a month huh?

Since the actual cost is close to four times that much, it means you are paying about 25%.

I suspect the government is paying the rest! Or an employer.

Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 8:59am.

I suspect the government is paying the rest!

OK. Please elaborate.
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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


Submitted by Bonkers on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 10:07am.

My only point was that most people are currently insured or subsidized by the government, local or federal, anyway!
It is just a matter of how much and who should be.

Submitted by lion on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 4:38pm.

First, "God save us from the Democrats"???? God has been on the side of the Democrats for many years, at least when is is paying attention to American politics.

Second, spare me all the tears for small businesses. Most small businesses do not provide health insurance for its employees--most can not afford to do so. And because of lobbying, the definition of a small business will probably change a lot before a final bill is written.

The goal of health care reform is to make health care available to all Americans. The goal is not to help small businesses or improve the bottom line of Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

So let's keep our focus on the poor employees of small business (and others) who do not have health insurance and cannot afford to buy coverage.

America will be a much better society when all have access to health care.

S. Lindsey's picture
Submitted by S. Lindsey on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 8:58pm.

Do you have ANY stats at all to back up one single word you wrote.. Well do you??? Here I will help you..

FACT #1 Small Businesses employ almost 80% to 90% of workers in America

FACT #2 93% of Americans have Health Insurance

FACT #3 80% of Americans rate their insurance as GOOD to EXCELLENT

It is therefore easy to extrapolate from these FACTS that you, as we say in the South, ARE FULL OF BULLSH*T

You want to be a good little Socialist move to FRANCE they will take real good care of you..

"Any People who expect to be both IGNORANT and FREE, in a state of CIVILIZATION, expects what NEVER was and NEVER will be."
THOMAS JEFFERSON


black flag's picture
Submitted by black flag on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 9:48am.

FACT 1: Small businesss employ 52% of workers in America.
FACT 2: 16% of those under 65 do not have health insurance. looks like Hannity's facts must have included SOCIALIST medicare insured people to skew the facts
FACT 3: I guess it depends who you ask and where your sample group comes from. this sounds like a FOX news poll.
Google it, better yet if you had access to lexis nexis or a similar engine you could find a variety of INDY sources.

We already have a Socialist health system....the only problem is that it only covers blue hairs, non working dirtbags and po' people.

LINDSEY DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE THE SYSTEM IS GOOD AS IS? Look, I'm not saying I think or I know that the proposed system is wonderful, I'm not saying that you shouldn't investigate and rally against what you don't like about it.

Be careful you are crossing the line from patriot to schill for the big healthcare business.

scare tactics are used by dictatorships and SOCIALISTS to control people, they are not part of rational democratic discussion.


S. Lindsey's picture
Submitted by S. Lindsey on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 11:05am.

Suffice it to say both of you are incorrect.. The numbers I used came from "the hard right wing web site "THE US CENSUS REPORT March 2006"
The poll flag??? Try Rasmussian, Gallup and even CNN and MSNBC all hard right I know but.. what can I say.. I just report what I find...

But I guess ACORN will have those numbers changed real soon.. Later

"Any People who expect to be both IGNORANT and FREE, in a state of CIVILIZATION, expects what NEVER was and NEVER will be."
THOMAS JEFFERSON


S. Lindsey's picture
Submitted by S. Lindsey on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 10:31pm.

Just because you disagree does not mean you have broken the argument..
Below are links to 3 sources.. for my FACTS.. Now if you and Bunk care to do a little reading you might find that the talking points that are being spoon fed to you are well not quiet accurate..

FACT #1 SOURCE
Small/Med Business Report

Dig a little you will find thru some of the links the total approx percentage of small/med sized businesses and their total employment rates.. adjust for seasonal and transit and viola you have the percentage.

FACT #2 SOURCE
About 270 million people, accounting for about 94 percent of the population, either have health insurance or have access to it.

NCPA.. hardly a right winged group.. 2004 report.. CBO source surveys have found these numbers to have largely stayed static/unchanged in the last 5-8 years..

FACT #3 SOURCE
The new polling also shows that 80% of those with insurance rate their own coverage as good or excellent. That’s up from 70% in May.

One of many polls.. Face it you two... Americans like what they currently have and DO NOT WANT THE GOVENMENT SCREWING WITH IT

So get over it... You're not happy with your healthcare.. well SUCKS to be you..

"Any People who expect to be both IGNORANT and FREE, in a state of CIVILIZATION, expects what NEVER was and NEVER will be."
THOMAS JEFFERSON


Submitted by Bonkers on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 4:19am.

So the 50 million estimate of NO INSURANCE is incorrect, not only incorrect but way off?

How do you define "small business?"
Is the Military small business?
Is the Health Industry small business?
Are all government workers small business?
Is the Post Office small business?
Is Banking small business?
I guess all of these is the 10% of the total that is not small business?

Why would you state such false stuff?

S. Lindsey's picture
Submitted by S. Lindsey on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 10:02pm.

BREAK THE ARGUMENT if you can or just stick your head between your legs and insert as you normally do..

"Any People who expect to be both IGNORANT and FREE, in a state of CIVILIZATION, expects what NEVER was and NEVER will be."
THOMAS JEFFERSON


Submitted by Davids mom on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 9:12am.

Don't forget the school boards who pay part of the healthcare insurance for their employees throughout the country. Thanks for keeping the 'facts' before us.

Submitted by Bonkers on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 10:03am.

They are government workers! I said that.

Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 11:28pm.

It is not about making life better for any of us. It is about the personal egos, greed and desire to empower themselves in Washington. We The People are now here to serve our government ensure our leader's future influence and prosperity. We have leadership that closely resembles those in charge when our fore fathers rose up took this from them and awarded it to and for the the people.

Hey Lion... get you some brownie points dude and forward my comments to the White House.

Obama.... The Bernie Madoff Of Washington


dawn69's picture
Submitted by dawn69 on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 8:40am.

You had better watch out. You'll end up in the stockade.

"The People" no longer have a voice or a right to peaceful assembly.

"That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet."
- Emily Dickinson


Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 1:49pm.

I am still in disbelief that this happening in this country and the left that railed against obtrusive gumament for decades is so silent in an eerie sort of way. Where is the ACLU now?

What next? A call to the union thugs to pay Git's home a visit?

And they want to disarm us? Wonder why???? Puzzled

Obama.... The Bernie Madoff Of Washington


Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 11:36pm.

that Comrade "blah blah" is not chiming in on this tread.
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Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 5:01pm.

And will shout the loudest when stripped of his remaining liberties and freedoms. I am a small business owner and I provide healthcare for my employees. And most I know of offer plans that are declined by most employees because they would rather spend the money on their vacations, Harleys, or other non-essential luxuries. Funny how the "poor employees" you refer to can't afford insurance and they somehow can't seem to complete a 40 hour week much of the time. Yet they always seem to have beer, cigarette, and lottery money to piss away.

Small businesses employ the vast amount of employees in this country silly. Go ahead and regulate them out of business. Then see what kind of job opportunities and services you get in the future. Small businesses are where the American dream is birthed when nurtured by freedom, opportunity, and capitalism. Destroy the small business environment and you destroy the American dream.

Obama.... The Bernie Madoff Of Washington


Submitted by Bonkers on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 7:30pm.

Full coverage health (not including eyes and teeth) runs about $15,000 now for family coverage.

I don't know what you pay your employees but if they make under $25.00 and hour (about $50,000 per year) they certainly can't afford to pay $15,000 of it for insurance for health. Government already takes about 25% for taxes and SS.

If you are paying about half of it $7,500 they would still be paying about 15-20% of their take home for the insurance.

Don't you see why they don't pay it?

I would drink beer, smoke, and piss away a chance to win the lottery also if I took home what the average wage earner does.

In fact when I made that kind of wages I may have done all that!

I did work all of my life so far and I understand what you mean about the suckers laying out sometimes!

Submitted by AtHomeGym on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 5:11pm.

And I bet they all have a cell phone that is costing them 50-75$ a month. How far would that go to to pay their health insurance premium? It's all called personal choice and there's no way that either employers or the Govt is responsible for dumb personalchoices.

Submitted by Bonkers on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 7:34pm.

About 5% worth!

See comment to Git, please.

Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 5:33pm.

Weak minded people like Lion apparently need to be led and provided for. If the idiot would only understand that dragging the rest of us down to his level only worsens his opportunity to leach off the producers, he would be less inclined to bite the hand that feeds him.

I suspect ole Lion is probably a vicitm of his own dumb personal choices and to make himself the norm, the producers and working successful must be drug down to his level. That is what defines HIS success and self worth.

Obama.... The Bernie Madoff Of Washington


Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 5:36pm.

Sure hate to leave this fun. I'm basing my future conduct on how the Democrats have instructed the Union / Acorn crown to behave. The standard has been set. I shall give Lion what he wishes... I shall come down to their level. See ya in a couple of hours guys. Eye-wink

Obama.... The Bernie Madoff Of Washington


Submitted by lion on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 5:09pm.

Health care reform will not make anyone a "captive of government". That is fear mongering nonsense.

Does Medicare make seniors "captives of government?"

And why should any worker be dependent on his employer for health care? They should have the choice of a government option.

Your self-righteous and judgmental attitude toward employees show why you and other small businesses should not be in control of their employees health care.

Submitted by kingswood48 on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 8:20pm.

Before any decision is made on how to take on another expenseive program it would behoove everyone to go the the following site: usdebtclock.org and take a look at some amazing numbers. The 3 that everyone should pay special attention to are the 3 red ones at the bottom of the page called US Unfunded Liabilities. WE are already looking at $58.8 TRILLION that we are obligated to provide to meet the requirements of Medicare/Medicaid ($39 T), Social Security ($10.6T), and the Percription Drug Program ($8.5T). Does anyone want to make any guesses on where that money is going to come from? Has anyone heard anyone in Washington sounding the alarm about "fixing" the financing of these programs? NO, all we hear is that taking on Health Care is absolutely necessary and after all it is only going to cost $1.6 Trillion. Hmmmmm now how many of you think that this will be the true cost?
People Wake Up!!!!

Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 5:29pm.

Health care reform will not make anyone a "captive of government". That is fear mongering nonsense.

Spoken like a true Tory. We have a president who has set up a White House hotline to report those that disagree with him and you don't think that is a form of tyrannny? You have a party that is calling out Union thugs to "punch back twice as hard" and you don't believe that is trying to make us captive? Are you freaking blind? Fear mongering??? Yeah.. I'm fearful when the government is sanctioning jack booted thugs to deal with those voicing opposition to the government taking over businesses and defined freedoms of the people. If that make me a fear monger then I proudly wear the title. Where is the outrage LION? You guys pissed your pants and rightfully so with many of Bush's Homeland Security Freedom Robbing Edicts yet you are silent when the the Democrats and your Obama escalate the erosion of liberties and freedom. Are you that partisan, that stupid or perhaps that cowardly????

Does Medicare make seniors "captives of government?"

For years we heard how terrible Medicare was toward the seniors in this country and now we use it as the standard to achieve??? Medicare is broke both in how it performs and financially.

And why should any worker be dependent on his employer for health care?

I agree. Buy it your own damn self. I provide mine as a 'benefit' to attract quality employees. My workers aren't dependent on me for it. I'll be glad to give them additional pay and let them provide it for themselves.... but most would just blow it.

They should have the choice of a government option.

Fine... give them an option. But allow the free enterprise system to still function without the hinderances of the government. But that is NOT the case. The goal is to destroy the insurance companies and for the government to take full control of healthcare and it's distribution eliminating our "choice" altogether. And you're so foolish you can't even see this.

Your self-righteous and judgmental attitude toward employees show why you and other small businesses should not be in control of their employees health care.

Bite me you jealous, mediocre loser. In the 1700's they would have tarred and feathered your sorry Tory butt. Go serve you king pathetic freedom and opportunity fearing dependent minded hack. And take the rest of us down with you......

Idiot... Like we're in control of our employees healthcare.

Obama.... The Bernie Madoff Of Washington


Submitted by lion on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 6:40pm.

Your extreme and irrational reply to my comments just proves my point.

Bosses like you should not have any role in the health care of American workers.

And by the way, who in the world would want to work for someone like you? This "mediocre, loser" would not work for a jerk like you for one minute.

And for your information, I have been successful and have very good health care from my employer--who offers good choices at a price I can afford. Without any lectures. Not everyone is so fortunate and that is the problem we need to address.

Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 11:19pm.

Remember that Lion. You would not, nor could not fit into my company because you have a dependent mindset that relies on others for you to stay afloat in this world. Let's me address your post with some more "extreme" (truth) and "irrational" (truth) facts.

Bosses like you should not have any role in the health care of American workers.

The only role I have is that I buy the insurance. The same insurance that over the last 10 years has treated successfully 3 cases of cancer, installed a pace maker, paid for a rare spine and complicated brain / spinal surgery, saved a childs life with a difficult and costly vascular surgery, paid for probably a half a dozen babies, treated heart disease, and the list goes on. I have NO ROLE in the health care of my workers and they CHOOSE the plans they desire. I hear very few complaints throughout the year and am actually surprised as to what they do cover in certain cases. I hope my insurance company IS making money and I hope my health care providers ARE making money. I want them to all be happy and have a motivation to actually deliver competitive and quality healthcare. Silly man... you act as if actually control where my employees get their healthcare from.

And by the way, who in the world would want to work for someone like you?

Don't you worry about that Lion. I have no issues in employee retention. They are given sufficient respect, support, liberty, and the tools they need to succeed. I have a team steeped in excellence, dedication and some friendships that have built on years of looking out after each other's backs. It is rare for someone to leave my employment on their own volition. So don't you worry a bit buddy... I won't be begging you to come to work anytime soon. There are many people who are a poison on team that fail to take individual responsibility and expect others to pull the weight for them. Sorry buddy... You would not fit in.

This "mediocre, loser" would not work for a jerk like you for one minute.

Of course not. No arguement there.

And for your information, I have been successful and have very good health care from my employer--who offers good choices at a price I can afford.

That's great. Your employer and I have a lot in common. Other than I don't have you to put up with. Lion.... are you a Union Thug?

Without any lectures.

The people I surround myself with need NO lectures. Eye-wink

Not everyone is so fortunate and that is the problem we need to address.

Forunate. So what you are saying is success depends on one being fortunate over hard work and making wise life decisions while taking advantage of the opportunities this country has provided? Fortunate... wonder how "fortunate" I would be if I relied on the gumament to make my way for me???? I do know how LESS fortunate many of those that work for me would be. You see Lion... some people are able to rise with tide when hooking up with people who don't rely on "fortune" as their means for support or hope.

Not everyone is so fortunate and that is the problem we need to address.

And not everyone deserves the same payouts and end results if they contribute nothing to society or limit themselves to the point that they depend on the government to rob those that produce to enable many of those that refuse to produce to be able get away with their "mediocre" efforts in life. Yes there are those that would produce if given the opportunity. Many of them have been lost their jobs in the past year or so. I do desire to help them.... but their help is derived from the growth and success of businesses and not the sucking and economic draining habits of the gumament.

Remember this Lion. There aren't that many wealth to tax anymore. How in the world are we going to pay for all these utopian dreams? Seriously buddy..... it ain't gonna happen. And indeed you WILL feel captive when you are not afforded the healthcare in the future that you grew accustomed to over the last 30 years.

Look around you and look at the overall health of the people of this country. Other than them being lazy lard asses the healthcare is already there for them. Even the poor are getting decent healthcare. The current system is NOT broken. It does need to tweaked and tuned up. But it does not deserve being taken over by the same people who gave us Clunkers for Cash along with Cap and Trade. The same people who ran Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The same people who years ago in the name of fairness lowered lending standards and put people in homes they could never afford. The same people who are willing to ration out healthcare to you and me while purchasing themselves a new fleet of private planes so they don't have to associate with surfs like you and I.

Bow down to your King dude.... you ARE becoming a captive.

Obama.... The Bernie Madoff Of Washington


S. Lindsey's picture
Submitted by S. Lindsey on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 9:09pm.

was.. "Most small businesses do not provide health insurance for its employees--most can not afford to do so."

but you have good Healthcare.. So..You having a choice is all good, but the rest of us.. no can't have that now can we.. we have to take what ever the oh so benevolent Government decides is best for us...

Ya freaking Hypocrit.. I would rather work with a guy like Git then have someone like you and the rest of the malcontents decide what is best for me..Loser..

"Any People who expect to be both IGNORANT and FREE, in a state of CIVILIZATION, expects what NEVER was and NEVER will be."
THOMAS JEFFERSON


Submitted by wheeljc on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 12:02pm.

What a ruse!!

*No TORT reform – a real driver of costs!
*No Health Savings Accounts to allow individuals to at least be partially responsible for their OWN health care.
*No inter-border health insurance sales
*No targeted language for fraud, waste and abuse of MEDICARE and MEDICAID.
*No discussion as to how the government is going to be able to deliver what is promised. There is already a nurse shortage, and a doctor’s shortage is looming. (Before you applaud getting something ‘free’, ask your internist what his/her future plans are!! You may be shocked to learn that many are already contemplating either reducing their hours in the future, or leaving medical practice entirely. They do not want to be under the thumb of the government, and many just want to adhere to the oath they took when they entered medicine as a profession!) Unless President Obama is considering a vast importation of doctors from foreign countries, our health delivery system cannot currently support what he is fostering! – Another CASH FOR CLUNKERS??

This bill is nothing more than an uncontrollable, costly entitlement program, masquerading as ‘REFORM’ that will place power in the hands of government over its people! Further, the price will largely be born on the backs of the elderly via MEDICARE cuts. Just remember young folks, you will be ‘one’ in the future!!

This reminds me of an outdated sausage factory with three week old meat, trying to dress up the product with colorful 'casings' to sell as ‘gourmet’!

HOW CAN YOU TELL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THAT YOU ARE SAVING THEIR TAX DOLLARS WHEN THE PACKAGE WILL COST AT LEAST ONE TRILLION DOLLARS??

Have a little chat with your congressional representative and senator during the upcoming recess. Otherwise, we all might join the 'CLUNKERS'!!!

Submitted by mcgloryl on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 9:53am.

I am a single mom who works hard and i do have healthcare through my job, however my son was in a real bad car accident and he was in Atlanta Medical for 5 days, his bill came to 94,000.00 and my insurance only paid 100.00 a day... I pay each week for this kind of coverage... I will never be able to pay the rest off.. I certainly did not realize what kind of crap I was paying for... It it not worth the money I have wasted putting into this policy.. It has done me no favors.. So for everyone to down talk the healhcare they are the ones who have the best of the best.. What about all the ones who dont have it and their employers offer crap. Who is going to pay that bill for me? no one and not even myself. I certainly dont have that kind of money..

I cant even get free or reduced lunch they say I make to much... Haha. I see so many married couples that get free lunch with two incomes as I still take care of my own children with no help from the government or the state... Now the ones who have everything still dont want the ones who try to have something get nothing... Maybe you should read the story of Robin Hood. This country needs healthcare for all.

Submitted by Bonkers on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 10:54am.

You will be told that the "poor will always be with us," and that is all!

S. Lindsey's picture
Submitted by S. Lindsey on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 6:44am.

have been sounding the horn on this since it came up... Every Progressive Liberal on here has never taken the time to actually read what was in the bill.. They just took their talking points from Pelosi and ran with it.. They come up with inane questions (see below) trying desperately to find something with some solid ground on which to place their arguments.. But like quicksand it is quickly engulfed by the minutia..
Again my THANKS

"'I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race.'
Barack Hussein Obama


carbonunit52's picture
Submitted by carbonunit52 on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 5:33am.

Cal, this is one of the best examples that I have ever seen proving that the easiest thing to find is what you are looking for.

It's not easy being the carbonunit


Submitted by Bonkers on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 4:34am.

Now that you have irritated all of the Fayette Conservatives with the congressional gibberish that all bills have and most readers will have already made up their mind from your obvious personal reasons not to want to change the current health system, you can proceed with telling us what else is in the bill besides the gibberish!

Can't you just tell us:

1. How will it affect your business as opposed to what you now provide? (In dollars and cents, not gibberish and threats from disgruntled employees).
2. Will the new plan give every American that wants health coverage the ability to have it and afford it---no matter how it is paid for?
3. Will people of means (afford) still be able to purchase whatever private coverage they desire without using the new plan?
4. Will the quality of health care be at least as good and as reliable as what we currently have?
5. Do you wish to have insurance available to the citizenry without any form of regulation, partial regulation, extreme regulation?
6. Will the "horror for small businesses," you refer to mean that the cost will be prohibitive or that you will be forced to provide regulated coverage at your expense or in conjunction with the employee?
7. Do you think that there should always be a percentage of American Citizens who have no insurance available which is available without means testing and embarrassment or accusations of being lazy--no goods.
8. If we are ill should we be able to see any doctor we chose if we can wait for an appointment, just as can any member of congress, administration, and the Supreme Court? Not being able to get five appointments in a row will constitute favoritism!
9. And just what have "our friendly democrat big brothers," got to do with anything?
The majority rules in the USA, and winning elections means something! You lost for some good reason! We must not let competitive capitalism extend into every facet of human life.
Not even into the banks, it appears, and certainly not into health and happiness for humans. Money, OK.

Nagatsubo's picture
Submitted by Nagatsubo on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 9:32am.

Fear mongering Cal and his bobble-headed followers will not respond to you, at least not in an intelligent, substantive manner, but you can expect an endless abundance of more fear mongering. C'est la vie.


S. Lindsey's picture
Submitted by S. Lindsey on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 6:55am.

I was able to understand succently what is in store for Small Businesses from this post were'nt you?

"'I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race.'
Barack Hussein Obama


cogitoergofay's picture
Submitted by cogitoergofay on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 3:49am.

Ronald Reagan sounded the alarm on socialized medicine 40 years ago. Thank you, Mr. Beverly, for your yeoman effort in detailing this bill. Reagan's essential points were three fold: (1) government is less capable of handling problems than free enterprise; (2) the restriction on choice to both patient and physician will cause a catcylsmic disruption of needed, quality care in many instances and (3) since the real goal is to insure that all Americans have proper health care we indeed should care for the indigent but we should do it through the direct reimbursement of indigent care providers for the local level. Welfare cheats and frauds do not typically wake up in the morning and plan on ripping off the government by having an appendectomy. Thus it is a proper goal for us to provide baseline medical care, particulary at the neonatal level.

I fear we are well beyond the point of no return. I fear that we are a socialist republic and the voters will never, ever turn back. American politicians have in recent decades learned that they can empower themselves (both parties) by taking our money and then teasingly dole our back to us for local projects as we pay homage to Washington, DC. Under this President and Congress we have now taken the tax and spend delirium to a new level---- we now only saddle ourselves but generations well in to the future !

I have long since believed that we will very shortly resemble Europe. We can only hope that we resemble Germany and not some of the others.

Thank you Mr. Beverly and good luck maintaining spousal support for the time and effort in completing your self-assigned flagellation.


Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 12:11am.

This is how it all works. Let's just rush this through congress and then the senate and the President will have the health care plan he so desires with all the associated bovine manure that will stifle business.

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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


Submitted by Bonkers on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 4:44am.

About 55 years ago Harry Truman, and Reagan in the 80s gave their opinion of national health care! RUSH THROUGH--it is the same as was discussed then only better!
Of course Harry wanted something for people, Reagan did not!

All we ended up with was Medicare!!!!
My Lord how much suffering has that eliminated?
What is wrong with you people? Money? Most of you or your relatives will end up using either Medicare or the new health plan and you know it!
We are not Siberia!

Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 7:09am.

Whatever you say. Puzzled
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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


S. Lindsey's picture
Submitted by S. Lindsey on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 7:24am.

sad isn't it..

Where are you today??

"'I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race.'
Barack Hussein Obama


Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 7:28am.

About ready to leave my hotel room in Seattle for the flight back home.
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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


S. Lindsey's picture
Submitted by S. Lindsey on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 7:30am.

see ya when you get back.. Have a safe flight..

"'I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race.'
Barack Hussein Obama


Submitted by PTCGOIL on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 12:10am.

What a wonderful thing you are doing here for us.

I look forward to your comments.

I fear for our country under this President.

Scary, scary stuff. I think so many of us are feeling so overwhelmed by this intrusion into our lives, we are just numb.

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