Bush does it again...

[LGM]

So what is he trying to do, dash the repubs against the rocks?

I haven't seen a good thread here in a while, so how about this-

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush on Wednesday vetoed a measure to expand a popular children's health care program, launching the first in a series of major battles with Democrats over domestic spending.

The legislation had bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress and the veto risks angering many Republicans who fear the issue could hurt their party in the 2008 elections.

Democrats called the veto "cruel" and "heartless." The measure would have provided an extra $35 billion over five years for a health program for low-income children. Cigarette taxes would have been raised to fund the expansion from the current $25 billion level.

Supporters of the bill said the extra money would have helped provide health coverage for 10 million children.

(http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/ ... 9020071003)

My local branch of the NEA recently managed to get a bit more $ allocated to health care benefits. It was a real battle, but even with that many of our people are wondering how the heck they are going to cover their part of the package. If teachers are having trouble with it, how about people with jobs that don't pay as well?

Health care costs are skyrocketing for everyone, but those of us with health insurance are fortunate. I don't know how my family would be able to pay for unexpected medical bills if we didn't have coverage.

We all pay when people without insurance get treated. The bills end up being paid by the government one way or another. I believe the price is lower when the people are insured. (I know my Dr. gets less from me than a cash patient pays...)

So, why would blocking a well supported program make sense? I'm contacting my Senators and Congressional Reps... I want to see the veto overturned. I'd love to see it happen to our arrogant president.

[satans cowboy]

Well LGM I can see you'r point.But if the bill is passed people are just gonna go to the goverment for health care instead of getting a job.No matter how you look at each side has a valid argument.Kid's should come first I agree with that.But see you'r local attorney's for the reason why health care is so high.They are finding better way's for us to pay for it instead of going after the low life lawyer's.No running no swimming no skateboarding no bikeriding no running ask a lawyer why are kid's are fat.My doctor pay's 500,000 a year for malpractice insurance ask a lawyer why health care is so high.

[supratank]

It was vetoed because the Dems wanted a massive increase, which differed and was much larger than the Presidents proposed increases to the existing program. The President told them they ahead of time for weeks that he would veto. Politics as usual for both. I guess now the Dems have their election commercials.

Broken system.

[PGG]

^ System broken

[LGM]

The system is broken. No doubt about that...

As far as cowboy's statement-

if the bill is passed people are just gonna go to the goverment for health care instead of getting a job.

Many of the people this bill would cover already have jobs. They happen to work in lower paying jobs that don't provide health insurance. My main concern is the kids. I see too many who don't get adequate health care, and when they finally do get care, it's expensive. (a dose of antibiotics is a lot cheaper than a surgery to fix a major infection)

I'm not talking about a welfare state, but about getting coverage for kids of people who can't afford insurance. I'm sure the 8 year olds would like a job, but sorry, they can't have one.

And supra, I have to admit, it is the usual. The two parties love to find ways to blame each other.

[Norm the toe]

Support your President.

Don't call him names - pray for him.

Norm

What a yay!

[deano]

there is health care for children and adults living in poverty, this is provided through medicaid, also there is healthy kids insurance for the children of families just above poverty, there is NOT health care for their parents who unfortunately have to pay extremely high medical costs when they have to go to a doctor. the malpractice insurance is at the root of this problem...but if those parents own a home THEY WILL pay their bill, either directly or through a lien on their home, that hospitals automatically file when you have no insurance...

i carry no health insurance on me or my wife being self employed...its scary, a big sickness could wipe us out financially...or health insurance costs could wipe us out now, financially. are we just delaying the inevitable?
we fall between the cracks on this issue...
yes the system is part broken

supra is right the dems wanted another high increase, repubs didnt...add 35 billion to to 25 billion...big jump 140%

[dad]

Hey it's just money...the dems could always just raise our taxes to pay for this...

Bottom line there is no efficient health care system that is fair and equitable to everyone. Those that can afford it do, those who can't suffer. I agree with Deano that both the young and the elderly are covered by medicaid.

LGM - I think you said you were a teacher..so is my wife, our city is not big, not small, population around 75,000. Lots of single parent households who do qualify for aid. Problem is, parent(s) are so irresponsible they do not take the time to make sure their children are taken care of. Not all parent(s), but quite a few. It's a sad situation that spending billions of more dollars will not remedy. Also not sure where you teach but we also had a minimal increase in what we pay...but based on what my wife makes, she has her masters plus 30 hours, and taking into consideration she works less 200 days per year, it was a small price to pay compared to what other people are paying the private sector.

[LGM]

dad- I know what you're saying... I see the same things here. I want a better system, but sure don't see one on the horizon. I also don't see one just north of here over in Canada.

Maybe we should all start paying the Dr with chickens and grain- back to the barter system. Save the insurance for the big things.

[t raider]

@LGM
I don't know what Bush is thinking congress served him a cream pie and he shoved it
back in thier face.

The program would have funded kids from families who make up to $83,000 per year.
My kids would qualify,even with my two jobs and my wife's preschool teaching check we
make close to that but not over.

The congress was going to fund the program with a 61 cent / pack cigarette tax increase.
Most poeple who smoke are poor and aren't willing to work alittle extra so their kids can
have health insurance.

Current smoking prevalence also was higher among adults living below the poverty level* (32.9%) than among those at or above the poverty level (22.2%). During 1983--2002, the gap in smoking prevalence between those living below the poverty line and those living at or above it increased from 8.7 percentage points to 10.7 percentage points (Figure 1).

So its about time congress sees the light. I've been paying for their (the poor)
kids health insurance long enough it's time they start paying for mine. What the H is Bush thinking?

t raider