This morning, I received this email from The White House. Millions of us received this email and the accompanying video that has President Obama explain the health care reform we need. I got this; and millions of us got this. We need health care reform now.
Dear Friend,
Four minutes — that’s all you need to learn just what you get from health insurance reform. Take the few minutes and watch now: The details the President outlines in this video are those that every American needs to know. No matter your political party or whether or not you have insurance, his plan for health care security and stability matters to all of us. Millions of American citizens cannot get health insurance — and 14,000 are losing their insurance every day. If we do nothing, half of Americans under the age of 65 will lose their health insurance at some point in the next ten years. That’s not right. Plain and simple. For Americans with insurance as well as those without it, inaction is not an option. In America, no one should go broke because they get sick. Bottom line — health insurance reform will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance, coverage for those who don’t, and will lower the cost of health care for our families, our businesses, and our government. As the President says, now is the time to deliver the change we need on health care. Forward this email and make sure your family, friends and social networks take four minutes and watch this video.
Thank you,
David David Axelrod Senior Adviser to the President
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSJugLUsM58
This email was sent to rosariainpo@verizon.net Unsubscribe Privacy Policy Please do not reply to this email. Contact the White House The White House • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW • Washington, DC 20500 • 202-456-1111
p.s. if some of you know how to imbed the video on your blog, please let me know in the comment section. Thank you.
p.p.s Thanks Lola from aglioolioepeperoncino for sending me the link on you tube, above, and for teaching me how to post it. You are a lifesaver! If you folks don't know Lola, she teaches about Italian culture and Italian food at her favoloso blog:
http://www.aglioolioepeperoncino.blogspot.com/
44 comments:
I've been following this kind of discussion about American change in Health Insurance and cannot see why so many are against this change. Surely it is best for everyone.
It is OK for people who can afford it and who have good health to want to leave things as they are, but what about the less fortunate?
I think President Obama is working in the best interest of everyone & he should be supported.
However, I am an outsider!
Informative post.
Thank you Rosaria for all the good you share. Best always, Rose Marie
I'd like to see it. I have not seen any of his speeches about it. What I have learned through osmosis is that it makes insurance mandatory and the insurance companies can't exclude pre-existing conditions. But I don't see how that is reform. If I could afford insurance, I would have it. Making it mandatory does not enable me to afford insurance. Plus my deductible would be so high, I would end up paying for any doctor's visits and health care anyway, just like I do now, only I would also be required to shell out additional hundreds of $ every month. The only thing it would be good for is catastrophic illness.
I'm not an expert on this, but if you click on the video (not on the arrow) - just in the box of the video - 2 or 3 options should come up, one of which says imbed. Click on imbed - and from there it gives you the instructions on what to do next. Hope it works.
You can download the video as an MP4 from the White House website (http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/) and then click the filmstrip looking button next to the picture icon and browse to it. I think that should work!
Rosaria,
This is a tough topic. I am not sure I agree with the president's plan. YET, we must give health care to everyone in our borders. How can we not do this? I hope we find a way to bring both sides together and give relief to our nation.
Ugh, I was so embarrassed when i re-read my piece for today (for the 20th time or so :)) and realized I had posted with so many errors.
NTL thank you for your encouraging words about my writing. You always leave my spirit lifted after your very kind visits. How can I tell you what it means to be encouraged in this love of mine? Only in the simplest of words. Thank you!
It makes us in Ebgland appreciate our National Health Service even though some are very critical of it. ~ Eddie
i dont know if we will ever find a way to please everyone. i am aproponant of health care reform though. of course i have lived with a familyof four without health care for the last 5 years...that might have a little to do with it.
Here's hoping that the majority see sense soon and all can be cared for as they should be.
best wishes
Ribbon
PS... sorry I can't help out with embeding the video. You may be able to google that question.
No doubt about it for me, every person is deserving of at least basic health care. It escapes me how this is even a debate.
After over 30 years, it is still a debate in Canada and in Quebec. In 1970 our doctors went on strike to stop universal care, now some threaten to do the same to prevent partial privatisation.
One payer is not perfect but it leaves no one out. Unfortunately, from what I read here and there, for fear of losing their seats, the Congressmen are slowly eroding the Obama plan...and the President seems to be compromising maybe a bit much confronted with an histerical crowd goaded on by big drug companies and insurance companies afraid to lose some money.
Cross your fingers! And sign every petition...
I'm so confused because I want health care reform, and although we, the middle class pay high taxes, I'd like to see benefits from our taxes, not just more taxes. Just like education is free for college students in many countries in Europe, like Denmark, I'd like to have the same in the U.S.
I think basic health care is definitely something America could do for its people.
When campaigning the debate was health care reform. Now it is health insurance reform.
Personally I believe human suffering and health should NOT be a profit stream for any corporation and its shareholders. Wipe them all out and go to a single payer system like Canada, France, Great Britain, Germany and everywhere else in the world.
That said follow the money and you will also KNOW beyond a doubt which Senators and Reps are most heavily bought and paid for by the health care lobbyists.
Currently America ranks 49th in the world as far a health care delivery. This is the standard the shriekers and screamers are awantin' to preserve.
Hey, everybody thinks that health care reform is important and necessary. Current state cannot last for ever. In my opinion it works quite well in Canada. That system costs 10% of GDP and covers 100% of population. On the other hand USA spends over 15% GDP, while at least 15% of the population is not covered at all. Regards, Lorne.
A very nice post - very informative read and very interesting to read everyones comments too
We have discussed this topic many times Rosaria, so you know my position. The big name insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies hold Amrica by the balls, and Obama is trying to change that.
I live in Italy, where healthcare is free, so I shouldn't complain. But I am also American, so I'm sorry that this debate is deteriorating into a mass hysteria brawl. Potsoc puts it beautifully.
As far as the video, copy and paste this link in your post window. It is the speech on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSJugLUsM58
Ciao
Lola xx
I just don't know how the country will afford, this is my worry, but otherwise I can't understand why anyone would oppose it.
Maggie May--Americans tend to react to things/political debate according to party affiliations. The Republicans are mostly associated with business and banking, usually trying to protect profits and the status quo. They also tend to distrust government intervention.
NitWit1--Thanks for stopping by.
Rosemary--I've not been interested in politics until I retired and followed my husband to the local democratic group meetings. Then, I ran for school board and precinct captain, two elected posts. Now, I want what is best for people, regardless of which party is supporting that legislature. Retired folks have time to read and research issues. It is now my job to stay informed and help others do the same.
Ellen--This conversation started out just to help folks like you who couldn't afford insurance. The government already has Medicaid, a program for the poorest. But, there are 40 millions uninsured who are not poor, but still not able to purchase insurance that has become mostly unaffordable for all of our middle class. You are absolutely right: unless mandatory insurance is affordable, the problem is not solved.
Bonnie--Thanks for the tip. I should know by now; everyone should know these things. I learn as I need to these days. Thanks for stopping by.
Kristin--Thanks for stopping by and giving me a tutorial. I appreciate this help; I'll try.
Meredith--I agree, the nation needs to have civil conversations and solve the health care crisis. As for visiting your blog? I is a privilege for me to experience what you experience, what you describe. Few writers can touch our soul as you do.
Eddie--You folks in England, Canada, Italy are luckier than us right now.
Brian--Exactly the reason we need reform. My children went without insurance when they became young adults and couldn't be on my insurance any longer; they didn't have jobs that covered them; and they didn't make enough money to pay out of pocket. I do hope this year we change.
Ribbon--Yes, we do hope that the majority will prevail. What is so frustrating is how the conversation has now been muddied.
Woman-in-a window--It is not a fair debate. It is a distraction derby.
Paul--You got it right. Too many of our politicians are supported by people who would lose money.
Nancy--Yes, cross your fingers, sign petitions, and write to your representatives. If they don't hear from us, they will hear only the strident forces.
GutsyWriter--Thanks for visiting. Did you know that we fought against social security and medicare? A few years ago George Bush was attempting to privitize Social Security. If it had happened, all of us on social security would now have no benefits left. Wall Street gambles with money.
Kim--Yes, the minimum standards should be free. I would prefer the highest standards as well to be free.
The Walking Man--Profits are the guiding principles in our business ethics. Only government regulations and interventions have forced business to give fair wages and benefits, maintain fair standards and personnel laws. Without government, providing laws and education, we would be a band of pirates on the high seas.
Primeamerica--Thanks for visiting. Yes, the facts are clear; now our resolve must be clear too.
Eternally Distracted--Thanks for visiting
Lola--Good to see you. Yes, we need to get our act together and spend what needs to be spent. Most developed countries have this figured out already. Thanks for the link and the instructions. I was able to do it, I think!
Reasons--Pay we must, all of us; each in our measured way. Do you know that those in the highest rank of income pay the least percentage? They got a big "saving", while the middle class got a little one. Businesses always complain about taxes. Salaried people's income is transparent and taxes are deducted in advance. Non-salaried people can adjust and shelter a lot of their profits/income and reinvest and grow without any body touching their money. I'm talking about corporations that move their money off shore; pay fewer taxes because their work is off-shore; and the profits are neatly hidden.
I am still bothered by how the rhetoric went from health reform to health insurance reform. The dems blew this one - they should've started out with single payer medicare for all.
Oh sweet friend how right you are that Sheldon's life enriched ours.
Love Renee xooxo
As potsoc mentioned, we have some challenges with Canadian medicare, but are moving to correct those. Health care in Canada is beginning to take on a whole new approach, which I find quite exciting.
Interesting comment on Republicans. I've tried debating with them, and in the end, they just run away, largely because their theoretical, a priori arguments cannot stand the critical light of reality.
What disturbs me most is is the amount of mis-information and hysteria that is being whipped up by some sources. It is difficult to have a reasonable discussion with hysterical people.
I wish you Americans well as you try to sort out this mess.
One thing about taxes. I pay taxes in Canada. But my total income tax bill for the year, for all things -- federal and provincial (i.e., state) -- is less than a year's worth of U.S health care premiums. Strange, but true.
You mean pirates and rogues of the high seas like the banking, weapons and health care delivery conglomerates? It is time to take the economy back from business interests (a la Theodore Roosevelt and trust busting) and return to a more sane commodity driven and not consumer debt driven market place.
Last (this) summer a dear friend found out he had a bad cancer. The doctor said he needed surgery immediately. He went to a central Roman hospital, had the cancer removed in time, and now he is well, crossing fingers. He didn't spend a penny and was taken care very well.
I am all for Obama and I hope he will not be scared by the mass hysteria against his plan.
Good to get that message out - thank you. Maine's Senator Olympia Snowe is doing a great job of trying to come up with a compromise between Republican critics and Democratic supporters. If only more Republicans were like her.
I only know how to embed video if it is posted on YouTube. If you can find it there, copy and past the provided embed code ( in the html screen on your blog. Sometimes you have to play around with the display numbers in the code to get it to fit your template.
You could also try contracting the media/pr people at the White House.
I have yet to run across a negative blog about health care? Most of blogland seems to want it. I know that I do!!!
There was a time in this country when doctors made house calls and exchanged their services for a good meal...then lawyers decided that offering to heal someone was too honorable a deed and they found patients who were willing to sue. Strange that we now choose to focus on healthcare reform instead of reforming the court system, thus allowing doctors to once again tend to the sick instead of the courts.
Health Care Now, I agree!
One of our daughters recently was denied private (!) insurance for a non-reason. We were shocked, decades of experience with private insures in the States had not prepared us for that.
What irks me most is the absence of earnest back and forth in the discussion, simply being against is bad for all of us, even those lucky enough to have insurance (for now).
N.B.:
Thank you for being such a kind and supportive reader of my blog. Please know that I read and enjoy and appreciate all comments, even when I am not able to respond or visit your blog. It is simply a question of time, not will or want.
I think its a historical achievement...
I've got someone who needs some care, Rosaria....wanna come over and see? :)
I'm at a loss as to why anyone is against the change. An old college friend who moved to the US recently died from leukaemia because they couldn't afford the healthcare and ultimately went broke trying to do so and save her life. End of the day, she is dead and her bereaved husband is broke. That is so not right.
Hi. I'd like to thank Absolute Vanilla for her comment. It only proves that something really should be done. And I appreciate that the US president at least tries to deal with the current health insurance situation.
Wishing all the best,
Lorne
Hit 40: there are a number of blogs which are dead set against health Care Reform. One in particular, written by a die-hard Republican, is the one I referred to when I said Republicans, when ot comes to serious discussion of health care reform, "run away, largely because their theoretical, a priori arguments cannot stand the critical light of reality." Ironically, this individual is old enough to be on U.S. medicare, and has not refused to take that option.
Hi folks,
I appreciate that you share stories with us. We all know someone among our family members or friends who has had difficulties paying their bills, or obtaining appropriate care. This is a complex issue, affecting many parts of society, including tort reform as Michael pointed out. An insurance company executive blew the whistle on the practices advocated by many companies and we are clearly getting wiser about what needs to change.
We must remain focused and committed to getting the job done whatever it takes. Our first bill may be flawed; our legislature may need to compromise on many substantive issues to get something on the floor of the House; but, we need to move ahead, one step at a time, keeping the goals in mind. Thank you all for adding your stories to the conversation.
Notice that I changed my picture on mny profile just to celebrate this moment!
Well said, Rosaira! In the political world, you rarely win the war in the first battle.
This is an important discussion. And you have courageously tackled it here! Thank you too for your very kind comments on my post!!! It means so very much to me! I treasure your friendship! ~Janine XO
Wonderful!
All I know is this. I work a 9-5 job that takes me away from my kids for health care. My part time work pays more money and is more rewarding.
I just want to be able to choose my own, to pay for my own, anything but being chained to a desk for no other reason.
Aside to "God of Another World":
Legal reform is one of the key issues for which doctors are pressing, and have been for some time. The issue just gets lost in what some people think are "bigger concerns."
Aside to "Absolute Vanilla"
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. What you described is the battle we Canadians started fighting almost a century ago, and which picked up steam after WW2.
Our health care system is a bit off-track right now; we're moving to fix it.
Powerful achievements....
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