Health Summit OBAMA says, "I'm not here for those special interests..."

[vaberella]

Obama has said time and again that he's about us and I support him. A lot of people here were quick to judge not even taking into account the absurdity that Obama would be so unprofessional that he would rush to invite Conyers. People are spouting what they want...because they hear one side. That doesn't mean Obama is not looking at both sides...we ALL know the media is skewed. And they do everything to undermine him...many people here like jumping for the bait. Let's wait and see...

Anyway Obama's speech currently is proving that he cares about us and he's not about special interests. He's looking out for the common people and he's keeping all the options out there. In the end, the most rational outlook is that the nation WILL be single-payer eventually. We just have to create the option and make it good.

On another note...I would like to defend why I believe health care reform is going to end up single-payer even if it doesn't now. Why? Because people can't afford health care. Out of everything, it is the most expendable. When people start losing their health insurance because they lost their jobs...they will flood medicaid the same way they flood unemployment insurance agencies. That is going to demand serious serious reform. Sure some people leave, but with the economy in dire straights for a long time...unknown really. Then there's a strong chance that we can expect this expansion of medicare will grow to the point of taking over. It's going to open competition between the government and paid insurance. If companies are smart, they'll opt-out to focus on government subsidies for health care to bring down their costs and in the end it would crowd-out private insurance.

[knowbody0]

1. and he expects to take hits against him

it's a radical change coming, and many are in panic mode

[vaberella]

2. Completely...but fuck them. I'm more pissed by the members here

who are expecting the worst when he's not Bush or Clinton and he's working in an economy that is completely different. What I think people here need to realize is that this is a process but we'll get what we want because Obama does stand by his words and promises as best he can. What he's doing will be necessary and will have to happen.

[knowbody0]

9. almost like the trained mule who expects to be whipped

because he gets whipped every day. perspective is everything here. I think they need corrective lenses to see clearly now days.

[FrenchieCat]

5. Including even here on DU......

and in the end, they just end up being their own worst enemy.

Barack Obama can't do it alone, and I encourage us having conversations,
and pressure being put upon the President to hear our voices,
but I resent the hell out of those who would paint Obama as being someone who is inherently
against us, or would portray him as being so naive, that he would serve as a sucker of
those whose larger interests are against the people of this country.

In fact, I'm very tired of those who believe the worse until they are proven wrong.
Unfortunately, they are of the mindset that Barack Obama is similar to George Bush,
and I will repeat myself at the detriment of being labeled a cheerleader and an apologist,
when I say that many folks just have no clue as to the type of individual we have elected;
someone who truly is on our side, and really did come from us.

[vaberella]

8. Exactly..why do they keep equating them as the same.

It's like they won't give him the benefit. I would have hoped we would give him some credit. Oy.

[knowbody0]

10. I think he's secretely enjoying the panic reaction from

wall street. They really believe they are more important than main street when actually they are irrelevent. their greed created this chaos.

[Adelante]

16. Yep

:thumbsup:

[dflprincess]

3. Ted Kennedy has been advocating for a better health care system for more than 30 years

how much longer is "eventual" going to be?

[polichick]

4. Wonder how Teddy fits in with the President's healthcare plans.

[vaberella]

6. Now we have a platform that is getting heard.

Ted Kennedy was a Senator who had no power and the times weren't working for him. I don't want to marginalize the problem of the economic collapse, but I can tell you right now that the economic collapse is the best thing to get single-payer more ground. Obama has always said he supported single-payer and always said he would like it national but he's going through the process and allowing people to take on their private insurances. Now Ted Kennedy has a President in the W.H. who really supports his interests added to that the economic climate is great a stepping stone to make changes. I think if people have waited 30 years for the change Ted Kennedy was advocating a few more won't hurt.

I have NO health insurance. I became a supporter of Obama INITIALLY because of his stance on health care and he hasn't failed. I recognize the man is still choosing his cabinet, getting others verified. Plus he's dealing with a massive load. For the last 30 years that you throw Ted Kennedy out there...our economy HAS NEVER been this bad. So you might see this as something that's the top priority Obama's juggling a bit and I will give him time to exercise his change slowly than jump on all assumptions or speculations with no facts.

[FrenchieCat]

7. Your question has been answered......

as the person elected and was inaugurated on January 20th
is saying that the time is now.

However, I believe that working against him certainly won't help you get there.
So it appears that the answer to your question can be also answered by yourself.

Supporting our President's endeavor in this area is what is needed,
so that you won't be asking what you are asking now in 4 years again.

[dflprincess]

11. I find it very difficult to support a system that includes the crooks that have been robbing us

blind for years (and I used to work for one of those outfits - believe me, your health is the last thing they care about). I do not understand why Obama can't figure out that there is a difference between access to insurance and access to care.

As I've said before, I'll know Obama is on the right track when the for-profit insurers start screaming - so far they are being way too quiet.

[FrenchieCat]

13. What you don't understand apparently is what it is that Obama does understand.......

If I were you, I'd keep on naysaying.....understanding that at some point,
you may have to stop doing so. I do believe that the day will come,
sooner than you think, although it won't be soon enough for me.

[vaberella]

14. Frenchie didn't you love the summit...

I hear this moving more and more to single payer; majority was advocating for health insurance.

[dflprincess]

15. Nothing would make me happier

single payer can't get here soon enough for me either. And I'll give Obama credit to listening to the messages he was getting that he shouldn't exclude single payer advocates from his health summit - though I wonder why he didn't include them from the start.

[Sebastian Doyle]

12. Worse than that.

President Truman tried to reform health care over 60 years ago. Germany and Japan got health care, the Repuke congress blocked it here.