March 23, 2010
— Ace Levin wants his $2500 cut in premiums per year, as promised dozens of times by Obama. And he wants the $940 billion price tag held to the penny.
That medley of Obama's dozens of promises to cut premiums by $2500 per year is going to appear in a lot of ads.
Megan McArdle also asks for "accountability for the bill," and wants to keep a close eye on which of the many promises made by HCR's proponents actually come to pass, and which do not. Her prediction? None of them will, except for a few in a trivial manner.
Now -- huddle up near your fainting-couch, because this is going to shock you -- those who sold ObamaCare with these promises are now objecting to calling them promises at all, and object to McArdle's push to keep score.
McArdle likes the mortality rate and average lifespan predictions especially, since they are such well-known numbers. It is easily determined if the liberals' claims lies are true. And it's precisely because this is such an easy determination to make that Ezra Klein and fellow travelers object to using their own claims as benchmarks.
ObamaCare Evangelist Ezra Klein, who draws a paycheck from the Washington Post despite the fact his true employer is clearly the progressive caucus of the Democratic Party, is the first to squeal that his claims that ObamaCare would reduce mortality has been taken out of context, or something, and by "taken out of context," he seems to mean merely "noticed by someone else."
Apropos of my earlier post, Ezra Klein writes to complain that I have erroneously grouped him in with Nick Kristof. I should be clear that Kristof's estimates on their own suggest that the death rate should drop by 20% or so over the next ten years; Ezra's estimates are just gravy.But this triggered a back and forth about what it means to claim that "hundreds of thousands" of people will be saved by this bill, and similar. A lot of my correspondents on the left seem to think that I am trying to set up some sort of a gotcha--to make this into a "contest". Or that making predictions is just "sour grapes".
That seems like a more apt description of people who just induced us to pass a bill that will ultimately cost more than $200 billion a year--the fifth or sixth largest line item in the US budget. During that debate I heard a lot about the 20-45,000 people who were dying from lack of insurance every year. I heard about how US mortality indicators lagged behind the rest of the developed world. I heard about infant mortality. I heard, over and over again, about medical bankruptcies, and how medical bills were bankrupting America. I heard about the CBO score that said this bill would be deficit neutral. Let me know if I've missed anything, but it seems to me that mortality, financial protection, and deficit-improvement were the three major planks upon which this bill was sold. They are certainly the bulk of the anecdotes that fill heart-rending articles and presidential speeches.
Forgive me, but to my admittedly naive ears, this sounds like what you are saying is that you think that if we cover the uninsured, we will have lower mortality rates, fewer medical bankruptcies, and a lower deficit.
...However "imperfect" this bill is, you got what you wanted: virtually all the uninsured are covered, and those who aren't covered probably aren't particularly unhealthy. So now you should be willing to state that all the marvelous things you claimed would come to pass, will actually come to pass. Over a reasonable time frame.
...
[The American voters] were regaled with eye-popping statistics on deaths from lack of health insurance--I certainly was, by many of the very same commenters who are now suddenly wary of prediction making. If you quoted those statistics, you were committing to a pretty strong position on the benefits of this bill. By my count, since we're now supposed to be covering at least 2/3 of those who are currently uninsured, and the remainder are often immigrants who trend younger than the general population, you believe that we should see a reduction of at least 15,000 deaths a year. You might argue me down to 12,000, but you couldn't get me as low as ten. That is what is implied by citing a figure of 20,000 deaths a year.
If you quoted Himmelstein et al's 45,000, obviously you should be expecting deaths to fall by at least 25,000 a year, very conservatively. If we don't see such improvements, then those studies were wrong. And if you won't commit to saying that you expect such a sizable reduction in our mortality rate, then you were wrong to cite them.
...
If you don't think that any of the effects of this bill will be large enough to measure and hopefully, large enough to justify the price tag of this bill, then I have to ask two questions:
1) Why the hell are we spending $200 billion a year, plus the mandated spending by individuals and employers on premiums, plus the new money the states will have to spend on Medicaid?
2) Why on earth did you bring up all these apparently irrelevant statistics?
The only thing faster than Ezra Klein moving towards a television camera is Ezra Klein moving away from predictions and promises he made previously to those television cameras.
Posted by: Ace at
02:11 PM
| Comments (245)
Post contains 929 words, total size 6 kb.
Posted by: Guy Fawkes at March 23, 2010 02:17 PM (ympF8)
Posted by: The Democratic Party at March 23, 2010 02:17 PM (HBQz0)
Posted by: Ogg the Caveman at March 23, 2010 02:17 PM (h22YH)
THE MOTHER OF ALL PUNCHING BAGS
beat it like it owes you money, and never stop beating it....
Posted by: SantaRosaStan at March 23, 2010 02:17 PM (JrRME)
"I'm going to apply for one of those jobs on the "death panel". I figure its the best way to protect my family. (and get rid of registered democrats)."
And anyone who donates to Democrats. Keep that iPhone handy while reviewing patient decisions . . .
Posted by: Cobalt Shiva at March 23, 2010 02:19 PM (v3pYe)
New numbers, equally divorced from reality, will appear as Papa Doc Obama needs them.
You would think by now the general public would have figured this out. But then, it took a hell of a long time to get to Bernie Madoff.
Everyone will live forever and have unicorns to ride.
Posted by: Ray-man at March 23, 2010 02:19 PM (wjKK0)
I'd rather have the administration and Washington junta arrested ...
As to the wild lies promises of the left, why would these be any different from the transparent lies these people spew every minute of the day? I mean, who really trusts any of these people? This reminds me of the Porkulus and all the ridiculous crap that came from that, not to mention the simple promise that it would keep unemployment under 8%. And, when presented with the fact that they had lied their asses off, what did The Precedent and his henchmen say? That they had underestimated how bad things were ... even though the Indonesian Imbecile had been ranting about how we were all going to die if the Porkulus wasn't passed and how we would go into an irrecoverable recession ... but they had underestimated it - what is worse than teetering on the edge of an irrecoverable recession?
These people are transparent liars and they have been exposed time and again. I can't see that another 100 examples of their lies and stupidity is going to change anything. They lie and everyone knows it. But not enough people seem to care.
Posted by: progressoverpeace at March 23, 2010 02:20 PM (A46hP)
Posted by: Dems, kicking you in the nuts while giving you the finger at March 23, 2010 02:20 PM (sGaoh)
I want to know when, not if, my employer changes insurance, or drops my insurance, and my doctor is not part of the new plan, what government agency do I call or what form do I fill out so that I can keep my doctor.
After all, I was promised, if I like my doctor, I can keep him.
Posted by: AndrewsDad at March 23, 2010 02:23 PM (C2//T)
First came the New Deal. Now we have the Big Fucking Deal. All without lube. Awesome.
Will it be called the Big Fucking Deal in the history books? Cause it's catchy.
Posted by: di butler, superflybitch at March 23, 2010 02:23 PM (S3xX1)
After all, I was promised, if I like my doctor, I can keep him.
Posted by: AndrewsDad at March 23, 2010 06:23 PM (C2//T)
Sure you can keep him ... keep him in your basement.
/Despicable, lying dem
Posted by: progressoverpeace at March 23, 2010 02:25 PM (A46hP)
/Ezra Klein
Posted by: Phil at March 23, 2010 02:25 PM (tOzKE)
Will it be called the Big Fucking Deal in the history books? Cause it's catchy.
Posted by: di butler, superflybitch at March 23, 2010 06:23 PM (S3xX1)
I love it!
Posted by: progressoverpeace at March 23, 2010 02:25 PM (A46hP)
“There is non-controversial stuff here like the preexisting conditions exclusion and those sorts of things,” the Texas Republican said. “Now we are not interested in repealing that. And that is frankly a distraction.” John Cornyn
Now there is a Republican who deserves our support./s
Posted by: Atomic Roach at March 23, 2010 02:26 PM (Oxen1)
Posted by: Dan at March 23, 2010 02:26 PM (1jzSs)
And I'm the source of it. Go Joe!
Posted by: Joe Biden at March 23, 2010 02:27 PM (otlXg)
Posted by: billygoat at March 23, 2010 02:27 PM (5qJM5)
Screw that. I want my premiums reduced by 3000%.
Posted by: progressoverpeace at March 23, 2010 02:28 PM (A46hP)
Half of Obuzzards supporters only hear "Free" and the rest of them are died-in the wool dems who would vote for Satan if he had a (D) by his name. Their comments are consistently "we won- you lost so suck it Republicans."
Posted by: Barbarosa at March 23, 2010 02:28 PM (tKEtn)
This is as dumb as talking about immigration reform while you do nothing to stop illegal immigration.
Posted by: Rocks at March 23, 2010 02:29 PM (Y8smK)
You can keep him, you just can't keep-keep him.
Posted by: Brendan at March 23, 2010 02:30 PM (saRwI)
There is no chance in hell premiums fall 2500 dollars.
That was for the average family. You are not the average family. Case closed.
Posted by: Barracky at March 23, 2010 02:30 PM (Xu6d3)
1) Why the hell are we spending $200 billion a year, plus the mandated spending by individuals and employers on premiums, plus the new money the states will have to spend on Medicaid?
2) Why on earth did you bring up all these apparently irrelevant statistics?The democrat answer: *gufaww* *Fuck you, I won!*
Posted by: Lemon Kitten at March 23, 2010 02:32 PM (0fzsA)
Mayor Michael Bloomberg released a doomsday scenario Tuesday, saying if Albany goes through with cuts to city aid he will be forced to make massive layoffs -- possibly the worst in decades.
It's a grim equation for a grim time. Bloomberg said that Albany's threatened cut of $1.3 billion in state aid equals the elimination of 19,000 jobs.
Posted by: Guy Fawkes at March 23, 2010 02:32 PM (ympF8)
Posted by: the repeatedly abused, by Dims, Chicken at March 23, 2010 02:34 PM (ucq49)
Posted by: Bob Zimmerman at March 23, 2010 02:34 PM (JrRME)
Will it be called the Big Fucking Deal in the history books? Cause it's catchy.
Posted by: di butler, superflybitch at March 23, 2010 06:23 PM (S3xX1)
I love it!
Posted by: progressoverpeace at March 23, 2010 06:25 PM (A46hP)
An ounce of pot in every pot and shit in every sandwich.
Posted by: WalrusRex at March 23, 2010 02:34 PM (xxgag)
Let me repost this so it has a chance to be seen
Preamble for the Repeal of the Health Care Act of 2010
WE THE PEOPLE of the United States of America in order to restore our more perfect union, re-establish the will of the people, insure individual autonomy, provide for a sound public finance, promote a general respect for the rule of law, and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity DO CONDEMN and SHALL REPEAL The Health Care Reform Bill of the 111th Congress of the United States of America
Posted by: Ob77 at March 23, 2010 02:36 PM (dwISs)
Posted by: Barbarosa at March 23, 2010 02:36 PM (tKEtn)
I think we are going to find that a lot of what the dems promised or claimed were lies to get this thing passed.
Kinda hard to believe isn't it?
Posted by: Bosk at March 23, 2010 02:37 PM (pUO5u)
Posted by: Guy Fawkes at March 23, 2010 06:32 PM (ympF
Bloomberg's got over 10 billion. Why doesn't he make it up out of his own pocket? $i.3 billion would just be one or two years of his capital gains. If he likes being such a nanny, let him shell out a few bucks to save the city. How much did the prick spend to buy the mayor's office? 100 million? So he could reach into his pocket for a little more to benefit the city, instead of his ego.
I really hate these people, with a vengeance.
Posted by: progressoverpeace at March 23, 2010 02:37 PM (A46hP)
We speak the way we breathe
Present air will have to do
Rearrange and see it through
Stupid fucking words
They tangle us in our desires
Free me from this give and take
Free me from this great debate
There were no truer words than when spoken
Let that stand as it should
There was nothing left when broken
We grab anything when we fall
Posted by: Ian MacKaye at March 23, 2010 02:38 PM (Mmw0q)
Hard to add much to such an observation other than Captain Bullshit's nickname describes him to a Ford Fucking Model-'T'.
Posted by: Christoph at March 23, 2010 02:38 PM (0fq7b)
"They passed health care....so Obama about TO DO SEX WITH ME!"
What you'll get is NOTHING! He's gonna make us air tight.
Posted by: the American people at March 23, 2010 02:41 PM (ucq49)
Posted by: rplat at March 23, 2010 02:41 PM (G1ArL)
Posted by: billygoat at March 23, 2010 06:27 PM (5qJM5)
I'd be surprised if he can talk today for all the yelling he was doing. I'd love to see a mangina douche tool like Ezra debate Mark; he'd need an adult diaper for the rest of his miserable jizz-swilling excuse for a life.
Posted by: Captain Hate at March 23, 2010 02:41 PM (ZxEhm)
Mayor Michael Bloomberg released a doomsday scenario Tuesday, saying if Albany goes through with cuts to city aid he will be forced to make massive layoffs -- possibly the worst in decades.
It's a grim equation for a grim time. Bloomberg said that Albany's threatened cut of $1.3 billion in state aid equals the elimination of 19,000 jobs.
if those are government jobs, it's a good start. that's the only way California can change it's present course on the handbasket-to-hell ride it's presently on.....
Posted by: the Butcher at March 23, 2010 02:41 PM (8g9qq)
Please don't insult me by lumping me in with her.
Posted by: My Pussy at March 23, 2010 02:41 PM (QuP9W)
A lot depends on the judges who hear it -- and how deeply in Papa Doc Obama's pocket they are -- but it's a start.
Certainly more effective than the "Online Tax Revolt" Ed Morrissey is touting over at Tepid Air.
Of course you can design your own avatars for that one! And you can join hotshots like Mike Shuckabee, Joe the Plumber and good ol' Ed his own self....
Posted by: Ray-man at March 23, 2010 02:42 PM (wjKK0)
We really need to overturn this regime and start a new nation. There are some blueprints available that would serve nicely, written by some guy named Jefferson and his crew a few centuries ago. We used to use it here but it kind of got forgotten sometime in the 1930s.
Posted by: epobirs at March 23, 2010 02:42 PM (Bk4z/)
Posted by: Steve L. at March 23, 2010 02:43 PM (mIIVr)
Posted by: Barbarosa at March 23, 2010 02:43 PM (tKEtn)
Levin right now still waiting for someone, anyone, to send in video or audio of the allege racial slurs from the weekend's Tea Party rally.
Posted by: logprof at March 23, 2010 02:43 PM (Mmw0q)
Posted by: alexthechick at March 23, 2010 02:43 PM (tNr7w)
Screw that. I want my premiums reduced by 3000%."
ThatÂ’s brilliant. Email the WH and every Benedict Dim that voted for this Obamination, every day, asking when you can expect your 3000% premium decrease.
Write letters to your local rag sheet too. Ellie Light style. Asking when youÂ’ll get it.
Posted by: keep fighting! at March 23, 2010 02:44 PM (ucq49)
Hey Joe, check out your picture on Drudge - you look like a drunk and/or insane marionette.
Posted by: Daisy at March 23, 2010 02:45 PM (T0ga9)
Just how the hell much are those people getting paid?
Posted by: alexthechick at March 23, 2010 02:46 PM (tNr7w)
Posted by: Iamnotanalcoholic at March 23, 2010 02:49 PM (2Wa3t)
^^^
Why are we not hearing more from these people? The arbitrary 10% tax goes into effect tomorrow. Why are they not marching on Washington?
Posted by: Smapty at March 23, 2010 02:49 PM (bAySe)
Posted by: alexthechick
How much you'se got?
Posted by: Public Union Thug at March 23, 2010 02:49 PM (w8ddH)
John Cornyn's Texas office...512-494-8535.
Spoke with Amanda and voiced my disappointment in his statement. Please take a moment and make his phone jump. WE have to keep the pressure on...even the guys on "our side" apparently. His statement is a recklessly stupid political mistake and the practical implications are even worse.
His statement will certainly give cover to the Maine Squisheys and others who are partial to government programs.
Call him, please.
Posted by: The Hammer at March 23, 2010 02:52 PM (YBTwf)
They want to cozy up to health care...just repeal of little of it...
Rino's on parade....
Cornyn the great Indian worker crusader (dispersing American workers) and Crist supporter and McConnell of the wobbly chin...
Posted by: non_dhimmie at March 23, 2010 02:52 PM (zACGu)
Ha! I totally figured out how to use a calculator and just saw that. Okay, you want to tell me that the city can't come up with $70k in cost savings and alternate that per job loss.
Or, just to be nutty, maybe you could freaking FIRE some of those teachers who are getting $100k plus to sit on their asses while their discharge paperwork goes through.
Posted by: alexthechick at March 23, 2010 02:52 PM (tNr7w)
Bloomberg said that Albany's threatened cut of $1.3 billion in state aid equals the elimination of 19,000 jobs.
Boo fucking who. The more gubmint workers shit canned. The better.
Posted by: keep fighting! at March 23, 2010 02:52 PM (ucq49)
Posted by: Timbo at March 23, 2010 02:53 PM (7GgDy)
Posted by: Barbarosa at March 23, 2010 02:53 PM (tKEtn)
The first rule of Obamacare is we don't talk about Obamacare.
The first rule of federal work is "we don't believe in accountability".
Posted by: Vic at March 23, 2010 02:54 PM (QrA9E)
If you're trolling for a "McArdle Seemingly Gratuitously Denounces Levin" followup, well played.
Posted by: oblig. at March 23, 2010 02:55 PM (x7Ao8)
How about not continuing to pay the pertpetual underclass in the country for their shittiness and irresponsibility?
Why the fuck should the decent hard-working members of this society continually fund millions of worthless slugs who wouldn't lift a finger for themselves? They're not children.
I live a few hundred yards from the third largest colonia in all of Mexico. I can what real poverty is, and what it does to decent people living under a corrupt and vicious system.
Our perpetual welfare class is, on the whole, neither decent, nor deserving. Obama and the other commies can shove their "social justice" and kleptocracy up their ass.
To be productive and prosperous, America has to reward productivity and let the market punish the willfully parasitic.
My newsletter, by the way, is only available to hot women with big hooters.. Sweater puppy photos can be used as currency.
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 02:55 PM (h22YH)
Posted by: fightobama at March 23, 2010 02:55 PM (6IV8T)
Posted by: louis tully at March 23, 2010 02:55 PM (Vc/xe)
Democrats to Spend 'Deficit Savings' in Health-Care Overhaul [Jeffrey H. Anderson]
FromPolitico W.H. ASSURES AMA: DOC FIX COMING THIS SPRING: Inside Health Policy's Brett Coughlin reports: 'A board member of the American Medical Association has twice been assured personally that the White House will continue to push for a repeal of the Medicare physician payment formula this spring after health reform passes, according to a source who was on an AMA conference call Friday. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this means that the newly passed health-care overhaul would increase deficits by $139 billion from 2015 to 2019 alone, and by far more in subsequent years. And that's not even counting all of the other budgetary gimmicks in the bill, such as its rampant double-counting, as Rep. Paul Ryan highlights here.The only reason that the White House could ever claim, however implausibly, that its health-care bill would not dramatically increase deficits was because the Democrats instructed the CBO to give the bill credit for "savings" from reducing doctors' pay under Medicare by over 20 percent and never raising it back up. Now it comes out that, even before the Senate bill was passed by the House, the Democrats were already telling one of the most prominent groups that they had coaxed into publicly supporting the legislation, the AMA, that they planned to repeal these "savings" — and to do so before the season turned from spring to summer. There are words for people like this, and "cynical," "disingenuous," and "deceitful" are some of the nicer ones.
Posted by: Lemon Kitten at March 23, 2010 02:56 PM (0fzsA)
That's straight salary. Not benefits. Don't be fooled.
Good point. And since they're NYC employees, they're probably insane bennies.
Posted by: Kratos (missing from the side of Mt Olympus) at March 23, 2010 02:56 PM (otlXg)
Posted by: BSR at March 23, 2010 02:56 PM (AysYp)
Posted by: alexthechick
That's out here in California. All in all it takes about 7 years to fire a teacher and they still get paid the whole time.
Posted by: mpfs at March 23, 2010 02:57 PM (QuP9W)
My newsletter, by the way, is only available to hot women with big hooters.. Sweater puppy photos can be used as currency.
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 06:55 PM (h22YH)
I find your ideas very interesting. I have no interest in subscribing to your newsletter, but I'd like to scan your mailing list.
Posted by: progressoverpeace at March 23, 2010 02:58 PM (A46hP)
Fuck these stooges, too. Give em 24 hrs to get out of town, and put the torch to the whole thing.
Posted by: louis tully at March 23, 2010 02:58 PM (Vc/xe)
TexasJew at March 23, 2010 06:55 PM (h22YH)
Agreed. And I'll go further by saying most of these people aren't Americans. They're not. They don't believe in the ideals of this country and never will. We need to deal with them accordingly when the shit goes down. And we will.
Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at March 23, 2010 02:58 PM (P33XN)
I thought NYC had the same thing with these rooms where the teacher have to go and sit there while the process goes through.
Posted by: alexthechick at March 23, 2010 02:59 PM (tNr7w)
California...*shakes head*.
Posted by: John McClane at March 23, 2010 02:59 PM (otlXg)
good luck with that. or had you forgot, they just make up the rules as they go along?
Posted by: Unclefacts, Purveyor of Fine Meteors at March 23, 2010 03:00 PM (erIg9)
Posted by: shank at March 23, 2010 03:00 PM (ZPbFI)
Posted by: Kevin in ABQ at March 23, 2010 03:01 PM (RekTL)
My newsletter, by the way, is only available to hot women with big hooters.. Sweater puppy photos can be used as currency.
Sweet! "Money" in the bank for me!
Posted by: ParanoidGirlInSeattle at March 23, 2010 03:01 PM (RZ8pf)
Seriously, so you catch them in another lie. "Did I say that?" Oops, my bad. This is the conservative response to the socialization of the nation? fucking pathetic
Posted by: louis tully at March 23, 2010 03:02 PM (Vc/xe)
I sent him an email and told him if he didn't want his name added to the list of the other 219 traitors, repeal the whole damn thing. We the People demand it.
Posted by: incognito at March 23, 2010 03:02 PM (u6X4c)
"That's out here in California. All in all it takes about 7 years to fire a teacher and they still get paid the whole time."
True enough, but FUCK them. The whole state of CA. They created "their" problem. Let them live with it.
Nullification. Let all the Blue States reap what they've sown. When all those gimmes get shit canned, guess where all the violence will break out?
Posted by: Life's a bitch at March 23, 2010 03:03 PM (ucq49)
Posted by: Warden at March 23, 2010 03:03 PM (QoR4a)
Posted by: fightobama at March 23, 2010 06:55 PM (6IV8T)
Cronyn is going to have to do a "Man Called Horse" torture thing in a Sioux sweathouse to make up for that shit-for-brains endorsement of Crist.
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 03:03 PM (h22YH)
Then guess where I'm going? South of the border to Mexico. At least I'll get quality health care and feel safe.
Posted by: mpfs at March 23, 2010 03:04 PM (QuP9W)
Posted by: Senator Cornyn at March 23, 2010 03:05 PM (h22YH)
I also recall Obama saying I'd get 3,000% of my premiums back from my employer.
I'm looking forward to that cool $250k raise next year.
Posted by: JohnTant at March 23, 2010 03:05 PM (Wos/8)
Levin wants his $2500 cut in premiums per year, as promised dozens of times by Obama. And he wants the $940 billion price tag held to the penny.
Ha Ha that's really funny. Why do you morons keep falling into my trap. If I can claim that I've saved a gazillion jobs while the unemployment rate was going up what makes you think I won't be able to claim I saved you $2500 when your premiums go up?
Posted by: Captain Bullshit at March 23, 2010 03:06 PM (tOzKW)
Posted by: alexthechick
They have Lara Croft dolls? Where have I been?
Do they come with a sort of Barbie Dream House setup?
Posted by: mpfs at March 23, 2010 03:06 PM (QuP9W)
Do they come with a sort of Barbie Dream House setup?
Even better. Weapons.
Posted by: alexthechick at March 23, 2010 03:08 PM (tNr7w)
Posted by: Lefty Hussein McMoonbat at March 23, 2010 03:08 PM (saRwI)
Sweet! "Money" in the bank for me!
Posted by: ParanoidGirlInSeattle at March 23, 2010 07:01 PM (RZ8pf)
PGiS: you were my entire focus group!
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 03:10 PM (h22YH)
Posted by: ratskeller at March 23, 2010 03:10 PM (YhYla)
Posted by: George Hamilton at March 23, 2010 03:10 PM (pq986)
AoSers, please call or email Senator Cornyn and help him understand we're listening and watching. 512-494-8535 is his Texas office.
Posted by: The Hammer at March 23, 2010 03:11 PM (YBTwf)
Posted by: incognito at March 23, 2010 03:12 PM (u6X4c)
So did Alec Baldwin about moving if Bush won in 2004.
Posted by: Kratos (missing from the side of Mt Olympus) at March 23, 2010 03:12 PM (otlXg)
The Nigerian email scammers would have an easy target with the Obama suck-ups.
Posted by: Barbarosa at March 23, 2010 03:12 PM (tKEtn)
Yeah, well Rush Limbaugh lied about moving to Costa Rica if healthcare reform passed.
He didn't lie. What he said was that he'd be going to Costa Rica for medical care. Like I said, Costa Rica is the place where the good medicine will go.
Posted by: Iamnotanalcoholic at March 23, 2010 03:14 PM (2Wa3t)
A insurance woman on Limbaugh is predicting this, and we all know it's the Dem path to single payer, but she was sad that the increases don't come till January. But groups like mine in CA have open enrollment in the early fall and negotiate their pricing well before that.
It will be premium-ageddon in Septemer, or the status quo will be supported by stimulus money. Either way, it spells doom for the Dems in November.
Posted by: PJ at March 23, 2010 03:17 PM (pizFh)
I've actually thought about moving to Costa Rica. Gorgeous place, fairly stable, used to be reasonable housing prices. Now it's looking even better.
Posted by: alexthechick at March 23, 2010 03:18 PM (tNr7w)
Posted by: CDR M at March 23, 2010 03:18 PM (cvmTR)
Let's see, like most Americans in my retirement savings, I have a box of Jerry Ford's "Whip InflationNow!" buttons, some broken 1978 "Star Wars" action figures, a fridge full of collectible Billy Beer cans, a signed copy of "My Life" by Bill Clinton and a slightly used Chia Obama.
Yes, I'm set pretty well...
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 03:19 PM (h22YH)
Posted by: Rat Patrol at March 23, 2010 03:20 PM (dQdrY)
"I've actually thought about moving to Costa Rica. "
I've got a childhood friend, that made the move last summer. He loves it!
Posted by: hope I can room with him at March 23, 2010 03:20 PM (ucq49)
O think the Dems know that what they are pushing is utter nonsense, but they didn't really expect that the country would be stupid enough to approve it, and now that is is approved, they don't know what the hell to do.
Posted by: pep at March 23, 2010 03:21 PM (0K3p3)
Like you know wtf you're talking about Limbaugh said he was going to buy Roca Cista...
Idiot
Posted by: The guy that didn't get the joke at March 23, 2010 03:21 PM (e9JZd)
Posted by: PJ at March 23, 2010 07:17 PM (pizFh)
Of course it will, but only for the rest of us. In any event, no one will notice, since the Dims are going to ban life insurance companies from age discrimination, next. The next frontier of the uncivil rights movement. And they are even thinking about stopping the horrid discrimination against the newly dead, who need life insurance more than anyone.
Posted by: progressoverpeace at March 23, 2010 03:21 PM (A46hP)
If there are necessary reforms to be made to the system, deal with them openly and honestly, and responsibly. AFTER this bullshit is destroyed.
You quibble about this. You equivocate about this. You say, speak, act in any fashion other than you're going to take a giant fucking meathammer to this piece of shit law, and I will do everything in my power to see you never hold a public job more important than garbage truck washer.
This is it Republicans. Either do it completely, or fuck or completely.
Posted by: Unclefacts, Purveyor of Fine Meteors at March 23, 2010 03:21 PM (erIg9)
Gee, if I get an insurance cut of $2500 bucks I promise to go to Disneyland....and I LOATHE Disney.
Trouble is I get nothing when....(get this) I.get.nothing. And you can be sure that that will happen.
Posted by: torabora at March 23, 2010 03:21 PM (zMVot)
Agreed! This entire healthcare set-up has been pre-determined by Obama to go single-payer. Cockster Bill O'Reilly needs to wise up to this fact.
Posted by: George Hamilton at March 23, 2010 03:22 PM (pq986)
"This is it Republicans. Either do it completely, or fuck or completely."
???? What ??????
Lost me. Probably like me, you're so pissed, your brain is way ahead of your (typing) fingers.
Posted by: beam me the fuck up, Scotty at March 23, 2010 03:24 PM (ucq49)
Posted by: Rat Patrol at March 23, 2010 07:20 PM (dQdrY)
There has been some talk already. There is the first new American medical school in years down here in El Paso, and some of the docs have been looking at setting up clinics across the Rio Grande.
Prescription drugs are cheap as hell over in Juarez. Just don't go to any kids' birthday parties ovee at the Consulate...
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 03:25 PM (h22YH)
Si. Please bring cash. So much quicker for us rather than that whole call-the-card- company-and-get-a -cash-transfer -or-we-will- slaughter-you -and-your-family routine.
Posted by: Mexican Drug Cartels at March 23, 2010 03:25 PM (w8ddH)
Posted by: mpfs at March 23, 2010 03:26 PM (QuP9W)
Posted by: FUBAR at March 23, 2010 03:26 PM (1fanL)
And they are even thinking about stopping the horrid discrimination against the newly dead, who need life insurance more than anyone.
The newly dead must have already gotten some promises about that, judging from how happy they look in the pic on the main page.
Posted by: Mama AJ at March 23, 2010 03:27 PM (Be4xl)
Lost me. Probably like me, you're so pissed, your brain is way ahead of your (typing) fingers.
Posted by: beam me the fuck up, Scotty at March 23, 2010 07:24 PM
(ucq49)
they either fix this shit, as their one and only priority come november, or they can fuck off as a party as far as I'm concerned. they've played the middle for decades, it's put up, or shut up time for them if they want my continued support.
Posted by: Unclefacts, Purveyor of Fine Meteors at March 23, 2010 03:27 PM (erIg9)
Kos Klit, are ya? Moby? Tell axelturd you failed!
Posted by: beamthe Left never stops at March 23, 2010 03:28 PM (ucq49)
and I will do everything in my power to see you never hold a public job more important than garbage truck washer.
Uncle, I'm more of the mind that they spend the rest of their days making small meteors out of big meteors in a FEMA camp.
Posted by: torabora at March 23, 2010 03:28 PM (zMVot)
Posted by: Annabelle at March 23, 2010 03:28 PM (a2N1Y)
Posted by: Unclefacts, Purveyor of Fine Meteors at March 23, 2010 03:28 PM (erIg9)
Hey I've got a bunch of those California Raisin figures.
Posted by: Vic at March 23, 2010 07:27 PM (QrA9E)
Why do you want to put us out of business?
Posted by: Rossland Capital at March 23, 2010 03:28 PM (h22YH)
Uncle, I'm more of the mind that they spend the rest of their days making small meteors out of big meteors in a FEMA camp.
Posted by: torabora at March 23, 2010 07:28 PM (zMVot)
works for me too.
Posted by: Unclefacts, Purveyor of Fine Meteors at March 23, 2010 03:29 PM (erIg9)
Posted by: JavaJoe at March 23, 2010 03:29 PM (e9JZd)
Posted by: JavaJoe at March 23, 2010 07:29 PM (e9JZd)
seriously. come on guys think.
Posted by: Unclefacts, Purveyor of Fine Meteors at March 23, 2010 03:30 PM (erIg9)
Posted by: Kratos (missing from the side of Mt Olympus) at March 23, 2010 03:30 PM (otlXg)
Posted by: Waiting to Retire at March 23, 2010 03:30 PM (2kf2s)
President Obama signed the Senate health care bill into law Tuesday. He did not sign the executive order on abortion negotiated with Michigan Democratic Congressman Bart Stupak in an 11th-hour arrangement that may well have saved the entire health care reform effort.
A White House official told Fox, Obama will not sign the Executive Order Tuesday and has set no specific date to do so. Stupak predicted Obama would sign the order later this week. The White House said only that Obama would sign the order "soon."
In two celebratory speeches Tuesday - one at the bill's signing, the other at the Interior Department with health care advocates - Obama said nothing about the abortion issue or the executive order.
Posted by: conscious and trying to control my anger at March 23, 2010 03:30 PM (Vu6sl)
Then Stupak can go to his district and be on "our side".
Posted by: JavaJoe at March 23, 2010 03:30 PM (e9JZd)
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 03:30 PM (h22YH)
Posted by: Dede Scozafava (I lost and now I'm horny) at March 23, 2010 03:30 PM (2Wa3t)
Posted by: Y-not at March 23, 2010 03:31 PM (Kn9r7)
Posted by: fgdfg at March 23, 2010 07:29 PM (bCj4d)
Using sock puppets too. How cleaver. Another graduate of the Dim's school of PC.
Posted by: Can I say Bite me? at March 23, 2010 03:32 PM (ucq49)
I am just ecstatic. Just imagine, my insurance premiums are going down $2500 and I didn't vote for the Obamatron. Also, to make matters worse, I would never consider jumping Michelle's bones, but I will still be in the money once Obama personally lowers my premiums.
I know that liberal/Marxist never lie because Barbra Streisand and Nancy Pelosi told me the so. Well, let's call it liberal truth, which means that every fucking word from their taco holes is a lie. Liberals lie because it's a way of life with these scumbags. Hate 'um.
Posted by: Fish at March 23, 2010 03:32 PM (M5t+h)
There's LOTS of stuff to hold Ezra Klein accountable.
This is the same lefty jack-hole that accused Lieberman of "willing to cause the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people in order to settle an old electoral score".
OK Ezra, let's start counting the people saved (or is that created?) with Obama care. Something tells me he won't be able to really pull that one off.
Posted by: Jim in San Diego at March 23, 2010 03:32 PM (F09Uo)
Cleaver. We don't have guillotines in this country.
Posted by: Can I say Bite me? at March 23, 2010 03:33 PM (ucq49)
Posted by: Methos at March 23, 2010 03:33 PM (Xsi7M)
Posted by: Jeapordy Contestant at March 23, 2010 03:33 PM (zMVot)
Posted by: PJ at March 23, 2010 07:17 PM (pizFh)
----------
No, you silly, the govt is putting a cap on increases. If you are old enough you can remember your license plate telling you what day you could buy gas. That's what is coming, shortages of medical personnel and equipment, doctors and drugs.
"If your social security number ends in an even number, you can see a doctor in 6 months. If it's an odd number, 12 months. Thanks for calling your IRS healthcare hotline."
Posted by: Meremortal at March 23, 2010 03:34 PM (F5BBI)
I could sure use an immediate $2500 reduction to help pay my copays. I'm not on Medicare, either, although I am eligible.
They hemmed and hawed and asked to "call me back." (Yeah right.)
It made me so angry to call these jerks. What good does it do except to harass the drones in the congressional offices? It sounds good but it is pointless because the congressmen themselves are isolated from the results of their legislation.
Posted by: ExZonie at March 23, 2010 03:34 PM (as47X)
Why don't you go back home to Rahm's toilet.
Posted by: Iamnotanalcoholic at March 23, 2010 03:35 PM (2Wa3t)
Posted by: hahah at March 23, 2010 07:25 PM (bCj4d)
Posted by: fgdfg at March 23, 2010 07:32 PM (bCj4d)
Same asshole, different name.
Posted by: Fish at March 23, 2010 03:36 PM (M5t+h)
The Left. The final frontier. To evilaly go, where where sauropods, heel, single celled organisms, feared to go.
Mr Spock. Plot a course. The enemy is sighted.
Posted by: James Kirk at March 23, 2010 03:37 PM (ucq49)
Posted by: NY Betsy Rose at March 23, 2010 03:38 PM (QA/sy)
Posted by: Vic at March 23, 2010 03:39 PM (QrA9E)
Posted by: let's all keep track at March 23, 2010 03:39 PM (ucq49)
Obama finally told the truth about something:
When he finished signing the bill he said, "We are done."
Posted by: Meremortal at March 23, 2010 03:40 PM (F5BBI)
What Bart Stupak doesn't know that the word "soon" in Kenyan translates to "the time when the sun shall shrink to the size denoted by Chanrasekhar's Limit - a time approximately three billion years from now".
"Cause he's SHTU-PAK!" (audience laughter)
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 03:40 PM (h22YH)
Posted by: DrewM. at March 23, 2010 03:42 PM (9B5OK)
Posted by: DrewM. at March 23, 2010 07:39 PM (9B5OK) Louise Slaughter's Love Child.
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 03:42 PM (h22YH)
What Bart Stupak doesn't know that the word "soon" in Kenyan translates to "the time when the sun shall shrink to the size denoted by Chanrasekhar's Limit - a time approximately three billion years from now".
"Cause he's SHTU-PAK!" (audience laughter)
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 07:40 PM (h22YH)
Actually, Chandrasekhar's limit is much, much larger than the Sun. Which should be mildly comforting. It's not going to turn into a black hole.
Posted by: Pointy Head at March 23, 2010 03:42 PM (1fanL)
"The racist little troll lives near Buffalo."
Be brave. Report them to the Secret Service and FBI. Obviously a threat to the President.
Posted by: trying to be balanced at March 23, 2010 03:42 PM (ucq49)
When he finished signing the bill he said, "We are done."
Posted by: Meremortal at March 23, 2010 07:40 PM (F5BBI)
That's what our little daughter used to say whenever she proudly left a large turd in the toilet and wanted us to flush it.
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 03:44 PM (h22YH)
You mean someone actually schtupped that wacko broad? Really? Were they drunk/stoned/paid?
Eek.
Posted by: Intrepid at March 23, 2010 03:45 PM (92zkk)
The racist little troll lives near Buffalo.
I'll pass it onto the people out there who might be interested in meeting our little friend.
Of course, there's always the possibility (probability?) he's a Democrat in good standing.
He's just one of Dear Leader's 25 yr old enchanted supporters who's still living with mommy. Run along, little douche bag, your mommy's fixing you some pop-tarts upstairs.
Posted by: Iamnotanalcoholic at March 23, 2010 03:45 PM (2Wa3t)
Posted by: ace at March 23, 2010 03:47 PM (i6ROy)
He also just learned that, under Obamacare, he can be covered for a few more years under his mom's insurance policy. So he can get those pesky anal warts taken care of!
Posted by: Intrepid at March 23, 2010 03:47 PM (92zkk)
Actually, Chandrasekhar's limit is much, much larger than the Sun. Which should be mildly comforting. It's not going to turn into a black hole.
Posted by: Pointy Head at March 23, 2010 07:42 PM (1fanL)
Bart Stupak: Well, excuuuuuuuuse me Professor Head! (wild audience laughter)
'Guess I was too busy wiping off that coathanger! (laughter, applause, fadeout)
Cut to Kibbles n' Bits commercial
Posted by: TexasJew at March 23, 2010 03:49 PM (h22YH)
"Build a Bear" stores were secretly financed by the Bilderberger Group as a way to train the youth to accept their hegemony.
Their initial "Build A Burger" stores had to be closed due to an e coli outbreak from the kids getting their hands in the ground beef.
You may cut and paste this, then delete.
Posted by: Alex Jones at March 23, 2010 03:56 PM (h22YH)
Is the moon in some weird ... phase?
That's it!!! I was under the influence of some powerful moon juice!!!
Posted by: Rep. Stupak at March 23, 2010 03:57 PM (Kn9r7)
Posted by: JavaJoe at March 23, 2010 03:58 PM (e9JZd)
I put in a ban for him... Please don't quote guys who do that, then there's no point in banning, as their crap still gets transmitted as they wanted in the first place.
Okay.
Posted by: Iamnotanalcoholic at March 23, 2010 03:58 PM (2Wa3t)
Posted by: Rep. Stupak at March 23, 2010 07:57 PM (Kn9r7)
You still have some on your chin. You don't even swallow well.
Posted by: Rat Patrol at March 23, 2010 03:59 PM (dQdrY)
Posted by: JavaJoe at March 23, 2010 07:58 PM (e9JZd)
People should show up at any meetings with pieces of dolls. Lots of sad, shredded little pieces of small dolls.
Posted by: Rat Patrol at March 23, 2010 04:01 PM (dQdrY)
He was pretty polite but he is an idiot. I finally gave up because it was like talking to a tape recorder.
Posted by: ExZonie at March 23, 2010 04:05 PM (as47X)
Don't forget, Obama's plan doesn't require full pay out for the next 4 years, there very well could be money available to meet his promisses prior to the 2012 elections. Don't think for a minute Obama hasen't planned for his re-election bid. This is the guy who got this bill passed when nobody ever thought anyone would get such a plan passed in the U.S., he got Elected against all odds, he got HCR passed against all odd, stop taking this guy for granted, he is very capable and very dangerous. Holding him to his numbers may be just what he wants us to do. After all, the best way now to get folks on his side is to prove his detractors wrong. If he can meet his promisses for the next 2 years, he has another 4 years and it doesn't matter after that how bad the situation gets. It will be just another entitlement program Congress needs to 'fix' every year like Medicare, Medicaid, SS et. al.
We need to find the chink in his armor, the detail he left out of his plan, we need to get medieval on his ass, we have been a step behind him the whole why so far and we need to get sharp and figure out how to get ahead of this SOB, prefurably before November so as to force him to rethink his 2012 strat, get him to doubt it.
Posted by: Moemo at March 23, 2010 04:05 PM (JDrQ3)
Same bullshit, I see. Nice job on the moderation, anyway.
Posted by: irongrampa at March 23, 2010 04:08 PM (ud5dN)
Posted by: BSquare at March 23, 2010 04:14 PM (kETs9)
Why is there still Medicaid? Everyone has insurance now.
Posted by: HeatherRadish at March 23, 2010 04:17 PM (OkT2m)
Not if the taxes are more than their profits.
Posted by: HeatherRadish at March 23, 2010 04:19 PM (OkT2m)
And mostly I care about not feeling pain. So access to drugs, which are real expensive on medicare. This is a pointless metric, though I think it likely that we will see a reduction in longevity.
Posted by: Jack at March 23, 2010 04:20 PM (bvDV5)
Posted by: HeatherRadish at March 23, 2010 08:17 PM (OkT2m)
I've been wondering that myself.
Posted by: Tami at March 23, 2010 04:20 PM (VuLos)
Making life miserable for the congressional staff contributes to staff turnover. Yeah, they might get the bennies like being exempt from Pandemonicare, but the extra stress puts 'em on a fast track to Prozac.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 23, 2010 04:21 PM (I/MqP)
I think some are missing the point here... Everyone knows Obama is a LIAR.
The point is, when we call bullshit on his claims, we were called fearmongers, racists, nazis, babyeaters, etc, etc.. I am fucking sick of it!!
We must demand these lying little fascists live up to their hyperbole! They call us racists and hatemongers? Fine. THEN I WANT MY $2500... NOW GODDAMNIT!!!!!
I pay $1k a month for private insurance now. For myself only. I want my $2,500 in cash NOW. Its a human right now. The democrats said so. Republicans are hatemongers, right? BTW, if my premiums go up... well...
We better start making the rope now... so we have enough
Posted by: John Frum at March 23, 2010 04:23 PM (9vQ7f)
The rank and file don't, only the "senior staff."
I don't care anyway--they weren't purchased by the Congressdude they work for at auction, so presumably they wanted the job.
Posted by: HeatherRadish at March 23, 2010 04:26 PM (OkT2m)
Posted by: George Hamilton at March 23, 2010 07:22 PM (pq986)
George, I'm sorry, but that tanning machine? TAXED.
Posted by: PJ at March 23, 2010 04:30 PM (pizFh)
90 The " Fox Allstars" were just on chuckling about what a crazy, whacky town is Washington, and nearly peeing themselves with excitement over Chairman Maobama's big victory.
You don't watch Baier's program much, do you.
None of the panel were peeing themselves with excitement over the victory.
Krauthammer, Stoddard and Hayes have all said all along that the bill , now law, is a fiscal monstrosity riddled with corruption and an assault on the Constitution.
Even mara Liasson has said it is a fiscal nightmare, and something the Dems will regret.
Only Juan Williams has expressed his support for the legislation.
Posted by: effinayright at March 23, 2010 04:37 PM (3sB5l)
Posted by: dr kill at March 23, 2010 04:39 PM (w9bVp)
Michelle Malkin?
Yes, sure, agreed -- if she'll go for it. Although I'm not optimistic.
Posted by: Christoph at March 23, 2010 04:42 PM (0fq7b)
Posted by: the baby killer known as dr kill at March 23, 2010 04:44 PM (w9bVp)
Okay. You can have that one. I'll have the other.
I'm glad we could come to a point of mutual agreement.
Posted by: Christoph at March 23, 2010 04:56 PM (0fq7b)
Posted by: Peoples Front of Judea at March 23, 2010 05:29 PM (iV4X6)
Fourth, how many of those 49 percent think that they can drop their insurance, walk into the doctor's office tomorrow and get everything FREEEEE
Posted by: kbdabear at March 23, 2010 05:33 PM (sYxEE)
@13: "After all, I was promised, if I like my doctor, I can keep him."
And you can! Locked away with all of your other precious memories.
Posted by: Fa Cube Itches at March 23, 2010 05:33 PM (kmEfr)
"Not the gook, the twat at the Atlantic, asshole."
Posted by: the baby killer known as dr kill
Wow. That is pure class. Please feel free to hang here and sprinkle more of that witty stuff around. You're a regular Cary Grant.
Posted by: rickinstl at March 23, 2010 05:49 PM (FTfFw)
@102: "When all those gimmes get shit canned, guess where all the violence will break out?"
Given that your police and fire/EMS guys might just go on strike "in solidarity with their brothers and sisters"?
As Cleveland Brown would say it: "Ever'wheeeeeeeeeeeeere."
Posted by: Fa Cube Itches at March 23, 2010 06:01 PM (kmEfr)
Posted by: FatBaldnSassy at March 23, 2010 06:35 PM (PY1V4)
Posted by: Purple Avenger at March 23, 2010 06:52 PM (JY9lM)
Just got my health insurance bill today and no change. Which Democrat do I call for the $2500 credit/refund.
Posted by: Where's MY money at March 23, 2010 08:02 PM (PALAN)
Mortality rates will go up because the population got older (Baby Boomers).
The deficits will go up because people got older and sicker (Baby Boomers).
These people don't care if it works. They lied through their teeth to get it passed because they simply wanted it passed. It's their Holy Grail and they got it. They don't care if it works.
Posted by: Jaynie59 at March 24, 2010 05:31 AM (YjQWV)
Posted by: Original Roy at March 24, 2010 05:38 AM (wTawr)
Posted by: Landru at March 24, 2010 05:39 AM (GHpB7)
Radii footwear $83
Radii 420 Top $79
Radii Straight Jackets $83
Radii Strangler $83
===== http://www.radii-footwear.com ====
Posted by: radii footwear at May 09, 2010 01:07 PM (Q8SwO)
Posted by: 1921gucci at August 12, 2010 06:48 AM (prnsR)
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If the CBO is as right as it was about Medicare, then that price tag's probably off by a factor of ten.
/Chaos reigns.
Posted by: Kratos (missing from the side of Mt Olympus) at March 23, 2010 02:14 PM (otlXg)