Reader comments
3 Utahns in House vote 'nay' on health reform
44 comments | Read story
Beginning of the end | 10:58 p.m. Nov. 7, 2009
The vote today is the beginning of the end of our once-great nation.
Congratulations Democrats.
CougarKeith | 11:03 p.m. Nov. 7, 2009
It's good to know that we have representatives who I can feel good about
supporting! The Health Care REFORM doesn't reform anything, it's
beurocracy that is jibberish, over 1,900 pages, and it's a joke! It
doesn't compare to Social Security, Medicare, or anything! It is
handcuffing the Insurance industry, taking away MORE of what limited competion
they have, and forcing a 1 Payer System in years to come! It's punishing
those who have good PRIVATE INSURANCE plans either by themselves or by Company
funded plans. It's bring us closer to "Rationing" health care,
it's scaring SMART individuals who wanted to be doctors, into other career
choices, and of course there will be MORE doctors, because STUPIDER PEOPLE will
qualify for MED SCHOOL! Mean while NO TORT REFORM whatsoever will be put in
place, causing more lawyers to be crooked cheats with no integrity, and more bad
law suits to be in the courts. This does nothing for "MALPRACTICE INSURANCE
RATES", and we will putting less money in the pockets of good Drug
companies for research and development of new drugs to treat disease and such.
Overall, THIS BILL STINKS!!!
About time | 12:06 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
you obviously have never been a person who has had a near terminal sickness, 21
yrs old-whom had private insurance through a job, to find my health insurance
wants to drop me after I'm diagnosed. When reporting this incident to
local newspapers, they decided to keep me on..then after I can't work,
cause, well I'm sick with cancer, I have to pay Cobra which is outrageous.
Until that runs out, then now I am a "pre-exisiting" condition for 10
years or longer(depending what level the insurance co. considers me as a risk).
What is your answer to that? I am one of many with a story like this.
Comments continue below
fear of change | 12:11 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
So sad how fear based so many are.
Matheson good or bad | 12:33 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Matheson is hardly conservative. He scored 36 for the American Conservative
Union Ratings for 2008. Rob Bishop got 100 and Bennett got 64. Bennett is now
the 8th most liberal republican US senator based on those numbers. What does
that leave Matheson?
Same 'ol arguments | 1:56 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Were used when Social Security and MediCare passed. This nation will endure
(unless we continue to ignore the poor. Those who voted against this already are
financially secure, but not politically. Good-bye Jim. We'll find another
who will stand up for the least among us.
Anonymous | 5:38 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
It so sad when they have taken more of our rights away. The U.S. Gov.is growing
to large. They can not even get the H1N1 vaccine to the American like they
promised. How do they think they can handle health care of this magnitude. It
looks like to me they are trying to bankrupt the U.S. Economy. And when that
happens they will turn to the UN and work out a deal for America to become part
of the world gov. This is big step to America loosing it's freedom's
Cats | 5:45 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
We need health care reform, but this bill is a disaster for health care and our
country.
What we need is law suit abuse reform and to open up the insurance industry to greater competition. This bill will only destroy the best health care in the world and turn it into a socialistic mess. Of course, that's what Obama intended to do when he came to office. These people are so blinded by their ideology that they don't care if they bring this country down.
And to "fear of Change"...yes, we should be afraid. We should be VERY afraid.
What we need is law suit abuse reform and to open up the insurance industry to greater competition. This bill will only destroy the best health care in the world and turn it into a socialistic mess. Of course, that's what Obama intended to do when he came to office. These people are so blinded by their ideology that they don't care if they bring this country down.
And to "fear of Change"...yes, we should be afraid. We should be VERY afraid.
God is in control | 5:54 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Don't you people of Utah believe in trusting God. By now the republicans
should realize that prayers are being answered, but not the the republican
way.
GOD is still in control.
GOD is still in control.
Bryce | 6:21 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
CougarKeith: Sorry, but the evidence is in, and there is no reason to believe
that malpractice claims are a big driver of our skyrocketing health care costs.
The people who have studied it say that they amount to less than 2% of health
care costs overall. Even more damning, Texas has had drastic tort reform in
place for five years now, and their costs not only have failed to go down,
they've actually risen faster than the national average.
I would add, "rationing health care" is what insurance companies do when they drop people from their rolls after they get sick, and when they deny claims based on "pre-existing conditions." This bill puts an end to that sort of rationing.
I would add, "rationing health care" is what insurance companies do when they drop people from their rolls after they get sick, and when they deny claims based on "pre-existing conditions." This bill puts an end to that sort of rationing.
jgetch | 6:38 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
congratulations utah on having a democrat representative with enough guts to
represent his constituents and not blindly follow party lines. illinois should
be so lucky.
Disappointed | 7:14 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
I competely understand the votes of bishop and Chaffetz, they are republicans,
the party of obstruction. But matheson's constituency sent him back to be
different, better than them and he has again let us down. I frankly would now
sooner see a republican in his seat, At least I would know what i could expect.
Eugene | 7:25 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
So "About Time", while I feel for your health challenges and realize
it is tough for you and your family, is it right and fair that I now have to pay
for your health care? Is it American to force others to carry your burden.
Americans would gladly try to help you in any way they can since we are the most
charitable people on the earth, but Americans do these things because they are
free to do so, not forced to by our government.
There is no choice here, our freedoms are under attack. If signed into law, me might as well work under the hammer & sickle since the Democrats are now seeing red and want all of our money.
I beg all Americans to vote conservative, not Republican or Democrat. We need to retract this unchecked federal government power and take back our country from those who are out to burden us with extreme taxes, who are out to destroy capitalism and want to forecefully share the wealth in socialism.
We can't afford to wait until 2010. It's time to start now with recall elections of anyone that voted yes on this horrid bill.
There is no choice here, our freedoms are under attack. If signed into law, me might as well work under the hammer & sickle since the Democrats are now seeing red and want all of our money.
I beg all Americans to vote conservative, not Republican or Democrat. We need to retract this unchecked federal government power and take back our country from those who are out to burden us with extreme taxes, who are out to destroy capitalism and want to forecefully share the wealth in socialism.
We can't afford to wait until 2010. It's time to start now with recall elections of anyone that voted yes on this horrid bill.
the truth | 8:28 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Sorry to hear about your illness. there is already a program for you it's
called Medicade. A government run program would be worse. why can't the
politicans just fix what is wrong instead of taking over??????? the Federal
government couldn't run a corner Gas Station without using tax dollars to
keep it going.
To about time | 8:55 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Sorry about your trouble, truly. I couldn't imagine going through what you
are enduring. People in your situation should be helped--no question.
But not this way. This way drives America farther into bottomless debt, creates 112 new beauracies with giant mouths to feed, drives even more American jobs oversees with its mandates, and hands unprecedented control over our lives to politicians who have shown themselves to be completely unable to restrain themselves for the public good. This wasn't an either-or situation. And it wasn't really about providing better health care at less cost. You and others in your situation could have been helped without a total federal power-grab. Wait until the money runs out. I fear your case will not be better than it is today, maybe worse. The only thing sure is all of us will be even more beholden to the federal taskmaster.
But not this way. This way drives America farther into bottomless debt, creates 112 new beauracies with giant mouths to feed, drives even more American jobs oversees with its mandates, and hands unprecedented control over our lives to politicians who have shown themselves to be completely unable to restrain themselves for the public good. This wasn't an either-or situation. And it wasn't really about providing better health care at less cost. You and others in your situation could have been helped without a total federal power-grab. Wait until the money runs out. I fear your case will not be better than it is today, maybe worse. The only thing sure is all of us will be even more beholden to the federal taskmaster.
Get Rid Of Them All | 9:11 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Please voters vote out of office every single incumbent in the upcoming
elections. Lets send a message and stay together until we clean out the graff,
stealing, cheating, and theivery from our economy and system. This payola by big
business by their lobbyists is way, way over the top and old hat. Now we can
change that only if we unemploy these rats. New faces held to the fire will be
our only way, let all of them see that "WE" run this country and they
are put in office to represent us and what we want! They are our employees not
our bosses! They will do it our way or be back in private life! THIS IS OUR
COUNTRY--THE CITIZENS!
Voter | 9:15 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
THANK YOU to all three of our Representatives for doing the right thing.
Now, we get to see if Bob Bennett will use his seniority and experience to stop this foolish healthcare takeover in the Senate with every parliamentary maneuver and bit of influence he claims to have.
Now, we get to see if Bob Bennett will use his seniority and experience to stop this foolish healthcare takeover in the Senate with every parliamentary maneuver and bit of influence he claims to have.
Anonymous | 9:56 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
How hard is it for a country to declare bankruptcy. We can just do that and
start over right? Freedom and hard work made us great. Entitlements and high
taxes will make us weak and ordinary at best. Work hard - end up just like
everyone else - the new america.
But they said "NO" | 9:58 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Sorry, it did not work this time. The Republican "No" was squashed.
Our country is finally is on the way to help those who need healthcare.
America's founders would be proud. Our ancestors came here to find a better place. America should be a better place, not power hungry, war like, egotistical, and filled with uppity leaders who just think about themselve and the perks they will now be missing from the insurance and drug companies.
The first step has been completed. Keep the ball rolling and finish with honor.
Our country is finally is on the way to help those who need healthcare.
America's founders would be proud. Our ancestors came here to find a better place. America should be a better place, not power hungry, war like, egotistical, and filled with uppity leaders who just think about themselve and the perks they will now be missing from the insurance and drug companies.
The first step has been completed. Keep the ball rolling and finish with honor.
Utah is LIBERAL! | 10:23 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
The same government leaders that got us into the mortgage business and the car
business are now getting us into the health care business.
You know who is to blame for this? The Republican Party. Why, you ask? Because Democrats are liberal by birth, while Republicans are liberal by choice.
The Republican Party chose to put a liberal, John McCain, on it's presidential ticket - alienating Conservatives. 90% of Utah Republicans voted for Gov. Mitt Romney, who mandated the same "universal health coverage" in his failed state of Massachusetts.
The Republicans are a bunch of do-nothing liberals. So we can blame Democrats all we want, but Democrats are wolves in wolf clothing, while Republicans are wolves in sheep clothing. Both want big government and both refuse to field Conservative candidates.
You know who is to blame for this? The Republican Party. Why, you ask? Because Democrats are liberal by birth, while Republicans are liberal by choice.
The Republican Party chose to put a liberal, John McCain, on it's presidential ticket - alienating Conservatives. 90% of Utah Republicans voted for Gov. Mitt Romney, who mandated the same "universal health coverage" in his failed state of Massachusetts.
The Republicans are a bunch of do-nothing liberals. So we can blame Democrats all we want, but Democrats are wolves in wolf clothing, while Republicans are wolves in sheep clothing. Both want big government and both refuse to field Conservative candidates.
Re: About Time 12:06 | 10:26 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
A Response
Solving such a problem should never, never, never include the power to take away $200,000 from your neighbors to give to the government which will keep $180,000 for operating expenses in order to give $20,000 back to you for your care.
If you think this is exaggerated then you just don't know government. Government is NEVER really concerned for the populace, only for its own subsistence. Federal government should never be involved in social needs.
Neighbors and local government do better to feed the poor and care for the needy. Truly, federal government is NOT the answer.
Solving such a problem should never, never, never include the power to take away $200,000 from your neighbors to give to the government which will keep $180,000 for operating expenses in order to give $20,000 back to you for your care.
If you think this is exaggerated then you just don't know government. Government is NEVER really concerned for the populace, only for its own subsistence. Federal government should never be involved in social needs.
Neighbors and local government do better to feed the poor and care for the needy. Truly, federal government is NOT the answer.
D Garrett | 10:54 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Unless the poor are required/ expected to get jobs and start paying their own
way, we will continue to enlarge that group with all the welfare programs that
can be imagined and created by our government. Where is the value of taking
handouts? The country continues to be weakened by this kind of thinking. The
role of government is not nurse maid. It is time for a real change. A government
that stays out of our lives!
Cats | 10:54 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
To those who tout Social Security, please realize that it is on the bring of
bankruptcy in the near future.
And to those who think this is akin to the New Deal...IT IS. It is as big a disaster as the New Deal was. Fortunately, most of the New Deal was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. That's the only thing that saved our country from utter economic destruction.
And the so-called "experts" who claim that medical liability is only about 2% of costs are obviously in the pay of the DNC. Defensive medicine and malpractice insurance are probably the biggest culprits in increasing skyrocketing health care costs. Reforming abusive law suits would make a major step forward in reducing costs. Of course, the Democrats will never allow this since they are in the hip pockets of the trial lawyers...you know, guys like John Edwards.
The bill should go down to defeat in the Senate. If not, we will cease to the be shining beacon of freedom and prosperity to the world.
PRAY FOR OUR CONSTITUTION. IT IS HANGING BY A THREAD.
And to those who think this is akin to the New Deal...IT IS. It is as big a disaster as the New Deal was. Fortunately, most of the New Deal was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. That's the only thing that saved our country from utter economic destruction.
And the so-called "experts" who claim that medical liability is only about 2% of costs are obviously in the pay of the DNC. Defensive medicine and malpractice insurance are probably the biggest culprits in increasing skyrocketing health care costs. Reforming abusive law suits would make a major step forward in reducing costs. Of course, the Democrats will never allow this since they are in the hip pockets of the trial lawyers...you know, guys like John Edwards.
The bill should go down to defeat in the Senate. If not, we will cease to the be shining beacon of freedom and prosperity to the world.
PRAY FOR OUR CONSTITUTION. IT IS HANGING BY A THREAD.
DR Don | 11:06 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Disappointed said: "But matheson's constituency sent him back to be
different, better than them and he has again let us down."
Jim Matheson certainly represents the portion of his constituency that I'm in! GOOD JOB, Jim!!! You've got my vote again!!!
Jim Matheson certainly represents the portion of his constituency that I'm in! GOOD JOB, Jim!!! You've got my vote again!!!
getting better | 11:30 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
"beginning of the end" should know that the beginning of the end
occurred when the Republican Supreme Court appointed appointed George W Bush
president of the United States. President Obama and most of the Democrats in the
Congress are trying to reverse the damage done to this country by the Bush
policy of giving the big money interests free rein to do as they pleased.
Unfortunately they are not doing enough to really change things. Too many Bush
policies are still in place. The weak health care bill that just passed the
House is only one small step in the right direction. We should get the insurance
industry completely out of the health care picture and thus save the people of
the United States hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade and help
to reduce the deficit. Why not spend the money for heakth care, not for
insurance?
not the answer! | 11:32 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
government run health care is not the answer! everyone seems to have this
preconceived notion that the government run system is the answer to all our
problems, but it is not, the government is full of regulators, sooner or later
they are going to be exactly like the private system. dropping whom ever they
feel does not qualify. happens all the time with medicaid... lets not fail to
mention that the feds don't know how to budget correctly, I.E social
security
utah rose | 11:59 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Thanks again Jim Matheson. I called your office several times as I was worried
about the abortion clause in the bill, and you listened, It is sad that this
was pushed through this fast, all because of Nancy Pelosi.
Let's hope that some of the U.S. Senate has the guts to say no, and also not to be adding even more to this bill.
Let's hope that some of the U.S. Senate has the guts to say no, and also not to be adding even more to this bill.
Get A Clue Republicans | 12:19 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
It was your party that put us in the mess, own up to it. Even though I hate the
way this president is going about cleaning this up, I just don't think
anyone could have done it overnight, or in a year or two. The republicans left
war on three or four fronts, they left an economy that was ruined, they
didn't do one thing about health care in 8 years and now they are the
screamers about doing the right thing? Wake up blind sheep!
Anonymous | 12:47 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
I wish this democrat had voted for we the people and not against this bill.
Watching months of crying, whining and tantrums I learned I had to take a
personal stand. I will thank this congressman for being in a political party
that has no term like RINO. We liberal democrats believe in free agency. You can
disagree without being hated.
Most of you complain | 12:49 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
But will be the first in line to sign up for government health insurance.
Anonymous | 1:52 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Fantastic News!
This bill will help Every American who is barred from insurance because of a pre-existing condition (Many of us), every American who can't afford coverage or is hurt today by out-of-pocket costs that are more than they can bear (All of us)
Again.. This will help....
A friend who has to hook up to a tube every day to get fed, and has been barred from many activities because of a pre-existing condition!
Cancer patients who cannot afford treatment and are not able to get insurance because of pre-existing conditions....
Those who want to follow the commandment to multiple and replenish the earth and not get punished with unaffordable medical bills and pre-existing conditions...
YES IT SUPPORTS THE FAMILY
RIGHT TO LIFE...
The list goes on.
This bill will help Every American who is barred from insurance because of a pre-existing condition (Many of us), every American who can't afford coverage or is hurt today by out-of-pocket costs that are more than they can bear (All of us)
Again.. This will help....
A friend who has to hook up to a tube every day to get fed, and has been barred from many activities because of a pre-existing condition!
Cancer patients who cannot afford treatment and are not able to get insurance because of pre-existing conditions....
Those who want to follow the commandment to multiple and replenish the earth and not get punished with unaffordable medical bills and pre-existing conditions...
YES IT SUPPORTS THE FAMILY
RIGHT TO LIFE...
The list goes on.
Crystal Ball | 2:02 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
I'm curious. Which U.S. industry is next on the chopping block? If you
don't want the government to take an industry over, don't take your
economic problems to them.
@Utah Dems | 2:08 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
I hope you open up your checkbooks and give all you can to the guy that runs
against Lieberman, er I mean Matheson when he's up for re-election. I
don't even live in Utah anymore and I'm going to.
The Right Question | 2:11 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Now that this travesty is going before the Senate, I call upon our Senators to
ask themselves the right question. Is it in the best interests for the State of
Utah, or any other State, to pay for this?
Anonymous | 3:03 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Matheson has officially gone over to the dark side. I hope he stops pretending
to be a Democrat. Not a whit of political courage.
Anonymous | 4:44 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
Matheson must go, so he didn't vote for this awful bill...he really wanted
to, but caved into opposition from his constituents. How long must we endure
this leftist/socialist guy who does not come close to representing the values of
the people of this state. Please, somebody run and get him out of there.
Pagan | 5:27 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
'It is handcuffing the Insurance industry...'
Perhaps because they have been abusing the American people for too long Cougar.
The 400% profit they make off your poor health is evidence of that.
Perhaps because they have been abusing the American people for too long Cougar.
The 400% profit they make off your poor health is evidence of that.
Megan | 5:35 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
unfortunately Jason, the republicans did not make a genuine effort to produce a
better health care reform package. Their only effort was to fight against any
effective reform and all Democrats. Republicans don't want better health
coverage for all americans, they want over the top profits for the health
insurance industry and their CEO's, who then feed the pockets of lawmakers.
Insurance brokers may have to get out from behind their desks and learn how to
do real patient care. Americans are not satisfied with trickle down healthcare
anymore.
Hopefully, with the passage of this bill, the monopoly of private health insurance has been weakened.
We are moving in the right direction. With or without Matheson.
Hopefully, with the passage of this bill, the monopoly of private health insurance has been weakened.
We are moving in the right direction. With or without Matheson.
Republicans have no intention | 6:56 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
of doing anything about healthcare now or in the future. Their plan, offered up
last week, insured a whopping $3 million, did nothing about pre-existing
conditions either.
xscribe | 8:11 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009
It's all about getting re-elected. Of those that can vote for healthcare
reform and still get re-elected, they will do so. Of those who would vote for
healthcare reform and stand the chance of not getting re-elected, they will not
do so. It's all a big game of how to stay in office, not what's best
for the country. This happens on both sides of the aisle.
Anonymous | 12:47 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
STOP blaming the Democrats, BLAME THE REPUBLICANS FOR 8 YEARS DOING NOTHING FOR
HEALTHCARE! AND SPENDING MONEY IN WAR
Dixie Dan | 6:42 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Let me get this right. Historically, the Republicans opposed Social Security,
Medicare and now health reform. To all the seniors depending on Medicare and
Social Security, do you really want all of this socialized benefits repealed?
Live Free | 6:56 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Glad Matheson voted no. But his (and the ruling class) argument that costs are
going so high it is destroying our economy is specious at best. They used the
same argument in the 1993-4 attempted takeover too. And look what happened:
Years of economic growth, and amazing advances in medical technology.
Call it what it is... a tyrannical power grab by socialistas
Call it what it is... a tyrannical power grab by socialistas
What to do | 10:54 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Anybody asking themselves what they can do at this point and getting that
sinking feeling when you can't come up with anything that would actually
work? If you guys are as sick of the federal government taking over our lives
as I am then fight the way the founding fathers meant us to fight. Write your
STATE legislators and the governor and ask them to pass a state resolution
protecting us from federal intrusion in health care. This is what the states
have done with the REAL ID act and it can be done for the health care reform
bill, too. We can make a difference in our state even when our voices are drown
out in Washington D.C.
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