A Nebraska doctor’s message for Ben Nelson; Updated
Dr. Becky Hollibaugh of Friend, Nebraska e-mailed me her message for sellout Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) this morning:
Hello Michelle:
I’m a family practice doctor in Nebraska. I sent the following (angry,I admit) letter to Senator Nelson. I urge your readers (from Nebraska and elsewhere) to do likewise, in their own words!
Dear Senator Nelson:
I send this message under “Tort Reform” because the current monstrosity you have pledged your support to says nothing whatsoever about Tort Reform. You have sold the physicians of Nebraska for zilch (zilch for us, but beaucoup federal bucks for you and the liberal partisans in this state). As a family practice physician in Small Town, Nebraska, I was counting on you to be the lone voice of Democratic sanity on this issue, but you sold me out. I will dedicate
every spare minute of my time and every spare dollar I have to defeating you, should you run for re-election. The long hours I spent on my medical education and the long hours I spend treating my patients are nothing but chump change to you and your Democrat colleagues in Washington. I especially can’t wait for your equivocation and milquetoast evasion when your “compromises” on the abortion language in the bill are silently erased or quietly (on-little-legislative-cat’s-feet) eviscerated in the House/Senate give-and-take. Go on: Bet me that you won’t wuss-out on this issue!
I know you won’t give two-seconds to this letter, but I had to write it. I’m a primary care doctor in YOUR state, and you sold me out. I didn’t slog through 4 years of college and 4 years of medical school and 3 years of residency just to have you hand my career and my patient/doctor relationships over to government lifers. Your gutless acquiescence to Obama and Harry Reid and ‘Nanny’ Pelosi will NOT be forgotten.
Thank you, Ben, for forcing doctors like me to earn less than the repairmen who fix our appliances. Case in point: We recently had our dishwasher fixed. The repairman who came to our house charged $65 just to come and ‘diagnose’ the problem, then charged another $180 to ‘fix’ the problem. You and your fellow lawmakers have fixed MY going rate (Medicare) at $35 per-visit. Thank you for securing such a ‘lucrative’ rate for me! Thank you so much for making me–someone with 8 years of education!–make less than a mechanic or appliance repair technichian. And thanks especially for falling in line with Obama and the rest of the Democrats to make such a socialist system permanent.
You have my disgust and disdain forever, you socialist-coddling coward.
Sincerely,
Becky F. Hollibaugh, D.O.
Warren Memorial Hospital
Ziimmerman Clinic
Friend, NE 68359
***
Dr. Hollibaugh adds in an e-mail update in response to left-wing critics:
Thank you so much for making it more widely available.
…To those who would accuse me of greed: I don’t make as much as you think I do. I give every one of my patients the very best care I can offer, regardless of their ability to pay. And I do NOT begrudge my mechanic or my appliance repairmen their salaries. Not one bit. I gladly pay them what I owe them. What you leftist idiots don’t understand is this: I am forced to accept $35 for an office visit by a medicaid or medicare patient. I. Can’t. Afford. It. On that enforced wage, I can’t pay my nurses. I can’t pay my billing secretaries. I can’t pay my receptionist. I. Can’t. Survive. On. Obamacare. Get it?! I. Can’t. Pay. My. Nurses. On. Ben. Nelson. Wages. Get it? I hope so. You think I’m greedy? I went to medical school as a former nurse at age 36. I have over $180,000 dollars in student loans. I. Can’t. Survive. On. Obamacare. I hope this helps. I don’t make as much as you might think. And most
of what I earn goes to repaying my student loans. I love my little family medicine clinic in Friend. I love being a doctor in rural Nebraska. I love my patients and I love rural family medicine. But Ben Nelson sold me out. Thanks again for letting me vent. I’m not greedy. I don’t envy the wages of my blue-collar friends. But I can’t survive or pay my employees on Uncle Sam’s reimbursement rate for my services.
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Brava! My sentiments exactly.
Brava Dr. Hollibaugh! Well said. I share your anger and commitment to jump into this fight for our freedoms. These “socialist-coddling coward(s)” will pay with their careers come November 2010.
Great letter, Dr. Hollibaugh. Well said.
I’m with you Doctor . . . Bravo and continue to give him hell.
He asked for it. Give it to him.
Call your dem. senator and ask for same deal as Landreiu and Nelson….Why should your state be punished for them not “holding out”…..Raise a stink and use zip code from the state (white lie). Ask the senator why they didn’t get a deal for your state.
Start a dust up….come on……they are voting a 1 today……
Bravo and kudos to this good doctor!
This letter goes into the archives. She should send it to the WSJ.
Way to go Doc! The good doctor states how the system really works to keep compensation so low for Medicare and Tricare patients thanks to the meddling of our arrogant Government and its massive army of soulless bureaucrats. I always wonder how the practices that take care of Active Duty Military, Retired Military and their Dependents make ends meet when I see my Tricare statements showing what they charge for a procedure and how much they will be paid.
All those lives positively affected, long hours of study, along with long hours proving their devotion to their craft to only be compensated for a fraction of what a repairman makes. I too am very disgusted with the whores in the District of Criminals may they all earn their just reward for this act of Treason!
I love it! Bravo! How dare the gov use our money to sell us out and keep us paying more and more for our enslavement! Career politicians need to go and the sooner the better.
I’m sending a note to thank her…
Dr. Becky F. Hollibaugh
Warren Memorial Hospital
Zimmer Medical Clinic
905 Second Street
Friend, NE 68359
+1 402-947-9355
+1 402-947-2951 (fax)
…and I’m calling my Senators’ offices again!
The sad truth is that these senators and congressmen don’t give one hoot in hell what the American people want. All the doctors in the country could write letters to these fools and it wouldn’t help. The only way to solve our problem is to fire every elected official and start over.
Engels and Marx speak out today in the chamber. Way to go socialist democrats. History will vilify you in ways we can’t even think of.
From a patient’s perspective, I’d challenge anyone considering the touted merits of socialized medicine to join the Army for a month or two.
Doctor Hollibaugh,can you say ‘circular file’ ?
I’m not willing to have any faith that even ‘history’ will see it right. Today’s nuts will write tomorrow’s history books.
Savage, I agree and can only hope the American people find enough moxy and sprout enough common sense by next November to send a strong signal to Congress about how we feel on them ignoring our opinions. I say turn every one of the traitorous bastards out. We need solid Reaganesque leadership in the Conservative movement to unite our numbers and take back the GOP and our country. God help us and may we help ourselves as much as possible.
It’a all about the ego now.
AMEN!
Too bad the EPA doesn’t regulate smug.
The good Doctor stated it better than I ever could.
Thanks cogs!…thank you card going out in the mail in the morning..Bravo Dr. Hollibaugh, you are one great American!!!
There is a lot of us in the medical field who are very disappointed in the congress. I have one pediatric patient who finally got a wheelchair. Under the new plan, there won’t be any chance for her.
Great letter. But Nelson most likely wouldn’t even give a sh** even if he did read it. He knows best.. like all of Congress. We’re just the peasants to them. We need to give them a SPANKING and send them a message in 2010. YOU WORK FOR US. FOLLOW THE CONSTITUTION.
Wow!!!! How excellent is that letter?! Captures perfectly the “disgust and disdain” that real conservatives and some independents have for this treasonous (to our Constitution) administration and Congress. Let Revolution II commence November 2010.
Could not have been said better. I wonder what kind of doctors we will be in store for us when after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars and so much work they can look forward to making $35 a visit – less than the Maytag repair man.
Thank you Becky.
And none of us will forget
Ya know, there is another democrat senator and one who happens to have absolutely nothing to lose, (as far as I can tell?), in blocking the 60th vote – one Senator Kirk of Massachusetts.
He cannot run for the office in the next election and, given a majority of citizens awakened to this socialist crap legislation – maybe he can be encouraged with the idea of being a HERO ‘for the people’?
It’s the thought of being remembered for that or not being remembered at all for just kowtowing to the ghost of Ted Kennedy for a few montsh whatever that might ‘do’ for him?
The point about doctors making less than an appliance repairmen really drives it home.
There will be a shortage of nurses and doctors, like in Canada and Europe. Who wants to work in a stressful, low-paying, government controlled career. It’s bad enough as it is. If they truly wanted to help “health care” they would deregulate and pass tort reform.
These “Senators” are no more than high priced prostitutes cutting the best deal they can for themselves as well as fleecing the “Johns” coming before them for their services. They sure look like it here! This entire Health Care exercise is a telling example of just how corrupt a system can become when there is no mechanism to reel them back in. This is as compelling argument for Term Limits as anyone can make! This is Outrageous! It shows that these Senators have no moral compass, principles, sense of honor, or self respect. They are exactly what they’ve become!
They just “Sell Out” when their price is met!
1. Term Limits: options below.
Two Six year Senate terms
Three Two year House terms
One Six year Senate term and Three Two Year House terms
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
2. No Tenure / No Pension:
A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.
4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.
5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
6. Congress looses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.
8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.
The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.
9. No congressional control of their own salaries.
Now some may agree or disagree with the above proposal but, it is a start to eliminate the corruption, greed and celebrity status our elected officials have so enjoyed to our country’s demise. If we do not take a stand for the United States of America now, we will grieve and yearn for her in the future.
Congress does not care about the pay. Why would you spend millions to get a job paying $174,000 a year ? And, CPI ? Heck, their decisions cause inflation !
Yes, please, sink the health care bill, Senator Kirk. Today there was a piece about Victoria Kennedy as she praised Ted’s humanitarianism. Not a word was mentioned about Miss Kopechne and the fact he killed her. This piece was printed having warm fuzzy feelings to pass health care. What garbage.
How about 10. Officials must travel by public transporation and give up their military/private/corporate flights which cost the taxpayers millions. Hear that Pelosi ($5 million+)?
Remember YOU are OUR employees. WE are NOT your serfs.
I think you have missed the point!
Actually, I agree with you but, a Constitutional Convention would be required and who would pick the delegates ?
It would be interesting if a state could refuse to allow a printed line on the ballot for those who ran for more than a certain number of terms. Making their supporters write in the name of the candidate.
I agree early congressional elections it was hard to stay in congress (travel and life were harder) and the turnover was much greater in the early days. (30% or so each election). Since times have changed they have receieved all of these perks. Our founders didn’t envision this abuse and obviously weren’t seers to see what the future would hold. That is why term limits weren’t introduced into the constitution. Also, presidents only served 2 terms until FDR. Grant was the only other president that tried to run for a 3rd term but was narrowly defeated by the party nomination. After FDR and his debacle the legislative branch saw a need for the 22nd amendment.
tell DOCTOR BECKY not to be discouraged… Come the final vote for the combined SENATE and HOUSE compromise, MR. NELSON, MR. LIEBERMANN, and probably even MS. LANDREIU will vote NO!!! Then they will come back to their HOME STATES, and declare in a loud voice, SEE, I TOLD YOU I WOULD NOT SELL YOU OUT ON HEALTHCARE!!! Then they will HUMBLY tell you how they voted against the bill… However, what they will forget to tell you is that at this stage a simple MAJORITY, 51% will pass this LIPSTICKED PIG… Oh, and in LOCKSTEP you will MARCH to the POLLS and graciously pull the LEVER to RE-ELECT these LEACHES…
This issue is little more than a cog in the machine of takeover. Pure and simple. These people do not care about anyone! Certainly, they do not care about doctors! Why should they?
They, the jackasses in government, will control the health and well being of every citizen. Thus, they will have absolute control over every citizen.
That’s all they want …. control!!!
They don’t care about our anger! They think they own us!
Well, do they?
Not neccessarily….
The Amendment Process
There are essentially two ways spelled out in the Constitution for how to propose an amendment. One has never been used.
The first method is for a bill to pass both houses of the legislature, by a two-thirds majority in each. Once the bill has passed both houses, it goes on to the states. This is the route taken by all current amendments. Because of some long outstanding amendments, such as the 27th, Congress will normally put a time limit (typically seven years) for the bill to be approved as an amendment (for example, see the 21st and 22nd).
The second method prescribed is for a Constitutional Convention to be called by two-thirds of the legislatures of the States, and for that Convention to propose one or more amendments. These amendments are then sent to the states to be approved by three-fourths of the legislatures or conventions. This route has never been taken, and there is discussion in political science circles about just how such a convention would be convened, and what kind of changes it would bring about.
Regardless of which of the two proposal routes is taken, the amendment must be ratified, or approved, by three-fourths of states. There are two ways to do this, too. The text of the amendment may specify whether the bill must be passed by the state legislatures or by a state convention. See the Ratification Convention Page for a discussion of the make up of a convention. Amendments are sent to the legislatures of the states by default. Only one amendment, the 21st, specified a convention. In any case, passage by the legislature or convention is by simple majority.
The Constitution, then, spells out four paths for an amendment:
•Proposal by convention of states, ratification by state conventions (never used)
•Proposal by convention of states, ratification by state legislatures (never used)
•Proposal by Congress, ratification by state conventions (used once)
•Proposal by Congress, ratification by state legislatures (used all other times)
It is interesting to note that at no point does the President have a role in the formal amendment process (though he would be free to make his opinion known). He cannot veto an amendment proposal, nor a ratification. This point is clear in Article 5, and was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in Hollingsworth v Virginia (3 US 378 [1798]):
We need the Senate to refuse to increase doctors fees as a separate bill without CBO figures added. The AMT is another accounting gimmick that claims to reduce the deficit but, is overridden every year. Make them own it, or repeal it.
Thank you good Doctor. Sadly the result will most likely be IRS, DEA and medical board reviews to see how to silence this good doctor.
The fascist/progressive thugs are on a roll. Obama did promise to fundamentally change America–he said not a word about changing it for the better did he? The “socialist-coddling coward” Ben Nelson will be well rewarded for this treason-should he lose re-election somebody will reimburse him well. Eternity is another issue.
That is why it is so important right now to keep track of everything the Marxist in cheif is putting through. So that if the republicans and hopefully some new blood in the legislative body enter in 2010, there can be a call from the people to start repealing this stuff. Unfortunately through the years they have been passing crap unbeknownst to us (our fault for not paying attention) without repealing old legislation.
Now we’re paying attention and this debacle needs to stop!
Obviously everyone realizes the Bill now is completely unconstitutional and I believe illegal on its face. I believe the little gifts below violate the Equal Protection Clause in the 14th amendment. The fed govt in its “rewarding” some citizens is discriminating against citizens from other areas merely b/c of how their legislatures vote or political affiliation.
The Bill has more constitutional challenges than anything I’ve ever seen before. How could it be legally possible to exempt Mutual of Obama and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska based on the fact they are in Nebraska?
Can anyone even guess (forget counting) the Constitutional infringements in this thing. It really is time for a completely new government. They didn’t (as far as I know from history) do this during Reconstruction.
The above quoted from Hot Air. And I’m in.
Bless Dr. Becky F. Hollibaugh. I wish she was my doctor.
Perhaps she will be one day. If Dims stay in control we all could end up living in Galt’s Gulch.
Are you kidding me???? Tell me what is Constututional about anything liberals are doing to our Country? They have violated the Constitution on every level, but most particularly on the limitation of federal powers, so much so that it has made slaves of the States and the people to the federal government. BUT, that hasnt stopped them from doing it. Then dont forget the violation of the separation of powers by the liberal judiciary who daily create legislation from the Bench. Just who is going to rein in these violations? The liberal judiciary? The Congress? Dont count on it. It will only start through a revolution at the ballot box. That is the last hope to save this Country.
And THEN … the morons will say that there are few doctors and nurses because education is too expensive – here comes… College Tuition Reform! Followed quickly by not enough professors to go around to teach enough doctors and nurses.
And THEN … the morons will say that the fault that there aren’t enough professors, doctors, nurses, engineers, school teachers, etc. is – THE PARENTS so they’ll launch “Child Career Evaluation Reform” and force kids to choose the career that the government says is best.
Long live our
SovietUS motherland,Built by the people’s mighty hand.
Long live our people, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire.
Long may our
crimson flagstars and stripes inspire,Shining in glory for all men to see.
What is wrong with you? You are arguing with something that apparently you agree with what I wrote.
I was thinking about this yesterday. What if tens of millions of people refused to pay (to the extent not withheld from their earnings) further income tax to the government? Truly what would happen? They wouldn’t have the resources to prosecute that number of people. Would corrupt politicians capitulate to this revolt and adopt policies that are consistent with our Constitution? What would happen??
I am arguing with what you believe to be a solution to the takeover of our govt by socialists. We both agree with what the problems are, but if you think the “fix” lies in challenging the constitutionality of the legislation in the Courts, I just think you are mistaken. So chill out.
Where did I say there was a solution????? Though there is a solution you apparently aren’t smart enough to see it. Lay off the coffee this morning your a little hyped up!
Not sure what might happen sbw999. But it might force a reaction from some of the communist members of Congress. They would appear on the Sunday shows and condemn the actions of We the People and threaten us with legal action. They, appearing as power hungry elitist, may have the effect of turning off more people to the concept of a Socialist government.
It seems the Chinese are getting upset with ALL this spending this bho, team, and the dc bunch are doing and taking a second look at giving us more money. IF enough American’s did follow through and not pay taxes, it would shut down these crooks. MONEY seems to be the only thing this dc bunch cares about, it sure isn’t the voters!
Thank you for the great letter Dr. Hollibaugh.
L
Under the proposed Hillarycare, doctors and nurses were given their fields. There wasn’t supposed to be a choice. It may yet come to pass.
This requires some early deep coordination to prevent weekend warrior cold feet when the IRS comes knocking. Masses must know everyone else is going follow thru on their end and overload the system for punitive action (what was it Franklin(?) who said — we must hang together or hang separately?). The Tea Party people have a ready-made foundation to coordinate this, along with Hot Air and other blogs.
James Greenidge
Queens NY
You’re absolutely correct and I don’t think the population has the guts to do it. The IRS fear has been indoctrinated in most of the population. They also, need to increase their exemptions to max limits to keep that away from the gov. Then don’t write a check on 4/15.
Ausies faced similar problems and at one point they simply could no longer continue to see patients. It was only then, that serious reform took place. Yes, Australians have socialized medicine where every citizen can see a doctor. However, if you want to see your own doctor, you need to pay into a separate system. Most important, when someone comes off the boat and wants free medical care, they don’t get it. This is a huge drain on our health care dollars and it must be dealt with. As with most government programs, nothing will be done until we are in a crisis and the whole system will grind to a halt. No such thing as foresight in government.
For anyone thinking that global warming is an example of preparing for future, you are wrong. Global warming is nothing but a fraudulent scheme to steal your money.
Becky, I completely agree with your letter. Both of us have gone through training that emphasized compassion and sacrifice. If we become nothing more than civil servants such as the kind you see at the DMV, we will learn to forget these principles. Everyone else will learn this too.
What a brave new world we are entering. Every dog for himself.
What prevents Dr Hallibaugh from charging what she wants for an office visit? She should be able to charge what she wants and have her patients make up the difference from what Medicare reimburses.
Is Dr Hallibaugh forced to take Medicare patients? Is any Doctor compelled to take Medicare patients?
Yes, Tort reform should have been part of healthcare reform. As well as, a review of the reimbursements rates, but those are controlled by the State.
A reimbursement rate of $35 in Nebraska compared to a reimburesment rate of $85 in another State certainly begs the question, should there be a National Standard for reimbursement rates for visits, and all medical procedures, in the healthcare reform bill?
The federal government and the insurance regulators of the states. A doctor in NY tried this and got in to trouble.
“State insurance regulators came down on a New York City doctor who was charging his patients a flat $79 monthly fee in exchange for unlimited office visits and all services that didn’t require hospitalization or specialists”
http://tinyurl.com/dm54va
Excellent letter Dr. Hollibaugh.
Just sent emails to my two worthless senators, Klobuchar and Franken and asked why they sold out MN!
I will get a lovely response of ‘thanks for writing. we always want to hear from fellow Minnesotans’
Really would like to know the volume of calls, letters and emails each received in opposition to and support of HC.
Anyone know if we are able to obtain that information?
I’m convinced nothing will change until we stop supporting politicians who “bring home the bacon.” For the past 60 years, we’ve done what we’ve been warned would be the downfall of the Republic…voting favors for ourselves. Well, this is what you get. Pols who know today’s unpopular entitlement becomes tomorrow’s “third rail of politics.” Social Security needed reform but the geezers screamed, “NOT MY MONEY!” Medicare and Medicaid have been rife with fraud and waste for years, but the irony is messing with Medicare is one of the reasons why so many people are opposed to THIS bill.
In the meantime, we’ve been willing to trade off our liberty and vote for utter scumbags so long as the government keeps giving us goodies. At best, we’re headed for post-WWII European mediocrity and irrelevance. At worst, we’re headed for Cuba North. Things won’t change until people decide that being free is better than any largesse you get from an all-powerful government.
Wouldn’t it be great if Doctors were to sign a national pledge to NOT treat any Senator who votes for this abortion of a bill?
Think of the sweet irony of that for a moment!
Thank you for responding to yet another silly statement, that this time was in question form, from our resident empty essay author.
I believe it was decades ago that Massachusetts physicians had to agree to not “balance bill” patients beyond what Medicare decided was the appropriate charge for a particular service/procedure, as a condition to be granted their state medical license.
No time to check the other 49 (?56?); but, I’d bet that the People’s Republic of Massachbusetts isn’t the only state with this type of repressive law.
LOL anytime I believe that people should at least be well informed before asking stupid questions. If our Marxist in Chief and legislators weren’t so hell bent on taking over another industry (that’s all this bill is Taxing & Take Over) and really wanted to help resolve out HC issues. They would repeal HMO Act 1973, which has a lot to do with this type of regulation, Tort Reform, Allow Doctors to charge what they want (like they use too)then it creates competititon, clean up Medicaid/Medicare fraud and start to wean people of of the federal system. People that are on the federal system would be able to afford it if they would allow doctors to charge what they want.
What the HC liberals don’t understand or want to know we already have an OVER REGULATED system that has caused the cost to get out of control! Yet they look to gov to solve it again. Can’t fix stupid I guess.
They just don’t care.. The power has corrupted them absolutely, & they plan on doing whatever they want..
As I said before, the day is coming when these people will begin to refuse to leave office,filing lawsuit after lawsuit to delay their removal, & eventually just refusing until they are arrested. They’ll do it for the big Soros & Bilderburg money money that is behind them, & to help crash our dollar in favor of a global currency.. That is the goal.
Sadly, yup.
Yet another in the long, long line of disastrous fires created in the first place by socialists; who then scream at us for, and demand from us, and extort (ultimately at the point of a gun – governemnt, remember) from us, even more gasoline for them to pour onto the fire.
That might be the case, that the Federal Gov and State regulators of the various States, control what a physician can charge for an office visit, but it is not believable.
A physician who performs plastic surgery in Beverly Hills, CA is going to charge far more for an office visit than a physician in South Central LA. Same thing for a physician on Park Avenue in Manhattan versus a physician in the South Bronx. The office visit is market based, and is a function of location, expenses and specialty.
The link you provided is not about an office visit but about continued care and an additional $10 co-pay for each office visit. The $10 co-pay makes sense because you don’t want a patient showing up everday.
The price of an office visit in this case is $10. The regulators and Government do not have an issue with the $10, they have an issue with the $79 monthly fee.
You can certainly amortize the cost of an office visit in the case you cite. Should you go to this Doctor once a year the cost for that office visit would be $958 ((12 x 17) + 10). Two or more visits per year would cost less on a per visit basis.
if this passes I will have to locate another ortho doc…mine says he will quit medicine altogether..finding any doc that accepts medicare is getting harder and harder and then the quality of care for those who do is less than optimal…look for a whole lot more of that if this passes…longer waits (took a month to get my last appt), less time in the office and minimal care…get used to it America!!! It will become the norm…thanks all you zero liability voters!!
Well then I guess you’re an idiot! Because the article clearly states and it was widely reported the state regulators did it and it is done in MA, TN, OR and many other states. Trying To write long diatribes of meaningless banter doesn’t make you sound any smarter then apparently you’re not. So stay in yur sheltered environment and we will fight for you! You can thank us later!
Also, the gove shouldn’t have an issue with anything they have NO business in private industry! The minute insurance companies became involved with the Dr/patient relationship it ended HC as we knew. First and foremost HMO Act of 1973 needs to be repealed immediately to allow the private sector to create the competition. CAPITALISM IS GOOD! You as most liberals don’t understand this concept.
People going out to vote can impact global warming, so elections will be cancelled…in states where liberals are in trouble, of course.
On December 20th, 2009 at 10:37 am, floridaobserver said:
1) Kirk was Kennedy’s right-hand man. He’s just as much a Socialist as Teddy Kennedy (the one who wrote a personal letter to the U.S.S.R offering his help when Reagan was President).
2) I saw the Parade magazine cover story today, too. Distributed with Sunday newspapers around the country. I’d say, “I question the timing”, but there is no question that this was timed to coincide with the “Do it for Teddy!” vote.
Kirk shouldn’t even be a Senator. By the law changes made in Massachusetts when Mitt Romney was Governor and the Dems were afraid of having a Republican name the Senate replacement for John Kerry (if Kerry had won the 2004 Presidential election), Teddy Kennedy’s Senate seat should be VACANT right now, pending a special election to fill it.
Without the Massachusetts Dems once again changing the law to suit themselves, Kennedy’s seat would be vacant, and Reid would not have 60 votes for cloture.
Doctors just need to walk off the job enmass. That should get their attention. All the Catholic Hospitals need to shut their doors today and announce they are staying closed until the Democrats kill this bill. When people start to die the Dems need to be blamed.
Hey all:
I just sent an email to Judas II for selling out his state and Americans!
Way to go Dr. Becky with your wonderful letter. I made sure to put in my email that he read Dr. Becky’s letter!
I do not think asking doctors to violate the Hypocritic oath is the answer. WE are the ones who will have to engage in massive civil disobedience if this bill goes into law.
I will not pay a portion of my taxes to fund abortions. Sorry that is not in the cards. I will tell the IRS what I am doing and if they can find it in my return then fine. I will not pay the fine. Now let 50 million Americans do the same thing.
IC – so one group of people, group ‘A’, is disallowed by government to charge a monthly fee to guarantee you unlimited health care and another group, ‘B’ is allowed.
So of course it makes perfect sense that group ‘A’, individual doctors, the group actually able to provide the service, should be the one disallowed from charging a monthly fee while ‘B’, insurance companies, the one who hangs around in the hallways of Congress, the one UNable to actually provide the service – is the one allowed to charge a monthly fee as well as stiff those in group ‘A’ from being compensated what they wanted in the first place.
Yes, insurance companies should be allowed to charge whatever they want in order to make a profit and doctors should be denied charging what they want – BY LAW!
/sarc
That alone sounds unconstitutional to me via equal protection?
…and if they don’t want to do that, volunteer at their nearest VA hospital for the same period of time.
Yes but… with Ted DEAD, he might be a little more taken to contemplating his own mortality right now and how he will be remembered in history for his brief moment of ‘service’.
Yeah, there’s likely some personal money to lose in not towing Ted’s banner but as they say – YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU.
He has a chance to be a real hero here, I just wonder if he’s realized it?
Maybe he fears Ted will climb up out of the grave and haunt him if decides to ‘go rogue’? That would be a good reason to pass up a monumentous opportunity in history. /sarc
“They just killed America…you bastards!”(South Park)
unmc is already a third world medical haven, which is why nelson wants those medicaid payments. it seems the good people of nebraska have treated many transplant patients from south of the border, and now the long term care of these “undocumented welfare leeches” is causing a hole in the states finances. a walkthrough of unmc will quickly convince anyone that mexico has definitely made a beach head in omaha.
As a veteran I am eligible for full Tricare benefits. That is why I still pay for health insurance through my work.
There is at least one Representative who should be retained. Dr. Tom Coburn (R)Oklahoma who has lead the fight against this bill and has always fought ear-marking and government waste.
Keep him and those whom he approves.
All else can go.
Well said, I agree with most of what you purpose, one exception, one term Senator plus 1 term as House Rep. instead of 3 terms in the house. Anymore they have the ability to acquire too much power and influence under the reduced system of terms limits plan purposed.
Not sure why a Senator term is 6 years, why not 4 and serve two? They are suppose to be serving the public at large, not their own greedy ambitions. There is a lot more good people out there that would love to be a part of such a government…serve a few years, go home and be proud of what you’ve done for your beloved country.
On December 20th, 2009 at 2:13 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:
I would love to be proven wrong, but I believe that he is fully aware and fully desires to be a hero… to the Democratic Socialists.
Miracles do happen, and it’s worth praying for them. I think it would take a miracle for Kirk to vote against cloture.
If you want a miracle, I think we have a better shot at praying for the final vote on this bill to be delayed until Kirk is replaced by a Republican! (Heck, if MA can elect a Republican governor, who says they can’t elect a Republican Senator in the current environment?)
This may be Reid’s last window of opportunity to defeat a filibuster.
BRAVO Dr Hollibaugh!!!
I’ve yet to hear of a liberal that gives a rat’s rearend about the hereafter, let alone dare to believe in one.
Personally speaking, my mechanic is just as important to me as my doctor. He diagnoses and fixes problems to keep my companies fleet of vehicles operating so I can fulfill my obligations to my customers.
Your ignorance is really incredible at times, and that you choose to show it over and over is just as incredible.
Is she forced to see Medicare patients? Probably not, but then coming from a small town in Nebraska, where else would patients go? Drive 100 miles in any direction to go to the doctor who does accept them? Works well for an older person on a fixed income.
Then after all doctors stop seeing Medicare patients because the rate is so low, people like you will be whining about greedy doctors, and demanding legislation REQUIRING doctors see Medicare patients.
Perhaps if Congress passed sensible legislation without all the bribery, there might be funding available to pay proper rates.
Well stated, Dr. Hollibaugh, but I suspect there are thousands in your profession who are simply going to retire early as a result of this monstrosity, further exacerbated by the suddenly huge increase in patient load of those newly eligible. I suspect my brother, an anesthesiologist, will simply retire or get out of the medical field, rather than continue on in his work at a much lower salary, without the protections against tort reform. Make no mistake, this bill will literally kill good careers and actually kill many innocent people who are willing to work to pay their medical costs in a free market, in favor of those who simply won’t.
Ah, gee, would the massive meat processing plant in Grand Island have anything to do with that?
A few years ago when the illegals were marching for amnesty, the plant shut down for a day or two because they knew so many of their “employees” would be absent.
IIRC the plant processed 16,000 hogs PER DAY.
…yet a little plant in Iowa is the one shut down due to illegal aliens.
We better get a pay czar to look at what the appliance repairmen are getting. If we don’t get appliance repiar costs in line, then the nation will go bankrupt and people will die.
I’d joke and say that the Government should just take over the appliance business all together, but they might take me seriously given their conduct in re. GM and given their relationship with GE.
This is what happenede in the Soviet union under the Bolsheviks. The only reason why there were women doctors at all in that country was because the men didn’t want to spend the time and trouble to earn the same as a plumber in the USSR.
>
Don’t worry, zyzyg, they will find a way to prevent docs from charging what they want through public intimidation and a wonderful holier-than-thou ‘pay czar’.
They do now…and then they decide that the poor compensation from medicare/medicaid combined with taking everyone who doesn’t pay is only worth it if they are more than enough people who do pay (with or without insurance). They then find out eventually that it isn’t worth it and then say ‘we won’t take these patients anymore’
The irony is,zyzyg, many of these same doctors would rationally throw in the towel on such patients due to the reduction of Medicare/Medicaid, but still vote Democrat the next time around-at least in the past.
I suspect that the majority of doctors who will rebel against Obama will be those who aren’t retired and can’t run to their family fortune (like Howard Dean) to afford their
life styles
A typical liberal response, perjoratives and name calling. Try addressing the message.
Very well, I will make it easier for you and ask smaller questions so that you can better follow what was said in the story.
How much does the Doctor in your linked article charge for each office visit?
$10
What is the monthly fee the Doctor charges whether the patient comes into the office, or not?
$79
Did the regulators have a problem with the $10 per office visit?
No
Did the regulators have a problem with the monthly fee?
Yes.
The problem is not the office visit fee of $10, which is not regulated. The problem is with the monthly fee that is viewed as an insurance payment, and is regulated.
How do you conclude that I am in sheltered environment? Yes, another typical liberal tatic, making assumptions, speculating and guessing.
And, please do not fight for me, especially on the issue of healthcare, because you are doing a lousy job if you can’t even address the issues and questions I raised. If you really want to fight, then use facts and leave the name calling in the playground.
Up to a point. Limited Gov involvement in private industry is necessary.
Agreed. Insurance companies can deny claims. Insurance companies can even deny you the ability to get a policy with them. Insurance companies can charge you whatever they want. Insurance companies make the Doctors jump through all kinds of hoops to recieve payment.
All that the insurance companies do is a function of capitalism and giving their investors the best return on their investments as possible. Don’t you want the Insurance companies to be as profitable as they can be?
Not familiar with the HMO Act of 1973, but I will look it up.
Does the Act prevent the creation of new Insurance companies? If not, then there is the opportunity for more competition.
Capitalism is good, moral capitalism is better. OH, and moral capitalism is hiring an American and not someone on an H1B Visa to do the job for less.
Why is not Congress’s giving special favors to LA and NE not considered unconstitutional, in the same way, but the converse of, a bill of attainder; which, to my understanding, is a law, or bill, that singles out a specific individual or specific group of people for punishment?
“Moral capitalism” is owners of private property obeying the rule of law and government writing and enforcing laws to best protect our individual property rights.
The right to the sole use and enjoyment of the product of your labor can only be rightfully infringed to protect that same right against thugs and tyrants and con artists and other criminals violating the rule of law.
The “morality” of capitalism is created by government maximizing the protection of our property rights against predators both in and out of government.
Do things get complicated when we start talking about property that exists in common among us, like the air and water? Of course. That is where the law can legitimately get complicated in trying to weigh everyone’s property rights in a moral fashion.
Can things get complicated when society becomes densely populated and our rights are constantly pressing up against eachother? Of course.
Can things become complicated when live becomes more complicated with things like processed foods and toxic chemicals and so on?
Of course they do. But remembering where the real rights come from and what real freedom is about (the product of your labor and right to the sole use and enjoyment of that product) is vital to having any kind of moral society not based on thuggery.