Dems demand answers
Why is health coverage lagging for poor children?
Previous story
Enlarged health plan had room for 60,000 children, published 10/08/08
COLUMBIA — The low number of poor children signed up for a program to give them free health care coverage is unacceptable, state House Democrats said Tuesday during a luncheon called to demand an explanation from South Carolina's Medicaid director.
The Legislature in June 2007 authorized the state Department of Health and Human Services to provide health care for 60,000 children under South Carolina Health Connections Kids.
To date, 8,028 have signed up. That includes 302 in Berkeley County, 532 in Charleston County and 172 in Dorchester County. Some of the legislators said they were upset that a program they fought for to help children is missing thousands of children who need health care.
"Most of us in this caucus feel like these numbers are not acceptable," Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, said.
The agency's failure to provide health care to the numbers of children anticipated was revealed earlier this month in a Watchdog report by The Post and Courier.
The newspaper reported that 16 months after the Legislature authorized the program, the agency was sitting on most of the $42 million allocated to protect the health of thousands of poor children. That fund qualifies for $4 of federal money for every $1 the state puts up.
Now that the state is in a financial mess, legislators say they have been forced to agree to take back some of that money to keep other basic state programs running.
Following the House's vote to give key approval to a set of spending cuts, the Democratic Caucus invited Health and Human Services Director Emma Forkner to the luncheon to have her explain why the children's health program has lagged so badly.
Forkner said an average of 1,260 children are being signed up each month, but the program got off to a slow start because of the time it took to get federal approval and establish a new system.
"I'm taking notes on how I can do this better," she said to the caucus.
Forkner took suggestions, such as making sure materials handed out are in plain English and that the organizations managing the coverage are helpful and treat the families well.
She also outlined a list of outreach efforts the agency has under way, including sending letters to 1,855 households that were previously denied Medicaid coverage, providing nearly 6,000 doctors with brochures and posters and distributing 750,000 fliers to schools.
"I wanted you to understand we are doing everything we can as an agency," Forkner said.
House Minority Leader Harry Ott of St. Matthews said keeping the program intact is a priority.
"Democrats believe it is vitally important to have kids have access to appropriate health care," Ott said. "We wanted some assurance that DHHS is doing everything possible to make sure children are enrolled."
Ott said the caucus agreed to go along with the spending-cut plan that takes $21 million from the program while leaving another $21 million in place, which, including federal matches, is enough to run the program for 60,000 children for one year.
Rep. Ken Kennedy, D-Greeleyville, shook his head while he looked at a map of the state and the enrollment numbers in each county.
Williamsburg County, where Kennedy lives, has 68 children on the program when it should have hundreds, he said.
Rep. Robert Brown, D-Hollywood, said the luncheon raised serious questions that need to be followed up on.
"I'm concerned," he said. "When it comes to health care for our children, there's no room to be giving money back to the government."
Reach Yvonne Wenger at ywenger@postandcourier.com or 803-799-9051.
E-mail this story
Printer-friendly version
Comments
IValueU (anonymous) says...
Universal Healthcare Doesn't Work - Hawaii is the Perfect Example
October 20 Morning Update: "Predictable"
By Rush Limbaugh, 10/21/2008 11:06:01 AM
Seven months after proudly introducing "universal child health care," Hawaii is dropping the coverage. Hawaii -- the first state in the union to implement a universal plan -- boasted that every child from birth to 18 years old would have health coverage.
So... what happened? It's simple, really: it cost too much! In only seven months, the best-laid plans of liberals ran up such huge budget shortfalls, the state couldn't afford to keep it running. Turns out thousands of parents dropped their kids from their own private health plans in order to cash in on the government "freebie."
Additional AP Article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081017/a...
October 22, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
Down with communism! But wait, that is what Obama is all about.
Who would be so dumb as to vote for communism in the form of Obama?
October 22, 2008 at 5:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WhoCares (anonymous) says...
"The agency's failure...was revealed earlier this month in a Watchdog report by The Post and Courier."
I would best describe it as a "whiney little puppy report."
Also, I think it typical that the democrats offer free handouts...then when no one takes them up on their offer, they get upset and want to force people to take them! ...and people ask me why I no longer vote democratic!!!
October 22, 2008 at 5:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Slick50 (anonymous) says...
Unless things change in the next few weeks, we will become a nation that "shares the wealth". A new era of Robin Hood is fast making his way toward being king. Socialism is not dead, it is alive and well in the Democratic party.
October 22, 2008 at 5:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
slick50, I'm not participating in the OBAMA break the nation by taxation plan! I read yesterday "socialism" is another way of saying "black". Guess which partu said that? But hell its working the welfare state is working of course until we run out of money. The dems created a loyal voting block until the entitlements stop.
October 22, 2008 at 6:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
Whether We like it or Not We have to focus on the most important aspect. The Children. We need to find a solution and keep politics out of it........Priority=Children.
October 22, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
timrod_98 (anonymous) says...
It sounds like our Legislators may be thinking..."If we don't get rid of this money quickly WE HAVE TO GIVE IT BACK"! Oh NO!!! It would appear that the implementation aspect of the "plan" does not seem to have been fully developed prior to beginning (what a surprise). However, I am surprised that more children weren't enrolled. I am curious if this is the same system that will be used to "run" the proposed "UNIVERSAL HEALTH PROGRAM"?
One can only hope.
October 22, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Some of us are getting tired of DEMS demanding "answers" when the fact is that they don't like the correct answer, which is that their confused nonsense doesn't work in the real world, as MASSIVE EVIDENCE from "news" reports that we have seen of years makes very clear. The "problems" to which the weak and confused DEM mentality constantly demands "answers" are NEVER SOLVED by their pathetically stupid "solutions". A total cynic would logically conclude that DEMS dont really want an answer that actually solves the "problems" they constantly whine about, since an actual long term solution would PUT THEM OUT OF BUSINESS since their whining demands for "answers" would be laughed off the table. Remember, this mentality relies on problems, the perception of problems, and complaining about same for its professional and economic survival. Eliminating these problems permanently would put them in the poorhouse and trailer park, which is where they really belong, scorned and shunned.
How certain an I of my observations. Let's get into the DEMS "moral superiority pretend act" for starters and note the utter moral inferiority of people that use "children" as political pawns!!!
October 22, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
So spankerbuns, now that we know that you wallow in Socialism. Depend on your daily bread from Socialism.
You now are demanding that people who are hard workers give you more of what their labor earned them.
When I was younger I read childrens storys about you people. The Ant and the Grasshopper - The Little Red Hen. Funny how they apply today.
spankerbuns, What an ignorant little pathetic turd you are!
October 22, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ed52 (anonymous) says...
spankerbuns , your racial hatred is showing.
October 22, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
Alert, Alert!
I want to break this to you gently spankerbuns and the rest of you Socialist idots.
You are fighting against the wrong person.
George Bush can't run again, he's not the candidate.
Though, you really have to be really stupid to be a Socialist.
October 22, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
Shame on you! Take back money before a program gets off the ground? What are you thinking? How 'bout using some of that money to figure out a better way to reach those who need health care, such as when they show up in an emergency room maybe? Sending letters to many people (many of whom are a product of SC schools and illiterate) is not going to cut it!
Is this just another way that SC is getting around doing the right thing?
And to those of you who haven't reached retirement age and saved enough (which none ever do because no one foresees the economic changes/healthcare changes), you are in for a big shock.
a_set, name-calling is very ignorant, and it puts me off giving your opinions any credence.
Many seem to forget that it was the foxes in the henhouse who never saw this financial diaster coming, never did anything to stop it until it was too late. Worse yet, those same people are running a financial recovery program as though once again they are experts--and average tax-paying citizens are going to pay off the debt. Gimme a break!
October 22, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WhoCares (anonymous) says...
Hey Spanky... Albert Einstein once described insanity as doing (saying,posting) the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Sound familiar? Anyone you know? If not, look in a mirror :) Have a nice day...
October 22, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
What is wrong with you people? We are talking about children and you are pissing and moaning about socialism and communism.......get your priorities straight!
You should all be ashamed of yourselves for holding your political beliefs over the health of our weakest citizens.
They did not ask to be born into poverty, they were given no choice and now you hold it over their heads as you snipe at each other over partisan crap.
SHAME SHAME SHAME!
You don't want woman to have a choice but you damn sure won't take care of the child once it is born!
October 22, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Affordable Healthcare is not communism, and not providing healthcare for children just plain wrong!!!
FYI, almost every if not all western countries in the free world provide healthcare to at least their children.
Children can not work, though I am sure some of you Republicans would love to change that, so they have no control over their care givers decisions. I can not believe that many of you have the audacity to spin it us such, but then again this is the P&C comment section.
October 22, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lowcountrydawg (anonymous) says...
"I suppose all you military retirees will be giving up your "socialized" health care since it "doesn't work"."
I take exception to the comment about the military retirees and their healthcare. They earned it! They wore the uniform of the U.S. and put their butts on the line so we can be free in the US and do things like we are doing now.
Standarized healthcare only works in the military because our Armed Forces personnel have to be fit physically and mentally to go to war. The understand what they have to do to work to make themselves healthier.
Standardized healthcare will not work in the regular everyday civilian world because most people will not do what they need to do to take care of themselves because they'll blame someone else for their condition...
Also...to all of you who have and/or are voting Democrat this upcoming election...think about this...they are the party that cares about people...they want to make your life better...
So why are all these Democrats in this story "demanding" answers?
Welcome to Commuism...hail the "Messiah" Obama
So, how has your life gotten better since you voted Democrat?
That's what I thought....
October 22, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonpride (anonymous) says...
My daughter applied for this program for her son and was denied. She was denied because the father of her son pays child support and because he pays child support it took her over the "legal" limit of income for the help. She makes about 20 grand a year (with out the child support). She also can't get any help from ANY agency because the child support puts her over the allowed income level. Now I understand why the mothers don't go after the fathers for court ordered child support.
October 22, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zekemire (anonymous) says...
Let us make clear one thing! It is not giving money back to the government! The government has no money except that it rapes and confiscates from taxpayers! Where do you think the $4 from the feds comes from? THE TAXPAYERS!
October 22, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
Here's what you get with change at any cost...
Russians were unhappy with the tzar and wanted change, they got Lenin.
Germans were unhappy and wanted change, they got Hitler
Italians wanted change, they got Mussolini
Zimbabweans wanted change, they got Mugabe.
Now we're gonna get Obama. Lucky us.
October 22, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
take exception to the comment about the military retirees and their healthcare. They earned it! They wore the uniform of the U.S. and put their butts on the line so we can be free in the US and do things like we are doing now.
So its not that you beleive nationalized healthcare is wrong, just wrong for everyone else but you... Hypocrite.
October 22, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ed52 (anonymous) says...
people, if were about the children, then they wouldn't be denied because dad works a little overtime. because mom and dad work their b*tts off to have a house. It's about controlling peoples lives. ( yes i have lived it)
October 22, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
I know another program they can cut. How about taking away the farmer subsidies? Especially from those that merely live on farm land and don't even use it to farm. There is a gentleman that is worth billions of dollars and he is still receiving farming subsidies in the amount of $26,000. WTH?! We are paying welfare to more people than we think. We need to focus on ALL types of welfare, not just one type. I won't even get into corporate welfare.
October 22, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
It's an old article, but this happens more than we think.
Farm Program Pays $1.3 Billion to People Who Don't Farm!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...
And check this out!
http://farm.ewg.org/farm/top_recips.p...
TOTAL USDA SUBSIDIES IN
South Carolina, 1995-2006
Recipients of Total USDA Subsidies from farms in South Carolina totaled $1,052,000,000 in from 1995-2006.
October 22, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
commonsence (anonymous) says...
Native and Slick...let me assure you that there is no need to fear the coming of socialism with the election of Obama. It has already been ushered in by the Repubs in the form of a socialized financial system. Whooda thunk that the conservatives would have beat Obama to the punch?
October 22, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
Amen Lovely. How is the little one?
Subsidies and corporate welfare have long broken our economy, even in this state. The tax breaks we continue to give to companies to come and stay in our state are tremendous and sometimes not even necessary. Farm subsidies are the biggest joke, everyone knows they are stupid, but no one wants to SAY they are stupid and wasteful.
October 22, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Wow, EG, I am flattered! Lol! I am all for helping people, but allow me to do it because I want to do it, not because the government is forcing me to do it by way of taxation. Allow me to decide that I am going to help my neighbor pay her rent, don't hold a proverbial gun to my head and steal it from me.
October 22, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
Evil Genius, is that supposed to be a good thing? Though it is OFF topic:
CEOs are afraid now, both parties are proposing to limit the golden parachutes they get when they leave failed companies, especially when the federal government bail them out. No more walking away with 30 or 40 million dollars when you screwed up and left a company to be taken over by the federal government. They also realize, for better or for worse, that McCain's economic plans are more beneficial to them individually than Obama's is.
I could care less what CEOs think. They are overpaid and often as proven by recent events, incompetent. Even top business schools and free market economists have argued against the high executive pay present in the corporate world, mostly because there is no good return for the company, investment wise, when someone takes home $100 million a year purely for one job.
October 22, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
This article is funny in that Liberal Gilda is crying that this health care welfare is not meeting projected enrollment. She says it's just not acceptable and Ken shakes his head in woe. Oh too bad. They think they know it all and then are mad when their handout constituents don't sign up? Give me a break. This is an unneeded handout and the legislature must abolish SCHCK to save money. What is Gilda talking about when she says, "Most of this in this caucus....,"? Is she talking about the racist Legislative Black Caucus? When will the Legislative White Caucus make comments on plans to end SCHCK?
October 22, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Hey SCdea, little Lovely is doing just fine. Any day now I will be posting his birth date, weight, and length. I was shocked when I read about the farm subsidies. Like you said, these are things that "they" don't and won't speak about as long as they can help it. It's a "what the people don't know won't hurt us" type of thing. Or "if we don't talk about it, it will go away."
October 22, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
There are measures that we can take to address health care that would not call for nationalization. A nationalized program is not something that I would advocate since the government would then have a monopoly over the medical industry. The current program needs work however. Here's my idea:
1) Begin a 10-year goal of educating 100,000 medical professionals. Even if the government had to finance the entire cost of this, it would be small in comparison to what they have wasted on other programs which benefit only a small few. By having more doctors, more nurses and more health professionals, it will alleviate the shortage. With the baby boomers approaching retirement we are only going to see this problem get worse.
2) Establish a program where those with no medical insurance can purchase government-backed insurance (for catastrophic illnesses) that would be based on income. In other words, if your employer doesn't provide it, if it's prohibitively expensive, or if you're self-employed, you can purchase at a discounted rate based on income.
3) Regardless of income, provide universal immunization, one annual checkup and one trip to the dentist. Preventative care is where national health systems outperform us, and we need to improve on this. The US is still the best when it comes to major surgeries, but if we can expand preventative care it would actually save money to the taxpayers and the insurance companies over the long run. Better preventative care means fewer trips to the ER for ailments that could have been dealt with much sooner.
4) Place a 1% Federal sales tax on alcohol, cigarettes and gambling. Use the revenues to help States pay for children's health programs. This way States can avoid going into debt or raising taxes, and the revenue sources listed above are more preferrable than raising income taxes.
October 22, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
I'm glad to see that most of the posts are intelligent and agree with my theme. Remember, folks, we exist. Yes, things do not look good right now BUT as long as people like us exist, the forces of darkness have not won. Remember that.
October 22, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Let me start by saying anyone comparing Tricare(military health insurance)to Medicaid is WAY off base!People on Medicaid get WAY more benefits.I'm not against Medicaid at all.But people on Medicaid havent earned it and some even abuse it.On Medicaid your children see a pediatrician,fully paid for eye doctor and you can go to any Dr who takes Medicaid.On Tricare in some areas(including CAFB)your children don't even get to see a pediatrician.It can take forever to get an appointment(you see a different Dr almost every time providing no real continuity of care)you have to jump through hoops to get referrals and get things paid for,I could go on and on and on.To those who don't know:Tricare is NOT free either.
October 22, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
Military healthcare is NOT nationalized healthcare. It is a benefit for putting your life on the line for your country and an incentive to stay in the sertvice of your country with your life at risk at any moment. And no I do not nor will I ever receive this benefit.
October 22, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WSM (anonymous) says...
STATE LEGISLATURE ANGERED BY NUMBERS OF POOR, VOWS TO FIX THE PROBLEM
State Representatives were angered over the numbers of poor children that failed to be enrolled in public health care programs. "I say, I mean I say, this is just plain unacceptable," shouted State Representative Claghon of Allendale County! "Why, all of these people that have to vote Democrat are just pokin' a big ol' finger in my eye! What are they thinking? They've got to vote Democrat, if they know what's good for them!"
Representative Quashanga Raisinhell from Charleston's East Side stated, "This is a disgrace! If I tell my people to do something, and they don't, we pay a visit to make sure they understand they had best do what they be told! I don't care if you'd rather go to a private practicing doctor, I'm putting my political career on the line, and you are going where you're told!"
The Legislature's current plan is to increase the number of poor children by increasing the number of poor families. They tentatively plan to do this through a flat 99% tax rate, citing the need to fund both food, clothing, and shelter programs, as well. The idea is that with a 99% tax rate, you can't afford anything without the government giving it to you.
State Representative Genni Huger Manigault of Mount Pleasant was particularly exited about the housing plan. "I love this whole housing idea, as it helps us keep tabs on people who would otherwise not conform to the new reality. I call this the "Don't Give A Home to Hate" program. You know, those bourgoise slavedrivers in the cotton mills had the right idea about collective housing: one peep of dissention, you and your whole family were on the street, no job, no house, no food. Period. So, you had best do what you are told, little man!"
reporter for this story is V. I. Lenin, and can be reached at VILenin@reqsquare.com
October 22, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
EVIL people! EVIL fringing people!
Shame on you all that would have the children suffer!
October 22, 2008 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
So the personal responsibility pulling yourself from your bootstraps argument does not work with children. I know, I know, it becomes a problem when you can not refer to your conservative argument playbook. So posters like Evil questions the motives, like that does not alienate people. Get a clue! I know, I know, altruisms is such an alien concept to people that are as self absorbed as many conservative.
You conservatives should just be honest and say that you are just selfish and that you do not want your taxes to pay for the healthcare of the less fortunate, and to ones that do not have control of their situation.
Sorry, but from ya'lls post I had to take my gloves off on this one!
October 22, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
To me, the real problem here is the fact that this agency has essentialy SAT on millions of dollars. It's just plain incompetence for that much money to be hanging around 16 months after a program is enacted. If this were the private sector, all those involved would be fired, including the head of agency, and more effective people would be in place. But alas, this is a state government, and bureaucracy is an excuse for people's incompetence.
October 22, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
"you do not want your taxes to pay for the healthcare of the less fortunate, and to ones that do not have control of their situation."
Not true at all in my case. What I oject to is liberals whose policies create a permanent dependent class of this group for votes and the righteous and superior feelings it gives them. "it's for the children" is in many cases an obvious guilt card used without remorse to achieve the goals stated in my last sentence. I can not concieve of any decent person objecting to helping the group you describe except when the government gets to decide who is in that group and when and how much help they get with tax payer money.
October 22, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lou9 (anonymous) says...
If these "representatives" are so angry that not enough of their constituents have signed up for this program, then instead of getting angry at someone else maybe they should get off their worthless duffs and help the people in their districts like they were elected to do. But that's what Ms. Hunter and the rest of the caucus are good at: all complaining and no action.
October 22, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shoelaces (anonymous) says...
spankerbuns.....you are an idiot!! Just had to post that before I forgot to say it. Now I will get back to the rest of the posts...
Idiot....
October 22, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
EvilGenius, did you know that McCain supporters are lashing out now? In NC people that were attending an Obama rally had their tires slashed. I am sure that Obama supporters weren't the ones who slashed the tires.
October 22, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
Also, there are videos on the Internet of McCain/Palin supporters yelling "kill him", "off with his head", and the like speaking about Barrak Obama. If any of these people that are slashing tires and yelling for this man's head are indicative of what would happen should McCain lose, it seems as though there could be civil unrest from both camps.
October 22, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MMitchum (anonymous) says...
Yea, I would say the agency is responsible for this big screwup...and who is watching the money...In Aiken my daughter put in Medicaid request for my 8 month old granddaughter who was supposed to be covered 4 months ago...hello hadn't heard a word yet...they think they are above the poor...one lady didn't have a clue, and the other one says well we have it in our computer from Berkeley Cty. So all we have to do is update, and give us the Fathers name so we can go after child support.. Still no word from them.
It is amazing how you walk in and some treat you like trash and others are nice. I wasn't applying but you would have thought I was.
October 22, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lowcountrydawg (anonymous) says...
Woof..woof, Evil Genius....you get it right!!
October 22, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shoelaces (anonymous) says...
"Forkner took suggestions, such as making sure materials handed out are in plain English"
Are we suggesting they don't UNDERSTAND the program because they can't read "English" or just can't read?
Whatever....in a few months everyone will be eating government cheese....mmmm....
As long as the Dem's keep feeding and taking care of the "less fortunate" then the Dem's will have jobs in office. BUT as soon as those "less fortunate" become a little better off LOOK OUT!!! Then they will understand what is happening to them. Robin the Hood Obama will redistribute their new-found wealth.
October 22, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
shoelaces, I believe "plain English" means in terms that are easily understood. You remember the debacle with the Medicare reform. A lot of people didn't get the coverage they needed because the forms and such were written in what could almost amount to a foreign language. The way it stands now is you need a law degree to understand the legal jargon that they use in these forms.
October 22, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
A little off topic-(but to address the "crazy people" at some of the rallies)A woman who is democratic advisor,etc. said that the campaigns will often plant people in the audience to shout out crazy things and act out. So in turn they can use it against the other side. I knew politics were a dirty,ugly business but geesh!
October 22, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
That was the approving lawyers intention. If you can understand it you don't need to pay a lawyer to explain it.
October 22, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
CFB, someone suggested that Joe the Plumber was a plant but that was denounced as being crazy and off based. I am not saying that he was, but if it is suggested that those people that were yelling at the rallies were plants, then I don't see why it cannot be suggested.
October 22, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grand (anonymous) says...
Maybe the children didn't get coverage because the workers are clueless. I had to go to 3 different workers to find out my grandson, whom I have custody of, was eligible for Medicaid. The first 2 said he wasn't, so there was no need to fill out any paperwork/applications.
Over 10% of children are now being cared for in homes headed by kin, mostly grandparents. When is SC going to wake up and support our efforts to keep children out of foster care, despite the fact that the costs of daycare falls completely on us, risking our ability to pay our mortgages, rent, and medical bills.
October 22, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
it can be suggested. But if you examine the circumstances only God could have arranged it. Well, Rove could have since he has been accused of things only God could do. :)
October 22, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
Personally- I am all for the healthcare being provided for the child- it sucks that someone can have ten kids and not have to pay healthcare costs- but again it is not the child's fault that the parent's are irresponsible- HOWEVER-the mother and/or father should not be supported by the government- a little help to get on their feet is okay by me, but not raping the American people and their hard-earned cash. We as a nation should not be held responsible for the repetative, irresponsible actions of grown men and women who don't think twice about bringing an innocent child into a messed up situation- it's disgusting
October 22, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
I agree with you sc4peace, great post.
October 22, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
guidedbystewart- Thank you- I just find myself caught int he middle when it comes to my opinion- I hate the thought of a child suffering but at what point is it okay to turn the other way and say enough is enough!.. that is so hard to do when the child has to pay the price. Then you have to deal with the fact that if we are helping the children- we are giving the parents free handouts to keep living the same lifestyle- It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place.
October 22, 2008 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shoelaces (anonymous) says...
I am still baffled as to why anyone would have ANY children if they can't even afford to take care of themselves, let alone multiple children. I wouldn't begin to guess how much government cheese $$ folks get each month but I would have to say it is probably just enough to keep them at or below the poverty line.
Can't feed 'em...don't breed 'em.
I have one child by choice!!
This cycle will continue as long as we continue to reward those who won't do for themselves. **With a few - very few -exceptions.
October 22, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
And yes, military healthcare is wrong for everyone that hasnt made the sacrifice or 20 year commitment.
So Hypocrite, you will make others pay for you but no one else? KP duty is sacrifice? If you aren't in the military now, then pay like everyone else when they leave a job.
October 22, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
exorcist_pencocky4u (anonymous) says...
And yes...sc4peace its not my fault "SHE" got pregnant. Somehow I don't remember holding "HER" down while some guy had intercourse with her. She was having a great time while it was going on.
Now it has become my fault and the Socialist newspeak says I have to dig deep and pay more...
October 22, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
serialmooner, no one has to ever make YOU look ignorant, you do a pretty good job of that yourself. As far as me being a racist, I will have to say that gave me my biggest chuckle of the day.
Hell, I even had to go back and read my posts to see what racist remarks I made that warranted me being labeled as such. My findings were "nothing".
So, if you would be so pleased as to pinpoint my racist posts for me it will be greatly appreciated. If not, then you have proven yourself to be beyond ignorant and borderline stupid.
:-)
October 22, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
And since you are passing around advice, here is a little for you. In a battle of wits, you should never try to go up against me. Your butter knife is no match for my sword. And your pea shooter just pales in comparison to my .357.
That is all!
October 22, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
just1reader (anonymous) says...
If you can't take care of a child DONT HAVE ONE!!!
October 22, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
just1reader (anonymous) says...
And if you can, enjoy and raise him/her to be self sufficient and not depend on the government! Society will thank you! Those who are not socialist, that is!
October 22, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kaylee (anonymous) says...
We all know how many families have two incomes plus some but only clam one due to not being married. Most of our welfare users have there boyfriends living with them with his income there food stamps and welfare. they are living good and still want more hand outs. The families that really need it can't get it. My spouse was laid off and we applied for food stamps and was told our 92 van worth this amount of money and we couldn't get a dime worth of help unless we sold it. So then he wouldn't have a way back and forth to work.Yes I work full time. We took our van to a car dealer and he said he would give us $1000.00 dollars for it. The valve was $2500. So who does the state help. Only time we ever applied for help in 30 years of marriage.
October 22, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
kaylee I saw a pretty black girl with a huge late model Dodge Durango SLT and a cell phone at the Food Lion two Saturdays ago using her EBT foodstamp card so car value must be important for some and unimportant for others. The creation of the welfare state was created by Satan since it took responsibility for the care of the poor from charities and churches. We must end the welfare state before our nation collapses and closing down the program in this article will be a good start.
October 22, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Mkris: healthcare for life is part of the compensation package when you enlist in the armed forces. It is part of your CONTRACT with the EMPLOYER. If you work for a minimum period of time you will recieve these benefits. It is not a handout, it your compensation.
Just as some private companies (such as GE or General Motors) offer pension plans/healthcare to their employees once they retire, the same goes for the Department of Defense.
Basic healthcare is offered for free. Dental and more comprehensive coverage is NOT free and a premium must be paid.
mkris: You are reinforcing/spreading a false stereotype about military retirees in an attempt to justify taxpayers paying for entitlement programs to those who did NOT work for it.
Also, your idiotic & ignorant statement "KP duty is sacrifice?" shows the world just how stupid you are.
I DARE YOU TO GO UP TO A SAILOR, SOLDIER, MARINE, AIRMAN OR EVEN COASTIE.
I WANT YOU TO STAND IN THEIR FACE AND SAY THAT.
I WANT YOU TO GO TO ANY VA/MILITARY HOSPITAL, LOOK AT THAT MAN OR WOMAN WITH A HEAD INJURY OR MISSING LIMB AND SAY THAT!
I WANT YOU TO GO TO A CEMETARY AND WALK TO A VETERANS GRAVESTONE AND SAY THAT!
I WANT YOU TO MEET ME AND SAY THAT TO MY FACE!
I hope my fellow posters forgive me today. But I'm going where I may regret.
MKRIS: you are a jackass that doesn't deserve the mantle of freedom that countless numbers of individuals have sacrificed so you can reveal your stupidity to world under the protection of Old Glory.
October 23, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Serialmooner: "someone might remind you of the I.Q. gap between the races!"
Please elaborate.
I'm not wishing any harm to come to you and yours. And I support you in your freedom to express yourself as you will.
However:
When you or a loved one finds themselves sick or injured and laying on a gurney, please feel free to tell that Black, Hispanic etc, medical provider that you would prefer that they not help you as you feel that their IQ is inherently inferior to Whites and you are quite willing to wait for a White person to help you, even if it means permanent disability or even death.
When you or a loved one finds themselves in need of an attorney or in front of a judge to adjudicate an issue important to you, please feel free to tell that Black, Hispanic etc, attorney/judge that you would prefer that they not help you as you feel that their IQ is inherently inferior to Whites and you are quite willing to wait for a White person to help you, even if it means the case goes not in your favor.
When you or a loved one finds themselves in need of law enforcement assistance and a Black, Hispanic, etc. LE arrives to assist you, please feel free to tell that Black, Hispanic etc, LE provider that you would prefer that they not help you as you feel that their IQ is inherently inferior to Whites and you are quite willing to wait for a White person to help you, even if it means your problem will not be solved.
Since you believe that there is an IQ gap between the races, to do anything else would be hypocritical wouldn't it?
October 23, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
evilgenius: I understand where you are coming from.
It galls me to see fools like that denigrate those of "us" who in one form or another have sacrificed so he/she can say as they please.
And you're right, he's probably the type to spit on a grave of a veteran.
As much as I appreciate our freedoms and as much as I would defend them, it makes me sick to see & hear people who would say and do such things.
October 23, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Eyfig-Don't you just love it when some moron acts like the military is pampered? It's a sacrifice that people like that will never understand. God bless our military men and women. Without them....I don't even want to imagine.
October 23, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by signing up!
Full terms and conditions can be read here.