DeMint offers his take on hot issues
EDITOR'S NOTE: U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint has raised his national profile by battling President Barack Obama's health care reform plans. He sat down Tuesday with reporter Robert Behre to talk about that and other topics.
P&C: The S.C. Small Business Chamber of Commerce is critical of your approach to health care reform, saying competition among private insurers has been tried and hasn't worked. How do you respond to that?
Sen. Jim DeMint
DeMint: I was in business for 15 years, and I'm not aware of them. The criticism I saw in their release made me think they didn't read the bill or give it a serious reading. ... I don't know that interstate competition of insurance has been tried unless it was pre-computer age. ... That's kind of -- maybe I shouldn't say dumb -- but a dumb criticism in that they're thinking that competition between private companies won't work so we're going to get a government plan to compete, and that's going to work. Yeah. Just like Medicare creates an extra choice for seniors. You don't see any choices in their health insurance, and you won't.
P&C: Do people have a right to health care? Describe where the government's obligation to provide a safety net ends and where a person's responsibility should begin.
DeMint: I think health care is a privilege. I wouldn't call it a right. ... I do think in our country and in any civil society there should be a safety net for basic health and food and shelter, but that doesn't mean that the whole system should be designed around the belief that people can't make their own decisions, can't be responsible for themselves. ... What we do need to do is make sure everybody has access to policies they can afford, own and keep. We're not doing that. What we've done is set up the whole system to reward employers for offering health insurance, but we don't support people who don't get their insurance at work, and that's not fair.
P&C: What are the most serious things that will happen if nothing changes in the health care arena?
DeMint: If nothing is done, we're likely to end up with a single-payer system anyway in a few years. Every year we're ratcheting down what we're paying doctors and hospitals for Medicare and Medicaid, which means the cost shifting gets greater and fewer employers can offer health insurance. What we're doing is driving the private market out of business anyway, and I think that's why they don't want anything to pass that would make it easier for people to have their own insurance. So if we don't do anything, that's bad too. That's why I made the point -- I could have calibrated my words differently -- that we have to stop the president on this health care thing. ... If it's completely socialized or nationalized, whatever you want to call it, then you've got over half of the American economy in the government hands at some point, and the free enterprise system doesn't work anymore if the government is that involved. So we've got to make a stand here. We've got to stop it. My hope has always been if we could stop them on this ... then we could move on to real freedom solutions that will work in every area of society. That was the last part of my sentence.
P&C: Would you agree this is your highest profile fight, and how important is your success here to your re-election bid next year?
DeMint: I don't know. It's hard to tell. In politics, you're never sure if you're in an echo chamber or if you're really hearing what a lot of people are thinking, but everywhere I go around this state, people are just saying, 'Keep fighting. Thanks for fighting,' and then they'll say, 'What can I do?' That's what I hear everywhere. ... Like the meeting yesterday (on Daniel Island), it seemed like a good mix of citizens who made me feel like a returning hero to come to Charleston, and Charleston is not the hotbed of conservatism anyway. It's a pretty eclectic group here. ... I frankly don't like to be represented in a way that I'm trying to break the president because the whole point was to break his momentum. To stop his rampage. ... A lot of Republicans were sleepwalking this thing along and I think it stirred up a lot of politicians and got the debate going. And I think the president thought he could use it to his advantage, but I think anytime a president is attacking a junior senator, he's off his talking points.
P&C: You are no fan of the government's expanded role in the domestic auto industry or in the nation's financial sector, but which of those interventions bothers you most and why?
DeMint: I'm heartbroken that Chevrolet is owned by the federal government. I grew up in a Camaro. It just doesn't feel right to me. The government has always been heavily involved in the financial sector. ... They'll probably destroy (insurance giant) AIG. Every report I'm getting shows that they're running it into the ground. ... But I think ending up with General Motors and Chrysler owned by the federal government and the unions is horrifying. If Americans aren't horrified by that, nothing is going to shake us.
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Sparky (anonymous) says...
He offers no solutions to anything, just complains. I guess that what happens when you grow up in a car.
August 19, 2009 at 5:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
[…] “I think ending up with General Motors and Chrysler owned by the federal government and the unions is horrifying. If Americans aren't horrified by that, nothing is going to shake us.”
Wow Jimbo—what a line! [H]orrifying, is it???
I remind you that you were not ‘shaken’—let alone ‘interested’—in an innocent disabled victim having his Social Security Disability Insurance —ILLEGALLY— garnished on behalf of a woman he was NEVER MARRIED to for the support of another man’s bastard -- with NO lawful court order anywhere on the planet.
This victim was left with no insurance or money for insurance for years -- because of PUBLIC CORRUPTION!!!
Where were you then Jimbo???
August 19, 2009 at 5:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justmyview (anonymous) says...
Can someone please remind me why people in this state is so enamored with Demint?
August 19, 2009 at 5:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
view,
Same reason morons like you are (not is) enamored with the likes of Jim Clyburn,Robert Ford,Mayor Joe, etc,etc. You want all you can get from the federal gov and think they should take care of you.
I agree healthcare needs to be reformed. He offers some good alternatives to Obama but you know it is a little hard to swallow when the repubs have been in office for 8 yrs and have never brought anything to the table. So they deserve what they're getting.
Both parties are ruled by special interest, just which special interest suits you? One by lawyers who do not want tort, reform one by insurance moguls that don't want competition. I think they're all slimeballs. But remember the Obamaessiah said special interest would be run from his white house, hows that going, who wrote this bill if he didn't, congress didn't?? Most of his dumbass voters would never ask that question.
August 19, 2009 at 6:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobielfield (anonymous) says...
This interview clearly shows why we in SC have the dubious honor of having the worst governor in our history but also the dumbest Senator ... DeMint shows his true beliefs when he says that health care is a privilege, not a right ... He must be defeated in 2010 and sent back to his childhood Camaro home !!!
August 19, 2009 at 6:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
You lazy jackasses...prepare to work for your healthcare...we're coming!
August 19, 2009 at 7:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
You lazy jackasses...prepare to work for your healthcare...we're coming!
-----------------------------------
You are a vile and selfish man. What kind of bootlicking idiot would turn his back on his neighbors when they are sick or in pain?
The answer is filth like you scottmcx. You are no doubt one of the retirees who post here who already has "socialist" insurance coverage through the government and like to kick others who are uninsured to the curb and fight to keep others from being covered.
Just what is you idiots problem? Why is it OK to you for a corporation who provides no service but denying health care determine who is provided health care. This is how the CEO gets paid. If enough sick people can be dropped from the rolls it means more money to them and the company. Do you have any doubt these corporations will not lie and cheat if it will get them more money? I got news for you scottmcx, they do lie and cheat. They lie and cheat and it is hurting your neighbors and the rest of the citizens of our country yet you side with the traitor corporations against your neighbors?
You are despicable and I pray you face those very neighbors wrath one day. Filth like you deserve what you get. You are nothing but an ignorant corporate shill. To stupid to realize how wrong you are.
August 19, 2009 at 7:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
real..
Get a job.
August 19, 2009 at 7:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
BTW...I'm not retired. I worked for "da man" the first 3 years of my working life. I saved money for those 3 years and started a business. I have owned and run about 5 since then.
I'm not retired nor on welfare AND BTW Social Security IS AN ANNUITY not welfare you JACKASS. I pay in and if I'm lucky I'll get some of it back.
Again, get a job you lazy son of a gun!
How much do you and your family get on the dole every month?
August 19, 2009 at 7:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cappy (anonymous) says...
Unfortunately our younger people of this panel don't remember (or care) the good old days after WWII when we had issues with the USSR. If they did they might see a similar situation developing in this country. Gov't control of business, finance, health care, media. What's next commrades?
August 19, 2009 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kma71 (anonymous) says...
So bobielfield, why is health care a right and not a privilege? I have never once been to the doctor and had someone else pay for it!! I might not have much, but what I have, I worked for! Never once have I gotten any public assistance!! If you want health care, then you should pay for it!!
August 19, 2009 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Real
Another thing about SSI is that ITS BROKE because the government STOLE MY MONEY and gave it to people WHO DON'T WORK, like your Commie, no working, jackass buddies!
August 19, 2009 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
scottmcx, I pray that god strikes you or your family with a horrible disease and you get the insurance company denials shoved down your filthy stinking gob and suffer for it the rest of your vile life.
Karma's a motherf'er and you got a train load of bad karma coming your way.
August 19, 2009 at 8 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Real...
So...you're not gonna get a job?
And, you and your family are still gonna steal may money by sitting on your a**es?
August 19, 2009 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
BTW Karma works on theives as well...so hang on you loser!
August 19, 2009 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Real...
I like the fact you "pry god strikes you and your family".
I pray you become a productive citizen.
Who's Karma is in the negative?
August 19, 2009 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
Blab on scottmcx. You are a traitor to your neighbors and your country. Rot in hell!
August 19, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
martin (anonymous) says...
Why are there no questions about DeMint's membership in C Street/The Family/The Fellowship? Why is so much of main street journalism afraid to ask? This is not a real church (though they get the tax breaks). Are journalists afraid of being accused of attacking religion? Do your research and find it's not that either. It is a unregistered lobbying group.
DeMint lives in their C Street church/house, paying $950 p/m rent, well below market values. That means he is receiving a monthly donation from this lobbying-hiding-behind-the-guise-of-Jesus-worship group (they don't call themselves Christians; it might offend Muslims and Hindus).
They sell access to their weak minded politician members to foreign dictators. They fly Congressmen all over the world and these Congressmen then promote Family agenda as our country's. That is wrong.
Please read the latest article, available free at worldmag.com.
This is a Christian Conservative magazine that is finally coming out to report the truth about this group which has had secret, outsize influence on our government for 75 years.
Another thing, can't people comment on stories, rather than fight with each other?
August 19, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
No real, you're a thief..THOU SHALL NOT STEAL!
Again..How much do y'all get a month from me?
CROOK!
August 19, 2009 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
scottmcx = paranoid wingnut retard
August 19, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Real,
But..I have a job and produce something. You, on the other hand, are a maggot.
Get a Job!
August 19, 2009 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pullmyfinger (anonymous) says...
scottmcx you are pushing Malcolm over the edge. He is so steamed I bet he will be calling Richard Todd and Rocky D to blow off his potty mouth. He is really ROcky D`s lover. He is such a joke! Stutter on Malcolm!!
August 19, 2009 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Pull...
That was my intent...I'm having a blast!
August 19, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
Who is 'them', Mr. DeMint? Who is the 'us'?
Further, I'm sure your supporters and fans do just love you to pieces; however, I see you and every other politician as just 'doing their jobs' when they support what voters put them in office to do--not heroes!
Sparky - just loved your comment.
scottmcx - I did work, and I have paid for my healthcare for over 50 years. And the thought that I was robbed of a great deal of money that I'd been amassing (LOL) for retirement by those who've never ever saved a dime nor put their 'wants' on hold as older generations learned to do; watched healthcare costs rise steadily for 50 years; watched CEOs walk away with bonuses that could feed every starving person in the world; all of this type of selfishness makes me just a teensy bit testy these days. Where WERE all these SMART people who had all the answers and could have saved 'us' from this mess?
Oh and scottmcx, I have been unable to remember the details, but I know that the government 'borrowed' money from SSI, and it was a loan--one that was never paid back to SSI. Just my understanding, so feel free to fill in the details (I'm sure you will).
***OMG, I'm sounding like zoomru again! Egads!
August 19, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Old...
Without the "cream rising to the top" and "herding the cats" (on working jackasses) we'd be a third world nation.
The "cream" (CEOs) who amass capital and produce products and jobs for the herd of cats deserve more.
There are directors and shareholders who should keep the CEOs in line. If you don't like the way a company is run, man-up, buy some stock and go complain.
In the event of criminal activity, then the gov't should get involved.
The 3 years I "worked for da man" actually 2 different jobs, neither "man" was a lazy jackass. I never got a job from a lazy jackass. Have you?
On SSI, I think when you borrow something and refuse to pay it back AND demand MORE (via increased SSI taxes) because you blew it, YOU'D BE A CROOK. The government should arrest itself and put itself in jail.
Since they won't do that...why trust them with any more of our money?
August 19, 2009 at 9 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
Refuse your SSI then, when it's your time to receive it. Put your money where your mouth is.
August 19, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
VMI..
THAT SSI ITS MY FREAKING MONEY! I put it in, I'll get it back, unless your lovers int the Gov't steal it ALL!
You, on the other hand are on the DOLE!
August 19, 2009 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobbyonetooth (anonymous) says...
DeMint: I think health care is a privilege. I wouldn't call it a right
If you are 5 years old you have zero control over whether you can or cannot afford health care. If you lose your job in the Upstate at a mill that closes even though you gave them the best 25 years of your life there should be a way for you to buy affordable insurance.
DeMint plays to whatever is left of the Barry Goldwater Republicans. We need more Lindsey Graham's. DeMint is pathetic.
August 19, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Medicaid is for 5 year olds with jackasses for parents..OH, except your lovers in the government stole the money.
August 19, 2009 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
We need to put an opt out clause in any health reform bill so the wingnuts can put their money where their mouths are. It would be poetic justice to allow the insurance industry to feed on these wingnut traitors who are more than happy to sell out the rest of us to benefit faceless corporate goons.
August 19, 2009 at 9:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
scott - SSI is also for orphans and children with disabilities. Are their parents jackasses?
Society is definded by how it takes care of it's weakest citizens. How would you like your society defind?
August 19, 2009 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
scott- you are an idiot for making assumptions. I have worked my whole life (since college), so you have no business making baseless accusations. But hey, that's your MO.
I'm afraid to know what kind of business you run- I am sure your customer service skills are obviously nil.
August 19, 2009 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Real...
My money is already where my mouth is. You, on the other hand, don't have the money, only the MOUTH!
August 19, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
...oh I get it. Social Security is evil...we shouldn't borrow to pay for it.....but take mine, and there will be hell to pay. Way to talk out of both sides of your mouth, scott.
August 19, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
So VMI...buy some insurance and shut-up.
Tripled our sales in the past 2 years. Up in the recession, thank you very much.
80+ hours a week.
August 19, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
I see your business is booming- you have time to post here- loser.
August 19, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
VMI, if your lovers in the gov't will refund my money with reasonable interest and stop taking it out of my pay, I'll be happy to "opt out".
How's that both sides of anything? Did VMI teach you what an Annuity is?
August 19, 2009 at 9:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
I would love for you to share your businesses name with us all scott.
You work hard, sales are up, you must be very proud of your accomplishments. I would think you would be yelling your company's name from the roof tops.
Please share.
August 19, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Dude, I'm working on order entry and shipping logistics as we speak. I can multi-task.
August 19, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Luna-tic
I'd prefer not to have all y'all nut jobs protesting in front and shooting at me.
August 19, 2009 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
Are you not going to answer either questions scott?
Please impart your vast knowledge of the SSI system to us and please share your great success story with us by providing your company's name.
August 19, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
I learned more at my school than you probably did at Trident Tech. Or do you have a GED?
August 19, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Luna-tic
I will say this...my current business does no retail and is national & international distribution, so, I don't really sell anything to on the dole losers.
So, I don't need a to tell a bunch of "on the dole losers" what I do. They don't run busnesses and don't have any money to buy my products in bulk.
August 19, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
I would never protest a business. As a hard working mother of 2 I have no time for that type of thing.
Also, please share your views on how you define society......
Note, I have not called you any names or attacked you, so please show me the same respect in future posts.
August 19, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
VMI, I quit CofC third year to run the investment department of a life insurance company. I was "approached" in my 20s and offered the job because I'm a real retard.
Bill Gates quit Harvard as well. I'm no Bill Gates but I do OK.
August 19, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pullmyfinger (anonymous) says...
Our society is being overrun by people who make a living on cheating our government. There are all levels of corruption but the biggest is the entitlement people. You figure out who I`m talking about Luna. Your society is wanting nothing but handouts and expect our government to take care of you.
There is nothing wrong in helping the truly needy but not the entitlement junkies like real and luna
August 19, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
OK luna...You have me on respect. But you're not the only lurker here.
August 19, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lilwhitney (anonymous) says...
The reality that DeMint fails to recognize is that noone has the ability in the health care system as it exists to take "responsibility," as he calls it, for their health care. The aging boomers and the generation that follows it are now saddled with ballooning health care costs driven by an insurance industry where "responsible consumers" are supposed to be able to "shop" treatment. Tell that to the parent whose child ends up in the emergency room, then the hospital for 5 days due to the effects of an unspecific virus that causes meningitis and ensephalitis, where those costs cannot be "shopped," where those costs escalate to somewhere over $10,000, where the high deductible health care plan provided by the employer leaves a bill of $7,000 in its wake.
As a small business owner I am plagued year in and year out with health care benefit costs that I cannot budget for and that I pray no employee must avail themselves of due to the risk of another 31% increase in premiums (this year's increase without any illnesses or claims). No entrepreneurship among those 40 and older is encouraged by the current system - if anything, the only opportunities for older employees, even those with a penchant for innovative ideas, lie in the public sector, which ironically is where DeMint has gone after leaving his "small business."
DeMint's complacency toward development of a health care system where all can enjoy benefits without retribution or bankruptcy is paramount to a valueless, selfish individual who believes that we should all be valueless, selfish individuals looking out solely for our own best interest at the expense of others - yet another Ayn-Randian whose philosophy failed us with Allan Greenspan and will fail the U.S. if DeMint's thinking prevails. This is nothing but the plantation owners trying to call the shots and raise fear among the enslaved - except this time they cannot even claim the moniker "benevolent."
As a small business owner, I would gladly direct some additional tax revenue toward health care if I could budget for it and relieve my office manager of hours of annual research required to find and assess health care alternatives. If DeMint points to the small business lobby NFIB as support for his viewpoint, one only needs to check out this month's Fortune Small Business for an article that exposes how they generally "cook" their surveys to elicit a libertarian/no-taxes-no-matter-what position.
August 19, 2009 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Agreed, Pull...
August 19, 2009 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
I am a VERY successful business person....I am on no "dole", I work, I pay my taxes, I have a nice house with a nice yard, I am a good neighbor, a wife and a mother.....at what point does that define me as a loser?
You seem very angry and a tad harsh, I hear that can be bad for your health. I suggest deep cleansing breaths and you may need a little longer at lunch.
August 19, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
lil...
I think everyone agrees there needs to be more competition and strong gov't oversite.
But, if you put the government in the business...they've proved time and again they can't be trusted.
August 19, 2009 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
pullmy - Please re-read my pervious posts and there is no need to lump me into any pre-labeled boxes your carry around.
I will not be defined by you or any other person. When you behave the way you do, your message becomes moot and your argument gets lost in the haze of hate you are spewing.
August 19, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pullmyfinger (anonymous) says...
Angry, yes at the vile entitlement junkies who elected someone expecting more handouts. Sorry I had to use Malcolm`s word "vile". I think its his word of the month phrase.
August 19, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Name_Withheld (anonymous) says...
Whenever corporations have found themselves faced with real threats to their profit-making power, they have responded by fomenting social division and turning worker upon worker. It happened throughout the early history of the American labor movement, when politicians conspired with bosses to brand striking union workers as Communist agents of the Soviet Union. It happened in the 1970s when grape growers in California recruited Teamsters to break the picket lines of Cesar Chavez' farm workers. The tactic continues today, as right-wing Republicans and their corporate benefactors point to immigrant labor as the source of the economic insecurity of the working class, instead of the Wall Street magnates who have bankrupted the U.S. economy.
These town hall fiascos are simply more of the same. The insurance lobby and their proxies in the GOP are using red-baiting techniques that are as old as Communism itself to brand working Americans who support reform as "un-American." They're deliberately conflating the narrow interests of corporate behemoths with the cherished values of our American heritage, implying that those who threaten those corporate interests are in the service of some insidious and non-American ideology.
As throughout history, rather than speak for themselves, these insurance companies are channeling their propaganda through the more "credible" messengers of supposedly regular, everyday, outraged Americans. But as hostile and odious as many of these "protesters" are, they are not the real enemies of American working families. By the looks of them, most of these provocateurs are workers themselves, and will benefit greatly from reform, whether they know it or not.
Rather, it is the billionaire insurance executives who are bankrolling the effort who deserve our scrutiny. It is these corporate moguls who stand to gain by maintaining a system that generates profits by denying patients care, not uninsured town hall protesters who have to pass the hat to pay for their own care.
Whatever you think of the White House's approach to health care reform, President Obama has provided us with the chance to have a real national discussion on an issue of profound importance that has been neglected for 15 years. This is a far more important topic than the lunatic rants of misinformed zealots funded by corporate lobbying firms. We can't let the insurance lobby's latest tactic of distraction-by-proxy prevent us from reaching the working families of America. They stand to suffer too greatly from the failure of reform for us to be fooled by this ridiculous charade.
August 19, 2009 at 10:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
It's not 'government' that can't be trusted and lays waste to this nation. It's the people who swear an oath to uphold our government, the ones who run these necessary programs, wouldn't you say? Ahh yes, and the ones who'd scam their own mothers, hopeless.
August 19, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
Scottmcx why do you say the government can't run a program such as is being contemplated? Doesn't the government run medicare,the VA and the military health care system?
I also find it humerous that DeMint can say with a straight face "Would you trust the same government to run your health care that handled Katrina". DeMint fails to mention that his health care does come from the very same government he rails against. If he had any integrity he would remove himself from the federal insurance roles and buy his own insurance with his own money. If it is good enough for him why is it not good enough for us?
DeMint is a hypocrite just like scottmcx. They both will be the first in line begging for health care when it is time for them to be the insurance industries next victim. I just hope they suffer quietly so we don't have to listen to them, after all they worked hard for the opportunity.
August 19, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
WithHeld..
I'll work for my crumbs, thank you. Get these other jackasses to do the same.
August 19, 2009 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
I understand that this is a hot topic for several of us.....that being said, I would request that we all show each other a little stinking respect.
That goes for real and scott alike.....we can disagree without wallowing around in the mud.
I am not a loser or a jackass.....and real your post wishing bad on scott is completely uncalled for.
We can behave like grown adults!
***********
Can anyone tell me something DeMint has done for the state of SC. Ravenel got the bridge built. Hollings had years of bringing $$$ into the state....one thing DeMint has done.
August 19, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Real
Medicare is BROKE that's called MISMANAGEMENT!
The Government signed enlistment contracts with Vets saying they'd have FULL HEALTHCARE COVERAGE...THEY BROKE THE CONTACT. If a private company did that...Jail Time for the CEO.
Ask a Vet how good the care is. I have a friend they're killing right now. They refused cancer treatment for my best freind's father, he died.
August 19, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobbyonetooth (anonymous) says...
I was born into a very rich, well educated family and would like to remind this board that "if a man earns it a man should be able to keep it." Please vote to repeal the Estate Tax, lower my Income Tax rate, reduce my Property Taxes for School Funding, and for the love of Jesus please do not provide Health Care to all of the little people.
God bless Jimmy DeMint and all others engaged in allowing mt to keep every penny my great great grandfather earned or stole depending upon how you look at his business practices.
August 19, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Regarding actual "miltary" care..that's like the old plantations...keep your slaves in good health.
My son is a Marine, he injured his shoulder. If he can't rehab it in the next 30 days, he gets thrown out. Then...he gets to PAY THE VA.
During slavery, you couldn't "free" a slave because he was old or sick and no use to the plantation owner. It was against the law!
The wonderful "Feds" are worse than slave holders!
August 19, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TraumaDoc (anonymous) says...
Holding up Medicare, and the VA as shining examples is probably not a very good argument. President Obama made the same mistake when he talked about how well UPS and FEDEX are doing and how the US Postal Service is a disaster. AMTRAK has lost billions every year for decades. Government-run programs are never efficient because they don't have to be. There is no competition for the government.
Is there a right to health care? People certainly need it at times but a majority of the time, most people don't need it. If something is a "right", it implies that it can't be taken from you and the government would have to provide it. Consider this example though: If someone is perfectly capable of providing care for him/herself and chooses not to work or is wealthy and chooses not to buy coverage, do the rest of the taxpayers have an obligation to give them a free ride? I am not talking about people who cannot fend for themselves. If health care is a "right" then the government has an obligation to care for those who can afford to take care of themselves and choose not to. I have a tough time swallowing that argument. If you are ninety seven years old with peripheral artery disease, poor cardiac function, obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, etc., and you fall and break your hip, does the government have to provide you a hip replacement? I am not talking about whether it is risky but rather is it a right? If you choose not to wear a motor cycle helmet or seat belt despite a law requiring it, do you have a right to taxpayer-funded health care if you choose not to buy insurance for yourself? If you gorge yourself up to 600 pounds and cannot leave your bed, does the government have to pay for your care or gastric bypass? If you choose to become a heroin addict and contract hepatitis via an infected needle, do you have a right to free health care from the government? These are tough questions. The issue is complicated. No one minds helping people who cannot help themselves but providing care to those who take the free ride because it is a "right" is contrary to our system.
I think is a rightful role of government to help the those who cannot help themselves due to disability or impairment but if you have the ability to provide for yourself and do not choose to do so, you are on your own. Therefore, there is no "right" to health care and those who argue for it are doing so out of a desire to have everything provided to them without effort. Of course, if enough people go that route, no one produces anything and there is no care for anyone.
August 19, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
"Ask a Vet how good the care is. I have a friend they're killing right now. They refused cancer treatment for my best freind's father, he died."
----------------------------------------
Hopefully the same fate awaits you scottmcx.
You are nothing but a traitor to your fellow citizens. You will deserve your fate unlike others who have worked their whole lives only to have the misfortune to get sick and be denied care to fatten some CEO's pocket.
You won't be young forever. If the system isn't fixed now you better believe sooner or later someone you care for or yourself will become a victim. The difference is you will deserve it.
August 19, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
toothless...
Here's a "rich" tax for you.
If a lazy jackass who never worked and never paid into Social Security gets old and needs long term care Medicare picks up the bill for a nursing home.
If a person who worked all their life and paid SSI every week has savings of over $600. They CAN'T get Medicare to pay it.
Assume they have say, $100k in lifetime savings, they have to spend it down to less than $600 in total assets on the nursing home, only then will medicare begin paying.
So, then assume, they get better, THEY ARE BROKE.
So, you pay, you're screwed...you don't pay, you win.
WTF?
August 19, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Real...
Karma again.
Why don't you go back to the planatation...free food, free lodging, free healthcare, FOR LIFE!
I prefer to take my chances in the jungle!
August 19, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lloyd007 (anonymous) says...
Another good old boy politicain of TODAY, with the mindset and thinking of YESTERDAY. It's time this state clean house from TOP to BOTTOM of these self-serving, all about me politicains....
August 19, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
real_news (anonymous) says...
Demint said: "I think health care is a privilege."
WOW!
In every developed nation they consider health care to be as much as a right as it is having Military, Fire, Police, etc. coverage and this LUNATIC thinks health care is a privilege, and NOT a right!
How is it that brain dead lunatics like Demint, Graham, Sanford ever got elected to represent the state of SC? No wonder SC is one of the poorest states in the Union rather than being one of the richest given its strategic location and all else that it has going for it.
For a detailed article about what a lunatic this Demint guy is for being against Universal Nationalized Health care, something that they have in EVERY European country as a result of which their economies are doing much better than US as evident by:
1- Euro being so much more valuable than US Dollar
2- Avg homes in Europe being so much more valuable than avg homes in US
3- European/German Auto makers doing fine while US ones went bankrupt, with 1 German Auto maker, VW, having a market valuation nearly TEN times of all US Auto makers combined
etc. etc.
You can read this Article:
http://www.anoox.com/blog/real_news.a...
August 19, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
real_news...but those countries are all SOCIALIST and EVIL.
I guess it's anyone's prerogative to think certain things are rights and certain things aren't. To many people only the right delineated in the constitution are rights...everything else is a privilege. I, however, refuse to have all my rights determined by a document written over two centuries ago by well-to-do men who couldn't to fathom that realize at that point that women and others should also be considered. (no matter how brilliant some of them were).
August 19, 2009 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coachowens (anonymous) says...
Hello Everyone!
First I want to thank God for another day!
To my more conservative brothers and sisters.
I whole heartedly agree with you about the need for Welfare reform. I personally know people who speak of getting their check every month as a right and not a priviledge. They look strong enough to work to me. Next, why are so many of you upset at President Obama?
Were you this upset when then President Bush was sending millions of dollars to Iraq? Were you this upset when then President Bush was giving Haliburton millions of dollars for a $700.00 toilet seat or a $200.00 hammer?
If you did not vote for Our current President then fine, that is your right. But don't disparage this man because he is Black, or you don't like Democrats! Its okay to dialog and discuss Our Countries concerns in an open, honest, and constructive manner. We do not have to call each other names and worse. I am more afraid of this type of rhetoric than I am about social(isms). I do not want to see another civil war because we do not agree. There are enough Americans dying for our freedoms! Health care reform is a must. If things continue the way they are some of you same folks will be blaming this administration for not doing anything. It appears to me to be a "No win" situation, period! The last administration did not do a thing and cost continue to rise unfettered. Why can I got to CVS and buy a bottle of aspirin for $5.00 go to MUSC and pay $25.00 for the same aspirin. You say you want less Government, fine. Okay lets shut down the Goverment send everyone home and go from there. Okay, whats next folks? Crickets!!!!
You want to be angry about something? Then call off the lobbys that flood Washington with money! Who gets paid? All of them!!!
Senator DeMint is right at the trough with the rest of them. That is also a problem.
Blame, there is enough of it to go around!
I would like to call a community meeting with all of you present no politicians! Let's have some sweet tea, shrimp and grits, Hoppin John, collard greens, etc... a good old fashion potluck dinner and talk politics. I don't smoke but I would put up with it to help make folks more comfortable. Bottomline, I want to be able to meet my neighbor and dialog about our diferences as well as our commonalities.
Just a thought!
Peace & Blessings
August 19, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
TraumaDoc,
But adequate insurance is really too expensive for everyone but the very wealthy unless it is provided by your employer. Insurance is bankrupting businesses large and small, and what about people with preexisting conditions. Everyone is assuming this is a problem for poor and lazy, yet this couldn’t be any further from the truth!
August 19, 2009 at 1:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
melvinthebarbarian (anonymous) says...
I have to laugh when Jim DeMint and others rail at the inability of government to do anything right. Our 'inefficient' government put a man in space in 1960 (just a few months after a socialist government did it first). Private enterprise didn't manage that feat for another 45 years, and then it was only because there was a 10 million dollar prize offered for doing it.
Can the government run health-care? Well, insofar as market efficiencies are concerned, insurance companies ARE more efficient -- at making money that is. They are not more efficient at providing health care because insurance companies don't make money by providing health care. They make money by NOT paying for health care. Given my experience, I'm willing to give the government a shot.
August 19, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobbyonetooth (anonymous) says...
Jim DeMint's job is to make every other Senator look smart. So far Jim's doing a great job. What do we have in South Carolina? less than 50 percent have Health Care, way more do not have Dental Care, about half have HS Diplomas, and we have the third highest unemployment rate in the country. I guess our job is to make Arkansas look good.
Who the heck in SC votes for people like Demint? It is like asking someone to punch you as hard as they can in the nose.
August 19, 2009 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
combahee (anonymous) says...
Traumadoc, unfortunately we all can not get the same quality of care. We all don't pay the same amounts and frankly the health care system is broke.
Health insurance is not equal. As a self employed I can not get the same quality of health insurance as the guy down the street working for the big business, it simply isn't available.
When I go to the doctor without insurance why do I have to pay more for my office visit than the guy that has insurance, even if his insurance didn't pick up the tab?
Why is it that medical bills are the number one reason for personal bankruptcy in this country.
When one loses his job he loses his insurance. COBRA only last a minimum of time and has added "expenses" added on that equal much more than what the employer and employee were paying together!
To those who are all smug about having health insurance at work, guess what. Your paycheck is stagnating due to higher insurance costs. If these costs were contained you would have much greater spending capacity. Salaries have stagnated for the last decade. But not the salaries of the officers of many of these large corporations. Nor the profits of the health insurance companies.
What do you do when you are denied coverage? Even after paying into the system for maybe years? When your insurance is canceled?
Comon guys stop the name calling, we are not a socialist or communist country. Despite what uncle Rush L. says we are not headed down the path of Nazi Germany, we are not the U.S.S.A. Grow up.
The Republican's were in power both in Congress and the White house for over 6 years. Where was health insurance or health reform?
Where was immigration reform?
What did they do other than get us into a war we should have never been in run and supplied by the friends of the same lackeys in power.
Mr. Demint, name on thing good you have done as Senator. Name one bill. How about name one appointee of the present administration you have voted to confirm, they ALL couldn't be bad.
What you have done is to engage in 15 second sound bites telling the world what a good little conservative you are without putting forth any solutions. I wouldn't even call you a conservative, an obstructionist would be a better term.
Hey now we have the Democratic and the Obstructionist Parties!
August 19, 2009 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
diana29461 (anonymous) says...
I agree that health insurance is a privalege and not a right. NOT healthcare.
There is no excuse for any child not to get medical care in South Carolina. County health provides medical care free to anyone under the age of 19. Low income and the unemployed can also treated there for free. SC has other programs in place where thru DSS any child is entitled to Medical care as long as they are old enough to fill out the appliation. There are programs in place for the low income families as well. It just takes some effort and paperwork on the part of the adults. County hospitals cannot turn anyone away from the emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.
Through my job I see employee's who say they "can't afford" health insurance but have fancy cellphones, $1000 dogs and guns,new shiny trucks. A lot of the uninsured choose to pay for THEIR WANTS NOT THIER NEEDS. The government is not responsible for providing needs for those who choose not to act responsibly.
I have always had insurance BECAUSE I PAID FOR IT.. When I was selfemployed I bought an individual plan. A need and I took care of it.
When my children were born I wasn't covered for maternity. I made pay arrangements and paid for it all bit by bit.
My son is Type 1 diabetes my insurance helps defray costs. I still pay the first $1000 plus 50% and doctor and drug copays. I also had breast cancer 8 years ago and made it through that surgery, chemo and radiaton. Been there done that.
What needs reformed? Things like MUSC billing $250-$350 clinci visit and billing it as out-patient services instead of doctor office visits. (under 18 you have no choice for diabetes care but MUSC) Yes, I fell into the gap of making too much money for financial aid but not enough to afford it), but I made it.
I've been a single mom for 6 years and work two jobs to get it paid for and do what I have to do. Which means go without the finer things in life sometimes.
So, get off your behinds, and start doing for yourself and stop waiting for someone else to take care of you. If it means a minimum wage job (or two)and payments to doctors for years, then so be it.
We do need health care reform not the government to take over. I think that people with pre-existing conditions should not be as grossly penalized as they are with huge premiums they cannot afford. And places like MUSC need to put a cap on their ourtageous charges. A state owned hospital. Especially when they fly people from other countries in and provide free medical care to them, taxpayers need the break to. But not by a government takeover of the insurance and medical decision process. A few more regulations on pre-existing conditins and the like, not a complete take over.
August 19, 2009 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
Coach I would agree with you in the statement about lobbist and special interest running Washington. Brings up this article I saw today...
August 19, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
diana...great post
August 19, 2009 at 9:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jlh1963 (anonymous) says...
Can anybody give me real information on this reform bill? My understanding is that it is a hybrid system which has lost support with the dems because they want single payer. Am I right so far? Republicans would like everything to remain the way it is even though its not working. Am I still right? Demint himself says we will probably be single payer if we do nothing. Is it agreed something needs to be done to a system which is bankrupting our country??
Please, no judgements on my character, my work ethic, or my intelligence level. Just trying to find out the truth of why we are trying to reinvent the wheel. There are successful working models of systems that work and are loved by the citizens of those countries. Why does it have to be employer based? Wouldn't it help the business owners to have the burden of health care taken care of. Why should a business owner bear the cost of an employee who doesn't take care of themselves?
August 19, 2009 at 9:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coachowens (anonymous) says...
Thank you Moonpie! I am going to read it before I go to bed!
Hi MS. Diana29461 ! First I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Second, my wife and I are going through the cancer thing now. She was diagnosed this summer with Uterine cancer!
This is unreal! The cost are crazy! For those that think everything -Health Care in this Country is fine must be living with their heads in the sand.I am not saying more government is the answer. But some how, some way we have to get these costs under control folks! This free enterprise is fine if you can affford it! Think about this everyone. If I open a business and let's say my product is widges.
I can charge you whatever I want for those widges as long as your willing to pay for it right? But what if you needed those widges to survive? So, if I cannot afford to pay for the widges I guess I just die? Is that right?
What obligations as a business do I have? Is the only business of business to make profits?
The real culprits here is not President Obama!
If you really want to be angry, then start calling your insurance agent! I have an idea.
If everyone that works in this Country choose not to pay there insurance premiums for one month, It would shut the Country down!
Insurance companies run the United States! Hello, did you hear me! These companies are spending millions of dollars with people(Lobbist) whose soul job is to convince our elected leaders to go along with them! Senator DeMint is taking that money like a junkie on dope, period! He is no different!
Talk about sell out!Oh and by the way just to make myself clear. I am no fan of Mr.'s Ford or Clyburn! Fuhgettaboutit! Term limits baby!
Get rid of all the dead wood! Talk about get a job, umh! Angry, you haven't heard half of angry. Don't get me started! Department of Education, right. Close that department down!
Send that money to the states! Now my conservative friends that's a start!
Just a thought!
Peace & Blessings
August 19, 2009 at 10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...
Does Jim Demint have a high school education? Does anything he says make any common sense to anyone? Dont bother, you people are the ones that put that fool in office.
August 19, 2009 at 11:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
persi (anonymous) says...
jlh1963:
Kaiser Foundation side-by-side comparison of the 3 HealthCare Reform Bills now pending:
http://www.kff.org/healthreform/uploa...
Further info on HR 3200: http://www.nowpublic.com/world/bill-d...
The House Ed & Labor Committee prepared this happy-happy-joy-joy summary of HR 3200: http://edlabor.house.gov/documents/11...
What Senator DeMint is saying (as best as I decipher) is that he would accept the portion of HR 3200 which provides individuals with income level-based, federal subsidies to purchse private health insurance. He does not accept the other parts of HR 3200 (as discussed in the nowpublic.com article at the site above.)
August 20, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
diana29461 (anonymous) says...
Jlh 1963 you can go to communtiy2.myfoxatlanta.com or google Peter Fleckenstein Health Care Bill and you can get a recap of the bill without reading all the 1000 plus pages
August 20, 2009 at 4:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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