Tough talk?

Let me go ahead and give my thoughts about the O man's health insurance reform speech.

I caught most of it tonight in between watching the U.S.A T&T soccer match on the Spanish channel.

First, how ignorant and disrespectful are republicans? If anyone saw a democratic congressman texting during one of the frat boy's speeches or saw anyone in the opposition yelling "liar" in the middle of a previous presidential address, please provide a link. I don't think one will be forthcoming, but I could be wrong. I did see Eric Cantor texting someone during the O man's speech-must have been calling his hair dresser for more hair spray-, and yep, there was a republican yelling "liar" in the middle of the speech. What a classy bunch.

Oh, and I loved the good doctor from Louisiana giving the republican response. (He has been sued for malpractice twice, so I am not sure he should be throwing any stones from his glass house.) The idiot actually brought up tort reform when his O ness already promised in his speech that it would be a part of his plan. That's what you get for writing your response before hand. But hey, it sure beats the governor from Louisiana giving the response, because as bad as bayou doc was he was better than the gov.

But back to the speech: First, let me say that it was a mistake for his O ness to give this health reform package to congress to work on. He should have crafted it himself and then handed to them to work out the details. I know he didn't want to do a repeat of what the Clintons did back in 1994, but that is exactly what he should have done. Different time, different mandate, and it would have worked. Now, unfortunately, our boy is playing defense. Having said that, let me holla at his O ness for a minute: I loved the tough talk O man. You aren't the first president to take up health care but you will be the last? Bringing up the ghost of John Dingell, Sr. was also a nice touch. You were all over the profit over people insurance companies, and rightfully so. If A-merry-cans weren't moved by some of those stories you told about real people, they don't deserve health insurance reform.

I loved the fact that you hit back at the right wing/FOX News smear machine. ( I see they bumped your speech for some dancing show. Just what A-merry-ca needs, more silly reality shows.) Who needs to hear about one of the most important legislation from our government in decades? I am still not sure about the public option part, but I think you were being intentionally fuzzy. I felt like you were talking to us progressives and telling us to chill while you try to get something done with health care. I am not a political pragmatist, but I know you are, and if most A-merry-cans can have access to proper and affordable health care I guess I am all for it. It sure as hell beats the insurance lobby driven system we have now.

I also loved the fact that you placed the blame for this mess that we are in where it belongs: at the foot of the frat boy and his crew. And, I loved the idea of putting actual facts into the speech. Facts should always get in the way of partisan bullshit.

"We are the only advanced democracy on Earth — the only wealthy nation — that allows such hardships for millions of its people. There are now more than 30 million American citizens who cannot get coverage. In just a two year period, one in every three Americans goes without health care coverage at some point. And every day, 14,000 Americans lose their coverage. In other words, it can happen to anyone. "

Not "anyone" O man, republicans don't believe it can happen to them. Only poor people immigrants and minorities can't afford health care.

"Then there's the problem of rising costs. We spend one-and-a-half times more per person on health care than any other country, but we aren't any healthier for it. This is one of the reasons that insurance premiums have gone up three times faster than wages. It's why so many employers — especially small businesses — are forcing their employees to pay more for insurance, or are dropping their coverage entirely. It's why so many aspiring entrepreneurs cannot afford to open a business in the first place, and why American businesses that compete internationally — like our automakers — are at a huge disadvantage. And it's why those of us with health insurance are also paying a hidden and growing tax for those without it — about $1000 per year that pays for somebody else's emergency room and charitable care."

More facts. Come on O man, you are letting it get in the way of a great political debate.

"But that's not what the moment calls for. That's not what we came here to do. We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it. I still believe we can act even when it's hard. I still believe we can replace acrimony with civility, and gridlock with progress. I still believe we can do great things, and that here and now we will meet history's test.
Because that is who we are. That is our calling. That is our character. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.'

That damn Obama, I wonder if Mrs. Field have any of her O-Aid left?