Obama's Family Physician Dr. David Scheiner Prescribes Single-Payer for America

[eyesoreart]

Hey rextrek...before you make comments about socialism...do a little research dumbshit...socialism does not equivicate anti american. Learn what socialism entails. Oh yeah...and socialism is practiced in our military system you ass. If you need me to explain how since you know nothing about socialism...just let me know.

[truckdawg43]

Let him be the single payer then. Our constitution will not allow it .Its not life liberty and the pursuit of happiness,and if yo cant get yours the fed will steal from some one who has theirs.Oh and rextrek Americans have given over 300 billion in charitable donations thats just what is declared .So fuck off

[4lifejackhammer]

so, we're going to rely on a doctor that will be largely unaffected if healthcare reform happens or not. if anything, this guy will have more security because he treats politicians. Ya, we can trust him, just like we did with Osama to fight the Russians. wonder how that worked...oh,ya, that was bad.

[Chris123234]

@4lifejackhammer

You are literally an ignorant, retarded idiot.

[4lifejackhammer]

great, love the name calling. the basis? Seriously, how is Scheiner affected? Barack Obama is not only President, but an ex-senator; if you think lawmakers will reduce care for themselves in any way, then you, poor man, are naive and pitiful.

[ccm800]

HOW MUCH WIDER CAN HIS SUPPORT GET? 65 percent to 1/3 of the population WANTS SINGLE PAYOR!

[speccwolf]

Weird question, but whats a single payer.

[ccm800]

it means something such as Medicare for all. Government paid health insurance completely ala every other western democracy in the world

[chalicechica]

Yes, Obama has charisma.

We must not be taken in just by charisma.

We must keep our eyes on the prize: SINGLE PAYER, NOT FOR PROFIT HEALTH CARE!

And we must FIRE (with our votes) ANY politician who does not favor it.

[Doleafol]

I've watched a few very well presented, articulate discussions about single payer. And, each time, I get so angry and upset because we are all getting screwed. Public ignorance and fear coupled with scare tactics that simplify an enormously complex issue has created a barrier that is hard to overcome. The private health insurance industry is going to continue their rule; and, we will continue to suffer.

[emericask8rboi]

fuck politics

[MinnieluvsAJ]

and of course theres a lot of feinting thats how politics works.because the media plays up the feints most people lose sight of the big picture.

[MinnieluvsAJ]

Theres no doubt that with a final bill containing the public option hed have the theoretical power to put the insurance companies out of business in two years but theres not the remotest chance hes going to do it for a host of pragmatic reasons like insurance employment, operational efficiency and the market caps of health insurers which are a sizeable chunk of the S&P and therefore 401ks.

[MinnieluvsAJ]

Actually I dont think the president wants a single payer system(dont give me links to speeches years ago) because at the moment it couldnt be made to work and hes interested in primarily what will work because thats what his record will be judged upon

[wheetypeedy]

canceled his appearance. is it because you are not %100 inline with obama's health care plan

[noformstyle]

I also believe in Single Payer, just look at TAiwan's HealthCare System. However, it won't never pass the Senate. Republican took the insurance company money and that is the way it is unfortunately. WE NEED CAMPAIGN REFORM AND HEALTHCARE REFORM.

[chalicechica]

noformstyle: AMEN! Let me second your comment by posting it again:

WE NEED CAMPAIGN REFORM AND HEALTHCARE REFORM!

We also need media reform too, but in some ways the very existence of the Internet takes care of that.

[Jenniferde2007]

Of course I understand the concept of insurance my Grandfather owned an insurance company in the Midwest.

Health insurance in itself is not a bad concept--it is what it has become in current times--cherry picking the healthy, charging high premiums that keep rising, denying benefits and coverage, for a multitude of reasons. You need to do a bit of reading and stop just putting out statements showing your ignorance of the subject. You need to educate yourself.

[Jenniferde2007]

davetileguy--you are either working with the insurance or pharmaceutical companies or have a great healthcare plan yu are afraid of losing. Well guess what ? Even if you do you are one major illness away from being booted off your coverage.  Things and circumstances change and when it does--good luck to you.

[Americaisgreat123]

I don't work in the health care industry, but do you even understand the concept of insurance? Do you understand where the money comes from? I'm sure you are aware of how car insurance works. Why don't you apply those principles to health care. It may help you understand why a company would drop you from coverage and why things cost so much.

There is no such thing as a free lunch. It is sad to see people try to constantly refute that. It just shows the extent of economic illiteracy.

[ThisJustin123]

Who is your health coverage plan thru??

Do you work for an government entity??

[Americaisgreat123]

private company

[Americaisgreat123]

He predicts utopia if we have medicare for all, but why haven't Canada, England, France, or any number countries with socialized medicine had such success?

[beethovenqueen]

America: They HAVE had success (maybe not England but look at European countries like Scandanavia, Germany, France, etc). Just look how much healthier people are there.

In Germany you can visit any doctor you want and even ask for treatments. For example, think you need an MRI? Ast your doc. If reasonable, you'll get it. You can also consult as many docs as you want. This ultimately saves money in cases. 2nd and 3rd opinions often lead to the best decisions. No one worries about financial ruin.

[Americaisgreat123]

You are fudging the facts to make it seem like a utopia, when in fact, they have much worse systems than America.

Are Americans unhealthy because of the health care system or because of their own irresponsible personal habits?

[beethovenqueen]

Americaisgreat: I am not "fudging" anything. I speak from firsthand experience. Unfortunately, Obama (according to Gibbs) did not consider other health care systems.

And yes, Americans have bad personal habits. We need to educate our kids about healthy living beginning early in school, since parents don't seem to be doing it.

[Americaisgreat123]

Gibbs is lying. Obama supports single payer. There is a youtube video of him expressing support for it in 2003 or 2004 while running for the Senate in my former home state of Illinois.

We don't need to "educate" people on bad personal habits. Just be better parents dammit. We like to drink, smoke, eat and we are too damn lazy to work out. We need a better culture, not another government program to teach people about fluff.

But if people do screw up their health, they shouldn't go to the gov't.

[Jenniferde2007]

How would you know if their systems are worse--have YOU lived there??? Obnly someone who is naive would make such a statement--seems you are just parroting someone else or some article you have read.

[davetileguy]

good move to Germany! we won't miss you!

[tom474e]

Obama has actually sold out to the insurance and pharma industries. By doing away with the public option or watering it down to the point it meaningless. Also by forbidding govt to negotiate lower drug prices...Hes taken millions from the industry...

[timmunst]

Obama is breaking Americans with reckless Government growth, spending and takeovers of all our precious freedoms. Healthcare needs a tune-up but it's not broke.

[WWWoDMOCRATSoORG]

Sign these two petitions for HR 676

aich tee tee pee colon slash slash bit daht ly slash single underscore payer underscore ross

aich tee tee pee colon slash slash bit daht ly slash HR676

[TinaFunk]

I just filled up 3 comments over on Lou Dobbs interviewing Dr. Scheiner. Unless you are 'in the trenches', many do not understand how singlepayer will benefit both America and it's citizens. I just read a comment here about a shortage of physicians because they believe the doctors will not be compensated. The VA already has an incentive bonus plan for curing and preventing illness.. pay per performance. In other words, they have incentives to cure and keep pts well. Win/Win!!

[kurtkaufman]

As usual, we're being sold a bill of goods with Democrats'/Obama's proposed health care "reform" (to say nothing of the Republicans').

Lobbyists for trial lawyers, insurance and large pharmaceutical companies have the executive and legislative branches of the American government in their pockets. Very sad.

[Tones4me1]

Before Bush we had a county hospital that worked on a sliding scale. You paid according to what you earn. And they would bill you if you couldn't pay the whole bill. Bush shut it down in favor of clinics. It costs $100 for first visit plus $ for medication. Who can afford that?

[warhater]

Even Ur doctor/ Wants single-payer/ Along w/ 70% of citizens/ Quit holding out/ It better work out/ For all who supported U/ Do not disgrace/or try 2 erase/ The public will/ "Cause Ur wearing us thin/ W/ nothing but a big grin/ Many people U kill/ Lead those lawmakers/Rich, arrogant bastards/ Have no idea how it is/ Ur not representing us/When corporate lobbyists/ R up Ur ass/ U work 4 us/Start driving the bus/ 2 single-payer/ Or it'll hit the fan/& we'll step in/ 2 get it right here!

[Joe402]

Can a country with UHC please invade us and colonize us?

[rextrek]

America - change your name to The United States of Greed and Selfishness.

[waterchildtera]

@rextrek how about THE SOCIALIST STATES !

not on my dime !

[janebusby]

The multi-billion dollar healthcare industry is desperate for those votes to go against socialized medicine.

So why aren't they prepared to pay politicians millions of dollars for their votes?

Tight f*cks

[GOPSpinMachineInOD]

These crooked money-wielding lobbyists are being fueled by trainloads of CASH from private insurance companies to DERAIL single-payer at ANY COST!

How much money would YOU spend to protect a $500 BILLION a YEAR cash-cow??

[creostasio]

according to Physicians for a National Health Program, "private insurance bureaucracy and paperwork consume one-third (31 percent) of every health care dollar. Streamlining payment through a single nonprofit payer would save more than $400 billion per year, enough to provide comprehensive, high-quality coverage for all Americans."

[chr1so]

you rock man, pre-existing condition rule is pretty complicated to handle by the way, so who can define that accurately? how many pre-existing conditions can exist?, so only those without pre-existing conditions have the right to get insurance? Medic care is just for healthy people?

[chr1so]

Why an Insurance company shouldn't be able to deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions?, the answer is Health is a humanitarian matter, we all deserve to be take care of, even if there was a pre-existing condition, we all can get Cancer due to pre-existing condition or not and we all deserve to be take care of. you can be healthy today but life can change so easily and If u ignore those in need now, you will be ignored too. unless you are a pfizer or cigna executive maybe u will get care.

[chr1so]

about the statement that this is the way the world works, that's a pretty sad statement, no wonder why we are so bad.

[creostasio]

Thanks for the comment.

How many "pre-existing conditions" can exist? As many as the insurance companies say exist, just so they can get out of paying medical claims.

[creostasio]

18,000 people die each year in America because they do not have healthcare.

Literally millions are denied healthcare because of pre-existing condition.

The leading cause of bankruptcy in America is medical bills.

For-profit insurance companies have made a terrible mess of the U.S. healthcare system, which is why scores of doctors, nurses, small businesses, policy advocates, and patients favor a totally new model.

[Americaisgreat123]

What is a pre-existing condition? Why shouldn't an insurance company be able to deny people with pre-existing conditions? If you cannot be denied insurance with a pre-existing condition, they what is the incentive to have health insurance when you are healthy? You people ignore the most basic concepts of what insurance is.

How many people die in Canada and Britain because their condition got worse while they waited for months-years?

Also, who goes to Canada or Britain for medical treatment?!

[creostasio]

"Why shouldn't an insurance company be able to deny people with pre-existing conditions?"

An even better question is why should health insurance companies even exist? They're inefficient, wasteful, greedy entities that the rest of the world does pretty much without.

[Americaisgreat123]

I make a good point so you decide to avoid it by asking a different question. They exist to insure people like me, healthy people that pay into a pool, based on risk and costs of medical care, should I fall ill. By paying into health insurance while I am healthy, I am currently paying for the sick.

Health insurance companies exist for the same reason fire insurance or car insurance companies exist.

I feel like I am trying to educate a little child on how the world works........

[creostasio]

You pretend to know something which you obviously do not. I see also that you're adept at dishing out insults but inept at offering up sound arguments.

Let me try to help you again.

The for-profit insurance system is a fraud and a failure because insurance companies make money DENYING PEOPLE care and by jacking up premiums and co-pays. That might be lovely for the insurance companies, but it's very bad medicine for the tens of millions of people who need good, quality care.

[ilfark2]

differences: i don't have to get my car fixed or have my house insured

if there were companies that offered care regardless of conditions that evolve, it would be the same... but if something happens, after i've paid premiums for years, the ins can drop me... now what ins co. in their right mind would do differently since everyone is? so now no ins, can't pay hospital so then to cover, the hospital overcharges the person who can pay

market failure

[Americaisgreat123]

I urge you to watch John Stossels 6 part series, here on youtube, on health care in America. Tell me what you think. I hope you will have the courage to watch something that challenges your current premises. I watched this BS video after all.

In America, we EXTREMELY heavily regulate every aspect of health care, we also subsidize and socialize parts of it. The health care industry is hardly a free market one. The insurance concept also dilutes it because it you don't see the costs.

[creostasio]

What's really galling is that there's always plenty of money for wars and bombers and missiles, but there's never the money for national healthcare, which a vast majority of the American public favors.

Ralph Nader's always said that there's not a dime's worth of difference between the Dems and the Rethugs. He is kinda right, isn't he? Where are the liberal Democrats like Waxman 7 Kennedy on single payer? What possible excuse can the Dems have now, seeing they control both houses of Congress?

[Jenniferde2007]

Your points are valid please WRITE Washington, DC and the White House and call ;LET THEM KNOW YOUR OPINION--IT DOES MATTER.

[johnnorvaisas]

America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009

It finally reveals the price of the reckless ambitions of our current government... including tax increases that would take us to even higher levels than most of Europe!

[thomastholin]

Dr. David Scheiner is correct!!!

Health Insurance companies are among the biggest scams artist around.

Wake-Up People. Most people are uniformed and incredibly naive.

[Americaisgreat123]

Do you even understand the most basic concept of what "insurance" is? Are you so afraid of intellectually analyzing data that you don't educate yourself on the most basic economics of everyday life?

[ilfark2]

mkts are often very inefficient, e.g., people who buy larger cars because everyone else have larger cars; the formal living room; pollution (free rider); if insurance existed in a free mkt, it might work better but with medicare having 3% overhead vs heath ins 30%, in this case gov is more efficient (also social security is very efficient with 2% overhead vs. 10 - 20% for the private versions; and no its not going bankrupt; see Dean Baker's analysis)

[Americaisgreat123]

Where are you even getting these numbers?

Let me ask you something. Should we have government run grocery stores? Boy, that will cause prices to go down and inefficiency to go up!

I don't think there is an economic measure of whether Social Security is efficient. Though, it does cause peoples wages to go down.

"If the free market weren't so damn efficient it could have never have survived because it has so many enemies and so few friends."

-Milton Friedman

So why do they survive?

[Jenniferde2007]

Insurance is a shared risk pool and if one is not too sick or unhealthy --you win--but in this country insurance companies for health are FOR PROFIT and must answer to shareholders--they are corporations. It is wrong to profit by the illness and sickness of others. Talk about rationing--I see insurance companies deny care everyday as a nurse. If you want some treatment for an illness one day it may be denied if it is deemed experimental by your insurance--do you realize that.?

[Americaisgreat123]

So what? Every form of insurance is "for profit". Profit is not an evil word (unless your an blind liberal or communist). Fire and car insurance are profitable businesses.

If I want treatment for an illness, why is it so horrible that I, myself would need to pay for what I, myself use? Why am I entitled to have some other magical source pay for it?

[johnnorvaisas]

Yeah lets just let Nancy and porky Obama take 70% of our money who cares right?

You people are nuts the free market is the only way!

[johnnorvaisas]

America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009

It finally reveals the price of the reckless ambitions of our current government... including tax increases that would take us to even higher levels than most of Europe!

[johnnorvaisas]

Well, the Census Bureau asks respondents if they've been without insurance at any time over the past year. A lot of the folks who answered, "Yes," simply changed jobs over the last year! By changing the question and asking only about the previous month (as tested by the Pacific Research Institute), the "uninsured" number drops by 60%!

[ccm800]

really? Alot? based on what?

[samiemma]

And why does this only have 2,000 views?

Note how the media likes to pit adversaries against one another to generate heat (and ratings)?

But certain topics are verbotten.

Single payer is one.

[ccm800]

Because they are getting paid by the same bastards paying the politicians.

[Jenniferde2007]

When you turn 65 you will get single payor whether you like it or not and that is MEDICARE--if it is good enough fo rour grandparents it is good enough for us! We do not need to reinvent the wheel! Medicare could be expanded to all American Citizens....for profit healthcare is what is so costly. We should also heavily tax the health insurance companies if they are allowed to exist as is.

[nowellian]

Obama wants to make up all buy health insurance from these vampires.

Obama also escalated the war in Afghanistan and Americans are being killed in escalating numbers.

I am glad i voted for Nader!

[Boomer1949]

Although I don't make a lot of money, I would be willing for my taxes to be raised 2.5% to pay for a single payer health care system and get rid of these dam insurance co!! I don't know who in the hell came up with Insurance but they had to be a spawn from hell.

[Americaisgreat123]

Funny, because the Canadians and the British pay a lot more than 2.5% more tax for their single payer system. Their tax burden is usually over 50% while ours is closer to 30%. And their quality is nothing to drool over, unless you take Michael Moore's word to heart........

watch?v=q2jijuj1ysw

[Boomer1949]

What percentage of your gross income is your health care monthly cost?  Mine is 14%. I'd gladly give that money for a single payer plan instead of feeding a greedy insurance co.

[Americaisgreat123]

And you'd rather feed a greedy government, constantly ration, and wait all day to see a doctor?

The free market is always better at allocating resources than the government and the solution to health care is not more government, but drastically less.

HAHA! Medicare for all.....Most doctors don't even accept medicare anymore. It may go bankrupt within Obama's presidency.

To you statists, evidence is irreverent. You just feed off class envy & calling everybody "greedy" when u yourself r greedy.

[Jenniferde2007]

All doctors who want a license under Healthcare reform MUST be required to accept Medicare--even with other insurance you do not have a choice if the best doctor for your care does not accept your insurance. I know I am with a practice that does not take any insurance--my doctors are surgeons. You see Healthcare is already rationed--by who can afford to pay--so the talk about rationing healthcare is already in place.

[Americaisgreat123]

"All doctors who want a license under Healthcare reform MUST be required to accept Medicare"

Well, think beyond stay one here Jennifer. Say, "And then what?" What happens when people stop becoming doctors? It is already happening in this country because of the threat of losing everything due to a tort lawyers junk lawsuit (as if humans are expected to be perfect in everything they undertake). Why spend a decade getting a tough higher education when there is so little incentive?

[Jenniferde2007]

My husband is a surgeon and even under Medicare for all he would do just fine financially as will all docs as they wont have to pay a staff and run an office under a Government run system. If the only reason one wants to be a doctor is to make money--then they should leave now!

[Americaisgreat123]

But they have shortages of doctors in countries with socialized, rationed medicine. People don't want to put forth all that time if there is no chance of it being rewarded. You have good intentions, but what incentives do your policies create? Most doctors don't accept Medicare. Remember, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

"It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest."

-Adam Smith

[Jenniferde2007]

Fro your information, my husband has worked in Egypt , Germany and England and NONE has a doctor shortage....what you said is definitely NOT an established fact. He is an ENT here in the USA.

[davetileguy]

you should definitly go back there sounds great!!

[Jenniferde2007]

For your information we do have homes in Egypt and Germany but live here in the USA. It is great and America is great --we are just hoping it will improve in the area of Healthcare for all.

[johnnorvaisas]

Wow someone that makes sense about health care.

Keep up the fight against these radical socialists that want us working people to pay huge tax increases for garbage health care.

[Americaisgreat123]

Yes, will do. The biggest problem with our health care industry is precisely the government. They have let the tort lawyers run wild and drive the cost of medical malpractice insurance up through the roof (which we pay for in the end). Health care is so heavily regulated, subsidized and partially socialized that it is far from a free market one. Make hospitals and insurance companies compete like retailers. Force transparency so costs are out in the open and business efficiency increases.

[Jenniferde2007]

The problem is that the healthcare industry operates for profit by taking money in high premiums and co-pays from sick patients. Preventitive care is nearly non existant. We need to pay doctors for keeeping people healthy, when they lose weight, improve cholesterol levels then they should be given a bonus. You can imagine how expensive it is for the average Medical Practice to employ a Billing Staff! Even those with insurance can be denied even when the coding is perfect.

[Americaisgreat123]

That is not the problem at all. Government bureaucracies do not operate for profit, but look at how grossly inefficient they are. Economist call this the "theory of bureaucratic behavior." It states that efficient work is driven out by inefficient work because there is no incentive (profit and staying in business) to be efficient. This is an economic choice here and you are choosing the wrong trade off (there are no "solutions" in reality). You are also ignoring the basic concept of insurance.

[creostasio]

you're wrong, AG. It's an established fact that the for-profit insurance model is the most wasteful, most inefficient, most expensive system in the world.

If you think about all the paperwork, the endless calls back and forth to pharmacists and doctors, the denial letters, the TV ads, lobbying politicians, billing their ever-shifting roster of enrollees, etc., the insurance model just doesn't work.

Canada got rid of the for-profit insurance model 40 years ago and hasn't looked back since.

[Americaisgreat123]

That is not an established fact. You are going to need to produce some respectable literature that argues this in order for me to take it seriously.

I agree that there is a lot of inefficiency in the current system. There is also a lot of government involvement in the form of extremly heavy regulation, and lighter subsidization and socialization. They should make the health industry compete like the free market does.

Why do we not need government grocery stores to insure low prices???

[creostasio]

It IS an established fact. Google the name Marcial Angell. She's the former editor of the New England Journal of Medicine and she's come out for single player. She's one among many experts who've blasted the for-profit insurance companies.

Or you can go to healthcare-now. There's plenty of info there bearing out what I said.

The Postal Service is a quasi-government entity, and it does a great job delivering mail on time. Face it: the insurance companies have failed us all.

[Americaisgreat123]

Yes, go wait in line at the post office. Delivering the mail, with the help of tax payer dollars, is very different from administering health care (or financial services).

Just because you think the case is strong doesn't make it an established fact. The more you repeat that, the more you discredit yourself as an uneducated amateur.

Have you read anything on the libertarian perspective on how the health care system should work? Do you think the Obama plan will lead to single payer?

[creostasio]

Not one tax dollar is spent on the Postal Service. It's a self-financing operation with postage and fees for services. If the Postal Service were run by insurance companies, 50 million Americans would probably never receive their mail.

Obama & the Democrats are on record opposing single payer. Most experts are on record supporting single payer. People like Dr. David Himmelstein, Sidney Wolfe, Marcia Angell, etc.

[Americaisgreat123]

Does Marcia Angell have any specific paper I should refer to?

[Jenniferde2007]

LOL we rank 37 th in the world that IS AN ESTABLISHED FACT and France is number 1 and has a gold standard socialized system. Read away AG.

[Americaisgreat123]

It is not an "established fact" that some study ranked America 37th and the fact that you put "established fact" in CAP LOCKS doesn't make it any more true......

What am I supposed to "read away" at?

[Jenniferde2007]

The World Health Organization complied the list mentioned of rankings for Healthcare by country. To do this they used scientific data--that is an estalished fact and the fact it was published makes it so!

[arslp]

Check out the guy on youtube that got a sex "reassignment", but a lady needing surgery had to wait...and wait...until she needed to wear a colostomy bag.

Check out the lady whose brain tumor had to reach a certain size before she would be eligible for surgery -on youtube.

The quickest way to destroy something is to get government & their bureaucracy involved in it.

[ilfark2]

arslp and AIG123... where are the numbers to back up the dying in line allegation? rather than anecdotes?

[Tones4me1]

I can't find my post that you replied to. Did you see Michael Moore's movie "Sickco"? He went to Canada to talk to them at the clinics. They not only have free health care but pay for the taxi ride round trip if you can't pay for it.

One ex-insurance co employee was on 60 Minutes.Her boss told her that when they deny coverage for life saving treatment it doesn't mean the person will DIE, it only means that the co isn't PAYING for treatment.

[Jenniferde2007]

Is your fire station ineffiient or the US postal service--we know it does have some problems--but overall goverment run systems do work. The insurance companies are the ones who ration care--if you dont have the money---you don't get the care! Plus your employer can change your plan at any time and your insurance carrier can drop you at any time or raise your share of out of pocket expenses!

[Jenniferde2007]

They still come out ahead of us--they do not pay high premiums and have to mortgage their homes to pay for medical care. Also under the system in the UK pensions are covered as is education for their children at little to no cost. We would all do well if all these things were covered here in the USA.

[Americaisgreat123]

How come no one goes to Cuba or Britain to get medical care? How come Canada or Australia never produce any life saving drugs?

[barkatthemoon16]

How come you don't know what you're talking about? You or people you know are probably taking life-saving drugs researched in Canada, which is huge on R&D. Just because you are not going to Cuba or Britain for HC doesn't mean no one else is, you idi0t

[Americaisgreat123]

How come you refuse to comprehend reality when you hear it? Shall I answer that or would you like to?

[wikkidinsane]

America is the great your a fucking retard. People do travel to other countries for healthcare, especially to get drugs from their country. America is dumber than most countries in the world. We are fatter than every country in the world. And based on my own personal experiences, have the most ignorant people I ever came across in my lifetime.

[TinaFunk]

Oh.. but Australia does produce life saving drugs.. I know that as fact. I think you need to research the facts before making incorrect comments. Many socialized countries are front-runners in the drug industry.. and the US steals their composition of a drug and patents it to charge the American citizen big bucks. Many do not go to other countries because of time factors.. It would be stupid to go to another country in the midst of having a heart attack.

[davetileguy]

ya we steal stuff hhhaa cool steal stuff,I heard we get it from area 51

[Jenniferde2007]

If you were in Britain and fgot sick you would be treated free of charge or for very little money and we would do the same for those visiting here. As far as I know it is illegal to travel to cuba. Did you read about Medical Tourism--check it out as we speak many people travel to Thailand and India seeking care from Doctors trained right here in the USA. Some of the insurance companies her ein the USA even pay for it! How do you like that?

[Americaisgreat123]

I'm not informed on that so I don't feel it would be wise for me to go stating opinions right off the bat.

I am opposed to the FDA. If people want to try a drug that the benevolent government has yet to improve, they don't have any right to make it illegal for them to do so.

[Jenniferde2007]

That is a different issue than we have been discussing.

[mogzieee]

I am from the UK, and the NHS here is an absolute godsend. Last year I tore a ligament in my knee and I got to choose everything that I wanted doing, including 2 operations, which surgeon I had, which hospital I was at, etc - all for free. The whole thing couldn't have been MORE full of choices. Why are you American's so worried about a 'socialised' system where you GET these choices and don't get blocked by you're infiltrating HMO's? Why? I just don't understand.

[Jenniferde2007]

The answer is greedy insurance companies that our government allows to operate as for profit--making money off of people who get sick or injured...it is a travesty. No where else does one worry about losing a business or a home to a agreedy healthcare system....the American Way.

[creostasio]

I agree with your comments, but we need to ask ourselves why nothing is ever done to fix our rotten healthcare system.

One of the problems is the American electorate. If it were informed and intelligent, it would vote for people like Nader and Kucinich and send right-wing Democrats like Max Baucus packing. It would detect corporate media lies in a nanosecond and put more radicals in office.

Obama isn't Kucinich, and he sure as hell isn't Nader.

[Jenniferde2007]

I live DC and if everyone here called and wrote to their representatives in Washington, then things WOULD CHANGE. Just talking on this forum will do nothing. Medicare for all is what I advocate - it is portable, you can choose your doctor--(all doctors should be forced to participate) fees are negotiated. When you turn 65 you get Universal Healthcare whether you like it or not -Medicare--if it is good enough for Seniors and affordable then it is good enough for we healthier, younger people!

[creostasio]

I'm more cynical than you. I've "contacted my representatives" on any number of issues, only to be blown off.

Liberal Democrats like Waxman, Kennedy, and Rangel, as well as "Blue Dogs" like Baucus know perfectly well that two-thirds of the American people believe it's the federal government's responsibility to provide national healthcare. Over 50% of Americans favor single payer (as I myself do). Tell me. Why are all these Dems opposed to single payer? Answer? They're bought and paid for.

[allgoo19]

mogzieee: "I am from the UK..."

I totally agree with you.

I came from Japan. There are good things and bad things about the country but the health care would be the top of the list of good thing.

I have never met one person who wanted to eliminate the system, and bankruptcy caused by medical bill was unheard of.

[3101010]

He wasn't invited by the whitehouse. nor was I. So!

Maybe he and I just are not important enough to be there... So!

[SnowWolf91]

This guy knows what he's talking about. I think we should do what he says.

[QueerAsFaith]

More people being covered is better than what we have now, but single payer universal coverage is the only final answer to healthcare in America.

[Tones4me1]

Medical dental plan goes like this. A tooth must have 3 or more surfaces of decay before they treat it, instead of drilling & filling before it spreads. They do like to just yank them out. Done deal.

[JrobHartley]

I don't think he's referring to dental. Dental and vision should be reformed but general health practice etc are spot on as indicated by the good doc.

[Tones4me1]

Maybe CBS listened to his idea & decided not to have him speak. If he thinks our single payer plan works then he is wrong. How many people are denied treatment for trumped up reasons. Ins companies even get to say they are causing deaths they are only refusing to pay for treatment. The patient is welcome to pay for their own life saving treatments. Even though they have no money left because they paid the premiums.

[bradthetough]

I think you are confused. Single payer is not what we have now. Single payer would mean we got rid of insurance companies, and had universal health care paid for with taxes through the government (the single payer*).

[ilfark2]

hey what are the wait times in Canada; tried looking it up and seems to be by province? there must be a national avg. a/w/a number of people that died from waiting too long...

[barkatthemoon16]

ilfark2, you are wrong. No one in Canada dies from waiting too long. You wait for elective things, not life-threatening things. It's a triage system: emergencies bump, say, boob jobs. You don't die from not getting a boob job.

[wyzechick]

its obvious that obama didnt do the full medicare coverage because some people are opposed, so he wants to satisfy everyone even though he knows the medicare is the best thing. (canadian friend Isabel)

[HarveyRex23]

As far as "public option" goes. There's a problem. Those fuckin blue dog conservative Senate Democrats.

[Smartassawhip]

In order to make this happen we need to take action and let our voices be heard.. I have a list of ways in which you can contact your representatives including phone numbers on my profile.. Take some time and make a few calls.. the more the better. I also have a link in the comment section to the actual bill as it now stands for those who would like to read it. Thanks.

[tylertyler82]

Is it really going to happen?? Oh please, America, let it happen! Make it happen!! Yes we can!!

[Learnthetruth100]

Thanks to 3slimdog for sharing this with me.

[HSOUIXZ]

Thanks for the video share.

[librophile]

FALSE PROPAGANDA !!

WE HAVE THE BEST HEALTH CARE IN THE WORLD.

This is Absolute Nonsense !!

The USA has the--BEST SPECIALISTS/TECHNOLOGY--but our FAILED PROFIT-DRIVEN Health Care System is ranked 37th on a World Scale !!

It's like saying "OUR ATHLETES won the MOST GOLD MEDALS in the Olympics ... so we have the MOST ATHLETIC POPULATION in the world !!

When in reality we have an OVERWEIGHT & SICK ...(cancer~heart diseases~diabetic)... POPULATION, as compared to other Nations.

[wyzechick]

propaganda is what you are being fed by your news channel to make you think you have the best. health care in the world... its proven to be bottom 20..... dont beleive the news! come on now, its obviously ran by the insurance companies. (from a medicare loving canadian, isabel)

[3slimdog]

This Doctor is a Hero in my book.

[nohealthcare62]

for me to ,Pres.Obama has my vote no matter what the repigs do or say ! humanitarian 100% i love him &obama !

[classicallady]

OBAMA 2012

[bagelboi66]

What is most sad isn't the pandering to lobbyists, but that the United States of America continues to tolerate twenty percent of their citizens having no health care. Scary. Come on America! Rise up and be the greatest again! This Canadian is pulling for you.

[blink4ever87]

Obama is the same as bush. bush was in w/ oil companys and obama is w/ all these energy companys which passed cap and trade bill which taxes co2 emmisions, so you'll get taxed to breathe. and ppl are dumb enough to beilive that global warmings man-made. Get Obama out of the white house and we need to get Ron Paul in he's the last man who wants to save our coutry.

and whats with Obama not wanting the private federal reserve to be audited I think we should se were our tax dollars are going.

[napalmfuzz]

"ppl are dumb enough to beilive that global warmings man-made."

After this statement, you've lost any right you ever had to call anyone dumb. Science, look it up.

[Propagandhi900]

/facepalm at that guy.

[KataVideo]

don't complain to President Obama about ron paul.

ron paul had his chance, and he convinced only a small, small handful of fringe loonies, who alienated others with their zealousness.

everyone knew ron paul was running, he was covered in all of the big media. when he wasn't invited to a debate, there was a news story about it. ron paul is not president and you can thank republican voters and the republican party and fox news, the republican party media wing.

[bradthetough]

I agree but getting Obama out, but definitely do not want Ron Paul.

Ralph Nader anyone?

[achampag]

obama is no different than bush, pandering to the corporations. what change is this?

end the bullshit, save us the damn money and rid us of these insurance companies! but it wont happen, b/c obama is nothing but a well spoken snake oil salesman.

SINGLE PAYER NOW

[nohealthcare62]

West Tenn was sprayed with MALATHION @ 7 yrs Fed Gov paid Half to AG&Farmers.I was never told .I had BCBs @17yrs used once CANCER 2 weeks later I was dropped paying $7500 Given VIOXX for Female Cancer

[killerbandit]

Can we please bring back the corporate death penalty so we can get rid of the leeches on our backs known as big pharma and big insurance.

[saxmanchiro]

Eliminate for-profit insurance. It doesn't work well when the health of people is involved. Also, a one-payer system keeps the docs honest as they have to use evidence-based care. Just look at other countries with this system and you will see that ineffective techniques/tests/drugs/etc are not allowed. It's amazing how many invasive and unnecessary treatments/ tests ordered are undertaken when there is no control. This doctor makes many valid points. I know, I used to be a doc in Canada.

[U5K0]

I love this newscast....

It's the only video news thing which still holds a respectable amount of credibility with me

[91177info]

Perfect plan for big pharma. Baxter are immune from prosecution with the flu vaccination and for those that don't die from it those left with life long medical conditions will have to pay for it. Please see my videos about the charges being brought against Obama. He is part of a eugenics plan which will be starting in October 09. He has a conflict of interests with Baxter going back to 2004.

[CrdBrdProjects]

I LIKE this guy.

[epicurus32]

So is Obama not going to do free healthcare now? I thought he said he was going to during the campaign? wtf.

[mancrushonhanksnow]

Nope. His hands are deep in the pockets of insurance lobbyists. Our politicians are too greedy and won't vote away those bribes from insurance companies, bringing in the health care that EVERY OTHER INDUSTRIAL COUNTRY HAS. America is fucked. End of story.

[KataVideo]

don't count it out just yet. it might take steps instead of one giant leap.

[classicallady]

Very well said. This is going to be a rather long road and he cannot change the status quo in just a few months of Presidency

[allgoo19]

epicurus32: "So is Obama no..."

It's not Obama's part for not getting things done. He lacks help in his hands because not only Repubs but many Democs called "Blue Dogs" are bought by the lobbyists.

Unless Obama acts like a dictator, Obama has both hands tied up and can't make any move that make sense.

In other words, US is ruled by lobbyists not by the voters.

Before health care reform, there must be lobbying reform but it's going to be even harder than former.

[zage500]

cant belive americans take this shit. even here in little sweden we can afford that everybody gett the same healthcare for FREE!!

[xs1ner]

yeah i know. everybody here in america wants free health care but everybody bitches and crys about wheres the money gonna come from

[PacifistShotgun]

Is it of good quality?

[zage500]

yeah its good :) nott the best in the world ofc, butt so isent america ether :P

[johnnorvaisas]

No free you mean high taxes.

[allgoo19]

johnnorvaisas: "No free you mean..."

More than half of personal bankruptcy filed in US are medical related.

How many people you know had gone bankrupt because of high tax?