Shuler votes against health care reform legislation ***updated 10 a.m. Monday***

Rep. Heath Shuler voted against the sweeping health care reform legislation that passed the House of Representatives 219-212 last night.

Shuler joined 35 other Democrats, including two from North Carolina’s delegation, in opposing the bill.

Word had circulated in online vote counts since early last Friday afternoon that Shuler would vote against health-care-reform legislation. Later that day, March 19, he made it official.

In a brief statement, Shuler said, “I recognize that there are strong views on both sides of the health-care debate, and it has spurred strong emotions throughout the nation.  Tens of thousands of constituents have shared their opinions with me, and I appreciate their views. My responsibility as Congressman is to filter through the emotion, misinformation and politics surrounding this issue and do what is best for Western North Carolina and our country.”

Just over a week ago, The Hill newspaper listed Shuler as undecided. Earlier today, Organizing for America, the political group set up to rally President Barack Obama’s supporters, asked constituents to call Shuler’s office and push him to vote for the bill.

But the two-term congressman decided to oppose the bill.

“There is no question that our current health-care system is broken and that we need to make significant reforms to improve it in an equitable, fiscally responsible and sustainable manner,” he said in his announcement. “In my opinion the bill as written does not meet those criteria.”

Shuler also opposed health care legislation when it came before Congress last year, citing concerns over the cost. During his 2008 re-election campaign, Shuler received $130,852 in campaign contributions from the health-care industry, more than any other Democrat in the state’s delegation. He has repeatedly asserted that those contributions have not affected his vote.

— David Forbes, staff writer

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120 thoughts on “Shuler votes against health care reform legislation ***updated 10 a.m. Monday***

  1. Ken Hanke

    Those contributions may not have affected Shuler’s vote, but I can assure him his vote on this will affect the probability of him ever getting my vote again.

  2. cwaster

    I’ll never vote for him again. It’s obvious to me he is in the pocket of health care in my opinion.

  3. Suzanne

    I am a health care provider and a Medicare recipient. You will not have my vote (which you have had from both me and my husbane) in your next bid. Your contributions from the health care lottery have influenced you to an egregious and unacceptable level. Methinks the Rep doth protest too much.

  4. Ken Hanke

    Thank you Heath Shuler.

    You know, it strikes me as a less than savvy political move to play to the people who almost certainly aren’t voting for you anyway, while alienating the people who have voted for you.

  5. Chad Nesbitt

    Hanke,

    You don’t see what’s happening here do you?

    Your health care bill is going to pass. Be it by a vote or some underhanded rule. No matter what, your corrupt party is going to go against the majority of the American people.

    The Democrats have thought this out.
    The Democrats know that there is going to be a backlash like no other and they have to have key Democrats to keep the Democrat party alive when this happens. Shuler is one of these keys. They hope there will be no backlash. They hope people will just stay at home as usual.

    Shulers first vote was for Nancy Pelosie. Shuler voted for cap and trade. Shuler never came out vocaly against this health care bill until the last moment. Shuler is just a pon in this game of power and control.

    Summery: All this health bill is is a socialistic way to bankrupt our economy quicker so that we can become a one world government.

  6. Deb Maddox

    Blame Obama. We are in so much debt, we can’t afford this. Obama’s priority was to bail out companies — spending money even then we didn’t have. I will remember this when election time comes. Companies before people, Obama? Thank you, Heath Shuler, for voting against such fiscal irresponsibility in both instances.

    And Chad Nesbitt, you need to learn how to spell.

  7. borninwnc

    Chad, dude does your computer have a spell check?

    Democrats lost the South for 40 years after voting for the Civil Rights Bill. Health Care is a civil rights issue. Horray for a political party that stands up for what’s right and what’s for the good of the people.

    There isn’t going to be any backlash when 75% of America want health care reform. Your talking points from the right are going to spell disaster for the Republicans once again. Because, it’s one more instance of them standing up for corporate America and against the good of the people.

    Socialistic way? Really? Where were you when the tax cuts and invasion of Iraq happened? Not too concerned with the economy then, were you? And since your argument is void of fact and reason you may want to check out the CBO report showing the deficit reducing abilities of this bill.

    It’s great for the Republicans to promote CBO when it’s in line with their talking points, but boy do they hate facts.

    It’s real American and patriotic of the right to dismiss health care when we are talking about supporting those most in need among our citizenry.

    Wake Up Chad. You’re a pawn to the right’s talking points and I’m certainly thrilled to see that you’re fine with pre-existing conditions and uninsured children in this country.

  8. Betty Cloer Wallace

    Shuler has committed political sin #1—not dancing with the ones who brung him.

    He even says so in his statement: “My responsibility as Congressman is to filter through the emotion, misinformation and politics surrounding this issue and do what is best for Western North Carolina and our country.”

    No, Heath. Your responsibility is not to do what YOU deem best for Western North Carolina and our country—or for yourself.

    Your job as our representative is to represent what the PEOPLE of Western North Carolina think is best for Western North Carolina and our country.

  9. “I would like to ask Mr. Shuler to give up his government subsidized health insurance for the good of Western North Carolina and our country. We can not afford it. He should buy his own health insurance on the open market. “

    What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. However instead of asking he give up his cushy medical coverage…I’d DEMAND he give it up.

  10. Ken Hanke

    You don’t see what’s happening here do you?

    If you mean that ridiculous scenario you attempted to write, no, I not only don’t see the point, I don’t believe the point. But that’s not the point here in any case. The point here is that the guy is voting the way you — who aren’t about to vote for him — would like, and he is not voting the way people who have voted for him and probably would have continued to vote for him want. This has nothing to do with your paranoid fantasies, but only with the stupidity of the move on the basis of votes.

    Shuler seems to forget that he has never been elected on his own actual merit, but on the fact that at least he wasn’t as bad as his opponents.

  11. shadmarsh

    Shuler is just a pon in this game of power and control.
    What is a pon?

    Your health care bill is going to pass…your corrupt party is going to go against the majority of the American people.
    You might want to check your numbers there. Also I was unaware that Ken wrote this bill, kudos Mr. Hanke, and where do you find the time?

    Summery: All this health bill is is a socialistic way to bankrupt our economy quicker so that we can become a one world government.

    Want to know a faster way? Start a bunch of wars, then cut taxes, allow for the banking system to implode, etc etc. Just ask Grover Norquist. Bankrupting the government is a republican idea.

    Also, one world government? I seriously didn’t think you were smart enough to be among the tinfoil hat crowd…

  12. Linda Wallace

    Mr Shuler, I pray that you keep your word by voting NO on the HC Bill. I too worked in health care & I learned alot about government run HC.
    The government couldn’t do anything about fraud with Medicare or Medicaid,what makes anyone think the government can control our HC? I could go on & on about this issue.
    The politicians don’t even know all that is in this bill,so how can anyone vote yes to something as important as this country’s HC.
    Please keep your word & vote NO to the HC Bill.

  13. Ken Hanke

    Also I was unaware that Ken wrote this bill, kudos Mr. Hanke, and where do you find the time?

    I think I sandwiched it in somewhere between Meet the Spartans and Transformers 2.

  14. Jake

    Aixa Wilson, an unknown, is challenging Heath Shuler in the Democratic primary that is six weeks away. I didn’t think Mr. Wilson had a prayer, but I believe that Rep. Shuler has now given that campaign an enormous boost.

    Shuler will win this time, but he has invited a far more formidable challenge two years hence.

    Hey, Heath, you have succeeded in alienating many of those who have been blocking for you. Prepare to get sacked.

  15. U

    Even if this healthcare bill is imperfect, SOMETHING needs to happen in this country in regards to health care. The insurance companies are abusing the system and the cost of healthcare is exhorbitantly overpriced. Do people not realize that stagnance is going to accomplish nothing? If this bill does not pass, nothing will happen and nothing will improve for those who don’t have healthcare, or those who pay too much for it like myself. If this bill does pass, at least we can expect something to change. How about the PEOPLE draft a bill and submit it to the government? Let’s get started!

  16. John and Suzanne

    March 20,2010

    Mr. Shuler,
    My family is asking you to decide to vote NO on the upcoming vote for national health care. Not only are we opposed to the takeover of the health care system by the federal government, we are distressed and morally outraged this bill will allow government funded abortions. Please consider the following:
    1) Our Representative should vote against the Rule governing debate on the House Reconciliation health bill that would deem the Senate health care bill, the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (H.R. 3950), as passed. Members of Congress should not think that because they are only voting on the “Rule” but not voting on the Senate bill by itself that they can escape the fact that a “Yes” vote on the Rule equals a “Yes” vote for abortion funding. The Senate passed bill would force taxpayers to pay for abortion on demand and President Obama’s plan would make abortion funding in the Senate bill worse!
    2) The Senate bill does not contain the House-passed Stupak amendment to prevent abortion funding.
    3) The Senate bill funds abortion in at least three ways: In Section 1303 it allows tax credit subsidies for plans that include abortion and leaves the abortion surcharge in place. It maintains the proposal to create a multi-state plan that includes abortion in Sec. 1334. Obama’s plan would even increase the Senate bill funding from $7 billion to $11 billion for community health centers in Sec. 10503 without any abortion funding restrictions.
    4) If this bill becomes law, this Congress will oversee the largest ever expansion of abortion on demand at taxpayer expense.
    5) No one who claims to be remotely pro-life can vote for this legislation

    Mr. Shuler please consider these points and foremost, what your constituents are expecting of you. Take this matter to your God, Lord and Savior in prayer asking the best way you can protect the rights of the unborn.

    Thank you,

    John and Suzanne
    Candler, NC 28715

  17. Erik Harrison

    This bill is, by every conceivable measure, the most fiscally responsible health care bill to make it this far in the legislative process.

    When I called and emailed Congressman Shuler’s office, I told him that selling this bill to his more conservative constituents would be difficult after the propaganda campaign that the right has been running, but that I would personally knock on doors, make phone calls, and donate money to help make that case, and if he still lost the election, I would personally buy him a beer and hail him as a man who risked his career for the sake of his country.

    The liberal part of me wants to see health care expanded, the conservative wants to see the deficit reduced. This bill does both. I see no reason to have a congressman who will not do either, or who even has the fundamental respect for his constituents to give a more than two paragraph justification for the biggest vote of his career.

  18. Piffy!

    [b]Want to know a faster way? Start a bunch of wars, then cut taxes, allow for the banking system to implode, etc etc. Just ask Grover Norquist. Bankrupting the government is a republican idea.[/b]

    Yes, but according to [i]their[/i] logic, it’s Constitutional to waste money on Wars we can’t afford. It’s just anti-American to use the “Government” to create equal access to affordable health care so that people don’t go bankrupt trying to pay for simple services, which then is a cost that gets passed on to the taxpayers anyway…

    oh, just forget it. Let’s just kill all the rich people and move on.

  19. Piffy!

    [b]Your health care bill is going to pass. Be it by a vote or some underhanded rule. No matter what, your corrupt party is going to go against the majority of the American people. [/b]

    It’s fascinating how you can intentionally misread the results of basically every poll on teh subject.

  20. shadmarsh

    It’s fascinating how you can intentionally misread the results of basically every poll on teh subject.

    I don’t think reading is one of Chads strong suits, as evidenced by everything he has ever posted here.

  21. Bert

    “You know, it strikes me as a less than savvy political move to play to the people who almost certainly aren’t voting for you anyway, while alienating the people who have voted for you.”

    It’ll be interesting to see what happens to him. I think without liberals supporting him he can’t win. His vote totals have been based on Asheville liberals plus the conservaDems in Western NC. But now he’ll only have the conservaDems, and I don’t think they’re enough to reelect him.

  22. Otis Steadman

    I am glad to see that all my phone calls and emails were not in vain. I will be proud to call Rep. Heath Schuler My Congressman and the VOICE of my vote. Thank you for taking a stand on what you really believe and know is right for the American people. I hope this bill is defeated and other representatives will come to their senses.
    WAKE UP AMERICA

  23. Ken Hanke

    Thank you, Heath Shuler.

    You still have to go

    Another ringing endorsement of Shuler by someone who has stated he has no intention of voting for him.

  24. I do not endorse Shuler. He made the right decision for the wrong reason. Good. He’s still a loose cannon with no political compass. Sorry, Heath, you don’t really belong in elective office. Now, Dan Eichenbaum? — that’s another story.
    http://ashevilleteapac.com/
    ……………………….

  25. shadmarsh

    Oh the highly sought after Tim Peck endorsement, Eichenbaum can’t lose now!

  26. Austin

    Well, you can’t say Obama is not fulfilling his mandate, as mandated by the majority of voters who put him there.
    From my minimal research, the underhanded approach that Chad refers to is called the “deem and pass”. It is backed by the constitution. Here is a quote about it, “As Norm Orenstein reminds us, “in the last Congress that Republicans controlled, from 2005 to 2006, Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier used the self-executing rule more than 35 times, and was no stranger to the concept of “deem and pass.” I guess this method has been in play for a while. I’ve read that it was created to deal with the type of obstructionism that we are seeing now.
    As far as the abortion issue goes, a large group of Catholics just backed the bill because it does not provide funding for abortions.
    That’s about all I know.
    I’m backing this bill now because for me, every question has a been answered other than the tort reform issue. Obama claims the economy would only save 5 billion a year if tort was reformed. That’s not a good reason not to deal with a problem but at least it is a tangible number.

  27. Spanker McJohnson

    [quote]Obama claims the economy would only save 5 billion a year if tort was reformed. That’s not a good reason not to deal with a problem but at least it is a tangible number[/quote]

    He also said employer funded premiums would be reduced up to 3000%…

    He also said that the special deals were legitimate and hardly bribes at all.

    How else do we expect for Hawaii to recover from that devastating earthquake he mentioned? Oh…wait….

  28. whirledps

    I informed Rep. Shuler’s(R) office that I would be supporting and voting for any third-party or Independent candidate that opposes him.

    He is a coward who took the dems $$$ and votes, but decided he liked the health lobby’s $$$ better.
    Goodbye traitor.

    How will it feel to be on the wrong side of history?

    You can tell who listens to Fox noise and Rush the druggie by all the talking points that make their way into the “NO” chorus. My favorite is they all spout “Government take over…. blah, blah, blah. The same people or their parents probably spouted “NO” to Civil Rights, Medicare and Social Security.
    Let’s take away that Medicare from all you “NO’S” and see how loud you squeal.
    Some people make me sick. But I better not get sick, I don’t have health insurance. Luckily I have my Veteran’s Health Care.
    It’s a shame I fought for the same people who want to keep the RIGHT of health care away from other Americans.

  29. Edward

    The “Conservative” mind is amazing:

    “Deb” doesn’t want it to pass because of the cost-which is MONEY OVER HUMAN LIVES. Then she complains that Obama is putting “Companies before people” which would be MONEY OVER HUMAN LIVES. Which way do you want it Deb?

    “John and Suzanne” don’t want it to pass because they incorrectly believe that it doesn’t protect unborn HUMAN LIVES. Apparently the HUMAN LIVES of the already born are not worth saving with proper healthcare.

    “Tim Peck” offers us a nutty doctor (Eichenbaum) as an alternative? The tea party candidate (selected thourgh a sham “debate”) offers the size of his truck as a qualification for office?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeNmUICdicw
    I wouldn’t trust that man with my vote or my eyesight.

    “Chad” believes elephants stomp with their biceps.

  30. Lamont Cranston

    Dear Mr. Shuler:

    Are you reading the newspaper responses to your brilliant vote you will be casting in the next few hours????? Count this Democrat working for your next career move to the unemployment line in the next election, and then you can see what it really will be like to pay for your health care as opposed to us buying it for you.

    You should have listened to your “Family” of constituents here in the 11th District who are in need of health care reform and assistance, as opposed to “The Family” back on “C” Street in Washington DC.

    Aixa Wilson – I’ll be contacting your organization in the future to assist you in your endeavor to represent all of us who aren’t so “intellectually challenged” about the facts in the 11th District, and elsewhere in the world for that matter.

  31. “It’s fascinating how you can intentionally misread the results of basically every poll on the subject.”

    That seems to be a common occurrence around this publication, lately.

  32. Mysterylogger

    Its funny to watch people cry about their congressman not votiing their way because they didnt research the man and just voted party line and not the individual.

    This is great . . . .

  33. Kanda

    Heath Shuler is displaying courage to vote against the democrat leadership. His vote today will be a vote WNC can be proud of. I will work hard to see Heath re-elected in November. He is helping us take the nation in the right direction. I am proud to have him as my representative.

  34. Let’s just hope this legislation passes today. If so, I think it may spell the beginning of the end of insurance robber baron’s dominance and control of American health care.

  35. Ken Hanke

    Its funny to watch people cry about their congressman not votiing their way because they didnt research the man and just voted party line and not the individual.

    No, we voted for him simply because he wasn’t Carl Mumpower. He was the lesser of two evils. Period. Are you trying to claim that Mumpower would have voted yes?

  36. Rick morgan

    why are Republicans having a primary this year? There best representative, Shuler,is already in congress.

  37. James Atkinson

    Who exactly does Heath Shuler expect will vote for him later this year? His votes against health care reform (among other things) have turned the Democratic base against him. His support for the Stupak amendment to HCR has specifically alienated female supporters. And Republicans think Shuler is Speaker Pelosi’s tool.

    That leaves … a great deal of free space for a Democratic primary challenge.

  38. James Atkinson

    The thing that infuriates me most about Shuler’s no vote on HCR is that (1) agrees there are serious problems with the current health care system, (2) thinks the pending bill is not an appropriate fix, but doesn’t specify why, and (3) offers absolutely no alternatives, and in fact claimed up to his “no” announcement that he didn’t even know what was in the bill…hadn’t read it.

    Shuler is in a leadership role. If he agrees that the current system is seriously flawed, his constituents expect him to take a leadership role in addressing the problem. We do not expect him to read the bill two days before the expected vote and merely offer some unfocused sniping and faunching.

    Heath Shuler never again will get my vote, my time, or my money. Not so much because I disagree with his conclusion on HCR or the Stupak amendment, but because he has shown no leadership on this issue whatsoever and deliberately has kept his constituents at arm’s length throughout the process.

    How does Heath Shuler spend his time?

  39. Mysterylogger

    No but at least you would know how Mumpower would vote, he was a straight up conservative. While Shuler is a Blue Dog and people knew this and still voted for him.

    You know Shuler only Ran as a Democrat because he knew it was the only way he was going to defeat Charles Taylor.

    Shuler knowing that he is a Blue Dog knows that the Sun does not rise nor set in Asheville his district is bigger then just this town.

  40. Deb Maddox

    Glad you asked. I’ll tell you EXACTLY how I want it. I want everyone to be fiscally responsible for themselves and the schools to teach financial literacy to aid this goal. I didn’t want Obama bailing out anybody. I want people to again have that pride involved in carrying their own weight. I don’t want healthcare reform until we can afford it. I want our national debt decreased, not increased to strengthen our international position. (What happens if China calls in our debt?)

    And you’re right: Conservatives are amazing. As a fiscal conservative (social liberal), it’s people like me who are working 2 jobs keeping the entire system of Social Security, welfare, etc. afloat. We are amazing and you should be on your knees thanking God for people like me who work that hard instead of playing the system. Thank you for acknowledging how amazing — and selfless — that is.

  41. Roger

    I have to agree with many on here. If this is a vote to cya, then I can only say that he sill blow it. The right will not vote for him, he will still be attacked, and he is losing his left flank. Not a smart vote. I can only assume it’s s vote of conscious for him…and let his job be damned.

    Cong. Shuler…seriously…rethink… The tea party hates u anyway.

  42. Ken Hanke

    No but at least you would know how Mumpower would vote, he was a straight up conservative.

    So we should have voted for a head-case who represented virtually everything we (loosely defined) are against because we knew that he would vote against the things we wanted to see done? Yes, that makes ever so much sense.

  43. Andrew D

    I disagree with Shuler. I feel that America should care for its sick, like nearly every first world country. as it stands now, the life expectancy in the US is falling, not increasing.

    This is not socialism. That is a stupid argument,
    This is not a govt. takeover. That is also stupid,

    I have never been politically active, but I will work to oppose Shuler next time. It realy appears he has been bought by the insurance industry. He should be ashamed of himself.

  44. Mysterylogger

    Your the one that asked critic-boy, those were your choices but you see D in front of Shulers name and voted blindly.

    Voting party lines isnt as cool as you thought, might want to research your next choice or another choice, but I guess in Asheville’s case it HAS to have a D in front of the name or they are no good.

    Nice Logic.

  45. Ken Hanke

    Your the one that asked critic-boy, those were your choices but you see D in front of Shulers name and voted blindly

    No, I voted for the lesser of two evils. Hardly the same thing, Mr. Anonymous Nay-Sayer.

  46. Johnny

    This all but guarantees that Shuler will lose my vote in any future election he is in.

  47. Cheryl

    Mr. Shuler has lost all support from the voters in my household with his “No” vote. I’d like to see him in line with me at the ABCCM free medical & dental clinic sometime. There are lots of people in our area who are hard working, tax paying citizens who cannot afford any health insurance for themselves or their children. It’s a shame…especially in this country!

  48. Mysterylogger

    Lesser of two evils, very comical, you voted for the D not the individual, or looked at any other individual.

    Lesser of two evils is a very poor excuse.

  49. Connie Jackson

    Heath,
    Thank you for taking a stand to protect our freedom, the right to choose. I admire and respect you for your decision to NOT support the health care reform bill.

    God bless you!

  50. Mountinfun

    Healthcare honors the American traditions. Where is Schuler’s leadership and vision? Isn’t Schuler committed to healthcare for all Americans?
    How about cost savings? Healthcare will be a “jolt” for our economy. The present system is unsustainable, and Schuler knows it. Why is he voting against it? Because he knows it will pass without his vote. End insurance discrimination and create new jobs. THIS WILL SAVE $1.3 trillion. All politics is local—but Congressman this is personal to me.

  51. mtndow

    Looks like Heath and 27 Dems. voted “no” on reform. Nancy is listed as “not voting”. Teabaggers are attempting to put distance between themselves and nasty mob action on Capitol steps. You might not know who “Lamont Cranston” is, but The Shadow Knows.

  52. GregL

    I won’t vote for a Republican, but I won’t vote for Shuler again either. His logic of fiscal conservatism betrays ignorance of even the politics of the issue. This bill seems unpopular, but as the parts come out and people begin to see what it really means, they will warm to it, and Shuler will be left behind.

    Who is Shuler’s base? Independents and conservative democratics? Try getting them to campaign for you. No real Democrat will do so.

    Lastly, he’s even wrong on the costs of this bill. All economic analysts talk of how costs increase to begin with and that savings kick in after a time to reverse the increases. What would the CBO have had to say to get Schuler to be convinced? I suspect the real issue here is not fiscal conservativism but rather a purely political strategy. Even his office informs us that people like” Shuler. That’s a rather condemning statement for someone we should be looking to for leadership and courage of convictions.

    When Republicans finally find a viable candidate, Shuler will lose. His base is weak, even if his warchest is full.

  53. Ken Hanke

    You might not know who “Lamont Cranston” is, but The Shadow Knows

    So does Cranston’s friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane.

  54. GarettJ

    They could have taken pieces of this bill and passed it little by little so the public people wouldn’t know what it is. It also should have been a public option and a woman’s right to choose to be respected in this bill. deem and pass, or rather the Slaughter rule, is an obvious sign that our system of government is almost irretrievably broken. No matter how hard they work to grease the palms of lobbyists, the health care bill has such little backing that they’re going to resort to shallow trickery. I understand that it’s important, but perhaps this is something that should go to referendum. Yes, health care needs reform, but it’s demonstrated again and again that if free competition is allowed to work.

  55. GarettJ

    They could have taken pieces of this bill and passed it little by little so the public people wouldn’t know what it is. It also should have been a public option and a woman’s right to choose to be respected in this bill. deem and pass, or rather the Slaughter rule, is an obvious sign that our system of government is almost irretrievably broken. No matter how hard they work to grease the palms of lobbyists, the health care bill has such little backing that they’re going to resort to shallow trickery. I understand that it’s important, but perhaps this is something that should go to referendum. Yes, health care needs reform, but it’s demonstrated again and again that if free competition is allowed to work.

  56. thundermtnrd

    Heath, you showed your true colors….damned if I will ever vote for you even if Fidel Castro runs against you.

  57. colacomp

    Mr Shuler… Thank you for the NO vote. You represented the wishes of the majority of the voters. Too bad the Dems flushed fiscal responsibility down the toilet and are doing the best to bankrupt America

  58. I’ll be voting for Aixa Wilson in the Dem primary. It would be great to have a strong showing against Shuler, even if he is likely to win. Recall that Dennis Kucinich won a primary here in Buncombe, and that when Buncombe’s votes were reported in 2008 the state was declared for Obama.

    Is Wilson the best possible contender? Who knows? He has no political experience – but, of course, Shuler had none (beyond campaigning for conservative Republicans in Tennessee). But he’s sincere, rational, moderately progressive, and he’s filed for office. He has given us the opportunity to vote on Shuler’s record. Let’s do it!

  59. entopticon

    I see a bright future for Heath Shuler, as an assistant high school football coach.

  60. Ken Hanke

    Lesser of two evils, very comical, you voted for the D not the individual, or looked at any other individual

    Congratulations on your apparent ability to read my mind. You don’t have a clue, but then that’s nothing new.

  61. bobeaux

    I’ll remember his vote when it’s my turn to vote, and I’ll be sure to remind all my friends. The insurance industry may be able to buy his vote, but they can’t buy mine. Time to DUMP Schuler!

  62. Deb Maddox

    Page 22 of the HC Bill: Mandates that the Govt will audit books of all employers that self-insure!!

    Page 30 Sec 123 of HC bill: THERE WILL BE A GOVT COMMITTEE that decides what treatments/benefits you get.

    Page 29 lines 4-16 in the HC bill: YOUR HEALTH CARE IS RATIONED!!!

    Page 42 of HC Bill: The Health Choices Commissioner will choose your HC benefits for you. You have no choice!

    Page 50 Section 152 in HC bill: HC will be provided to ALL non-US citizens, illegal or otherwise.

    Page 58 HC Bill: Govt will have real-time access to individuals’ finances & a ‘National ID Health card’ will be issued! (Papers please!)

    Page 59 HC Bill lines 21-24: Govt will have direct access to your bank accounts for elective funds transfer. (Time for more cash and carry)

    Page 65 Sec 164: Is a payoff subsidized plan for retirees and their families in unions & community organizations: (ACORN).

    Page 84 Sec 203 HC bill: Govt mandates ALL benefit packages for private HC plans in the ‘Exchange.’

    Page 85 Line 7 HC Bill: Specifications of Benefit Levels for Plans — The Govt will ration your health care!

    Page 91 Lines 4-7 HC Bill: Govt mandates linguistic appropriate services. (Translation: illegal aliens.)

    Page 95 HC Bill Lines 8-18: The Govt will use groups (i.e. ACORN & Americorps to sign up individuals for Govt HC plan.

    Page 85 Line 7 HC Bill: Specifications of Benefit Levels for Plans. (AARP members – your health care WILL be rationed!)
    Page 102 Lines 12-18 HC Bill: Medicaid eligible individuals will be automatically enrolled in Medicaid. (No choice.)

    Page 12 4 lines 24-25 HC: No company can sue GOVT on price fixing. No “judicial review” against Govt monopoly.

    Page 127 Lines 1-16 HC Bill: Doctors/ American Medical Association – The Govt will tell YOU what salary you can make.

    Page 145 Line 15-17: An Employer MUST auto-enroll employees into public option plan. (NO choice!)

    Page 126 Lines 22-25: Employers MUST pay for HC for part-time employees ANDtheir families. (Employees shouldn’t get excited about this as employers will be forced to reduce its work force, benefits, and wages/salaries to cover such a huge expense.)

    Page 149 Lines 16-24: ANY Employer with payroll 401k & above who does not provide public option will pay 8% tax on all payroll! (See the last comment in parenthesis.)
    Page 150 Lines 9-13: A business with payroll between $251K & $401K who doesn’t provide public option will pay 2-6% tax on all payroll.

    Page 167 Lines 18-23: ANY individual who doesn’t have acceptable HC according to Govt will be taxed 2.5% of income.

    Page 170 Lines 1-3 HC Bill: Any NONRESIDENT Alien is exempt from individual taxes. (Americans will pay.) (Like always)

    Page 195 HC Bill: Officers & employees of the GOVT HC Admin.. will have access to ALL Americans’ finances and personal records. (I guess so they can ‘deduct’ their fees)

    Page 203 Line 14-15 HC: “The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax.” (Yes, it really says that!) ( a ‘fee’ instead)
    Page 239 Line 14-24 HC Bill: Govt will reduce physician services for Medicaid Seniors. (Low-income and the poor are affected.)

    Page 241 Line 6-8 HC Bill: Doctors: It doesn’t matter what specialty you have trained yourself in — you will all be paid the same! (Just TRY to tell me that’s not Socialism!)

    Page 253 Line 10-18: The Govt sets the value of a doctor’s time, profession, judgment, etc. (Literally– the value of humans.)

    Page 265 Sec 1131: The Govt mandates and controls productivity for “private” HC industries.

    Page 268 Sec 1141: The federal Govt regulates the rental and purchase of power driven

  63. MusicLover 45

    He is more of a Republican than a lot of Republicans I know. I hope everyone remembers this when he runs for re-election as a Democrat or Republican.

  64. Asheville Dweller

    Anyone can read your mind Mr Critic, Status Quo all the way, funny how Logger could get to you so much, truth is ugle eh?

    Go Shuler for remembering that ALL OF WNC is his district not just the narrowminded town of Asheville!!

  65. HIS1

    Mr. Shuler..I commend your courage for standing up for what is right and for voting against the health care bill. Thank you for standing against making people pay for taking the lives of the unborn children who are murdered through abortion. I bless you and your family and office staff in the Name of Jesus with peace, protection,and continued wisdom in the coming days.

  66. Paul -V-

    ATTENTION PROGRESSIVES: Despite constant concessions, the bill passed with neither Shuler’s support or a single GOP vote.

    Please consider this next time you start a war with appeasement or insist on voting for Shuler because he’s “not as bad as a Republican”.

    In many ways he’s much, much, worse. To wit:

    http://awurl.com/KIaYMqUbj

    To conservative/libertarian-types complaints: I’ve never read such hyperbole. I agree these reforms aren’t a real solution – but only because y’all worked hard to block real solutions.

    This legislation is a step in the right direction, let’s give it a few years and see what happens. It’s certainly better that what we’ve got now.

    In the meantime, be sure to thank a liberal next time you get sick and the insurance company doesn’t drop your free-market-loving ass.

    – pvh

  67. “…but only because y’all worked hard to block real solutions.”

    I certainly would not fall into the category of working hard to block real solutions.

    I have aggressively advocated real market-oriented reform solutions to counter the obvious disaster of a heavily regulated government interventionism in the health care and insurance marketplace:

    http://is.gd/5ucR0

    The problems in health care are a necessary consequence of an un-free market.

    Thanks a lot.
    …………………….

  68. Dwayne

    Why does the rightwing keep saying the majority of Americans are against this bill? Where do they get that from?

  69. Agnes Cheek

    I am at the very least glad to see the Congressman stick by his word, something rarely, if ever seen these days!

  70. Deb Maddox

    I get it from reports made by the liberal (not rightwing) media, timpeck.

  71. mtndow

    QUICK! Look outside, chicken little. The sky is falling.
    PG.270 Sec.OU812 The Gubment is going to exterminate registered republicans and send teabaggers to re-education camps.

  72. entopticon

    Right wing extremists can spout McCarthyesque blather about Marxist conspiracies till they turn blue in the face. It won’t change the fact that many of us with preexisting conditions, who either can’t get health coverage, or like me, have been living in constant fear of being dropped and never being able to get coverage again, are extremely grateful for the passing of this healthcare reform bill. It would have been great if it went a whole lot further, but I would much rather a bill that had to compromise because of legislative realities passed, then to have gotten hung up on a doctrinaire token bill that could never actually have passed.

    Though there is still much room for improvement, there are very real changes in this bill, which will be enacted immediately.

    Among other things, the legislation will:

    * Prohibit pre-existing condition exclusions for children in all new plans;

    * Provide immediate access to insurance for uninsured Americans who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition through a temporary high-risk pool;

    * Prohibit dropping people from coverage when they get sick in all individual plans;

    * Lower seniors’ prescription drug prices by beginning to close the donut hole;

    * Offer tax credits to small businesses to purchase coverage;

    * Eliminate lifetime limits and restrictive annual limits on benefits in all plans;

    * Require plans to cover an enrollee’s dependent children until age 26;

    * Require new plans to cover preventive services and immunizations without cost-sharing;

    * Ensure consumers have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal new insurance plan decisions;

    * Require premium rebates to enrollees from insurers with high administrative expenditures and require public disclosure of the percent of premiums applied to overhead costs.

  73. 60% of Americans believe the United States is on the wrong track, according to a poll conducted by Democratic Corps, a Democratic organization, and Third Way, a progressive non-profit organization.

    http://is.gd/aTlto
    …………………

  74. Deb Maddox

    Are you saying Obama is in trouble with his own Dems? I’m sure you realize this is not an objective agency so what they have to say is suspect??

  75. Betty Cloer Wallace

    “I am at the very least glad to see the Congressman stick by his word, something rarely, if ever seen these days!”

    Well, yes, but we only heard about “his word” day before yesterday, which is what devious politicos do–not reveal their intention until the very last minute in an attempt to fake out their opposition.

    ‘Tis an old, old trick and not something to admire.

    It fact, it’s an old football quarterback jock trick…. but….. health care is real life for millions of people, not a game.

    And Shuler trying to explain and justify his vote now is more than a day late and a dollar short–it’s dead seed on fallow ground.

  76. Tim Peck, sure, 60 percent of Americans think the country is on the wrong track. But 3 percent of those people think we should be headed more to the right, and 57 percent thought we elected a liberal government in 2008 and are upset that it veered so far to appease the right wing.

    The reason the majority think things are wrong now is because the war goes on, the banks got bailed and unemployment ratcheted up. If Congress had acted swiftly to implement the plans we believed we were voting for: populist, progressive, peace … then the numbers of disaffected would be much lower.

    Discontent with our direction does not automatically imply agreement with your teabaggy inclinations.

  77. Deb Maddox

    So well said, Ceci. Those 3 strikes are huge. I’m still mad about the bail-out.

    The economy should have taken precedence to help pay for the health care.

  78. Ken Hanke

    Anyone can read your mind Mr Critic, Status Quo all the way, funny how Logger could get to you so much, truth is ugle eh?

    Ugle, huh? You and your twin are allowing a lot of goats to make it across your bridge.

  79. JWTJr

    This bill had banking, student loan, tax and 1000 pages of pork in it. I’m for the health care part, but I hate the non-healthcare part.

    Cecil – that is why people didn’t like this bill but supported some kind of health care reform.

  80. kanda

    Heath Shuler is the hero of WNC. His vote represents the conservative values we in WNC have. Yes a conservative democrat who listens to the people in his district. It makes me proud to be in the 11th congressional district. WNC will re-elect Mr shuler in a landslide come november. He represents change I do believe in. Out with the liberal party hacks in with the democrats of old who knew the true meaning of freedom and liberty. Heath Shuler is the right man at the right time.

  81. entopticon

    Out with the liberal party hacks in with the democrats of old who knew the true meaning of freedom and liberty.

    I have seen some bizarre things, but a call for a return to the Dixiecrats really takes the cake.

    The Democrats of old knew the true meaning of freedom and liberty?!? The freedom to blast people marching for civil rights with firehoses? The liberty to block black people from being able to vote, eat in a restaurant, or go to college?

    The Dixiecrats were the American Taliban. Heath Shuler may well mark a return to that, but that is certainly not a good thing.

  82. kanda

    Entopticon,

    It is very interesting that you attempt to turn this discussion into a racial issue. You may be familiar with dixicrats while I am familiar with democrats. Conserviative democrats who marched in the 1960’s for civil rights. Yes, I was one who marched in 1964 and 1965. I know the meaning and the heartache of those troubled times. You took a cheap shot at me because you have no idea what really happened back then. I was there and during that time it was KKK and the racists who did terrible things to keep seperation. I remember vividly how that racism was out in the open for all to see. Most of those racists moved to the republican party as even today the undertones is still around. Not for me. I am going to stick with those who fredom loving americans like Heath Shuler. He stands up for liberty against any who oppose it. Don’t forget that. It was we enlightened yankees who came to the south and broke the backs of the racist KKK and others. I have no issue with you personally. I feel your hatered but you have all my love in return.

  83. entopticon

    One of the most shamefully misleading tactics of the political right, which has been perpetuated here, is the blatantly false notion that a majority of Americans are against the bill because it is too liberal. That is patently false. In reality, 52% of Americans either support the current bill or wish it was even more “liberal” while only 43% believe it is too liberal:
    http://mediamattersaction.org/blog/201003220006

  84. Asheville Dweller

    No argument and out comes the spell checker, classy movie, if you had any sense you would know I was trying to say “ugly” but you attack the spelling. Nice.

  85. entopticon

    kanda, despite your participation, your perspective on history leaves a lot to be desired, but you are right about one thing; virtually all of the right wing conservative Southern Democrats, known as the Dixiecrats, eventually became Republicans or renounced their ways. A few straggled before finally becoming Republicans, such as David Duke.

    Unfortunately, you didn’t bother to think your own argument through. It wasn’t conservative Democrats who were fighting for the civil rights movement. The conservative Democrats of the South, called Dixiecrats, were the ones fighting against it.

    It is not just some miraculous coincidence that there is literally no such thing as a liberal member of the Klan. It is not just a miraculous coincidence that all members of the Klan are conservative. Don’t hold your breath waiting to see Klan members with gay pride flags and “end racism” bumperstickers on their trucks.

    My point that the Dixiecrats (conservative Democrats from the South) were essentially the American Taliban stands, whether you like it or not. If you don’t like it, tell it to Strom Thurmond’s ghost.

    Heath Shuler is vermin.

    Your claim that it was the KKK that enforced separation, and not the Southern Democrats (and some Republicans) who actually enforced the laws, is complete nonsense.

  86. kanda

    Entopticon, There are many things you need to learn my young grasshopper. The laws were not enforced by those in power in the south during that time. We all know the KKK was in charge. The KKK has been destroyed thanks to people like me. You are living in the past and trying to project it to today. There is no comparison and you lessen the sacrifice of those who fought against racism over the past 60 years. You use words like “taliban” to make a useless point. That is no comparison between the taliban and the KKK. The KKK was evil personified. Their hatred ( like yous) was unjustified. You argument making that comparison is a red herring. The truth is you hate me because I support Heath Shuler. That is childish but you play the race card because you have no facts or logical argment of your own. You make the point from ignorace rather than knowledge.

    Those loyal freedom loving americans such as Heath Shuler make it so you have the right to express your view. You can try all you want to resurrect racism but it will be defeated when ever it rears its ugly head. As you hate so will you be hated. keep that in mind. When you learn history the way it was rather than the way it is taught today, you will understand. The cursed ones of the KKK have fled. The victors of the struggle are the conservative democrats who pulled the democrat party from the brink of political disaster and threw them out. Seeking to keep their power the KKK fled to the republicans who allowed them in, then silenced their voice forever. The civil rights laws were passed by the overwhelming support of conservative republicans. Many of them and their children are now conservative democrats. Heath Shuler is one who stands up for liberty, fredom, and justice for all. Your attempts to demonize him have not and will not work. Learn to love thy neighbor as we love you. Go in peace knowing that you are loved.

  87. entopticon

    The truth is you hate me because I support Heath Shuler. That is childish but you play the race card because you have no facts or logical argment of your own.

    I most certainly do not hate you Cullen. And there is no such thing as a race card. If you study the history of the term, you will learn that it was coined by bigots to devalue legitimate claims of racism.

    I have to say, that bizarre nonsense that you just substituted for legitimate history really was hilariously ridiculous. It has no basis in reality whatsoever. It is so completely absurd that it is nearly impossible to even take what you have to say seriously.

    The Democrats were deeply divided. Liberal Democrats were for the civil rights act. Conservative Southern Democrats, known as the Dixiecrats, were overwhelmingly against it. In fact, virtually all non-Southern liberal Democrats supported it, and nearly all conservative Southern Democrats opposed it. Conservative Republicans forced compromises, but all but the most conservative supported it in the end.

    I don’t need to demonize Heath Shuler. His actions did that by themselves. If he had had his way, I would have had to continue to live in terror of losing my health insurance, because I never would have been able to get it again. In my book, that makes him the lowest of low. He was bought and paid for by the insurance industry, and if there is a hell, a special spot is reserved there for him.

  88. Bert

    In reference to Councilman Bothwell, I too would like to see Shuler knocked off in the primary. But there is the stark fact that around 10 Democrats challenged Charles Taylor before Shuler and Taylor destroyed them all. It’s depressing we live in such a conservative district; but I really don’t see much effort on the part of the Democratic Party or area progressives to reach out to rural voters in WNC. Instead we let the “God, guns, and gays” propaganda beat us every time. Some people in this district will never vote for a liberal. But think how many struggling families there are who work ridiculous shifts and have trouble paying medical bills. Surely we liberals can learn to speak to these people and start fighting back when the fat and wealthy conservatives scream “bible stealin’ baby killers” at us.

  89. kanda

    Entopticon, The important thing is healthcare insurance reform is now law. Healthcare itself is not reformed. That is the fact that has created this division among democrats. The cost of providing healthcare will fall mostly on the states to pay for it. Most who can not afford it today will be forced onto medicaid at state expense in the bill currently signed. It is doubtful the senate will allow the federal government to pay for it as the reconciliation bill allows. That cost right now is hidden in that nobody knows the true cost and we can’t say today who will bear the financial burden. Healthcare insurance reform is not going to be repealed. it is going to be improved until the true cost is exposed for what it is. 32 million people will benefit from this law. 27 million will still not be covered by this law. I do not know where you personally fall but you still may be out in the cold as the law is written. the rest of us will be taxed, fined and forced to pay for it. Pay attention as in 2011 healthcare insurance policies skyrocket in cost. That will happen every year. There is no free lunch. This has to be paid for by those who earn a living. The real question still unanswered is can we afford it as a nation. Remember this became law during the worst recession since the greatdepression. Unemployment is at an all time high. We are still bleeding jobs. Some cities have unemployment in excess of 20% or 1 in 5 are unemployed in some places. Millions have given up trying to find work because there is no work. This congress has their priorities backwards. The economy is the number one concern of the american people. The congress has basically told the american people that what we need comes last. What the congress wants is paramount. This november will see many politicians thrown out of office. I hope we choose their repacements wisely. Rather than condemn those with the guts to vote as the majority of people want the congress votes against the people. They will pay the price in november when every house member and 1/3 the senate is up for re-election. Heath Shuler is someone WNC can be proud of. He stands up for us not for the party. He is a hero.

  90. entopticon

    Sorry kanda, but I think that is absolute nonsense. You have got to stop listening to so much right wing scare rhetoric if you want to get somewhere close to the truth. You can keep spouting Fox news talking points till you turn blue in the face, but it won’t make it any truer. Nonpartisan analysis actually shows that this bill will save the American public an enormous amount of money.

    What camp am I in? The camp that doesn’t have to live in terror because of preexisting conditions anymore.

    You are delusional if you think that Heath Shuler voted against healthcare reform for the people. Heath Shuler and the Republicans are looking out for the little people, not the big corporations that they worship at the alter of? You live in a fantasy world.

    Heath Shuler is a disgrace, and I expect that after showing his true colors, he will be voted out next time around, as he should be.

  91. kanda

    entopticon, Yes Heath Shuler voted against health Insurance reform. He supports health care reform. I am pleased to know you won’t be living in terror any longer over preexisting conditions. I hope you won’t fall into the group who can’t afford the coverage when it becomes available in 2013 or 2014. Heath will be reelected by a landslide by those with conservative values in WNC. Do you have any idea what this new law offers to the baby boom generation and those already retired? I’m sure you will agree taking away .5 trillion dollars per year (5 trillion over 10 years)from medicare does not look like a smart idea. I wonder how the liberals will handle that in November when the millions of older folks throw them out of office. What about the 55 billion the law steals from Social security? Do you think we will foget about it by november. Heath Shuler is going to win by a landslide. Obama is a one term president. After 2012 the conservatives wherther democrat or republican will be undoing all the damage. Remember, Jesus loves you. By the way this is about more than money it is about affordable health care for all. We conservatives will get us there even if we have to drag you along kicking and screaming all the way. Go in peace with the lord.

  92. kanda

    entopticon, why do you hate Heath Shuler so much? Why do you project that hatered on me? is it because you and I disagree about Heath Shuler? I know this may be a hard concept for you to grasp but the world does not revolve around you. There are others on the planet with a differing point of view. You obviousy have no idea how “stinkin” you “thinkin” is. Look at thing logically. You mind is completely closed to any idea that does not agree with your idea. Since your mind is not receptive to any point of view but your own you stike back with ridicule. How sad that an intelligent conversation apparently is beyond your means.

    Heath Shuler is going to win re-election by a landslide. He know the harm this legislation will cause the seniors in our nation. He knows the harn it will cause to WNC. He honored his commitment to the people of WNC to represent all his constiuents. He has done that and you hate him for it. Go in peace and love with the grace of God. Lord knows you need it.

  93. entopticon

    Why do you project that hatered on me?

    Again, I don’t hate you Cullen. Truth is, your arguments would have a lot more weight if you didn’t just spout a laundry list of patently false nonsense.

    I hope you won’t fall into the group who can’t afford the coverage when it becomes available in 2013 or 2014.

    Firstly, protection for people with preexisting conditions went into effect immediately. There is no waiting till 2014.

    And secondly, sorry to rain on your parade with the actual facts, but this is what factcheck.org’s analysis of the independent findings of the CBO had to say:

    “The Congressional Budget Office estimated that for those in the group market — those who get insurance through their employers — premiums would largely stay the same. The change in the average premium in the large group market would be between 0 percent and a 3 percent decrease, for instance, compared with where they’d be under current law in 2016. The average premiums for those who buy insurance on their own would go up, however, by 10 percent to 13 percent. The reason is that benefits would become a lot better for this market under the bill. Also, most people buying their own coverage would receive subsidies that make their net costs for these plans substantially lower than they otherwise would be.”

    Do you have any idea what this new law offers to the baby boom generation and those already retired?

    Yes, a long list of life saving, wallet saving benefits as a matter of fact. For example, effective immediately, seniors who have burned through the front half of their Medicare prescription drug benefit this year they will get a $250 rebate to help them cover their drug costs.

    I’m sure you will agree taking away .5 trillion dollars per year (5 trillion over 10 years)from medicare does not look like a smart idea.

    No, it doesn’t. It’s a good thing that that isn’t really the case. Funny how the right was perfectly fine with it when McCain proposed similar reductions to pay for his healthcare plan. This is what the independent analysis from factcheck.org has to say about your false claim:

    “Whatever you want to call them, it’s a $500 billion reduction in the growth of future spending over 10 years, not a slashing of the current Medicare budget or benefits. It’s true that those who get their coverage through Medicare Advantage’s private plans (about 22 percent of Medicare enrollees) would see fewer add-on benefits; the bill aims to reduce the heftier payments made by the government to Medicare Advantage plans, compared with regular fee-for-service Medicare. The Democrats’ bill also boosts certain benefits: It makes preventive care free and closes the “doughnut hole,” a current gap in prescription drug coverage for seniors.”

    What about the 55 billion the law steals from Social security?

    That’s just more debunked misinformation:
    http://majorityleader.house.gov/blog/blog.cfm?pressReleaseID=4024

    Heath Shuler is going to win re-election by a landslide.

    Time will tell. Your track record for predicting elections is pretty abysmal though.

    You mind is completely closed to any idea that does not agree with your idea.

    Your hypocrisy is downright hysterical.

    Remember, Jesus loves you.

    Well, I’m pretty sure he hates you.

    We conservatives will get us there even if we have to drag you along kicking and screaming all the way.

    That is one of the funniest things you have ever said! Conservatives killed Healthcare reform in the 90’s. Then they did absolutely nothing for the 8 years that they were in control! It just got worse and worse. They fought healthcare reform again this time around, and now you think it is liberals who have to be dragged along kicking and screaming?!?!?!? You are out of your mind. It is absolutely amazing that you could even type that sentence with a straight face. If it weren’t for conservatives, Republicans and Democrats such as Shuler alike, the bill would have gone a lot further, as it should have.

  94. entopticon

    Go ahead Jr, if that’s what floats your boat. As for myself, I just think it is far wiser to trust independent analysis from nonpartisan experts than it is to get nothing but fallacious disinformation from right-wing extremist think tanks filtering their purposely deceitful talking points through Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, and Pajamas media. But you do so love your Faux news, so keep lapping it right up if that tickles your fancy.

  95. Mickey Johnson

    I’m not voting for him next time and I’ll never vote for a republican either, but I doubt a libertarian or green candidate will win. Maybe I should just move to a cool medical marijuana state.

  96. Norris Halln

    Oh my God!!

    It’s Happening!!!

    I called my doctors office the morning after Health Care reform and I got a recorded message saying that due to the government takeover of health care he was no longer seeing private patients and was being forcibly moved to a huge government medical building downtown. I called My insurance company the person on the phone whispered that private health insurance had been eliminated and from now on I would have to call a government health exchange for insurance…if there was any left.
    Frantic, I called the Pharmacy at our local supermarket . The clerk who answered the phone said that the pharmacy had being forced to close in an morning raid by the DEA and that all the pharmacists and drugs had been taken to that big government health care building .
    I called my local Catholic hospital. A nun answered . Weeping hysterically she said that they had been shut down, all the doctor and nurses had been forced onto buses and taken to the big government health care building. They were all being forced to become federal employees, And all the old patients in the hospital…..they had been wheeled out on gurneys and left in the street under the hot sun and shivering cold night to die. My God, Sarah was right!!

    Just one day after Health care reform,

    Armageddon!!
    Freedom is coming to an end.
    Life as we know it is finished.
    The Communists have taken over!!

    Oh God!!!

  97. entopticon

    Thank you Tim, that is one of the funniest things that I have read in a while. The clueless rant of a high school junior who decided not to try to be a doctor anymore because she is afraid that she will be a second class citizen if healthcare is seen as a basic right, such as police protection or fire safety. And you are calling her a casualty of healthcare?!? That is absolutely priceless.

    I just feel so much sorrier for her than the countless people that have gone bankrupt, losing their homes and everything that they ever worked for, and in many cases the homes of their parents in the process as well, when they came down with an illness. All because we wouldn’t want to keep people like young Alyssa from getting filthy rich off of the misery of others. And now Alyssa doesn’t want to be a doctor anymore. Boo-diddly-hoo.

  98. Carrie

    “45% Of Doctors Would Consider Quitting If Congress Passes Health Care Overhaul”

    Right… and do what?

  99. mtndow

    Quit what? the republican party or just playing golf? By the way let’s congratulate Chad Nesbitt becoming Bunc.Co.rep.party chair. Long live comrade Chairman.

  100. Carrie

    “Right… and do what?”

    Escape slavery.”

    Yeah, that’s a true comparison. And trying to bring health care to all America’s citizens makes Obama a Nazi…. blah blah blah.

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