Lou Zher

The public is not overwhelmingly opposed to the health care bill. That's a group think myth that opponents perpetuate.

The filibuster was used on rare occasion in the past, once or twice a year. Starting in the 70's, use of the filibuster increased to twenty or thirty times a year. Two years ago, after Republicans lost control of congress, they used the filibuster 112 times. 112 times!

And Republicans attack the Democrats for not getting anything passed!

The Republicans certainly do not want the Democrats to be effective, do not want them to pass any meaningful legislation. Political gamesmanship and political power have taken precedence over doing the work of the people!

The Chamber is on the wrong side of this issue.

This 'forum' is filled with filth and ridiculous ads. Obviously, the Chamber doesn't care enough to actually monitor the forum.

Lawrence Boros

I am will be presenting the following to my Congressman tomorrow:

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It is a fact that we are losing trust in Congress.  We are looking for any evidence that Congress can function in our interest instead of in the interest of running and financing election campaigns.  One example of the latter is the Democrats’ healthcare bill that is 52 times larger than the entire Constitution and is in-comprehendible, overreaching, and full of favors to campaign contributing special interests.

You now have a unique opportunity to help win back our trust in Congress by introducing two pieces of legislation.  The first would require that any bill passed by Congress cannot be larger than the Constitution and that members of Congress cannot vote on a bill unless they read it. Imposing the discipline of crafting legislation to a maximum of 7620 words would make it more comprehendible, reduce earmarks, foster economy in government, and reduce the need for a line item veto.  The second piece of legislation would state that any bill passed by Congress that affects citizens also affects all members of Congress equally. Such popular legislation would be spotlighted by the media and would make a no vote, even in committee, a major political liability.

We need a new contract with America that acknowledges that poverty is the inability of individuals to create value for themselves and for others.  In this economic society we have both the right and the obligation to create value.  Creating value requires four things:  Motivation, Knowledge, Enterprises, and Health. 

Strengthening motivation includes developing the need to achieve at an early age.  Improving knowledge includes deconsolidating large failing school systems where the real beneficiaries are the administrators and the unions and then fostering competition with public vouchers.  Growing new and strengthening existing enterprises includes negating the incentives of avoiding taxes, safety, and environmental costs that suck enterprises out of this country.  Improving health includes real healthcare reform.

Healthcare reform can start with six pieces of legislation that will not add to the deficit.  1. Minimize those situations where our bodies are held hostage and prices are set carte blanche by enabling websites that contain all prices and outcomes for every health care service for every healthcare provider.   Such websites would become forums for competitive pricing throughout the healthcare industry.  2. Require that all health insurance companies be mutual companies where the policyholders are the owners.  3. Enable a health insurance industry wide fund that will cover the extra costs associated with preconditions.  4. Allow health insurance companies, which meet standards, the ability to issue health insurance head to head in any State.  5. Enable health care unions, similar to credit unions, where individuals can qualify for group rates on health insurance. 6. And finally, reduce malpractice insurance costs by modifying tort law to reduce the maximum awards from jury trials. 

We are hoping that you will represent us on these issues.

Scott Welch

I will agree there are reforms needed. However, the current legislation is not the answer. I suggest that Congress and the White House take a step-by-step approach to this issue. The first step required for healthcare reform is Tort Reform. Period.