$en. Neslon - "his proposal would disrupt the market."

Sen. Bill Nelson (Fla.) asked Rockefeller if he could respond to a charge that "his proposal would disrupt the market."

Yes, $enator Nelson, the NON-STOP greed fest would be disrupted.
Yes $enator Nelson- the bloody feasting on the wallets and the entrails will be ... "DISRUPTED!"

Disruption would occur to a system where well gowned gem bedecked and mink-trimmed executives, would chuckle as they waltz passed dying patients, locked outside the hospital doors. Delay could teach them a new step!

Yes, $enator we hope to disrupt a FREE MARKET PROCESS that snickers at families who can't afford mortgages

they sure can't afford health insurance that costs even more than mortgages - they call it "going naked" - like it was a fashion choice - We DO hope to DISRUPT THAT.

$enator Nelson we also hope to disupt your CU$HY HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY TOO since you have clearly aligned yourself with the forces of GREED AND MALICE?

Let's see, how dare we even consider any disruption of an INDUSTRY that bankrupts thousands of Americans every day?

DISRUPT? $enator, the greed heads who relished slavery are with you - the Goons that ran poorhouses and child-labor factories are solid behind you. Just like the Insurance Executives who drafted the finance committee legislation, and bankroll ghoul$ like you and $enator Baucus.

They're with you on the GOOD $HIP GREED but that little trip will be disrupted too - enjoy your $ENATORIAL LIFE$TYLE

as you lie in the teeth of working Floridians. You and Baucus, may just find the MARKET for health Insurance SHILLS DISRUPTED TOO!
You and Baucus and Lieberman can hang a shingle out together

You can either represent Floridans, or you will find your "market" disrupted.

solidarity & peace
RIck Spisak
Citizen's Coalition for the Future of martin County Health Care

Late to Reform

Response - Stuart News Letter to the Editor

Original

The pretense of fiscal responsibility that the republicans promote is laughable. When I say republican party (I mean the corporate-greed party) this party, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lobbyists INC..They cannot pretend any honest interest in budgets, after they slavishly supported a president who turned a BIG surplus into a black hole of a deficit.

The republicans who controlled both the White House and Congress never included in the budget, the little things like the WAR ON IRAQ, PAKISTAN, IRAN, and AFGHANISTAN none of which they added into the OFFICIAL BUDGET?

Obviously a surprise attack is one thing - but year after year of war across numerous borders with NO pretense of OVERSIGHT on War Profiteers, Gigantic Embassy Construction Projects featuring BIGGER Cost Over-Runs and more "Mercenaries Gone Wild" than even soldiers at war?
Cost Containment? Fiscal Responsibility not their thing!

These republicans who could swallow years of War-Profiteers UNCHAINED are NOW going to pinch pennies on Health care for Americans???

Does it seem funny to you, we can't afford health care for Americans but they never questioned Bush providing taxpayer funded Universal Health care for Iraqis? Which the tea-baggers paid for without fear, fuss or hate-speech!

America let's improve our health care - If every other country in the western world can afford health care? Why can't we? Are we so poor, and backward we can't provide the health care that every other civilized western country in the world can. I don't think so!

solidarity & peace
Rick Spisak

Response to a Letter to the Editor

"Time for change, but not government-run health care"

Is the use of the word "socialism" enough, is that all it takes for you to fear change?
Is a national [government run] POSTAL SYSTEM, socialism? Is a national hurricane center socialism? Is a national education system, a national guard? Is the Coast Guard, socialism because it is a NATIONAL SOLUTION?

Merely because we work together doesn't make it inherently evil? We have city governments, county, state and national governments each to solve certain problems, by pooling resources, we solve big problems.

We decided that we would encourage workers to own homes, we decided on a national level that soldiers who served should have national help to attend college. Nationally we decided that the "free market" should be compelled to pay a MINIMUM WAGE. We decided that children shouldn't work. That children under 16 should attend schools. These were regarded by "conservative" opinion makers, as unnecessary interference in the "FREE MARKET".

Society benefited, from these advances. Medical care, guided strictly by a profit-making principle has gotten us to a place where company's have placed the costs of healthcare beyond the reach of many working Americans. Thoughtful progressive minded Americans have analyzed the problem and proposed a solution of that would diminish the significance of the profit motive.

The purpose of Health Care reform is to improve access to healthcare for all Americans. We have made a compact with our society to provide emergency care, why is a Healthy America such a cause of fear in so many. Is a healthy America where parents can get necessary medicine for their children or when grandma needs surgery, she can get it without Bankrupting her children, really a EVIL CONCEPT? Why does this frighten you? Why are you so fearful? Why is a system that enriches a few, while bankrupting thousands a better idea? Defend that ! Explain why Insurance Company CEOs making millions is a better idea, Explain that!

We work together to obtain clean water, we work together to educate our children, why can't we pool our resources, and make Americans healthier? I think a healthy America is a patriotic idea!

solidarity & peace
Rick Spisak

He has no time for YOU?

Senator Nelson

You have no time to advocate for health care for Americans? But, you have time to tour Asia? You have time to worry about snakes in the Everglades but no time to fight for health care?

Why have you not found the time to make access to health care a priority?

You have been involved in INSURANCE for decades, You were Florida's Insurance Commission for years! You know better than most, that the primary mission of the Insurance Industries isn't providing Access to Health Care - It's maximizing profits - You know this - You've known it for years. Think golden parachutes, and gem encrusted CEOs, long golfing trips extravagant bonuses, CEOs who regularly take home millions of dollars, that should be providing health care access to millions?

You, Senator are our employee, we provide you and yours with health care? Your wife will not be refused care, because she has a pre-existing condition. Other Americans will!

Why should any American be refused care, or forced to pay budget busting fees or be driven to bankruptcy, or simply be callously be turned away in time of need.

You have said, when you bothered to share your perspective. "Maybe we can cut duplicative care?" Cutting care? Are you serious? That will improve access? You will find the truth in your heart? Where will we find a Senator, who will put our interests ahead of lobbyists?

When will your advocacy begin for your constituents?

Health Care Town Hall at the foot of the Palm City bridge

"I agree that I will listen and speak when called upon. I agree that the only way a civil discussion can occur is if participants agree to be respectful of all speakers, I agree or not I will join in the civil discussion."

I greeted each attendee with a question. Would you like to speak tonight? I'm requesting each participant sign this agreement for civility. I believe it encouraged participants and audience members alike to behave civilly. After the guests signed I offered them a speaker's card. I had made up speakers cards, and had planned to allot 3 minutes to each speaker. And allowing for opening comments and some time for announcements that would be close to the 2 hours, for which we'd rented the room. Over fifty people attended our town hall meeting and of everyone I asked I only had two refuse to sign, One gentleman ANGRILY denounced me for insulting him in such a manner. Asking him to be civil - what gall! [REAL GALL MEDICAL INSURANCE SALARIES] I tried to explain that while most people would behave no other way, with tempers what they have been, recently some people need added reassurance that there would be no boorish behavior. One refuser, later did agree to sign so he could get a speaking part. He was an Iraq vet who ultimately did agreed that if anything happened we should certainly reform insurance. We had over 30 speakers during the evening including two strident supporters of single payer, a teenager with a personal tale and an octogenarian with European health care experience. Our town hall meeting came on the heels of a very strident town hall held at our local college. It was held at the behest of the local republican congressman. Who is happy it would seem to betray his own constituents for the Insurance blood money that will surely come his way. The audience was made up in equal parts, of independents, motivated democrats and energized republicans. We had a dedicated contingent of democratic activists and tea-bagger republicans outside with signs, trading perspectives in a mostly genial manner. The occasional intemperate exchange was the exception. I did from time to time need to urge restraint. The majority were people interested in listening to the presentations. Knowing that with tempers as high as they have been nationally, there was a chance that things could become difficult. I hoped that with the civility pledge and signature, and the speakers numbers to resolve who speaks next we had a shot to achieve a reasonable and polite discourse despite the press and the recent history that suggested that civil discussion was not possible. We heard passionate tales of health care denied people in need, we had doctors defending their institutions assuring us that no one was ever turned away. We heard from people who spoke of their profound distrust of the government. We had people complain that the Health care reform was not necessary, that it was being rushed through Congress at the behest of an untried president. Some spoke of their personal knowledge of failures of Canadian and European medical care. Others had nothing but praise for their experiences in Britain and Canada. We had people who spoke of the needs of the uninsured and the insured alike to live free of fear of cancellation and bankruptcy. Others spoke of self-induced medical problems, drugs, drink and diabetes, but when challenged that not all medical problems arose from irresponsible behavior the point was conceded, reluctantly but conceded. Some referred to the need for a personal responsibility. Despite a few cat calls, and a few amens from the energized audience we had an important exchange of opinion and actually shared perspectives across a great political divide, on a topic that is life an death for every American, born and yet unborn. Some people wondered why in this the greatest country, we have such an expensive healthcare system in which children die, when faceless insurance bureaucrats ration care, and children and elderly die. Our last speaker lifted a copy of the Constitution and pointed to the phrase"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare," Richard W. Spisak Jr. Co Chair Citizen Coalition for the Future of Healthcare in Martin County Thanks to everyone who made yesterday's Townhall meeting so successful. first I must congratulate my co-chairs Ms. Bonnie Becker and Ms. Amy Wexler, without whose support these activities could not have taken place. And the other members of our coalition who have added their support. Andrew, Edwin, Dave, Maria, Linda and more! Excellent article in the Stuart News. I also want to thank the good people of the Palm City Recreation Center who also believed that the grownup boys and girls of Martin County could come together and disagree civilly.Thanks Debbie and thanks Dave from the Parks Department. Martin Memorial did come through with some resource links for us to share with you! Take a look here! [Martin Memorial Update. ================================================================================================================================ REGARDING CURRENT HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION ================================================================================================================================ The Healthcare Economist Analyzes the current proposals this way August 20, 2009 in Current Events | No comments Are you in favor of reform of the health care system or not? This question is difficult to answer because few people know what reforms are actually being proposed. Do not worry, the Healthcare Economist is here to help. Currently, there are four major plans on the table: Senate Finance Committee Policy Options. The plan has an individual mandate, creates a Health Insurance Exchange for individuals and small businesses to purchase insurance, gives subsidies to individuals/families with income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty line (FPL), expands Medicaid and SCHIP, allows a temporary buy-in for pre-Medicare population. Senate HELP Committee Affordable Health Choice Act. The plan has an individual mandate, creates state-based American Health Benefit Gateways for individuals and small businesses, subsidies available for individuals/families with incomes up to 400% of FPL, employer “pay or play” mandate with exceptions for small employers, expands Medicaid to all individuals with incomes up to 150% FPL. House Tri-Committee America’s Affordable Health Choice Act of 2009 (H.R. 3200). The plan has an individual mandate, creastes a health insurance exchange for individuals and small employers, has cost sharing credits for families up to 400% of FPL, “pay or play” mandate, expands Medicaid to 133% FPL. President Obama Principles for Health Reform. Mr. Obama has a set of general guidelines to follow which include: reducing long term health care costs, protecting families from healthcare-related bankruptcies, guaranteed choice of doctor, investment in prevention, the ability to maintain coverage when you lose your job, end barriers to coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. [more] ]

Bill Moyers' Insurance Company Whistle-Blower

Do your self a favor, go to the Bill Moyers' website,
and watch the Episode with Insurance Company Whistle-Blower Mr. Potter
View The Moyers Show on Insurance Company Whistle-blower

The Potter interview on last nights journal and you comments, should serve as a warning, to any thinking American. I will make one small suggestion, the "for sale" sign graphic, that your staff, imposed upon the US Capitol dome should have read, not for sale, but sold.

You tied the same arrogance of the Washington Post recent gold-plated retailing of a Health-Care Legislative "Meet and Greet" faux paux and the impact on the tens of millions lavished via lobbyists on the Insurance Industry shills currently filling the people's seats in Congress.

Mr. Moyers, your adversarial position with Mr. Potter, forcing him to address again and again, the distance between, the gold-plated private plane travel world of the Insurance Industry Insider, and the "swap meet" medicine, he "discovered" in his native Tennessee hills.

Mr. Moyers, again you have done a great service, to the American people. Regrettably your program doesn't reach the same size audience, that viewed the widely publicized celebration of a pop singer. The numbers of uninsured which you characterized than larger than the entire population of Canada was a devastating indictment of the Medical-Insurance-Pharma Combine.

Let me draw a parallel, recently scientists have found that a sense of justice appears down the evolutionary ladder to the canine kingdom. Scientist have discovered that a sense of social fairness is understood by the lowly family dog. During repeated experiments performed with dogs, if two dogs undertaking identical behaviors, yet receive dissimilar rewards, the dogs understand the unfairness. ie. [one dog gets dry biscuits as a reward but for the same behavior, an adjacent dog gets steak] the dog which receives the poorer treat will cease performing, obviously understanding the inherent unfairness.

While dogs it seems can understand basic fairness, Insurance Company CEO showed while testifying, before Congress, showed a moral blindspot. They stated they will continue, with impunity, cut off customers, who have the temerity, to request services that they've paid for. Why is it that dogs can understand unfairness, yet Insurance Company CEOs do not comprehend.

So, American Health Care System suffers what for most people, a pre-existing condition of EXTREME GREED, in both the Insurance Companies, and among the Indentured Servants of Industry presently on a moral holiday in Congress. Americans must demand the KEYS BACK from those employees of the Insurance Companies, who presently fill seats in Congress.

Bill Moyers has again performed a remarkable service.

Richard W. Spisak Jr.
Co Chair, Citizen's Coalition on the Future of Health Care, in Martin County.
View The Moyers Show on Insurance Company Whistle-blower

Where's the Leadership Senator Nelson?

Ms. Fritsch, [Nelson Staffer]

I am currently Co-Chair of the Citizens Commission for the Future of Health Care in Martin County. We had a recent meeting to discuss Senator Nelson's EMPHATIC SILENCE on the single payer option. He sat idly by, while advocates for a single payer option were forced from the hearings by Senator Baucus, who is a recipient of HUGE CAMPAIGN SUPPORT by the Insurance Industry. His actions on their behalf are completely comprehensive. He's a purchased agent.

We are very concerned that Senator Nelson, hasn't yet articulated his support for a public option in the Health Care debate.

I have listened to the Senate Finance Committee hearings and was deeply disappointed in the Senator's silence as the public option was driven from the Committee Hearing.

When the Senate turns a deaf ear, to the public call for an alternative to a system where terms like "OUT OF SERVICE AREA, and PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS are the norm, we are not being served.

When the Profits of Insurance Companies and the Stratospheric Blood Wages of CEOs is a higher priority than healing the sick and providing needed services, clearly the marketplace is not solving this problem.

Senator Nelson's extensive experience with the INSURANCE INDUSTRY says to me, he's more than familiar with the abuses endemic in the current PROFIT based system. How does taking premiums, without any responsibility for paying for services make these companies, good citizens. They are no better than the robber barons of tobacco and the fire-arms industry.

Senator, we need to hear your leadership voice, not your followership voice. Support a single payer option. Senator Baucus's poison pill which threatens to tax, the few remaining employers who do provide the thin veneer of insurance has done its job, of futher muddying the water.

Senator Nelson, support a single payer option, not just for the uninsured, but for the under-insured. Will medical care in this great country be the province only of the wealthy. Can America afford that? Remember phrases like "promote the general welfare". and Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I think you took an oath? If you or your family has no health, pursuing happiness and life, sir are indeed, OFF THE TABLE.

Senator, lets take the Insurance Company's GREED off the table.

Richard W. Spisak Jr.