http://obamaprayers.blogspot.com/2009/11/open-letter-to-president-obama.html

Now…I wasn’t really focusing or bashing the profits of insurance companies. I was simply quoting the CBO study regarding the actual results of tort reform that had been tried in a lot of states.You may be right to speculate that tort reform writ large over the whole country may be more effective-I just frankly don’t see it as being that big a part of an overall attempt to address the damage being done to the economy by spiraling health insurance costs. I happen to think that many of the measures described in your previous posts that will increase competition will be much more successful than tort reform.

Regarding my comments in the other diary-I agree that this is not the place to re-hash my thoughts about that particular diary, but I will say that I am 51 years old and have lived long enough and been successful enough that I am not willing to blindly follow simplistic thinking just because it reinforces my world view. The title and tone of the diary suggested heinous behavior on the part of leftists, but there was absolutely no proof offered, and in fact a comment by Il glock 21 actually disproved the main thesis of the diary. I took the time to comment on that,but it really angered a couple of people. I won’t fight anymore with anyone about that topic, but I will know now that there are some diarists who are not worth reading, and there are some commenters (who I certainly will not call our or name specifically) who seem to think that TYPING in ALL CAPS is a substitute for logic or reason. I can see that these people are not worth reading either.

Once again, thanks for being so open minded and gracious in your response. Throw the decaf away and drink the real stuff Penguin!

The big one you left out was opening up interstate competition for health care plans, which would drive down the costs. I am in agreement with illinoiscon and you about some reform needed. But not by government takeover of 1/6 of the economy. The government does not run anything very well. Just look at Social Security and Medicare. Obama’s plans will reduce choices for people and will result in rationing.

Do not forget the other unacceptable issues with his bill. Taxpayer funded abortions, general intrusion in our lives, and health care for illegals, etc. I also left you a link that discussed the health care costs, which does not agree with your take on it.

Now I will say I have some concern about your reasons for being here, because of the comments you made in Erick B’s dairy about the “Games Leftist’s Play” I won’t get into that here, but people just want to know up front your political stand. We are a conservative/Republican site, here to discuss and promote causes of same. We are not here for talking points from the other side. I don’t mind waiting and seeing how this plays out. I am open to modifying any misconceptions I’ve had. I’m being up front with you on that.

I did not say “Tort reform is not good”. I specifically said “Tort reform will help but it is not a magic bullet”. There needs to be more done than just tort reform. You make some excellent points in your reply about opening insurance competition state to state-ANYTHING that leads to lowering cost is good.

I specifically did NOT mention including all people for health care. If I MEANT to say that, I would have said that. I think you and I actually agree on a lot Mr. Penguin, but you seem to think that I am saying much more than I really am, then getting ticked off about it.

Maybe you should try the decaf.

Maybe she can call Arlen for pointers…..

What a bunch of losers.

http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20091013/FREE/310139944#

ANYONE IN MAINE WITH A BRAIN, PLEASE CALL SENATOR SNOWE RIGHT NOW AND TELL HER NO WAY, NO HOW, NOT EVER!!!

(202) 224-5344

http://snowe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactSenatorSnowe.Email

Tort reform! Tort reform! Tort reform!

Don’t stop saying it until something gets done.

Tort reform! Are they all too simple minded? Too wimpy? Too afraid of the trial lawyers? Heck, they don’t have the support of that group anyway; so, why aren’t they demanding it, in a unanimous, very loud chorous.

www.AmericanPatriotPrevail.com/Reform_Means_You_Pay.html

Louis

Insurance companies are private businesses out to make a profit, as they should. But when they do it at the expense of people’s lives, they need to be regulated better.

That said, I agree that besides tort reform, we need to open up competition state-to-state.. that, however, has a lot of states rights folks on the right riled up though.

The other reform that could reduce costs tremendously is allowing multi-employer pools. There is no reason except insurance company profit that tens of thousands of people should not be allowed to pool together for much more favorable rates.

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

AND CONTACT YOUR SENATORS (particularly the ones mentioned in this Comment title) BY PHONE AND E-MAIL, TO OPPOSE THIS LEGISLATION THAT WILL BE DISASTROUS TO OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM!

ALL RATIONAL AMERICANS KNOW WE DON’T NEED THIS!! BETTER SOLUTIONS HAVE BEEN ADVANCED AND ARE BEING WILLFULLY IGNORED AND HIDDEN FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!! WE NEED TO FREE UP DOCTORS AND PATIENTS, NOT SHACKLE THEM!! HEAVY-HANDED GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTHCARE WILL NOT WORK AND WILL CRIPPLE OUR ECONOMY FOR DECADES!!

There are plenty of things Congress can do to promote competition in the marketplace. None of those things will cost us anything.

1. Tort Reform — reduces the need for “defensive medicine”, lowers malpractice insurance premiums, eases the pressure on healthcare providers so they can remain on the job and have a reasonable expectation that they will have a profitable life based on the value of their services.

2. Allow all 1,700 insurance carriers to compete in all 50 states and 7 (or so) territories.

3. Enable healthcare providers to computerize, automate and streamline back-office operations. The ARRA actually provided for this, but it’s been a slow uptake.

This is just a good start. But we have to be wary of mandates like forcing everyone to buy the gov’t-prescribed insurance or get taxed, subsidizing illegal and legal resident aliens, and banning insurance companies from denying or cutting coverage for high-risk individuals. There are costs for doing that, that will get passed on to the rest of the consumers.

Yes, for many people the truth can be painful.

Your comment about how bad the Health Insurance industry is, is part of the Left’s talking points and arguments to get the government to take over 1/6 of the economy and total control over our lives. Here is the link to the Financial Times via Drudge this a.m. that tell you the cost for insurance for a family will go up with his plan. That is why the administration is fuming. The industry is going to be pointing out some facts, Obama does not want the people to know.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/65f9a900-b74b-11de-9812-00144feab49a.html

BTW, I saw you in Erick B. diary and what you said there and here, makes me think you are not being up front.

American’s are fairly united that the aggressive measures being preached by Democrats will be destructive to the quality of care, fiscally unsustainable, take away our choices and deteriorate end of life care to be akin with euthanasia. So once again, Mr. Obama opens another front in his battle on individual liberty using Pelosi and Reid as willing henchmen.

Taking a sledgehammer to something which requires a staple has the hallmarks of Mr. Obama’s proclivities. It’s all about HIS priority, not what our democracy vis a vis the majority wants. Tea parties, factual explication, honest debate and opposition have no place in this parochial endeavor. Change is about remaking America in the Obama image and therefore the pillars of our democracy shall be battered down to make us anew in his image- never that is not what this republic is about, and we will never surrender.

For those who say Republican’s have not offered an alternative here it is. Ask yourself why this has not been covered with the same rigor as the Obama, Pelosi, Reid plan.

:http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/55xx/doc5549/Report.pdf

34 states have already implemented some sorts of tort reform, with varying results. The common denominator among the results is increased profits for insurance companies, but there is not a corresponding drop in insurance fees.

Tort reform will help but it is not the magic bullet to solve the spiraling cost of health insurance

Health care doesn’t happen until you actually see a health care provider like your doctor or get a prescription filled.

None of the government’s plans actually address the cost of health care. We need to address those costs. Despite what the liberals cry, we have the best health care providers in the world. They just cost way too much.

Every time the Republicans are painted with the “just say no” slogans, they need to hit back hard with ideas that actually reduce costs.. like tort reform that can reduce “defensive medicine” that drives up real costs 20-30% by some accounts. Unfortunately, the current set of buffoons leading the Republican party can’t seem to get a coherent message out in a way that the liberal MSM will even cover. The tea party participants have had better luck in that regard!