Yesterday President Barack Obama brought together leaders from across the economy — including Change to Win leaders General President James Hoffa of the Teamsters, UFCW President Joe Hansen, and SEIU President Andy Stern — to discuss a subject of pressing importance: how to fix the broken health care system.
His opening remarks made it clear that, as far as he is concerned, the time for delay is over:
We didn’t get here by accident. The problems we face today are a direct consequence of actions that we failed to take yesterday. Since Teddy Roosevelt first called for reform nearly a century ago, we have talked and we have tinkered. We have tried and fallen short, we’ve stalled for time, and again we have failed to act because of Washington politics or industry lobbying.
And today, there are those who say we should defer health care reform once again — that at a time of economic crisis, we simply can’t afford to fix our health care system, as well.
Well, let me be clear: The same soaring costs that are straining families’ budgets are sinking our businesses and eating up our government’s budget, too. Too many small businesses can’t insure their employees. Major American corporations are struggling to compete with their foreign counterparts. And companies of all sizes are shipping their jobs overseas or shutting their doors for good…
I know people are skeptical about whether Washington can bring about this change. Our inability to reform health care in the past is just one example of how special interests have had their way, and the public interest has fallen by the wayside. And I know people are afraid we’ll draw the same old lines in the sand and give in to the same entrenched interests and arrive back at the same stalemate that we’ve been stuck in for decades.
But I am here today and I believe you are here today because this time is different. This time, the call for reform is coming from the bottom up and from all across the spectrum — from doctors, from nurses, from patients; from unions, from businesses; from hospitals, health care providers, community groups. It’s coming from mayors and governors and legislatures, Democrats, Republicans — all who are racing ahead of Washington to pass bold health care initiatives on their own. This time, there is no debate about whether all Americans should have quality, affordable health care — the only question is, how?
At the meeting, the Administration launched a new Web site — HealthReform.gov — where you will be able to follow the latest developments in the effort to create a health care system that works for everyone.
Comments (5)
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Posted by pussianny on March 6, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Posted on March 6, 2009 at 5:14 PM
[ EDITOR'S NOTE - Comment has been deleted. Using racist language is a great way to get your comment nuked. ]
Posted by Jim Jones on March 7, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Posted on March 7, 2009 at 3:59 PM
I truly appreciate everything that President Obama is trying to do for working families. UFCW President Joe Hansen continues to press for health care for all, and he's right when he says that we need to get it off the bargaining table. Until those costs are contained, workers will have trouble bargaining for wage,pension,and working condition improvements.
Posted by Cathi Schafer on March 11, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Posted on March 11, 2009 at 6:46 PM
It seems like we could be waiting on a deadline that keeps getting postponed when it comes to health reform. I think that the only thing Americans can do to be prepared for this long wait is to research their health insurance options, and pick something that is tailored to them. It is crucial during this hard economic time to provide stability for our families, and not spend unnecessary funds on health insurance policies that don't fit our best interests. Websites like www.enetinsurance.com are the solution to easy research on health insurance options. eNetInsurance is a free health insurance agency providing medical quote comparison and affordable health insurance plans for individual, families, small business groups and senior citizens from the nations top carriers. Find a health insurance policy that fits you and your family without hassle.
Posted by Julie Madison on November 11, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Posted on November 11, 2009 at 5:46 PM
It seems like we could be waiting on a deadline that keeps getting postponed when it comes to health reform. I think that the only thing Americans can do to be prepared for this long wait is to research their health insurance options, and pick something that is tailored to them. It is crucial during this hard economic time to provide stability for our families, and not spend unnecessary funds on health insurance policies that don't fit our best interests. Websites like www.enetinsurance.com are the solution to easy research on health insurance options. eNetInsurance is a free health insurance agency providing medical quote comparison and affordable health insurance plans for individual, families, small business groups and senior citizens from the nations top carriers. Find a health insurance policy that fits you and your family without hassle.
Posted by Julie Madison on November 11, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Posted on November 11, 2009 at 5:49 PM