Unfortunately NO. The Democrats are in control and they can and will do what they want. Regardless of the fact that the majority of Americans do NOT want the healthcare reform they are trying to cram down our throats. Since when does anyone think Nancy Pelosi cares about anyone but herself. President and congress should be mandated to be on the same plan they are pushing off on us. No more private insurance, provided by the taxpayers!

Mr. Gergen,

These people are in small numbers but their offensive and ignorant rants are making the news stations like the madness they provoke. I don't understand why this disruptive behavior is even being allowed. There should be an understanding at he very beginning that it will not be tolerated and those who do will be escorted out. There is no productive discussion when there is no control. I'm tired of seeing this whenever I turn the television on. These people are turning me off and causing me to turn the television OFF!

The Borgen Project has some good info on the cost of addressing global poverty.

$30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.
$550 billion: U.S. Defense budget

I think the man still think Medicare is not government run program ,this man is feed too much religion from his Church...unfortunately, their are too many just like him running around with no basic facts just as religion competition have done to some minds and that is hard change to make.

I think the only way President Obama can regain control of the argument is by taking control of the situation. He has to have some kind of "look it, let's just bring this back to the basics" kind of event. It has to be held on national television and it should involve him and a few of his supporters and a few prominent Republicans to hash out all the truths and falsehoods that are being tossed around. The bill should be explained one night and a full out debate on health care reform should follow. The town halls aren't working. I don't know if there is a Republican out there that would go head on in a debate, but it sure would help matters.

Would this not stand a better chance and be more sane if it were done in 2 parts? The claims are that most of this gets funded by eliminating waste and reducing costs of the present system. Well fine, enact those savings first as step 1. Anyone with current plans will see their cost come down, and hence be more willing to do step 2; which is to extend the benefits to those without. The problem of course is that everyone knows that the savings aren't really there, so step 1 never gets you there. I'm sure that everyone in DC knows that a middle class tax increase is the only way to pay for this. The Republicans are saying it, and the Democrats are denying it (which is called lying where I come from).

Obstruction of Representation

I am very concerned about people and groups filling up town hall meetings on the health care bill who do not live in that respective congressional district.

Last night a DJ on a radio station in Los Angeles told his all of his listeners to make sure they attended a town hall meeting that is to be held by a particular Congressman tonight. He also told them to be sure that they got there early so they got a seat because the space would only hold 250 or so people.

If people who do not live in the respective districts are attending these meetings and taking up the seats, it is obstructing the right of the people who do live in that district to hear from their own congressperson and ask legitimate questions. This obstruction violates people's constitutional rights. I call this obstruction of representation

Very concerned

Ithenk does dum protests are all dont know what they protestsing about they just wont to get on TV.somehow so they can go home and watch themself on TV they dont on what they are protestsing for or aganst or for and the most of them are republican's. just fllowing the corides.they just to take they self back home and watch whats going on! instade of makeing a fool of themself!, becouse the republicans has never dun any thing for the poor peoples. all of the republicans are all for the rich peoples not for the poor pepoles.

Hello, Mr Gergen!

We aren't naïve to ignore that much more at stake than just the restructuring of the health system. In 6 months in power, a president super-popular is able to show people that the health system in the US today spends inordinately, generates injury and doesn't care the patient as well as in some other countries where health is successful.

The reform is for all, not only for the fortunate.

What exists is not "socialized medicine." What exists is the creation of only one state health plan to improve the standards used by private companies.

These heated debates should not scare. Because of this discussion may result in better health conditions for all, a health system more homogeneous.

After all, the neighbor should see a doctor even though he has not enough money, right?

I'm someone with a "cadillac" insurance plan, but I want reform because even my generally good insurer, has made decisions that have put me at risk. More importantly, I know too many hard working middle income families, who were uninsured, and various illnesses and injuries have financially brought these people to their knees. I want EVERYONE covered and don't mind paying more for it, but when I see those screaming lunatics on tv, a part of me thinks those people don't deserve healthcare reform, after all, I'm insured. I hate to think that way but this is getting old!!!! There needs to be a clear easy explanation of plan written at the 5th grade level for comprehension...oh wait...can they do it in pictures. PS I have MS and death council hasn't killed me yet...PSS Don't publish my address!!

This is what happens when a minority in this country tries to shove something down the majority's throat. I don't know who the liberals think they are, but the majority are not going to sit still while these idiots try to shove their agenda onto them.

If the liberals want to work together to get something accomplished, this will be fine. However, they are not going to be the only ones to make decisions that effect the majority of this country.

Health Care Reform, or is it Health Insurance Reform? The President doesn't seem like he knows which one it is. However, it is needed, but we are not going to give up more of our freedoms to get it.

It has become clear that President Obama is using the subject of health care reform as a distraction for his greater goal of creating a much broader health care industry.

America, post 9/11, was kept afloat by cheap money and mortgage fraud; with the mortage meltdown and with America producing and manufacturing nothing, President Obama needs to create industry.

Wall Street, like they did with mortgage backed securities and credit default swaps, will create insurance policy swaps where they will bet for and against health care policies.

Obama knows the only way back from the abyss is to create an industry and it's beginning to look like universal health care fraud is it.

It surprises me to see the conduct of some of this people on TV. Where is all the respect for other's opinions? Where is the United States of America I knew? (Being an immigrant myself and caring very much about this debate). I disagree a lot on some of the issues, like where is the money going to come from to pay for this?, but I believe we all need to get educated more on the issue before making a decision. By that I mean speaking with your representatives, not by showing some ignorant behavior and disrespecting other's views. If all keeps going the way it is going, we will be seeing the senate and the house acting like other countries' lawmakers fighting physically like uncivilized monkeys to make their point. This is America, and this is a civilized nation.
I hope all of this will be over soon and we will have a new healthcare reform on place.

I don't care WHO/ HOW/ WHY some are individuals are disrupting the Town Hall meetings... these behaviors lead to no productive solutions or clarification... and I do observe/research many sites for information daily. PLEASE, CNN and other media domains, just choose & show those entries/actions that might be educationally important questions and comments if answered/addressed so that we THINKERS can better understand the healthcare reform ideas BEFORE we jumped to judge. Thank you if you do.... HH

I would thank that does peoples thats protestsing would stop makeing a fool of themself by being out there holling and dont no know what they are holling about they are just makeing a fool of themself!,

Not at all. In fact, if anything they're making things worse on themselves because they can't behave in a civilized manner. They're making themselves look like fools.

It is very important that the Dems ignore these fringe nuts, they don't speak for the whole country. The Dems know it is a rouse so they should ignore the people and vote for health care reform WITH public option intact.

no i dont thank that does fools out there threteing heath care reform at all, what i do thank is that they are just makeing a big fool of themself on the world wide tv and maybe they like to go home and watch themselfs on there TV's the most of them that are out there dont know whay there are out there they just folling the outher fllows so they can go back home and say thats me right there to any one that will witch them on tv,

Dear Anderson,

The resistance to Health Care reform is more about Race than reform. The fact that the Republicans are calling it Socialize Medicine is the perception by White folks that this Black President is going to turn this Country into a Welfare Nation. A Welfare Nation that would look out for Blacks who don't have jobs and immigrants who are not White Anglo Saxon. Race is still an issue in this Country, because most Whites still fear Blacks. This still remains an aberration for me as a Black man, because Whites control the entire Banking System which either denies or allows Blacks to own homes, cars, insurance or survive in this Country.

David,
Las Vegas.

Obama has a clear mandate to reform healthcare. It was a major issue in the election, and part of his platform. For those whose candidate lost the election to try now to declare that reform is against the public's wishes is dishonest. The voters have spoken.

I have great insurance, but the cost keeps rising each year. 10.7% this year. 23% last year. the insurance companies were making 5 times their profit while raising our premiums to the point that many had to drop out. I call it blood money.
Yes, I know we are a capitalist country and that businesses have to make a profit, but this is not just business–this is people's health and welfare. In the end, we are all paying for the uninsured anyway, so let's pass this reform bill! I'd rather have the somewhat inept government in charge than the greedy corporations who are making the decisions now.
The town hall protests are only making the protester look bad.

Yes. How can you debate about health care reform, when no one is listening to each other. In order to have a good debate about health care so everyone's views can be expressed, you have to be objective, not subjective, despite your personal views on the president or congress. Bush brought us to war for eight years and it was shoved down our throats. Now, we actually have a way to not be selfish and inhumane and provide health care for all of our citizens, and now we want to express our right of free speech. How ironic is that?

Mr. Gergen,

You're offended by the outworkings of the democratic process? Were you offended by the uproar created by Cindy Sheehan and company? Code Pink? Act Up? The illegal actions of ACORN? If so, I don't recall you mentioning your disgust. It seems that you are selectively offended by people who don't share your views – not a great spot for a TV news commentator. You are losing credibility daily.

I'm all for having civil discourse, but when the Bill that is being proposed is so bad, and the president is talking out of both sides of his mouth without giving any real plan, it is no wonder the people are angry.
I would change #4 to Success, not Failure. Defeating this bill is a success for all hard-working Americans.

Wow, I can't make sense of your comment, matthew scott.

I like how this is thrust into the limelight, yet the people who showed up and yelled at Palin during her campaign, wearing "Sarah Palin is a c**t" t-shirts, did not grace the pages of CNN.

I think it's great that when liberals organize it is a "grassroots" effort, yet if conservatives organize it is a "special interest group".

Or maybe it's just CNN that says that.

To RLWellman,

A minority? Who might that be? The people who voted in Obama 2-1 over MacGoo? Open wide and take it because it's going to happen.

Are you one of those misled morons who wants to shout at Town Meetings because Glenn Beck said you should? You and your dead party are grasping at straws because you lost–so get over it.

Oh, and bush started the wars so you and your brainless party can stop blaming the current administration. We could pay for reform if just one of these was stopped.

I watched with some dismay the doc from Atlanta sparring with the elected representative about the 'facts' of health care reform on the Situation Room yesterday.
What facts? Other developed countries – where there is nobody taking a cut for profit – spend less per person than the U.S., and have healthier people, according to a range of mortality and illness indicators.

These countries, mine included, long ago learned that preventing a disease was more cost effective – and healthier – than curing one. That's why we all have medical care. Because ultimately it's cheaper and your citizens live healthier lives.

The whole discussion and the high-tone protests leave me bemused and a little sad.

The townhall disruptions are designed to muddy the waters and prevent a clear debate. The Republicans have devised a great strategy which will ultimately fail because these are short term strategies. As I look in the horizon, I still don't see any ideas or clear policies of any kind on any issues from the Republican Party, only fear tactics. This will not get them back the Whitehouse in 2012.

People just keep in mind, that the vast majority of the people that are so upset about the Health Care Reform, are poor ignorant caucasians americans that are racist and so afraid that this country is changing. It's ok for the government to pay for the their health care, but if the government tries to help anyone other person or minority its such a big deal. These people can't come to grips with the fact that this is NOT sole their country it's a country for every american. How David Gergen can say this is not a racial issue is beyond me. Because if you look closely there are no minorites at these town hall meetings. Only under-educated, poor, caucasians.

The reason folks are angry and mistrust Congress is that there is no hard information out there. If you want civil debate, tell us what the plan is and then we can debate the merits. I'm 63 years old and have paid in to Social Security and Medicare all my working life. I want to know that I will get some return on my investment. I don't mind helping out the truly needy, but I don't want to establish another entitlement program that will include illegals and career welfare recipients who don't pay their share.

Mr Gergen,

What facts are you relying on for the following statement in your articel :

"Granted, the way that opposition has been ginned up by outside forces does discount these outbursts some."

Do you KNOW they were "ginned up"? Or are you just saying this because you are for health care reform (and other liberal agendas)?

I watched the town hall meeting with Senator Specter and it looked authentic to me.

Please stick to the facts.

Morality cannot be left to a vote. Before Martin Luther King, Jr, the "majority" were not in favor of recognizing African Americans as human beings, and all rights associated with this recognition.

Do you believe if it is the purpose of health insurance companies, or government run health insurance companies to provide you with health care? You think that is their purpose? NO! It is to make money, and I congratulate them for it. If I do not like their services, I can opt to take my money elsewhere, even if it means not having insurance. Now, you are allowing the government, or government run companies to have a legal monopoly- you pay for insurance, or you pay for insurance.

The current Obama-care program will fail, however, a new and better plan could emerge. It would need to have the following features
1. A patient's bill of rights
2. True national competition
3. A combined private group plan comprised of all insurers to cover those with pre-existing conditions
4. Some profit regulation, like public utilities
5. Some fair sort of rationing – the idea behind this is that if you have a limited number of doctors, nurses, equipment and facilities to cover more people, everyone will be hit. There's no way you can increase the demand for healthcare without the supply increasing, too, unless you allocate services in some fair way.
6. A very very very basic core program for everyone who's not insured.

Perhaps it's time for the those who support reform to start yelling just as loudly back. I want reform. In fact, I want a single payer system, which I know won't ever get passed, but that shouldn't stop me from biting back at these anti-reform demonstrators.

I have a pre-existing condition that prevents me from getting covered by any other insurer and I worry that the insurance I have will drop me. Not to mention my pre-existing condition is something I was born with and not the result of a bad diet or unhealthy choices.

There are too many of us in this predicament. It's time to stop ignoring us.

It is amazing to me how upset people are getting when "conservatives" are acting out when they feel, at rightfully so, that the constitution is starting to get trampled on by this administration. Are they a little overboard? YES.

However to compare this to protestors of the war over soldiers who willingly fought for their country. To show up at funerals and disrespect the families... Please, the two aren't even close to being disrepectful and disgusting... and the media did very little to cover those stories compared to night after night coverage of this.

I see this phony 'outrage' over the health care plan as just partisans trying to get some mileage and damage the President.
Where was the outrage over government control during the run up to the War, or creation of DHS/TSA?
None. Zero, because Bush was a patriot, and he wrapped himself up in the flag...
The richest nation cannot provide a BASIC level of health care for its citizens, but we bicker over whether to fund a outdated jet fighter ?
I bet most citizens who are decrying socialism and adherence to the constitution have not read it, and can't define socialism except what Beck and Limbaugh tell them...
Elected officials are elected to lead, not follow the mass opinion like sheep. If we did a poll on whether it was right to launch D-Day, or free the slaves, guess where'd that end up.
Courage, courage.....

The more of this behavior is displayed, the more I think that they do so because of Fear to Change. We all know that something in healthcare needs to change. It has been known for a long time. And it is getting worse. Then why not make a first attempt.

I think that we have a very brave President to be the first one as our leader to take up the issue. Let's ask ourselves, what do we lose and what will we gain?

Is anyone against helping the people who can't afford health insurance or do we prefer the status quo? It is not going to get better if we stay with the old. It's going to get worse.

Trying something new means courage from all of us. We can make changes where necessary. I think the President would be willing to do that.

Come up with better ideas? Anyone?

I am sick of about 15 people at these town halls controlling the entire health care discussion. That wingnut asking Senator Specter about health care reform resulting in totalitarianism. She ranted and went on and on. Sick of hearing from only them. She was prepared, she knew others in the crowd and played to them. THEY DO NOT REPRESENT others who are at work and support health care reform.

They are not asking questions, They are using the health care forum as an opportunity to present their fring views of the government. They are the tea party birthers who believe we are heading towards communism because we want insurance companies to stop dumping people from plans.

Sick of these goofs hijacking a forum where ALL views should have an opportunity.

Senator Specter: Ask the audience if anyone out there has a story or view in support of health care.

They lie when they suggest they represent even close to a majority.

I think it's interesting that people are trying to portray these confrontations as Republicans versus Democrats. It appears to me that these are simply people versus the federal government.

Health care reform is an absolute necessity. The problem with health insurance is systemic and reaches to every level imaginable. In the current climate, profit and revenue have become the measure of success, not whether a patient receives quality care at prices they can afford. Unfortunately, the orchestrated uproar at town hall meetings does not contribute to robust debate, but rather relegates what could be informative discussions into nothing more than a partisan screaming match. Instead of addressing substance and legitimate concerns, these town hall meetings serve as nothing more than blatant examples of how divisive health care reform is. While divisiveness over such controversial political and social issues are encouraging signs of a functioning democracy, the amount of misinformation and utter ignorance being displayed is downright ludicrous.

Brian,
New York, NY

Healthcare "reform" in its current state should be threatened, especially as long as Congress is not required to participate in the public plan. As for the tactics being used by those opposed, they are not at all different from the tactics liberals used to trash George Bush and other conservatives. Now they are getting a taste of their own medicine, and to criticize it is to be a hypocrite.

I certainly hope so. Even tho the protests are mostly by uninformed ignorant folks
The last thing we need is another Government mandated or Government run beaurocracy
d

Chaulk me up as another to call you out for your gross hypocrisy!

I didn't see you lining up to complain about ACORN, Unions, Code Pink, MoveOn, etc etc etc when they deliberately interrupt the democratic process... no no... for you that WAS the process... totally cool that YOUR people were acting out and standing up... and "manufacturing discontent".... but if Republicans and Conservatives do it... oooh then it really gets under your skin.

You arrogant, self-absorbed, hyprocite, elitest pric#! Get an ounce of journalistic integrity and maybe you will gain some integrity and respect... until then... keep writing your best pal those letters.

Greg

So I have a bit of a different perspective as my wife is a doctor so I hear about more of the inner workings revolving around some healthcare matters.

What I find funny is that all of the people that are screaming think they do not pay for uninsured people already. If ANYONE goes to an emergency room they get health care it is law they can not be turned away for anything. So who do you all think pays them for that if they can not? The government pays, AKA your taxes. Now then that ER care is 10 X the amount of paying for a government option to just cove them up front.

So for all of you that want a simple version; Do you want to early for a dollar or do you want to pay later for 10 dollars. Either way you are paying and the insurance industry is causing the price to keep going up and up.

If the plans go anything like Medicare they will be sufficient but nothing fancy and those that can afford it will have private subsidies that they can pay for say group health over the general public health care locations. This way the insurance companies will actually have to earn your business as you can get rid of them and still have some coverage as you find a different upscale insurance program more to your liking.

All in all there is a lot of yelling about nothing as there is not a bill yet just the early makings of a bill. Our legislature is so convoluted it will still be a while before any actual bill will come to fruition.

The problem is that the administration is calling this "emergency" legislation. We have to do it now, whether its right or wrong. More than 90% of Americans have health care - why is this all of the sudden an emergency? Why aren't they tackling the fundamental causes of spiraling health costs? They don't seem to want to reform the legal system, the regulation system, the way medicare delivers care, the problem of pre-existing conditions, the lack of catastrophic health coverage availability, the problem of providing services to those who are not legally in the use, the issue of over-population, the inconsistency of price of the same drug when purchased in Canada vs. the United States ....

Those in charge (who because they have a majority in the House and Senate) believe that they do not need to listen to dissenting views or minorities. If that were always the case, we'd still have separation based on race and sex. And fundamentally America would not be America, Our Democrat Congress, Senate and President are behaving like schoolyard bullies who have just won a baseball game and are thumbing their noses at the "losers". I am appalled at their tone (especially the idiot spokesman for the president). I'm insulted. And I feel sorry that they fundamentally do not understand the responsibility they now shoulder for this country. The Democrats are in charge. And they may be filling puffed up. But they should also be frightened about what happens to their powerbase if they should fail.

When ACORN gets people to show up and are disruptive are just viewed as community organizers exercising their right to free speech.

Here the author uses the term "ginned up" clearly showing bias. Isn't it possible that people can be angry and are organizing against something they see as a threat?

These are the same people Obama scoffed at behind closed doors in SF. Now they have eRAT websites,

Ding Ding Ding! And David is the big winner for playing the race card a whopping 16 comments in!

Oppose Obama? You are probably a racist! It's that simple! Thanks, David, for that wonderful insight of the mind of middle America!

As an American who cares and who votes in every election I am very disappointed in our elected officials. To call those who oppose this mess they call health care reform "unpatriotic or insurance company or Repubican plants" and some of the other names is offensive and it shows just how out of touch with the common person they really are. Come on folks, being a Republican is no more evil than being a Democrat. It isj ust that both represent different points of view. The reason we have such anger at the town hall meetings is because no one is listening to the people.

And in regard to the President's town hall today, that was nothing more than a set up. There was not one honest member of the opposition present. I wonder who is doing the plants. President Obama needs to stop the dog and pony shows and listen to what real people think.

The only thing he convinced me of is that we still cannot trust him to tell us the truth. Because of this people will continue to get angry. I only hope this unrequited anger does not turn into a blood bath.

I still think it come's down to WE THE PEOPLE. IF the people don't want it then why do it, when Bush was President it was just fine to protest, now when oboma is pres, it is un- American. we all know what has driven up health care, the lawyers,with greed, guess who is in the White House and Congress. if we need to change it should be insurance hopital cost and Doctors cost and keep the wolf's at bay (lawyers). Now if there is a true, lawsuit yes that should go to court, And not spelling coffee on some one and getting millions,

AGENDA – "a temporally organized plan for matters to be attended to"...just want to make sure everyone has that definition because it seems like a lot of people are throwing it around like it is a dirty word...ex: the Democratic agenda. Of course they have an agenda, aka, a plan to get things done...as a voter I would be pretty mad if my elected officials did not have an agenda.

Furthermore, the "majority" is not cramming things down the throat of the minority. The Democrats won this election by a "majority" vote based on a platform, aka agenda, of health care reform. Let them do what they were hired, by us, the American people to do. If you don't like it vote for someone else next time. But at least they are trying after 8 years of this issue going completely unaddressed.

The thing that is the most disturbing is that people seem to be buying into this "us versus them" mentality. We are the same country with the same goals for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...none of our politicians are "evil" and trying to bring us down, they just have differing views on what will fix the problems our country has. So disagree freely, voice your opinions, but leaving the hate mongering at home before it gets someone killed.

we can only hope so !!

i watched the specter spectacular and although there were a few emotional outbursts, ,i thought for the most part that the questions were heartfelt and sincere and that most everyone was fairly well behaved–obama made a mistake by trying to push this in under the radar so quickly–he misread the american public–this is just too important to ram down everybodys throat without some careful debate and deliberation

Yes, as long as the news outlets and pundits selectively air only the lies and misinformation. CNN spends 60% of the time on airing the lies, 35% of the time is taken by the CNN hosts asking questions and 5% of the time on airing the counter argument.

The problem is that the current House bill on health care reform contradicts so many statements that the President has stated in both past and present. That is the main issue that so many Independents such as myself have with health care reform. We feel that there is a significant difference between statements made by the President and supporting Congress against what is actually in the bill. I've read all 1200 pages, which in reality is only around 300 "full" pages. If some of you, including various House Reps, Senators, and media pundits who haven't, would actually read the bill, you'd understand the flurry of argument that the rug is about to be pulled from the feet of the people.

Start with page 16. It specifically states how private insurance will be phased out as no new policy changes can take place, including changes in premiums. As inflation occurs over time, premiums must increase for insurance to be available, but this bill strictly prohibits that.

That's just the beginning. There are so many kickbacks to "community organization" groups that should not be funded with taxpayer "health care" dollars as they are almost purely partisan when it comes to voting issues, and I'm just as upset with Republicans over the last 8 years as I am with Democrats. People need to open their eyes and get back to understanding that this divide in our nation has never been further apart.

The silent majority is getting up its ire! Finally middle of the road Dems and Repubs are taking the country back from he fruitcakes. Obama ran from the planted questions! It just shows you one more time that he was not knowledgable or mature enough for the job! We can not take care of everyone. At some point people have to help themselves. I am middle income America. made 155,000 and paid 26,0000in fed taxes and 8000 in state, plus SSI and Medicare. Time to leave a little on the table for me. North Carolina sales Tax is another 8% and now you want me to pay for 47,000,000 million uninsured. America you are over your credit limit! Socialized medicine will kill the system!

Did anyone else notice how Senator Specter did not answer the question a lady asked regarding Health Care Reform and abortion? She stated she did not want her money being used to fund abortion. Senator Spektor replied that there would be two options, one which covers abotion, one which does not. What he did not tell her is that our tax dollars will be used to cover BOTH, including the the option which covers abortion.

Yes, I know, our tax dollars already cover abortions via Planned Parenthood (an oxymoron if i ever heard one) and other government programs. Well you reverse a trend by first stopping its progression and then you work on reversing it. And yes, I think abortion should be outlawed. It is not being used in the 1%-3% cases of rape, it is being used as birth control....What happens when a heartbeat stops? Death.

One of my mentors told me one time that the worst thing you can do is create a problem before one is actually present.

Hello people................ the President has not signed a bill into law just yet. I don't believe the present bill will become the final one that President Obama signs.

We also have to understand that this is all about politics and nothing else. The democrats control all three branches of government and the republicans are pissed about it. To aggravate things, you have both sides sending out their troops to these town hall meetings and setting a terrible example for our kids. The behavior of these people on both sides is disgraceful and I am saddened by this whole scene.

I refused to be drawn into a debate regarding health care coverage because you are going to have many people who will agree or disagree. It is a dead end discussion for me but I will tell you that I don't feel in the minutest way that any of my liberties are being taken away to provide health coverage for people who need it.

Why doesn't everyone chill until there is actually a piece of legislation about to be voted on by congress and then you can voice your opinions.

What would have happen if the members of the Boston Tea Party had stayed at home and been very quiet

Why are these "town hall" meetings being held? The House has not voted on a bill. The Senate has two bills coming out of committee that are different from the House bill. President Obama has not endorsed any of these. Congress can not honestly answer all the questions people have when they do not know what the final bill will state. What follishness,

Based upon the grammar and spelling in some of these posts I would say that education is the more pressing issue. As to those who disagree with the protestors that is too bad. The first amendment applies to everyone (even conservatives). Where was all of the uproar when anti-war groups interrupted numerous meetings held by the Bush administration? I guess the liberals don't like it when their tactics are used against them.

Why is option #4 "failure?" Why isn't it simply "A Health Care Reform bill does not pass." Many people today would see that as a success; not a failure.

We all should be protesting health care reform, because well its pretty much not much. No free nation should require it's citizens to have health care. And we should also provide a public opinion that is payed for via the most corrupt government institution in the world the IRS, and for those of you airheads the IRS is a government agency that owns what ever quantity of money you possess. All our current reform is, is a way to beef up health care corporations' profits and increase taxes. Why can't we create a national sales tax, abolish the IRS, no easy task, but much more beneficiary, because wasn't our nation founded on the principal against direct taxes a.k.a. the IRS. Then we use that sales tax to pay for everything, we can also find a way to tax corps' independently, and create stronger trade tariffs, gas taxes and so on. Then yes we can use that money to pay for national health care if you want it, we must work indefinately then to insure that our nations health care is simply numero uno in the world. So to answer your questions I support the protests against what will be a very corrupt system, it will not lower drug costs sufficently, and it will not lower national costs sufficently, because the fact of the matter is that there is no price on a persons health. So I encorage the protests to stop THIS health care reform. And hopefully soon done the road we will see it fit to stop and create a better reform.

This country will continue its downhill slide until people can start listening to each other again. It's o.k. to have different opinions, but as long as people continue to have the "You are with me or against me" attitude, NOTHING will get done. Debate is healthy... screaming like children and not LISTENING to anything but your own opinions (or to people who share your views) is NOT healthy, and unfortunately our country is NOT healthy. People/groups like Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, Keith Olbermann, and Air America are NOT healthy... all they do is spread fear, discrimination, and blame. Unfortunately people do not see this and continue to follow them like lemmings.

Without respect for others, our country is doomed.

Fed up, sorry to burst your bubble, but almost every public opinion poll shows a slight majority FAVORS Obama's push for health care reform. The latest showed 50-45 supporting. Admittingly close, but 50 is still more than 45.

I'm so tired of angry conservatives thinking they represent all Americans. You don't, you just don't.

Let's hope the Town Hall Protests are threatning the health care reform bill. That is the whole point. Have any of the reporters bothered to read the bill? I've heard several people at the town halls actually state that they have read the bill which is more than you can say for most of the congressmen OR the president. All the CNN reporters talking about how disruptive the town halls are, people may have been loud because they are passionate about the subject BUT there was no violence until OBAMA and the DEMS send out the union thugs. The same thing needs to be done with CAP & TRADE and the Auto Industry & The Clunkers Program. The Dems are going to bankrupt the nation.

Personally, I"m fed up with the way the President, Congress, and the Media are handling this. I don't feel like I have enough info to know who to agree with. What I want to know is, if 50 million uninsured Americans all join the health benefits plan Congress has (with its many options and variety of services) and we get rid of pre-existing conditions across the board for everyone, will costs go up or down?

If we cover all preventive medical treatment (like colonoscopies and mamograms, well child visits, and regular check ups) does that make the price go up or down?

What if every taxpayer in america were forced to make a $10 once a year payment, would that cover the uninsured?

Should we simply just do three things–make all insurers cover everyone, and cap their profits, and make pre existing conditions illegal?

When I see these I can make a decision.

I need facts and analysis, and without them, my rational voice and sensible questions are drowned out by the fearful and hateful, often fueled by know-nothings on both sides. As if being a know-nothing is something to be proud of.

From what I'm seeing on TV about the town hall meeting disruptions, most of the "protestors" seem to be on Medicare. If they are so against government run healthcare, perhaps they should be contacting their Congressmen to do away with Medicare and the Veteran's Administration (VA Hospitals). Maybe they would like to go out and try to get their own health insurance. Maybe the Senators and Representatives in Congress should give up their government run health plans, too. It's my guess that all of the people who are satisfied with their healthcare plans have never had to use it yet. Just wait!!!
People are stuck in dead end jobs just because they are afraid of loosing their insurance. We need single payer now. No one wants the government to come between them and their doctor, but the insurance companies are doing just that!

Gary's comment is:

I don't think a few out of control uninformed people are going to change much. However the national press and how and what they
cover of these town hall meetings will have a big impact on how all
of us see things going, so its up to the national press to tell the truth
and report what they see, not what they think they see or voice how
they feel about what they see.

If the American people like the way things are, well let it be, and let the
chips fall where they may, and I don't want to hear complaints later on
what we could or should have done.

Folks, I was born and lived the first four decades of my life in a country the opponents of the President's health care proposals would like to decry as a socialist system: in Germany. The fact of the matter is that in those 40 years I have been both on private and public health care plans. Both offered the same benefits. And: Nobody ever told me which doctor to see. Coverage was for the whole country and for whatever doctor I chose. It's only since coming to this country that I find that I'm limited to my state and that I can only chose from a list of doctors that are part of the insurance's network. Make up your minds: which system do you prefer. Don't believe those who want to keep the status quo.

Good. This will be the biggest disaster the Politicians have ever done to the people if this passes. I've paid into Medicare for 40 years and will be paying into it for 10 more before I can use it. Now you want to cut 500 million worth benefits from it, and later tell me that I'm to OLD for a hip replacement because some 30 something is more qualified. After I've paid into it ALL MY LIFE and they may have paid in 15 years at that point. What's WRONG with you people.

Americans are finally standing up to this president all over the country this week regarding his government takeover of healthcare in public town hall meetings . Now Obama and all the left wing media have the balls to label American citizens who don't agree with him " an angry mob " . Not everyone voted for you and your polices . We HAVE a right to be heard and it's YOUR JOB to listen Mr. Celebrity President !

Mr. Gergen,
I agree...I don't remember you condemning Code Pink or Sheehan. These are not paid hooligans, they are scared Americans! Democrats don't have a bill, they have some ideas. Why doesn't Congress commit to living under the new health plan?

"Granted, the way that opposition has been ginned up by outside forces does discount these outbursts some"

Now THAT's not unbiased reporting is it?! Can we see some hardcore facts about that kind of wild statement? I believe we call this process "democracy" in action, and what most of us resent more than anything is the attempt to squash debate.

Loud boisterous and rude people at these events aside (which I do *not* support), there seems to be a strange thinking in the administration that a 1000+ page bill misunderstood by *every* congressional representative should sail through. Has the President even read and dissected it cover to cover?

Now IS the time for the silent but very frustrated American majority to speak up.

What you'll hear loud and clear isn't about the Health Care debate, but that we expect much, much more out every one of those we all elected to represent US in DC than we're getting. No more bridges to nowhere, no more unnecessary planes and trips and badly written laws and no more poorly executed bailouts. We want accountability. We demand results. We expect this from ALL parties present.

Now IS the time for the silent but very frustrated American majority to speak up. What you'll hear loud and clear isn't so much about the Health Care debate, but that we expect much, much more out every one of those we all elected in DC than we're getting. No more bridges to nowhere, no more unnecessary planes and trips and BS, no more poorly executed bailouts. We want accountability, we want results.

I am against the government getting bigger and more involved with my life. Everything the government does turns to dodo in short order.

I am NOT offended that people are angry about not being represented in Congress. People ARE actually that angry in general and not just about this lone issue. This Congress has the lowest approval ratings of any Congress in my lifetime...there is a reason for that. They do NOT represent WE THE PEOPLE.

Pages taken right out of the liberal playbook...rant, rave, disparage those with whom you disagree. Eviscerate your opponent using personal attacks, insulting effigies, Hollywood schills. Hate above civility.

The right is learning from the left. Throw in a little technology and social media and 2012 will be very interesting. Obama should be worried, this country is polarizing under his watch. United we stand, united we fall.

Mr. Gergen,

"Granted, the way that opposition has been ginned up by outside forces does discount these outbursts some."
What proof do you have that this statement is true? Many of the good ole Americans in my neighborhood, who prior to this would not have gone to a summer break townhall meeting, are certainly looking to attend now. It is not just health care, it is the members of congress who are supposed to represent us, not listening to us. The elitest attitude of we know what is good for you even if you don't has gotten rather old. No, we will not always agree, but how dare any elected official, either call us unamerican or tell us to be quiet and get out of the way.

Not at all. they are just treaten their ability to stand the next election. Republicans have lost again. they have been doing along with their associates insurance company. But not this time.

Protests are not a danger to reform because this is not reform. it is government take over of health care it is about gov't take over of our personal lives. It is about gov't gaining control of live and death decisions about us.By the way Gergen if you send any union thugs to beat me uup, I will have my union thugs beat up your union thugs.

Mr. Gergen

The Media chooses to forcus on the few disobedient and miss the fact that the majority passionately voice their opinion in a respectful orderly way. Government programs, from Social Security which is a ponzi scheme to medicare starting as a $600 million program and is now hundreds of billions per year, all have good intentions. In fact, outside of the military and printing money, can anyone name one efficiently run program that doesn't swell into a giant money eating machine. How could anyone believe Obama's program is any different.

I never cease to be amazed at the lengths some people will go to shut off free speech and debate. This is a slippery slope and becomes frightening when people question why opponents of whatever plan they are in favor of should be "allowed" to speak. What is up with that?

Get over it. What is happening now is democracy in action. Have you ever watched the British parliament "debating" a bill? Are all the cat-calls, boos, and groans of our British cousins anti-democratic as we are being now told? When one side has control of the sycophantic liberal media, isn't fair to let the other side act up a bit without claiming some dark conspiracy?

This country is, and always has been ruled by dog-eat-dog thinking. Until we as a people start actually caring about our fellow Americans, rather than blaming them for our problems, we will get exactly what we deserve, soulless corporations making huge profits off the misery of average people.

Insurance companies are pretty much free to do whatever they want with peoples' health, and they create a huge amount of stress for people at the time when they can least afford to deal with it. How much does this stress cost? It's an important question.

Who is covered and who is not seems so random. Our family has the same gross income as our neighbors. We work for large employers, they are self employed. We pay $40 per month for comprehensive health coverage, they pay more than $600 for lousy coverage. This just does not seem right to me.

Mr Gergen,
I agree with your article however I cannot help but feel that all of this "noise" does nothing to further the cause of knowledgable conservatives and instead causes people from the middle (like me) to tune them out. I'm all for a legitimate debate about the costs of this program and how it will expand coverage. But all of this screaming and yelling, cries of socialism and more importantly blatant lies about rationing of care, "death panels", and cuts to Medicare, none of which have ever been proposed by either side, cut the debate to the level of a playground fight between school children. This fearmongering by the far right is no longer tolerated by today's society as we've learned our lessons before (remember WMDs?) As you noted, Obama still retains a good deal of personal popularity and excellent oratory skill. I hope he uses this to re-frame the debate into a discourse that produces a bill that helps all Americans.

Mr. Gergen,

Maybe you should ask why the media focuses upon public discourse as a negative when the entire healthcare system is being left open for total change, not improvement...especially when the CBO and other independent economic advisories indicate that these changes will cost Americans much more today and in the future.

The media only seeks to sensationalize these events and to put a negative spin on these discussions. The vast majority of these town hall gatherings are civil but those meetings don't get coverage.

The bottom line is that the polls don't lie. A strong majority of Americans do not want the healthcare system changed. The best idea that I've heard is that we should have a national referendum in 2010. Maybe you should follow up on that.

-> Isn't it interesting how the "nobama" posters claim to be in the majority? Whereas, an overwhelming majority elected the man because of his policies, such as healthcare reform. Hence, I must say that the "nobama" camp "doth protest too much!"
-
When we read posters make claims about ACORN or MoveOn.org, they demonstrate to us that they do not care about the facts, but rather, they only desire to see the Democrats fail. ACORN acted as a non-partisan group to help poor people register to vote; the only illegal acts were performed by part-time workers fudging their lists. MoveOn is an entirely grass-roots (and non-partisan) group that opposes war, pollution, and the denial of civil rights. In other words, the "liberal" special interests performed transparently and within their stated purpose, however, the "nobama" people have a different agenda.

In all of this emotional discourse, why do the networks and politicians refuse to counter the statement that " we have the best healthcare system in the world". That's crap. The most expensive yes.......but measured by the WHO, we rank 37th .......a disgrace.

Yes, the protests are a threat to health care reform. They are a threat because news about protests supersedes coverage of serious debate over the content of the reform proposals.

Health care is a source of fear for many in this country. If you don't have insurance, your family is one serious health problem away from financial ruin. We pay dearly for whatever protection we can get from this catastrophe. When we hear shouts that the proposed legislation will increase our cost and take away our safety net, we react like hostages who have bonded with their captors. It may be irrational, but we fear our perception even more.

I think options 2 or 3 is most likely. I am expecting, with the President's skills (today's NH town hall was brilliant) and a Democratic backlash over the mob's Republican and industry roots that the Democrats will pass a meaningful reform bill without Republican support this year. There is also the possibility that powerful Democrats are so beholden to the health insurance industry that a watered down bill which protects their interests may pass.

People who yell and scream and tearfully beg to be freed of socialism
are a little nutty. I have always believed that far right talk radio
encourages nutty behavior. A young woman fears dismantling of our country?? They should sit down and read the health care
legislation rather than listen to harsh angry folks whose goals
are to destroy. It does no good and quite a lot of harm when CNN and
MSNBC, et al., repeatedly play the ill-mannered scenes from town
halls. We need health care reform. We cannot afford to continue with
Medicare and Medicaid as they are.

Lies, corruption, greed, and bigotry are full in display by the republicans and their rich "friends" the corrupt insurance companies lobbying group. In today's current environment, it is clear that democrats have moved into the moderates and the republicans have moved (from moderate) into crazy land. Thank you and God bless you Sarah Palin- please don't go away, we love you and need you. With regards, your opponents.

Before, the Iraq War was absolutely necessary ASAP, and there was no time to talk or think; protesters who opposed it were a rabid and vocal minority with no basis in reality; Opposition was Anti-American and wanted the country to fail.

Then Banking Industry bailouts were absolutely necessary ASAP, and there was no time to talk or think; protestors who opposed it were a rapid and vocal minority with no understanding of economics; Opposition was tantamount to wanting the president (and country) to fail. (Remember the Limbaugh comment?)

Now Healthcare is absolutely necessary ASAP; protestors opposing it are a vocal and rabid "Astroturf" movement with no basis in reality.

George Washington had it right when he said that political parties would be a huge impediment to a successful nation. Blind support and blind opposition are the enemies of effective governance, whenever (or on whatever side) they occur.

Note: there is NO bill, only formulations. The House and Senate would both have to pass bills and reconcile those. Until that happens nobody knows what will be in the bill. It's best to debate what people want and what they don't. Regardless, healthcare reform needs to happen. Most of the opposition in my opinion is just trying to make political points against President Obama.

Would you believe this guy? David Gergen is the individual that constantly awarded NObama, his administration and Congress glaring reviews during CNN's special of the first 200 days in office.

America, don't listen to this guy, we already know what and whom he favors. America, keep up the pressure. It's really working. We already saved ourselves over $500 million dollars!!! Now, I guess pop-up Pelosi and the other Democratic moochers will have to settle for traveling in their old, but nicely appointed aero planes.

DO NOT allow elected officials to disrespect us. There is very little we can do about the NObama administration mouth pieces. But we can do something about the officials that fooled us into supporting their campaigns (Pop-up Pelosi, Castor (Oil?), Read Reed, etc., etc. etc.; and of course, the new CEO of the auto industry, health care, banking, etc., etc., etc.

America, we have the power to win the next battles. Stay the course!

And of course, STAY TUNED!!!

The photo from Senator Arlen Specter's Town Hall Meeting that prominently shows a blonde women screaming and her face contorted in a rage sums up the mental reasoning ability and objectivity of these disrupters. She is the poster child for non-thinking.

We need health care reform which must include a government alternative plan to make the private insurers competitive.

I am sick and tired of my insurer (A____) making health care decisions for me in opposition of my doctors best opinions.

Let reform roll!!!!!!!!!!!!

The lies coming from the teaparty whackos are astounding. Senator Specter ducked nothing. He responded as did Pres Obama that no tax dollars would be used to fund abortions. This exchange would allow us to buy or participate in the SAME plan as the senators and Congress persons participate in.

Brian, go to confession or whatever you teaparty people do. I am so sick of all your lying. And it is about racism. You are the anti-Americans. You would rather see hundreds of Americans go without needed health care than see Pres Obama succeed. You are the sickening one.

KAT,
Have you read the bill? Until you have you have no business criticizing anyone who hasn't. And, do you believe everything that an angry protester tells you? You shouldn't.

If protesters want to be disruptive and have demonstrations, there's plenty of room outside. Go march on the capital, or whatever, but let meetings be for discussion. Have a valid point? Bring it up for discussion and show me your evidence to back up your claims. Want to scream and yell like a spoiled kid? Take it outside and let the adults talk.

Mr. Gergen, ordinary citizens are turning out for the town halls and making noise because it's the only way to be heard.
CNN and most other media outlets have chosen to play lap dog to this administration instead of speaking truth to power and giving a voice to the concerns held by over 50% of the nation according to latest polls. We write to our congressman but are ignored. We have no choice but to exercise civil disobedience to get our views and concerns recognized.

"Granted, the way that opposition has been ginned up by outside forces does discount these outbursts some"

Now THAT's not unbiased reporting is it?! Can we see some hardcore facts about that kind of wild statement? I believe we call this process "democracy" in action, and what most of us resent more than anything is the attempt to squash debate.

Loud boisterous and rude people at these events aside (which I do *not* support), there seems to be a strange thinking in the administration that a 1000+ page bill misunderstood by *every* congressional representative should sail through. Has the President even read and dissected it cover to cover?

Now IS the time for the silent but very frustrated American majority to speak up.

What you'll hear loud and clear isn't about the Health Care debate, but that we expect much, much more out every one of those we all elected to represent US in DC than we're getting. No more bridges to nowhere, no more unnecessary planes and trips and badly written laws and no more poorly executed bailouts. We want accountability. We demand results. We expect this from ALL parties present.

With respect to polls, they can be deceptive based upon how the question is positioned.

Do you want to reform the healthcare system? What does that mean?

How about asking more specifically-

Would you like to make coverage portable across state lines, allowing carriers to compete?

Would you like to reduce the cost of pharmaceuticals?

Would you like to reduce legal costs and lawsuits (Tort reform) that drive up the cost of practicing healthcare due to defensive medicine while also driving up the cost of insurance to both consumers and practitioners?

Would you like to eliminate pre-existing conditions which prevents people from securing or shopping for competitive insurance?

It takes more than a simple, "Do you favor healthcare reform?" question to truly examine such a complex system.

Reform doesn't require a forklift change to a government run and administered program. All of the above can be accomplished by addressing various dynamics in a concerted effort to improve the existing free-market system.

Socialized medicine isn't the solution. Ask England. They've been trapped with a decision to institute socialized medicine. Now that the system has become the LARGEST EMPLOYER in England due to the bureacracy that it creates, it will never turn back, regardless of whether or not it works. Is this Obama's bet?

Mr. Gergen,
I don't recall the mainstream news media or congressmen/women getting this upset at American citizens who were burning the American flag and being civil disobedients in protest of the Iraq war just a few years ago (Cindy Sheehan anyone)? It seems that as long as American citizens are complaining about a war it's ok, but it's not ok to complain about socialized medicine and deficits spiraling out of control? I just don't understand why the mainstream media is villifying people who raise their voices at a town hall meeting to express their displeasure with the unpopular policies of this administration and congress? I've listened to the majority of these town hall meetings (in their entirety) and there is nothing wrong with 95% of what happens in these meetings. Clearly anti-war protestors were far more violent in their disagreements with the government! I never heard 1 congessman/woman call those anti-war protestors UN-American – yet this HAS happened in this debate already!

One observation: Now that we have seen such passionate disagreement from American citizens with the entire health-care reform initiative, why hasn't our "unbiased" news media thought to ask Mr. Obama a simple question: "Mr. Obama, it is now clear that your health-care reform plans are VERY unpopular with the majority of Americans. In retrospect, wasn't it a bit "Un-American" of you to try to force this bill through congress by the end of July, when you knew that the majority of America was against it (yes, he has internal polls that already told him this, right Mr. Gergen)? "

A good number of the people who oppose health care reform only do so because they've been spoon-fed talking points by the right or the pharma companies. Oppose the plan if you understand it, but if you're only in the NO column because someone told you to be, please shut the heck up and the adults discuss it.

This whole thing is just another attempt by the rich (the insurance industry) to get richer. And believe me, they do. I work for one.
We spend more money on health care than quite a number of other countries put together, but what do we really have to show for it?
46 million uninsured, and a ranking of about 36th in the world in the various criteria for a good health care program, people going bankrupt in large numbers due to their medical expenses – even with health insurance, horror stories about people being dropped from their coverages, companies not being able to afford to give their employees any kind of health care coverage, health care coverages being dropped for retirees – even those who are not yet near Medicare age, wives who no longer have any kind of coverage when the husband retires because of her age being a long way from Medicare, etc, etc. What are these people screaming about at these town hall meetings? Throw them out and get on with a civil debate or END the town hall meetings!
All you hear on the radio talk shows is about Nazism, Socialism, Marxism, Communism, etc, etc. Boy these big interests sure do have a lot of money and sway with the radio media. Sickening.

Its so upsetting to me to see people behave in such an uncaring way for other people. This healthcare reform is needed and everyone knows that its needed. The problem is the messenger, I still can't believe that they have people that can't stomach the fact we have a minority as the President of the U.S. PRESIDENT OBAMA will have to deal with this type of unrest and just plain ignorance for the next 4 or 8 years.

I love Mr. David Gergen and agree with him 100%

The public does not want this health care shoved down their throat. You can see the tactics of the President, Pelosi–"Un American" comment about the protestors, and others. Accept the fact that americans want health care, yet we dont want a Canadian or England Health care system for the US. Our health care system is the best in the world and has notable institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins, and the Cleveland Clinic. Medical care in the US will disinigrate and eventually top medical facilities will no longer be around and people from other countries will no longer come to the United States for care. It will be a disgrace and this damage will be the responsibility of Obama and Pelosi. What a scandal!!!

This bill in its present state will NOT pass. The majority in this country will not allow it. Get it through your thick skulls!!
We will clean-up Congress in 2010 regardless.

It is a shame that they are so unruly, but what are people to do – Mr. Obama loves to be on TV and sell his snake oil with a smile – he won the election in just the same way; town hall meetings filled with empty promises and a great smile – people are angry, Specter is alive today because of the plan we have now, that is a fact! Dodd is already recovering from his cancer surgery because of the plan we have now! Senator Kennedy beating the odds because of the plan we have now! And Mr. Obama is going around with his smile trying to take that away from the rest of us and the generations to follow. People have no choice but to scream to be heard over the President's constant media blitz.

Mr Gergen:

You obviously don't understand democracy. because that is exactly what we are seeing at these town hall meetings. And it's the Democrats worst nightmare. Recall that Obama, Pelosi, and Reid all wanted bills passed in both the House and Senate by August 1st. No discussion, limited debate, no scoring by the CBO, all things that would just slow down the vote on the bills. A funny thing happened though, a few congressmen and Senators decided enough was enough and the American people should have a say. Well, the people are certainly getting their say now. And for some reason Mr..Gergan, you seem to oppose that process

It baffles me. Many people face arbitrary increases in their premiums and copays every year, and arbitrary limitations on coverage and choices, all imposed by corporations over which they have no influence and no contral. Many of these same people object to health care reform because...they're afraid it will cost them more and affect their choices. Why is it anathema to face these possibilities at the hands of your own elected government, but a-ok to get knocked about by a company whose only concern is making money at your expense? Suppose health care reform does cost you something? Is it really better to pay more next year to some profiteering scumbags and still have 47 million people uninsured, or to pay more next year due to reform by our democratically elected government and have only 7 million or 17 million uninsured? I read comments from people red-face with hysteria about government involvement in their lives, people who are taking it up the behind from corporations every day. I think a lot of individuals are on automatic pilot when it comes to hating and fearing government – it's a knee jerk reaction that simply makes no sense.

I do believe the contentious town hall meetings are destroying many of the values we profess. I have never heard such bitterness and anger. What saddens me most is that so many of the denounciations of the health care reform are untrue. It appears the sleeping giant of American anger at government has found a way to unleash it's rageful voice. This is not a recent anger. It is an historical reality.

If we do not want government involvement in insuring affordable access to health care where is the private sector, insurance companies, drug companies, etc. in proposing solutions for this terrible problem. I doubt seriously that those protesting the reform of health care are without health care.

Can we ever forget our personal agendas and seek the common good...not the republican good or the democarat good but the good of all especially the least among us?

Dear Mr. Gergen and Mr. Anderson,

I am a registered Democrat who voted for McCain. I identify my views as moderate to conservative. I proudly call myself American.

I have to respectfully disagree with your assessment of the growing opposition to President Obama's and the Democratic Congress' push to institute universal health care. Dissent is the cornerstone of Democracy. Dissent is our first line of defense against tyranny. Dissent, even if you find the particular message offensive, is what our First Amendment rights are about. For, if you do not protect the offensive who is going to be there to protect you?

Referring to the protestors as "raucous", as a "brouhaha", as "offensive", as a "high decibel level" ridicules, demeans and denigrates people exercising one of our most cherished First Amended rights – The Right of Free Speech.

The level of ridicule that your throwing at these ordinary U.S. citizens, rightfully and honestly vocalizing their objections to this bill, is reprehensible. Your role, as members of the media, should be as a watchdog for the people of the United State of America.

If you want these people to not be angry, address their fears. If you want to address their fears provide them with the truth. If want to provide them with the truth, then please do the investigative journalism that us ordinary citizens of the U.S.A rely upon.

May God Bless Us All and May God Bless the U.S.A.!

Thank you,

You can't control costs until you change medical malpractice. Yet this piece of reform was taken off the table in April.

The outbursts we are seeing I believe are driven by scare tactics that come from the right (the Rush Limbaughs of the world). Beyond that though there is a lot of pentup anxiety and anger as a result of the economic downturn and I believe that a good deal of the contentiousness we see is a release of anger over job loss, home loss, etc. Those who shout and interrupt should know they are not getting their points across, they are only showing the rest of us that they can't engage in civil debate. I personally am happy with my present health insurance and I plan to keep it, but I think it is a moral imperative that we find a way to cover those who have no coverage.

"From what I’m seeing on TV about the town hall meeting disruptions, most of the “protestors” seem to be on Medicare."

You just don't get it.

They paid for their medicare.

They're afraid that medicare is going to be merged with medicaid.

All the decades of paying in gone.

Have to stand in line with the welfare people.

I would like to see more "keeping them honest" reporting on healthcare. All of the disrupted town hall meetings seem to be hosted by Democratic representatives and senators. Where is the coverage of the Republican town halls? Are they not hosting so they don't have to face the public?

Of course they are a threat to the democratic process. That's what they're intended to be. If they can keep people from hearing what Health Insurance Reform is really about, then they can stop the process. Why? Because they KNOW if people know the truth, that Health Insurance Reform is not only needed, but will either PUT or KEEP money in their own pockets, it will have massive support. They don't want that. "They" is the insurance industry, who is backing all these disruptions in cahoots with the neo-cons.

Why does CNN not cover the stories like news use to not slanted..we all know the Presidents town hall was hand slected we need both sides to know Americans are not stupid, we want Health Care Reform but at the cost of our pockets...

I watched Specter face the hard questions and do way too much sidestepping. The tone of the hall was clearly not in favor of the reform and I didn't see any disruptive behavior. Would someone ask Obama why he isn't pushing to increase the number of Doctors BEFORE he seeks to increase the number of consumers. And also leave the conscription based insurance participation out of the equation. The only people that need to be forced into the public option are the federal employees including Congress and they need to fully pay the premiums not leave us paying the premiums.

Those who would lobby against providing other Americans healthcare are people who don't support our country. There are some things in America that should not be profit driven, healthcare is one. Prisons another as is detention centers for youth. Those fighting against providing healthcare are either incompetent or have another agenda such as pharmaceuticals which account for 50% of all profits of the the S&P 500 or the insurance companies which have their profits to lose. Sometimes it is time to stand up for our people.

Just think...

If the U.S. government was a private corporation, it would be the biggest failure due to unbridled spending, and quarter over quarter financial losses.

It's not just analagous to mention that such a company that continues to lose money and is sabotaged by its leadership decisions to continue down a path of self-sabotage ends up in financial acquisition by its competitors or ceases to exist in a competitve marketplace.

Other major countries are watching...and waiting. So keep spending, keep driving up our foreign debt until we're junk bond status and we can't borrow any more from other countries. You see, this country loses its leverage on a daily basis as it becomes more and more dependent upon other countries to buy our debt.

At this stage, the U.S. is on track to lose its independence permanently in a world economy.

Is there no low ground for liberals like yourself and your maligned loathsome, visceral hatred toward anyone who does not bow down and kiss the ring of the Anointed One?

It's called Freedom of Speech and it applies to EVERYONE, not just your cronnies on the left. How many hundreds of special interest groups on the left have organized protests against Bush or any other conservative? And they had that right! But how dare conservatives dare speak out against this plan.

The short answer is that people are as mad as hell about this plan and they're not going to take it any longer. Organized or not, that is why the protest. It is about facists like yourself learn that.

"UPS and FedEx are doing just fine. "It's the Post Office that's always having problems."

This is Obama's argument? So we should WANT government health care that would have problems like the post office?

I wonder how much it would take in terms of an across the board income tax increase to cover the costs of a universal health care plan.
In essence it would be Medicare for all. I'm certain this is no new idea. I just wonder realistically how much it would cost. My guess is that it really would not be nearly as much as the costs of our current health care system 10 years from now if systemic changes are not made. I, for one, would be more than willing to pay the percentage of increase necessary.

I sure do hope they pass free health care for me. I am unemployed (jobs are hard work!) and I want someone to help take care of me and my illegitimate kids. This way, I have more money to buy meth and spinning rims! Sweeet! Those fat-cat rich owe it to me for being rich! How dare them, don't they know that some of us are struggling?

As a Libertarian I'm amazed that the Dems are hating on loud debate. Isn't it the Dems who embrace this kind of discussion? HYPOCRITES! But that is to be expected with Pelosi as the head of your party.

For all those that wonder why people are so angry at these meetings, here are some highlights from the proposal by Mr. Obama:

Page 304, lines 17-19 — Government does not have to protect your private information.

Page 427, lines 15-24 — Government mandates programs for orders for end of life.

Page 429, lines 10-12 — "Advance care consultation" may include an order for end of life plans.

Don't you think we have a right to be angry to be heard!

I think that the antics and obvious lies coming from the organized groups that are disrupting the town meetings will have just the opposite effect from what Gergen suggests – they will create a strong backlash and will show John Q. Public who is really lying and who is telling the truth about health care. These well-organized groups of hecklers and disrupters, acting at the behest of the insurance industry and extreme-right radio talk-show hosts, have behaved so outrageously and told such flagrant lies that they risk being seen by the average American as the face of the opposition to health care reform. If that happens, health care reform, which in fact is supported by the majority of Americans, will pass and pass easily, because more and more Americans will wonder why those opposed to reform have to resort to lies and disruption.

In fact, I am much more frightened of the prospect of no reform than of the prospect of reform. With reform, the health care that I now have will be less costly and more efficient, and Medicare in less danger of going broke. America will no longer suffer from the moral scandal of 45 million uninsured. Without reform, we will go on with health costs increasing at triple the rate our incomes rise, we will continue to pay more and get less than any other industrialized country, and we will continue to have growing millions with no insurance at all. Now, that is what I find scary!

CNN video with ALI explaining a few terms–still does not explain many other points that bother people.Don't waste time–saying Health Care costs are rising.We all know it when we pay the bills.
TELL US:
1) How does this reform planning to lower costs without affecting quality?
2) How is one trillion$ going to be funded?

Congressman Eric Massa who I respect told us that he will NOT VOTE for this bill.HE IS A DEMOCRAT.He said 40% of the costs will come from Medicare.
I find CNN reporting on this subject USELESS–all I see is Fights/Shouting–I WANT TO BE INFORMED.
I had to go to NY Times–on 8/9/2009 to find an article that confirmed what I heard from MASSA–A Primer on the DETAILS of HEALTH CARE REFORM.
Why can't ALI do similar PRIMER on CNN?

Some of the comments on here that is pro universal health care are appalling!!!!

The poor grammar and spelling are so bad that I can not even understand what is said. How are we to make decisions on such complex issues when people on either side can not even master the English Language?

Reform must first and foremost be fair by requiring Congress and all federal employees to pay their full share of their health care plan premiums out of their salary without any taxpayer subsidy. Their plan or plans must be open to all employers to purchase if they are better than private plans and employers need to retain the right to self insure. Individuals not covered by employers need to have open access to the same plans available to Congress and any other Federal employee. And the plans offered to the Federal Employees and Congress may not charge individuals or businesses any more than Congress pays and may NOT receive taxpayer subsidies. It would be better by far to make becoming a doctor more appealing than becoming a lawyer.

These rabblerousers are disrupting these town hall meetings in an attempt to create the impression that they represent a majority of Americans, which emphatically is not the case. I believe that a majority of Americans know that our healthcare system is not working well and needs to be overhauled.
It is very interesting that the people who complain so loudly that they are not being listened to or are having their free-speech rights trampled upon by some awful "liberals" never offer any fact-based specifics at all when they have the floor, only top-of-the-lungs generalities about "socialism, "communism," "The Constitution," love for America, or unspecified losses of freedoms, together with the innuendo that the rest of us are not as patriotic as they are. They don't engage in actual dialogue at all and don't put forth any plans or ideas of their own.
Has "Middle America" morphed into "Medieval America"?

Every American has a right to provide an opinion but YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO DISRUPT A PUBLIC MEETING.

Healthcare reform was a solid part of Obama'a campaign. Now some people have turned healthcare reform into rumors of "death panels" and "welfare health",

The current American healthcare plan shares the same plan with only one other country, MEXICO.

We spend more for healthcare than any country in the world yet we are not in the top 10 nations with the best healthcare. Our people do not live as long as those in other countries and our infant mortality rate is much higher than any other developed country.

I'm a business owner that finds it harder and harder to provide reasonable healthcare for my employees.

I'm really sick of seeing and hearing about these rude, loud people who don't want things to change because hey, they have insurance, don't need what is going to be provided, and don't want to pay for it even if it provided insurance to someone they care for. They cannot conceive of ever losing their insurance, or having a catastrophic illness that their insurance won't cover, etc. All they see is that they may have to pay more money to help with the uninsured.

What they fail to see is that if we don't get hold of public health costs (part of this would be insuring the ones who do not have insurance) then they are going to pay more for their private insurance. They don't look ahead to that because for some reason they feel like they are immune and they are also against health insurance reform because the Democrats are for it. Partisan politics never dies. Their behavior just lessens their image more than the last election did and makes it less likely that anyone come this next election will be interested in anything they have to say.

What really stuns me is that five years ago when seas of people swarmed Washington D.C. and other major cities burning effigies of President Bush and loudly protesting at least as vigorously as the more recent town hall protests have been, nary a peep was heard from Anderson Cooper and the national media about how "offensive" this speech was to them.

When organized anarchist and hard left groups violently riot and disrupt WTO meetings and the RNC, it's public sentiment, but when conservatives and conservative groups raise their voices, they're trying to suppress the voice of the people? Come on.

A couple points...
First, what's wrong with a raucous town hall meeting, especially if no one gets hurt and the issue is one that people feel passionately about?

Second, I'm pretty liberal and right now can't support what the Democrats are proposing because what are they proposing? There isn't a health care plan or a real bill out there to discuss, so it's easy for misinformation to be spread. What politicians (be they Dem or Repub) say is one thing, what they do is another. People want some straight answers. For example, who's going to pay for this health care reform, etc. Tthe politicians aren't giving straight answers, and this is making people frustrated. One one level, the Democrats have brought the raucous town hall meetings on themselves.

Third, I went to a town hall meeting last night, not as part of any group, but as an individual looking for some factual information.

Fourth, yes the town hall meetings are threatening reform but that's the risk you take when you host town hall meetings. The Democrats misread the public mood and they're talking in platitudes. They lost control of the issue and that's what's threatening reform.

Put up a national referendum on the healthcare in the 2010 elections.

A. Do you support a government managed healthcare program for all Americans?

B. Do you support improving the existing healthcare system without an additional government insurance option?

C. Do you support Tort reform?

E. Do you support insurance portability (competition across state borders)?

F. Do you support elimination of pre-existing conditions?

G. Do you support increased taxes upon employers and penalties for employers who do not provide healthcare?

H. Do you support requiring individuals to switch to a government managed and regulated insurance plan?

Let the American public weigh in and let their voices be heard.

Let the people speak. Clearly, they have a lot to say about this vital issue which could forever change our healthcare system as we know it today.

To call those that questioned Specter uninformed is laughable. Many of them had copies of the section of the bill specific to their objections. Even Specter said he was impressed by how well informed the people were that were asking the questions. These are not activists, they are angry citizens. And yes it is boiling doe to US or Them when it comes to controlling 1/6th of the US economy. That's way to big for the government to run.

Obama has succeded in alienating one of the strongest Democratic groups...Seniors. They are rightfully worried that under the so called reform that care will be rationed and that as they age they will come up on the short end of the stick. Obama and his left wing cronies want to remake America by redistributing wealth and health care. the American people are finally seeing that he is not the middle of the road, new age, post racial politician but a hard core leftist on the outter edge of the Democratic Party.

Only one thing – Republicans lost the election because their party lost the purpose of our country and tried to push through a veteran who has good ideas with a whack-job evengelical who didn't realize she can't see Vladamir Putin from her door step.

So republicans your frustration is honorable, but sit down and talk like a rational human instead of like Sarah Palin!!

Anderson I respect CNN but CNN has been running a commercial
that completely lies about the Health Care Reform. I haven't read
that bill because it would cost me $100 to just print it. I am not opposed to reading it. I feel that CNN should not take ads that
distort the truth.

When the left including anti war or progay protested in the exact same manner the left applauded. Now when seniors, independants and vets protest across the spectrum the left calls them criminals, nazis, mobs or unamerican???? You cannot have it both ways. Some of these town halls are set up audiences of mostly democrats the hard core left with set up questions for media consumption of course people are angry about a topic affecting them directly. Why not try something different like CHANGE????Like working across the isle instead of name calling and forcing the digestion of a rushed one sided bill??? Why do American taxpayers have to pay to insure 20 million illegal immigrants for instance for Nancy Pelosi's benefit?

If you want pharmaceuticals and research to not be driven by profit, then you will have no new advances in medicine.

We would be at using penicillin for everything. Open appendectomy. Bypassing everyone's blocked cardiac arteries.

Some of the statements on here are so ignorant. It makes me sad that some of you even understand medicine and how it works.

Until we get more knowledgable citizens, we will have people making unsubstantiated remarks b/c it sounds good.

Yeah.... free health care for all..... it will cost less..... it will be better..... everyone will live longer.

Good luck on that. No one in this world has figured this out.

Why isn't anyone focusing on the fact that health insurers & drug companies are controlling OUR Congress through lobbyist bribes and this MUST end! Healthcare must be made affordable and equal for every American. And we’d save a fortune by NOT covering illegal aliens!

Are you telling me that health care isn't rationed under the current private insurance plan?

Are you telling me that bureaucrats from the private insurance companies don't currently come between you and your doctors?

Are you telling me that health care isn't currently denied to populations deemed unproductive or uneconomical?

Are you telling me that your health care is a sure thing, and not subject to interruption or termination by (a) loss or change of jobs, (b) pre-existing conditions, or (c) caps on payouts for service?

Are you telling me that the more than 400% growth in insurance company profits and the average $14 million insurance company executive salaries are not excessive and wasteful dimensions of our current health care system?

Are you telling me that the cost of caring for the 46 million uninsured will not be a "tax" on our children and grandchildren?

Are you telling me that the necessity for our children and grandchildren to pay one out of every three dollars they earn for health care is not mortgaging their futures?

Are you telling me that the people who are yelling and screaming at town hall meetings aren't simply repeating the talking points that they've heard on radio or TV, or have read on blogs?

Are you telling me that the $1.4 million being spent daily by the insurance, pharma and health care industries to shut down this health care reform process is not having any impact?

When the kids act out in school, we cancel the class trip. If 'citizens' who are really repugnican shills paid to be belligerant and to bully the senators, throw them out and either keep them out or discontinue 'town meetings' and pass the initiatives. The ignorant fear mongering is so out of control now that we're going to have more violence than these meetings are worth. As a health care provider for 23 years I can say this: if you like multi-tiered coverage which only pays for services for those who are able to pay and rationing which NOW is the norm, then let's do nothing. But make up your mind America. You can't have it both ways. You can't demand surgery from the surgeon YOU pick who happens to be the best in his field and is booked solid for a year when say at the same time that he's overpaid and you want HIM but will only pay his 33 cents on the dollar.

the same left that applauds pro gay outbursts or antiwar outbursts decry the elderly and vets across the political spectrum. WHy not try something that fits into the change ideal? Like BIPARTISAN legislation that actually works and is not rushed giving tax money outright to illegal immigrants for instance. Dissent is dissent and deal with it and regardless of the astroturf commentary some of these are astroturf on the left with set up questions and fixed audiences that would be Pravda town hall.....

Has anyone here read the legislation? David Gergen have you read and researched this legislation? The "healthcare" reform bill is thousands of pages long. It will further enslave Americans to the Federal Reserve and their strong arm the IRS. David Gergen is a Washington-Illuminist-Bilderberg-CFR-Bohemian Club-tool. He knows what the big idea is he understands there is a false left-right paradym, everyone is in business together working toward globally enslaving the world one issue and nation at a time. WAKE UP visit infowars.com for hard hitting information about real political topics.

Why should protests affect health care reform? Can’t our Congress do their job without distractions?

Discontinue these 'town meetings' immediately. They are no more than repug shills acting out like ADD kids. When the kids act out in school, we cancel the school trip OR we make them stay behind and only take the kids who know how to behave on the bus. Please. If this imbecilic yelling, screaming and other juvenile behavior is allowed to persist, there will be more violence than we are prepared to endure. End the silliness now and pass the initiatives. As a medical provider I'll tell you this: IF you like multi-tiered coverage which pays for services for those who have the ability to pay, then lets keep what we've got. America wants the million dollar workup for themselves and their family but when it comes to others or a different ethic group, then its all about fiscal restraint. People, You CANNOT have it both ways.

If only reasonable thinking and absorption of facts would return to the citizens of America they would calm down, get the facts and then decide what is right.

we are deluding ourselves. 40 years ago, this country rose to the challenge of puttting humans on the moon. now we seem unable to tie our shoelaces. its obvious health care expenses are bankrupting
the country.. the over 70 crowd who wont be here much longer are afraid of change that in all likelihood wont affect them. half of them are so self centered they are willing to disrupt civil discourse on how to address public policy. the under 30 crowd is convinced of that they dont need the service or cost.. without coverage by the time they see a doctor the ounce of prevention that they could have paid will become a much larger expense to them and the community. anti-federalists are so afraid of a government oversight of their healthcare that they trust a for profit insurance company to provide a higher level of benefit.the masses are so concerned that a public option is mistaken and that purchasing supplemental health care wont be availble. listening to fox, noone believes the system is broken. cnn prostitutes themselves to the health care lobby between their "ask your doctor" ads and the right wind advocacy ads for the insurance company. apparently things must get alot worse before someone is allowed to make changes that we all know must come.

God forbid people voice their opinions to legislators and try to take control of their district representation.

Oh, wait – I almost forgot that the Constitution is obsolete. Silly me.

You're all a bunch of crybabies who can dish it out but can't take it in when things don't go your way.

What is threatening healthcare reform is Obamas and his mouthpieces con games. Have you noticed how Obama never points to words in the actual bill! As he doesn't have a bill in hand. How then can you trust he is being truthful. Who would sighn a contract without reading it? Don't allow Obama and his fancy talk and scripted meetings FOOL you. As Jesus Christ said KNOW the truth and the truth SHALL set you free. Do not be duped or deceived by a man who mocks truth. Peoples anger these stems from a man and his puppets now being transparent. I pray in Jesus name God does not allow this bill to pass. If God does allow it to pass. KNOW he is permitting evil to have its way in this country-like never before. As people choose to be willfully blind that Obama is a worker of wickedness. Jesus Christ is the way of TRUE change-Obama is the way of chump change. I pray stop allowing Obama too be an instrument of robbing from you. God bless!

40 years ago people were put on the moon, yet they can't do it now in a more advanced age! Healthcare reform isn't an advanced thought-Hitler used such talk to impose his will and control of the people. What I have read in that bill, is of the same wicked, evil spirit. A distain for God and human life.

We are witnessing people who are in need of something to be mad about. They are fed a constant diet of negativity on Limbaugh and from Fox. A couple of generations ago these are the same people with attack dogs, water canons, and bricks against another important milestone in American history. They say...we want our country back. Back from where? Who took the country away? Whenever I hear that phrase I hear...a black man can not be president. I blame all of this stuff on three things: racism, ignorance, and gullibility. They don't even know that the last time the WHO did rankings (2000) that the US was 37th in healthcare. I shudder to think what the rankings would be if they were on intelligence.

Democracy is a contact sport and these disruptive meetings are less of a threat to the country than organizations like ACRON that get illegal immigrants to vote in our elections. Be it union thugs or right wing zealots this stuff is part of our history.
Democrats would have a much better chance of support if they put together a plan based on capitalism. How about spending trillions to build new medical schools and vastly increase the number of doctors and hospitals in the country? How about tort reform that forces incompenent doctors to lose their license and lowers the cost of medical insurance? How about increasing the consumers voice in medical decisions rather than the governments?
The nation was founded on disrespect for authority and is a liberal value. They just don't like it when it happens to them, 2010 elections are fast approaching!

The issue is the pro Obama faction wants to decide what to do with others money. Why don't all the pro Obama/anti Bush Americans pool their monies for your health care reform and start your own exclusive health insurance company similar to Credit Unions. To force your hands into my pockets to create another Amtrac, United Postal Service, Fannie Mae, Fannie Mac, etc is not intelligent. But you already know that, preying on the ignorant and stupid is how Obama got elected to begin with.

typical liberal media crap. you find outbursts at town halls to be offensive? what about free speech? the right to assemble? government monopoly of banking, housing, automobiles, energy, finance, and now healthcare?

Healthcare reform is winning!!! Disruptions' get on the news. Lobbyist for insurance companies and angry people fed by lies of Palin and the like are disrupting discussion for those who have questions. However, I talk to people on the street and they want reform!

We are fighting with truth on street corners, and will not stop until we get true reform with a public option.

We must reduce some of the exorbitant profits to the health care and primarily the health insurance industries. For small group insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, our premium for two reasonably healthy 52-year-old adults is $1,772.84 per month (a copy of the most recent premium notice is attached). Yet our deductibles and co-pays for this year-to-date amount to over $1,600.00, for nothing more than routine and preventative medical care. Each year our premiums increase and our coverage is reduced, while insurance company profits and executive compensation skyrocket.

We need significant controls on health insurance companies along with the true competition that would result from a public option for health insurance.

I think that the town hall meetings will not hurt health care reform. The meetings which result in disruptive individuals are more often than not fueled by the representatves actions or issues and not the HR3200. For example it seemed quite a bit of the anger with Mr. Spector's meetings were do to his recent jump of parties and not as much valid issues with HR3200. As seen in President Obama's town hall meeting, differing points can be discussed without yelling when the meeting is run by a liked individual like Mr.Obama.

Hi, my name is Anita and I am a Canadian citizen. I am disabled with a condition called Chronic Pelvic Pain, and have been for ten years. I have been watching the health care debate on CNN, and I am amazed at the misinformation about Canada's health care system. I am equally amazed at the anger towards improving U.S health care reform. Why wouldn't you want health care to improve? Why wouldn't you want a provision in your system that no one be excluded due to pre-existing conditions? I have been sick on and off with other medical conditions for years before I got sick with pelvic pain. I thank God that I live in Canada, b/c without free health care, I would be in more financial debt than I already am in due to my medical costs. Of course we have problems in our system that could be improved, but every system has those same problems. But I don't have to worry about paying the insurance companies for costs that they would never cover 100%. I don't have to worry about paying for any doctor, specialist, or any medical tests needed. Health Care is free! My government doesn't stop me from picking my own doctor. My government doesn't exclude me from any health care due to pre-existing conditions. Why would u want insurance companies to continue to have the power to deny u b/c of cost or pre-existing conditons? Do you really think they have your best interest at heart? I have had 7 surgeries in my lifetime, and I am only 32. If I had to even pay a fraction of that ( since the insurance companies would of probably not paid the whole cost for me), I would of been bankrupt years ago. Anyone can get sick at any time for any reason. Health care is a necessity, and everyone should be covered. Canada has a great system, great doctors, and as much as I love the U.S., I am grateful that I don't have insurance companies making my health care decisions. I am grateful I was born in Canada, which automatically gives me free health care for life. I would like to add that when I initially got sick in 1999, it took 2 years for doctors to diagnose me, b/c Chronic Pelvic Pain was not widely understood back then. I went through many doctors, specialists, medical tests, etc, for a 2nd and 3rd opinion. Do u really think an insurance company would of paid for me to see the same type of specialist more than once when they couldn't figure out my condition? All those tests, and doctors visits were free! The government does not control my health care. I do.

Thanks, Anita

There's one thing missing from your assessment. The reason for the raucous outbreaks at town hall meetings is due to the thorough misinformation spawned from interested parties for the sole means of profit. It is indisputable that once facts (not lies) begin integrating thier way into the issue, people will support a move forward. The insurance CEO's are afraid that they will lose control. But, isn't it ironic that these companies are providing rationed care right now? Why don't they want us to know the truth? This is not a debate over whether to upgrade the health coverage, but rather the fear injected by opportunistic people who selfishly look at human beings as numbers.

I am so sick of the misinformation out there on this issue.

First, there should be something that we can all agree on: Health Care Must be Reformed. We can't afford to keep doing things they way they are now. We spend over 2.2 trillion on health care and yesterday CNN reported that 1.2 of that is waste! Premiums for insurance companies have tripled in 10 years, but wages have gone up less than 30%. Over 60% of the personal bankruptcies in this country are because of health care. Over 700,000 people each year lose it b/c they can't afford it. Enough is enough.

2) There is no "death panels" in any of the legislation that has been passed by committees

3) None of the plans have abortion provisos in their to federally fund abortions.

4) There is no ONE plan. There are commonalities across the bills (i.e. getting rid of exclusions for pre-existing conditions, a health-exchange, a board for Medicare to ratify specific cost-savings reforms).
There are five health care committees working on this in Congress and the most important committee, the Senate Finance Committee, hasn't even produced a bill yet.

5) For those people afraid of your grandparents being euthanized, well as I noted, it just isn't true (www.factcheck.org has specific articles on each of the points above.). However, everyone that is concerned about it should be having conversations with their parents or grandparents about end of life care. What do they wish? If you aren't you being fundamentally negligent with your duties as a spouse, sibling, son/daughter, and citizen. These conversations are hard, but they are absolutely important.

Ultimately, reform needs to happen. We need to restructure the way we deliver care, how we communicate our medical records, etc. The whole shebang. If we do nothing, the problem will only get worse. If you think health care costs are bad now. Wait 10 years and they will dwarf our current conversations.

Frankly, if legislation is passed with tort reform, fine with me, but it must bend the cost of health care, expand it for all, and we need to have a sea change in this country on how we deliever and pay for care. The alternative is too costly, economically and morally.

all i see is a bunch of ignorant people who dont fully understand that having national healthcare reform would do not just for them, but for this country. This country needs healthcare reform. I have insurance, but i still have to pay more out of pocket expenses for my healthcare bills than i do for my already very expensive healthcare insurance. how could someone without insurance or with insurance like mine which is a high deductible not want reform? even people with "good" insurance will benefit as the insurance companies will not be able to deny you coverage, and especially not for pre-existing conditions. makes sound sense to me to have healthcare reform, so those who oppose must be ignorant.

Are town hall protests threatening health care reform?
I sure hope so!
No health scare reform!
It's an insurance problem, not a health care problem!
Stop stupid government melding by Obama!
Vote all incumbent legislators out this fall!

I agree with JBChicago,.

Many of the people in these town hall debates are expressing real concerns and are specifically asking questions SPECIFIC sections in this bill – example end of life. These people truly want answers and are not just looking to disrupt meetings. For you to say these are raucous clips is very arrogant.

If this type of grass roots debate is stifled, we will be moving to a very arrogant totalitarian society where only a few opinions really matter.

It seems to me that these terrible disruptions – at town hall meetings -are the result of brainless human sheep listening to so-called media personalities and following their suggestions on how to disrupt reponsible discussion about something that is vital to all Americans.

So, yes they are threatening positive reform, and in my opinion these tactics are the death-knell of the Republican Party. I was once a Republican, but the despicable actions during the Presendential election made me ill, (V.P. Palin) and these moronic tactics being employed now will only further their (Republican) demise. Anyone who activrly promotes insurance companies making healthcare decisions deserves them but, the rest of us deserve better.

I'm in favor of health care reform, but I don't understand Obama's need to rush a plan through, without giving both the public and all members of Congress time to review and question and possibly suggest improvements to the plan.

After reading the posts to this blog, I feel most people believe it's just the insurance companies fault that costs are so high and the quality (or value) of care is so low. That's only partially true.

I'm still in recovery from a critical illness that kept me hospitalized for nearly 7 months. Yes, I pay a high premium for individual comprehensive health insurance but after seeing the bills from various doctors and hospitals I have a better understanding why my premium is so high.

I've reported several of my doctors for billing errors. I've disputed hospital charge for tests and procedures I never had done. And don't even get me started on the hospital cost for giving me a Tylenol!

True health care reform needs to address doctor fees, hospital charges, the cost of medication, as well as the premiums and restrictions set by the insurance companies.

What we know so far is that the Obama administration has had closed door meetings with Big Pharma. Not only have they betrayed their "transparency" promise, they have also made an agreement that agencies such as Medicare can NOT negotiate for lower, bulk costs on drugs. The rest he has left up to Congress. So if health care reform legislation fails, or fails to address the needs of the people who most need it, will it be the fault of Congress or of the President?

The Tea Party people are now bringing guns to the town hall meetings! A Nazi swastica was just painted on a sing in front of a congressman's office!This is insane and shameful. They are clearly trying to intimidate the Pro-reform people. I hope America wakes up and sees these people for who they are.

No these town hall meetings will not derail healthcare.
People using Hitler and socialism will never win. The
American public is way too smart for that. The media
might think that Americans are all angry. Some are,
most are not. I have a strong feeling that these are
people who hate Obama. This is not about healthcare.
Only the American media would permit itself to be punked
this easily.

I'm disappointed in CNN and other network stations for adding to the sensationalism of these town hall meetings. Instead of constantly running clips of the minority, let's see more facts presented.
Apparently major media would rather resort to 'Fox' style broadcasting for ratings. When will the networks make the announcement that Medicare IS government run medicine?

Healthcare is bankrupting America.

I work in the healthcare industry & each & every day I witness the financial burden on average Americans who 'loved' their healthcare plan- not when they really need it they don't! Even with a pre-approval(which can take weeks or months) from an insurance company- the patient can still be declined payment or they find themselves responsible for 80% of the procedure cost. Insured Americans then face the horror of being held responsible in some cases six figures and more.

Frankly, I'd like to see a return on my hard earned tax dollars by being provided with basic health coverage which won't rise 50% over the course of 2 years.

Why did we NOT witness this display of outrage when the administration responded the way it did to the victims of hurricane Katrina??? I just watched Brian Williams documentary (earlier this afternoon) of his coverage of that tragedy after having watched those "protestors" in the Pennsylvania townhall. One will be in complete denial not to see the unfortunate difference.

Not sure why or how the word change has been so powerful this past seven months.

This country did not get as powerful or as rich as it has been in the past by changing everything at once.

Yes we have been going through a recession, and a bad one at that for the past couple of years. But so has the majority of the world.

We need to step back, calm down and get back to the way things were. I dont mean recently, look way back. Times were tough from time to time but all got through it, and we will also.

Just because alot of people were fooled by the word play on the word 'change' does not mean we are done.

Let get through this and pray we dont get fooled again. For no one man is responsible for averting anything. When this situation is truly averted it will be due to the people of the United States averting it, not the Government or any one person in the Government even if they do try to take the credit.

The reason the Democrats are having such a tough time passing the Health Care reform is the knowing of what a mistake it would be for the Country and their careers.

It's very stupid to see all those 'angry' protesters shouting and yelling at town hall meetings... So, I can only conclude that these 'signs of controversy' over the Health Care Reform are merely signs of HIPOCRASY! Yes, when in the eight years of president Bush he held any town hall meetings to discuss any of all the bad bills his administration brought upon the American People?

Pa Kettle , would no how to settle this debate .

Ask the protesters;
What is the function of Private Health Care Insurance?
Who pays for their premiums?
Don't compare US with other country. We're richer. We spend a lot to destroy life (war), we can spend for saving lives.

I can not believe that I saw those barbaric people in town hall on TV with lots of disrespects. It is a shame that they reacted in an unacceptable way in a democratic country and interrupted people who wanted to have their questions answered. Does it also mean that we should have a reform on education system with social manners and positive value in life and learn what is good and what is bad?

Health care should be made accessible not just for those insured who can almost or barely afford it but also affordable to all people. Not only it will prevent STD or epidemics to spread but have more healthier and happier citizens with preventive cares and without worrying big large medical bills.

It is also very immoral for those people who are voting against it and for those insurance companies to make large profit out of common citizens. A nation without healthy citizens is weak and a broken or poor health care system like the existing one certainly would not help at all. Health care reform is the way to go.

David

President Obama's biggest mistake was allowing Big Insurance and Big Pharma to dictate and get concessions on how healthcare reform should happen. Both industries have huge lobby groups and are spending lots of money to get deals that will favor them. Our Congress
( both D's & R's ) receive large sums of money from these groups.

President Obama said during the election that he was not going to allow special interest and lobby groups to rule Washington,DC in his administration. It appears that he did not keep his promise.

I am not saying that we do not need healthcare reform, but when you allow the two largest healthcare camels into the tent, you are setting yourself up for trouble.

You people on here who are calling others names, and being out and out mean. Do you consider what you are doing any worse than the yelling and screaming at the Town Hall Meetings? Well I do. You are acting no better than anyone else. America is not going to be able to fix herself from this mess, if all this HATE and EVILNESS does not STOP. The Dems won, we all get that. They say, " We don't need the Republicans for anything, we have enough votes to pass everything we want." Well then go ahead and do it. STOP blaming The Republicans for things that are now totally in your control. Get over yourselves, GROW-UP. For the last 8 years, you all have done nothing but bad-mouthed GWB, Cheney and The Republicans. Well I say "TURN ABOUT IS FAIRPLAY." If Obama and The Dems can't stand the heat GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN.

How naive can the media be!.... All these protestings at town hall meetings are being orchestrated by the conservative a.k.a. racists anglo-americans, who, despite the fact that there are now a minority in this country, still got the 'power' to move/control peoples' minds... The process of getting rid of racism is still a long way to go!

I think they are moving to fast on the health care what i think we the people should be heard in town hall meetings.If we have to have the health care it should go for congree President and his kids.
I think in New Hampshire they picked and choose for that meeting.

I also think the clunkers bill will back fire alot of people would have new cars if they could afford and alot will not make there payments what happens next.

I wonder why these people think they are so much better than everyone else did they take a pay cut like alot of my friends have to or only work 4 days a week raising a family..I know i couldn't afford a new plane if i were the automakers excutives i would be appalled.

This whole thing is so obvious and absurd. Big business and their GOP stooges are willing to say anything to stop change to the status quo and protect their bloated profits. They don't give a flip about the suffering their greedy policies create. What wonderful cristians.

The amazing thing is that so many weak minded fools buy into such obvious nonsense. They don't seem to make the connection that a vote against healthcare is a vote against their own self interest! I mean duuuh... lowering your healthcare premiums, keeping insurance co's from coming between you and your dr., insurance co's not being able to cancel your policy if you become ill, no more 428% increases in premiums like we had between 2000 and 2007... yeah, I can understand why that would make so many conservatives so angry.

In my opinion the birthers, the kill the old, and all the other obvious lies and fear mongering by the wingnuts shows what lousey excuses for Americans they are.

Evil lies about euthanasia and other stuff presented to scare them from the fact that this reform will work and that the drug companies will make less money because people will actually get real health care, preventative care, and their pockets will be padded less from it.

I watched it live and did not see an hour of jeering and booing. It was rather orderly.

When a reporter adds spin to the facts, then he is not reporting, he is twisting the truth.
When I see in the first paragraph twisted statement, I do not want to read the full article because it will be biased...at least that is the impression you give.

Today I saw true stupidity, hate and discrimination blatantly thrown in my face.
I am a 16 year old rising high school senior. I am Hearing Impaired. I am
African
American and I also have a medical disability. THREE STRIKES AND I'M OUT.

I have played volleyball and track for DH Conley high school for 3 years. For
the first time I had a coach say, "I do not feel comfortable with you on my team
this year because of your medical problem and my fear of personal liability if
something were to occur on my watch. Therefore, I was removed from try-outs
after the first day and sent home because the school, coaches, principal, and
Athletic Director all deem me less than a person because I am disabled.

Duke medical doctors were considered incapable of making my medical diagnosis
and understand what I can and cannot do and the facts as they relate to my
health. Therefore, his medical opinion was not relevant. 6 medical release forms
from medical specialist all did not make the school believe I am fit enough to
play on her team. The school backed her. The only thing that mattered was that
I'm different from most in a world where some sports are only for the elite and
white in rural white America.

Who would think that in America people would be cruel enough to look you in the
face and say in essence, I don't want you around, because you don't represent my
team and your medical disability disqualifies you as being capable of playing on
my team. Although I have played for the last 3 years in high school, travel
volleyball clubs, and summer camps and conditioning. How stupid can a person
be? How cruel?

Olivia
livvy@suddenlink.net

August 11th, 2009 8:22 pm ET

Expression of democracy…..yep…the sleeping giant has awoken.

For those who don’t remember Pink invading Congress and recruiting stations, recruiters being assassinated, homosexuals invading churches, knocking down old lady with crosses, protesters at soldiers funerals, President Bush being called heinous names, the acorn protest, the seiu protests and beatings, the black panthers who intimidated voters then were found guilty and then let off by Eric Holder, Jackson and Sharpton protesting and demanding peoples jobs whenever they need to make money with their phony racist witch hunts….. hello……

People are sick and tired of the rabid spending on pork and crap…. and now this govt who has….social security broke, medicare broke, medicaid broke, amtrak broke, us post office broke, cash for clunkers broke in one week……..you think these crooks can handle health care.
Yeah right

Hopefully, everyone will stop paying attention to those misinformed individuals who are ranting about socialism and comparing the U.S. to Russia. Most of these people know very little about world history or current foreign affairs. They still think Russia is a communist country! Almost, every civilized country in the world has government ran health care. I rather have a government health care plan then no health insurance at all. If people think that big private insurance companies are looking out for their customers best interests then they are as ignorant as the people comparing the United States to Nazi Germany, or the former Soviet Union.

I have an employer provided health insurance program. In my mid fifties, I have had to see my doctor more often, and I have had to call my insurance company and argue with some pencil pusher who is NOT a doctor, and going by some book as he second guesses my doctor's judgment and tries to save stockholder's money. This is as much of a bureaucracy as anything the ultra right wing blowhards pontificate against. So, I get coverage within a broken system, and in this sense I am lucky. But from my own study and interests I see that European Health care is more effective than ours, and although the taxes are higher, they aren't suffocating and everyone is covered; and every Western European country ranks higher than we do in health care provision, life expectancy and have lower infant mortality rates, often without the added disadvantage of their minority groups that we demonstrate. France, by the way, ranks first.
And for those who say the government can't run anything, how about military medical care, or the military in general, which by its structure is socialist. Or consider NASA, OSHA, NOAA and NWS; the DOT with NHTSA and the FAA. And I'll add the Dept of Agriculture and Social Security, not to mention state departments of highways, police and fire protection, all of which make our lives easier, safer and comfortable. Believe it or not, government does more right than wrong.

Yes, these protests are clearly hurting the chances of health care reform getting passed. The angry protesters are succeeding in scaring the American people that health care reform will create a system in which "Big Brother" government will decide who gets to live and die.

Unless the supporters of reform fight back hard and fast, this plan will go the way of Clinton's plan 15 years ago.

I'm so incredibly disappointed in the wholesale disruption of the town halls. The dissenters SAY they want answers to their questions but then shut down any reply or intelligent discourse on the subject. That's not helpful at all.

The fact is, yes, people come to the US for medical care. Many Americans ALSO go abroad for medical care. The two probably cancel each other out. I've known many Canadians and they were very happy with their health care. I've even been to a UK clinic myself and again, the standard of care I received was excellent. I saw a doctor within an hour of walking in the door without an appointment. My doctor's office here in the US wouldn't have been able to do that.

Come on, people. Let's have intelligent discourse on the subject. I firmly believe that there are some great subjects for discussion and compromise.

Why didn't CNN report on the guy that had a loaded handgun at Pres. Obama's town hall today? These people are nuts. Their rights take precedence over every else's and the safety of others.

These people are drowning out others, monopolize the media, the forums, etc.

This guy who sported the sign about "watering the tree of liberty" and the visible hand gun which he states was loaded in a crowd of people–in the Bush days he would be being waterboarded somewhere.

Pres Obama ignored it. But somebody needs to teach this boy some manners. Ignorance abounds from these people.

What many fail to realize is that the American public is fed up with all the lies and arrogance from Obama, Pelosi, Reid, et al. They are saturated and have little patience left; hence, the shouting instead of calm debate. These people are neither Nazis, as Pelosi implies, nor are they loaded on a bus and shipped in from somewhere. They are Americans and not unAmerican. They are not up to something "fishy."