HOME    WORLD    U.S.    POLITICS    CRIME    ENTERTAINMENT    HEALTH    TECH    TRAVEL    LIVING
November 9, 2009
Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 11/09/09
Posted: 09:45 PM ET
Share this on:
Share | Permalink | 169 Comments

Tonight, we have breaking news on the suspected Fort Hood killer. Plus, Oprah talks with Anderson about her book club and her passion to educate children. And, we're taking your questions on health care reform. Text your questions to AC360 or 22360.

Want to know what else we're covering? Read EVENING BUZZ

Scroll down to join the live chat during the program. It's your chance to share your thoughts on tonight's headlines. Keep in mind, you have a better chance of having your comment get past our moderators if you follow our rules.

Here are some of them:

1) Keep it short (we don't have time to read a "book")
2) Don't write in ALL CAPS (there's no need to yell)
3) Use your real name (first name only is fine)
4) No links
5) Watch your language (keep it G-rated; PG at worst - and that includes $#&*)

169 Comments
More about: Live Blog •  T1
169 Comments
Gloria, Brooklyn, NY   November 9th, 2009 10:00 pm ET

Hi Anderson! I watch you on Oprah's "Web Event" you were wonderful as usual. Good Evening Everyone!

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:00 pm ET

Helloooo Anderson, Erica, Ed Henry, David Gergen Martina Ilstad, Emily and my friends Twitter/Facebook Bloggers!!!!!

Hope you have a great weekend!!!!!! Happy Monday!

"starr, formerly known as vincent   November 9th, 2009 10:02 pm ET

Good evening Anderson, Erica & entire Team 360.
Good evening friends and fellow bloggers.

Looks like a packed new show tonight!

John-Winnipeg, MB   November 9th, 2009 10:02 pm ET

Hi Andy,

Great seeing you on Oprah's book club. Great job.

Hope you weekend went well and that LA is warm enough for you!

Isabel Siaba (Brazil)   November 9th, 2009 10:02 pm ET

Good evening Anderson, Erica, David (Indiana), friends and bloggers!

The current timezone difference doesn't have allowed me to be here as I would like. I miss you all!

Jane - Vt   November 9th, 2009 10:03 pm ET

Good evening everyone.

Devna AC360°   November 9th, 2009 10:03 pm ET

Thank you for joining us!

Devna AC360°   November 9th, 2009 10:03 pm ET

What stories are you following today?

Jessica Flynn   November 9th, 2009 10:04 pm ET

Growing concerns in regards to state of Health Care in country when seeing that family pets get better coverage than my family. I don't have the answers...but as a nurse...this is very alarming !!!

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:04 pm ET

Gloria,
I agree with you, I also watch Oprah's "Web Event" too!

Anderson,
You are so remarkable asking question all guest! Awesome!

Mike, formerly from Syracuse   November 9th, 2009 10:05 pm ET

So how much evidence does it take for the PC crowd to realize that this was a terrorist attack and not someone who went nuts?

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:06 pm ET

@Isabel,
Miss you this week!!!!

Gady Mayen - Hamilton, Canada   November 9th, 2009 10:06 pm ET

Good evening Anderson, Erica, Bloggers, and AC360 team. I must say, great job Anderson with the contribution of the Oprah CNN book club event. And about Health Care reform, I must say congrats, I think I'm going to officially consider the US as a future home :-) Congrats CNN :-D

Debbie   November 9th, 2009 10:06 pm ET

Could the FBI get this Hadan case wrong? Very scarey

Gloria, Brooklyn, NY   November 9th, 2009 10:06 pm ET

How many more out there pretend to be real!

John J Oliver   November 9th, 2009 10:07 pm ET

Hasan story very worrying, now many other servicemen has connections with these terror clerics.

Brandy   November 9th, 2009 10:08 pm ET

will we have to pay a fine if we choose not to participate in the new health care reform?

Jessica Flynn   November 9th, 2009 10:08 pm ET

Good Evening Anderson...I am very disturbed by all the info coming to light in regards to the Fort Hood investigation. How come it is ALWAYS found out AFTER the fact.

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:09 pm ET

Wow! That's so scary to hear! Hasan had connect to terrorists and wrote on Facebook! He never stopped anywhere to kill innocent people. Thanks Drew and Ted.

Brandy   November 9th, 2009 10:09 pm ET

why do people want universal health care when it hasn't worked out in the past?

lisal -canada   November 9th, 2009 10:10 pm ET

The book club event is very interesting - lost internrt connection for the first 10-15 min. Will it be available as a podcast thru Oprah or CNN?

michael   November 9th, 2009 10:10 pm ET

How is it that of the hundreds of eye witnesses of the shootings on that terrible day none are on AC360 to talk about what they saw.

Gady Mayen - Hamilton, Canada   November 9th, 2009 10:10 pm ET

Good evening Anderson, Erica, Bloggers, and AC360 team. What a day, HealthCare, Fort Hood killer, I have no clue what happens in people's minds in the time of action...

Cheryl P.   November 9th, 2009 10:11 pm ET

Good to see you on Oprah's Webcast Anderson. I'm multi-tasking and still with her and now AC360

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:11 pm ET

Debbie,
Yes, It is very scary thought, but never stopped, I think FBI have fail stop him.

Mike, formerly from Syracuse   November 9th, 2009 10:11 pm ET

All a promotion board gets to see is the officer's fitness reports. If the fitness reports didn't mention his problems, the selection board has no way of taking them into account.

Jessica Flynn   November 9th, 2009 10:12 pm ET

I agree...as a health care professional...I don't believe the current state of Universal Health Care can work...It would have to be seriously disected in order to meet all this country's needs.

kevin   November 9th, 2009 10:12 pm ET

Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal, and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants

Cessy, Chicago IL   November 9th, 2009 10:12 pm ET

Happy Monday, everyone! Hello, Anderson and you amazing 360 staff!

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio   November 9th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

"So how much evidence does it take for the PC crowd to realize that this was a terrorist attack and not someone who went nuts?"

@Mike, formerly from Syracuse, No amount of evidence will ever convince the PC crowd that this was a terrorist attack, but it was.

Patty A Banks. Palmdale CA   November 9th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

I believe its possible he used his religion to vent his own demons, but I'm still curious about that visitor he had the day before the killings? neighbors say he never had visitors, so is this visit just a coincidence?, i hope they can locate this person

Mike   November 9th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

My God. This animal murdered 13 unarmed people. What else can he be called but a terrorist

David, Indiana   November 9th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

Good evening Anderson, Erica, Isabel, everyone. So in addition to psychiatry, Major Hasan was researching terrorism to learn more to help his patients? How would that help him help his patients?

I saw Col. Kesling saying that Major Hasan was a valued member of the team, psychiatric care? team that he was working on.

Lisa, Louisville, KY   November 9th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

"Say You're One of Them" – heart breaking, heart warming, and as Anderson said, heart opening. I'm glad that CNN was a part of this live webcast!

John   November 9th, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Why didn't the Army and the FBI find things out about him? Did people not tell others or the people they told didn't do anything about it? Our soldiers have enough risks overseas that they don't need to be worrying about things here at home.

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:14 pm ET

lisal -canada
Both of them. You can use podicast CNN and Oprah.

Lori   November 9th, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Hello Anderson, Erica, Everyone. Happy Monday.

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio   November 9th, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Hasan didn't just snap, he knew that the soldiers on the base did not carry weapons and he chose a very specific small confined area in which to commit his crimes.

Onaya Ortega   November 9th, 2009 10:15 pm ET

Hi I have a question about the health care plan...how does it benefit unemployed/layed off factory workers?

Isabel Siaba (Brazil)   November 9th, 2009 10:15 pm ET

She's very violent! Red card !!!!!!!! Lol...

Lori   November 9th, 2009 10:15 pm ET

Mean girls.

Cessy, Chicago IL   November 9th, 2009 10:15 pm ET

Anderson- is it me or is your hair getting whiter? Cause it's not my television...like you said " where's the pepahh?" ( pepper)

lisal -canada   November 9th, 2009 10:15 pm ET

The pony-tail pull... Not really how ladies fight, but yet ... oddly effective!

John J Oliver   November 9th, 2009 10:16 pm ET

I am very concerned that there may have been and still is a cover up as seeing there is no witnesses coming forward. Do the authorities no more than they are saying?

Cessy, Chicago IL   November 9th, 2009 10:16 pm ET

holy cow! rough soccer play!

Robert Hurst   November 9th, 2009 10:16 pm ET

I want to know why in the world the psychiatric team for the ARMY didn't see warning signs. They say that the warning signs were hard to see, but even if there is a scent of mental anguish in a service man, there needs to be immediate action taken. I believe that all of this could have been avoided if the ARMY would screen their leaders more than they do now.

John   November 9th, 2009 10:16 pm ET

Is it true that there was a civilian killed? I saw online earlier that it was possible that a physicians assistant was the only civilian killed in he attack.

Julie Atlas   November 9th, 2009 10:17 pm ET

As a soldier's wife, I am amazed at the continued bravery of the soldiers and civilians during this horrific tragedy. Please remember the families and what was done right. Yes, the Army will look at what happened and make corrections, so that there are not repeats of this situation. But while allowing the Army time to do this, please look at what was done right. Many soldiers ran into bullet spray to save the lives of their comrades. Thank you.

Gloria, Brooklyn, NY   November 9th, 2009 10:17 pm ET

J. Jackson, there is not money for you! What happen to your new groups? Put them to work.

Tommy, California   November 9th, 2009 10:17 pm ET

Its really sad that other Muslim Americans are doing things that wrongly tag Muslim Americans in general.

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio   November 9th, 2009 10:17 pm ET

I wonder how many more Hasan's are in our military because the government chooses to ignore the obvious signs.

sam   November 9th, 2009 10:17 pm ET

If Hasan's troubling signs were missed so 13 soldiers died what about the troubling signs of a war of choice based on false premises that wasted thousands of soldiers' and others' lives? What's more important?

Mike, formerly from Syracuse   November 9th, 2009 10:17 pm ET

@Jo Ann, the vast majority of blogs over the last few days seem to be more concerned with potential backlash against Muslims than the fact that 13 brave Americans are dead.

Vanessa   November 9th, 2009 10:17 pm ET

Anderson,

Will there really be a fine for those who do not enroll in some form of health care insurance? What about those who do not have jobs to pay for ANY?

What will happen to those of us who currenttly have insurance, will we be forced to change?

College students just graduating will have a hard time finding a job in the first place, once we care no longer covered by our parents insurance will we be fined if we cannot afford coverage?

Is congress excluded from coverage under this healthcare bill? Why?

Thank you,

Vanessa (Richmond, VA)

John Russell   November 9th, 2009 10:18 pm ET

Yes very big OxyMoron this Nadil would be in the very thing he detested
and vent his anger and hostility towards.....How could he spend so much effort and time and his life to achieve something of status and become that which he was to treat,,,,Wonder if this guy had two personalities?

Obviously he he could have simply renounced his service and even citizenship and just move to Iran or something or Iraq...join some radical group there...

Stacy   November 9th, 2009 10:18 pm ET

I caught some of the Oprah webcast. I wish 360 would occasionally air pieces from Africa-based correspondents (like David McKenzie).

susan   November 9th, 2009 10:18 pm ET

Hello, I am listen to your programme and find it interesting that just because a Muslim says that he is Muslim first and then American it is seen as evidence of his probable terrorist connections. I have often heard heard devout Christians claim that before all else they are Christian or followers of Christ; as in I am a Christian before I am a wife or I am a follower of Christ before I am a father or a business man. I wish the rhetoric would fade and wait until we all know more.

David, Indiana   November 9th, 2009 10:18 pm ET

@Isabel, it is nice to see you here. What is the time in Brazil? are you up late?

michael I was wondering about eyewitness acccounts too, and how the Army CID investigation is going.

I didn't realize that was the same soccer player shot after shot when I say a rept on this earlier today.

Dub Taylor   November 9th, 2009 10:19 pm ET

isn't this the 3rd time a soldier, being of muslim faith, opened fire killing other american soldiers? having served 11 years in the military, we need to rethink entrance criteria.

Stacey   November 9th, 2009 10:19 pm ET

I am tired of the blame going around...it seems ridiculous that we are pointing fingers. Its upseting for sure but no can be put in a slot so it is going to be hard to blame one person except the shooter at fort hood. I am sure there are many people that get upset about being deployed but they dont do the same as the shooter.

Andrew V. Christian   November 9th, 2009 10:19 pm ET

I would like to know if this guy had these ideas in 1997 of if he snapped from social pressure post 9-11? I am not suggesting it’s an excuse but I suspect with his name he may have encountered substantial flack in the service, in Texas post 9-11. Any thoughts? Andy C.

dave   November 9th, 2009 10:19 pm ET

Good evening from NJ

Would it be so wrong to make inquiries b4 each promotion or even more often where a soldier's loyalties lie?

Dave.

Andre   November 9th, 2009 10:19 pm ET

Anderson as a soldier who happens to be an Army recruiter i now the following to be true. 1. The army has a severe shortage of officers. 2. The selection board for officers up to LTC is a joke. The promotion rate for Army majors is between 92 to 98 percent which leads to 3. No good qualified officer wants to stay in the Army because no matter how hard he works, another guy who is far less qualified or compentent is going to go promoted at the same time. Almost like social promotion. We enlisted folks call it no officer left behind. I have also put in 2 soldiers of Islamic/arabic backgrounds into the army.

Joanna   November 9th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

Why not a public option? At least then it can be controlled instead of the uncontrolled millions of dollars we currently spend when all of the uninsured just walk into emergency centers for help now and WE all pay for it.

Elaine   November 9th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

It's just so unfair to the soldiers that had to die for something that showed red flags months before this tragedy. Their gone and the families are suffering for it.

kevin   November 9th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

Yes we now know all about the "alleged suspect" in the Fort Hood massacre. It's time to remember the victims and their families during this grief the entire country is experiencing.

Paula, Colorado   November 9th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

Anderson,
Hi! Happy Monday.
I had computer trouble viewing the Oprah webcast, but what I did see was exceptional–I'm looking forward your interview.

Mike, formerly from Syracuse   November 9th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

The last thing we need is Congress sticking it's incompetent nose into this. Let the Army and FBI do it's investigation.

Gloria, Brooklyn, NY   November 9th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

That's a big woman there. She should be take out of the game for the rest of the season, but you did hear from me!

Julie Zara   November 9th, 2009 10:21 pm ET

We should wait for the investigators to finish their job, so far all they are saying that He might be just one person is not jihaddi's.
I think there is too much attention being paid to His religion.

Lori   November 9th, 2009 10:22 pm ET

I am confused about Hasan.

Sedigh   November 9th, 2009 10:22 pm ET

Thanks for your program. Major Hassan might had have a link with the criminal Islamic regime in Iran. I think it's a good idea for the FBI to check into it. The reason that I suspect he might have some ties with the Iran's regime is that on the same day that Hassan did his action in Fort Hood, big student protests were happening in major Iranian cities in which the regime brutally attached these young students and many young girls are still missting as the result of a massive arrest.

Hassan might have done his act to undermine the news in Iran and instead to draw all the media attention to his psycho criminal act.

Daryl   November 9th, 2009 10:23 pm ET

Hasan's classmate who was interviewed stated how Hasan stated he was a Muslim first and an American second, and how was this not seen as a conflict. Where does this statement hold any merit? Isn't a Christian solider a Christian first and an American second? Or is this again evidence that the feeling of this country and even our military branches are a wing of a Christian religion?

Cecil   November 9th, 2009 10:23 pm ET

Shame on the Army for letting their desire to be politically correct prevent them from discharging the major from active duty. He asked to be released from service and his request was denied.

Onaya Ortega   November 9th, 2009 10:23 pm ET

They need to have a like 3 month evaluation of all soldiers just to keep a closer eye on them and make sure things like this do not happen again!

Gloria, Brooklyn, NY   November 9th, 2009 10:23 pm ET

@ Mega Dresslar

Amen!

Kathy Chicago   November 9th, 2009 10:23 pm ET

Hi AC! I didn't know about the book club until today. I hope you do it again with more notice to read the book. Our book club was going to try to read Oprah's next book along with our selection.

Larry Finney   November 9th, 2009 10:24 pm ET

How is it that the army had a Muslim psychiatrist evaluating and, presumably, counseling troops returning from combat missions against muslims? The fact that these men were suffering from PTSD relative to that service and Hasan had to not just listen to them, but help them. Were any of the victims his patients? Curious!

John   November 9th, 2009 10:24 pm ET

Are there people who should be held accountable for this kind of thing to happen? Is it the army's fault, FBI?

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio   November 9th, 2009 10:24 pm ET

@Mike, formerly from Syracuse, I agree with you and that is why these terrorists will continue to commit these types of crimes. This over the top PC business has not stopped them. How does the PC crowd explain that? They will always find a reason.

Ryan   November 9th, 2009 10:24 pm ET

Could this incident lead the Military to perform more thorough background checks? Is it possible that future soldiers be denied inlistment due to minor criminal charges?

Robert Intriago   November 9th, 2009 10:24 pm ET

If health Insurance is so important, why does the bill not go into effect until 2013? The taxes go into effect right now. Could it be that it is done to cover the fact that the bill is going to be a deficit buster after 10 years or that Obama runs for President in 2012?

Gady Mayen - Hamilton, Canada   November 9th, 2009 10:25 pm ET

Clearly many thing in Society is ignored, that's why the shooting happened in the first place...

"starr, formerly known as vincent   November 9th, 2009 10:25 pm ET

I thank the Senator and Gen, Casey for endorsing "not jumping the gun" on this Fort Hood horror.

It could be very dangerous for other innocent Muslims to be victimized without a complete investigation of this Major's motivation.

Thank God he is still alive so that there is a chance we will find out Why he killed innocents.

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio   November 9th, 2009 10:26 pm ET

@Ryan, They had all the evidence they needed, they just chose to ignore it.

Heather   November 9th, 2009 10:27 pm ET

Rep Hoekstra just on. Pay real attention and you'll see he essentially said, "House hasn't been briefed on Ft Hood gunman; there was a briefing today (Mon) but we weren't there". So he's HAS NOT been briefed but he goes on nat'l TV to claim he KNOWS the gunman is a home grown jihadist? How irresponsible!

Mike, formerly from Syracuse   November 9th, 2009 10:27 pm ET

@Andre, let's remember that the promotion rates are for those who stay in. I would assume that at least 50% of all officers leave after their initial obligation is up. And 90%+ promotion rates up to O4 aren't new. It's been that way for decades.

Erica Hill
CNN
  November 9th, 2009 10:27 pm ET

Interesting discussion with Rep. Hoekstra.
And great "Keeping Them Honest" from Randi – the numbers seem really large

Kristen, Los Angeles   November 9th, 2009 10:27 pm ET

What could they have done really? I figure that's the situation his co-workers and supervisors had to deal with. Unfortunately, it's really hard to do anything unless a person commits a crime. Working in social work, there's many people one finds worrisome, but the attitude is always, "Wait and see." The issue of identifying and preventing psychotic behavior is the real problem.

Sabrina in Los Angeles   November 9th, 2009 10:28 pm ET

I am so glad that the Health Care Reform was passed.

I am without insurance and so is my sister.

She went to the ER this past Wednesday and was admitted that evening. They let her out Saturday evening and told her to follow up with her primary doctor in a week....WHAT DOCTOR? No insurance no Primary doctor.

Hopefully a charity will pick her expenses. Ulcer that presented as pancreatitis. She couldn't get insurance due to a birth defect...pre-existing condition they say.

I also have a medical bill hanging over me as well....no work, no insurance, no money for insurance.

ER visits cost the whole country because we are the uninsured.

I am glad this bill past....prevention is better than cures.

Andre   November 9th, 2009 10:28 pm ET

@ Ryan the Army does thorough criminal background checks. your fingerprints are ran through an FBI database. The recruiter knows ahead of time about all charges and or convictions of any applicant before they ship out to training. And you can't even enlist with an open traffic/ parking ticket.

David, Indiana   November 9th, 2009 10:28 pm ET

Glad they caught her taking those shots on camera.

What info did Rep Hoekstra say was being leaked? Can members of congress be briefed by phone, internet, teleconference?

Does CID have to brief congress on an ongoing investigation at congress's request?

Bryan - Los Angeles   November 9th, 2009 10:28 pm ET

How many of those unisured residents in those 4 states are here illegally?

anna   November 9th, 2009 10:30 pm ET

If we will mandate people to buy heath insurance then we need single payer health plan. This is scarry. My insurance called me and said that if I need elective sergery then I can go offshore because it cost less but my premium will not go down.

Cessy, Chicago IL   November 9th, 2009 10:30 pm ET

good seeing you Randi!.great reporting..

Denise, Texas   November 9th, 2009 10:30 pm ET

I'm an ER nurse in San Antonio and I'm not surprised at the rate of uninsured in Texas. It's heart breaking to see patients over and over and sicker each time because they can not afford their medications! Something needs to change.

Sabrina in Los Angeles   November 9th, 2009 10:30 pm ET

I think the elimination of abortion from the coverage is good.

If it is rape, incest or health related that is one thing...as a form of birth control just because....NOPE.

Elaine   November 9th, 2009 10:31 pm ET

I think it's just horrible that innocent lives were taken from them and their loved ones...they were young and yet there were red flags months before and it could of been stopped before it got started.

Bill   November 9th, 2009 10:31 pm ET

Great segment on the relationship between the uninsured and their congressional representation. This is much better than simply repeating commentators' opinions.

Brian   November 9th, 2009 10:31 pm ET

That is crazy. I applaud CNN in diving into the numbers on uninsured. The red states talk lots of yang about taxes, well it seems like my taxes pay for their visits to the emergency room and at least with health care reform it will cost me less!!

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:32 pm ET

Hello Erica!!!
Nice see you on live blog! Hope you had great weekend!

Jane - Vt   November 9th, 2009 10:32 pm ET

I'm glad the bill passed the house and I hope it passes the senate. I watched much of it on C-span. They sometimes seem so childish.

Texas gov says health reform should use Texas as a model. No kidding he said that this weekend.

lisa   November 9th, 2009 10:33 pm ET

Anderson – please ask about reconciliation???

Raina   November 9th, 2009 10:33 pm ET

I am appalled by the amendment prohibiting federal funding towards abortion. The Democratic party CAVED and sacrificed the legal reproductive rights of Women. The Democrats pride themselves as being for Women's rights, but when it counts, women are pushed to the side. So much for equal protection under the law. What a disgrace!

shannon   November 9th, 2009 10:33 pm ET

I am a pediatrician in Texas. The reason our uninsured rate is as high as 25% is because of the high number of illegal immigrants. You failed to mention this fact in the story. It is way more complicated than meets the eye to cover these nontaxpaying immigrants.

Andrew   November 9th, 2009 10:34 pm ET

Anderson congrats on identifying some of the senators who are objecting to the public option and have health care problems in their states (where a lot of their constituents have no health care).
I say identify all (i.e. ALL) the senators by name who are doing this. Pleeease! And ensure you keep on top of this in your future programs.
You are the only person so far that I seen doing this on national TV.
Keep up the good work you "studly commen sense thinker".

"starr, formerly known as vincent   November 9th, 2009 10:34 pm ET

I would like to see either a 2 year trigger , like Olympia Snow suggested, or a robust Public Option, no a "watered down" version.

This looks like it's going to be a major struggle in the Senate!

I hope it gets done Before 2010 elections.

The Panel discussion-excellent, as always.

lisal .canada   November 9th, 2009 10:34 pm ET

Good discussion with David and Candy. Some very valid points there.

Kelly - Harrisburg, PA   November 9th, 2009 10:34 pm ET

A couple of questions:

– what percentage of uninsured are also registered voters? I'd bet you an ice cream cone that a majority of uninsured don't vote, so they have like zero political power

– in states with high uninsured, how much do they pay in public costs to serve those people in emergency rooms? Can we quantify that?

Cheryl P.   November 9th, 2009 10:34 pm ET

Oprah/CNN Webcast just ended.
Anderson, you missed a great interview – Oprah Skyped in a young man from Quebec who lost his entire family in one night during the Rawanda genocide. He told his amazing story of how he was the only one in his family to survive by jumping behind a sofa.
Incredible story.

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio   November 9th, 2009 10:34 pm ET

The health care bill will die in the senate.

art   November 9th, 2009 10:35 pm ET

you just said 1/4 of Texans don't have health insurance. Thats wrong. 1/4 of Texans don't pay for health insurance, they just go to the emergency wards and get free health coverage from the tax payers

Jim from VA   November 9th, 2009 10:35 pm ET

Hi Anderson,

Why did your TX health care story not point out that most of the "25%" of Texans not insured are illegal aliens, and will not be covered by the currrent House Affordable Health Care Bill? You made it look like they will be covered by the bill and they will not be.

Erica Hill
CNN
  November 9th, 2009 10:35 pm ET

@Bryan – That's a good question. I just asked Randi, she said uninsured illegal immingrants amount to a small fraction of those numbers and barely register in the data. If they were removed, the number of uninsured would be about the same.

So, the short answer is: not many.

Denise, Texas   November 9th, 2009 10:35 pm ET

Because of the lack of insurance many people are forced to use ERs as primary care. This causes ERs to become overcrowed and not able to take care of the "Emergencies".

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:36 pm ET

Isabel Siaba (Brazil)
I agree with you!!! LOL! She have deserved red card!!! I am so glad she is suspend right now! YES!

Jerry, San Antonio,TX   November 9th, 2009 10:36 pm ET

Whoa...i just searched this blog for "erica" and now realize the "erica" is part of "AmERICA"....you are really patriotic Erica :)

Robert Intriago   November 9th, 2009 10:37 pm ET

The states with the highest uninsured were border states. How many of the uninsured were illegal immigrants? In order to be accurate you have to make a distiction.

Susanne Miller   November 9th, 2009 10:37 pm ET

In giving the statistics on Texas and how many residents have no medical insurance, you gave the percentage as 25% for Texas. What is clearly not being said is that much of Texas is rapidly becoming Northern Mexico, and illegal immigrants account for the majority of that 25%. They are not entitled to medical insurance, but they do get free medical care – at the expense of every other citizen here. They are largely responsible for putting our health care systems in Texas at risk for bankruptcy. This is the real story.

Manuel Henandez   November 9th, 2009 10:37 pm ET

I can't believe that the greatest nation on the planet can not figure out to take care of its citizens. Rushing a flawed bill through the house and senate is a huge mistake that we will be paying for for years to come. Why can't we use some of the money we put into social security everymonth to subsidize healthcare for working people and continue to assist those who are disabled through medical and medicare. All those that are on welfare or public assistance can and should work for their benefits by delivering meals to seniors and shut ins. Everyone has something to offer and some way to help earn their medical benefits. Lets git er dun!!!

Daisy21   November 9th, 2009 10:38 pm ET

Just wondering why Candy Crowley and others in the media keep calling this a "health care" reform bill? All I am seeing is the Democrats demonizing yet another industry - the health insurance industry. All this legislation is proposing is regulating health insurance and providing it to more people. there is nothing in the bill that will actually reform "health care". If this bill passes, will the amount of money my doctor charges for an office visit decrease? Will a night in the hospital be cheaper? I don't think so. What Democrats are talking about is insurance, not health care. ALL people currently have health care, what they might not have is health insurance. those are 2 different issues. Please use the proper descriptions when discussing them. this is not health care reform.

Thomas   November 9th, 2009 10:39 pm ET

Hey, wait a minute. You are reporting 25% of residents in New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida are uninsured and yet the Republican senators will not vote for health care reform, hurting their constituents.
I really think if you want to keep them honest, you need to be so your selves. Tell us what percent of citizens who are real constituents are uninsured. I suspect you are including a large number of illegal immigrants as uninsured residents, and if so this is very misleading reporting on your part. Just keeping you honest.

lisal .canada   November 9th, 2009 10:39 pm ET

I can't believe that was 2002 - feels like it was just last year.

Virginia   November 9th, 2009 10:39 pm ET

Joe Jackson, contesting Michael's will. How dare he! Since it was his abuse that caused Michael's demise. He never even showed any emotions or sympathy after his son's death. I hope He gets nothing.

Gloria, Brooklyn, NY   November 9th, 2009 10:39 pm ET

That was sad case!

gail   November 9th, 2009 10:39 pm ET

The law currently is that no federal funds may be used for abortions. Where Stupak goes to far is in saying that people can not use Private money to by insurance in the exchange and have abortion as part of the coverage. Gov't will not tell me how to spend my money , but I do agree that federal funds should not be used for abortions .

Erica Hill
CNN
  November 9th, 2009 10:41 pm ET

@Jerry – ha :-)

Michelle   November 9th, 2009 10:44 pm ET

This was a really frightening time in DC, Virginia
and Maryland. Everyone was afraid to go to gas
stations.

Cynthia, NC   November 9th, 2009 10:44 pm ET

Hello. Watching the Timeline of Terror for the DC sniper gives me cold chills. October 2002 was a terrifying time.

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:44 pm ET

I agree with attorney, He will be sentence death for now, I hope he never his family anymore. My heart goes to victim's families lost love ones! Thanks Joe Johns.

David Gergen   November 9th, 2009 10:45 pm ET

Hello everyone - thanks for tuning in tonight. The story of Major Hasan is mystifying. Am so glad that so many people are not jumping to conclusions, waiting till we learn more facts. Let's hope that investigators can pry some from him. In the meantime, tomorrow promises to be a day of remembrance for those who have fallen - and Wednesday a day when we can all remember that despite this shooting, the U.S. Army is one of the finest organizations in the country.

Chris Sosa - Boston, MA   November 9th, 2009 10:45 pm ET

So scary. I lived less than 2 miles from that gas station in Fredericksburg at the time of the shootings. Our neighborhood was put on lock-down. My Dad always filled up at that station before going to work. He didn't like going there after the shooting.

Lori   November 9th, 2009 10:45 pm ET

That certainly gave the DC sniper power didn't it? He must have felt very powerrful at that time.

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio   November 9th, 2009 10:45 pm ET

Why does CNN always try to humanize these murderers? John Alleln Muhammed deserves the death penalty. They should put him in front of a firing squad so that he can get a taste of his own medicine.

I have no sympathy for him.

Kristen, MD   November 9th, 2009 10:45 pm ET

I remember the DC Sniper, I was still in high school back then. My crazy mom still made me walk outside and wait for the bus. It was kinda scary, you just didn't know when and where the next shooting was coming.

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:47 pm ET

Jerry,
Agreed!!! LOL :)

Andre   November 9th, 2009 10:47 pm ET

The U.S. needs term limits point blank. If we had that elected officials would do their jobs and represent their constituents instead of lining their pockets with special interest money. If you knew you only had to terms to serve in congress you would get up every morning trying to make a difference in order to leave a legacy. Works for presidents

Shannon, VA   November 9th, 2009 10:47 pm ET

I was a sophomore in high school at the time, and when that poor kid got shot all the teachers freaked out. Suddenly all the sports practices were in the gym and we weren't allowed outside for almost any reason. I live less than a mile from my high school, but my parents refused to let me walk.

It was a pretty terrifying time. I'd been to a lot of the places where shootings took place. I remember some gas stations even hung up tarps to try and block the sight-lines to their customers.

samora   November 9th, 2009 10:48 pm ET

i went to the same high school as the trigger man MALVO . i graduated a few years before him, but knew people who knew him. it was all so shocking.

Gloria, Brooklyn, NY   November 9th, 2009 10:49 pm ET

Will John have front seat at the execution! This is almost like hang them high!

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:49 pm ET

Hello David Gergen!
I agree with you, too! I know it is so indeed sad for soldiers death..... I felt their pain so well. Thanks for your comment.

Lori   November 9th, 2009 10:49 pm ET

That is a great opportunity for thos girls.

Anthonia-Bay Area!   November 9th, 2009 10:50 pm ET

Oprah is just wonderful! She should come to my homeland of Nigeria to create schools for young girls too :)

Mike, formerly from Syracuse   November 9th, 2009 10:50 pm ET

@David Gergen, when someone is yelling "Allah Akbar" as he shoots his fellow soldiers it's a pretty slam dunk case to me.

Jacqueline, NY   November 9th, 2009 10:50 pm ET

Hi all!

Anderson when will you be holding your own web book club, as I have suggested to you and Jack earlier this summer, where the members get to suggest and choose the books?

Lori   November 9th, 2009 10:51 pm ET

I wish I could go to school there. :o )

Dodie ~ California   November 9th, 2009 10:52 pm ET

Oprah is a very wise woman! She knows the value of education!

"starr, formerly known as vincent   November 9th, 2009 10:52 pm ET

@ Shannon, you must have been quite traumatized, especially at that age, with the DC sniper(s) running around.

I remember the tarps at the gas stations. Stil gives me chills to think about it.

David, Indiana   November 9th, 2009 10:52 pm ET

@Isabel and Megan what's a red card? A soccer penalty?

stella Mosley-New Mexico   November 9th, 2009 10:53 pm ET

Hi Anderson, I really enjoy the webcast, that you shared with Oprah and the author of Say You Are One of Them, When you talked about your brother committing suicide. I can't understand it as well, that our young people in the United States have so much, compared to other countries, but yet, they are willing to take their own lives, this is a tragedy in our country.

Michelle   November 9th, 2009 10:53 pm ET

I looking to reading the book as well as Push which
it the basis for the movie Precious. Say you are one
of them sounds amazing.

John-Winnipeg, MB   November 9th, 2009 10:54 pm ET

I think Oprah is a celebrity who really makes a difference in this world we live in. She makes it a better place to live.

Cheryl P.   November 9th, 2009 10:54 pm ET

@ David, Indiana – Yes, a red card in soccer means you're out of the game

Jacqueline, NY   November 9th, 2009 10:54 pm ET

That is a not a true statement that Oprah just made. Maybe once upon a time in the olden days somebody went looking for kids who are out of school. That just does not happen in today's reality. But the bottom line is, it's her money and she could do what ever she wants with it and where she wants.

Jane - Vt   November 9th, 2009 10:54 pm ET

Good night everyone.

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:55 pm ET

Watch out for Hurricane Ida coming in Louisiana and Florida!!! Get prepare for shelter right now.

Kristen, MD   November 9th, 2009 10:55 pm ET

I'm in the middle of reading Say You're one of them. It's sort of difficult for me to read with the language or dialect I'm not used to. The story's still are very telling. The 1st one was just unbelievably sad.

Dodie ~ California   November 9th, 2009 10:55 pm ET

@ "starr, formerly known as vincent

pumping gas under the protection of a blue tarp must have been very frightening for you! That must have been quite traumatizing for you!

Kathy Chicago   November 9th, 2009 10:56 pm ET

Yes it figures, the first hurricane to hit comes right before I head to Fla.!

Dodie ~ California   November 9th, 2009 10:57 pm ET

What a courageous child! Wow!!! Good Job

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:57 pm ET

David
Red card means get out of game!
Good night Anderson, Erica, Ed Henry, David Gergen, Martina Ilstad, Emily and my friends Twitter/Facebook Bloggers!!!!!
See you tomorrow night!
Have a great night and sleep tight everyone!!!! :D
Day of the shot with
Anderson,
Have a great night, good sleep at home after work!!!! See you tomorrow night!!! Have a plenty sleep! :D

"starr, formerly known as vincent   November 9th, 2009 10:58 pm ET

@David G. always glad to see you on the blog and appreciate your comments, always.

Thank you and good night Anderson, Erica & Team 350.
Good night fellow bloggers too.

That child re: the hijacking was amazing!

Lori   November 9th, 2009 10:58 pm ET

Good night. Sweet dreams.

David, Indiana   November 9th, 2009 10:58 pm ET

Rept on the DC sniper, that was a terrible time, reporters are so professional, didn't think it was that terrible for you, but it was.

Cessy, Chicago IL   November 9th, 2009 10:58 pm ET

Have a wonderful night everyone! Be Safe.
See you tomorrow, Anderson and Erica!

Gloria, Brooklyn, NY   November 9th, 2009 10:58 pm ET

Good Night All!

Dodie ~ California   November 9th, 2009 10:59 pm ET

Good night everyone! Have a wonderful evening and week.

Good Night Starr!

Megan Dresslar - Shoreline, WA   November 9th, 2009 10:59 pm ET

BTW, I do love people pull down the wall in Germany! Best shot!

Lori   November 9th, 2009 11:00 pm ET

Thank you. I really enjoyed the show!

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About this blog

A behind the scenes look at “Anderson Cooper 360°” and the stories it covers, written by Anderson Cooper, the AC360° staff and a network of contributors. Insight you can’t find anywhere else.

We search the news each day to show you what’s on our radar and what we’re planning for the show each night.

For more details, read our tips on how to win 360° approval for comments.

Send your instant feedback to Anderson Cooper 360°.

Featured Contributors
Candy Crowley
Candy Crowley is CNN's senior political correspondent and an AC360° contributor
David Gergen
David Gergen is CNN's senior political analyst and former presidential advisor
Roland S. Martin
Roland S. Martin is a nationally award-winning journalist and AC360° contributor
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Justice  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Opinion  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences  |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2009 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP