How many people that say they can't afford health insurance have HD TVs, Cell phones, Cable TV....?

A few have. Most no.

Besides, these reforms are not about you footing their bill, but about getting them to get insurance.

I am always amazed how many Americans seem not to be aware about the real healthcare issues relying instead on FOX and other sources to spread lies about the healthcare system of the USA and those abroad. I mean, if healthcare in nations with universal coverage is so bad, why do they keep it?

Obama wants to make insurance more available to all and change the system so that it gives the American people value for money [1]. He also wants change so that the insurance companies find it harder to get out of paying for treatment. The system he is proposing looks similar to that which works in Taiwan where private companies are involved in providing healthcare [2].

Obama campaigned on reforming the healthcare system. He said he wanted to make insurance more available and he was elected to do this [3].

FACT - the US has higher death rates for kids both for kids aged under one and those under five than western European countries with universal health coverage [4].

FACT – American insurance companies push up prices and work to stop paying out claims on those they cover [5].

FACT - the USA spends more on healthcare PER PERSON than any other nation on the planet [6].

That means that a dead American four year old would have had a better chance of life if they were born in any western nation with universal health coverage.

If you do not like the policies that Obama was elected to bring in, he can always be voted out of office in 2012. But if you disagree with the facts, please let me know. I am always willing to learn, but please provide proof. None of those who disagree with me have been able to do that so far.

You make a good point. Some of these extras are things that other tax paying citizens cannot afford. But health insurance by comparison is much more expensive than a few of these items you have listed. You can save money by getting rid of your land line and going with a prepaid cell phone, assuming you only use it for basic communication occasionally and are not a chat-a-holic. And as for cable TV, there are not many broadcast alternatives in many cities now such that cable is a "necessity" if one is to have access to televised news. So there are "lifeline basic" cable plans available that are not that expensive although the channel offerings are bare minimum.

So I agree with your general assessment although not every electronic device as an "extra" should be viewed as a luxury. As a society, we have become more and more dependent on electronic devices such that a few are considered closer to necessity than to luxury -- unless you believe that living in a cave is the standard that all Americans should expect and nothing beyond.

Well said! Go into the poorer sections of major city or to the government housing areas and you'd be amazed at all the nice cars and such around there! The left are screaming about the poor starving and dying because they need more and they need health insurance, OMG, our "poor" are some of the most fortunate "poor class" on this planet! How about we compare them to people who eat dirt cookies in Haiti:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22902512/

THESE are the really poor people, not those of you who want to sit on your butt, leach off the government like your parents and their parents did, and scream that you want health care!

Guess what? As recently as the 70's and 80's, health care was something rewarded to you on the job. Those of us who were working worked hard and strive to be able to be offered a health care option, got health care and guess what? We were so proud because we we EARNED it!

This entitlement generation is driving me crazy because they feel and are told everything is a "right" and that they are entitled to these things because of either their economic state, the colour of their skin, their religion, or their sexual preference. When you tell these people they are going against the very premise of the Constitution, they would wipe their behinds with the Constitution if it means they get taken care of!

Grow up and grow a thick skin you leaches! Stop taking the money of hard working Americans so you can have another TV or new rims for your car.

Personally, I think this kind of argument is only fuel to the fire. It's like back in the '70's when some people would rant on about how many welfare people had color tv's and cadillacs. You just can't prove it and by the time you get done, you look like Archie Bunker.

Plus, the bill will force people to buy health insurance, so I don't know if this is even relevant, unless you're in favor of the bill.

My greatest opposition to the government taking over health care, including the forcing of insurance is that it violates the 10th amendment. This power belongs to the states, not the fed.

But, if you're really interested, acquaint yourself with the needs testing in your state. They probably don't ask about tv's or cell phones, but they do have limits on automobiles.

Does that help you sleep at night?Those are talking points, the average cost of insurance for a family of four is over 500.00 a month. You are trying to give your mind a defense for its own greed.

I have friends , many of whom still do not have computers or cell phones, they work hard and will never have the American dream our parents had...that is a GOD DAMN FACT...you need to wrap your head around that.

I'm sure Libbs can find somewhere in the Constitution that guarantees electronics and toys. :)

Guess what, if you foot their bill in addition to your own, it would cost YOU half as much as you pay now. I know that sounds incongruous but it is a fact, America spends twice on health care what UHC countries do.

Most of them,I'm willing to bet 75% or better.

RWE

have made this point time and again ... i agree