President Donald J. Trump

[Lt.Uhura]

This complex quagmire over the ACA could result in big loses for the GOP in the next election cycle. The smart ones know this and are already threatening not to support the 'Ryancare' proposal. Despite having six years to come up with a viable alternative to Obamacare the GOP instead reveals their party dysfunction and division. Their constituents are watching.

http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/322792-analysis-6-10-million-could-lose-coverage-under-gop-plan

The S&P analysis does forecast that insurers could see their “profitability ... likely improve."

And that's the GOP goal.

[Dr. MD MD]

The smart ones know this...

This really isn't something you're qualified to make a judgement about, now is it? 

Now scrub up that OR, nurse! 

[Dr. MD MD]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL8MHFgOLqo

[The King of Kings]

Dr. MD- I would relish a good exchange of ideas on this thread, but I see little chance of that happening as long as people resort to name calling and straw man arguments. President Trump, anyone who supports him, and people in the center (even some from the left), have an uphill battle against what appears to be well organized opposition.

I guess my question would be, "Do you think there is a way to start a genuine discussion?"
Maybe I am too out of touch with how that's done these days.

Cheers, sweetie

I think you need focus and specificity for that.

Is there a specific topic about President Donald Trump you would like to see discussed?

[The King of Kings]

This complex quagmire over the ACA could result in big loses for the GOP in the next election cycle. The smart ones know this and are already threatening not to support the 'Ryancare' proposal. Despite having six years to come up with a viable alternative to Obamacare the GOP instead reveals their party dysfunction and division. Their constituents are watching.

http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/322792-analysis-6-10-million-could-lose-coverage-under-gop-plan

The S&P analysis does forecast that insurers could see their “profitability ... likely improve."

And that's the GOP goal.

Personally, I would like to see universal health care.  Take the cash register out of the hospital and the profitability out of the insurance industry.

There isn't a bigger scam than "happy merchant" health insurance.

I would still allow private practices for those who want private health care.

[Lt.Uhura]

Personally, I would like to see universal health care.  Take the cash register out of the hospital and the profitability out of the insurance industry.

There isn't a bigger scam than "happy merchant" health insurance.

I would still allow private practices for those who want private health care.

Universal, single payer...is the only viable alternative. Monthly premiums could be based on ones income, resulting in a tier payment system--everyone covered. The powerful insurance lobby in D.C. will never allow this, via the GOP hands they've greased.

From the link I posted above:

Republicans say their plan could save costs by letting people choose insurance plans that are less comprehensive than those required under ObamaCare. But according to the analysis, on average, most insured under ObamaCare would see their prices rise under the GOP plan.

Wasn't this the crux of the reason the GOP gave for repealing the ACA in the first place? To lower premiums? WTF?

[GravitySucks]

This complex quagmire over the ACA could result in big loses for the GOP in the next election cycle. The smart ones know this and are already threatening not to support the 'Ryancare' proposal. Despite having six years to come up with a viable alternative to Obamacare the GOP instead reveals their party dysfunction and division. Their constituents are watching.

http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/322792-analysis-6-10-million-could-lose-coverage-under-gop-plan

The S&P analysis does forecast that insurers could see their “profitability ... likely improve."

And that's the GOP goal.

I agree. They should repeal the ACA like they voted to 6 times while Obama was president. Maybe come up with an option for catastrophic care for people without insurance.

[starrmtn001]

President Donald Trump Leads a Meeting with the U.S. House Deputy Whip Team.  3.7.17.


https://youtu.be/NXGfsVttV00

[Lt.Uhura]

I agree. They should repeal the ACA like they voted to 6 times while Obama was president. Maybe come up with an option for catastrophic care for people without insurance.

The problem with catastrophic plans is historically the deductibles were huge; in many cases $6K/yr and up. Imagine one has a catastrophic health event where they're unable to work--how then do they pay the heavy deductible?

[Dr. MD MD]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMH7iTwChkI

[Dr. MD MD]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDnI-BEC19g

[GravitySucks]

The problem with catastrophic plans is historically the deductibles were huge; in many cases $6K/yr and up. Imagine one has a catastrophic health event where they're unable to work--how then do they pay the heavy deductible?

Last time I checked, those were the typical deductibles with Obamacare, plus the inordinate cost of the insurance.

I don't have Obamacare so I can't speak about it. I have a health sharing network that costs $200 per month for their best plan.

The problems I have with single payer is that there will be massive upset to our economy. We would survive it but there would be some definite reshuffling required. Plus there is NOTHING that our federal government can do better or cheaper the open market.

[Dr. MD MD]

Last time I checked, those were the typical deductibles with Obamacare, plus the inordinate cost of the insurance.

I don't have Obamacare so I can't speak about it. I have a health sharing network that costs $200 per month for their best plan.

The problems I have with single payer is that there will be massive upset to our economy. We would survive it but there would be some definite reshuffling required. Plus there is NOTHING that our federal government can do better or cheaper the open market.

Quit banging your head against the wall! You're talking to a nurse from Toronto. 

[Kidnostad3]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpf6VHmsfOE&feature=em-lss


I tuned in and the first thing I see is a gang of tits playing with duct tape and fondling the flags.

I'm a citizen, I'm not curious, I'm simply paying attention--but now I'm at attention.

Jackstar!  Welcome back dude.  Say something obnoxious so we'll know it's really you.

[WildCard]

I agree. They should repeal the ACA like they voted to 6 times while Obama was president. Maybe come up with an option for catastrophic care for people without insurance.

That's a terrible idea. How "catastrophic" does it have to be? Do you have to actually have a heart-attack before you can get treated?

I don't want taxes or insurance to go up either. 
The taxes American's already pay, we should have the greatest infrastructure in the world.

I like Trump calling out big pharma. Hope he keeps beating that drum.

[Dr. MD MD]

That's a terrible idea. How "catastrophic" does it have to be? Do you have to actually have a heart-attack before you can get treated?

I don't want taxes or insurance to go up either. 
The taxes American's already pay, we should have the greatest infrastructure in the world.

I like Trump calling out big pharma. Hope he keeps beating that drum.

Why should anyone believe anything you say, ever?! You were against free speech a few posts ago. Do you even know from moment to moment what you really believe?! Acid can be fun but when you take it every day the circuitry tends to get a little singed.

[21st Century Man]

This complex quagmire over the ACA could result in big loses for the GOP in the next election cycle. The smart ones know this and are already threatening not to support the 'Ryancare' proposal. Despite having six years to come up with a viable alternative to Obamacare the GOP instead reveals their party dysfunction and division. Their constituents are watching.

http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/322792-analysis-6-10-million-could-lose-coverage-under-gop-plan

The S&P analysis does forecast that insurers could see their “profitability ... likely improve."

And that's the GOP goal.

It's basically Obamacare without the mandates. It is a bad plan and not what Republican constituents want. Republicans are digging their own grave if they pass this.

[pyewacket]

I think you need focus and specificity for that.

Is there a specific topic about President Donald Trump you would like to see discussed?

It is tough to say because he is not getting the courtesy of a 'honeymoon' like previous presidents had. He is trying to change things more quickly than others and should have expected the push back. For example- he should have prepared people better before he tried to implement that travel ban law. I was disappointed that he didn't. It seems like every EO, appointment, or policy proposal is being opposed and protested in the streets before we even get to see if it is a benefit to the country or not. The focus seems to be more on the opposition.

When Obama was working his "pen and his phone" you didn't see people rioting in the streets even though they were unhappy with him. In opposition to Trump- you see the leftists rioting, committing violence, starting fires, pepper spraying, spitting on, and beating people to the ground. 

It is rare, if ever, to see Republicans do this.

The behaviour of the left is like something out of Hollywood. It is over reactive and hurting our country. What is their ultimate goal? If they drive President Trump out will they do the same to Pence?

Just a few thoughts. I have more. 

[Dr. MD MD]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmLfCHF3skk

[SredniVashtar]

It is tough to say because he is not getting the courtesy of a 'honeymoon' like previous presidents had.

None of that is specific, it's just hand-waving.

The basic fact here is that your lot won and you haven't stopped moaning ever since. The Trump 'movement' such as it was, was defined by what it disliked, but had very little substance in terms of what it was for. That's why you are where you are. He's making it up as he goes along, as he's done from the beginning of his campaign. Your 'answer' revealed that you don't really have any ideas either, you're still focused on some illusory struggle that ended several months ago.

[mikuthing01]

Some liberal fucktard posted threats against Trump on twitter and got V& lulz



http://www.abc15.com/news/region-southeast-valley/chandler/secret-service-investigating-president-trump-threat-made-in-chandler

[The King of Kings]

None of that is specific, it's just hand-waving.

The basic fact here is that your lot won and you haven't stopped moaning ever since. The Trump 'movement' such as it was, was defined by what it disliked, but had very little substance in terms of what it was for. That's why you are where you are. He's making it up as he goes along, as he's done from the beginning of his campaign. Your 'answer' revealed that you don't really have any ideas either, you're still focused on some illusory struggle that ended several months ago.

I need some extra croutons for that meaningless word salad you just sperged out.

[SredniVashtar]

Plus there is NOTHING that our federal government can do better or cheaper the open market.

That's a religious belief rather than an intellectual position. The only way you can make that work is to wear moral blinkers so that you never see the people who lose out, or blame them for losing out because it was their fault all along.

[albrecht]

If its hand held, I think so yes. Has to be hands free. And calls made, made when vehicle stopped.

Does this apply to law enforcement officers and government officials? What about taxis, truckers, ambulances, firetrucks, etc? No CB or handheld devices and vehicles must be "off?" I notice the police here even use their specially mounted laptops at redlights and while driving. In addition operate radios, phones, etc while driving. Most of our cars and trucks now have build in bluetooth or WiFi where you can take calls over your speakers and speak into a microphone embedded in the car. (Answer by hitting button on steering wheel or by voice.) I'm sure you have that stuff. Is that legal or must the car be shut off to even use that system?

We passed a "no texting" law locally which I thought was stupid. As WhoozIt points out we already have laws on the books for distracted and impaired driving. Just enforce it for anything distracting (that is the police observe you swerving or post-accident it is discovered that you were texting, eating, drunk, or whatever.

[WildCard]

Why should anyone believe anything you say, ever?! You were against free speech a few posts ago. Do you even know from moment to moment what you really believe?! Acid can be fun but when you take it every day the circuitry tends to get a little singed.

I did change my mind once. Maybe I was wrong. Or maybe I was wrong for thinking I was wrong. So no, I can't keep up.

>acid
That's some dank sativa you're pickin up on. I haven't done acid in 20 years.

[Dr. MD MD]

That's a religious belief rather than an intellectual position. The only way you can make that work is to wear moral blinkers so that you never see the people who lose out, or blame them for losing out because it was their fault all along.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE5db52mC10

[Dr. MD MD]

I did change my mind once. Maybe I was wrong. Or maybe I was wrong for thinking I was wrong. So no, I can't keep up.

>acid
That's some dank sativa you're pickin up on. I haven't done acid in 20 years.

I dunno. You're pretty easily triggered for a hippie. 

[Kidnostad3]

Uni


Republicans say their plan could save costs by letting people choose insurance plans that are less comprehensive than those required under ObamaCare. But according to the analysis, on average, most insured under ObamaCare would see their prices rise under the GOP plan.

Wasn't this the crux of the reason the GOP gave for repealing the ACA in the first place? To lower premiums? WTF?

I think nothing should be done about Obama Care.  We should leave it just as it is and let it take its toll on those who think it's wonderful. Let the Democrats explain what they have wrought. Hell, I'm not a beneficiary of Obamacare why should I care.  I've got great insurance.  Fuck 'em.  Let them eat cake.

[albrecht]

It's basically Obamacare without the mandates. It is a bad plan and not what Republican constituents want. Republicans are digging their own grave if they pass this.

I would like to see some kind of universal payer system, coming in grants from the Federal taxes and also State taxes, that allows private hospitals/healthcare plans for those that want it. They would administered and tailored by the individual States. That way we can use the States are petri-dishes to see what type of system works most efficiently, delivers best care, etc.

Republicans should "sell" the ideas because taking healthcare off the back of businesses would save them a lot of money in HR costs, missed work, not having to compete for "insurance benefits" in the hiring market, shopping/negotiation coverage, etc. Especially those companies, usually in the high-tech sector, who self-insure a portion or companies have small number of employees and the Russian Roulette of cancer hits one of their employee's or kid. One kid who gets cancers is now costing $100+K to the plan. (Oddly in our "system" sometimes it is better not to have insurance than a mediocre plan if you get something like cancer.)

Each State could develop their system based on what the voters there want (California would likely want to cover children's sex changes, Texas probably not, California would like to cover nose jobs and facelifts but Idaho might not, controversial things like abortion etc also could be played with based on the voter's values.) Congress could stipulate some "minimum" coverage to get the tax-money (catastrophic, yearly check up, prenatal care, certain pre-existing conditions, etc.) Likewise States could come up with "incentives" for maintaining good health, getting prenatal care, stop smoking, tort reform, etc.

There could be some kind of "phasing in" to wind down certain business sectors that make money off the bloated, arcane system. There would be still plenty of business for insurance companies but maybe not so much for healthcare? Some of the big insurance agents, and re-insurance, companies in the world are in Europe and they have "socialist" or "mix" type of healthcare plans- and they are still in business.

[Lt.Uhura]

One yuuge problem with Trump's management style is he simply can't work in tandem with a group or committee. His cabinet is still full of holes, and he's said he intends to leave hundreds of administrative positions unfilled. His delusions of grandeur lead him to believe he can singehandly accomplish the work of hundreds. His EO on the travel ban being just one example. He hastily throws  something together without the advice and oversight of experts who might help alleviate the do-overs we're likely to see again and again. Ditto on the GOP health care debacle. As SV has pointed out, this is clearly make it up as you go governing.