Town Hall Part B Q&A
When the question and answer session came up, Debra Swindall was the first to approach the microphone. She prefaced her question by explaining that out of 47 million uninsured in this country, some could afford insurance, some are eligible under other plans, and some are illegal aliens. That only leaves about 11 million uninsured. Why spend $1 trillion dollars to insure 11 million people? Only a government mind would think that it is okay to spend a dollar to save a dime. She went on to say that Bishop said that the bill does not cover illegal aliens, but he did not say that illegal aliens come into this country and have large families, and their children are covered and emergency treatment is covered. Her final question was what had to be in the bill for him to vote “no”?
Bishop said that 47 million people, even if they can afford the insurance, are uninsured. When they get treatment they either have to pay on the spot or they do not pay at all. When they show up you and I and everyone that has health insurance will pay for them. Unless the people that can afford insurance are required to insure themselves, all of us will have to pay for their care.
The Congressman is saying that everyone will be forced to have insurance whether they want it or not. The nanny state will be there to make sure that all of our needs are met. Another thing that bothers me is that the 47 million uninsured are getting medical care. They either work to pay off their debts or we pay it through higher costs when we visit the doctor. It is similar to paying higher costs for goods at a store when shoplifting occurs. Well, if we are all subsidizing the healthcare costs for those that cannot pay now, there doesn’t seem to be a problem at all. The only difference is that the government will be involved in leveling the playing field.
The next question came from a gentleman from Lee County. He basically wanted to know if Congressman Bishop would abandon his healthcare plan for the one currently being proposed. To that, Bishop replied, “Absolutely yes.” He then went on to say that the federal health insurance package is basically the same as this insurance exchange that is being proposed. The crowd let off sighs and the man from Lee County said that he did not believe it. Bishop told him that he did not have to believe it. He went on to say that there will be three types of plans in the health exchange. The basic plan, the enhanced plan, and the premium plan. The basic plan has the lowest premium. The federal insurance plan has the same three options, basic, enhanced, and premium. Bishop said that he belongs to the basic plan. He contributes a portion and his employer contributes a portion. It is the same concept. Congressman Bishop, the same concept does not equal the same plan. I think that the man from Lee County wanted to know if you would leave Blue Cross for the public option plan, not if Blue Cross offered three levels of participation.
The next man wanted to know if healthcare reform would pass at all if it didn’t pass this year and also what the cost would be if nothing was done. Bishop told him that if we fail to do something to stop the spiraling cost of insurance premiums for the delivery of health services we will not be able to sustain ourselves or compete in the global market place. We pay twice as much for healthcare than other industrialized countries in the world. Congressman Bishop, we pay more because our health services are the best in the world. Our citizens make more money than any other industrialized nation in the world too. America is the innovator for new pharmaceuticals and procedures. Because we can afford to pay more, that technology is here. Perhaps we no longer want to be the world’s leader in medicine. Bishop went on to say that people without insurance may have to wait for a year or so to get coverage before they can be treated. To that I have to say that people in countries with government run healthcare often have to wait a year or two to be treated also.
A retired RN from Leesburg asked the next question. She prefaced the question by saying that Congress shall not abridge the freedom of speech and insisted that comments were just as important as the questions. She didn’t want to be limited to a question only. She stated that healthcare is not a right and that 70-80% of all illnesses are preventable. She said that we need to take responsibilities for ourselves. Bishop interrupted her to respond to her comment. He said, “You are carrying the Constitution with you. I hope you read it in its entirety because somewhere in there it says something about the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, and I don’t know too many people that can have life without good healthcare.” She replied that there are 300,000 people getting killed going in the hospital so she wasn’t so sure that healthcare always helps people to get well. To that Bishop replied, “I guess you are speaking as a healthcare professional.” The lady did not get to ask her question before Congressman Bishop told her that her time had expired. I find it interesting that our Congressman actually believes that the right to life means that all Americans deserve healthcare. I suppose that they all deserve to have a nice car and home too. I wonder which of our founders intended that? Edmund Burke perhaps?
The next question came from a physician and attorney from Albany. She said that she has not heard a lot from the medical profession in the debate. She works at Calhoun Memorial Hospital, a 20 bed hospital. They are a critical access hospital. They bridge the gap between Phoebe Putney and Calhoun County. They were told that 14,000 critical access hospitals such as hers would be closed if the healthcare reform bill passes. Her hospital is on the list. They provide fine long term and emergency care. As an emergency care provider, people will die if these hospitals are closed. The next part of her question was about the physicians. By the AMA’s numbers, 250,000 physicians will seek early retirement. Bishop says that he cannot imagine her facility closing. He says that they want to expand access not restrict it. In regards to her question about the lack of doctors, he said that the bill gives incentives to primary care physicians like loan repayment and scholarships. She said that the bill will take away what she can offer her patients and thus takes away her incentive to practice.
A teacher from Albany asked the next question. She let Bishop know that she favors the healthcare plan. She said that a big portion of her check every month goes to pay for her insurance. She wanted to know if the government plan will help pay for some of the co-pays for doctor visits and medicines that are prescribed. Bishop said that it will help out. When the bill goes into effect, she will have no co-pay when she goes in for preventative care and prescriptions will be covered under the various plans.
After many more questions, a spiritual message was delivered by Congressman Sanford Bishop. I was not in the room when this happened, but I heard that it was good. Debra Swindall stood up to ask why God was allowed there, but had been taken out of schools. She was escorted out by police.
There was some concern that the guests would be screened to allow supporters of the plan in before any of the others. That was not the case. I did see two individuals holding the fliers from Organize For America. They were outside though visibly showing their support for the plan. The town hall meeting was a great way to let people vent, but it accomplished little more than that. The Congressman never expressed any troubles that he has found with the bill. This was merely an attempt to sell us on the plan. Few minds were changed tonight, and that includes Bishop’s.
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August 21st, 2009 at 7:30 am
I have copies of most of the questions and answers on my blog for anyone to listen to as well as the latter portion of his opening statement. If you are interested you can go here to listen to them: http://freethecitizens.com/2009/08/20/congressman-bishops-health-care-town-hall/
August 21st, 2009 at 8:12 am
I am the women that was escorted out by a very nice and very large Albany policeman. This is what happened.
A preacher gave a 5 minute sermon (no question was ever asked) on our moral obligation to provide healthcare to everyone. Some people got on their feet, hands in the air saying hallelujah, thank you Jesus, etc….. you get the picture.
After the preacher sat down and before the next person in line could ask a question, Bishop started preaching to the crowd. He was quoting scripture and actually gave a better sermon than the preacher. Again, some people jumped to their feet, hands in the air saying halleluiah, etc…. I thought I was at a revival.
When everything kind of settled down, I stood up ( I was sitting in an isle seat) and said loud enough for all in the auditorium to hear……
“It’s very convenient for you to bring God into this conversation, when we can’t even bring God into our public schools.”
Next thing I know a very large Albany policeman tapped me on the shoulder and said “Ma’am, you’ll have to leave.” I smiled and said, “Well, all righty then.” and he escorted me out of the building.
August 21st, 2009 at 8:33 am
Debra,
Thanks for the first hand account. I had to leave early because of our book club meeting–not because I was escorted out.
August 21st, 2009 at 8:50 am
While I’m not a fan of school prayer specifically (I’m a proponent of a “moment of silence” to allow students to worship as they see fit), I appluad your comments. It’s convenient for many politicians to be Christian when it can serve their purposes.
What that paster may have missed is that charity is optional. Requiring us to provide it for others isn’t charity, but theft.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:14 am
Not only does Congressman Bishop not know who the founding fathers were, apparently he hasn’t read the Constitution in while. No where in the Constitution does it say that people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That was written by Thomas Jefferson (who actually was a founding father) in the Declaration of Independence, which has as much legal authority as the back of a cereal box.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:55 am
John,
I wondered who would catch that. My son had to memorize the Declaration for 5th grade. There is a cute song that can be purchased on the Internet if you know anybody that does not know the words to the document.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:55 am
Debra…I’m stunned by your account. Someone must have directed this officer to take you out and I would think that Bishop’s office was invovled in setting the guidelines or directing the specifc action. Otherwise I would hope he would condemn this action.
Your account does not suggest any disruptive conduct … talk about censorship!!! You’re telling it like it was, right???
When is your 15 minute trial before a secret tribunal?
August 21st, 2009 at 10:05 am
I suspect instructions were given to officers prior to the event. What they were, who knows. Honestly, the most likely cause would be “speaking out of turn”, but it could also be successfully argued that those “Amen” responses were “speaking out of turn” as well.
John: Unfortunately, a lot of people quote the “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” as if he did have some legal authority. Of course, you would think a member of Congress would know the difference.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:42 am
Tom…if Debra had spoken out of turn, but said how great the plan was and how happy she was with Mr. Bishop, none of us would think she would have been shown the door. Content, not the formality….
August 21st, 2009 at 10:52 am
Debra’s account is SCARY and it pisses me off! Yes, the “amen”s and “hallelujah”s were just as much out of turn! Debra, other than tapping you on your shoulder, did the officer touch you? Did he say anything at all as you were being escorted out? How can this be happening? This place is feeling more and more like China every day. SOMETHING has to be done.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:54 am
Also, not that it really matters…. but just to satisfy my curiosity, what was the racial makeup of the officers?
August 21st, 2009 at 11:01 am
Robin,
Check your email
August 21st, 2009 at 11:02 am
Robin,
I didn’t count them on my hands, but there was a mix of officers at the event. Both white and black.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:11 am
Peter: I’m not arguing that. In fact, I honestly think that the “spontaneous” calls of “Amen” and other responses to a sermon were as disruptive, if not more so, but they were OK since they were supportive.
What I was saying was that “speaking out of turn” is about the only legitimate thing I can think of, but it doesn’t hold water with the other goings on.
Robin: We are doing all we can, and I know you are too…by fighting every single thing this administration attempts to push through this kind of crap. We’ll have to keep doing it and fight in each election until this stuff is turned around. That’ll take a while though, but it is the good fight.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:36 am
Do you believe the Constitution is the rule of law? Do you believe in the original intent of our founding fathers? Do you want to reform Congress? If your answer is yes, we have to work together to make this happen.
http://animal-farm.us/change/constitution-project-575
August 21st, 2009 at 11:44 am
I was escorted out for speaking out of turn. The officer was very nice. He did not manhandle me or try to me intimidate me.
I did speak out of turn one time before being asked to leave. A school teacher asked if the healthcare reform would pay for her son’s healthcare after he graduated from college, but wasn’t working. Bishop answered blah blah blah…….. Yes, it would cover him. I spoke out of turn and said “Don’t worry the tax payers will pay for it.”
The officer told me then that he would escort me out if I spoke out again. Well I did and I was escorted out.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:50 am
Bishop was not interested in feedback or suggestions for two reasons.
First, his mind is already made up. It’s obvious he will blindly follow the will of Obama & Pelosi, regardless of the feelings of his constituency. He proved that on the Cap & Trade bill.
Secondly, despite being a Congressman for approx. 16 years and despite the fact that his party is in control, he doesn’t have the leadership ability or clout to provide input into shaping the bill. He has no respect in Congress because he hasn’t accomplished anything. Ask yourselves: What legislation has he authored during his 16 years? He is one of the most ineffective members of Congress.
The Town Halls are nothing but sales jobs and damage control.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Cartman,
It blows my mind how people think that he is unbeatable. This was the first time that I actually got to hear him talk. We should petition that he gets kicked out of the Blue Dog Coalition if he votes for this fiscally irresponsible piece of legislation.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Cartman, first of all, I agree. Bishop’s mind was made up before the town hall meetings. They are just for show. You bring up a very good point…one that I have pondered as well. How many members of Congress with that much tenure is as impotent as Bishop?
August 21st, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Debra…thanks for explaining objectively in more detail. I’m not sure my speculation is any different, but at least you were given a warning first and the officer was “nice.”
August 21st, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I agree Bill. Bishop is vulnerable and he is justifiably worried, but just don’t underestimate the task. What astounds me are the number of people who are clueless. I have more respect for those on the opposite side of an issue than for those in political comatose.
I have previously said, “Self-interest and apathy are formidable foes.”
August 21st, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Bishops’s ineffectiveness is actually embarrassing Moe. Because, what does it say collectively about us?
August 21st, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Cartman,
What does it say about us is exactly right! It is easy to point the blame for the direction of this country, but we have nobody but ourselves…the people that keep sending these clowns to Washington…to blame. I’ve heard twice this week that we need term limits. While that is a great idea, a Constitutional Convention can be avoided if WE just do OUR job!
August 21st, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I agree Bill, WE are the term limits! WE have neglected our duty, quietly taking care of our daily lives for the past 20 years and now we are dealing with the results.
WE can change the course we are on IF we are willing to be an active participant in the process. This means a lot less time at home, more time networking and educating our citizens. Do you want change enough to sacrifice your personal time?
August 21st, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Very telling first-hand account of Obama’s Montana town hall:
http://earthhopenetwork.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=3097
August 21st, 2009 at 7:02 pm
First of all, Debra, you are my new hero! My wife and I attended the Ft. Valley dog and pony show.My first impression was identical to Bill Wallers. I told my wife that for someone who hasnt decided yet on which way he leans he sure did put forth a grade A sells pitch for it. Billy Mays would sure be proud! Gang,ya’ll saw him. You heard him. Just another useful idiot in the agenda to destroy Americas industry, its competiveness and the great enduring spirit of her people. You see what the game plan is, house passes a version with the public option, senate passes without it. In committee they will put it all back together again and it will be the law of the land, while they grin at us on tv and tell us how the 2 party system has worked again. The fight hasnt even begun yet gang. This is going to happen, its going to be up to US to stop this mess…Together as one voice.And I completely agree with cartman, Bishop is scared.Keep it up!
December 28th, 2009 at 5:57 am
[...] Party In Plains, GA 3. Why Protest Reform That Would Benefit Us: A Letter to Congressman Bishop 2. Town Hall Part B Q & A 1. Protesting Health Care Reform Tags: 2009 Year In Review, Bill Waller December 28, 2009 – [...]