QUESTIONS ASKED AT RECESS RALLY TO REPRESENTATIVES

1. Elected representatives have their own special health care plan. If this health care plan is made into law, will you support a law requiring all elected representatives to live with and under the same restrictions and rules as the rest of the people in the U.S. If not, why would you even consider the plan for the rest of us?

2. Would our representatives be wiling to fill out a checklist of things that they support and don’t support [with regard to health care reform]? For example: will you support tort reform, will you support trans national insurance, will you support an amendment to not finance abortion with tax money, will you support the deal without the public option, will you support less government in our lives?

3. Why is the insurance industry in the health care industry at all?

4. I hear our president talking about his health care plan. Which plan is it? Is it HR 3200 or is it one of the Senate bills?

5. I worked with Tricare when we were first standing it up in the 1990s. My question is going to be about access. We’re getting ready to flood the market with people who are wanting standard health care. We’re not producing any new doctors. The doctors I know are working 12-14 hours a day already. Now because of that–I’ve just had surgery on both hands and an elbow–[LOST, video failed to capture remainder of this question]

6. Every American company has a right to make profit. We are a capitalist society. What gives YOU the constitutional right to pick one company over another to be winners or losers. We can fix health care without creating another government entity, we can pass laws that address tort reform, pre-existing conditions and high premiums. We do not need a government option to compete with other companies; they’re already competing. Would you vote for a bill that has a government option?

7. [After citing references on Page 501, 504 and 522 of HR 3200, the woman asked about "death panels" that could deny cancer treatments to a 70-year-old because protocols say it isn't "cost effective"]

8. Why can’t the American people be covered under your insurance plan, or why can’t you join the common American and be with us on Social Security and Medicare? Also, when Senator Johnson was ill, how much did he have to pay for his deductible?

9. You’re going to take a system that already has waiting lines, you’re going to bring new members, 45 million more people into it, and you’re not going to have longer waiting lines and you’re not going to have to ration care? How do you convince halfway-intelligent people that you can do that when you can’t run Medicare, you can’t run Social Security, everything’s going broke. How are we to believe that the people that we elect to represent us even hear anything the people are saying?

10. What about the punishments in this bill? Where will we find why and how much, and will our representatives read this bill and know it from cover to cover before they sign it like the stimulus bill was signed?

11. My question deals with the handling of the ones they say they will take care of when every day as long as I’ve been living I have seen military men return from battle tore up, broke up, their lives destroyed, and only the barest of minimum care given to them. And it still continues to this day.

12. A lot of us see what’s going on in Washington and we feel that–we don’t all have the same name for what’s going on but we all agree that it’s un-American. We love our freedom, and when we see bills like HR 3200, we wonder, if this passes, will there be any aspects of our life that the government does not have a say about, and won’t this be great for the market–I mean, the black market?

13. I myself am a lupus patient and have been denied coverage. If I had kidney involvement or something I would be left to die, so believe me socialized medicine looks pretty good. I have students every year in the exact same situation, can’t get any health coverage, so there is a sense of urgency. My question is that if this bill doesn’t pass, how long are we going to drag it out? So that students of mine are dying and people aren’t getting treatments and I don’t think unless you’ve not been without insurance, you don’t know just how terrifying that is.

14. Since both our senators and representative did not show up in person, that they’re larger than life. Do you think that they are concerned in any way about the upcoming elections?

15. I’ve been a recipient of both military and VA care, and I am alive because of it today and I appreciate it. My question is, what are the long term and short term economic effects of both implementing this program and more importantly, not implementing this program?

QUESTIONS LEFT AT CITIZENS FOR LIBERTY TENT, NOT ASKED AT RALLY

1–Is this bill (HR 3200) constitutional?

2–My health is my business, not the government’s, so why is this bill stepping all over my right to privacy?

3–How does interstate commerce give you the right to get involved in my health care when I don’t cross state lines to see my doctor?

4–Why should we keep you in office when you don’t know how to listen to the people of South Dakota (if you did you would be here at the rally)?

5–Representative Herseth-Sandlin, as a Blue Dog Democrat, why did you cast your first vote of the session for Nancy Pelosi rather than John Boehner?

6–Why does the government continue to spend money we don’t have?

7–How many federal employees are covered by this wonderful health care plan that you have?

8–If the federal insurance program is so wonderful and based on a group of private insurance companies, why would you not just extend that program to the public, as we did elect you to take care of our best interests and if it’s good enough for Congress and federal employees, why something different for the rest of us?

9–Given that we, the United States, have an approximate population of 330 million; it has been agreed bipartisanly that we have limited medical resources; and finally, that we have a carrying capacity for our way of life of about 550 million, how do you propose preventing a Huxley “Brave New World” scenario?

10–Further, with a 13.7+ trillion dollar deficit on the Bretton-Woods system, who decides who is cost-effective to save or not in dealing with terminal, limited medical resource type conditions?

11 –“Reconciliation” is only supposed to be used for budget issues, but the Democrats are threatening to use this on the health care legislation. What happened to a legitimate 2-party system and the ability to filibuster? Polls show the majority of people do not want the government to run our health care, so why are Democrats so intent on forcing it on us whether we like it or not?

12–Have you—not your representatives—read HR 3200 in its entirety? If not, why, when this is such a critical issue and affects 1/6th our economy?

13–Then Senator Obama in 2007, speaking to his union friends, stated that he wanted to eliminate employer-funded health care and go to a single-payer system. He stated that it may take 10-15 years and first they needed to take back the White House and Senate but they’d get there eventually. Why should we believe any him or any other Democrats today when they say this health care bill is not a “Trojan horse” to get single-payer health care? Please confirm to me that you have watched this YouTube video before trying to deny this…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-bY92mcOdk&feature=player_embedded (copy and paste the link)

14–No government entitlement program has ever cost LESS than estimated—it’s always been more. The CBO projects a cost of $1 trillion over the first decade for the Democrats’ health care plan, although because you start collecting taxes before the program actually starts you are claiming a deficit of only $239 billion over the first decade. Are all Democrats insane to believe we can afford more and more deficits?

15–Obama claims if we like what we have for insurance we can keep it; however, a study by the Lewin Group estimates more than 88 million Americans would lose their employer-based health care as those employers decide to drop that coverage based on incentives for them to do so in this bill. Isn’t Obama simply using his rhetorical skill to sell us a stinking fish?

16–The Democrats in charge in Congress have already racked up a budget deficit of 1.6 trillion for 2009, which is almost 4 times the deficit under Bush in 2008 of 459 billion. Americans currently work on average from Jan 1 to August 12 just to pay for the government we already have. 61% of our national income currently goes to pay for the government. What makes you think we can afford the government running our health care as well? Is your goal to eventually just have Americans work exclusively, year-round, to pay for what the government deems necessary?

17–Congress has “requested” financial records from 52 health insurers—demanding to know who made more than $1 million and also information on food, lodging, trips, entertainment, etc., between 2003 and 2008. What country do we live in? If Congress suspects them of operating illegally then have the IRS audit them, but these are private businesses and what business is it of the government as to who gets paid what? Are we now the United Socialist States of America and do you support this abuse of power?

18–Until recently in Britain, under their National Health Service, a person with macular degeneration had to go completely blind in one eye before they could receive an expensive drug to stop the process. Breast cancer patients had to take their providers to court before they could get the drug Herceptin. Cancer patients that used their own money to pay for treatments not covered by the NHS then found themselves unable to get ANY treatment from the NHS. This is rationing and this is what government involvement, via the Health Benefits Advisory Committee, would bring to Americans. Why should we want to trade the best health care system in the world (which is why people from all over the world come HERE for treatment) for this garbage?

19–Obama has stated when speaking before a Planned Parenthood group that “reproductive care is essential care. It is basic care, and so it is at the center and at the heart of the plan I propose.” He went on to say, “What we’re doing is to say that we’re gonna set up a public plan that all persons and women can access if they don’t have health insurance. It’ll be a plan that will provide all essential services, including reproductive services.” He further stated that people could choose to keep their own private plans but “insurers are going to have to abide by the same rules in terms of providing comprehensive care, including reproductive care…that’s going to be absolutely vital.” The Obama campaign confirmed for the Chicago Tribune on July 18, 2007 that “reproductive health services” included abortions. With that said, what are you going to do to prevent abortions being covered as an “essential service” under my private insurance plan?

20–I am opposed to any and all public options, including any co-ops or exchanges, but I do believe there are some things that could be reformed to make our health care system even better—such as tort reform so trial lawyers quit driving up the cost of provider’s insurance, also, portability of insurance, competition among insurance companies across state lines, and the increased use of Health Savings Accounts. These are common sense solutions that are NOT covered in HR 3200—why not?

21–According to previous administrative and legal interpretations of federal law, abortions are treated as an “essential service” (see Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Michigan v. Engler, 1996), so unless a specific exclusion of abortion is written into the bill, our tax dollars will go to fund more abortions than they already are. Are you working to put such an exclusion into the bill, why or why not? And why is Obama trying to deceive the American people regarding this?

22–In reference to page 50, section 152, why should I pay so illegal immigrants can have health insurance?

23–What in the world is section 164, the “reinsurance program for retirees”? Who are these “eligible employment-based plans”?

24–Just days ago we became aware of billions (10 billion I believe) of dollars that were given to Brazil for oil exploration. Why should we American taxpayers have to foot the bill for another country when we are drowning in debt and are not allowed to drill for our own resources to become energy independent of enemies we now buy oil from?

25–How come Obama says he’s going to do away with specialist doctors, and many doctors say they will quit practice?

26–I am self-employed and self-insured. HR 3200 will penalize me for NOT having insurance. This is unconstitutional. Can we get a pledge from you that you will vote “NO” if any bill contains an unconstitutional provision?

27–Having lived with Type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes, for 47 years, will Obama Care and Secretary Sebelius take my life-sustaining insulin pump away from me because they decide it’s too expensive, at Medicare age, to make it financially worthwhile for the government? This question refers to Subtitle D, Section 1162, pages 336 (lines 8-20) and 341 (lines 3-9) of HR 3200.

28–When the income tax was enacted it was thought that the highest rate would be 10%. When Social Security was enacted it was to last only about 30 years. What is to keep the government from letting a public option take over the health care system? And what is to keep the decision of end-of-life counseling from becoming a binding decision on my health care choices?

29–Do we need to use our tax dollars to kill our unborn children?

30–I take care of myself and I always have. I have always taken care of my medical bills. What gives you the right to force me to take insurance?

31–On July 30, 2009, the House Energy and Commerce Committee attached an amendment by California Representative Lois Capps to HR 3200 which would do the following:

1) provide immediate federal funding of elective abortion coverage through the public plan

2) permit taxpayer subsidies of private plans that cover elective abortion; and

3) mandate that all areas of the country contain one private plan that covers abortion

With these documented facts in mind, unlike the other democrats, Planned Parenthood, and NARAL, who say funding abortion is a myth, will you publicly admit that abortion WILL BE funded under Obamacare and will you vote against it?

32–The current shortfall with the health care system is gamesmanship between insurance companies and providers. I received point of service that cost $100. I also submitted via my insurance to levy against my deductible. The provider responded that my insurance would not cover the bill and I would be responsible for the charge, which had mushroomed to $145. I see gamesmanship to extract maximum monetary benefit vice focusing on health care. Why are we not addressing this savings of at least 30-40%?

33–How can anyone with a conscience vote to terminate millions of citizens who made the USA what it is today by eliminating Medicare and Medicaid?

34–HR 3200 says the government will have full access to my bank account. Why is that? If it does pass I will no longer have a bank account and I also will not pay for illegals.

35–Right now as we are speaking, the government: had a “snitch” website, wants to take control of the airwaves, has taken over private industry and banking, wants to take over our private health care, and is demonizing its citizens. Historically these actions have led to totalitarianism. What are you, as my elected representatives, going to do to stop this trend?

36– Will you vote for ANY government-controlled health care bill even if the majority of the people of South Dakota (the people who elected you) are against it?

37–I am a former Marine with a tour in South East Asia, 23 years in law enforcement, with the last eight years serving on a counter-terrorism team, serving two years in Iraq, plus time in Saudi, Indonesia, and Asia. What gives anyone the right to tell me I owe more? I believe I have given enough.

38–Section 1233(a)(1)(B)5B “The level of treatment indicated under subparagraph (A)(ii) may range from an indication for full treatment…” sounds like rationing to me. How can you say it is not? This sounds like the Nazi “Useless Mouths” policy.

39–I am on Medicare. Prior to being on Medicare I paid about $400/month, now since I’m on Medicare I pay $400 to Medicare and $300 extra to bring my coverage back to my prior level of coverage. $700 vs $400 since I continue to work. Will this bill disadvantage the people who work?

40–Medicare is a miserable model. The first year in effect, Medicare cost 7 times the projected cost. If this health care has a similar cost overrun we will be looking at close to 1 trillion per year. Where will that come from?

41–Why do Obama and the health care socialists continue to argue that “prevention” will save money? Studies have shown that it adds costs because prevention measures apply to the entire population, not just some individuals (when treating diseases, etc.).

42–Why hasn’t ACORN, who undoubtedly campaigned for Obama, been investigated after reliable accounts have been disclosed of fraud and illegal voting practices? Instead, government funding allocations continue to support them as proposed in HR 3200, Section 164, which subsidizes benefits to community organizations including ACORN, and Section 205, page 95, lines 8-18, pertaining to government services sought for their use. Section 1302, page 468, lines 16-21 also endorses community-based organizations.

43–Why were members of the Black Panthers, also favoring Obama, excused from charges of forcefully intimidating voters?

44–Why are tax-paying American citizens threatened with cost-saving cuts, while illegals are promised health care and government benefits without any costs (see Section 152, pages 50-51)? Are they also given voting privileges? According to Section 59B, page 170, health care will be provided to all non-US citizens and they are exempt from any taxes. I support and urge you to support secured borders and government benefits and needed jobs to be available only to American citizens.

45–Considering our unprecedented and great debts and proposed additional costs now for health care, why has at least 32 czars been employed and what is the payroll costs for them totaled? What qualified them to administer so much power? Why isn’t Congress willing to make cuts? What would be saved if our Congress enrolled in the national Social Security plan and this new health care plan as recommended to us? We are all presented with a moral consideration as Obama expressed such obligation and if we all sacrificed equally perhaps then health care could be free to all. Now we should also consider the proposed additional costs of Cap and Trade which equals an energy tax! Where are efforts to reduce our deficits? America will be destroyed!

46–Will health care employees be unionized? Section 312, page 145, lines 15-17 states employees must enroll in the public option plan. Government is favoring Big Labor being in control. Health care costs would certainly skyrocket with big union payrolls and it would further empower the unions as well. Card check would guarantee lucrative union benefits but would certainly lessen provided health care. Employees who reject the plan will be taxed with an 8% penalty as stated in Section 313, page 149, lines 16-23. I consider this health care bill was written allowing loopholes and confusion. When I consider our Constitution—simply written and honored for over 200 years—I would challenge Congress to write well and address single issues.

47–Will doctors flee from their professions? Section 1121, page 241, lines 6-8, states doctors will all be paid the same regardless of their specialties. Section 1121, page 239, lines 14-24 states the government will limit and reduce services to doctors for Medicaid. Seniors and low income people will be most affected. Section 1156, page 317, lines 13-20 states the government will mandate how hospitals can expand and how many beds they are allowed. Section 1503 states the government will regulate hospitals in every aspect including teaching hospitals. Section 2212, pages 875-891 indicates the government will take over the education of medical students and doctors through education and loans.

48–For those who have health insurance, let them keep it with no government involvement…then there is plenty of money for those people who need it—people who have diabetes or heart problems. Help those people get affordable health care. You should keep the Constitution the way it is and get off our backs for the rest of it. Quit bailing out big companies and let them go bankrupt—my dad went down two times and still made it great. Keep God in the Pledge of Allegiance and quit socializing our economy before we go to communism. Will you please listen to all the people for once?