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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009

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Racist Image of Michelle Obama Taken Down

Blog site removes it, not Google, then issues apology

Nov 25, 09 2:07 PM CST
NEXT STOP, REALITY TV (MAYBE)

Va. Socialites Crashed
Obama's State Dinner

And, yes, Tareq and Michaele Salahi want reality-TV turn

Nov 25, 09 9:29 PM CST
Google Issues Disclaimer
Over Racist Michelle Image

But company won't
pull doctored photo

Nov 24, 09 12:28 PM CST
Blair Knew Iraq Had No WMD
10 Days Before War Began

Intelligence ignored, British panel told

Nov 25, 09 8:16 PM CST
Bachmann, Palin
to Address
Tea Party
Convention

Nashville to host ultra-conservative gathering February

Nov 25, 09 4:34 PM CST
MALKIN GETS FESTIVE

This Year's Top Liberal Turkeys

Stimulus, President O-bow-ma get top billing

Nov 25, 09 8:01 PM CST
REBRANDING DEPT.

Dobbs to Latino Voters:
Let's Be Amigos!

Once rabidly anti-illegal anchor now warms to 'amnesty'

Nov 25, 09 12:13 PM CST
Michelle wore...

The Skinny on the State Dinner

Michelle Obama wore Naeem Khan, and other tidbits

Nov 25, 09 7:49 AM CST
analysis

Kid Lit Goes Political

Children's books get hyper-partisan

8 hours, 58 minutes ago
Vicki Kennedy Rules Out Politics, Recalls Ted's Battle

He trained every day to have strength to attend Obama's inauguration

Nov 25, 09 3:02 PM CST
Oprah to Interview Obamas
for Christmas Show

Primetime program will air next month on ABC

Nov 25, 09 4:00 PM CST
White House Backs Senate On 'Cadillac' Health Tax

Advisers outline cost control measures for health plan

4 hours, 43 minutes ago
WHITE HOUSE STATE DINNER

India, DC,
Hollywood Mix
at Obama Shindig

GOP, Dems rub elbows with movie stars, media types

Nov 24, 09 9:18 AM CST

|NEXT STORY »

Health Reform's Enemy No. 1? Seniors

By Kevin Spak| Posted Aug 12, 09 9:12 AM CDT|

(Newser) – Scan the ranks of health care reform malcontents at your local town hall, and you’ll notice a lot of older faces. With Democrats aiming their sales pitch mostly at middle-class Americans and the uninsured, seniors have come to fear that Medicare, their own beloved government-run health care, will face unpleasant cuts, Politico reports. Just 20% believe reform will improve their situation—which could spell a big problem for the 2010 elections, since seniors vote more than any other demographic.

Barack Obama tried to reassure seniors yesterday, saying “We are not talking about cutting Medicare benefits,” and adding, “We have the AARP onboard because they know this is a good deal for our seniors.” But an AARP spokesman said the insinuation that the group supported any of the bills was “inaccurate,” even though AARP officials have appeared at White House health care events and held a tele-town hall for Obama.

President Barack Obama participates in an AARP tele-town hall on health care, Tuesday, July 28, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

A woman, who opposes health care reform, points to her wrist watch while listening to panelists during a health care town hall meeting in Alhambra, Calif, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Danielle Harvey , far left, and Melissa Harvey, right, both of Lititz, Pa., hold signs outside of a town hall meeting held by Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., in Lebanon, Pa. (AP Photo/The Patriot-News, Christine Baker)

Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., watches as a participant attending a town hall meeting in Lebanon, Pa. is restrained by another participant on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/The Patriot-News, Christine Baker)

An unidentified man shouts at Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., during a Town Hall meeting Tuesday , Aug. 11, 2009 in Lebanon, Pa. (AP Photo/Bradley C Bower)

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56 comments

VIEWING:

ruserious
Aug 12, 09 9:18 AM CDT

You know, I kind of don't give a shit what someone with assured health insurance has to say about others getting health insurance. Once they are sure that their benefits don't go away, then shut up and leave. I'm sorry, I know I'll offend someone with this, but health insurance is damned expensive and it's hard to get as a student and I'm sick and tired of hearing people who have insurance try and keep it out of the hands of healthy people that can't afford it (and probably wouldn't even need it except for an emergency). Damn, the audacity of the privileged (and by privileged I mean old in this case). Reply

+19

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Aug 12, 09 10:15 AM CDT

@djm what fact shows that the majority of the people in the country want this type of health care reform? please point me in the right direction and I will read them. I am in the process of reading what apparently is the only version of the house bill available and there is some stuff in there that is troubling. Have you read any of the proposed bill at all?

IN RESPONSE:

doingtherightthing
Aug 12, 09 11:17 AM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment.

-12

IN RESPONSE:

Bambi
Aug 12, 09 11:25 AM CDT

Hey Rightthing, It looks like your concerned not with the general good, but for your own good. That's one philosophy of political thought that's been much too prevalent. The crudeness of your language matches your depth of your insight.

+10

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 12, 09 11:40 AM CDT

Don't mind him Bambi, he rode the short bus to school.

IN RESPONSE:

northeast
Aug 12, 09 1:01 PM CDT

He's morally wrong....for not wanting to die penniless?

IN RESPONSE:

kokuaguy
Aug 12, 09 4:12 PM CDT

It makes absolutlely no sense that this foul mouthed hater "thing" gets away with attacking ruserious in this way and doesn't get flagged, while earlier Citrixguy was flagged for saying nothing more than "Salon is the mouthpiece for BHO's White House." Newser's policy for banning and flagging makes absolutely no sense and is applied in a totally arbitrary manner. Don't tell me that I'm the only one flagging this as "abusive?"

| 0 minutes ago

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 12, 09 9:19 AM CDT

Remember, when you have no ideas and your corporate masters are getting nervous about having their cash cow killed for the sake of humanity you can always fall back on frightening the old people. Reply

+22

IN RESPONSE:

Reader65069154
Aug 12, 09 9:49 AM CDT

I trust the "corporate masters" more than the government. Looks like I'm in the majority.

-21

IN RESPONSE:

Reader64481089
Aug 12, 09 9:53 AM CDT

Doctor, once the Seniors are past the fear tactics used by the Right and confronted with fact then perhaps there may yet be a true open and honest debate of the issues and not the corporate b/s being spread by the likes of Pallin and other liars from the right

IN RESPONSE:

UrUndertaker
Aug 12, 09 9:54 AM CDT

@ Reader65069154, you keep being the corporate masters lap dog and no, you are in the minority and that is a cold simple fact.

+12

IN RESPONSE:

Reader65069154
Aug 12, 09 10:02 AM CDT

@UrUndertaker: read the facts. Latest poll: only 42% of Americans support this plan. Basic math tells me that puts me in the majority. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/august_2009/support_for_congressional_health_care_reform_falls_to_new_low

-1

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 12, 09 10:10 AM CDT

no, it puts you into the ignorant and uninformed category...get off the FOX NOOSE nipple and get educated to FACTS not POLLS... laughable...

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Aug 12, 09 10:13 AM CDT

@urundertaker latest Rasmussen poll 42% for President Obama Plan, 53% against President Obama plan. looks like he is is in the majority. Also another poll about single payer as well where the numbers are worse 32% for 57% against. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/august_2009/32_favor_single_payer_health_care_57_oppose

-2

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 12, 09 10:15 AM CDT

more 'polls' ... LOL

-2

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Aug 12, 09 10:18 AM CDT

@djm where do you get your facts from? I am reading the version of the house bill that is available online. Have you read any of the proposed bill? I wold like to know the source of your facts. thank you.

IN RESPONSE:

Reader65069154
Aug 12, 09 10:33 AM CDT

@djm Isn't it a bugger when the facts and truth get in the way of your agenda?

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Aug 12, 09 11:13 AM CDT

I wonder what's actually being asked in the polls. The Rasmussen article doesn't state the actual poll question. Whereas Gallup expresses it's about the "handling" of reform and not about legislation. "Americans disapprove (49%) than approve (43%) of Barack Obama’s handling of healthcare policy".

IN RESPONSE:

doingtherightthing
Aug 12, 09 11:22 AM CDT

monkeyboy you still living at home....ape talk from someone who doesn't work......health insurance is optional at corporations dickhead! These are retiree's they work for no one. They've paid into the system you haven't.......

-3

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Aug 12, 09 11:26 AM CDT

@fondue good point, becasue they way questions are asked can mess up the numbers, and get certain results. I wonder if there is a way to get the poll questions and the areas that they called?

IN RESPONSE:

Reader65069154
Aug 12, 09 11:34 AM CDT

@fondue You have a valid point. The wording of a poll question can cause changes to the statistical output. That said, rasmussen seems to be politically neutral and reasonably well respected, as far as I can tell.

IN RESPONSE:

Doctor_Zaius
Aug 12, 09 7:20 PM CDT

Reader 65 "I trust the "corporate masters" more than the government. Looks like I'm in the majority. " Which is why as of this post my comment is +21 and yours is -19?

| 0 minutes ago

divetrader
Aug 12, 09 9:21 AM CDT

Ruserious...I agree with you. Once they are assured they won't lose their coverage, they will disappear. They don't care about anyone but themselves. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

DJM420
Aug 12, 09 10:14 AM CDT

yeah, not to mention how ironic it is that the bulk of the people complaining about 'socialized' medicine are receiving a form of 'socialized health care' (that ALL taxpayers pay for)...and they are more than likely getting (get ready) 'SOCIAL' security... selfish bastards

IN RESPONSE:

BlueAyez
Aug 12, 09 11:34 AM CDT

This is a divide and conquer attitude.

| 0 minutes ago

Fondue
Aug 12, 09 9:25 AM CDT

As for AARP, they are not supporting specific bills, but they do support "health care reform" in general, James Dau of AARP just this morning. Reply

+10

IN RESPONSE:

Reader65069154
Aug 12, 09 11:36 AM CDT

Tom Nelson, AARP's chief operating officer, said, "Indications that we have endorsed any of the major health care reform bills currently under consideration in Congress are inaccurate."

-1

| 0 minutes ago

Cat-Lover
Aug 12, 09 9:28 AM CDT

Let's not forget that the "old" are generally conservative (never wanting change) and voted heavily for McCain and Palin. Of course they wouldn't support this. They've got it good with Medicare and don't want anyone else to get on board. No matter what happens, they're still going to vote their conservative values until their in the grave. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

BlueAyez
Aug 12, 09 11:31 AM CDT

I don't know how you can say we "heavily voted" for McCain and Palin. You need to remember that the over 50 generation is the largest one. Without our support Obama would not be in the White House.

| 0 minutes ago

DanB
Aug 12, 09 10:09 AM CDT

The people on Medicare need to shut up and smile. The old guy in the last two pictures was on MSNBC this AM and couldn't complete a sentence. I've been on Medicare for ten years. My Supplemental coverage is killing me. My premiums have doubled in 10 years. I'm praying Obama can get us some relief. I pray single payer gets passed. Reply

+11

IN RESPONSE:

Caps
Aug 12, 09 1:02 PM CDT

Dan B The supplement coverage to medicare is out of sight. Why the old folks, not me, can't see this.

| 0 minutes ago

Thinker
Aug 12, 09 10:21 AM CDT

These screaming Seniors are nothing more than mindless puppets for the GOP and insurance companies. Dumb as rocks, all they care about is their socialized health care ... screw the rest of us, right? Reply

IN RESPONSE:

godawgs
Aug 12, 09 10:29 AM CDT

wow you managed to insult an entire age group, across all gender and racial lines in one sentence, I am impressed. I am sure your grandma would be proud.

IN RESPONSE:

Timinator2K
Aug 12, 09 10:31 AM CDT

Speaking of mindless puppets, how's that Bait and Switch...err...Hope and Change! workin' for ya?

-6

| 0 minutes ago

Timinator2K
Aug 12, 09 10:29 AM CDT

The Seniors KNOW they've been lied to ENORMOUSLY already, they're NOT going to change their minds by sweeter, more-assuring lies. Sorry...not. Reply

-3

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Aug 12, 09 11:16 AM CDT

What were Seniors enormously lied to about?

| 0 minutes ago

Yourself
Aug 12, 09 10:41 AM CDT

they have medicare, quit bitching. lol i'm kidding, i know it's not that simple.. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

BlueAyez
Aug 12, 09 11:27 AM CDT

I'm not quite to that level yet, but I'm probably older than most here. I've been a supporter of Insurance Reform and Universal Health car ever since I learned about it in high school. The scare tactics aren't working on all of us. Some of us gray headed people voted for Obama and actually back his plans to transform the US into a 21st century nation. I wanted a better future for my kids not devotion to greed and hate. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

ruserious
Aug 12, 09 12:01 PM CDT

Rock on BlueAyez!

IN RESPONSE:

Reader65069154
Aug 12, 09 12:18 PM CDT

Is adding 1 trillion dollars to the national debt a better future for your kids?

-3

IN RESPONSE:

lasty58
Aug 12, 09 1:29 PM CDT

Reader, you should try not to let your sides lies contradict each other. I don't understand how the right can say that the government is going to rob them through taxation with this plan AND that the national debt is going to nearly double. When you try to play both sides of the coin the rational population is going to call bullshit.

| 0 minutes ago

Mad
Aug 12, 09 11:29 AM CDT

Part of the problem is that republicans are use to their leaders flat out lying to their face, so when Obama says he's not touching Medicare, republicans don't believe it Reply

| 0 minutes ago

doingtherightthing
Aug 12, 09 11:49 AM CDT

the Obamacare bill has made it very clear this is a attack on seniors. This bill was written to attack anyone the government deemed as non-productive. The sick and poor have exclusions as well. No second opinion nor can they afford to continue to give servce........ If your productive and a worker for Obama the bill works (you think). The bill will be a death sentence as perscribed by Obama in a June discussion paraphasing; at some point all your going to get is more pain pills until the end of life from the Obamacare bill page 425........ This is healthcontrol not healthcare Obama is a Lair and the seniors have caught onto his act..........the polls reflect more than just seniors they also reflect those who have insurance already and they don't like Obamacare........The smart people know this president is a liar......the trolls hang in there and remain stupid as usual thinking Obama is looking out for them..... Reply

-6

IN RESPONSE:

BlueAyez
Aug 12, 09 11:53 AM CDT

If you would stop being hysterical long enough to read the facts you would know you aren't losing a thing. It's big insurance that will lose big. Nothing pisses them off more than to have to cut back on their 1,000% profit margin.

IN RESPONSE:

Rocket448
Aug 12, 09 12:50 PM CDT

@rightthing: shame on you for perpetuating these false ideas and for assuming the smart people know Mr. Obama is a liar. All we're getting out of you is heat, no light.

| 0 minutes ago

Spudsy
Aug 12, 09 12:23 PM CDT

CNN just had footage of an Iowa right winger saying that the Constitution doesn't say health care is a right. Christian hypocrisy on display. Jesus healed the sick free of charge. Can we tax the churches now please? They are just GOP mouthpieces and tax free social clubs. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Rocket448
Aug 12, 09 12:59 PM CDT

Spudsy: I didn't see that, but assuming your version is factual then say: was the Iowa man a Christian? But you're right, Jesus not only healed the sick free of charge, he enjoined us all to "love your neighbor as yourself." And don't forget this all-time home run: "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least among you, you did not do for me.' Perhaps taxing the churches is a good idea, I don't know. I DO know that putting Christian principals into action IS a good idea, and doesn't require the doer to be a Christian, either.

IN RESPONSE:

wwwonderer
Aug 12, 09 2:33 PM CDT

Spuds, rocket, this is the hypocrisy of the Christian movement to me. Let's talk about being loving, kind and compassionate, UNLESS the people receiving compassion are 'ethinc', gay or otherwise interrupt my money flow. In the model of the modern 'Christian', Jesus would have opened a winery -with a vast ocean of WATER to convert into WINE, and no growing/cultivating time/work needed for grapes- while putting other wineries out of business. If he were truly a 'fundamental Christian', he would also claim Jesus-brand wine can give YOU TOO the power to walk on water. 'Allow me to demonstrate..."

| 0 minutes ago

TerrifiedCitizen
Aug 12, 09 2:45 PM CDT

"AARP is onboard" Is someone speaking with a forked tongue? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

kokuaguy
Aug 12, 09 4:03 PM CDT

AARP wants comprehensive healthcare reform. They are forced to refrain from endorsing any particular bill at this point. When the House and Senate have passed their respective bills and they are in the final conference committee process where the defferences between the two are being ironed out, AARP will be there to express their views and will be listened to no doubt. Being on the left and a supporter of "Medicare for All / Single-Payer" I'm starting to hope that the wingnuts bring the whole thing down in flames so we can start from scratch and educate the public about the evils of haviing the insurance companies involved. Canada has got it right and it's not socialized medicine. Also, all the stories about waiting lists and rationing in Canada are scare tactics. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Rocket448
Aug 12, 09 6:27 PM CDT

@Kokuaguy: its true -- AARP is onboard with HEALTHCARE REFORM. period. full stop. Why Mr. Obama didn't try to fix the problems with Medicare and then open Medicare to everyone, I'll never know. Seems like a winner to me. Our older citizens would be correct in fearing reform IF it meant changing their entitlements. Since health care reform isn't threatening their entitlements, what are they steamed about?

| 0 minutes ago

jamerican
Aug 12, 09 5:49 PM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment. Reply

-4

IN RESPONSE:

kokuaguy
Aug 13, 09 12:57 AM CDT

Racist hater. I'm reorting you for abuse / hate speech.

| 0 minutes ago

rocketrocketusa
Aug 12, 09 6:40 PM CDT

No offense to those reading who are of senior age, and I know every generation says this, but this country, and by proxy, the world, will be a much better place once all the boomers die. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

zentenai
Aug 12, 09 11:22 PM CDT

This whole debate is so convoluted with partisan lies that it's impossible to move forward. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

radnip
Sep 30, 09 4:42 AM CDT

Yep, noticed this 1st thing: that the so-called protesters looked like Medicare recipients. Oh well, maybe they're senile. But I'm not listening to anyone on Medicare or a government program who says they don't want a single payer system or a public option. When they drop their socialized medicine and pay for their medical care with private insurance, then I'll listen. Otherwise, I want what they have: government healthcare! I'm also not listening to anyone who claims to hate government but takes the government's dime and uses all the government services, including roads, communications, internet, and regulation services. Please show you're not beholden to the hated government by taking a below-minimum-wage job and using lead paint! Oh and of course, protest Medicare and Social Security. Thanks! Reply

| 0 minutes ago

View all 56 comments »

health care costs • health insurance • Medicare • AARP • health care reform • senior citizens • deathers

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Health Reform's Enemy No. 1? Seniors

White House Backs Senate On 'Cadillac' Health Tax

Advisers outline cost control measures for health plan

MORE ABOUT:
health care costs • Senate Democrats • Medicare • health care reform • Obama administration • Peter Orszag • Nancy-Anne DeParle

We Must
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Public option weaker than House's, abortion restriction less severe

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We Must Reduce Health Care Costs*

*But please don't touch mine, no matter how wasteful

MORE ABOUT: health care • health care costs • breast cancer • prostate cancer • rationing • mammogram • health care reform • U.S. Preventive Services Task Force • Eugene Robinson

Reid Rolls Out Senate Health Bill for Sat. Showdown

Public option weaker than House's, abortion restriction less severe

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We Must
Reduce Health Care Costs*

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touch mine, no
matter how wasteful

MORE ABOUT:
health care • health care costs • breast cancer • prostate cancer • rationing • mammogram • health care reform • U.S. Preventive Services Task Force • Eugene Robinson

Reid Rolls Out
Senate Health
Bill for Sat.
Showdown

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abortion • health insurance • Senate • Harry Reid • health care reform • public option • health insurance exchange • health care abortion