Comments:U.S. Senate passes landmark health care reform bill

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"Both the Senate and House measures would require nearly all Americans to purchase some form of insurance, while lower-income Americans would receive help from federal government subsidies." Any idea what'll happen when I refuse to buy insurance? Why can't I waive my 'right' to health insurance? --67.174.131.145 (talk) 02:19, 25 December 2009 (UTC)

The way I understand it, the punishment for not buying insurance will be a fine that will be more than the amount insurance will cost. If you don't pay the fine, you get jail time. 206.74.5.136 (talk) 08:22, 25 December 2009 (UTC)

How do you feel about the bill's passage? Do you think it will be effective or fail?

I wish that we had a healthcare system like Canada and other countries that garantees healthcare to all its citizens, it is a public option, either you want it or you dont want it, just like the school lunch programme, you take it or you provide your own. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.109.87.237 (talk) 07:00, 25 December 2009 (UTC)

"I wish we had a healthcare system like Canada" LOL! 206.74.5.136 (talk) 08:22, 25 December 2009 (UTC)

Freedom

So much for freedom. Those ninety-nine Senators tell you that you *will* buy insurance - and if you don't, they'll have you fined, maybe even in the end jailed - through the police force and jail system which you also pay for. But you're free. Land of Freedom.

You're also a bit short on freedom if you took your own wealth, risked it, and went into business offering health insurance. It's not up to you who you make deals with, now. Ninety-nine guys have said that you will offer insurance to anyone, regardless of the risk to your own wealth that you've invested in this business (and all the jobs it's providing) or how much it their medical needs would cost you. Fines and ultimately jail if you don't. But you're free. Land of Freedom.

In fact what will happen when you force insurance like this is that the amount everyone pays will rise to the point that the insurance companies can avoid going bankrupt because of these extra costs. Insurance just got a whole bunch more expensive; for those who drink and smoke their health away, good times! those ninety-nine Senators have decided that you don't need any incentive or reason to cut back, because someone else is going to pay for your medical care. That someone else being everyone else, who are now paying higher insurance costs.

But you're free. Land of Freedom. You can vote, right? you're free to vote. I mean, you're free to vote, or not vote, but whether or not you do, those ninety-nine Senators are going to see that you pay taxes. You're free, to hand over what you earn.

Hang on, isn't that the definition of slavery?

Where's the option where I'm not forced against my will to hand over what I earn?

Why are the only choices the Senate offers me voting or not voting? where's my choice to say I'm not involved in this system at all? oh - I don't have that choice. Maybe I would if I didn't earn anything. I'm free. Free as long as freedom means voting or not voting.

Know what freedom is? freedom is where everything you do with someone else is voluntary - you both agree to it - and well-informed - you both know what you're doing. The only exception to this is if you act in self-defence.

Keep that in mind and look at this health care plan. Who's being forced to do stuff against their will? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.250.52.5 (talk) 23:37, 25 December 2009 (UTC)

As humorous as your post is, you do have a choice not to pay taxes. You can either simply not pay them and accept the jail time like a man (real men are not afraid to accept the consequences of their actions, if they feel those actions are just), or you can simply find a residence where there are no taxes. 206.74.5.136 (talk) 08:17, 26 December 2009 (UTC)

Freedom isn't free

Living in a world made of imperfect humans, means an imperfect world. I only worry about the things I can change. Like writing this comment, events where I can make a difference is my concern.

Is this coming health care a perfect system? No, for no man should be responsible for another's medical bills. Living in this land doesn't give you a free ticket to free care. Medical care isn't free, someone is paying for it. Does this mean I don't want to help out others in need? No, which is why I freely give of my resources in community service.

Is our current health care system perfect? No, for three reasons. We spend twice as much on medical care than other countries yet have a lower life expectancy. Medical debt is the number one cause of personal bankruptcy.

Our land is a land of freedom, as we are free to leave. Not everyone has that chance.

Questions I have about the current proposed changes to health care: -Will medical costs go up or down as a result? -Will medical quality improve or not? -Will senators and representatives subscribe to this plan?

There is a way to ensure that everyone who wants medical care, will have access to care they can afford. This way would also provide individual responsibility for one's own care. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Dylock (talk • contribs) 17:43, 27 December 2009 (UTC)

How do you feel about the bill's passage? Do you think it will be effective or fail?

I feel, as a Liberal Republican, that we should adopt a bill, similar to that of the Swedish System, or that of the Swiss System, both of which would appeal to both Republicans & Democrats. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 97.220.87.88 (talk) 21:32, 29 December 2009 (UTC)