Posted on 01/25/2007 8:38:25 AM PST by Sybeck1
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Every American should have health care coverage within six years, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama said Thursday as he set an ambitious goal soon after jumping into the 2008 presidential race. "The time has come for universal health care in America," Obama said at a conference of Families USA, a health care advocacy group.
"I am absolutely determined that by the end of the first term of the next president, we should have universal health care in this country," the Illinois senator said.
Obama was previewing what is shaping up to be a theme of the 2008 Democratic primary. One of his rivals, 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards, also said as he announced his candidacy last month that he will offer a proposal for universal health care.
Obama said while plans are offered in every campaign season with "much fanfare and promise," they collapse under the weight of Washington politics, leaving citizens to struggle with the skyrocketing costs.
He said it's wrong that 46 million in this country are uninsured when the country spends more than any one else on health care. He said Americans pay $15 billion in taxes to help care for the uninsured.
"We can't afford another disappointing charade in 2008, 2009 and Obama said. "It's not only tiresome, it's wrong."
Obama's call was an echo of a speech he made last April when he said Democrats "need to cling to the core values that make us Democrats, the belief in universal health care, the belief in universal education, and then we should be agnostic in terms of how to achieve those values."
His argument Thursday not only will be considered through the prism of the presidential campaign, but weighed against rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's ill-fated plan to overhaul the health care insurance system when she was first lady.
Another candidate, Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich, also backs universal health care.
The fact that these programs violate the Constitution became a non-issue many years ago. Even Republicans don't talk about it. What's wrong with the states deciding these options? My husband's grandparents came to America in the early 1900's because they saw opportunity, not handouts -- those were the days I guess.
Well, this ought to help him with the black vote.
Well I believe half of that 46 million shouldnt even be in our country, and, surprise surprise, half of that $15 shouldnt be used to cover them!
Solution: evict the 46 million illegals and all will be well.
just print more money. that's much easier than earning it!
Has Obama every heard the term Arkancide?
[WE can all go on welfare at the same time!
Is this a great country, or what?]
That is until all the rich million/billionairs are bilked out of their money to pay for the free coverage- when that happens, the dems will turn around and blame the next republican pres. for turning htis country into a thirdworld trailer park.
The following link does not relate to this thread http://sacredscoop.com
And I, HarmlessLovableFuzzball, call for Universal Auto Insurance.
By the end of the next president's first term, every American should have universal --tax payer supported -- auto insurance.
And Universal Health Care will cost the taxpayer how many more in billions?
only if he goes first
Then we should do it! No questions asked...let's hope it works like Canada's and Cuba's.
If this goes through, I'm cancelling my health insurance and getting the free stuff. I imagine everyone will do this, pumping health insurance rates through the stratosphere.
How about tort reform?
My vote is for Universal NFL Sunday Ticket. Everyone should be able to watch football at someone elses expense. That, or Universal Coffee. Starbucks/Peetes on demand.
Yeah, but it's a smart thing for him to do with primary voters. Only he'll do it in a way that will make him seem more reasonable and less bitchy than the Hildebeast, with her Secret Committees and star chambers.
This guy isn't dumb. Ignore the 19 point lead that Hilly has nationally in Time. It's completely meaningless NameRec.
Be Seeing You,
Chris
I'm afraid that those who are making all of these great give aways are not looking at the big picture. In less than 15 years: Medicare, Social Security, Cheap Prescription Drugs, and interest on the National Debt will eat up 90% of the current budget.
When these jokers throw in Universal Health Care, 20% reduction in auto emissions, job outsourcing, and Comprehensive Immigration (80M more latinos from S of the border), the game is over. We will not have an economy, just taxes and welfare for all. When 51% of the people are on the Government dole, they will vote themselves additional money everytime.
At the rate of current illegal immigration and reproduction, it will take about 3 election cycles for this to happen.
The NHS provides the majority of healthcare in England, from general practitioners to Accident and Emergency Departments, long-term healthcare and dentistry.
Socialized Medicine, providing Brits with quality dental care since 1942.
Ahhh, sweet irony.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.