Obama Takes on Glenn Beck and ‘tea party’ Critics Over Healthcare

Christian Science Monitor ^ | 9/12/09 | Brad Knickerbocker

[nickcarraway]

A new Treasury Department study reports that most Americans don't have health insurance at some point in a 10-year span.

The raging debate over healthcare continued Saturday with the two major political antagonists trumpeting their arguments for and against changes in policy that could impact every American.

That would be President Obama and — no, not Congressman Joe “You Lie!” Wilson — conservative broadcast dynamo Glenn Beck.

On his Saturday morning radio and YouTube broadcast, Obama spoke of “an anxiety that’s keeping more and more Americans awake at night.”

“Over the last twelve months, nearly six million more Americans lost their health coverage — that’s 17,000 men and women every single day. We’re not just talking about Americans in poverty, either — we’re talking about middle-class Americans. In other words, it can happen to anyone … I refuse to allow that future to happen. In the United States of America, no one should have to worry that they’ll go without health insurance — not for one year, not for one month, not for one day. And once I sign my health reform plan into law — they won’t.”

Then the President boarded Air Force One for a quick trip to Minneapolis for a rally on health insurance reform.

Meanwhile, back in Washington Beck was broadcasting live on the Fox News Channel as part of something he’s dubbed “The 9-12 Project.” The occasion was a “tea party” march and rally organized by “FreedomWorks” to protest the “irresponsible government takeover of our nation’s healthcare, devastating new energy taxes, and trillions of dollars in red ink.”

Some 450 tour buses were expected to bring protesters from around the country. FreedomWorks spokesman Adam Brandon predicted that

[Stegall Tx]

I read over on Hotair.com that 0bama isn't very good with math. I'll take that a step further and say that he doesn't understand numbers. We need to start a list:

Once it was 47 million uninsured. Wednesday it was 30 million.

Wednesday, it was 14,000 people per day losing their health insurance (c 5 million per year). Today, it's 15,000 (6 million per year).

I think he's just spouting numbers off the top of his head and nobody dares to call him on it.

[brianr10]

My dad was a union pipefitter. He never had insurance until he retired
in 1974. They had some hospitalizations in the 1950s and 60s, but were thrifty, and paid out of pocket. He is now 93, and thinks Medicare is a ripoff. He is unusually healthy, though.

[TNdandelion]

Hey Mr. President....everytime I quit a job and take a new one...I lose my healthcare. Of course...with your economy, keeping a job and finding a new one is a bit more challenging.

[TNdandelion]

The "kid" across the street will never learn this lesson. He's 23-24 and lives at home with mama. He's got a baby with some girl who wasn't good enough for him to marry and the kid is on medicare because his daddy can't afford to support him or provide healthcare.

Here's the kicker: He had his brand new, fully loaded, full size 4door Ford pick up truck...complete with "Playboy" mudflaps and rear window stickers repossessed a few months ago. He was paying $600/mo for that truck while mama was giving him a place to live and Uncle Sam via taxpayers were caring for his child.

How this guy gets laid so often is beyond my understanding.

[highlander_UW]

Actually, we owe thanks to ‘Rick Santelli’ over at CNBC for starting the Tea-Party business.

Strong point and one I hadn't forgotten.

[devane617]

Remember, when Rick stuck his neck out and almost got it chopped off. There was the rumor that CNBC even sent him for a couple weeks of sensitivity training...I suspect he made mucho enemies over at NBC with his comments.