Posted on 08/09/2003 6:55:09 AM PDT by Gothmog
PORTSMOUTH — Congressman and presidential hopeful Dick Gephardt was in town Friday discussing health care, the economy and education with local business leaders.
Gephardt, D-Mo., participated in a roundtable discussion at the Old Ferry Landing to promote his health insurance plan and discuss local concerns.
Gephardt’s health care plan proposal provides the best alternative because it covers everybody and reimburses 60 percent of the costs, Gephardt said.
"This is an urgent need," he said. "It is irrational for anyone in America in 2004 to not have health insurance."
Gephardt said his family was lucky to have insurance when his son was diagnosed with terminal cancer and it is incomprehensible what parents must go through who don’t have their children covered.
"I understand this," he said. "It’s in my heart."
Mary Lou McElwain, a nurse at a local physician’s office, pointed out the current inadequacy of the system. She said the system consists of underdeveloped plans that result in patients in her office reduced to tears because they cannot afford their medication.
"It’s a very, very unhealthy system," she said.
Gephardt said quality health insurance and the economy are connected because those with coverage can put their minds at ease and be more productive.
"The truth is the economy is not doing well," Gephardt said.
Blaming President George W. Bush for the economic misery, Gephardt said 83,000 jobs have been lost each month since Bush took over, making Bush’s "the worst record since Herbert Hoover."
As president, Gephardt would return to fiscal responsibility and get the economy straightened out, he said. He advocates reduced dependence on the Middle East for oil, accelerated funding in the highway and transportation trust fund and a reduction in the number of jobs moved to other countries as measures to create more jobs at home.
Holly Landgarten, owner of the Prelude store on Market Street, said in the past six months her sales were down for the first time in 18 years. The store is still busy, but her customers are frightened about spending money. There is a "fear factor" about not knowing what is coming, she said.
Jack Blalock, owner of Old Ferry Landing, asked Gephardt how the public can be convinced that the country is heading in the right direction.
"I did it," Gephardt said, citing Democratic efforts under Clinton to create a platform that led to a boost in the economy. It takes discipline, hard work and courage but a good economy can be created again, he said.
The current government is creating the negative perception — partly due to the large deficit — and discouraging people from taking risks. This attitude needs to change to straighten out the economy again, he said.
Gephardt said he and his wife Jane decided he would run for president again because Bush cannot be waved through to a second term.
"I’ve served with five presidents," Gephardt said. "He (Bush) is the worst - by far. I’m nostalgic for Ronald Reagan."
Asked by Newmarket Elementary School teacher Katie Wentworth what his stance is on education, especially No Child Left Behind, Gephardt said more attention needs to be paid to schools — including reducing class sizes.
"NCLB is a joke," he said. "It’s a phony gimmick."
Schools take on a more and more important role as an increased number of children spend less time with their parents, who are often single or part of a two-income household, Gephardt said.
The idea of No Child Left Behind is good, but the funding has not been secured, Gephardt said.
"'I did it,' Gephardt said, citing Democratic efforts under Clinton to create a platform that led to a boost in the economy. It takes discipline, hard work and courage but a good economy can be created again, he said."
Yeah, and Gore invented the internet.
They've never been able to come up with such a plan ... and I don't think they ever will. Just like, sadly, I don't think the free market situation that is the answer here will ever be tried.
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