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GOP 'Senate Doctors' to Cover Health Care Debate
Beginning Thursday, the U.S. Senate's only two doctors, John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), will be launching their "Senate Doctors" live, online show. According to Barrasso's Web site:
According to Coburn's Web site, the senator "specializes in family medicine, obstetrics and the treatment of allergies. Dr. Coburn has personally delivered more than 4,000 babies."During 24 years as an orthopedic surgeon in Casper, Barrasso served as president of the Wyoming Medical Society and was named Wyoming Physician of the Year. He also served as medical director of the Wyoming Health Fairs, bringing low-cost health screening exams to people all around the Cowboy State.
Barrasso is known throughout Wyoming for his health messages. His public service announcements have been on TV, radio and in numerous newspapers for more than 20 years. Barrasso has also hosted Wyoming's efforts on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon.
With health care reform expected to be a hot topic during these next two weeks, Republicans are seeking to capitalize on the expertise of the two doctors. Barrasso and Coburn will host "Senate Doctors" every Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. EST "to inform you about the latest news on the health care debate and answer your questions."
A Web site has been launched where folks can watch the videos, and bloggers are also being encouraged to embed the show on their blogs.
Those interested in the health care debate are asked to submit questions via e-mail (doctors@src.senate.gov), on the Republican Senators Twitter feed (hashtag: #srhc), on the Senate Republicans Facebook Page, and on YouTube.
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Matt Lewis
Matt Lewis is a writer and commentator based in Alexandria, VA ... moreRelated Articles
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Comments (35)
spacificgrove
11:59PM Jul 8th 2009
LOL!!!! Matt Lewis, did anyone even bother to read your post?
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(-2)
(-2) 
pcny1953
6:01AM Jul 9th 2009
You did, moron. President Stick-It-To-Ya thinks that spending $$ will cure what's wrong. Is that the change you voted for?
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(2)
(2) cjjanis
7:42AM Jul 9th 2009
Why yes!!!!! Yep spend more US cash on the USA!!!! Bushy boy and his horde spend billions on Iraq and other wasteful endeavors. Why not spend some on US and at the same time cure a big problem that will allow business to grow!
RATE THIS COMMENT: (1)
(1) cjjanis
7:38AM Jul 9th 2009
And both those doctors enjoy government provided health care.......
The same as the elderly and the vets...........
The same plan we should all have but republicans and some Dem's are blocking..............
The same as the elderly and the vets...........
The same plan we should all have but republicans and some Dem's are blocking..............
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(0)
(0) kathy
2:35AM Jul 15th 2009
cijanis, there are times you make very intelligent posts. except this time. Fair is fair, what is it going to hurt for you to at least see what these two doctors have to say about this bill? Always remember there are good Democrats and there are good Republicans. Let us try to be fair and just see what they have to offer, what their thoughts are. If some Democrats who happened to be Doctors had something to say about this and gave a forum on this I would like to hear it.
your friend,
kathy
your friend,
kathy
RATE THIS COMMENT: (1)
(1) bmerboy98
11:16AM Jul 9th 2009
FYI I called my senators office and asked if they planned on dropping their present health care and opting for the new government run one..the answer..no We are exempt from participation by government mandate..interesting,, they can stick us, the people who pay thier salries with a crappy health care system . while they have private plans for themselves
If you want to call me a racist, go ahead, but I cant sit here, and I wont sit here and be silenced or itimidated by anyones perception that im a racist. As an American citizen, I have a right to voice my opinion and I will not watch the destruction of our country anymore. I suggest that if you have been silent because of this, that you also get involved by letting your feelings be known. Call your senators and tell them you dont want a 30 % increase in your utilites and to stop the Cap and trade bill. When the health care is up for a vote call them again and tell them your dont want to wait in line to see a doctor or wait 4 months for an operation. THis is where we are headed. Just look at other countries who have this. Oh and heres something even worse, Theres an end of life provision in the healthcare bill . What does that mean? It means that some government official can determine when its no longwer cost effective for the government to keep you alive. Look it up if you dont belive me. Should you be scared? YOU BET. If you sit here and do nothing, you'll have no one to blame but yourself. SO WAKE UP and dont be intimidated. I challenge anyone to show me how this administration has done one good thing for this country. Please take the time to let your voice be heard. It could be a matter of life or death.
If you want to call me a racist, go ahead, but I cant sit here, and I wont sit here and be silenced or itimidated by anyones perception that im a racist. As an American citizen, I have a right to voice my opinion and I will not watch the destruction of our country anymore. I suggest that if you have been silent because of this, that you also get involved by letting your feelings be known. Call your senators and tell them you dont want a 30 % increase in your utilites and to stop the Cap and trade bill. When the health care is up for a vote call them again and tell them your dont want to wait in line to see a doctor or wait 4 months for an operation. THis is where we are headed. Just look at other countries who have this. Oh and heres something even worse, Theres an end of life provision in the healthcare bill . What does that mean? It means that some government official can determine when its no longwer cost effective for the government to keep you alive. Look it up if you dont belive me. Should you be scared? YOU BET. If you sit here and do nothing, you'll have no one to blame but yourself. SO WAKE UP and dont be intimidated. I challenge anyone to show me how this administration has done one good thing for this country. Please take the time to let your voice be heard. It could be a matter of life or death.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (1)
(1) de
12:22PM Jul 9th 2009
I am totally on board with you. We have also emailed our congressmen.
We are in serious danger with this administration. It is time to take a stand and Yell from the highest roof tops, "GIVE ME LIBERTY or GIVE ME DEATH." Wake up AMERICA!!!!! This nation is on the verge of death! It is time to put our patriot colors on and declare war on Capitol hill. Who will go fight the giants with us?
We are in serious danger with this administration. It is time to take a stand and Yell from the highest roof tops, "GIVE ME LIBERTY or GIVE ME DEATH." Wake up AMERICA!!!!! This nation is on the verge of death! It is time to put our patriot colors on and declare war on Capitol hill. Who will go fight the giants with us?
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(2) Somber
12:33PM Jul 9th 2009
Funny how often that's been said.
Here's the thing. America is a pheonix. It falters. It fails. It is then reborn more vibrant than before. The America you're mourning passed away November 2008. Sorry you didn't realize. The America you live in today is different from every America that has come before. I doubt that we're going to have state secession any time soon. I likewise doubt that the national guard is going to shoot students on university campuses or that we're going to fight another massive ground war in europe and the pacific. The Americas that are to come will be different from the Americas we live in today. America isn't going to just die and then that's it. It changes, as its citizen change. It rises and falls in dynamic new ways. It makes mistakes. It fixes those mistakes. It makes new mistakes. The existance of America is a study of flux and it always manages to surprise us.
So thank you for your due warnings about how America is 'dying'. I can confidently assure you that America will be here long after you declare it 'dead'.
Here's the thing. America is a pheonix. It falters. It fails. It is then reborn more vibrant than before. The America you're mourning passed away November 2008. Sorry you didn't realize. The America you live in today is different from every America that has come before. I doubt that we're going to have state secession any time soon. I likewise doubt that the national guard is going to shoot students on university campuses or that we're going to fight another massive ground war in europe and the pacific. The Americas that are to come will be different from the Americas we live in today. America isn't going to just die and then that's it. It changes, as its citizen change. It rises and falls in dynamic new ways. It makes mistakes. It fixes those mistakes. It makes new mistakes. The existance of America is a study of flux and it always manages to surprise us.
So thank you for your due warnings about how America is 'dying'. I can confidently assure you that America will be here long after you declare it 'dead'.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-2)
(-2) Professional Woman
4:53PM Jul 9th 2009
Tell your story to the people that can't afford health care and don't have it with their job. They aren't going to the Doctor at all because they can't afford it! Tell that to the young people who can only find part time jobs with no health benefits, because employers are allowed to hire a bunch of people to keep the hours down so they don't have to pay for health benefits.
What happens when they get sick and need help? You pay for them anyway when they absolutely have to go, so why not just avoid it and help up front. No no - that is not the republican way - you have to help yourself and forget about the indigent. This is not reality. It is much more complicated than the simple statements made here.
What happens when they get sick and need help? You pay for them anyway when they absolutely have to go, so why not just avoid it and help up front. No no - that is not the republican way - you have to help yourself and forget about the indigent. This is not reality. It is much more complicated than the simple statements made here.
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(-4) Somber
12:36PM Jul 9th 2009
Now, as to Mr. Lewis. I would be much more interested in these 'senate doctors' if there were a few more of them and if their political points of view weren't so aligned. Perhaps invite one Howard Dean to contribute his points of view. If not, open it up to congressmen and women with medical degrees. Believe it or not, I do want to see input from medical professionals about what it will take to make this healthcare plan work. I just don't want it to sound like a constant soundbyte off FOX news.
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(0) kathy
3:12PM Jul 13th 2009
Somber, you are absolutely right on.
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(2) bmerboy98
12:56PM Jul 9th 2009
The word change is another word I'm totally sick of hearing. ARENT YOU? Yes America is always changing, and most of the time it has changed for the better. Now, as each day passes. it seems that the only change we are getting is change for the worse. Its just another propaganda word..CHange..Change ..Change..Im still waiting to hear of one good thing this administratiion has done. What change have you experienced that has changed your lifestyle? Are you better off now that all this change has taken place? PLEASE.. if your going to use cheesy phrases like change, back it up with what has actually changed. Unfortunately the only change we have is increased taxes , record deficet, record unemployment, banks failing, Gm and Chrysler bankrupt, government seizure and firing of company executives, cap and trade bill that increases your utility bill by 30 per cent or more while Al gore makes millions from the fact that he's heavily invested in "green technology" ( wow WHAT A SHOCK!!)and a health care bill that other countries wish they didnt have. Sounds like we are really headed in the right direction here.
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(2) sitokhan1
3:11PM Jul 9th 2009
You can use all the rhetorical flourish and inane factoids you want, the cold hard fact is if an average income family had a member who had to wage the kind of cancer fight that Farrah Fawcett or Patrick Swayze did, that family would be reduced to food stamps. The system is SICK! We need Single Payer NOW!
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(0) David S.
4:23PM Jul 9th 2009
So I am supposed to believe two wealthy doctors who are now conservative Senators, who enjoy a health care plan supplied by taxpayers? I am not knocking either gentleman's medical credentials, but you automatically lose some credibility when you become a partisan member of congress.
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(-2) kathy
3:10PM Jul 13th 2009
question: what if they had been Democrats? How would you feel about it then?
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(3)
(3) CanDoc
4:24PM Jul 9th 2009
America has 'Medico-Legal Diseasecare' and meaningful reform also requires significant legal liability reform , and the President should have also visited the ABA across town in Chicago , on the same day he went to address the AMA , WHERE HE WAS BOOED WHEN he said that is is 'against CAPS'
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(2) bmerboy98
5:15PM Jul 9th 2009
Anyone who agrees with the health care plan..dont listen to me..Do some research for yourself. Look at other countries that have it..it doesnt work. Simple as that. people have to wait for minth to see a doctor, get operations etc. The mortality rate is higher in every country for every disease. People in canada come here becuase they would/ could be dead before they get to see a doctor or have the nesesary care. Its easy to say this or that, but the facts are the facts and here are a few. 96 % of Americans have health insurance, of the 4 % that dont, 1 % of them have elected not to have insurance. The other 3 % are either illegal alieans or not citizens of the country. do some research. I did. by the way do you know how all this health care is going to be paid for?
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(4)
(4) slfstx
3:01PM Jul 13th 2009
We are 37th in the world in terms of health care outcomes, YOU THE CONSUMER PAY FOR 37th PLACE. All countries in the top ten have a government plan of some sort.
A public option benefits you the consumer, your health care outcome, and doesn't make obscene profits for insurance companies.
I want someone to explain to me how government health insurance interferes with patient care. Private insurance will still be available. It is available in all countries that have a government program. Care is not rationed...it is available 24/7 just like it is here. It is cheaper and it covers more than we get here.
We have many more medical horror stories here but for some reason we are ignoring them, not talking about them, acting like our system is "perfect" to focus on another countries horror stories, WHICH WE ALL HAVE. Who exactly does this fear mongering benefit? Definitely not you the consumer...but it does benefit insurance companies who don't want their profits messed with.
THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT FREE MARKET HEALTH CARE BENEFITS THE PATIENT
In countries that have a government option no one goes uninsured.
In countries that have a government option no one files for bankruptcy because of medical expenses.
In countries that have a government option the wait times for elective surgeries are 4 weeks and under.
In countries that have a government option the wait times for imaging are 3 weeks and under.
In poll after poll Americans want a public option...who is fighting against it? Answer.....Insurance companies and their lobbyists.
Wendell Potter, former Head of Corporate Communications at CIGNA (which provides health insurance to nearly 70 percent of the Fortune 100 companies) admits that, in fact, "Sicko" "hit the nail on the head" and told the real truth about how much better people in other countries have it when it comes to their health care. Why do you think they trashed Sicko....answer.... because it scared the pants off them.
A public option benefits you the consumer, your health care outcome, and doesn't make obscene profits for insurance companies.
I want someone to explain to me how government health insurance interferes with patient care. Private insurance will still be available. It is available in all countries that have a government program. Care is not rationed...it is available 24/7 just like it is here. It is cheaper and it covers more than we get here.
We have many more medical horror stories here but for some reason we are ignoring them, not talking about them, acting like our system is "perfect" to focus on another countries horror stories, WHICH WE ALL HAVE. Who exactly does this fear mongering benefit? Definitely not you the consumer...but it does benefit insurance companies who don't want their profits messed with.
THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT FREE MARKET HEALTH CARE BENEFITS THE PATIENT
In countries that have a government option no one goes uninsured.
In countries that have a government option no one files for bankruptcy because of medical expenses.
In countries that have a government option the wait times for elective surgeries are 4 weeks and under.
In countries that have a government option the wait times for imaging are 3 weeks and under.
In poll after poll Americans want a public option...who is fighting against it? Answer.....Insurance companies and their lobbyists.
Wendell Potter, former Head of Corporate Communications at CIGNA (which provides health insurance to nearly 70 percent of the Fortune 100 companies) admits that, in fact, "Sicko" "hit the nail on the head" and told the real truth about how much better people in other countries have it when it comes to their health care. Why do you think they trashed Sicko....answer.... because it scared the pants off them.
RATE THIS COMMENT: (-4)
(-4) roberts
5:22PM Jul 9th 2009
The goverment realy needs to get this right with a good plan not just something thrown together like all the other waistefull bills they have put out this year.
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(3) giles chauvin
8:15PM Jul 9th 2009
louisiana has had socialized medicine for decades (centuries if you count how it evolved into the present state run system.)
it works just fine; your wait in emergency is no longer than any private hospital; you get your service and then you leave.
I have neoclown friends who rail against socialized medicine a la FOX, even on the day after they've had their surgery at the state run charity hospital.
and that's why neoclowns are stupid.
it works just fine; your wait in emergency is no longer than any private hospital; you get your service and then you leave.
I have neoclown friends who rail against socialized medicine a la FOX, even on the day after they've had their surgery at the state run charity hospital.
and that's why neoclowns are stupid.
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(0) 
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