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Obama to GOP on Health Care Repeal: 'Go for It'

2 years ago
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Men in the Oval Office have often used bravado to try to intimidate their adversaries. And some came to regret it. Former President George W. Bush has said he shouldn't have resorted to the swagger of lines like "Bring it on" in confronting America's enemies in the war on terror. And President Reagan was surely embarrassed by his joking, live-mic taunt of the Soviets: "The bombing begins in five minutes."

How President Obama's foray into tough talk will play out remains to be seen. But the president was clearly feeling his oats Thursday in Iowa City when he challenged Republicans who are already threatening to repeal the new health care law to "Go for it!"

But let's keep it in context. Naysaying Republicans on Capitol Hill have said that as soon as they gain enough muscle in Congress, they will repeal the health care reform law and replace it with their version of what needs to be done. Those are not easy tasks -- first, recapturing a majority this year in the House and Senate, and second, repealing the law of the land.

Here's what Obama said about it:

"This is the reform that some folks in Washington are still hollering about -- still shouting about. . . . Now that we passed it, they're promising to repeal it. They're actually going to run on a platform of repeal in November. You've been hearing that. And my attitude is: Go for it!

"If these congressmen in Washington want to come back here in Iowa and tell small business owners that they plan to take away their tax credits and essentially raise their taxes, be my guest."

He went on, but you get the idea. And voters can decide this fall how they feel about the new law and overheated rhetoric coming from either side. But a widely admired Republican president named Teddy Roosevelt had some advice for Americans more than 100 years ago. "Speak softly, but carry a big stick."

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infiniteintelect

I'm originally from Canada and I feel that this reform will benefit the Americans a great deal. I feel that insurance companies rob us of our hard earned money every day and are detrimental to us as citizens. People are wrong in saying that the reform will hurt the medical care system, everyone should have the opportunity to have quality health care, not just high or middle class. For young couples just trying to make ends meat and then having to pay close to 400 for health care (no including co-pays or deductibles) a mth is just wrong. There must be a solution. This is one baby step closer to finding it and if they try to fight the reform I look upon them with shame. The government makes the decisions but they also make enough money to provide to themselves and there family whatever the needs may be. It is not fair to the voters who are just trying to get by and having to pay an arm and a leg, whats the sense in living....if you drowning in debt trying to pay your medical expenses. I really like the system in Canada and everyone should have the equal opportunity to have the best care available.

September 23 2010 at 11:49 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Traci :)

so where exactly does everyone stand on OBAMA care? is it a war between republicans, and democrats. or, is it simply a repeal because of unfairness for all no matter what political party you are? please help me understand all this mess.

September 23 2010 at 11:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JonesEngineering

Insurance companies have already started raising prices. Right now they can limit pay outs on people who have high and long illnesses. Now they have no limits. They will have to cover everyone no matter the cost or severity of illness. People that cost a lot of money and so cost will rise. A fact of life. Nothing is free.

September 23 2010 at 11:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Isckra

Is admirably what they are trying to achieve regarding the "Health Care Reform". Here in Europe, we have a very standing Social Health System, and it works!! If the U.S.A. have a goverment and social services applying our laws, our sciences, our political systems, our languages, all our culture, is time to go for the same health care system that we have...because is good for everybody, it has worked here for some time now, and nobody complaints about it. At the same time, we ALSO HAVE THE OPTION to get a PRIVATE medical or health Care, this means that the OLD private medical insurance is not going to dissapear, giving the customers or american citizens more oprtions to CHOOSE from. I think that is the "american way" of developing FREE ENTERPRISES, free competition where their customers can choose if they prefer a public service rather than a private one. Everytime I go to the US, I feel free to select to send my mail within several options: US postal service (which I totatally like), Private couriers at higher rates but not a big difference from the public service, and "email", which -by the way- is eliminating some jobs like the people who prepare the envelopes, print the statements or even the postman. I totatlly go for this social medical reform, is time for America to evolve to new options as we do in some other democracies that are older and have had more experiences in history.

September 23 2010 at 9:01 AM Report abuse -2 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Isckra's comment
Traci :)

i heard that it is going to raise premiums,and double Medicare costs. and, the people who are not on any kind of insurance now,(because they cant afford it) will be put on this plan,(per-say)then they will have to pay for insurance. where are they gonna get the funds for it? and wouldn't they end up in a worse situation that they are already in. they would be owing money they don't have.then taxes will be raised, and the hard working barely making enough to support their own family people will be paying for that too. i see a mess coming on quickly.

September 23 2010 at 11:36 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply

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