What kind of bureaucrat would declare his love for Britain's stingy, depressing, complicated, cold and arbitrary National Health Service by describing it as "generous, hopeful, confident, joyous and just"?

That would be Harvard-based pediatrician Donald Berwick, who recently received a recess appointment as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by the bureaucrat who describes his pessimistic and stale vision for America as "hope and change."

Recess appointments are an executive procedure used, for better or for worse, when the Senate gives a presidential appointee a difficult time during confirmation hearings-for example, when they filibuster a nominee. Obama's appointment of Berwick bears the distinction of having been given without a confirmation hearing having even been scheduled.

It's as though Obama decided that the very requirement that his nominee appear before a Democratic-controlled Senate constituted an unreasonably difficult hurdle. This isn't a recess appointment - it's a vacation to Bermuda appointment.

As the Wall Street Journal noted, "Circumventing Senate confirmation to appoint the new Medicare chief is part of the same political willfulness that inflicted ObamaCare on the country despite the objections of most voters." CBS News observed, "The debate over Berwick's recess appointment makes clear what the White House knew all too well - Berwick may not have survived the Senate confirmation process, which would have turned into a proxy debate over health care reform."

Berwick, who will be put in charge of the health care of 100 million Americans without so much as a public query about his plans in office, has been quoted saying, "I am romantic about the N.H.S.; I love it." He has called himself "an American fan" of the system, "distant and starry-eyed."

In his London speech commemorating the N.H.S.'s 60th birthday, Berwick delivered such pro-American pronouncements to his audience as "Do not trust market forces to give you the system you need... I cannot believe that the individual health care consumer can enforce through choice the proper configurations of a system as massive and complex as health care. That is for leaders to do."

When it comes to Berwick's affection for health care systems centered around use of death panels, apparently absence makes the heart grow fonder. After returning home and mooning over the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, the operational arm of the N.H.S., Berwick realized that "All I need to do to rediscover the romance is to look at health care in my own country."

That country would be the United States, which has the greatest health care system in the world, and would be a profound source of inspiration for anyone who truly loved medicine. Berwick's own place of employment is Harvard Medical School, where you would think there would have been a few medical advances in recent years to set his heart aflutter.

But no - Berwick's passion is for euthanasia counseling and quality-adjusted life years.

Berwick of course has never had to live under the jurisdiction of the N.H.S. You might call his affair with the British health care system a long-distance relationship.

Describing the supposed British backlash against American conservatives' depiction of the N.H.S. during the health care reform debate last summer, the New York Times gushed, "A Twitter campaign, We Love The N.H.S., is still going strong, with supporters sending messages about their own good experiences."

In fact, said campaign didn't even last 30 days from its first Tweet to its last, and has attracted a piddly 520 followers internationally. This is despite such helpful but unheeded administrative prompts as "What do you love about the NHS?" and "Please Retweet: 10,000 supporters visualised."

Admittedly, the riotously popular N.H.S. does have a Facebook fan page with 3,500 members. Then again, an ill-worded N.H.S. sign implying that contraception would be facilitated by... nontraditional intercourse has a Facebook fan page with 124,475 members. So perhaps fan counts are not such a flattering measure of the N.H.S.'s popularity.

Even the New York Times had to admit that Brits "complain endlessly about the National Health Service... They deplore the system's waiting lists, its regional disparities in treatment, its infection-breeding hospitals and its top-heavy bureaucracy." I guess the grass is greener on the other side of the pond!

If Donald Berwick wants to swoon over endless waiting lists, fatally protracted wait times, diminished access to specialized care, craven efforts to shield patients from learning about or acquiring costly life-saving drugs, pathetic heart attack and cancer survival rates, depersonalized patient treatment, and centralized bureaucratic decision-making about individual health care options, that's his choice. But forgive the rest of the U.S. if we aren't quite as smitten as he is.

By: Scott Spiegel
http://www.scottspiegel.com

Since the inception of ObamaCare (aka Universal HealthCare Reform), we as Americans have been told what we will gain. Actually, Americans stand to lose much more than what they will gain. There are a list of inconsistencies and contradictions in the bill. Many people have not yet either come to the realization of this fact or choose to look the other way. ObamaCare removes our constitutional right to choose whether or not we want to purchase healthcare. ObamaCare insists on it. We will also be subject to repercussions and fines if we choose not to "obey". In regards to the healthcare that we will be specifically receiving, we will be losing many things that we may have now. It is time as Americans to realize just what ObamaCare will do to us personally and as well as a nation. We also need to take immediate action to stop this travesty in its tracks.

In addition to losing the right to choose whether or not to purchase a healthcare plan, we will also ultimately lose the choice to decide what is in our plan. At this point, every kind of group you can imagine is lobbying in their state to get included in the plan. Each plan will have a list of required benefits that need to be included in their plan. Actually, you will not even know what group "won" the lobbying to be included in the plan until AFTER your purchase it. Another ultimate loss for Americans via ObamaCare is not getting any benefit from health living. ObamaCare will adopt something known as a rating system. Despite medical condition, age, financial conditions, thanks to rating everyone will pay the exact same rate. Young people who are usually in a lower income bracket from first starting out and are usually on the healthier side of the fence will pay far more than what their actual costs would be otherwise. More established, older workers, will receive a deep discount. Gouging young people is just not the way. Of course those with pre existing conditions and or cancer, need insurance. ObamaCare would not offer any discount though to anyone who has adopted a health conscious lifestyle. Fair? I don't believe so.

As we continue, Americans will also lose the freedom to keep their existing plan. The President claims that this is not the case, yet the bill states differently. What the bill states is that if your healthcare plan was in effect prior to ObamaCare, you can keep it. But (there is always a but) if it changes in the smallest way, the employee must drop out and pick a plan that the government has approved through the healthcare bill. Maybe more government officials should actually read the bill (many have admitted to not reading it due to it being too long and too confusing), before stating that Americans can definitely keep their present healthcare plans. Another point that must be made is that through ObamaCare, Americans will lose the right to choose their own physicians. This by far is an extremely scary and worrisome thought to many individuals. Through the healthcare bill a primary physician will be "assigned". Much like an HMO. That main doctor will then "decide for you", where to send you and what for, if a specialist is then needed.

Well, there you have it. Some of the main points of ObamaCare and why as Americans we should be concerned. Americans should not take this lying down (no pun intended). We need to let our voice be heard and let as many government officials know that this is not and will not be sufficient. The only way we will be able to accomplish this is by banning together. ObamaCare is unconstitutional and we are headed down a path to a Socialist government.
Visit http://www.physiciansagainstobamacare.org and join the fight. Together as citizens of the United States of America, we can make a difference.

By: Jake Powell

The good news about Swine Flu, which later received the catchy name of the H1N1 Virus, is the epidemic did not escalate to the level we feared and it generally passed over those 65+. The bad news is only half of the stock-piled serum was used and must be destroyed. This occurred because the government agency overseeing this aspect of national medical care was slow in acting and ordered more vaccine than was needed. Is this a preview of things to come?

With the given inefficiencies of most government-run programs, it's hard to imagine that suddenly these built-in problems will go away. That's one important reason why so many Americans rejected the proposed health care plan. And the majority of people, particularly the New Seniors, still oppose the bill even though it has been passed and signed into law.

So the question is: how much waste, fraud and abuse can be extracted from Medicare? Over time, this program is slated to receive cuts of about $500 billion. That's billion with a "B" or half-a-trillion dollars with a "T." To put this staggering number in perspective, in 1950 (when pre-boomers were all 20 or younger) the total national debt was $257 billion, which is half of what the bureaucrats expect to save from cuts in Medicare.

When will the measures to reduce Medicare waste, fraud and abuse go into effect? What are the specific items targeted by this ambitious effort? And, why didn't the appropriate federal agencies address these problems sooner in order to keep misspending, cheating and violations from getting to the point where these practices are out-of-control? It's hard to believe the government will be able to turn off the faucet from which the red ink is flowing. Experience suggests that containment rather than a complete fix is all that can be expected, so the savings goals will not be reached.

In the meantime, doctors and hospitals are starting to drop Medicaid patients. This creates a problem, since half the 32 million newly insured under the health care legislation are going to be covered by Medicaid. Will the states, who supposed to pick up 50% of these costs, have the funds to do so; and if not are the insured going to be going back to the habit of using emergency rooms for their health care needs?

Many health care providers are not going to accept new Medicaid patients. This comes at the most inopportune time, when the baby boomers start turning 65 next year. In addition, many companies have announced that the new bill will cause them to re-consider the health care plans they now offer employees. Such a move may also affect the health care programs for retirees.

It's too soon to be alarmed, but it's not too soon to let politicians know we are concerned about losing our promised benefits. New Seniors will not accept reduced care or lower quality care. Any elected representative who doesn't respond favorably to this is part of the problem not part of the solution. The best response? Don't vote for them.

By: Don Potter
Don Potter, a Philadelphia native, was born in 1936 and is a 50 year veteran of the advertising agency business. Now living in Los Angeles, he has written two novels in retirement, frequently writes on marketing issues, and has a blog dedicated to pre-boomers (those born between 1930 and 1945).

Read more articles for and about pre-boomers with thoughts, comments and opinions designed to spark thinking, foster discussion, and stimulate debate by logging on to http://www.pre-boomermusings.com

Congress has just passed the health care bill. Although no one knows exactly what's in the health care bill, it seems that we're stuck with it - even though most people agree that they do not want this health care bill to pass. The only people whom are going to benefit from whats in the health care bill will be the United States government. Where are we going to get the money for whats in the health care bill? No one knows. Here's ten things about whats in the health care bill that will affect you.

1. There is no public option in the health care bill.

When the bill was first proposed, there was a public, government controlled health care insurance option. But, as it is written now, all Americans will need to purchase health insurance or they will be fined a penalty of $695. Employers could face up to $2,000 per employee for not offing coverage that is affordable. Whats in the health care bill? Mandates for you to buy a particular product or service, which the US government cannot for you to do. Could the US government force you to buy a car? Force you to purchase a laptop? Could the US government force you to remodel your home? No, the US government cannot force you to purchase a product or service that you do not want.

2. Pharmaceutical companies will greatly benefit from the bill, but they are not the problem.

The pharmaceutical industry will truly benefit from gaining hundreds of thousands of new customers. The government is forcing you to purchase a product, even if you don't want it! If the US government would force you to own a car, then it might be worth buying some stocks in GE, Ford, Honda, or Toyota - the same thing is here. I suggest you start buying stocks in some pharmaceutical companies this week!

3. Higher taxes is all over whats in the health care bill!

Where will the money come from to pay for whats in the health care bill? Obviously it will come from the government! And where does the United States government get their money? They get it from your wallet. They reach right in and take it out! This brings up another problem - whats in the healthcare bill effects our National Security. Why? Because, we absolutely cannot afford this bill and the guns and equipment and manpower it takes to keep us at the top of the food chain. This will be HIGHLY dangerous.

4. The government will decide what happens to your family.

This older woman whom is asking Obama a question about the healthcare bill is asking about a certain situation that she's faced in life. You see, her mother, whom was 94, was in great health and spirits. She was having some heart issues, and needed a pace maker. Her doctor said "No, she's too old, I won't do this." She got a second opinion, and the doctors gave her a pacemaker. 5 years later, she's still going strong! The question was asked, "Is there going to be a cutoff age of services no matter what happens?" And Obama's answer was basically that yes, the government will control exactly what happens to you and your family. Obama says, "Take a pain pill and die quietly."

Is this the type of government that you want? This is not capitalism or the American dream, this is pure and plain communism and needs to be stopped. How do we end a tyrant's reign? How can we stop the destruction of America? Violence is not the answer - the answer is that we vote them out in the upcoming election!

By: Andrew L Hallinan
For more information on this please visit this website about what's in the Health Care Bill.

Yes, for those on Medicare, the vote in Congress should be of concern to you. No, this does not mean you won't be receiving the medical care you need - at last not for the next couple of years. Yes, there is something you can do to reduce the chances of being a victim to legislation you oppose. No, it won't be easy to reverse the damage that could result from the politicians pursuing their will and not yours.

A review of the bill does not offer much for those 65+. However, not having to worry about being dropped by an insurer after making a claim for a recent illness that might develop and filling the hole, to some degree, in the prescription drug coverage are good for Medicare recipients. The possibility of doctors not taking on new Medicare patients is real and, therefore, a concern for boomers who start turning 65 next year.

Millions more will have insurance coverage, which amounts to health care expansion not reform. So we can expect a reduction in the quality of care and the possibility of rationing. Increased taxes, particularly on investment income and savings interest, will have an effect on the way pre-boomers are able to live in retirement. And, while most of us agree that health care needs to be fixed, the question has to be, "At what cost?"

The addition of 32 million to the roles of the insured has serious cost implications that will have an adverse effect on virtually all state budgets. Over half the newly insured will be part of the Medicaid, a program where half the costs are borne by the state with the federal government picking up the remaining 50%.

For places like California, already on the verge of bankruptcy, this could be the straw that breaks the state's back. Such states will have no choice except to raise taxes. Many of them are suing or threatening to join in some sort of legal action over the bill. Besides the states' efforts, those in Congress who oppose the bill are maneuvering to block portions of the legislation from being executed or at worst delay the implementation. Private groups are organizing anti-legislative activities as well.

What others are doing is nice to know, but their efforts won't go far without support. New Seniors grew up in a different America and believe in the values on which this nation was founded and the traditions on which it was built. We believe in a representative government and expect our voices to be heard. Did the health care bill meet with your approval or did its passage leave you in fear of the future?

If you're not satisfied with what's going on behind your back in Washington, the state house or city hall, do something positive by uniting with others to take back your government. New Seniors can and will make a difference by taking action. Attend meetings, make phone calls, send letters or emails to your representatives and tell them what you expect. If you get no response or they don't act in responsible manner, vote them out of office. And continue to do that at every election until every one of the politicians that give you the feeling of gloom and doom are gone.

By: Don Potter
Don Potter, a Philadelphia native, was born in 1936 and is a 50 year veteran of the advertising agency business. Now living in Los Angeles, he has written two novels in retirement, frequently writes on marketing issues, and has a blog dedicated to pre-boomers (those born between 1930 and 1945).

Read more articles for and about pre-boomers with thoughts, comments and opinions designed to spark thinking, foster discussion, and stimulate debate by logging on to http://www.pre-boomermusings.com.

As an insurance professional with 25 years of experience in the business, the new Senate bill may likely help us (insurance brokers, agents, and insurers) make more money, since there will be more opportunities for us to sell insurance. Employers will be forced to buy health insurance for their employees or face fines. Or individuals will be forced to buy health insurance or pay a fine. For our business this is great, but as an American and a father this is not a good thing. The majority of Americans do not want this and those who are supposed to represent us ignored our cries of protest, and forced their way further into our lives.

The operative word here is force. Do we elect our representatives to force us to buy insurance or anything else?

Also, since when is anyone who earns $200K a year or two working couples earning $250K considered rich? In California that will allow you to buy a home and a few other things, and that's about it. People who earn this amount or more will see a 3% tax increase thanks to this healthcare reform. So, if you live in CA (pay 10% income tax, almost 10% sales tax, utility taxes that are half the bill, fuel tax and now include the new 3% tax for the new health plan, then you are lucky if you will keep 30% to 40% of that "rich" status you have.

Back to the word force, our Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a brawl which Benjamin Franklin refereed. This was where our constitution was written, which gave the federal government power over us.

We had ended the war with England and the states were meeting to decide what powers belonged to the federal government and which to the states. The states were afraid of the federal government having too much power. Our war with England was due to the fact that the English ruled, or used its force to require we buy only certain goods (tea, textiles, as well as other items) from them, even though we could have bought them from other countries cheaper. And it taxed us and did not listen to our grievances.

The delegates at the Constitutional Convention from each state wanted the states to have most of the power, and the federal government very little. This way citizens could address their grievances locally to their state government, and not some power far away. Also if a state had a law, or tax, that a citizen could not abide by, then it could move to another state. The constitution is the document that is there to limit what the federal government can do. There is nothing in that document that allows the government to force you to buy anything. This idea of the government forcing you to buy something was one of the reasons why we went to war with England.

So are we going to be cowed into submission, apparently yes. We have forgotten our history and our laws. The only people making a stink on this are other politicians at the state levels, who feel their power base is being taken from them by the federal government.

Politics is a business, and those who are lifelong practitioners are those who are too ugly to be actors, but have the skill to create a fantasy. They put on shows to entertain us. They create rifts to divide us (Gay Marriage, Pro Life, Gun Control, Tea Party members....bla bla). We sit there like Pavlovian dogs responding to a stimulus, while these ugly actors take our freedom, our money, and our national treasure to enrich themselves, their families, and their masters who bribe them. We as a collective group need to look up from all the stimulus that these ugly actors, and their accomplices - the media, who are themselves ugly actors, spew and realize that they are taking away our freedom more and more each day.

What can you do? Vote, donate money since this is what these ugly actors respect, pray, and march and yell peacefully. You see, in many countries the politicians have fear of the people. In our country they laugh at us behind closed doors after they take their bows and count their bribe money. Perhaps it is time for them to stop laughing. If you see one in public, peacefully and respectfully let them know you are not laughing at what they are doing.

By: William D. Dyer
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