A Message to Republicans Who Voted Against the Children's Health Bill
My name is Paul Simon.
I earn my living by writing and singing songs. It's a very old and low-tech profession that feels increasingly age-appropriate. I am honored to have the opportunity to express my opinions concerning SCHIP.
I am the father of four healthy children, knock on wood, but if they get sick or need medical attention I don't knock on wood; I take them to a doctor whose care and attention I am, fortunately, able to afford. Millions of American children do not receive the same medical care. They are uninsured.
Twenty years ago, I co-founded The Children's Health Fund with Dr. Irwin Redlener. Our organization provides mobile medical units with doctors and staff to serve the pediatric needs of poor communities across the United States. In the twenty years since we began, we have grown incrementally, but as of last year we had recorded over 1.2 million doctor/patient visits.
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew devastated a large portion of Southern Florida. Our medical units were there to help. When Hurricane Katrina lashed the Gulf Coast with an almost Biblical force, The Children's Health Fund had units working in those communities within a week. There was very little outside help -- no FEMA, no Red Cross.
But there were scores of mini-vans and trailers loaded with food and supplies from hundreds of churches around the country. I watched with wonder and admiration as the church people opened their hearts and got to work helping people on the Gulf Coast whose lives has been destroyed. They did not debate whether they could find a compromise or alternative way of helping. They opened their hearts and started to repair a dire emergency.
The president's veto of the re-authorization of SCHIP was a heartless act.
Thanks to groups like Families USA and the Children's Health Fund, Congress is getting closer and closer to overriding the President's veto -- and children of hard working American families are getting closer to receiving affordable health care through SCHIP.
I am asking those of you who supported the veto to reexamine your conscience, to find compassion in your heart for our most vulnerable and sweetest citizens -- our children. I am asking you to change your vote. If you do, I believe it will be one of the proudest days of your life.
Thank you,
Paul Simon
To learn more about this issue and to take action, please visit www.familiesusa.org
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We had an exercise in our RE class recently. This was aimed at Jr High level, but I think it is something that all people everywhere could relate to: (1st off, though you can't kill the ailens - this is a thinking exercise - not space invaders). These ailens from space decide that we are destroying our world. They give you 2 weeks to come up with a plan - they are not invading but they are going to blast earth with a human warp ray. When the ray takes effect, everyone will be changed. You will not know if you are going to be young, old, middle aged; male or female or transgendered; be attracted to males or females; rich, middle class or poor - or any of the strata between, what religion you will be, what you might or might not believe. WHAT KIND OF BASIC THINGS WOULD YOU THINK THAT ALL PEOPLE SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR?
Remember, you do not know what you will be so you need to figure out what is fair and equitable for everyone. Just what are the basic needs of every human being? I happen to believe that education and medical care are 2 of them along with a roof over their heads, food and clothing but that's just me.
Those of you against this program, where would you stand if you were in someone else's shoes?
The Bill Of Rights is a good synopsis of what is needed.
Actually, the pre-amble to the constitution proves that covering our children is a responsibility of our government. (which is you and me, BTW)
"To promote the general welfare.." How could we promote our own welfare, without proyecting our children, who also happen to be our nation's future.
Good excercise in thinking.
I agree with your choices. The Neo Cons would pick mansions, private jets and a total free market devoid of regulation
Well that's what I think would happen.
"Another Day, Another Republican Lie about SCHIPS"
This morning we learn that not only did Mitch McConnell's office play a central role in the smear campaign of a 12 year-old Baltimore boy and his family's SCHIPS benefits eligibility, but the Republican Senate Minority Leader also LIED about it. Now WHAS 11 Television, an ABC affiliate station in Louisville, KY has publicly challenged Senator McConnell about his LIE which a reporter caught on video.
http://www
http://www
Wake Up America!
The following story illustrates why socialiam does not work. There are too many lazy, incompetient irresponsible people in the world who want a free ride. The government should not force taxation upon anyone to pay for those lazy people.
...
One day as the Little Red Hen was scratching in a field, she found a grain of wheat.
"This wheat should be planted," she said. "Who will plant this grain of wheat?"
"Not I," said the Duck. "Not I," said the Cat.
"Not I," said the Dog.
"Then I will," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.
Soon the wheat grew to be tall and yellow.
"The wheat is ripe," said the Little Red Hen. "Who will cut the wheat?"
"Not I," said the Duck. "Not I," said the Cat.
"Not I," said the Dog.
"Then I will," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.
When the wheat was cut, the Little Red Hen said, "Who will thresh the wheat?"
"Not I," said the Duck. "Not I," said the Cat.
"Not I," said the Dog.
"Then I will," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.
When the wheat was threshed, the Little Red Hen said, "Who will take this wheat to the mill?"
"Not I," said the Duck. "Not I," said the Cat.
"Not I," said the Dog.
"Then I will," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.
She took the wheat to the mill and had it ground into flour. Then she said, "Who will make this flour into bread?"
"Not I," said the Duck. "Not I," said the Cat.
"Not I," said the Dog.
"Then I will," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.
She made and baked the bread. Then she said, "Who will eat this bread?"
"Oh! I will," said the Duck. "And I will," said the Cat. "And I will," said the Dog.
"No, No!" said the Little Red Hen. "I will do that." And she did.
this post accurately details the problem as I see it, not just for this issue but rather a broad range of complicated social issues that require thoughtful, long term solutions. The answers we are searching for are not in story books or fables, but in pragmatic, real life, adult problem solving solutions that work. Our issues are real, people are suffering, desperate, and dying due to this mentality and these type of smug, "i got mine" attitudes.
Please rethink your statement and mentality.
If only people that were truly suffering a *lot*, and who's problems were not self induced received benefits, then I'm all for it. I see no provisions for ensuring these conditions in the legislation.
No one should want to pay for the poor choices of the irresponsible elements in society. No one should ever be forced to carry another person's weight just because the lazy opt for socialism to cover their shortcomings.
The Duck, Cat, and Dog symbolize the soft underbelly of society that is irresponsible and constantly makes bad choices in life. Those immature choices often lead to worst results and could lead to terrible health related issues. The mentally unqualified may be on the welfare dole, taking drugs, smoking dope, and living off the fat of the land. They deserve nothing from the chicken (the responsible citizens).
Taking away the choice to distribute the fruits of working people and give it to the obviously undeserving is plainly unjust. That is exactly what the government mandated entitlements of socialism does. It often benefits the undeserving and that is morally wrong. If you want to help the less fortunate do it privately not via the government funding.
When my daughter was in kindergarten she played the role of The Little Red Hen in a school play. It's a fable that reflects a 5-year-old's view of the world: If you have plenty of money it's because you worked hard, and if you don't it's because you are lazy.
Most normal people, as we gain experience of the real world, move beyond a 5-year-old's level of understanding. Most Rethuglicans never do.
this is just childish..
Oh, so is it the kids that are lazy or the parents?
Aren't the parentless kids covered under this bill, I think so.
This analogy is good for those in the age consciousness that can relate to it I suppose.
Let's start with W.
Anyone who wants to shift their responsibilities to another is lazy and undeserving.
Funny though, the undeserving feel entitled to get a free ride. The little story lesson is written for them.
A considerable amount of behavior modification will be necessary since the problems of socialism is deeply embedded into the welfare system.
That governmental handout system needs a major overhaul and considerable purse string tightening.
Oh good Lord, another coservative fairy tail.Well lets see, the dog has been busy keeping the fox away from the hen house, the cat keeps the barn free of disease causing rodents, and the duck is busy teaching her ducklings how to swim and care for themselves. The hen,while scratching, found a seed of wheat,probably sowed by the farmer in the first place, took it and wanted everybody else to help her reap it's final destination so that she could be ahead with as little effort on her part as possible. Reminds me of corporate welfare.
The little red hen earned his life of entitlement by getting born middle class, having a clever accountant, and finding a job with great benefits. Chances are he lives in a city, drives and SUV, and his pretty little wife, who earned hers by picking the right school and prenup, really cares about the suffering of others -- no really!
The line of self-congratulation from the Puritans to the Social Darwinists to the Neocon theofascists is a steady, unwavering stream of excrement. We need a hose.
"Hen"..."h
Hooo, boy....
Years ago Lewis Lapham, the editor of Harper's -- who comes from a privileged background himself BTW -- wrote a book called "Money and Class in America." The central thesis was that, while all societies know it is better to be rich than poor, only American society believes being rich means you are a BETTER PERSON than those who are not. This is an idea that started with Calvinism -- earthly prosperity as the visible evidence of God's favor -- and has been carefully cultivated by the plutocracy and the education system and the mass culture that it controls
Paul Simon is a great
humanitarian & I respect
him and his musical talents..
Speaking in terms of meeting the demands of personal responsibility, of the only people who should choose to have children are people that can afford to pay the bills related to their child's well being. Not paying the bills for any of their responsibilities is symbolic of an immature and inadequately prepared person. Immature people should not have children they cannot properly support.
Health insurance premiums need to be paid by the responsible individuals requiring the coverage. The government need not be involved except in policing abuse in the industry. The government should not be collecting taxes or providing payment for any socialized medicine for the masses. Every individual needs to be responsible for his or her own personal welfare 100 percent of the time. Governmental social welfare programs can then be greatly reduced or eliminated. Taxes supporting such programs can be diminished. There is no such thing as FREE health care.
Asking one's neighbor to pay for one's welfare for any reason is plainly inconsiderate, irresponsible and a mark of a real loser. Efforts to force the public to pay for the mistakes of the irresponsible people are a hallmark of socialism. Socialism does not work because those who have not adequately contributed to the system get a free ride at the expense of the hard working individuals who are forced to support the lazy, unqualified, and undeserving.
'if you can't feed em, don't breed em',
That is some very good advice.
and if you Do breed them and cannot feed them put them up for adoption at your own expense while terminating all parential rights.
That is called justice.
To WigWamWag
Justice? How could you possibly portray children going without healthcare as justice?
Even if one takes your point at face value (that face being hedonistic, simplistic and immoral), you are still advocating for innocent children to needlessly suffer based on their parent (s) place in our nations society (through their own undeserving ways or possibly circumstances beyond ones control).
I am unfamiliar with your "breed em" quote, but can only imagine based on the spelling and sentiment that it is from a Toby Keith song.
I truly hope you do not have any children as your self righteous and immoral points of view will cause them harm that no government assistance could prevent.
Your viewpoint is petty and vindictive. If one's neighbor contracts a virulent and communicable disease it becomes your problem also. Stepping over the bodies of those who have died in the night on your way to work is third world phenomena. Do you really want that here?
It's easy to label those with low income 'lazy', but those of us who don't live in ivory towers see minimum wage type jobs as being some of the most grueling and degrading work there is. Too many people in this country seem to equate a large bank account with hard work when that is actually rarely the case. Access to health care should be a basic human right but there are people who see it as the ultimate opportunity to make a profit. "How much are you willing to pay to stay alive?"
I have employer subsidised health insurance. Because of the escalating costs involved, I find myself forced to ignore my own health issues in order to keep my children healthy. If I die, what then happens to them?
If actual wages had kept pace with the cost of living (instead of being funneled into the obscene salaries at the top) then this wouldn't even be an issue.
Your children are your own responsibility not your neighbors.
You can blame who ever you want but it serves no purpose. If you can not properly tend to your children's needs you have no one to blame by yourself. You should have thought of that before you had them. Tell it to the judge if he or she is to decide whether you should keep them in an irresponsible environment. Perhaps you should have learned a trade or gotten a proper education.
It is obvious you have been blessed with a comfortable life. But I sincerely doubt you have ever taken the time to delve into the lives and circumstances of many (or any) of the individuals whom you judge. You are going to have to answer to a better being someday for your cold, immoral self. I pity you. May God bless your sorry soul
You are entirely wrong Vpjimlong in your projected anger. I have known what it is to be cold, hungry, homeless and without much hope. There were bleak depressing days without much money or opportunity. I survived and eventually prospered without any government assistance. In fact the government has been more a hinderance than a help.
I decided, as anyone else can, to change my personal situation for the better. Still I have never been blessed with a very comfortable or above average lifestyle. There is a still long way to go before I can retire with a small bit of carefree relaxation and pleasure.
With some effort, most people can make choices that are responsible and respectable. The alternative is not acceptable to anyone with any dignity or self-pride. For inspiration see the movie entitled The Persuit of Happiness starring Will Smith. Here is a link.
http://www
A lot of people make really poor choices about their lives and they reap the storm. Some see the light and change the basis for personal decision making for the better more respectable options.
The government need not be involved in welfare programs for the undeserving. Unfortunately, the US has quite a large number of undeserving inhabitants who have made a long list of serious mistakes. Many of those seeking mercy and government funding are the bleeding heart liberals in the Democratic Party. No matter how you spin it, socialism is not fair or just.
Contrary to the Skinner Box thinking above, having children is not "breeding.
That said, for Neocon theofascists to tell the poor and uneducated -- a class they do all they can to increase -- NOT to have children while also denying them birth control is vicious. Humans between the ages of 14-21 are as desperate to "breed" as randy dogs, and as likely to listen to reason. It's what we are supposed to do, you moron.
so then you're for abortion I'm guessing?
Nobody is FOR abortion. Millions, though, a for a women's right to choose. And no, a microscopic cluster of cells is not a living breathing human being.
Do you support the war in Iraq?
Are you in favor of capital punishment?
Suggest another way to fund the bill besides burdening cigarette smokers with another 81 cents in federal taxes per pack. Smokers are a persecuted pariah minority, huddled outside doorways, banned from most social activities, including watching a game at an outdoor stadium, voiceless with no lobby to wheel and deal for us in Washington
I also agree with this assessment. Stop persecuting smokers (I don't smoke BTW).
If you don't smoke, why defend smokers? Hidden agenda maybe??
The dems wanted to pay with other means but the republicans wouldn't vote for the bill with any other source of funding but a cigarette tax. Go ask the republicans why they wanted to tax smokers instead of billionaires.
If we're looking for reasonable (yet still
goofy) alternatives, how about a federal
tax on 'lottery tickets'. Obviously, we
can't tax people who can *afford* to be
taxed more (i.e. the Wealthy), as that 'just isn't right'.
The problem with taxing smokers more is
that, for one reason or another (including
current taxes), there just aren't so many
of them any more, fewer every day it seems.
Probably there is Repo concern that the real
impact of tobacco taxes are on the farmers
or 'Big Tobacco'.
Anyway, surely the hordes of lottery-ticket
buyers are probably a good target for additional
tax revenue, as they clearly have money 'to
burn' so to speak.
Excellent point. The call taxes on booze and cigarettes a "sin," tax.
Well, I would think that gambling fits into that category. I personally would describe any of these things as a sin, but that's the term for taxes such as this.
Although, lottos are state run, and cigarettes are taxed federally, and by the state.
How about we just have a single payer system for all Americans like every other industrialized nation on the planet? It would cost those of us who already have incurence now half of what we're paying now and still cover everyone, unlike now. Like Maher said, I feel stupid holding up the #1 foam finger when we're 36th in most things, including being behind Cuba in being able to keep our children alive to their first birthday. Our greed driven health system is the shame of our generation.
Because it would lower the quality of care for everyone that currently has a private PPO now.
I see you are one of the, 'heartless
But if an increase per pack, goes to help ensure our nation's children, I don't mind at all.
Are you even familiar with the term, 'altruism?'
Do you have any social conscience at all?
Altruism is evil.
Call them out by name!
SENATE NAYS:
Allard (R-CO)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Bennett (R-UT)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Craig (R-ID)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Dole (R-NC)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hagel (R-NE)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Lott (R-MS)
Martinez (R-FL)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Voinovich (R-OH)
HOUSE of REPS NAYS:
Akin
Bachmann
Barrett (SC)
Bartlett (MD)
Bishop (UT)
Blackburn
Burgess
Buyer
Campbell (CA)
Cannon
Conaway
Culberson
Deal (GA)
Feeney
Fossella
Foxx
Franks (AZ)
Garrett (NJ)
Gingrey
Hensarling
Hoekstra
Jordan
King (IA)
Kingston
Lamborn
Mack
McCotter
McHenry
Miller (FL)
Musgrave
Neugebauer
Pearce
Poe
Price (GA)
Radanovich
Royce
Sali
Shadegg
Sullivan
Tancredo
Thornberry
Wamp
Weldon (FL)
Westmoreland
Wilson (SC)
Ah!, good old Pete Hoekstra R-Holland Mi. and watch out Michigan, he's talking about running for governor!! What a neocon loser!! I really wish Holland would vote him out, but I would have to see a pig fly first!!
I see two losers from Utah on this list, typical Bu$h toadies.
there's actually a senator by the name of Crapo?
You forgot Tom Reynolds! NY 26th. The SOB...
Thank you Paul Simon, I always loved your music, I suspect you're just as fine an individual as I thought you are. You're a mensch.
Is is OKAY to send BILLIONS overseas as foreign aid and for the war in IRAQ and giving IRAQIS FREEBEs and for the richest in this country to get tax relief----
---- but considered by Bush & repubs SINFUL to give middle class families too--in the USA a break on children health insurance.
The repugs will further degrade such a notion for helping our OWN citizens out by tagging it "socialism".
Heathcare is something ALL humans are entitled to along with to food--clothing and a roof over their head.
Socialized medicine works just fine. Look at the veterans Medical system.... the best in the world. & No Walter Reede is military not VA
I am a vet, and the VA has always been there for me. Especially in times of great need. I'd be shit out of luck without them.
That's an employment benefit, genius.
I am no longer an employee of the government, genius. The VA is a model of socialized healthcare, and it works just fine.
Kids don't vote
And neither do most of there parents. If they did we might not be having this conversation.
Bush & Co. deserve time in hell which is what they will no doubt have since they are registered lobbyists for the dark one.
Thank you, Mr. Simon, for all you do to help and inspire children all over the world. Let's pray that what you have written here will inspire those Democrats and Republicans who voted against SCHIP.
Paul,
You haven't been following these guys too much.
They are heartless. However, if it were for kids in Iraq that a private insurance company would cover, that they will pass.
We need to get together and vote to override the veto, for the sake of the most innocent, loved and vulnerable of our citizens. There is no way, this vote can be tainted with accusations of being 'soft on the terrorists
In addition to the above unassailable reason to vote to restore our humanity, it will have a delightful side-effect. It may give a dose of humility to an administration, badly in need of same and it might even restore a vertebra or two to the spineless in Congress.
David J. Ginsberg, MD
It's disgusting, but the $35 Billion figure is over a number of years, not just one year. I think it is 7 years, so the annual funding for the SCHIP bill is only $5 billion.
This is an old trick of the Washington establishment and corporate media. Acts of Congress you want to kill you talk about with cumulative figures and killing like wars you want to underestimate the cost of you break out in the smallest periods possible.
The Iraq war cost, reported cumulatively, is nearing $1 trillion.
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