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one_voice

(20,043 posts)
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:12 AM Apr 2016

Dr. Paul Song...

married to Lisa Ling, whose sister, Laura was tried and convicted in North Korea. Bill Clinton went and negotiated her pardon/release. Dr. Paul Song spoke at Bernie Sanders rally tonight against Hillary Clinton & Democrats he thought were sell outs.

...six degrees and shit. Or full circle, Or something....


edited to be more specific.

58 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Dr. Paul Song... (Original Post) one_voice Apr 2016 OP
That's the element trying to hijack our party nt geek tragedy Apr 2016 #1
I just think it's weird how it worked out that way. one_voice Apr 2016 #4
Well he supports Sanders primarily because Sanders supports universal healthcare... GeorgiaPeanuts Apr 2016 #8
Can you post a link ... NanceGreggs Apr 2016 #14
Here you go. She doesn't say SPH literally, but its obviously the implication she is making. GeorgiaPeanuts Apr 2016 #15
Ha, ha! NanceGreggs Apr 2016 #16
And I knew you'd say that and that's why I said I'm not playing the word games GeorgiaPeanuts Apr 2016 #17
Yeah, it WAS as clear as glass ... NanceGreggs Apr 2016 #19
I believe Clinton Demnorth Apr 2016 #39
Sanders' plan will come to pass The Old Lie Apr 2016 #56
I think single payer will happen Demnorth Apr 2016 #58
You abandoned your principles a long time ago. N/T The Old Lie Apr 2016 #55
Paul Y. Song, M.D. is a physician, progressive activist, and biotechnology executive. polly7 Apr 2016 #45
Yes, as everyone who listened to Paul Song's speech knows, bjo59 Apr 2016 #2
The super delegate whisperer MattP Apr 2016 #3
Nice house, too. Starry Messenger Apr 2016 #5
Not a celebrity, but married to one. geek tragedy Apr 2016 #7
Oh man that kitchen! one_voice Apr 2016 #11
no wonder the revolution hasn't happened yet JI7 Apr 2016 #20
#newbroriche nt geek tragedy Apr 2016 #26
Oh that could explain a few things... Skwmom Apr 2016 #6
I really was just pointing out the one_voice Apr 2016 #10
In the world of politics you never know. There is SO MUCH planned manipulation. It never ends. Skwmom Apr 2016 #12
i think a lot of people are using Sanders for their own agenda JI7 Apr 2016 #9
What are you saying? That man's speech is helping Bernie and not helping Clinton. Zira Apr 2016 #24
Yes, we are grateful that Camp Angry is now using artless smears. geek tragedy Apr 2016 #28
Paul Song, such a 99% type... LisaM Apr 2016 #37
So now you are saying that he said ALL Kittycat Apr 2016 #13
Um, no I didn't say this... one_voice Apr 2016 #18
I already told one person who posted this. It doesn't look good on your team. Kalidurga Apr 2016 #21
What team? I don't have a team. one_voice Apr 2016 #25
Oh I think it's clear why you posted that. Kalidurga Apr 2016 #31
Yes. It is. I gave you the link. one_voice Apr 2016 #33
All the more to take him seriously when he speaks against corporate whores. Luminous Animal Apr 2016 #22
+1 Zira Apr 2016 #27
K&R betsuni Apr 2016 #23
So he's forever indebted to the Clintons and should stfu about corrupt politicians? beam me up scottie Apr 2016 #29
Because that's what I said? one_voice Apr 2016 #30
No it's what you didn't say, actually. beam me up scottie Apr 2016 #32
I never did an OP about their expensive one_voice Apr 2016 #34
You didn't but other Hillary supporters did. beam me up scottie Apr 2016 #35
I have no idea what you mean. one_voice Apr 2016 #36
Actually I don't know that. beam me up scottie Apr 2016 #38
What Bill did for his sister in law and the other reporter treestar Apr 2016 #40
You think corporate whores can't do nice things for other people? beam me up scottie Apr 2016 #41
They did not trade influence and favors for money treestar Apr 2016 #42
Of course they did, it's naive to think otherwise. That's how the game is played and they're pros. beam me up scottie Apr 2016 #43
Paul Y. Song, M.D. is a physician, progressive activist, and biotechnology executive. polly7 Apr 2016 #44
What the hell? one_voice Apr 2016 #46
I thought it was a good post about the man and shared it on your thread about him. polly7 Apr 2016 #48
My bad. one_voice Apr 2016 #54
No, that certainly wasn't my intention. polly7 Apr 2016 #57
Haven't you heard? None of that matters, this is the next witch hunt. beam me up scottie Apr 2016 #47
It's shameful to bring family into this .... no matter who does it. polly7 Apr 2016 #49
The op didn't but others did, and they're still bashing him. beam me up scottie Apr 2016 #51
Seeing who he is and what he's fighting for, I can understand the frustration and speaking polly7 Apr 2016 #52
Excuse me? one_voice Apr 2016 #50
No I didn't, if you read my post I specifically referred to people going after Song and his family. beam me up scottie Apr 2016 #53

one_voice

(20,043 posts)
4. I just think it's weird how it worked out that way.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:16 AM
Apr 2016

I didn't realize it till I looked the guy up...and connected the dots.

 

GeorgiaPeanuts

(2,353 posts)
8. Well he supports Sanders primarily because Sanders supports universal healthcare...
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:19 AM
Apr 2016

He is an oncologist. He heard loud and clear when Clinton said Single payer healthcare will never ever come to pass *













*if Clinton gets the nomination.

NanceGreggs

(27,835 posts)
14. Can you post a link ...
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:33 AM
Apr 2016

... to where Hillary said "Single payer healthcare will never ever come to pass"?

I know she said that BERNIE'S healthcare plan would "never, ever pass" - but don't remember her saying that single payer would never, ever come to pass.

 

GeorgiaPeanuts

(2,353 posts)
15. Here you go. She doesn't say SPH literally, but its obviously the implication she is making.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:35 AM
Apr 2016


And I don't play the word games, it is clear as glass what she is saying here.

NanceGreggs

(27,835 posts)
16. Ha, ha!
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:42 AM
Apr 2016

I KNEW you would post that video!

Note the chyron at the bottom of the screen: "Clinton: Sanders' health plan will 'never, ever come to pass.'

Ya know, there's a difference between saying that single-payer - or even Medicaid-for-all, or any other form of universal coverage - will never, ever come to pass, and saying that a SPECIFIC plan (in this case, Bernie's) will never come to pass.

And you understand that difference - right?

NanceGreggs

(27,835 posts)
19. Yeah, it WAS as clear as glass ...
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:48 AM
Apr 2016

... what she was saying there: Bernie's plan will never, ever come to pass.

And it wouldn't.


Demnorth

(68 posts)
39. I believe Clinton
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 04:22 AM
Apr 2016

is correct, that Sanders' health plan will not come to pass. I do hope it's addressed in the debate.

 

The Old Lie

(123 posts)
56. Sanders' plan will come to pass
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:23 PM
Apr 2016

because we will have removed Establishment Dems by then, and replaced with Berniecrats.

Demnorth

(68 posts)
58. I think single payer will happen
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 05:50 PM
Apr 2016

someday - as it should! But it won't happen as he promises in his plan, is my point.

polly7

(20,582 posts)
45. Paul Y. Song, M.D. is a physician, progressive activist, and biotechnology executive.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:10 PM
Apr 2016
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511733592

Armstead (43,465 posts)

Okay now I'm REALLLY PISSED at the deflection. I just looked up who Paul Song is.

(I should be working, but I keep coming back to the unadulterated CRAP the Clinton campaign, its supporters and the MSM are perpetuating over his unfortunate use of the phrase corporate whores.)

We have sunk to a new low in sleazy politics and media coverage. Thanks for the collateral damage to the reputation of a guy who...well, here's a little background.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-y-song-md/

Paul Y. Song, M.D. is a physician, progressive activist, and biotechnology executive. He is the grandson of the late Sang Don Kim, the very first popularly elected Mayor of Seoul, South Korea. Dr. Song serves as the Executive Chairman of the Courage Campaign, a leading California-based online organization made up of more than 1 Million members who fight for a more progressive CA and country. In 2013, Dr. Song was named and served as the very first visiting fellow on healthcare policy in the California Department of Insurance. In addition, Dr. Song serves the co-chair of the Campaign for a Healthy Califrornia and on the executive board of Physicians for a National Health Program California, Liberty in North Korea, People for the American Way, and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. Dr. Song graduated with honors from the University of Chicago and received his M.D. degree from George Washington University. He completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of Chicago and did a brachytherapy fellowship at the Institute Gustave Roussy in Villejuif, France.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-y-song-md/the-real-healthcare-debat_b_9121210.html

The real debate Democrats should be having

Excerpt:
Recently, a fierce debate has been ignited within the Democratic Party regarding the merits and feasibility of a single-payer Medicare-for-All universal healthcare system. Some liberal commentators have summarily dismissed Senator Sanders’ proposal as politically unrealistic or as greatly lacking in details while championing a slightly improved status quo, and other political surrogates have spread GOP-like untruths that have no place in any honest discussion.

Regardless of ones’ individual beliefs on Medicare-for-All, it is crucial to note some indisputable facts regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the current status quo:

1. While the ACA did indeed do some very positive things like end lifetime caps on medical coverage and do away with discrimination for pre-existing conditions, it was never intended to cover every uninsured individual. In fact, after the ACA is fully implemented, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that up to 29 million residents will still remain uninsured.

2. The only area of the ACA that both Democrats and Republicans found mutual agreement on was to exclude our undocumented brothers and sisters.

3. The average insured family still pays an extra $1,017 in premiums (hidden tax) to cover the cost of care for the uninsured.

4. A recent Commonwealth Fund study revealed that 31 million people with insurance had such high out-of-pocket costs or deductibles relative to their incomes that they were UNDER-insured and that 51% of these adults reported problems with their medical bills, while 44% of all adults reported not getting care because of high co-pays and deductibles despite being insured.

5. Even after a significant decrease in the total number of uninsured, there were still 1.7 million medical related bankruptcies in 2014 of which 75% were actually insured, and this is only expected to get worse.

6. Most individuals in the U.S. cannot afford an annual deductible of $6,850 and most families of four cannot afford an annual deductible of $13,700.

7. Despite premiums increasing over 150% over the past 9 years, there is no federal insurance rate regulation.

8. Despite the fact that average branded drug prices have increased 127% during the past 8 years to the point that 73% of Americans now find the cost of drugs unreasonable, there was no mechanism to control drug prices.

9. Many states have huge underfunded retiree healthcare liabilities. California’s alone is $150 Billion.

10. Healthcare costs are currently 17.5% of GDP with over 1% of GDP spent on Prescription drugs alone, and will only continue to climb as mandatory federal health spending is projected to double in the next 10 Years.

11. Recent data from the American Journal of Public Health found that tax-funded expenditures accounted for 64.3% of all U.S. health spending. U.S. health spending for 2013 was $9,267 per capita, with government’s share being $5,960.

12. Prior to the bailout, GM spent more on healthcare for its employees than it did on steel. Rising healthcare costs are making U.S. companies less competitive and taking money away from wages and capital investments.

13. Most Americans continue to get employer-sponsored healthcare but worker’s contributions to premiums have increased 212% since 2000 while wages have only increased 54% during the same period.

14. Healthcare benefits have become the biggest source of labor negotiation strife.

So if anything, most health policy experts believe that our current healthcare system is unsustainable for individuals, businesses, states and our federal government, and to continue this status quo is what is really unrealistic.

The real debate Democrats should be having should not be about whether single payer, a highly successful proven system in so many industrialized nations, is the solution, but rather how we can collectively come together to overcome the corporate forces that derailed the ACA from providing a public option, drug price controls and insurance rate regulation, and how we get to the ultimate goal of Medicare for All.

bjo59

(1,166 posts)
2. Yes, as everyone who listened to Paul Song's speech knows,
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:15 AM
Apr 2016

Song a) did not speak against Democrats in general, and b) told the story about his sister-in-law and Bill Clinton's work for her release as a way to explain that his family was voting for Hillary because of what Bill Clinton did for that family and he was supporting Bernie for what he would do for all families.

one_voice

(20,043 posts)
10. I really was just pointing out the
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:22 AM
Apr 2016

six degree thing. How weird life can be. Nothing more.

I'm just catching up on the story and who said what. I looked they guy up and that's what stood out to me.

JI7

(90,237 posts)
9. i think a lot of people are using Sanders for their own agenda
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:22 AM
Apr 2016

it certainly doesn't have much to do with actually helping sanders win. this goes for devine and weaver also.

 

Zira

(1,054 posts)
24. What are you saying? That man's speech is helping Bernie and not helping Clinton.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 01:32 AM
Apr 2016

He's grateful for the help the Clintons did for his family, but he wants to help all families now. He realizes Bernie is for the 99% and Hillary is for the 1%. Those super pacs she toting really damn her in anyone who believed in Occupy's eyes. We all got the idea the 1% is the corruption in our government and we don't want a candidate who represents them so much she's literally financed by them.
This guy gets it. He did the right thing, and you can tell it was hard since the Clintons had been good to him. But how much can you support someone so utterly corrupt, if you're honest? He's honest.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
28. Yes, we are grateful that Camp Angry is now using artless smears.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 01:35 AM
Apr 2016

Much more honest that way, we can see the toxic angry heart of that campaign.

LisaM

(28,444 posts)
37. Paul Song, such a 99% type...
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 02:01 AM
Apr 2016

Last edited Thu Apr 14, 2016, 02:41 AM - Edit history (1)

You know, the people whose weddings are written up in InStyle. The disconnect here is startling.

www.instyle.com/celebrity/celebrity-wedding-lisa-ling-paul-song#194572/

Kittycat

(10,493 posts)
13. So now you are saying that he said ALL
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:27 AM
Apr 2016

Democrats are corporate whores?

Really now. Reading really is fundamental. Dig in on that one, and every time you bring it up, take a bite of humble pie when you are corrected.

He referenced Corporate Whores who are democrats. We talk about them on this site often, so don't trip on that faux outrage.

one_voice

(20,043 posts)
18. Um, no I didn't say this...
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 12:47 AM
Apr 2016
So now you are saying that he said ALL

Democrats are corporate whores?


This is what I said:

. Dr. Paul Song spoke at Bernie Sanders rally tonight against Hillary Clinton & Democrats in general...


See the difference? Tuck and roll coming down off that high horse you're perched on.

As for outrage. I have no idea what you're talking about. I wasn't outraged about anything . Read the thread before you wag your damn finger at someone.

I did change the OP slightly. You're welcome.

Kalidurga

(14,177 posts)
21. I already told one person who posted this. It doesn't look good on your team.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 01:24 AM
Apr 2016

But, keep posting. And tell all of your friends. Try to make it an MSM story. This is one of those things that if I was undecided I would really be looking at why this guy isn't on team Hillary who knows what I would turn up in a search on her view on health care if I didn't already know.

one_voice

(20,043 posts)
25. What team? I don't have a team.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 01:32 AM
Apr 2016

Try reading past the OP...maybe you'll figure out the reason I posted it...here let me help you.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=1728375


I didn't even know the story. I just started looking it up and came across the connections.

Your team will be the reason I sit my ass at home should Bernie get the nomination. Right now I like Bernie but I'm undecided. But I'm sick tired of every damn time I post something that doesn't fit within your guidelines I get this shit....Not everyone worships Bernie or Hillary.

SICK. AND. FUCKING. TIRED. OF. IT.

good thing you don't need my vote, eh.

I've told you this before. Not the first time you've come at me cuz you misunderstood something I posted.

I don't give a good fuck who has who for their surrogates. I ain't fucking voting for them. Not back the fuck up off me--run tell all your friends that.


one_voice

(20,043 posts)
33. Yes. It is. I gave you the link.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 01:48 AM
Apr 2016

that's what's clear--because it's what I said. Plain and simple.

and then there's what you make up as you go along.

Enjoy your night.

beam me up scottie

(57,349 posts)
29. So he's forever indebted to the Clintons and should stfu about corrupt politicians?
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 01:37 AM
Apr 2016

How is this relevant to what he said?

Even Republican pols do good deeds, some are heroes, should we refrain from criticizing them too?

one_voice

(20,043 posts)
30. Because that's what I said?
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 01:40 AM
Apr 2016
So he's forever indebted to the Clintons and should stfu about corrupt politicians?


No, I was merely pointing how weird life is. It was 6 degrees, Chain of events. Full circle.

I pretty much said that in the OP, and in the thread multiple times. Period. End.




beam me up scottie

(57,349 posts)
32. No it's what you didn't say, actually.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 01:47 AM
Apr 2016

Just like the ops about his expensive home and his wife who makes a lot of money, his whole life is now going to be examined to see if he's worthy of criticizing the anointed ones.

one_voice

(20,043 posts)
34. I never did an OP about their expensive
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 01:51 AM
Apr 2016

house or his wife making a lot of money.

In fact I listened to a 45 minute interview that he did on Obamacare which is probably more than half the people giving me shit did.

I did however say I loved their kitchen. fucking crucify me.

one_voice

(20,043 posts)
36. I have no idea what you mean.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 01:57 AM
Apr 2016

I don't play silly games.

I'm undecided. You know that.

I like Bernie and Hillary. Stop trying to label me.

beam me up scottie

(57,349 posts)
38. Actually I don't know that.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 02:01 AM
Apr 2016

You seem to call out Bernie supporters all the time but I don't notice you doing the same to the other side.

And this is what I'm talking about, it's creepy:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511728431

treestar

(82,383 posts)
40. What Bill did for his sister in law and the other reporter
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 02:55 PM
Apr 2016

Is that the sort of thing "corporate whores" normally do? Put themselves in danger to settle a difficult diplomatic situation? Going to NK is dangerous for any American.

And they are not "corrupt" just because you say so over and over and over.

Song was wrong and no wonder he apologized. He could have said he supported Bernie on health care without mentioning the opposition. But he had to go on to add an insult to people who had helped his family.

beam me up scottie

(57,349 posts)
41. You think corporate whores can't do nice things for other people?
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 02:59 PM
Apr 2016

And by definition corporate whores are corrupt, they trade influence and favours for money.

It's not the word I would normally use for them but I'm not going to jump on the poutrage wagon over it.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
42. They did not trade influence and favors for money
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:02 PM
Apr 2016

Raising money for campaigns and paid speeches are not the equivalent and repeating it over and over does not make it so.

beam me up scottie

(57,349 posts)
43. Of course they did, it's naive to think otherwise. That's how the game is played and they're pros.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:06 PM
Apr 2016

Why do you think Hillary stopped fighting for single payer healthcare?

Hillary Clinton’s Single-Payer Pivot Greased By Millions in Industry Speech Fees

Hillary Clinton’s sudden attack on Bernie Sanders’ single-payer health care plan is a dramatic break with Democratic Party doctrine that the problem with single-payer is that it is politically implausible — not that it is a bad idea.

Single-payer, the Canadian-style system in which the government pays for universal health care, takes the health insurance industry out of the picture, saving huge amounts of money. But the health insurance industry has become so rich and powerful that it would never let it happen.

That was certainly Clinton’s position back in the early 1990s, when she was developing her doomed universal coverage proposal for her husband, Bill.

But in the ensuing years, both Clintons have taken millions of dollars in speaking fees from the health care industry. According to public disclosures, Hillary Clinton alone, from 2013 to 2015, made $2,847,000 from 13 paid speeches to the industry.



Source: Public federal disclosures, Clinton campaign

https://theintercept.com/2016/01/13/hillary-clinton-single-payer/


Democratic Debate 2015: Hillary Clinton’s ‘Enemies’ In Pharmaceutical and Insurance Industries Have Supported Her Campaigns, Foundation

In 2008, Clinton was the among the three biggest recipients of campaign cash from pharmaceutical-related companies, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. In all, the watchdog group reports that she raised $738,000 from employees of pharmaceutical manufacturers and companies classified as “Pharmaceuticals /Health Products.” The center reports that Clinton also raised more than $1.2 million from the insurance industry -- which includes health insurers.

On top of those campaign contributions, the Clintons and their family foundation have benefited from their ties to the pharmaceutical and insurance industries.

In 2011, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) -- the primary trade association representing drug companies -- paid Bill Clinton $200,000 for a speech, as the organization was lobbying the Hillary Clinton-led State Department. Last year, the Drug Chemical and Associated Technologies Association, a trade group whose members include major pharmaceutical companies, paid her a $250,000 speaking fee.


Meanwhile, the Clinton Foundation has received between $1 million and $5 million worth of donations separately from drug manufacturers Pfizer and Procter & Gamble, and from health insurers Humana and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Some of those companies made donations as recently as this year, according to the foundation’s website.

That largesse was part of a friendship forged after those industries opposed her 1993 health care initiative -- and which continued after she won reelection to the Senate in 2006.

http://www.ibtimes.com/political-capital/democratic-debate-2015-hillary-clintons-enemies-pharmaceutical-insurance

polly7

(20,582 posts)
44. Paul Y. Song, M.D. is a physician, progressive activist, and biotechnology executive.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:08 PM
Apr 2016
Armstead (43,465 posts)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511733592

Okay now I'm REALLLY PISSED at the deflection. I just looked up who Paul Song is.

(I should be working, but I keep coming back to the unadulterated CRAP the Clinton campaign, its supporters and the MSM are perpetuating over his unfortunate use of the phrase corporate whores.)

We have sunk to a new low in sleazy politics and media coverage. Thanks for the collateral damage to the reputation of a guy who...well, here's a little background.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-y-song-md/

Paul Y. Song, M.D. is a physician, progressive activist, and biotechnology executive. He is the grandson of the late Sang Don Kim, the very first popularly elected Mayor of Seoul, South Korea. Dr. Song serves as the Executive Chairman of the Courage Campaign, a leading California-based online organization made up of more than 1 Million members who fight for a more progressive CA and country. In 2013, Dr. Song was named and served as the very first visiting fellow on healthcare policy in the California Department of Insurance. In addition, Dr. Song serves the co-chair of the Campaign for a Healthy Califrornia and on the executive board of Physicians for a National Health Program California, Liberty in North Korea, People for the American Way, and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. Dr. Song graduated with honors from the University of Chicago and received his M.D. degree from George Washington University. He completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of Chicago and did a brachytherapy fellowship at the Institute Gustave Roussy in Villejuif, France.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-y-song-md/the-real-healthcare-debat_b_9121210.html


The real debate Democrats should be having


Excerpt:
Recently, a fierce debate has been ignited within the Democratic Party regarding the merits and feasibility of a single-payer Medicare-for-All universal healthcare system. Some liberal commentators have summarily dismissed Senator Sanders’ proposal as politically unrealistic or as greatly lacking in details while championing a slightly improved status quo, and other political surrogates have spread GOP-like untruths that have no place in any honest discussion.

Regardless of ones’ individual beliefs on Medicare-for-All, it is crucial to note some indisputable facts regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the current status quo:

1. While the ACA did indeed do some very positive things like end lifetime caps on medical coverage and do away with discrimination for pre-existing conditions, it was never intended to cover every uninsured individual. In fact, after the ACA is fully implemented, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that up to 29 million residents will still remain uninsured.

2. The only area of the ACA that both Democrats and Republicans found mutual agreement on was to exclude our undocumented brothers and sisters.

3. The average insured family still pays an extra $1,017 in premiums (hidden tax) to cover the cost of care for the uninsured.

4. A recent Commonwealth Fund study revealed that 31 million people with insurance had such high out-of-pocket costs or deductibles relative to their incomes that they were UNDER-insured and that 51% of these adults reported problems with their medical bills, while 44% of all adults reported not getting care because of high co-pays and deductibles despite being insured.

5. Even after a significant decrease in the total number of uninsured, there were still 1.7 million medical related bankruptcies in 2014 of which 75% were actually insured, and this is only expected to get worse.

6. Most individuals in the U.S. cannot afford an annual deductible of $6,850 and most families of four cannot afford an annual deductible of $13,700.

7. Despite premiums increasing over 150% over the past 9 years, there is no federal insurance rate regulation.

8. Despite the fact that average branded drug prices have increased 127% during the past 8 years to the point that 73% of Americans now find the cost of drugs unreasonable, there was no mechanism to control drug prices.

9. Many states have huge underfunded retiree healthcare liabilities. California’s alone is $150 Billion.

10. Healthcare costs are currently 17.5% of GDP with over 1% of GDP spent on Prescription drugs alone, and will only continue to climb as mandatory federal health spending is projected to double in the next 10 Years.

11. Recent data from the American Journal of Public Health found that tax-funded expenditures accounted for 64.3% of all U.S. health spending. U.S. health spending for 2013 was $9,267 per capita, with government’s share being $5,960.

12. Prior to the bailout, GM spent more on healthcare for its employees than it did on steel. Rising healthcare costs are making U.S. companies less competitive and taking money away from wages and capital investments.

13. Most Americans continue to get employer-sponsored healthcare but worker’s contributions to premiums have increased 212% since 2000 while wages have only increased 54% during the same period.

14. Healthcare benefits have become the biggest source of labor negotiation strife.

So if anything, most health policy experts believe that our current healthcare system is unsustainable for individuals, businesses, states and our federal government, and to continue this status quo is what is really unrealistic.

The real debate Democrats should be having should not be about whether single payer, a highly successful proven system in so many industrialized nations, is the solution, but rather how we can collectively come together to overcome the corporate forces that derailed the ACA from providing a public option, drug price controls and insurance rate regulation, and how we get to the ultimate goal of Medicare for All.

one_voice

(20,043 posts)
46. What the hell?
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:15 PM
Apr 2016

I listened the 45 minute radio interview last night. I don't need a lecture. I didn't post anything nasty.

one_voice (19,034 posts)
34. I never did an OP about their expensive

house or his wife making a lot of money.

In fact I listened to a 45 minute interview that he did on Obamacare which is probably more than half the people giving me shit did.

I did however say I loved their kitchen. fucking crucify me.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=1728890

polly7

(20,582 posts)
48. I thought it was a good post about the man and shared it on your thread about him.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:16 PM
Apr 2016

I didn't post a 'lecture' or anything nasty. I posted the whole thing ..... it would have been in bad taste to do otherwise, as it wasn't my post to edit.

one_voice

(20,043 posts)
54. My bad.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:22 PM
Apr 2016

I misunderstood your post. I thought you were trying to put me in my place.

My OP wasn't to call out this person. I didn't know who he was. I googled and was surprised to see how they all connected. I went further and found the radio interview.

Which I listened to last night. I was defensive because it seemed some were trying to make more out of this than was intended. If you read through the thread, you'll see I explained multiple times.

polly7

(20,582 posts)
57. No, that certainly wasn't my intention.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:25 PM
Apr 2016

Just wanted to add what another poster found out about who he is. Yes, the connections are surprising - and interesting. He seems like a very good man who probably spoke out of much frustration, but he did apologize.

No offense ... seriously.

beam me up scottie

(57,349 posts)
47. Haven't you heard? None of that matters, this is the next witch hunt.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:16 PM
Apr 2016

They even went after his wife last night, posted her information and even named her sister.

If you criticize Hillary the hillbullies will come after you.

polly7

(20,582 posts)
49. It's shameful to bring family into this .... no matter who does it.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:18 PM
Apr 2016

Absolutely desperate and shouldn't be tolerated here.

beam me up scottie

(57,349 posts)
51. The op didn't but others did, and they're still bashing him.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:20 PM
Apr 2016

He chose an unfortunate term to use and apologized, he didn't commit a felony.

polly7

(20,582 posts)
52. Seeing who he is and what he's fighting for, I can understand the frustration and speaking
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:21 PM
Apr 2016

without really considering how a phrase might be taken. You're right, his apology should be enough.

beam me up scottie

(57,349 posts)
53. No I didn't, if you read my post I specifically referred to people going after Song and his family.
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 03:21 PM
Apr 2016

You haven't done that but others have.

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