The SCHIP Veto

Posted: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 1:58 PM by Countdown

***UPDATE**** We'll have the real soldier in this clip on our show tonight...Brian McGough, who Rush Limbaugh likened to a suicide bomber, who took shrapnel from a **real** car bomber in Iraq, will be our guest on Countdown tonight.

President Bush today took out his veto pen for only the fourth time to nix the SCHIP healthcare plan for children. We'll try and figure out why...and talk to former senator and presidential candidate John Edwards.

Also...the Blackwater hearings continue. We'll bring you up to date on today's events on that front, and on the Mukasey confirmation front. Also...new Rush Limbaugh 'phony soldier' developments. Busy show...hope you join us.

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Comments

What is the thinking behind Dubya's vetoing something so needed by children? He thinks nothing of billions for a futile war, but to help kids stay healthy, a no go. Amazing.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 2:36 PM)

Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) has a petition to try to override the "heartless one's" veto of the SCHIP bill.

http://www.democratsenators.org/o/19/t/70/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=77

Message from the Senator

Please sign my petition calling on my colleagues in Congress to join me in voting to override President Bush’s cruel decision to undermine the health of our nation’s children. I will use your support to help convince other members of Congress to do the right thing.

Sincerely,
Frank R. Lautenberg

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 2:41 PM)

There's no figuring out why "W" vetoed the childrens' insurance bill - he needs the money for Iraq. Why help the kids when he can send them to Iraq when they get older and just have them killed off!! This guy has got to GO!!!!!!!!!

D. Buccini, Virginia Beach, VA (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 2:43 PM)

Isn't the program increasing by $5 billion ? Why do we need to cover individuals to age 25 ? Regular policies drop children at age 19 unless a full time student. Sounds to me like Hillary has something to do with this, too close to Universal Healthcare. Why not only tax those who favor this program, like everyone on this site is saying about the war tax ?
What's good for the goose......

John, Phila (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 2:48 PM)

Let's hope the Democrats in the House & the Senate grow a spine about this one, it's about time somebody told Bush and the loyal bushies it's over.

Scott Copeland, Naples, Fl (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 2:54 PM)

Could the "Mukasey confirmation front" news have something to do with this little tidbit I found this morning?! Cue up the bad 70s music before reading this link!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/03/attorney.general.ap/index.html

Also, concerning the SCHIP veto, I posted some thoughts in the previous thread, so I won't repeat them here. But, I need some help from you brilliant people! I know how to access the website for the House of Representatives but couldn't figure out for the life of me how to get to the voting record for the version of SCHIP legislation that GWB vetoed this morning. I want to see who voted against it; there is enough in the Senate to override the veto but not in the House. Maybe...just maybe...I know I'm getting my hopes up, but what the heck...some good 'ol fashioned public shame toward those who voted against it MIGHT be enough to get enough of them (I think a couple dozen at this point) to change their minds? At least ask them to go back to their constituents with a straight face and explain why they voted against it? So, if anyone could give me some guidance on how to access the voting record for this legislation, I'd appreciate it awfully very much!

GO CUBS!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:17 PM)

I don't like how they're funding SCHIP. It's a national priority and should be funded out of the budget.

Sheesh - we can pay a trillion dollars for a war and not get health care to our kids? What kind of heartless soul-less idiots do we have in Washington?

Shame.

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:29 PM)

Since Lim-com-poop mentioned the subject of Bush-SCHIP-children this morning on our local radio station I would guess Bush is trying to stop any and all children from getting the health insurance they need. But explain to me again how this helps poor children? I mean really you stop the whole thing with a pen stroke and this is good? The man needs a good head doctor.

Scratching my head (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:32 PM)

This is a Sin. All they need to do is take away 6 Blackwater contractors and it's paid for -- perhaps we don't need as many visiting "senators and congressmen shopping in the market square in Iraq" this would certain pay for the children to get their insurance.

Paulet, Simsbury, CT (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:37 PM)

The Iraqi people and our children here in America could end up becoming seriously ill, losing limbs or even losing their lives to terrorists if we do not maintain our presence in Iraq. Therefore, I want 190 billion to continue funding this war. GWB

Many of your children in this country could end becoming seriously ill, losing limbs or even losing their lives to disease or injury if they are not covered by some form of health care. Therefore, I am vetoing the request for 35 billion to extend health care benefits to these children. GWB

Send the bill back Dems. Take 35 billion to fund Schip out of the 190 billion Bush has asked for to continue his war in Iraq. And because you people are spineless, go ahead and give him the remaining 155 billion for his war in Iraq. Larry from SC is going to write a check for the 155 billion.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:37 PM)

Once again Bush and the Republicans demonstrate that life is only sacred to them when it is in the womb. Once that sacred life is born, it is on its own. Don't look to the Repubs for health care or assistance...and don't tell me about government run health care...ever hear of the VA? Isn't that health care run by the government...

George, Hammonton, NJ (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:39 PM)

6 yrs into this president I'm still waiting for the compassion in compassionate conservative. Still waiting for the conservative part as well. Greedy corpratist seems a more accurate discription of bush and his minions.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:39 PM)

Here is a President who wanted to give all Iraqi's free health care at American taxpayers expense,but refuses to give health care to our children.
George Bush is the worst President this country has ever had, he should be impeached, and turned over to the world court for crimes against humanity.

pat vavala, Tampa, Fl (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:44 PM)

Hmmm. A country unhappy about the Iraq debacle, and now you tell them that poor kids aren't as improtant as Halliburton, I mean 30 Billion bucks? That barely covers the price of the Pappardelle at the Stockholders' brunches. Dubya does have his Priorities straight. Let's see if the Voters do in '08. Dubya's little mob might be on their 'Schip' List.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:44 PM)

Why don't you bring in Jesse MacBeth also, and let's hear what Brian has to say to him. I bet Brian won't be too pleased with Jesse claiming to be a Ranger with a Purple Heart even though he never made it through boot camp. Keith, you're missing the boat. Forget about Rush , let's see how real hero's actually feel about the phonies !

It will never happen - won't get the response needed from the rabid liberals. LOL

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:44 PM)

It seems counterintuitive that anyone who is in favor of bringing our troops home ASAP is NOT looking out for their best interests. Besides regular troops there are National Guard and Reservists that never bargained for this type of protracted duty. If only someone had thought of it during the Vietnam conflict-then perhaps GWB would have been one of the 100,000s that never returned.

S.Bolinger, St.Louis,MO (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:47 PM)

Rush doesn't have the cojones to face Brian McGough.Like so many on the right he's a bully and an ignorant dishonest one at that.
Only a Republican could possibly believe that 192 Billion dollars on death and destruction is a sounder investment than 35 Billion dollars for healthy American kids.

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:47 PM)

O J (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:50 PM)

perhaps GWB would have been one of the 100,000s that never returned.
S.Bolinger, St.Louis,MO (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:47 PM)

Where did that number come from??

Vietnam Vet (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:54 PM)

I thought I'd share this precious quote regarding the proposed increase in cigarette tax to pay for the SCHIP program. This is from yesterday's AP story about the veto:

“White House press secretary Dana Perino said the tax would hit the poor hardest, because smokers tend to fall in the lower-income level. ‘It's just completely irresponsible. Stop the madness on Capitol Hill.’"

Can we start with a straight jacket for the delusional, albeit cute as a button, press secretary?

Shag Khaghani, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:56 PM)

Off topic question but why does Bill Clinton charge so
much for him to speak? Does he and the Hilary Empire really need more money?

Out of work in NY (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:07 PM)

Here's a fun fact for today. Before we invaded Iraq universal health care. But we are suppose to believe they were the heathens.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:15 PM)

To see how the senate votes on any given issue go here.

http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/a_three_sections_with_teasers/votes.htm

To see how the house votes on any given issue go here.
http://clerk.house.gov/legislative/legvotes.html

or for 2007 house votes only
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/index.asp

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:16 PM)

Bush doesn't want to "put people on that can afford private insurance." How about if we remove all Congressmen and Senators and people working in the White House from the health benefits provided by the government. They certainly can afford private insurance.

Disgusted, TX (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:17 PM)

Steve, Cedar Falls,
Another wonderful post.To the point and funny.
I think the President was quoted as saying this money for SCHIP would lead to socialized medicine. If it makes some of the children in this country healthier who the hell cares what you call it? The kids aren't worth it, but the war is.
We need to vote out as many incumbents as we can, for what they've done and what they have failed to do. Sorry, that was the Catholic in me coming through there. I do believe that the '08 election is going to be a watershed moment in the history of this country. Let's all sacrifice some time and elect some people that realize they work for us, not the other way around.

Frederick Sweeney, Brooklyn (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:17 PM)

pat vavala- bush never wanted to give Iraqis health care. His plan was to privatize it like everything else in Iraq. But it turns out after we invaded Iraqis wanted the universal health care they had with Saddam. So they tried to persuade the coalition provisional authority into keeping it, the CPA said no. Now like millions of children in this country without health insurance, they don't even have doctors.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:22 PM)

The children health bill should ony cover child up to 300 percent of poverty level. someone making $80,000.00 a year they can afford Heath Insurance they just don't want to pay for it.We need to take care of our of our elderly. how may illegals get away with breaking our Health Care System.Lert Move On .Org pay for the Health care they have plenty of funding that they love this country

Bill Heath,Ohio (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:24 PM)

Because democrates believe they should pay for things when they add them to the budget instead of just borrowing more from China, they proposed adding a dollar a pack tax to cigarettes and adding a tax to cigars to pay for SCHIP. The SCHIP increase was to be 35 billion dollars over 5years. It was supported just about everyone including the insurance industries. The only industry against it is big tabacco. It is clear where bush's loyalties lay.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:35 PM)

My fun fact is suppose to read. Before we invaded Iraq, they had universal health care.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:36 PM)

What dishonesty! Why should the government fund health care for kids in families with incomes of $66,000 or more? That's the question the Dems don't answer. Do you know why? Because it's not about the kids, it's about buying the votes of the parents. If it were really about the kids, the Dems would have the cojones to pass a bill calling for universal free health care coverage for all children under age 18 regardless of family income. But they won't because, then, they would have to pass confiscatory tax legislation which would rip the mask off their true motives. This legislation has nothing to do with the kids but we will see more of this dishonesty as the '08 election draws closer. The past is prologue. Anyone remember when the Dems accused Pres. Reagan of forcing millions into homelessness and killing old people? Lies then, lies now. Why should taxpayers, under the guise of a CHILDREN'S health care program be offering coverage to 25 year olds? And why to families at 300% of the poverty level or more? The answer is obvious--to buy the votes of middle class families with kids in college. I'd have more respect for the majority party which had the stones to admit that this kind of legislation is designed to ensure victory at election time whether the majority party was Democratic or Republican.

Steven Rennie, Fillmore, NY (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:39 PM)

Carol -- thanks for the link to the Lautenberg petition.

Krista, this link gives the breakdowns of the house vote on SCHIP

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll906.xml

ek mpls mn (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:41 PM)

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:44 PM)

No one is pleased with Jesse MacBeth's lies and deceptions. No one left of center, right of center or just plain center can defend the indefensible. So why would any one want to extend his 15 minutes of fame?

What he did was criminal, he got what he deserved. nuff said.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:49 PM)

Steven Rennie - go to www.factcheck.org regarding SCHIP program as your statement is incorrect. Do you feel the over $2billion each week we spend on the Iraq war is worthwhile?

GO CUBS!

Jamie, Elmwood Park, IL (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:58 PM)

"Bush doesn't want to "put people on that can afford private insurance." How about if we remove all Congressmen and Senators and people working in the White House from the health benefits provided by the government." Disgusted, TX

You are on the mark, Disgusted!!! What a hoot!! Never happen, but great idea. Thanks for the laugh!

Ken, MN (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:02 PM)

are you all really so lazy to investigate the bill and why it was vetoed? never mind - you all get your info from biased sources so you never even bother to think you've been hoodwinked. Bush himself said he is for a bill helping POOR CHILDREN!!! Since when is a 25 year old in a family earning $80,000 (the age limit and income limit for SCHIP) a POOR CHILD??? It's a back door way for the socialists to start hilarycare without the approval of the American people. and don't give me crappy poll numbers - of course people are going to say yes to a poll question asking if they want FREE health care - but guess what? IT AIN'T FREE!! AND IT AIN'T FOR POOR KIDS!!!!

WE DON'T WANT YOUR STINKING SOCIALIZED MEDICINE!! IT DOESN'T WORK!!

You people have got to be the most ignorant on the face of the earth considering the resources you have to educate yourselves. absolutely pathetic.

Scott, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:15 PM)

My fun fact is suppose to read. Before we invaded Iraq, they had universal health care. from jen.

Jen,

did that health care coverage include torture chamber and chemical gas injuries or was that a personal expense?

Scott, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:18 PM)

About Bush and his veto of SCHIP

Where does a man who gets his colonoscopies at Walter Reed and other military hospitals get off deciding that others are not entitled to government sponsored medical care?

Velma Hampson Stockton CA (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:21 PM)

I think the richest country in the world should provide health care for all of it's citizens. We pay more for health care than any other country yet 36 other countries provide better care. I now pay $200 a month for a policy with a $5000 deductable. That doesn't cover my asthma. The system of health care we now have in our country is nothing more than legalized extortion. All anyone has to do to find this out is get sick and discover the "great" insurance you used to have and are still paying for, no longer covers any illness humans get.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:39 PM)

All these people complaining about the cost of the SCHIP program and the fact that the Dems want to cover families at 300% of the poverty level obviously have never had to pay for health insurance themselves.
FACT 300% of the poverty level for a family of four is not $80,000 a year, more like $45,000 a year.
Fact When I first entered the work force employers routinely paid all health insurance premiums. Now it is the EXTREMELY RARE employer that does so. Many employers won't pick up dime one of health insurance premiums these days. So how is a family supposed to be kept fed, sheltered, and clothed when health insurance premiums will eat up their "discretionary income" ?
Of course the righties on this blog (and off it) reveal their true nature. "I've got mine and F*$& you get your own on your own"

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:44 PM)

Steve Rennie- There are currently about 1.5 million homeless people in the US thanks to reagan. About 150,000 vietnam vets or 3 times the number of soldiers who died in vietnam are now homeless. Please know that if you ever get sick or fall on hard times me and my liberal, socialist, commie, bleeding heart, dirt worshipping, whale lovers will be there to help you. Funny, but I have never run into a republican volunteer at a soup kitchen.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:46 PM)

Scott- If they survived they could go to the hospital. That's more than they can do now.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:49 PM)

Tell me Scott what is your source for the claim that "Stinking Socialized medicine doesn't Work"?
Gee all of Western Europe has it. Guess what they're all very happy with it. Indicators of quality of life (such as life expectancy) show that it works quite well.
There are two words that seem to cause irrational fear in Right Wing Americans they are: 1) socialism, and 2) evolution.

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:50 PM)

Jen you never will either

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:52 PM)

I KNEW NewsHole bloggers wouldn't let me down!!! Many thanks to Carol (4:16 pm post) and EK (4:41 pm post) for the links! EK's link is the direct link to the "roll call" vote - who specifically voted for it, who specifically voted against it, etc. If any representatives in the "Nay" column are in your district, email them, call them, write them, whatever it takes to TRY to get them to grow a heart more than 2 sizes too small, or at least get them to try to explain themselves with a straight face.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:52 PM)

Scott Columbus- It must be nice to be so stinking rich you don't have to worry about how you will pay for an illness. 60% of bankruptcies in this country are filed by people who got sick and couldn't pay. 75% of those people had insurance when they got sick.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:52 PM)

Bill Rochester- Nicely said!

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:54 PM)

"You people have got to be the most ignorant on the face of the earth considering the resources you have to educate yourselves. absolutely pathetic."

Naw, kool-aid drinking idiots that worship Rush, Billo, and Bush, and spend their time disrupting boards with their asinine, dishonest, and unwanted opinions, are MUCH more pathetic than Keith's ecclectic collection of fans and supporters.

There are none so blind as those that can not see.

Scott Copeland, Naples, Fl (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:55 PM)

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:46 PM)
Funny, but I have never run into a republican volunteer at a soup kitchen.

I've never met a rupublican or democrat volunteer at a soup kitchen, I just met volunteers.

Vietnam Vet (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:56 PM)

Welcome back Scott, Columbus, Ohio, I missed your informed opinion -- the trolls on this blog publish such drivel it's hard to read them.

With regards to the $80k -- in northern NJ that IS the poverty line. Try getting a 1 bedroom apartment in my neck of the woods for less than $1200/month. It's not available. Little houses start at $300k and the McMansions go for over $1 million.

I pay over $10,000 a year for my HMO health plan and it only covers myself, my husband and my 21 year old son. I'd welcome 'stinking socialized medicine' if it would take away filling out medical forms and fighting with the insurance companies to finally pay up. I'd consider it a blessing.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:57 PM)

Please know that if you ever get sick or fall on hard times me and my liberal, socialist, commie, bleeding heart, dirt worshipping, whale lovers will be there to help you. Funny, but I have never run into a republican volunteer at a soup kitchen.
jen,il (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:46 PM)

I think I hear Cuba calling. I didn't realize it was such a paradise down there.

irony (Sent Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:59 PM)

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