The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Confused? — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 01:08:48 GMT

I don't get the point?

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 01:22:25 GMT

At the moment, Uncle Sam is giving all his money to Corporations. Their 'Sad Songs' are the only ones he'll listen to.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

BN, Bloomington, IN — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 02:41:29 GMT

Thank you for attempting to make this issue less abstract. Bush wouldn't even allow himself to be photographed signing the veto, but imagine if we had footage of him physically going into hospitals and pulling out kids' IVs or going into homes and raiding medicine cabinets. That's essentially what's happened here.

It's the same thing over and over again with social programs. Conservative pundits find one case that they decide to paint in the extremest of terms to make it appear that one person is taking advantage of the system, and that's reason enough in their minds to do away with a program entirely. In this case, they screwed up because this is not that one extreme case of someone abusing the system, and they don't seem to be making much of an effort to find a real extreme case, which suggests that maybe none exists.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Erin, Baton Rouge, Louisiana — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 02:49:39 GMT

Uh...this is more than a little gratuitous. I don't care if the parents gave you the pictures - having terrible photos of a hurt child show up on my RSS feed adds no weight to your argument. Instead, it detracts. And, seriously, anyone with any sense can make up their mind on the issue without pictures. You are exploiting the kids in your own way, MSNBC. For shame.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

GothamTomatoNYC — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 02:54:04 GMT

Every time I think I've seen the Right go as low as they can, they somehow manage to stoop even lower. Kids are off-limits, even for the Mafia - so I guess we are to surmise that the GOP are an even bigger organized crime syndicate than the boys from Jersey. (I eagerly await the day they are served their final onion rings).

The SSwiftboating of this little boy is unforgiveable.

The thing I don't get is: What could possibly be wrong with extending medical coverage to these kids?? The reality of extending the coverage means that, not only do the kids get the care they need, but the big corporations (drug companies, hospitals, etc), those who lobby Congress, are going to get that money anyway. What's the deal? It is illogical, even by conservative standards (I know, I know 'conservative standards' - an oxymoron if ever there was one!)

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

David Molinero, Clayton, Georgia — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:02:51 GMT

So who thinks that someone who makes $82.5K should be on Welfare???
That was the bill that Bush vetoed.
That's what the Dem want, people who make $82.5K on Welfare, to make everyone depended on Government.
Welfare is a form of slavery, I know, I've been on the Plantation of Welfare, and have no desire to return.
When you are on Welfare, the Government gets to decide what you can, or can't do. Where you live, how much you can make, and what you can do with your money.
Don't believe me, just see what happens if you open a savings account when you're on Welfare. (Oh, you have that much extra, we will just have to cut your bennefits by twice as much.)
S-Chip is for the poor, who should be led away from dependecy from the Government, not deeper into dependicy of government programs, but that won't happen, as what would happen to government Welfare workers, if no one needed Welfare anymore?
As one who escaped the Plantaion of Welfare, I hate Welfare, and refuse to return to it.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Boo Keith — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:10:36 GMT

Funny how the public schools aren't good enough for their kids (they send them to a $20,000-a-year-private school), but public health insurance is. If you don't want questions, don't foist these children onto the public stage. Fight your battles like adults and stop hiding behind youngsters dragging around red wagons filled with your talking points.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Colleen Weber, Everett, WA — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:34:52 GMT

If someone has never gone through something like this, they have no idea what all is involved. Looking at the pictures shows the amazing progress Graeme has made. I am just as hopeful for his sister. What saddens me is that people can be so cold and callus in their remarks about these beautiful children. I am sure their parents will be able to explain there are some people in this world that have so much pain in their hearts they are unable to share empathy. I think the question in Neale Donald Walsh's book, "The New Revelations A Conversation With God" says it all. "What hurts you so much that you feel you have to hurt me to heal it?"

I, too, am without health insurance. I have been very fortunate to have very good health, and I am thankful everyday that I am well and strong. But, this is so unnecessary in our country.

Maybe someday, we will have people in leadership positions that will understand the concept, "We the people"

My best wishes to Graeme and his family. They deserve the same health coverage as our Congresspeople!

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

no longer a countdown watcher — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:58:42 GMT

You've stooped to a new low, Keith. Pathetic

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Hunter of NY — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:11:40 GMT

The reason the Repugs are so crazed about this is the same reason Bill Kristol insisted Hillary's '94 health-care proposal be "killed": If it's perceived that the Dems are more for the middle class (the people who benefit from health-care reform the most -- i.e. people like the Frosts, who aren't on welfare but are getting killed by medical bills), they'll win it all and keep it all. It's all about holding turf. The socialized-medicine meme is just window dressing.

Oh, and "Boo Keith"? Ever hear of "scholarships"? They're the only reason Graeme's in that private school. After all, a family should have the freedom to choose where their child goes to school, right? And by the way, the next time Dubya vetoes a bill surrounded by "snowflake children", I expect the same level of outrage from you.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

countclown — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:17:49 GMT

"We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others."

Unless, of course, we agree with those attacks.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Jeremiah, Houston TX — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:28:00 GMT

True believers on the Right/Conservatives/Republicans see these horribly injured children as 'welfare queens'.

The truth is, this program provides state funded medical insurance for kids who otherwise wouldn't have it. SCHIP covers children whose parents work and earn too much to qualify for medicaid but still cannot afford health insurance. Our health insurance system is broken. This program saves children's lives.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Jackie M, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:31:25 GMT

Boo... I don't know if you read, but the kids got to those schools because they have programs and facilities that help them with their physical problems caused by the accident.

And those of you turned off by the photographs? It wasn't like there was no warning. Get over yourselves. Those pictures help bring the argument back to where it should be. Those kids got hurt, and the program helped them. That bug up your rear has died. Time to extricate.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Dave Smith, New York, New York — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:54:04 GMT

As many comments here show, even when shown how people suffer as hard evidence as to why the S-CHIP is important.

But the other won't have it. An abstract idea can be argued against with some insane ideology of why it's okay that 47 million people have no health insurance, and why CHILDREN (for God's sake people, we are talking about children here) have to go without the care they need. Families being destroyed, thousands losing everything they have for some long-outdated political theory.

Bring forth something as simple as pictures however, something so very simple as hard proof of examples of people who so dearly need this help, and it's a hit below the belt. Something so simple as "look at this person, they need help" is "a new low" or "gratuitous", as others here have said.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Darren Gudmundson, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:54:55 GMT

$850 Billion to murder tens of thousands of people in an invasion of a sovereign nation and you guys cannot come up with a few dollars for health care?

Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.

When I was six years old (in 1966), I remember my mother making very tough choices so she could afford the ten dollar deterrent fee that was being charged by the government so I could have my tonsils looked at.

I also remember spending many an afternoon stuffing envelopes and attending demonstrations in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan to force the government to drop the deterrent fees, which they did in 1969. When most kids my age were playing hockey, I was manning a picket line, and it paid off.

I hope that a family never, ever has to make the choices that my parents had to make.

In a country as wealthy as yours, to force anyone to undergo public scrutiny, or prostrate themselves in front of some beaureaucrat, to receive medical care - it's simply pathetic. Have you no shame people.

Health care is a right, not a privilege.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Scott in Vancouver — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:24:46 GMT

Thank God I live in Canada.The comments of some of you "patriotic" Americans is repugnant in the extreme.Go ahead and pile the broken bodies of suffering children at the alter of your sick twisted ideology you low life vermin.You hate "welfare"? Ha!You pour trillions into obscene foreign wars but can't spare a few red cents on your own children!I HATE YOU!!!

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

K, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:58:08 GMT

"Funny how the public schools aren't good enough for their kids (they send them to a $20,000-a-year-private school), but public health insurance is."

Public schools oftentimes are not equipped to handle the multifaceted issues facing children who have suffered neurological traumas. In addition, I have little doubt that if they HAD kept their children in public schools, people like you might be off in a corner muttering about your tax dollars paying for their 504 services.

"Fight your battles like adults and stop hiding behind youngsters dragging around red wagons filled with your talking points."

This is about CHILD HEALTHCARE. Hence, there are children involved. Stop hiding behind your faulty rhetoric and open your eyes.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Wayne, TN — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 06:06:22 GMT

This was an auto accident, don't tell me the family had no automobile insurance. Its against the law to drive without insurance.

If a child is severely injured due to an accident in which the parent is the sole responsible party the child must sometimes sue the parent in order for the parent's liability insurance to be forced to pay in full.

I'm all for self employment and family businesses but failure to provide insurance for your own children is irresponsible.

Something just doesn't add up right with the parent's story.

PS
I've seen much worse. Still the girl is lucky to be alive.
Now if Ted Kennedy had been driving would the democrats even acknowledge the child's existence?

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Laura in Los Angeles — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 06:37:49 GMT

It's a miracle these kids survived..yeah..people always think people in business are rich, you live in a decent home, you still got $$, you can afford everything money can buy..sure..a myth. With the rising cost of health insurance, better hope you remain healthy. I pay a fortune for myself, family and employees..and I am NOT a rich person..just a compassionate employer. This kid is being educated on scholarships..didn't any of you dipsh**its out there critizing every get one of these? Ideally families should be able to afford the basic health insurance, co-pay a portion if a catastrophic illness or accident befalls them, but in the real world just the basis insurance is unaffordable. So what's a family to do?

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Talvenada, Phila., Penna. — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 06:40:24 GMT

I've have said for a long time that humans are half way between God and animal life. Compassion is God-like and vicious attacks are from the jungle, from the defense of number one to the exclusion of all else. God loves all: plural, and the animal thinks only of self: singular.

Isn't it ODD that the group w/ a monopoly on truth, religion, right, intelligence and sanity is the group known for this attack. And where is the always pointed out equal on the left?

Conservatives, Neo-Cons, where is your talking point on this? Or will you only slime me as prove of your correctness? Or call Limbaugh, Hannity or Levine to have them give you an answer?

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Wendy Nix, Charlottesville, Virginia — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 07:01:39 GMT

Grim pictures, but they illustrate the truth of what these kids, and this family, had to deal with before the wolves started at them.

It's all too easy to lie with facts, and that is exactly what the right wing fringe has been doing. Look at the reality of what is going on. The Frosts are not rich, and the two children suffered horrific injuries. Without SCHIP, they would never have had access to the level of care the kids needed, and the medical bills would have forced them into bankruptcy.

President Bush vetoed a bill that would have extended protection to many other deserving families. I guess none of us should be surprised. He did, after all, sign into law measures that make it far more difficult for families facing overwhelming medical bills to seek the protection of bankruptcy.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Wayne, TN — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 07:03:35 GMT

Turns out the Frost family is eligible for SCHIP aid under present rules and the Democrat's proposed increases would not affect their condition.

Once again lefties make a tempest out of a teapot.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Sandra Chung, US citizen in Australia — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:58:48 GMT

David Molinero, Clayton, Georgia, why is it in a country as rich as the US should families face bankruptcy or homelessness due to catastrophic injury or illness when this same country can shell out over $120 BILLION for an illegal war? $82k when you have $500k in hospital bills for one child isn't a helluva lot of money, now is it?

As for the pictures being too graphic, no. Instead of a insubstantial idea being vetoed, you get to see what Bush and his corporate warmongers are trying to ignore. Their actions have real life consequences.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Sandra Chung, US citizen in Australia — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 10:00:32 GMT

Hey Boo Keith, the children are in that school due to FULL SCHOLARSHIPS, in other words, no fees. Go back and listen, will ya?

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Clement V. Drury, Longs, South Carolina — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 10:55:35 GMT

Countdown is by far the best show on TV. It has everything, including humor, oddity an irony, but most of all it exposes the propaganda you see and hear on Fox. It exposes the hate-filled nonsense Of O'Rieley, Hannity and that whole crew on Fox. I moved from Naples, Florida to Horry County, SC. The development where I live, The Long Bay Club,in Longs SC only has the cable offering from the Horry Electric Company. Countdown was not offered on their programming. I had to subscribe for Direct TV which costs three times as much but life without Coundown and Keith Oberman would be quite unberable.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Clement V. Drury, Longs, South Carolina — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:01:10 GMT

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Spanky McSpank — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:04:45 GMT

I love all the trolls spewing the right wing lies about these people. They make 45,000 a year, combined, not 81, and their kids go to private school on scholarships, you tools.

Keep shooting yourself in the foot, and when it's YOUR turn for tragedy, I hope it comes back to in full.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Lisa Fort Worth TX — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:38:19 GMT

Wayne, it's too bad that the "much worse" you've seen didn't happen to YOU. As hateful and negative as your posts are, just remember: what goes around, comes around.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

kestrel9000 — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:42:04 GMT

Boo Keith.
Red wagon, if you don't want questions....etc.
Parroting Michelle Malkin quite nicely, he is.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Kevin of NJ — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:01:43 GMT

Keith Olbermann, you are a disgrace. The gratuitous use of pictures from their car accident is unbelievable. The Frosts would be covered under the program that Bush was ready to sign. Shame on the Democrats for using the Frosts as political pawns in the SCHIP battle. Shame on the extreme right for the attacks on the family. They should battle the democrats in debate

Quite frankly, Mr Frost, as a self employed, under the table worker should purchase insurance for his family. He was about to purchase a house for 50,000 16 years ago and had the money to fix it up. He owns a commercial building, so he should purchase insurance. That is part of being self employed. I have friends who are self employed, and they purchase their own health insurance, and have to do without certain luxuries, such as granite countertop like the Frosts.

The SCHIP program is a good program and should be used to subsidize medical insurance for those that need it. Yes all children should be insured. But I have to ask, if you have a job, making money so you don't qualify for a subsidy, shouldn't one of your top priorities be to have health insurance for your family. I would agree that a preexisting condition should not preclude a family from purchasing insurance. If it does, then those families should be included under the SCHIP plan.

By the way, I agree with Wayne, wouldn't the family be covered under an autoinsurance policy if it was a car accident. If they didn't have auto insurance either, shame on those parents.

Keith, for once, can you provide both sides of the story rather than your democratic platform.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:16:03 GMT

GothamTomatoNYC (Sent Monday, October 15, 2007 10:54 PM)

Wonderful post!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I especially loved your "final onion rings" comment! You are too good!!

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

LMAO AT MSNBC usa — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:16:14 GMT

The terrorist democrat party along with Keith the liberal, "make the government pay for everything" Oberman now using children as human sheilds is pitiful, Hillary clinton listens in on private phone conversations of her opponents and the irrational keith is silent, but things are a changing. GOOOOOOOO FOX and FOX business

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:26:27 GMT

These arguements are getting a little pointless and tiring regarding the Frost Family. Steve Turner is correct. That's politics. The Dems used a family and the young man to try and make a point (perhaps they should not have), and the Republicans in their counter arguements against the plan attacked the family and the young man, (they should have left the family out of it).

The point is there are children in this country, and elderly, who need assistance with health care. If we as citizens of the US really care about our kids and our senior citizens we would stop all the damn bickering and sit down and come up with a reasonable plan to assist these two groups. Arguing over whether a family used by the Dems are good examples of who needs assistance and who does not only makes a legitimate agreement and compromise (that will be required to come up with a plan to assist these people) much more difficult.

There is absolutely no excuse for the Dems and Republicans not to be able to agree on some form of legitimate health care assistance plan after they have spent billions and lost millions on this conflict in Iraq. No excuse at all, none.

We are bogged down in a conflict where thousands have lost their lives, have spent billions some of which has lined the pockets of who knows, losing many or our own 19 and 20+ year old kids killed in a far off land, fighting over whether a particular family deserves health care assistance, arguing over whether Gore deserved the Nobel Prize, fighting over liberalism versus conservativism, while sitting back munching on popcorn and routing for a baseball team where players are paid millions to throw, hit and catch a ball, on and on and on. What the hell is wrong with you people!!!!!

Cudos to those defending a kid who does not deserve to be attacked, and sc-- yo- to those who want to argue at every turn on every issue instead of making suggestions and sharing ideas to help resolve all these issues and more.

My apologies. I am pissed this morning and these arguements about this young man and family just made it worse. There is no sense or common sense in this country no matter what side you are on or what political path you favor. You know it to be true.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

DCohn, Cleveland, OH — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:40:04 GMT

A picture is worth a thousand words. I dont care if these people had gold growing in their garden, the point is children need health insurance regardless of their parents wealth or lack there of. Peace to all, Denny

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

A. Response, Greenville, SC — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:04:03 GMT

See...when someone calls this family "irresponsible" for not having their own insurance, I wonder what kind of rose-colored glasses they wear. I changed jobs recently, and had to pay my own insurance for one month (I have twin 2 yr olds). for just one month, it would have been 1k$. Now...I make decent money, but after taxes, that 1k$ would have made it nearly impossible to pay for my house (not huge by any means), car (2 cars, one 10yrs old) and our food. So Wayne, who apparently is either independently wealthy, or doesn't NEED insurance, would say I'm a fatcat liberal. We know he's not on military retirement, since his kind only yells at the sidelines, never actually puts themselves in harms way.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

JoAnn, Moundsville, WV — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:07:02 GMT

Horrible things can happen to any family in an instant. We never know when a terrible tragedy is going to happen to one of us. I only hope people would have much more compassion for other families going through these times.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Laura H, St. Louis, — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:23:00 GMT

Wayne in TN - once again your ignorance and intolerance is showing - the whole point of spotlighting the Frost family was that under Bush's conditions, they would NO LONGER be elligible for SCHIP - Also, auto insurance usually taps out around 300,000 per person (read your policy, tool!) - and I dare say it looks like they needed more than that, not even including long-term rehab -

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

junebug — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:35:03 GMT

David Molinero, Clayton, Georgia

You have no idea what you are talking about . . . SCHIP is NOT welfare and that $82.5K figure is not the norm for SCHIP. The formula, which the new bill did NOT change, I might add, is based on the individual state. Nothing changed about the formula. It's the same as it has always been. Someone making $82.5 in my area would be upper middle class, in NJ, it would be barely getting by. Try reading about the REAL provisions of this bill instead of listening to the spin.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Gigi, Hudson, MA — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:35:32 GMT

I know how much my health insurance is costing me and my family a year. It's staggering. And it only keeps going up. It's nearly 10% of my income. 10% - and that doesn't include the increased co-pays, limitations, medication limits, etc.

For all you who think the insurance company would take care of this or give this family a HUGE settlement, here a little fact for you: While it's true one parent can sue the other for compensation for the injured child, HMO's or managed health care providers can and usually do tack on a lien to get THEIR money back first. I know. I work in insurance, and I've seen this all too often. So if you think for these people there's a gravy train for the years of therapy and medical expenses these children will have over the years from an insurance company, think again. It will get taken away and returned to the insurance company. Then a limitation of visits for therapy or medical procedures will be placed on these children. Then for a period of time, any therapy or medical procedures may become an out-of-pocket expense. So there goes the vicious cycle.

The corporate HMO/managed care providers will get any reimbursable money first. We are the United States of Corporaterica.

Thanks Keith for posting these pictures. It's an important reminder of how fragile life is and that we do need to take care of our own.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

junebug — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:38:30 GMT

"Turns out the Frost family is eligible for SCHIP aid under present rules and the Democrat's proposed increases would not affect their condition.

Once again lefties make a tempest out of a teapot."

No, Wayne, the "lefties" didn't make a tempest out of a teapot, the Frost child testimony was just to show the benefits of SCHIP. The ones who made a "tempest out of a teapot" were the hate-filled bloggers who ATTACKED this family, STALKED them and THREATENED them. My gosh, man, is EVERYTHING about political parties to you?

BTW, guess where people got the idea that the rules for qualifying had changed with this bill? That would be from the "righties," sir. The formula is the SAME as it has always been.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

junebug — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:50:32 GMT

"If a child is severely injured due to an accident in which the parent is the sole responsible party the child must sometimes sue the parent in order for the parent's liability insurance to be forced to pay in full."

Again, Wayne, you don't really know what you're talking about here, either. Yes, the parents most likely had car insurance. In some policies, there are limitations regarding family members and of course, there are policy limits. Many people have minimum limits policies. In Texas, those minimums are 20,000/40,000 (20 per person, 40 per accident). These children were hospitalized for MONTHS with severe head injuries and other injuries. If the parents had minimum limits, those limits were eaten up by medical bills in a matter of days, given the injuries to these children. The children have more than likely had their claims settled already, but the amount they received most likely barely made a dent in their medical.

Speak of that which you know, sir. Apparently, insurance, automobile accidents and the cost of critical care aren't among them.

I do insurance defense, btw, and these pictures are very tame. I didn't find them shocking at all. Very sad, yes, but shocking, no. I've seen much, much, much worse. The file I'm looking at as we speak is one of them.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

jen,il — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:51:39 GMT

I listen to these right wing idiologs complaining about having to pay for health care for children and I can only think there is a very special place in hell for them. They keep complaining about being called mean, well denying health care to children because you don't agree with the choices thier parents made, is mean. It's not only mean it's selfish.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

jen,il — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:52:35 GMT

Scott in Vancover- good point.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

True Liberal — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:52:46 GMT

Wayne, TN (Sent Tuesday, October 16, 2007 2:06 AM)

How Dare You Sir! Bring up Kennedy in this context, you know it’s a sore spot with us!

You know as a true blue advanced liberal Obermann knows what to talk about and what not to talk about. The Turkey Armenian resolution thing for example. It is blatantly obvious that this resolution at this time is meant to undermine what appear to be successes in Iraq, and because it’s obvious Keith knows he shouldn’t be talking about it. It illustrates that we true liberals don’t give a rat’s ass about the troops, despite our rhetoric. This legislation is designed specifically to harm our efforts in Iraq, and will probably result the deaths of more soldiers - but so what? We can just turn around and blame it on Bush. Aren’t we clever?

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Steve, Rochester, NY — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:55:50 GMT

Keith, I am behind you 100%, you are doing a great job. Thank You. To the people who "don't get this"...it is about providing health care for kids. Those who yell "welfare" don't seem to have a problem when the government bails out a mismanaged corporation. And those of you whining about your' tax dollars...You don't seem to mind your' tax dollars being spent to bomb other countries.
This car accidnet could happen to anyone...to the people who are crying "foul"...remember that.
It could be you.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Frederick Sweeney, Brooklyn — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:06:40 GMT

Is it reasonable to ask families that make X amount of money a year to pay some or all of their medical insurance? Of course it is. Can the millionaires in Congress actually look at these photos and say this family doesn't require any help? If we can spend a billion a week on a war, we should be able to find a reasonable soultion to find a way to finance the medical aid these children deserve. Any of us can be the unfortunate victims of an accident or a disease. Where the hell is the simple human kindness from some of you? The rhetoric is more important than the reality. This country is in a great deal of trouble, because even a situation like the one this family is in can't set the red state/blue state, democrat/republican, liberal/conservative diatribes aside. Shame on us that this is even being debated.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Morris Sheppard. Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:13:03 GMT

Wayne, TN -

Maybe if you thought a little more you would write a little less, or what you write might actually make sense.

"If a child is severely injured due to an accident in which the parent is the sole responsible party the child must sometimes sue the parent in order for the parent's liability insurance to be forced to pay in full. ... Something just doesn't add up right with the parent's story"

Assume they were insured. Assume they even had, what here in CA, is high level insurance, over the legal minimums required. That would be, say, $100,000 per person per accident. Assume the insurance company paid in full. Do you have any idea of what the medical bills of an accident like this could amount to? $100,000 would be gone after the first couple of weeks in the hospital and the first of the several surgeries required. Then what? The bills for the children's care could easily have been double, or triple, of five times that. Have the children sue the parents so they could seize their assets and end up homeless as well? Smart!

As for the Ted Kennedy comment, why not just blame Clinton, as well?

Kudos to Keith, and to Countdown, the best news show on TV, for bringing us this story and letting the public hear the parent's side.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Bill Rochester NY — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:39:56 GMT

BN in Bloomington: That image of Bush yanking IVs out of kids arms in hospital beds would make a GREAT campaign ad. Of course it doesn't have to be W. It could be a generic Republican, a fat, old, bald, bespectacled, white guy with $100 bills hanging out of his pockets!
Scott in Vancouver: I understand your anger. There are many here who share your sentiments about our national priorities. We're working on it.
Gotham tomato nicely said. When do the Bushies get their last "onion rings"?

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Billo, Your Onion Rings are ready! — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:07:30 GMT

First of all- the posting is called 'The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures'- what did you think the photos would look like? If you don't want to see that, hit your 'back' button.

And for all the right wing trolls- how is it OK for you guys to hold up photos of Terri Schaivo (among other things- like the blown-up photos of fetuses at abortion rallies) at protests, but photos of this kid can't see the light of day? Hypocrisy, much?

As George Carlin once said about the Right Wing Lunatic Fringe's attitudes towards children, "If you're pre-born, you're fine, if you're pre-school, you're f'ed!"

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Just couldn't stay away & Still mad in Madtown — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:10:41 GMT

Wayne: You callus, selfish, heartless waste of oxygen! I hope you do have the "opportunity" to experience such tragedy. These pictures are my current reality. My brother was injured in an accident this summer. He had health insurance, a retirement nest egg, a good job. 9 weeks in ICU and the 2 million cap on his medical care was gone. He is still in the hospital and will be there for a long, long time. He will never work again. His injuries are so severe that rehab is even questionable. They have had to liquidate all assets and are now eligible for Medical Assistance. He had everything going for him, and in one second, his future was gone. They will probably have to declare bankrupcy when all is said and done. I can't imagine what it must cost to have two children in ICU, as the Frosts did. You are right, "Scott in Vancouver", the health care crisis in America and those who aspire to the status quo are "repugnant to the extreme." For people like Wayne, Jerry, Boo Keith, it's "one for me, and all for me" all of the time. And stop with the B.S. about the Frost's $500,000 home. You obviously didn't even watch the show last night, or you'd know that they bought a fixer upper, put sweat equity into its repair and now have a home. $500,000 may go a long way in Redneckville, where Wayne and Jerry live, but it would be a modest home for the Frosts. Their kids are on scholarship to go to private school. Good for them. Do I sense some jealousy from you, Wayne? There isn't a hell bad enough for people like the trolls on this thread.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Gail — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:15:10 GMT

It shouldn't matter what income a family has. We are the only industrialized country in the world without a national health program. I personally know 2 families who lived in million dollar homes, who had insurance, but due to a child going into a coma (one from encephalitis, the other an auto accident)...they used all of their insurance and ended up losing their homes to pay for their care. No one thinks this sort of thing will happen to them, or they feel having insurance covers them. I've seen first hand that this isn't the case.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Scott Copeland,Naples,Fl — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:21:18 GMT

"Thank God I live in Canada.The comments of some of you "patriotic" Americans is repugnant in the extreme.Go ahead and pile the broken bodies of suffering children at the alter of your sick twisted ideology you low life vermin.You hate "welfare"? Ha!You pour trillions into obscene foreign wars but can't spare a few red cents on your own children!I HATE YOU!!! "

That's ok, we still haven't forgiven you for Brian Adams.

Seriously, as the father of two boys, they make me sick too. But they don't reflect the majority of Americans, just a few pathetic greedy rich guys (and their ignorant dupes) that wish it was 1950 again.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Jason, Riverside, CA — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:30:17 GMT

Wayne TN,
What is irresponsible is your comments and it is disgusting the argument you make. The requirement of auto insurance sueing your parents? Doesn't that fall into tort reform that the right is always preaching. Flip Flopping hypocrisy and anger toward any child reviels your true christian right. Right for me not for them. Quit exploiting Christianity as a right issue when you can't even practice god's teachings.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

rain kelly, cc texas — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:39:22 GMT

How can any parent demonize these two angels? Republicans did!!!!!
You can bet that if Barb or Jenna Bush needed some type of medical care - the Bush family would spare no expense. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

The "final onion rings" comment still has me laughing.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Carol, Victorville, CA — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:55:34 GMT

Re: Graeme Frost. I think it is awful that these parents would exploit this young boy and put him into this controversy. I have absolute sympathy for both of these children, and it breaks my heart to see these pictures and hear their story. However, I have NO sympathy for their parents.
I don't know if all of the rumors about their finances are true but, like it or not pro-lifers, having children is a CHOICE. Once you make that choice YOU are responsible to care for them. I am middle-class. I work at a less than glamourous job and my husband works two jobs. That's because we have two children that WE are responsible for. It is up to us to provide for their basic needs as well as health care and higher education. We do not have "hobby"-jobs. We have regular mundane jobs that provide health insurance for our family - if we can do it, the Frosts can too.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

David Molinero, Clayton, Georgia — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:57:23 GMT

Ever heard this proverb? “Along with shekels comes shackles.”

As a former Welfare recipient, I got to see how taking advantage of government programs turns you into a slave. It’s always full of “You must do this.” and “You can’t do that.”
I always heard, if you make over such and such, you will lose this and that. And, if you make even less, or become unemployed, you’ll get so much more.

With all that you get from Welfare, you lose dignity. Government programs are not designed to move people off of them, but to keep people dependent on the Government for their everyday needs, thus a slave.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Wayne, TN — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:26:45 GMT

"The thing I don't get is: What could possibly be wrong with extending medical coverage to these kids?? "
Well Gotham, the kids in those photos are already covered by SCHIP.

"They make 45,000 a year, combined, not 81, "
The expansion the Democrats want would give the same coverage to those making up to 83 grand per year in states like New York.
Once again.
The Frost kids are already covered by SCHIP.

Once again the lefties make a big deal about someone sending an Email, this time with information about the family originally supplied by the Democrats.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Linda Becker, Toledo, OH 43606 — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:40:23 GMT

Hey, Wayne, in Tennessee - where have you been? We known these children have been helped. The young man came forward to ask President Bush to help more children, like him, who could have an accident like his and his parents would not have access the SCHIP insurance program.
One of the biggest problem with health insurance presently is that some families have to choose between health insurance and putting food on the table, or clothes on their back, or a roof over your head.
How is helping parents provide affordable healthcare WELFARE? Past abuses of a welfare system has far too many people thinking any kind of help from one's government is WELFARE.
It's acceptable for our government to gives billions in no-bid contracts to defense contractors, but it is not acceptable to help citizens who work everyday, pay taxes everyday, and do their darnest to feed and cloth their children?
Oh, and what about all the millions in Iraq that has been lost to corruption?
But God forbid, our government should help it's children - our next leaders, actually.

Sadly, the Canadian 'Scott from Vancouver' has it correct. And it damn well hurts my American soul.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Cecilia Hennesy, South Bend, IN — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:43:19 GMT

there is no excuse for why the "best country in the world" can't afford care for these kids - and many others like them.

Oh, wait, I forgot. We need that money to pay for wars. Carry on!

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Linda Becker, Toledo, OH 43606 — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:51:58 GMT

I am with Mr. Drury, S.Carolina - I have to have my Keith Olbermann and Countdown! I really cannot afford to have cable, and I had to give up DISH when moving into my new apartment, but there is no other way for me to get MSNBC. (I rarely watch any other cable network but MSNBC, USA and HGTV). Cable companies should come up with a way to CHOOSE 3 OR 4 STATIONS ONLY, and pay appropriately.
Thank you, Keith, for being here and for providing us with information we cannot get elsewhere. I have watched you for several years now - but since 9-11 you have been the beacon of light & life for a huge chunk of America. After Katrina, you have proved you are cut out of the same cloth as Edward R.Murrow, and America thanks you!

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

nuanced — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:07:18 GMT

Scott in Vancouver, I have to agree. I can't understand people who put ideology above people. We are all we have in this world for our short time of existence, yet they want to kill people or let them die to prove some theoretic point but squeal like the pigs they are when they get stuck.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Jules, Palatine, IL — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:08:31 GMT

What is the point of this Countdown? This horrible explotation by Keith Olbermann, Countdown & Newshole producers & staff represents a definate low point of your broadcasting careers. Shame on you all.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:18:55 GMT

Scott, Vancouver (1:24 AM Post): Hate is a strong word Scott but I can understand your frustration with the US. We certainly do seem to have our priorities screwed up. Misbehaving entertainers, million dollar ball players, invading other countries, incompetent leaders and representaives caught hitting on someone in a bathroom all seem to get more attention then the needs of children in the US. If any of us from the US were from another country as yours looking in to the US from the outside one could certainly understand the poor image we have in this world. We have many fine people in our country who are willing to pitch in and help others in need, even other countries who need assistance, but many across the globe only see gluttony, greed and aggressiveness. Such opinions are often accopmpanied by resentment and as you stated, hatred. As a people those in the US need to demand a better image and those who lead and govern our country need to do all they can to regain a better image. I just can't imagine what the rest of the world thinks about these news stories that a young person in the US is being attacked by adults and by a US political party (no matter what is behind it) for seeking affordable medical treatment. As you, they must wonder how our leader can call anyone else in the world evil.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Dana, Covina, CA — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:25:39 GMT

The right wingers claim to be so pro-life and they stoop to this despicable yet typical lashing out as they normally do...sickening. See, in their sad, self absorbed, pathetic world you only count when you are zero-nine months old...in the womb that is.
Republicans...love the fetus, hate the child (and everyone else for that matter).
Despicable cretins!

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Harry McBride III, Alachua, FL — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:46:20 GMT

David Molerno, learn the facts of the SCHIP program before stating an opinion. The program under the Bush administration only is available to family making 52,000 dollars or less per year. I don't think the accident the Frost children were involved in was planned. What happens when your children are involved in such a horrible accident? Do you have the hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay the bills? Well do you? Maybe we, as a country, should worry about OUR children as opposed to making military contractors rich. You know by providing contractors with military protection in Iraq! Learn before you open your hole.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

jen,il — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:49:30 GMT

When liberals use children to illustrate the SCHIP program they call it irrelevent propaganda. When the conservatives use injured Iraqi Vets in commercials that end with footage of the world trade center being smashed into by a passenger plane, to continue a war 70% of the populuation doesn't want, they call it patriotism. They need to be rooted out of our government like the cancer they are.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:00:46 GMT

More tax cuts for rich people and corporations when we stop paying for health care for children seems to be the basis of this rotten veto decision. Shelling out billions to contractors in Iraq while denying treatment to kids is just fine with them. Expect the the same treatment to be applied to Medicaid and Medicare if they get away with this one.

Reminder, while George W. Bush was governor of Texas he pushed and then signed a bill that allowed hospitals (not families, not doctors, not courts - hospitals) to stop providing care when they (the hospital) determine that the care being provided is "futile." For poor people and the uninsured, care being called "futile" happens quickly - for the rest, it generally coincides with reaching the maximum payable insurance amount.

And these guys claim to be "pro-life"?

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Larry Charleston, SC — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:12:34 GMT

Spanky , these people are covered by S CHIP and will be covered , and so are the next family being dragged out, the Wilkersons. Why don't the liberals find someone making $80,000 that will not be covered and let's see their story. With Bush's expansion of the program the two aformentioned families will still be covered , so what's the story ???? Another F***UP by the liberals, showing their stupidity in trying to market Hillarycare

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:18:48 GMT

A News Program's and/or TV Personality's competence is only as good as the staff hired to support that program or personality and the attention given to the viewers or potential viewers of said program or personality. I do not want to question Keith's competence just yet but he and MSNBC must understand that the PR of any portion of the Countdown Program, or anything representing the program (as this blog) if not properly maintained or updated reflects on the Network as well as on the Personality hired to perform for that Network. If the Newshole blog cannot be maintained and updated to a level of excellence which most competitive organizations achieve to attain, then it might be best to cancel the blog because it certainly does not reflect excellence. The question begs how anyone wishing to obtain information or news from MSNBC, and specifically Countdown, can rely on the same for any integrity or competence when it cannot maintain a simple blog that it created for its viewers.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:21:56 GMT

Scott in Vancouver (Sent Tuesday, October 16, 2007 1:24 AM)

I get dismayed too, Scott, about the state of my country and it's inhuman course.

Remember though, that both the White House and Congress are currently for sale to the highest bidder. Donate mega-bucks to campaigns and you get the legislation you want to benefit your political or corporate agenda. And, by all means, don't allow any bills that put and end to the "pay for play" system that works so well for the corporate, wealthy, and well-connected.

They don't have to worry about those pesky voters either, because the fix is in there, too, as they have demonstrated in the last 2 presidential elections.

The real hipocracy is that the inhuman course is plotted and supported by those who claim to be "pro-life", Jesus-loving, "patriots". Most of us are trying to reclaim our country and move it in a better direction.

Don't give up on us yet.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Laura in Los Angeles — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:32:41 GMT

Updates pleeeease!

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:34:14 GMT

Knock, knock.

Anyone home at Countdown?

It's been 6 hours since the last update.

Wakie wakie. It's Tuesday afternoon 2:32 PM Central and the last comment is from 9:16 AM Eastern (8:16 AM Central).

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Adelaide Cleere, Sunnyvale,CA — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:04:03 GMT

Thanks Sue I posted my comments on the other blog thread at 8:30PDT and it has yet to show up.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Anne C. Weeki Wachee, FL — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:12:13 GMT

All children under 18 and all older people over 65 should have government sponsored health insurance. Period. Any country that cannot take care of it's youngest, oldest, and weakest should be ashamed. We are that country.

BTW- did anyone catch the survey out last week on freedom- ranking countries by the true freedom of their citizens? We didn't even make the top 5.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

junebug — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:15:42 GMT

Apparently, my second post in response to Wayne's lack of knowledge regarding automobile insurance and the cost of medical care disappeared.

Wayne, there are sometimes family limitations on auto policies, so it's not a given that the parents' policy covered these children very well. Also, I don't know what the policy limits on the Frosts' policy were, but given their fairly limited income, I'd bet they were pretty close to minimum. In Texas, those minimums are 20,000/40,000 (20 per person/40 per accident). No offense, sir, but the care for these kids' injuries would have most likely eaten up the policy limits in a matter of hours.

As for the person who was so offended by the photographs, believe me, these are really not that bad. I'm sure if they'd shown the investigating officer's photos, you would have thrown up. Been there and done that many, many times in the past 22 years. I think that showing the severity of these children's injuries as contrast to where these kids are now was important. It shows how important SCHIPs is.

BTW, the guy from McConnell's office who started the witch hunt has called it off. He said that the stories being circulated by folks like Malkin were incorrect. How benevolent of him.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

O J — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:17:11 GMT

another day

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Adelaide Cleere, Sunnyvale,CA — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:18:58 GMT

Okaynhtis one took secons toshowup.

First off, Keith thanks for going back to tossingthe papers across the studio and using the wide angle lense when doing so, after BEST PERSON.Senator Craig is quoting you ;interestinb but more importantly you got a raving endorsement for honest news by Graham Nash of Crosby Stills and Nash (and Young)

Any rich right wing jerk who thinks 5000,000 is a upper middle class neighbrohhood should see what 500,0000 buys you in Silicon Valley, a ticky tacky apartment box with no amenties at all. That is on the cheap end.

I admire the courage of a young man standing up with his first amendent right of freedom of speech and the S-CHIP program that saved his and his sister's

Kudos to Keith for doing this interview with the family. Live long and prosper Keith and keep fighting the good fight of truth in journalism.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

junebug — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:19:47 GMT

Larry, listen carefully, there are very few people making over 80,000 who are covered by SCHIP. Most states have the 200% poverty level rule . . . some states with higher costs of living have the 300% poverty level rule. Someone making $80,000 in my area could easily afford health insurance for their children, that's why our state follows the 200% rule. BTW, there has been no change in the formula from the existing one. You've been listening to spin again, Larry.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:30:15 GMT

My first post is missing, too. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

This blog MUST improve. Otherwise, what's the point.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

junebug — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:31:05 GMT

"If a child is severely injured due to an accident in which the parent is the sole responsible party the child must sometimes sue the parent in order for the parent's liability insurance to be forced to pay in full."

This is not necessarily true, either. Most insurance companies will settle a child's claims quickly, particularly if they are as severe as they are in this case, even if their insured is not responsible for the accident. I don't know the procedure in other states, but in Texas, a "friendly suit" must be filed in order to get the settlement before the court, a guardian ad litem for the child must be appointed, and the court must approve the settlement. So, technically, I guess you could say the children must sue their parents to get to the insurance (which is the case in any accident where there is insurance coverage involved), but in most cases, it is simply a formality to protect the interests of the child.

(I do this for a living.)

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Jules, Palatine, IL — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:35:22 GMT

Thanks for not posting my comment...truth hurts doesn't. The best part is that at least one of you media creeps have to read it. ;)

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

mad in Madtown — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:49:16 GMT

Soooo.......anything posted between 10:52 AM and 2:49 PM have been arbitrarily deleted?

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Rob S. Raleigh NC — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:49:29 GMT

Pathetic are the people who would put Americans in poverty or bankruptcy to pay for healthcare. No one wants a handout- No one. Everyone wants protection and a fair playing field for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Shame to all those who think that a modest living means immunity from financial ruin. We low middle classers work harder, longer hours and with fewer protections to our livlihood than any other class in this nation. Just pile it on, just pile it on... Thanks Republican Bootstrappers!! While you're at it, export our jobs, destroy our pensions, reduce our benefits, and lower our pay.

SCHIP does much more good than it does harm... that's the bottom line.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Rocky Mountain Guy, Colorado — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 21:15:17 GMT

Excederin headache # 43 and his neo-con cabal once again favor the corporate community over the working class people of this country. Corporate welfare is anti capitalist, ergo anti American, so why aren't the pundits for the right up in arms over the no bid contracts and stacks of missing cash in Iraq instead of going apoplectic over SCHIP? Oh that's right, there aren't any lobbyists for the working people. WWJD? I suppose he would forgive the neo-cons, me, I'm not that "perfected" yet. I will not forgive the neo-cons for the terrible things they've done to this country. Ever. Off topic, but I can't help shouting, "The Rockies are in the WORLD SERIES!"

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

UPDATE — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 21:41:29 GMT

UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE
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UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE
UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE,UPDATE

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

S.Bolinger,St.Louis,MO — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 22:07:10 GMT

Must give your show credit for showing journalistic integrity-few others can even define it. Another network that was promoting some movie based "loosely" on recent events had the nerve to refer to the Jean Bonet Ramsey tragedy as a missing child case. She was in her own home. They went on to mention "some missing child case in England". PLEEEASE.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Deferrment Dick — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 22:16:43 GMT

Seven Billion dollars for SCHIP. Do you realize how many Iraqi children we can kill for that kind of money? Thats enough white phosphorus to shell Faluja all over again. That's enough money to torture millions. And you librals want to waste it on health care for children.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Cherry DeLorenzo, San Diego, California — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 22:29:52 GMT

The parents do not make 82.5 k a year so quit listening to Druggie limbaugh. He makes $45,000 a year a catastrophic accident like this can wipe you out of house and home. The children were going to school on scholarships and the cost to the family was $500.00 a year. And all those who scoff at them and belittle them for needing the insurance, well, believe me your tune would change real fast if it were your children, or even yourself lying in a hospital bed fighting for your life. And by the way, the little girl is still in a private school, only its for special education because her little brain was so severely injured that she has yet to recover. God, have some compassion!

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

O J — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:27:17 GMT

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

MK, Indianapolis — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 01:38:09 GMT

I think these kids are walking, talking miracles. If any of my tax dollars were to go to help them then I am glad to help. I'll take saving a life over taking a life anyday.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

MK, Indianapolis — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 01:40:14 GMT

Just couldn't stay away & Still mad in Madtown (Sent Tuesday, October 16, 2007 12:10 PM)

I just read your post and I am sorry about your brother.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Matt S. , Laramie, Wy — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 02:07:00 GMT

Once again the "Empire Strikes Back" at young Jedi Frost...dark troopers lay like cyber-snipers to take laser shots from behind the cover of the Web. Propaganda and lies abound in this battle for the hearts and minds of the citizens. Meanwhile in the next galaxy, the straw warrior Saddam has been deposed and executed amidst a dust cloud of chaos and confusion. Menawhile the real Sith Lord Bin Laden "slips" away and seems out of reach of our mighty star fleet. What has happenend? Who are these cyber shadows that condemn our younglings, while the true enemy is "persued" with limp wristed enthusiasim? There is a palor in the Republic and the citizens smell the betrayal of our efforts to forces beyond our knowledge......next chapter "2008: Return of the Just"

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Hunter of NY — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 02:26:03 GMT

"The terrorist democrat party along with Keith the liberal, "make the government pay for everything" Oberman now using children as human sheilds is pitiful, Hillary clinton listens in on private phone conversations of her opponents and the irrational keith is silent, but things are a changing. GOOOOOOOO FOX and FOX business"

Okay, first of all, two triple espressos before 9am might not be a good lifestyle choice...

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Hunter of NY — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 02:33:36 GMT

Just saw the end of tonight's SCHIP debate. Some fat Rethug pig was going on, all sweet and sugary, about how they need to "find all the _poor_ children who have no money" before we expand the program to include the children we _know_ are out there -- i.e. middle-class children of families getting hammered by health-care costs (i.e. the Frosts). He also basically said that upholding the veto was a fait accompli. To paraphrase the manager in _Major League_, it would really please be to see that fat (AHH-OOH-GAHH!) "eat a great big ol' (BZZZT!)burger when the vote is done.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

David Molinero — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 04:04:05 GMT

I do believe that I was clear that the Bill Bush vetoed, would have expanded the S-CHIP to people that make up to $82.5K.
I never stated that the Frosts made that much. Learn how to read English.

But for those of you who can't read English.

Jamas dije' que los Frosts hace $82.5 mil. Solo que la expancion cual Bush nego' cobraria familias cuales hace' hasta $82.5 mil.

Did that clear things up for those of you who don't read English?

Y si', me naci' en Los Estadados Unidos de Americas.
And yes, I was born in The United States of America, descendent from "Legal Immigrants".

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

dh, Vancouver, B.C. — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 04:25:05 GMT

Funny (but not really funny)listening to the right wing talk about the evils of "socialized" medicine. Observing your debate from north of the 49th, we all laugh (along with the rest of the developed world)at how gullible most Americans are to the arguments against universal health coverage. Although our health insurance system may not be perfect, it's light years ahead of yours when it comes to looking after children without bankrupting their parents.

We all just shake our heads at the dumbness of your debate.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Laura in Los Angeles — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 07:24:18 GMT

Still mad in Madtown Tuesday 12:10 PM..mad, just had a chance to catch up with all the posts. Let me say my heart goes out to you and your family for the terrible accident your brother was in. Life is so fragile. I don't know what else to say except that my thoughts are with you.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Wayne, TN — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 08:50:27 GMT

" $500,000 may go a long way in Redneckville, where Wayne and Jerry live, but it would be a modest home for the Frosts.
Just couldn't stay away & Still mad in Madtown"

Modest Home?
Half a mil should go a long way anywhere except perhaps Beverly Hills.

BTW
I don't know where some of you folks get your insurance but a family of six in Baltimore can get health coverage for less than $500 a month if they shop around and are willing to put up with a stout deductable.
Since the accident they would probably have to pay more because of pre existing medical conditions, but if they'd had the standard insurance to begin with the old premium should have remained the same.

The way it looks Mr.Frost chose to put all his cash back into his business rather than pay for his family's health insurance. So our tax dollars have in effect subsidized his business ventures which have resulted in him now owning substantial comercial properties and a home which would otherwise be beyond his means."Working Poor" my Aunt Fanny, working the system is more like it.

If the Democrats expand the SCHIP program to include 18-25 year olds and families with incomes of over 80,000 bucks per year, that stands to put a lot of Blue Staters on easy street at the expense of the rest of the country. Rather than paying for insurance they can build that pool they've been wanting, or buy a third SUV.

Also just exactly what does your brother's accident have to do with SCHIP?

One thing you N-holes should have realized by now is that everyone has had personal tragedies in their life if they live long enough.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Gopher Interloper, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:47:17 GMT

From the Countdown interview:

HALSEY FROST, FATHER OF GRAEME FROST: "we don‘t sit there and read these ridiculous blogs that go on and on with faceless characters who can‘t sign their own name to what they‘re saying, which I think is just absolutely pathetic."

Talk about getting thrown under the bus!

What? You think he only meant those who make negative comments about liberals using his family? What about the "faceless characters" supporting him here in this blog? Are any of you willing to step up and explain to him that anonymity in blog posting is not only an acceptable practice but is PREFERABLE, since the goal is to discuss the issues rather than launch personal attacks on fellow posters?

That SHOULD be the goal, anyway. Unfortunately, as the "low life vermin" comment by Scott in Vancouver -- and the comments by several others, agreeing(!) with him -- shows, attacking the person, rather than just giving a counter-opinion or detailing the flaws in the expressed opinions of others, happens all too often. Of course, under 'freedom of speech' (within the vague rules of this blog) anything goes, but that's no excuse to abandon civil discourse. Just because you 'can' do something doesn't mean you 'should' do it.

But, hey, y'all do what you want.

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Kevin of NJ — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:55:16 GMT

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, October 16, 2007 9:26 AM)

Well Said. I can't agree with you more. The politics in this country has gotten out of control, and quite frankly, an embarassment for both sides.

Yes there can be a reasonable compromise on SCHIP. Both sides need to come together for a reasonable proposal that provides the subsidies necessary for insurance to those families that truely need it. Enough with the gratuitous grand standing on an issue that really isn't that difficult. Come to a reasonable compromise. Not what the democrats propose, not what Bush propose, but somewhere in between.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Kevin of NJ — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:58:44 GMT

We have regular mundane jobs that provide health insurance for our family - if we can do it, the Frosts can too.
Carol, Victorville, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 16, 2007 12:55 PM)

That is precisely what I am talking about. Well Said

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gator,stuart,fl — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:14:29 GMT

Republicans worship the fetus but once your born your on your own. They espouse the sanctity of life but assign so little value to it. Someone made the comment the other day about how much the GOP/Conservatives love their money. Not if it's going to corporate welfare or to wage militaristic diplomacy. Then it's a blank check.

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Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:19:36 GMT

Rocky Mountain Guy, Colorado (Sent Tuesday, October 16, 2007 5:15 PM) Congrats on your Rockies! If the ALCS trend keeps up, we may get to see if the prediction my morning drive-time silliness guys made might come true. They said that if Colorado and Cleveland make the World Series, we could have the possibility of games being postponed due to snow! Sorry, Pat! Your Red Sox need to get on the proverbial ball!

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Larry Charleston, SC — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:02:08 GMT

I think the real problem the Frost's have is the Private School issue. You know the teachers union , 100% liberal, do not take lightly someone not attending their liberal, poor educational, waste of taxpayer dollars , institutions. Be prepared , Frost family, for a visit from the union boss . Make sure your insurance is up to date , the unions will do whatever it takes to get you back in line.

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C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:34:05 GMT

OJ: Surprised you have not posted a comment that says

" Leave Graeme Frost alone"!

Please consider and add to your other "leave alone" posts. Maybe folks will get the point.

And when people are ready to leave the Frost family alone here are the questions they should be asking themselves and one another:

Do you believe that some kids (some) in this country need help with medcial care and medical coverage? Yes or No?

Would you like to see that those kids needing such help actually receive it so that they can receive the medical services necessary to cure illnesses, repair injuries, eliminate their pain and allow them to heal and go on with life? Yes or No?

If you answered Yes to both questions, no matter if you are on the left, in the middle or on the right, I do believe we can now begin helping such children by discussing, compromising and agreeing to a plan to help those kids you have already stated need our help.

If you answered No to one or both of the questions above read no further, you are hopeless and heartless.

For those who answered Yes now leave the baggage at the door, the politics, the personal attacks and innuedos, the anger and name-calling and back-biting and any hidden agendas. Recognize there will be disagreements so let's' agree up front to disagree in a mature and professional manner, and lets sit down and work out a plan to get these kids some help.

Can anyone tell me why our government (and bloggers for that matter) cannot work together like that?

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WWW.UPDATE-NOW.COM — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:50:58 GMT

UPDATE.....................................

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Rana, Purchase, NY — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:46:38 GMT

News Hole, this is my fourth submission of this comment.

Something just doesn't add up right with the parent's story.
PS I've seen much worse. Still the girl is lucky to be alive.

Wayne, TN (Sent Tuesday, October 16, 2007 2:06 AM)

Hello Wayne, my name is Rana, the daughter of Pam Bignardi. I am also that victim of International Parental Abduction you choose to attack and identify as a liar. It takes a callous individual to mock what my sister and I went through Wayne. It takes an equally insensitive and tactless individual to mock what these poor children went through Wayne, or question their “parent’s story”. Oh, but that’s your forte, right Wayne? You have demonstrated such with my sister, my mother and me.

I have read most all of your defamatory tirades about my sister, my mother and me. You randomly attack people on this site as a means to parade your chauvinism, extremism and racism. Your calling the Frost children and their parents liars, which is exactly what you’ve done to my family also, is merciless. Listen carefully Wayne; my sister and I were abducted by our father and taken to Amman, Jordan. Yes Wayne, my mother brought us home safely to the United States; and Wayne, what you write here shows your character, which is unprincipled and unscrupulous.

I will not insult your mother by blaming her for your bigotry, your chauvinism or your extremist views. I could also blame your self-justified accepted wisdom on the part of the country you reside in; however, unlike you, I am not a dogmatist and understand narrow-mindedness and prejudice exists everywhere. There are wonderful people in Tennessee; you are not one of them.

Do not ever disparage or question what happened to my sister or me again Wayne; do not criticize or question the Frost children or their parents Wayne. If you cannot refrain from this inexpressible behavior, stating you are wicked is being too kind.

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Rana, Purchase, NY — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:49:20 GMT

Dear News Hole,

I have submitted a comment four times for posting on this thread. It is well within your guidelines and many posts on this thread are longer.

I just resubmitted it, please post it.

Thank you.

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Larry Charleston, SC — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:04:25 GMT

CA , Bush has asked Congress to get together and cover all poor children , unfortunately one side ( I won't mention but they know who they are ) insist on making this a Bush hates children issue. Obviously if those aformentioned do not present a bill to cover all POOR children , as S CHIP was written , then we will all know who is guilty.

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Carol, Long Valley NJ — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:06:14 GMT

Wayne, TN (Sent Wednesday, October 17, 2007 4:50 AM)

You really need help, may God forgive you your lack of humanity.

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C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:19:02 GMT

Larry, SC (2:04 PM Post): I hear you Larry but Bush also has to be open to plans that he may not necessarily agree with if they are reasonable and meet the objective. He has to keep out of the equation (to a degree) the dollars that may be necessary for a legitimate plan for fear it would jepordize in any way his funding of this war. He also cannot assume that a plan Congress comes up with will necessarily match any presuppositions he may have about such a plan before asking Congress to develop a plan. Frankly, another blogger gave the simplest and less complicated plan of all. Cover all kids up to age 18 and any person over 65. If we can fund billion dollar wars Larry we can provide health care coverage for our kids and elderly.

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C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:27:31 GMT

Larry, SC (2:04 PM Post): It is unfortunate that some people have atacked this younster and his family. They have even had death threats from whatI understand. I know that Bush has been hot and angry when he feels the Dems have acted unfairly or try to pursue issues for their political ends. But why has he also not stated in a news conference that those who use this family to argue against the bill or who attack the family should also be ashamded of themselves and that he despises such tactics from those on the right as he does from those on the left. Why has he not condemned those guilty on both sidews Larry. if he did he would do himself much better. Otherwise he is and will be seen as supporting those who have lambasted this family.

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Talvenada, Phila., Penna. — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:48:28 GMT

It illustrates that we true liberals don’t give a rat’s ass about the troops, despite our rhetoric. This legislation is designed specifically to harm our efforts in Iraq, and will probably result the deaths of more soldiers - but so what? We can just turn around and blame it on Bush. Aren’t we clever?
****************
TRUE LIB,

Or should I say TRUE NEO-CON, you don't have to think. Rush Limbaugh boasts that he'll TELL you what to think. Oh wow! He has ALL the talking points, like that 2 yr. old should NEVER have been conceived. You'll love his phony soldiers. Hey, you guys should find families that don't support the war and lost a son, and jam the phony soldier label on that dead son. Expose and slime those people, put them up for ridicule.
The war should NEVER have been started!! Thank you, Bushie Boy & Darth Vader.
Neo-Con motto: Fool all the people all the time.

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mad in Madtown — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:51:56 GMT

My post had to do with the health care crisis in this country. I'm glad that SCHIP could help the Frost children. I know what it costs to get one person through ICU, but, two? So rot in hell, Wayne! I posted a previous response to your crap earlier, but, for some reason it was not published - probably because I pointed out, rather graphically, what scum you and other trolls on this blog are. You go, Rana! You mom must be incredibly proud of you.

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junebug — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:03:26 GMT

Larry, you obviously skipped class the day they taught legislative procedure in Civics class. Congress doesn't have to do a DANGED thing to appease Mr. Bush. They are the ones who write the law, his Constitutional duty is to uphold those laws. He has spent the last seven years attempting to turn those duties upside down. I'm hoping that his stupid, childish veto is over ridden for more than one reason . . . one, because this increase in SCHIP is NOT unreasonable and two, because His Petulance needs to be reminded of his Constitutionally-dictated place in our government.

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thank you — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:07:04 GMT

Update, please.

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junebug — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:12:32 GMT

BTW,Larry, SCHIP was NOT written to cover "poor" children. "Poor" children are covered by Medicaid. SCHIP was written to cover the children of those people who make too much money for Medicaid, but not enough to be able to pay ridiculously high health insurance premiums. Maybe you should read up on what you're talking about. Your lack of knowledge about the subject certainly weakens what little argument you have.

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Rana, Purchase, NY — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:40:13 GMT

Dear News Hole & Mr. Olbermann,

I sincerely appreciate and thank you for posting my comment above.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Olbermann for revolutionizing my TV, DVD and computer.

Thank you sir; you have proven to be a great asset in the pursuit of my goals.

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Nicole Casey, Wheeling, IL — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:47:21 GMT

If nothing else, at least this blog allows something that Countdown doesn't allow: Differing views. For that, I will give this blog's comment section some credit. Now if only KO would bring on people who don't parrot his opinion.

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Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:47:39 GMT

Mad in Madtown - You make me happy and sad. Happy to see you haven't checked out completely and sad to hear about your brother's devastating injuries. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.

We should never, ever have to beg, go without necessities, or go bancrupt to get health care. Until we get public financing of campaigns so honest representatives can be elected, we will still have this horrible health care system to contend with.

The shameful position so many contend with in our country is a direct result of the profitibility of our current private sector and the outright purchase of Congress and the White House by those corporations who reap billions in profits.

20-30% of our health care premiums go to fund insurance company overhead as compared to the 4% overhead to manage Medicare. Any rational person can see that universal health care would be far cheaper.

We are becoming like Dicken's England in our disregard for humanity.

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jen,il — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:57:23 GMT

Mad in madtown- My heart goes out to you. Unfortunatly, I know how fast insurance gets used up in ICU. My only advise is to hide as many assets as possible before bankruptcy. He's already lost his health he shouldn't have to lose another thing.

Also I checked out Bobfest but couldn't go this year. Perhaps I will see you there next year.

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Rana, Purchase, NY — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:02:11 GMT

You go, Rana! You mom must be incredibly proud of you.
mad in Madtown (Sent Wednesday, October 17, 2007 2:51 PM)

Thank you very much for your support; and more importantly, for your courage in sharing your brother’s story. My prayers are with your brother, your family and you. Thank you for having the valor to speak about this personal tragedy in this forum.

Stories like yours are sometimes very difficult to tell, especially in a medium like this. I have such admiration for your telling this story, which both raise awareness and assist so many in this country, I commend you.

Keep the faith, as I will keep the faith because of brave people like you.

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junebug — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:21:07 GMT

No offense, Nicole, but Olbermann's opinion is the MAJORITY opinion in this country. If you want to watch someone who agrees with you and the administration in lockstep, watch Fox. Murdoch signed on to push Mr. Bush's agenda and has admitted it. You know, there is really no such thing as "fair and balanced" news . . .news just is.

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O J — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:35:51 GMT

Leave Graeme Frost alone

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C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:39:25 GMT

Gopher Interloper (6:47 AM Post): "Unfortunately, as the "low life vermin" comment by Scott in Vancouver.
Of course, under 'freedom of speech' (within the vague rules of this blog) anything goes, but that's no excuse to abandon civil discourse. Just because you 'can' do something doesn't mean you 'should' do it".

Join the club you apparently so despise.

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Larry Charleston. SC — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:40:05 GMT

Sue, 4% overhead to manage Medicare ??? Where did you get htose stats. Never will have a buracracy saving you $ . I'd ahve to say you are not honest, AGAIN

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Larry Charleston, SC — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:44:17 GMT

June, why are 500,000 poor children not covered ? Why don't the liberals care about them ? So what you are saying is that liberals want to greatly expand healthcare for the middle class, expand the family leave act , and say screw the 500,000 poor children. Seems to me they lack compassion for the poor

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Larry Charleston, SC — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:51:11 GMT

CA, Nancy needs to haul out a family that will not qualify for schip so they can tell us why they don't qualify and what needs to be changed. She brought out another family today, I'm sure she checked their finances first. Both of these families are in SCHIP and it worked wonderfully. So tells us who is not covered, not who is covered. Surely she can find someone who is not covered that needs to be so we can correct the problem

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Wayne, TN — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:54:16 GMT

"Wayne, TN (Sent Tuesday, October 16, 2007 2:06 AM)

Hello Wayne, my name is Rana, the daughter of Pam Bignardi. I am also that victim of International Parental Abduction you choose to attack and identify as a liar. "
Well Rana, if that is your name, your statement is untrue, I did not Identify you as a liar.
Despite Pam's continued attempts to make that claim, she herself is the only one who cast doubt on the linked statements attributed to you.
Your story, if it is your story, gives the date of the supposed abduction a year before Pam's claims.
Pam then claimed that the statement she linked, supposedly your statement, to was in error.

I reserve the right to doubt anyone's story, especially when accompanied by the sort of paranoid rantings we saw in Pam's original story.

The archived posts should still be there, I'll be happy to pull your holecard.

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mad in Madtown — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:06:31 GMT

MK, jen, & Sue, Thanks. It's a nightmare, but, my family is close and we're dealing with it the best we know how. I was only trying to point out how a devastating medical emergency can lead to financial ruin. I'm very happy that there was a SCHIP program to help the Frost children. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone in this country had such a safety net? It would have been nice to have been able to hide assets, jen, but it's too late. $2 million insurance benefit cap - gone, retirement fund - gone, saving accounts - gone, cash value of life insurance -gone, disability insurance benefits - gone, and this accident happened only 11 weeks ago. Now they may go after his TEENAGER's car that she uses to get to work! The whole experience is unbelievable. The mean-spirited comment from Wayne was a kick in the gut. But, I'm a firm believer in Karma - he will get his, exponentially.

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Laura in Los Angeles — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:09:05 GMT

The sad thing about these pictures..they are only affecting the compassionate people with hearts. There are those of us disturbed these beautiful kids had to go through this tragedy and appauled beyond words the comments and wishes from the black hearted people that these kids shouldn't have gotten any help at all. Makes me wonder where these black hearts came from, what were their circumstances to make them so heartless and will their fate ever include a catastrophic event in their lives to make them see the world differently. I'm glad not to be one of them.

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Gopher Interloper, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:43:30 GMT

gator,stuart,fl wrote: "Republicans worship the fetus but once your[sic] born your[sic] on your own."

Is this statement on-topic or off? If it's on-topic, Republicans are NOT advocating free government health care for all pregnant women. If it's off-topic (i.e. a comment on Roe vs. Wade), then ... it's off-topic. Also, and apparently this point needs to be made repeatedly, Republicans DO NOT want to eliminate the S-CHIP program! They proposed an increase; it was significantly less than the increase proposed by Democrats, and that's where the division lies.

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Cindy Gumpert Princeton, TX — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:56:43 GMT

Thanks again, Ketih for keeping this issue about the SCHIP program front and center. Someone has to do it. We can stand billions on this war and yet Bush doesn't want to spend enough funds to expand this program to help the kids in this country. As usual we take care of everyone else in this world but cannot take care of our own.

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Gopher Interloper, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:58:21 GMT

Why doesn't C A, Tuscaloosa, AL believe in using question marks.

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LT in MD — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:59:35 GMT

mad in Madtown (Sent Wednesday, October 17, 2007 2:51 PM)

I am very sorry to hear about your brother and his terrible accident. I will keep him and your family in my thoughts. I can only imagine what a terrible time this has been for all of you. Hugs from Maryland.

P.S. Don't let the bastards get you down. Karma will dispense justice sooner or later.

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Rana, Purchase, NY — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:18:41 GMT

You go, Rana! You mom must be incredibly proud of you.

mad in Madtown (Sent Wednesday, October 17, 2007 2:51 PM)

Thank you very much for your support; and more importantly, for your courage in sharing your brother’s story. My prayers are with your brother, your family and you. Thank you for having the valor to speak about this personal tragedy in this forum.

Stories like yours are sometimes very difficult to tell, especially in a medium like this. I have such admiration for your telling this story, which both raise awareness and assist so many in this country, I commend you.

Keep the faith, as I will keep the faith because of brave people like you. As far people like Wayne, I will ignore hime from this point on. He's nuts; however, I want him to know exactly how I feel about him, I have done that.

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Jim McCollem — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:39:26 GMT

All this point and counter point about the health care issue. Here's a solution Bush and Cheney would both like. We abolish the child labor laws so these kids can get jobs and have their own health insurance.

See, simple solution but all you lazy scheming Americans are just trying to put one over on Bush and Cheney. You can't fool them so stop trying to get something for nothing. Just remember, they will sacrifice all of you if they have to (God speaks to them).

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DD in Seattle — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 01:39:23 GMT

That insurance program was a life-saver after my divorce. Thank goodness my children never needed to use it. There was no way I could afford the $600/month insurance premium my company offered. Without the gov't program, my kids would have been uninsured. People who critize the program and the people on it don't know what they're talking about.

I think that in the current climate, the Dems would have been prudent not to seek to expand the program at this time. They're remarkably stupid about politics. I just wish my party leaders had some common sense. They appear to be just as out of touch as the GOP about how little many of us have to spare for increased gov't spending. Maybe they should have found a way for large corporations to cover the extention? Or maybe they could have done a better job leading up to this vote to inform people about how much the stupid GOP war is costing us every day. Half the reason for our nation's problems is the Dem's ineptitude. Without it, GOP hatefulness could never succeed as it has done.

And to Scott in Vancouver -- are you sure you're not an ex-patriot masquerading? Canadians are typically so nice! You must know from the visiting Seattlites that we're not all trolls down here. :)

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Peter Yannotta, Orlando, Florida — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 01:58:30 GMT

Sir:
Let me get this straight. We are going to help people that earn $70,000+ with their children's medical benefits. Where do we draw the line. We need some reality check on this program to aid parents who REALLY need the help and aren't making that kind of money

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Carol, Long Valley NJ — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 04:34:38 GMT

Peter Yannotta, Orlando, Florida (Sent Wednesday, October 17, 2007 9:58 PM)

The upper income limit is STATE DEPENDENT. Different states have different upper limits DEPENDING ON THEIR COST OF LIVING!!! In NJ, $70,000/year is 'getting by'. We have the highest limit, but we also pay the most in federal taxes and get the least back ($0.61 back for every $1.00 sent to DC). You're welcome.

It's our tax money, going to our kids, and we'd rather spend it on children than on the [expletive deleted] Occupation in Iraq.

Your state has a different lower limit, as well it should because your cost of living is less. People, please read for yourselves and stop getting your misinformation from the right wing neo con nut jobs and their water carriers.

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Cristina, Portugal — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:39:03 GMT

Portugal is poor and small, but the people can lives.
All the people of any race or social status, woman, man and child everyone is taken care in a hospital, medicare center, clinical and we not pay nothing for that.

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C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:29:52 GMT

OJ (5:35 PM Post): Good job and thanks OJ.

Gopher, Interloper (6:58 PM Post): Don't know. Maybe C A has no faith in question marks. Maybe he figures you are bright enough to figure out when a question is asked so he forgoes checking all his punctuation for this blog. Maybe he was seeing if you would catch on and make a comment about it. Maybe his question mark key on his keyboard is broken or sticks from time to time. Or just maybe, just maybe, he wanted to give you an opportunity to ask a stupid question that has noting to do with the topic of this thread. You figure it out Gopher and when you think you know the answer let me know.

Larry (5:44 PM / 5:51 PM Posts) I don't know Larry. Sometimes it is hard to figure out just what the heck is going through the minds of those we have elected to represent us on both sides. You would think they would show a little more savvy and intelligence in their attempts to pass legislation. But suffice it to say that I know you support provding health care to the truly needy kids. That's all we need to know and to agree on. Now if we only had some responsibile representatrives that could meet, compromise if necessary, and get this issue resolved without all the fanfare, back-biting and criticism of the other side. I still support an age cutoff for health care assistance. Children under a certain age and elderly over a certain age. When one trys to establish an income cutoff point where does it really begin or end. If the cutoff point is for families that earn less then 50,000 annally (an example figure), what about the family that earns 50,000.99. Oppsss, forgot the question mark. Here you go Larry, I mean Gopher, "?".

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Kevin of NJ — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:43:14 GMT

20-30% of our health care premiums go to fund insurance company overhead as compared to the 4% overhead to manage Medicare. Any rational person can see that universal health care would be far cheaper.

We are becoming like Dicken's England in our disregard for humanity.
Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, October 17, 2007 3:47 PM)

So you are proposing that the government take over the insurance companies? Are you proposing that insurance companies should be done away with? How would that work, we would create one giant government bureaucracy? What would you do with those millions of insurance workers who no longer have a company to work for? Seems to me, that would have a dramatic impact on the economy. What do you say to the investors who have invested millions in the stock of insurance companies? Where does those investments go? Honest questions here, wanted to know what your thoughts are on what you propose.

Yes, something should be done to allow access to insurance to all Americans. But government takeover is not the answer. Not allowing insurance companies to deny coverage because of a pre existing condition is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Another issue that needs to be addressed is the cost of medical care. Many hospitals and doctors seem to run needless tests using machines that they purchased so they can amortize the cost of those machines.

I want honest discussion, not vitriol, not name calling.

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Kevin of NJ — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:53:45 GMT

DD in Seattle (Sent Wednesday, October 17, 2007 9:39 PM)

I would agree that the program is a good program. Bush also agrees, and wanted to expand the program to allow more to qualify. So this "Bush hates kids" political charade is disgraceful.

DD, if you truly needed help from this program, and you received that required help, good for you.

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junebug — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:42:12 GMT

Again, Larry, research before you speak, you have no clue what you're talking about, you're just repeating something that you saw on Fox or you read on a blog. I will repeat "poor" children are covered by MEDICAID . . . SCHIP was not designed for "poor" children, it was designed for the "gap" children. Children of parents who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford outrageous insurance premiums. Also, I might add that it's not just the "liberals" who support this bill, it has BIPARTISAN (that means that Republicans are behind this bill, too, since you don't seem to understand) support. Speak of that which you know, sir. I realize that may leave you somewhat speechless, but it would serve you better.

Peter Yannotta, Orlando, Florida . . . you need to look at the entire formula. That $70,000+ figure is for families of 6 or more and is dependent upon the STATE's formula. In most states, the formula is 200% of the poverty level, in a few, where the cost of living is extremely high, the formula is 300% of the poverty level. In my area, a family of 4 must make $36,000.00 simply to make ends meet, no luxuries, no extras. In order for that same family of 4 to afford minimal insurance coverage, they must make about $45,000.00 (about $2,000 above our SCHIP level here). In a state such as New Jersey or California where the cost of living is much higher, $44,000.00 for a family of four would hardly cover living expenses, let alone insurance. A family making $96,000.00 here would be doing EXTREMELY well, that wouldn't be true in an area with a higher cost of living. You're trying to fit all instances into your own personal experience . . . doesn't work that way. That's why we have so many uninsured "gap" children and that's why the law is being changed . . . to cover those children.

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Larry Charleston, SC — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 18:39:33 GMT

You better correct Matt Lauer , this morning he stated poor children. But again I ask, why do liberals hate poor children. There are many that are not covered , any now the liberals are worried about the middle class kids. It is shameful that you would let these poor children suffer and demand coverage for the gap kids, those 300% abovr poverty. Please explain to the poor why liberals hate them.

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Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 19:43:52 GMT

Yes, I want Medicare extended to cover all Americans - it will be cheaper since the overhead is much lower (20-30% for private insurers and 4% for Medicare - figures provided by the Federal Government itself).

Anyone who wanted to could purchase a private Medicare Extender Plan as many seniors do currently, or it could be provided as a fringe benefit of employment.

It's cheaper to prevent problems or fix them before they lead to more serious disease. Cheaper to control high blood pressure than to deal with a stroke, heart attack or kidney failure from people with uncontrolled disease secondary to no insurance. Cheaper to control diabetes rather than deal with gangrene, kidney failure, blindness, and neurological problems resulting from no medical care secondary to no insurance.

Cheaper for the federal government to negotiate drug prices with the pharmaceutical companies as they currently do for the VA system. Cheaper for everyone to be able to get health care rather than wait for catastrophe to strike leading to expensive hospitalization and the subsequent cost-shifting onto the bills of "paying" patients.

Yes, I, and most Americans, want everyone to get coverage. The current system only benefits the wallets of insurance company executives, pharmaceutical companies, and "for profit" health care systems. It's time for it to become extinct before America sinks further into 3rd world health statistics.

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OJ — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 19:48:00 GMT

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Thursday, October 18, 2007 2:39 PM)

Shut up or I'll take you to prison with me.

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Carol, Long Valley NJ — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 20:54:24 GMT

OJ (Sent Thursday, October 18, 2007 3:48 PM)

That was your best post ever. Thank you.

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C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 20:55:23 GMT

Larry (OJ's 3:48 PM Post): Better do what OJ says Larry. OJ has spoken beyond his normal "leave alone" posts. You may be on a serious shit list here.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

OJ — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:15:53 GMT

Larry Charleston, SC (Sent Thursday, October 18, 2007 2:39 PM)

Be careful what you say, all the prison guards are liberal democrats.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Margaret Davis Hibbing Minnesota — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:30:17 GMT

Today, October 18th after reading about and seeing the pictures of this horrendous accident and what this child went thru the blackhearted republicans in congress voted to go along with bush's veto of the S-CHIP bill. In fact it was stated that the stood, clapped and cheered. Is this they type of people the republicans have become. Please God no more. They need to be out of office and the sooner they better. Anybody that saw what miracle this program worked on this little boy and then voted and clapped and cheered is as much an inhuman moster their leader bush is.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Laura in Los Angeles — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:31:43 GMT

Larry you've crossed the line..karma is upon you. If OJ's had it with you, you're in deep s**t.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

junebug — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:45:43 GMT

Larry, you really aren't very bright, are you? LOL! Your lack of knowledge about what you are attempting to discuss here is GLARING! You have NO clue, sir. None.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

junebug — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:46:37 GMT

Please take him, OJ! Please!

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

OJ — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:49:08 GMT

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, October 18, 2007 5:31 PM)

You are correct, Larry is in as much trouble as me, damn, probably more. I tried to warn him. I'll be ok. Larry won't, those liberal democrat prison guards won't like him.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Compassionate Conservatism is Dead — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:02:07 GMT

The gentleman from Canada said it best, about the breed of Americans who are willing to waste trillions of dollars on war, but fight tooth and nail to avoid sparing a few red cents for children's healthcare.
Typical RabidNeoNUT bringing up Ted Kennedy..well here's one y'all never, ever mention:
Mrs. Bush ran stop sign in fatal crash
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Details in a 1963 accident report say that Laura Bush, then 17, ran a stop sign in the Texas crash that killed a friend in another car. The report, adding information to previous reports of the crash, was released to The Associated Press on Wednesday....
Put that in your CrazyPipe and smoke it. Enough with the hate already. Get some professional help. Bad things can happen to anyone, especially to hateful, vindictive blowhards. You know who you are.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Carol, Long Valley NJ — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:14:20 GMT

To all those who agree with this sChip vote

I will pray for you to get a new heart, obviously the one that you have isn't working.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

ByeGeorgeOrg — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:49:04 GMT

Showing pictures of THE REALITY isn't the problem, that's called "light" - it's all the ANTI-REALITY, PRO-RIGHT-WING BELIEFS that are causing the heat. There are lots of FReeper-Trashies here today. Troll infesttion on the liberal blogs - LIKE WHAT YOU SEE ABOVE - means that they're scared. Keep up the great work, Keith. You RULE.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Larry Charleston SC — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 02:22:45 GMT

BTW, did you realize that Frost is covered by S CHIP. It works , it covered this accident ! Now find me someone who is not qualified and let's find out why.What's wrong with that ? Can't Pelosi find ONE person that the SCHIP is not working for ?

By ignoring the poor and wanting to add the middle class ,obviously the liberals hate the poor and don't care about their health

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Kevin of NJ — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:33:45 GMT

Makes me wonder where these black hearts came from, what were their circumstances to make them so heartless and will their fate ever include a catastrophic event in their lives to make them see the world differently. I'm glad not to be one of them.
Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Wednesday, October 17, 2007 6:09 PM)

For crying out loud, NO ONE HAS SAID that they didn't want these kids covered. Please show me where that was said. What people are bringing to the attention of the people here is, that Keith O gratuitously using these pictures to prove a political point. Wake up and stop stirring a pot that doesn't need to be stirred.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

junebug — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:06:54 GMT

"By ignoring the poor and wanting to add the middle class ,obviously the liberals hate the poor and don't care about their health"

Larry, Larry, Larry . . . one last time . . . SCHIP is and has ALWAYS been a program for the middle class. Medicaid takes care of the poor children.

SCHIP came into being in 1997 with the urging and approval of a very strong REPUBLICAN Congress. You really need to bow out of these discussions since it is quite apparent to all that you have NO idea whatsoever what the hell you are talking about. Your totally false statements make you look more than a little bit uninformed, Larry.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

OJ — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:17:09 GMT

junebug (Sent Thursday, October 18, 2007 5:46 PM)

Liberal prison guards will be mad.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

junebug — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 19:17:59 GMT

That made a helluva lot of sense, OJ.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

LT in MD — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 16:08:10 GMT

What the spiteful neoCON talking-points parrots refuse to understand, is that health insurance is not affordable EVEN for the middle class. Catastrophic medical bills bankrupt the middle class. What about this concept is so impossible to understand?

Wait I get it, it's the NeoCon ideal that you pay for what you Have, and if you can't afford it, don't Have it. As long as the Repugs Have whatever they need, forget everyone else and tough ti----s. How much more of this can the middle class survive??

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Blaine Orwig, Sunset Beach, NC — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 01:27:35 GMT

Keith,

I believe you found your niche on Sunday nights reading a script while football highlights are replayed. It's a big step for you I realize considering an average of six people (nationally) watch MSNBC. I get stuck there sometimes when my batteries are low.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

พพพ — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:05:50 GMT

น่ากลัวอ่ะ

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Timmy, Milwaukee WI — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:49:30 GMT

Blaine Orwig, Sunset Beach, NC (Sent Sunday, November 11, 2007 8:27 PM)

Blaine, I guess you would probably refer to what you're doing here as "slumming" then, no? I love all the troll idiots (like you, Blaine) who come here, visit regularly, and rip on Keith, his TV program, and the rest of us bloggers. Try and remember Blaine and the rest of you underbridge dwellers, as long as you continue to visit, you're one of us!

Idiots...

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

Rebeckah , Highland Springs,Va. — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:39:42 GMT

Who ever said the thing were bush wouldn't do anything
well your right because all he does is go out and think that he can do whatever he wants cause he's president. Well he doesn't respect the fact that there are situations out there like this that he is not even dealing with because to him this stuff is minor. But to tell you the truth there are families out there who could use a little support with the accidents and the ego maniacs out here on the road. There are some people who shouldn't even be allowed to drink because of the way they act and then they drink. They just don't care and it isn't fair to the poeple who should have to suffer and they poeple who suffer physical and mentally. And inhope they have insurance from the way that car is looking. But let me just tell the people who wrote n this that if you are discusded with the way these pictures look then i suggest that you take matters in to your hand and do something about it.

The Graeme Frost Accident Pictures

AJ Thomas, Detroit, Michigan — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:48:01 GMT

First of all, I've been poor my whole life growing up in Detroit, so I know what it's like first hand to not be able to go to the doctor because it's not affordable. This is not a new issue, it has been going on for a very long time. The only reason it's even getting attention now, is because the affected parties are now in different tax brackets. That being said, I think no children should have to ever suffer, regardless of the parents' status. Children are never asked to be brought into this world, so they should not be subject the the idiocracies we as adults create such as debating over a child's well-being in a hospital. What the hell are you people thinking?! Since when does this country care about money more than it's people? Sometimes I am very heart-broken about serving a country that has let itself fall so far from grace. And until you've been to the middle-east like I have, you have not witnessed the state of the world as it truly is, and the image of America that the rest of the world upholds. A becon of light in an otherwise dark, cold, and unforgiving world. It makes me proud to be an American when I see the look of admiration in the foriegn eyes. Then I come home to read garbage like this, and it fills me with rage. I hate to admit it, but I feel empathetic towards the Vancouver, Canada writer right about now. Debating whether or not to save someone's lives over money issues. And also before I go...I having been paralyzed before, know the cost of hospitalization. Four days alone in ICU cost me 22k, so just imagine their bills! Regardless of any situation, Children should never have to worry about medical bills on the road to recovery. And if you for a second think I don't know patient care, understand that I know all about it...I'm a US NAVY Hospital Corpsman, and it is my job to save lives! Civillians and Marines alike! Don't know what a Hosptial Corpsman is??? Look it up! HOO-YAH!