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Poll: Do you agree with the healthcare reform vote?

By Reuters Staff
March 22, 2010

The House of Representatives approved a sweeping healthcare overhaul to create the biggest health policy changes in four decades, handing President Barack Obama a landmark victory.

Do you agree with the House of Representatives' vote to pass the healthcare reforms bill?

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How will the health reforms affect you overall, including the impact on your family and employment?

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How would you describe your understanding of the reforms?

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Will the passage of the reforms influence your vote?

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Comments

This is what leadership looked like tonight. It was only 103 years in passing.

Posted by hm2viking | Report as abusive
 

Good one!

Leave the country.

Run Screaming!!!
Posted by retired_sandman | Report as abusive

Posted by joe1985 | Report as abusive
 

All I can say is, Ron Paul 2012!

Posted by RP2012 | Report as abusive
 

To takethat43558: maybe you should watch the “take thats” Nov isn’t that far away, think there’s going to a look on Nancy’s face that won’t be fixed by the best dr. in town. I’m sure there is healthcare available there is here in NE colo. a small town on 12,000. And Colo has health insurance a state run thing for people that get turned down because of preexisting cond. there’s help out there if you ask.

Posted by newdeckindc | Report as abusive
 

America is the only first world country not to have a national health care system for all its citizens, It is a crime against humanity not to have one. It is a basic right.

Posted by luby | Report as abusive
 

America’s founders intended the federal government to have limited powers and that the states have an independent sovereign place in our system of government. The Obama/Reid/Pelosi legislation to take control of the American health-care system is the most sweeping and intrusive federal program ever devised. If the fede…ral government can do this, then it can do anything.

Tonight, our Founding Father turn over in their graves in disgust.

Posted by FightingIrish | Report as abusive
 

One more thing and I’m done… Watch for something called ” We need a New Deck in DC ” it’s coming….

Posted by newdeckindc | Report as abusive
 

No one has a right to medical care. If one assumes such a right, it endorses the notion that some individuals have a right to someone else’s life and property. This totally contradicts the principles of liberty.

Posted by FightingIrish | Report as abusive
 

Let this be the start of the revolution. We dissenters are the majority. We can shut down the system legally through civil disobedience. Let’s start now!

Posted by FSandlewould | Report as abusive
 

The federal government already paid for health care, just didn’t regulate it very well. Most Dr’s went through school with plenty of NIH picking up the tab for aspects of their education, drugs are developed with NIH funding and handed over just before they are profitable to the pharm co. Research is paid for by NIH. The whole thing is federal. So what is this stuff about ‘federal takeover’? If taxpayers pay the tab, they should have a say on how it works and who gets access. It is about time. Now on to progress…as long as Hospital CEOs make 50x the salary of the average patient and specialists make 20x, health care will never be affordable…a patient needs to work more than a week to see a Dr for 1 hour…this has got to change. The next step is to educate more Drs to increase the competition and bring down the per hour costs (something the AMA has been against for 60 years!).

Posted by JDC | Report as abusive
 

Glad something passed, but it’s really very modest reform. The conservative claims that it’s socialized medicine are unfounded. What’s amazing is that Obama managed to override the FOX lie-spewing machine.

I’m counting on him to be as successful with a single payer bill in 2012 or 2013!

Posted by yogahelps2 | Report as abusive
 

To luby: Maybe the reason we have been the most powerful counrty for so long is because we are a proud country, not arogant spelling??? And because our gov. used to to stay out of our lives…. while other countries thought they had to control all asspects of the people’s lives. ya know I hope we are wrong about what I see ahead for the U.S. but what if………. we aren’t wrong? We don’t want to live though the destruction of this great country, but we just don’t believe Congress has the right to control everything, the constitution limits their power gives it to the people and then the states, not the Feds. They do not know what they are doing, at least I hope they aren’t , they can’t be doing this on purpose?? Look at world history, ya suppose people can really go back to living without TV – cell phones, internet, my iced lattes, because if we have to pay for all this not just HC but the other 2 trillion plus more, if we don’t pay for it who’s gonna pay this debt? WHO?

Posted by newdeckindc | Report as abusive
 

Socialism? I’m already paying my state to subsidize for the uninsured whenever I visit a hospital for immediate care. Not because I skipped my primary care and periodic health exam, but because of an accident that require emergency care. For those not fortunate enough like myself, the hospital is the only last care they have for health care.
Isn’t it cheaper and cost effective if you can afford to purchase a health insurance with the same buying power as a corporation with over 30,000 employees? It would be a boon to health insurers that will see their membership increase.
The increase in cost and transparency will now expose many Americans to the reality of the high cost of health care. This is not the same as the European universal health care.
For those who feared a two tiered system in health care as a result of this new law, the reality is that the system is already here. If you are wealthy enough, you can certainly obtain a higher medical care that not many can even reach.
I don’t see the gov’t dictating a lower care from my doctors since the incentive is to prevent me from coming back to the emergency room or doctor office for a deteriorating condition. It is to their best interest to treat me with the most cost effective way that works instead of procedures that are useless just to cover themselves from lawsuits.
I can go on and on.. but this law is a start and as I suspected, is not perfect. But the law provide the framework to improve more of the highly debated issues.
At least now, I no longer feel that my company have a leash on my decision to move on or create my own business at the expense of my family’s health. It’s great to have a backup plan and something there just in case.
I’m not leeching off anyone’s income or hard work. I also work hard to get where I am now and expect nothing in return. And I know that those less fortunate will cost a lot less in the long run by maintaining their health and well-being with my hard earned money.

Posted by Werin | Report as abusive
 

To Love America:
Hope you’re not saying the rest of us don’t Love America?

We see things differently than you do, but don’t you dare try to say we don’t Love America.

We just do not think it’s a right for some people to get healthcare, housing, food, utilities paid for by other peoples work. Your right for healthcare also comes with your right to pay for it yourself. If people want to blame something for the high price of HC, blame insurance, if we didn’t have insurance it would cost $100 for an MRI, but because insurance pays for it
( this includes medicare and medicaid ) the price goes up. My sister had a procedure at hospital, when they found out she didn’t have insurance, they knocked off a zero, so 3500.00 ended up costing $350.00. Why? Gov. isn’t going to decrease the costs, when and with what have they ever run anything correctly?

Posted by newdeckindc | Report as abusive
 

FANTASTIC! Now we can turn healthcare over to big government, unaccountable bloated bureaucracy, and big fat government unions to turn a $2.5 Trillion dollar system into a $5.0 Trillion dollar – mindboggling. You think our economy is broke? You have seen nothing yet.

Posted by JJWest | Report as abusive
 

Finally! Now all the weeping and gnashing of teeth will begin on the Republican side as all of their lies and misrepresentations of what is in the health care bill dissolve daily. Their lies, repeated over and over, may have been accepted as truth, but the truth presented becomes self evident! Change was promised. And change has been delivered! YES WE DID IT!

Posted by dreamkacher | Report as abusive
 

luby: you are so brainwashed, your rights are not given to you by Congress, that’s really a sad statement, that you don’t know where your rights come from, I feel sorry for you and all the progressives in Congress at least the ones running in Nov. are gone and good ole Nancy will get such a look on her fake face, can’t wait. But she has good healthcare , paid for by us, wonder if she realizes she just voted to pay income tax on her healthcare like it’s income. ha! but do they pay income taxes? or are they like the Somali refugees that don’t have to pay income taxes for 5 years?

Posted by newdeckindc | Report as abusive
 

“The problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.” – Margaret Thatcher

Posted by ThatcherFan | Report as abusive
 

you are just mad obama won again. you thought it was a fluke and wanted him to fail, but he out foxed you again. why cause he keeps it real and is wise.real easy.

come on, if you daughter or son gets real sick after you lose your job and you dont have insurance any more you would cry foul. cut the games and through in the towel

he cant be stopped or his policies!

Posted by castronyc | Report as abusive
 

The comment … it is time back the country from corporate interest and SERVE THE PEOPLE…? Serve the people in what way? This should not an entitlement. You have two hands, two feet, two legs, and I hope a brain. There is a way to WORK and earn an income. Who said living in the U.S. gives you entitlement to free handouts and free healthcare. I am a middle class and I am tired of paying for everyone else. I have two college age and I pay full tuition fees while others students go on government funds. I can barly pay my bills, but I don’t qualify for any special aids or government funds. I am not complaining about my responsibiiities, but I am tired of paying for everyone else. Get a job, pay your bills, pay for your healthcare. Stop waiting for the federal government to take care of your responsibilities. This bill is all wrong.

Posted by MShot | Report as abusive
 

LOVE IT!! Thank you to President Obama and Congress – you listened to your constituents and put people ahead of politics. We will thank you in the polls. We will also remember the Gutless GOP and their Tea Bagger tools, if they can survive their conveniently fake outrage. Blank checks for endless wars and bailouts for Wall Street, but nothing for America.

Posted by 5280hi | Report as abusive
 

“This is what leadership looked like tonight.”

This is what wiping your rear with the Constitution looked like.

Posted by DesScorp | Report as abusive
 

How about putting this vote to the people in the next election? Of course not! It would never pass! Nancy P.’s comment about being for the people what complete and blatant hypocrisy! How in the world do people not see through what they are saying and doing? It is beyond me! Is it because people are so anxious to get something for nothing that they can’t even see the reality? The outcome of today’s vote is going to cost us more than we can ever afford. . . and I’m not talking dollars! I am going to bed. I have to get up early to go to work tomorrow to pay for some lazy freeloaders healthcare!!!!! goodnight.

Posted by mimi2four | Report as abusive
 

Yay! America has needed a sane and regulated healthcare system for so long. Our present system bankrupts families daily and leaves the uninsured to die. We have a son in college, we now know he can be covered with us until he is 26, that seems a small thing, but it isn’t in this job market for young adults. Mainly, YAY, we took on something big and did something about it. It is a proud day to be a Democrat and an American. Thank you Nancy Pelosi and President Obama!

Posted by Anne5634 | Report as abusive
 

When you have to threaten the democratic party politicians with non-support in their campaigns to get re-elected if they don’t vote for the health bill as obama did…what do you call that? For those who “Love It” you are ignorant of the country’s defining beginnings…you are pathetically dependent and hopelessly inadequate of taking care of yourself. You are a parasite…a worm. And do you think after the arrogant speech of obama that he cares about you? You are hopelessly ignorant.

Posted by Franklyspeaking | Report as abusive
 

Sometimes I almost wish I could be like you people who can sit back and brag about your rights while other people pay for it. But then I come to my senses. Health care is not a right. We are guaranteed Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. I’ve just had all three of these taken away from me so I can pay for your imaginary “right” to free healthcare.

Posted by Libby59 | Report as abusive
 

The 64% aganist and 34% support poll! How come there are more supporters on the comments? Rights come alone with responsibility. If you do not have enough rainy day funds, spent all your money, when things went bad, Who do you blame? The federal government or yourself?
The problem we face right now, The Crying baby got the Candy! Where is the Good Old Hardworking American? Very Sad!!

Posted by speakout | Report as abusive
 

Anne5634-It’s good that you are so happy. You say the uninsured under the present system are left to die. Well, now senior citizens are left to die. You are old enough to have a son in college, so your senior days are not too far off. Live while you can, cause it won’t be pretty when you hit 65. Thank you Obama and Pelosi for that.

Posted by Libby59 | Report as abusive
 

Does this health care bill effect congress? The senate…the presidente…of course not. You are cheering for a group of horrible politicians that have such a huge ego that they would put you into a corral and treat you as pigs or cattle or chickens…which a lot of you are.

Posted by Franklyspeaking | Report as abusive
 

Anne5634 lets see if you still say that after you finally read what they just did to your sons student loans as well with this bill. They ignored 55% of the American people. You liberal Democrats are soon gonna have to find someone new to take all the money from because it is almost fiscaly more responsible for us to conservatives to quit our jobs and mooch off everyone too then where is the money gonna come from or do you believe that it does grow on trees?

Posted by mr_large | Report as abusive
 

…pass no bill that congress and the senate are not subject to! this needs to be an amendment to the constitution!

Posted by Franklyspeaking | Report as abusive
 

Anne5634..Gee, your son will be able to be on your insurance until the age of 26, how nice. He is in college now. Are we paying for that as well? Just wondering. Liberals/progressives think they are owed a living. Perhaps I shouldn’t have worked so hard all my life and I too could be as elated as you are. When it finally hits you I hope it knocks you for a loop!

Posted by Peggybank | Report as abusive
 

I’ve found there are basically two kinds of people.
Group #1 consists of hard working, law abiding, sane,
financially sound people who take care of themselves and their family.
Group #2 consists of people who think they are special. They have no sense of responsibility,live beyond their means, can’t budget their money, buy everything they want and then CAN’T AFFORD INSURANCE because there’s no money left. duh
So Group #1 now has to pick up the tab for Group #2.
This is the Democrat way.

Posted by Libby59 | Report as abusive
 

Amazing to see how many bicycle-seat sniffers of the tea party persuasion manage to get worked up about this pathetic Bill and respond as though it were in the slightest bit socialist, or even “liberal”. The last time you saw Nancy Pelosi (who is about as liberal as Genghis Khan) looking so happy it was right after she donated trillions of dollars to Hank Paulson’s Billionaire Commie Boy’s Club who are not, by the way, communists except when it comes to taking taxpayer handouts.

This time’s no different. Don’t take my word for it. Read the Bill.

Oh yeah, and then look at the bill – the one you’re footing. All proceeds generously donated to the sickening parasites of the commercial insurance industry. It’s not just the same old same old. It’s more of the same old, for those who least deserve it.

Posted by HBC | Report as abusive
 

I’m delighted our nation has taken a first step in re-hauling the insurance and the future of our health care.

Posted by PollyTics | Report as abusive
 

Conservatives and Republicans are conveniently fiscally responsible and take a morally superior high ground since they can afford their insurance premiums/health care. Proponents of health care reform must be looking for a handout, must be lazy, etc., – - Note, the overall message is always one of superiority. Why are they so afraid to help anyone? Regulate the market to ensure quality of service. Change is hard, new ideas take some energy to think about and it’s just easier to believe the people who stand for Health Care are lazy, entitled (yes, I am just as entitled as Ms./Mr. Fat Cat Banker, Anti-Trust Insurance Industry, Sweet Deal Pharma and on on and on) I believe that you, your family, my family are entitled to receive health care at reasonable costs. That’s what the people want – PS don’t believe all the polls – look around you and if you open your eyes and ears you will see the truth written on your neighbors tired faces.

Posted by smartfox | Report as abusive
 

should I be surprised? The debate about health care has been reduced to ‘socialism’ vs ‘liberty’ – but the basic understanding of either of these terms has gone lost. Perhaps it was never really learned at school, and the overhaul of the US education system is needed more than ever.
Freedom to be royally screwed by insurance companies for being human? That’s liberty?
And socialism… where in the world is health care better than in Germany, Sweden, England, France, Canada … and can you who all fear socialism please tell me what the main difference is in their systems as compared to US democracy? Go for it: let the debate run on solid arguments, with clear details, and not on hot air.
you have been paying for healthcare all these years by subsidizing e.r’s. Let’s do it better.
And by the way, don’t second guess the founding fathers. THey are finally resting in peace.

Posted by j-arly | Report as abusive
 

Your poll is anything but impartial. You ask how health reform will affect us. Obviously, everyone will be affected and most people will have to pay extra — it this positive or negative? A fool would reply that it’s grand to part with your money, but personally I will pay more so that more people get coverage. Your poll doesn’t allow such considerations. You appear to be fishing for a story. Moreover, you are allowing repeat votes — thus, the disgruntled will be voting NO, NO, NO over and over again. Utterly useless poll!

Posted by listen2me | Report as abusive
 

What’s a CRIME against humanity is to think it’s a good motivation/good for society to STEAL from our neighbors to subsidize another. This is currently the deadliest disease spreading across this country.

Posted by Reason22 | Report as abusive
 

This isn’t about health care. Democrats are doing this for one reason only: to raise as much tax revenue as they can as fast as they can. They need to pay off their base as they did with the Stimulus Bill last year. If they don’t get money quick for their government union base, we’re see government workers laid off as everyone else has been and that will be the end of the Democratic party. They are willing to take the hit cutting care to the elderly will cost them (Obama only got 45% of the over 65 year old vote so he could care less about them).

Posted by Essex | Report as abusive
 

We will simply vote them out and undo this mess. And then we will remove Obama.

Posted by alvinjh | Report as abusive
 

Even with the “Doc Fix”, more and more physicians will not accept Medicare patients. Hospitals have little spare capacity now, what will happen when all the newly insured flood the system?

The basic law of supply and demand was totally disregarded. Great to create a big demand for medical services, but nothing was done to increase the supply. If price doesn’t go up, then expect supply to shrink over time.

Maybe that’s the answer to the Social Security problem. Cut the availability of doctors for Medicare patients and they will simply die. The sooner they die, the less Social Security will have to pay.

For every action, there is a reaction. But don’t tell that to the rejoicing Democrats today. Sadly, the country will learn it within one generation.

Posted by Boat52 | Report as abusive
 

Democrats won in 2008 and they won again last night despite months and months of fearmongering, lies and obstruction from the Party of No. Having been part of the minority party for many years myself, I somewhat sympathize with Republicans and conservatives in general. Yeah, it sucks. But that doesn’t mean Congress didn’t vote the will of the people. On the contrary the president most Democrats ran on a platform that included health insurance reform and WON. Time for Republicans to suck it up and quit being infantile in their loss.

Posted by Eclectablog | Report as abusive
 

A great moment for America! Thank you to everyone who voted yes… it takes guts to take the less popular route to something good for all! Time will show this to be a historic and positive change.

Posted by waveonshore | Report as abusive
 

Has anyone read and digested this legislation? ANYONE?
It is hard to understand what the pundits could debate when these 1000+ page bills are introduced hours (NOT 72) before the vote..
I would never buy a car this way…
But like everything else I guess it doesn’t even matter what the bill/law says…
They’ll just do what they please..
I now deem America..Un-American…… You may disagree.. the Constitution is the witness.

Posted by Treeeblehooks | Report as abusive
 

What I have learned through this whole process is the total disconnect of the Republican Party with the realities of how a properly functioning democracy is intended. The health care debate and the process they made necessary to pass such a landmark legislation showed me how scheming and self absorbed they have become. Certainly they, and all the loose fringe elements within their party are doomed. They have little talent and nothing fresh to offer.

Posted by waveonshore | Report as abusive
 

A great moment for our country, perhaps it will be the greatest moment of this century. Congratulations Mr. Obama, congratulations Speaker Pelosi. You had the courage of your convictions to see this through. I salute you, and the entire country will in time.

Posted by CosmicDude | Report as abusive
 

Congratulations to all the elected officials who had the balls to stand up and do the right thing.
Now get us out of Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Posted by osito3 | Report as abusive
 

Change is always hard to accept. This moves the USA in a direction that doesn’t square with many fiscal conservatives, except they really want the social benefits which come along with the new law. The result is what was passed, sausage-making at its best!

Posted by MEspud | Report as abusive
 

Liberal, progressive, left-wing, socialist fools, please just explain one thing to me and I will quit whining about the healthcare debacle.
If this is such a “good” deal for America then why was it negotiated almost entirely in secrecy, and this should be easy for you to answer as you are always demanding more openness in government?
Where is/was the openness in the twelve-plus months it took to get this passed?
I will be awaiting the winning post on this thread with the right answer.

Posted by anamul | Report as abusive
 

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