Alexandria Shooting

David Posnett — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 20:44:59 +0000

From my friend S:

One can only hope that this horrible shooting results in some tampering down of the D.C. vitriol. From my perspective, Trump unleashed this intense anger and permission to spew uncivil rhetoric. Trump started by using the debates to debase participants, calling them names. Exactly when did that become an acceptable debate technique? And now, we will have to abide the debate about “gun control” versus “Congress should be allowed to carry guns”. Really, have we returned to the Wild West?

I am not interested in living in a country where everyone is free to carry a gun. It’s simply uncivilized. How did we arrive at this awful crossroads?

And a day later:

I’m no Pollyanna and know that the professed unity of Democrats & Republicans in the face of the awful events at yesterday’s baseball practice will be short lived & some cracks are already evident.

However, in a small but revealing way, Jake Tapper had a joint interview with Pelosi and Ryan, who spoke of their respect for each other and personal anecdotes concerning their families. Americans need to see more of these insightful moments of the humanity between opponents and how they respect and are respectful of each other.

Someone like Sean Hannity should be forced to watch the Pelosi/Ryan interview multiple times. Even perhaps the McConnel and Schumer interview. In my memory, politicians have never before underscored their ability to work together rather than the animosity resulting from their differences of opinion. I watched some of Hannity’s program last evening, my first time ever, & was struck at how he spews hateful views and ideas.

This may not last, but it’s helpful and a modest step forward. Something struck a chord and this kumbaya moment, no matter how short, is valuable.

We are Angry

David Posnett — Tue, 23 May 2017 02:04:39 +0000

By Amy Turner.

Shame on Lee Zeldin!

We’re angry that Rep. Lee Zeldin voted for a healthcare bill that is condemned by local and national health practitioners and will hurt our families. Rep. Zeldin has continued to lie about the contents of the bill and its negative impact on us, his constituents, dismissing our objections and refusing to listen to the medical community.

American Medical Association

The bill passed by the House today will result in millions of Americans losing access to quality, affordable health insurance, and those with pre-existing health conditions face the possibility of going back to the time when insurers could charge them premiums that made access to coverage out of the question.

American Academy of Family Physicians

The American Academy of Family Physicians is deeply disappointed with the U.S. House of Representatives passage of the American Health Care Act. This legislation will harm millions of their constituents. It will destabilize our health care system, cause 24 million Americans to lose their coverage, and allow for discrimination against patients based on their gender, age, and health status.

American Osteopathic Association

Our organizations, which represent over 560,000 physicians and medical students, are deeply disappointed that the U.S. House of Representatives today passed the American Health Care Act, an inherently flawed bill that would do great harm to our patients.

American College of Physicians

This vote makes coverage unaffordable for people with pre-existing conditions, allows insurers to opt-out of covering essential benefits like cancer screening, mental health, and maternity care, and cuts and caps the federal contribution to Medicaid while sunsetting Medicaid expansion. As a result, an estimated 24 million Americans will lose their coverage, and many more will be at risk of paying higher premiums and deductibles.

American Academy of Pediatrics

The rate of children’s health coverage in our country is at a historic high of 95 percent; the AHCA would not only halt this progress, it would tear it down.

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the nation’s largest professional organization for women’s health care physicians, denounces U.S. House passage of the American Health Care Act. This legislation turns back the clock on women’s health, and will threaten the health and well-being of America’s women.

American Psychological Association

The American Psychological Association and its affiliated APA Practice Organization have called on Congress to reject the amended American Health Care Act, noting that it would allow states to waive essential health benefits, such as mental and behavioral health care and substance use treatment, and charge unfair premiums for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

AARP

The bill will put an Age Tax on us as we age, harming millions of American families with health insurance, forcing many to lose coverage or pay thousands of dollars more for health care. In addition, the bill now puts at risk the 25 million older adults with pre-existing conditions, such as cancer and diabetes, who would likely find health care unaffordable or unavailable to them.

American Diabetes Association

The most alarming last minute changes to the bill will allow states to waive the requirement for essential health benefits and health status rating. Weakening these rules will give insurers the ability to charge people with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, higher prices. It will also allow insurers to deny people with diabetes coverage for the care and services they need to treat their disease.

American Lung Association

The American Health Care Act will harm patients with lung disease and lung cancer. The American Lung Association calls on the Senate to reject the American Health Care Act. Quality and affordable healthcare with key patient protections is necessary for the health and safety of the more than 32 million Americans living with lung disease.

American Heart Association

This bill…seriously erodes ACA protections, including for patients suffering from cardiovascular disease….Without a score from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), it is unclear how many people will lose their health insurance coverage under this bill or be forced to pay more for the same or less adequate care. However, if the CBO analysis of the last proposal is any indication, coverage for millions of Americans will be in jeopardy.

Arthritis Foundation

AHCA does not provide adequate protection for people with pre-existing conditions and will result in loss of coverage for millions of Americans. It allows insurers to charge expensive and prohibitive premiums, and does not require insurers to cover some services, like prescription drugs. Ultimately, AHCA will require patients to pay more while getting less.

anger – R&R – Reachout and Rebuild

Alexandria Shooting

We are Angry