New Haven Independent

Posted by: redman | September 21, 2009 8:08 AM

By 2017, Social Security will pay out more in benefits than it collects in taxes

Medicare, which serves more than 43 million elderly and disabled people, is in worse shape, with its hospital insurance trust fund projected to be insolvent by 2019, trustees said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/23/AR2007042301963.html

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | September 21, 2009 10:35 AM

This is the real deal.This man should have be president.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if5fgI-w-CY&feature=player_embedded

http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/dennis-kucinich-answers-presidents-healthcare-speech

Posted by: Two2Three | September 21, 2009 1:21 PM

The Congress and Administration are bending over backward to ensure the private insurance health companies make gigantic profits. Mandating that 30 million people get health care insurance guarantees these profits.

The discussion has to turn away from bailing out the insurance industry the way our taxes bailed out the big banks and financial institutions to guaranteeing that we have health care coverage.

The only path that doesn't bankrupt the taxpayers and actually saves money is Medicare for All - Single Payer. My health care should be a non-profit enterprise. My health care shouldn't depend on my employer deciding what level of insurance I get or how much it should cover, or some for-profit administrators telling me who should be my doctor or what my doctor should prescribe. Health care is a human right - the United States signed that Declaration nearly 61 years ago.

Get the private insurers out of the examining room, out of the surgery, out of the dental clinic, out of the nursing home. They add no value to our society. They are simply parasitic.

Posted by: Whatsername | September 21, 2009 6:50 PM

In the September issue of Atlantic Monthly, there's a very compelling article entitled: "How American Health Care Killed My Father." In it, the author proposes some very interesting ideas to health insurance reform. While the article is on the longer side, it's a worthwhile read.

Here is the link:
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200909/health-care

Posted by: Zarina Townsend | September 22, 2009 11:51 AM

I am glad to see this article about this program; we need more of these discussions and informative programs that help people to understand how the health care system is funded, and how it works. Understanding the infrastructure is key to understanding why we should all pay attention to what is going on in our state and on the national level. Many of us who have health care through our jobs are not paying attention to the issue. Too many of us are responding to the 30 secs hysterical commercials designed to frighten us.

I am presently in nursing school; it is a real eye-opener to learn about the sytemic issues involved in the assignment of resources, the delivery of care and the management of that delivery. It is no different from being in a large corporate environment; in fact, it is more complex. Mr. Smith hits the nail on the head. There are certainly enough resources to go around so that everyone can be covered. The problem is the corporate GREED portion of health care: the drug manufacturers and the insurance companies want billions in profits.

Whether you have health coverage or not, what happens in Washington will affect you sooner or later. Everyone needs to get involved and get accurately informed. Please do not buy into the media and commercial hype and scare tactics. A program such as this one- done with knowledgeable legislators and health foundation representatives, and with people from the community asking sincere questions- is essential to getting good information to all of us. This is what true democracy is about. I applaud OneWorld for its obvious commitment to the community.

Posted by: J. Figueroa | September 22, 2009 12:23 PM

Another outstanding article about a valuable community education program. The real reasons at the heart of the opposition to a public option in health care coverage has nothing to do with deficits or scarcity; it has only to do with profit margins. In 1965 we heard much of the same cries when President Johnson was trying to implement Medicare. Yet, I cannot think of anyone (even those who are wealthy) who would give up their Medicare coverage today. The same will be true of a national or public option if we the people have the courage to stand with the President and fight for real reform and for the public option. The longer we wait the harder it will be to implement. This is exactly what the opposition is counting on; they want to wear us down and to defeat the President. Wake up everyone. Get the facts. Please.

As much as it saddens me, there are many of our elected officials who are so beholden to the economically powerful that they give in to them rather than to the will of the people, or to doing what is BEST for the people who elected them. Too many of our elected officials worship at the altars of money & power. This is another reason to change permanently the ways in which elections are funded. Granted, we might not have gotten the President we have now, but the way in which elections are financed needs to be changed to give more people an equal opportunity to finance a campaign.

We need health care reform; we need a public option; we need to pool the resources now being spent to finance all the different types of coverage for the different groups and put all of those administrative dollars into one public option pot and fund a national health plan. If we reduce the overhead cost for all of these existing plans, we would have about 75% of what is needed to fund a national or public option plan. Here is the news for those who are talking about getting govt. out of our health care: we have at least four nationally administered govt plans now: Medicare, Medicaid, HUSKY and SAGA.

Posted by: P. Blake | September 22, 2009 3:43 PM

Hats off to State Representative Betsy Ritter, co-chair of the public health committee who was in the studio at CTV last Thursday to take questions and inform those of us watching about the health care dilemma we are facing in CT. Rep. Ritter is a shining example of what we, the constituents, should expect from our elected leaders. She represents the 38th Assembly District of Waterford and Montville; she is not next door in Hamden, NH or surrounding towns; yet she made it a point to be available to inform us. Senator Harp, who is without question one of the most, if not the most accessible state senators (certainly in our area) is available to us whether it is election time or not. She is demonstrably a committed public servant. She is always well prepared. I learned a great deal from listening to her last week. I look forward to being able to see the program again; it is full of good information about CT's health system & the various federal programs.

Of course, many of our elected representatives are only available to constituents when elections are near, or when they have viable oppositions. Many of them do not value public access. Yet, PEG gives us the best coverage about local issues. How are we the consituents to know what is happening at the capitol unless they are available to answer questions and inform us? Except for the NHI and its more comprehensive coverage, we seldom get any comprehensive and objective information that we can really discuss. Mark Davis is probably one of the few reporters who give us political information in ways that make sense. This 21st Century Conversations program on health care reform was valauble. Thanks to everyone who participated. Big thank you to Rep. Ritter, Sen. Harp and Ms. Padilla from Universal Health; thanks to Mr. Smith, firebrand activist Mary Johnson, and all those who took the time to be at the CTV studio to participate in the program. Thanks to the NHI for the coverage, and above all thanks to OneWorld Progressive Institute for its comitment to keeping us informed about health care.

Posted by: Jim Fusco | September 23, 2009 12:43 AM

This was an incredibly interesting show. Hearing about this topic every day on the news, I thought I had heard everything about health care. But, hearing the actual reasons for delay and hearing how sometimes good ideas be clouded by bureaucracy really put this issue in a new perspective for me.

I personally think that we need the government plan to go through- even if you don't fully agree with its merits, it's still "reform" and that's a lot more than we can say about the lack of progress we've seen over the past eight years.

Bravo to N'Zinga and her guests for putting together such a great show!

~Jim

Posted by: Jack | September 23, 2009 10:33 AM

In ten years, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will have collapsed if something isn't done now. Good luck with your Socialized Medicine then.

Posted by: Health Care Provider | September 23, 2009 1:33 PM

As a health care provider I am distressed by what is happening in this country around health care reform. Over the past 12 years hundreds of thousands of viable human beings have died because of a lack of accessible health care. As Americans we are outraged by the fact that 3,000 people were killed on 9/11/01; we are also angry that a few thousands have died in Iraq in a war we do not support. My question is – do we support allowing tens of thousands of people to die yearly by denying them access to affordable health care? Yet, by opposing sensible health care reform and by insisting that there not be a public option that is EXACTLY what we are doing. It’s inhuman; it is criminal and it is un-American. Hats off to the people at OneWorld Progressive Institute for presenting this quality information program.

Posted by: Kathryn | September 23, 2009 1:37 PM

It is refreshing to read about this program. While this 21st Century Conversation is taking place in CT, this article is available to people with access to the Internet; therefore the reach is expanded. This is the type of sensible and factual information people need to have. This is the type of program the larger media should cover and report on rather than the boisterous Tea Parties that are only designed to inflame passions and perpetuate ignorance.

Senator Harp knows exactly what she is talking about when she says a large portion of the administrative cost and the actual funding is already being spent of four different programs. Why not use that money in a pooled fund for a single payer system? The answer is disturbing and most of us do not want to face it. It is caused by greed and power. We lock people up for killing others, yet the insurance industry, the drug manufacturers, and all those who support their callous disregard for the lives of the uninsured and the under-insured allow thousands to die every day in the United States of America. We are # 37 in the quality of health care outcomes but #1 in how much we spend. All who oppose the public option should ask themselves � what is wrong with these numbers?

America NEEDS the Public Option in health care reform; nothing less will be justice. Let us act if we are really the number 1 country.

Posted by: Suzanna Lengyel | September 23, 2009 2:20 PM

As always, N'Zinga was very well prepared for this "conversation". She has an uncanny ability to find the best and most personable "experts" for the particular topic of her show. All three invited experts (State Sen Toni Harp, State Rep. Betsy Ritter, and Frances Padilla, Vice President of the Universal Health Foundation of Connecticut)were superbly well informed and able to share their knowledge with the audience. I consider the OneWorld "conversations" to be of great benefit to the community.

Posted by: Jack | September 23, 2009 2:25 PM

To all the fools clamoring for Socialized Medicine. It's not going to happen. The American People are dead set against it. Get a life.

Posted by: Cynthia Cunningham | September 23, 2009 7:31 PM

It is enlightening to know that there is a program like 21st Century Conversation, with host, N'Zinga Shani making people aware of what is happening in our country regarding Health Care Reform. As a small business owner, not being able to afford health care insurance for our employees or our family,the government health care reform program will be very beneficial.
Having knowledgeable guests on this program brings new light and a better understanding of what is happening in the health care system.

Posted by: H. Gamble | September 24, 2009 1:48 AM

Dear OneWorld Progressive Institute
Please do not be disturbed by those who are uninformed and rude. Your organization and this New Haven Independent web site together are doing a phenominal service for the entire community.

We need programs such as 21st Century Conversations where informed guests and enlightened residents can come together to ask questions and have intelligent discussions about important issues such as health care reform and other valuable educational issues. I am delighted that you are there and so capable and committed.

Some of those criticizing have parents and grandparents on Medicare, the ultimate govt. program; others cannnot wait to get it. When President Johnson was trying to implement Medicare he was called all kinds of crazy names by some of the very people who now enjoy Medicare benefits. The biggest problem Medicare has always had is fraud; there are between $25- $35Mil in fraud annually by doctors and other providers. That needs to be cleaned up. If there can be a system where we eliminate 80% of the fraud in Medicare & Medicaid and as Ms. Padilla says put in a solid infrastructure and combine all of these programs it would be the best thing for Americans.

Thank you for your excellent programs; you are to be commended. Your women's health program done in May was simple outstanding. Thank you all for your hard work

Posted by: Jim Barrett | September 24, 2009 2:03 PM

I read from various reliable sources that the insurance industry is spending $1.3M per day tp defeat health care reform with the public option. My question to all those who oppose this option is-- why is the insurance industry association doing this? Do you really believe that this industry is so concerned about the health and well being of the uninsured that they are investing millions of dollars to save them from having access to affordable health care?

This money is being spent on Democrats and Republicans to kill the public option. In all, the health industry spent $133 million in the second quarter of 2009! Recently the association, which represents 1,300 insurers and HMOs across the country, told POLITICO’s Mike Allen that it was stepping up its activity, advising members to confront representatives critical of the industry at August town hall meetings. We saw some of those confrontations. To the uninformed, who are claiming that the American people don't want the public options, you are the ones who need to become better informed. People are being manipulated with lies and deception. It is ALL about big profits for the private insurers. Three Cheers for OneWorld and 21st Century Conversations. Keep shining that information light into the darkness of ignorance too pervasive in our society. Let's hear it for light.

Posted by: Yolette Bryant | September 25, 2009 4:52 PM

"Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn." Benjamin Franklin
Those who write in opposition to socialize medicine should first know what it means as opposed to what they think it means. The most dangerous thing about being ignorant is that we cannot protect ourselves against it. In a civilized and democratic country promoting education, health and well-being should be among our top priorities.

Posted by: Marshall Lee | September 25, 2009 4:56 PM

It is always enlightening to read articles about programs done by OneWorld Progressive Institute. It is wonderful to see Mrs. Johnson participating in this program; she clearly was far ahead of her generation. We need more courageous and committed people like Mary Johnson today. Sadly, there are those who want to use abusive language, violent outbursts, and sheer ignorance to close off debate. The level of ignorance in our society is truly disturbing. This article has provided key pieces of information that helps us to understand about the need for a solid infrastructure for us to have a viable health plan in CT.

Posted by: Lavonne Beckford | September 26, 2009 12:17 AM

This is another excellent article about this truly phenominal TV program called 21st Century Conversations. Recently I had an opportunity to watch several of these programs on tape. OneWorld does superb work for the benefit of the community; my family and I commend everyone associated with this organization. We also commend Senator Harp, State Rep. Ritter and VP Padilla for their contributions to this program. We need to have a Public Option in health care reform. Senator Harp's point is true; we do not need billions of dollars to pay for the new public option in health care; there is enough money in the existing system to pay about 80 percent of the cost; we need to streamline the system and combine Medicare, Medicaid, HUSKY and SAGA into one administrative system.

Sadly, the insurance industry and their puppets are willing to stop at nothing to preserve their profits; in the meantime the average person is suffering and our economy is in shambles. We all need to wake up and realize that those advertisements about getting the govt. out of our pockets are nothing but deceptious ploys for the benefit of the insurance giants. I call on the American people to recognize that we are being duped by big businesses; they could care less about us, the regular folks.

Thanks to OneWorld and these well informed public servants who are trying to give us the facts. Give us more of such enlightened 21st Century Conversations; everyone in the community need to watch these programs because they provide information not often found elsewhere. We are all better off being informed with an understanding of the importance and benefits of real health care reform. Do not be influenced by the media hype; we need reform and HC for everyone.

Posted by: Shari-Ann | September 26, 2009 12:32 AM

Ignorance has never been known to solve any problems but in fact only compounds them. Mr. Smith is right; America has enough health care for everyone. We are not a nation of scarcity. We are weaker as a country when we allow people who can contribute positively to suffer and die from a lack of access to care.

This is an excellent article. With programs such as this 21st Century Conversations public access TV has moved from the absurd to the truly beneficial. Thanks to all who participated in this excellent program. The state rep. and the senator are doing a real service as public servants in educating the community; many more elected officials should make themselves available to answer questions and inform consituents about these important issues and not only send us information sheets when its election time. More power to Mrs. Johnson. Thanks 21st Century.

Posted by: N'Zinga Shani | September 26, 2009 3:04 AM

We are grateful to Senator Harp, Rep. Ritter and Universal Health Foundation VP, Frances Padilla for their remarkable contribution to our "21st Century Conversations" TV program on Sept. 17, 2009. We also thank the members of the community who cam ro the studio to participate, and the NHI for its coverage of this important program.

Ignorance is always a major stumbling block to meaningful dialogue. Socialized medicine refers to a health system in which the government owns and operates both the financing of health care and its delivery. Neither the proposal by the President nor the SustiNet Health Plan proposed for CT qualifies as socialized medicine.

Social health insurance, on the other hand, refers to systems in which individuals transfer their financial risk of medical bills to a risk pool to which, as individuals, they contribute taxes or premiums based primarily on ability to pay, rather than on how healthy or sick they are.
Socialized medicine is one form of social insurance.
No one in the article written about the program presented at Citizens TV is advocating for Socialized Medicine. A public option is needed.

For the past 13 plus years we have been presenting education forums and inviting community discussions on a wide array of issues affecting our community. Health Care Reform and education are two of the most critical issues of our time. There are young and older families and individuals (20-64) who have no access to health care (except to show up in an emergency room) because a parent has no health insurance. These situations wreak havoc in the lives of many hardworking American families, and drive up the cost of care. An ER visit is the most expensive primary health care service in the country; yet, it is the only choice for thousand with no insurance. It is doubtful that those who oppose health care reform with an effective public option really understand what they are opposing. If they do, how could they be so inhumane?

In 2007, in DC, the nation’s capitol, a 12 year-old American boy died from an abscessed tooth because his mother did not have dental insurance! Are we contented to have some citizens exist in a 5th world environment while others live in first world? What does that say about us as a nation? “Boy Dies After Bacteria From Tooth Spread to Brain” - By Mary Otto Washington Post Staff Writer, Wednesday, February 28, 2007 - A routine, $80 tooth extraction might have saved him; if his mother had been insured.

In 2009 other distressing situations are happening across America to all types of families of every age group, ethnicity and economic social class (except the wealthy).

Why are these things happening in America? There are multi-faceted answers; however, at the core of the problem are:
a) the millions being spent by the large insurance and pharmaceutical companies to lobby against reform & whip up anger and mislead the public so that they can maintain their billions in profit;
b) right-wing broadcast demagogues spewing hate and fear to create the tempests we see duly reported in the mainstream media;
c) the coordinated system of misinformation being funded by conservative groups and the dearth of hard-hitting investigative reporting being done by cable and network reporters with the visibility of the shock jocks;
d) an abundance of ignorance and a lack of factual and digestible information presented by the networks, and
e) too many people willing to think only about themselves and who have bought into the stereotype that those who do not have health care are looking for a handout; that not having health care is their fault.

In his recent book – the late Senator Edward Kennedy said: “Quality care shouldn’t depend on your financial resources, or the type of job you have, or the medical condition you face. Every American should be able to get the same treatment that U.S. senators are entitled to.” How many of us truly believe that? In America do we see access to health care as a right or privilege?

Senator Harp, Rep. Ritter and VP Frances Padilla have provided some key pieces of information to the community about the need for health care reform. First, it would be beneficial for us to make the effort to understand what SustiNet Health Plan is offering and the need for an effective health plan infrastructure in CT.

As Sen. Harp pointed out, one of the significant benefits of coordinating our various health care services would be the tremendous reduction in administrative costs. Presently there is Medicare, Medicaid, SAGA and HUSKY A & B. If we could take out most of the fraud and inefficiencies in the existing systems, we would save billions that could be put to better use providing comprehensive health care under an effective reform plan.

Read what some who previously worked for the insurance lobby now have to say about the present state of chaos in the country and the fight to prevent comprehensive reform.

Get informed about the need for reform and the investment being made by those who oppose it. Click some of these links below; it’s worth the time.

* Who Is Funding Health Care Opposition? (VIDEO) Air America Media Mike Papantonio was once a lead lobbyist ...
* According to Mike Papantonio in an article posted August 26, 2009 06:52 PM

* Read more at: ttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-papantonio/whos-funding-healthcare-o_b_269991.html
* Lobbying is an insider game and the health care lobby has assembled an impressive collection of former congressmen, aides, and even congressional family members to do its bidding.

... Private lobby dictates terms in health-care reform Sep 14, 2009 ... The health insurance and pharmaceutical lobby works from the top ...
Health Care Reform, Universal Health Care, National Health ...

* Jul 17, 2009 ... Brave New Films: "The big insurance companies are lying to the public .... *The pharmaceutical industry pays 1000 lobbyists to assure.. www.americanhealthcarereform.org/ -

Posted by: Yes We Can | September 26, 2009 2:13 PM

I agree with Amos Smith 100 percent. There is no reason why we cannot have a system of health care delivery where we provide coverage for every American without bankrupting the country. If there is the will to do it, we can do it. Those behind the advertisements about keeping govt. out of our pockets are injecting fear. One of the most important things needed is to revamp medicare, medicaid and HUSKY so that the fraud stops.

If we have money to bail out AIG and all of the other big banks, we should be able to provide health care for every American. Imagine what the rest of the world thinks of big powerful America allowing people to die for a lack of access to health care. It is embarassing and wrong. We are willing to save car companies and other countries but we turn our backs on poor people right here. Shame on us for not fighting harder for social justice. Charity begins at home. We can provide a comprehensive health plan for all Americans. YES WE CAN!

Posted by: E. Duncan | September 27, 2009 1:37 PM

Those of us who are on the receiving end of the extreme cost of health care services cannot afford to be nonchalant to, or opposing of health care reform; it is necessary, and it is necessary with a public option. The entire health care delivery and cost of care systems need to be revamped. Those who have bought into the scare tactics and the lies being perpetuated by the insurance companies, the drug manufacturers and their surrogates need to ask themselves – why are these people spending millions of dollars weekly to prevent health care reform? Does anyone really believe they are doing this to save Americans from additional expense? The fact is they are doing it to preserve their large profit margins. A public option might take away some of the insurance companies’ ability to make 3,000 percent profit rather than 2,000%. Look at how much they are paying lobbyists and politicians; look at how much they are funneling into some election campaigns! It is unethical and dishonest.

I have health insurance and I pay a premium of several hundred dollars per month. I also must pay $30 co-pay for every doctor’s visit. Recently I had to have a medical procedure. Because medicine is now so specialized (another word for fragmented) I had to see three different doctors in the same facility just to talk to each for a few minutes to get each one’s perspective on his/her role in the delivery of care process. It also meant paying 3 X $30 in that one day. I work every day even when I am ill because I cannot run the risk of not having health insurance, or not having the money to pay these co-pays. I still need to see another doctor in the same facility; that person just has to tell me what he/she will be doing to help me. I will have to pay another $30! How many people can afford $120 in co-pay for essentially the same visit? This is before any actual care is delivered. This is why many people do not go to the doctor even if they have insurance – they cannot afford the co-pay.

I am locked into the coverage that my employer offers, so I either come up with the $30 co-pay each time or I do not go to the doctor. In America, if you work every day, pay your bills and try to be a contributing member of society you should be able to have access to affordable health care. The insurance companies and drug manufacturers should not be paying out millions in bonuses to their executives while average Americans die for lack of access to affordable care. That is immoral; that is not supposed to happen in the America I was taught to believe in. OneWorld Progressive Institute with its truly educational program “21st Century Conversations” is performing a vital service keeping us informed about the nuts and bolts of health care reform. We need it.

Posted by: Karen Greene | September 27, 2009 9:20 PM

Thanks to One World and It's Producer, N'Zinga Shani for continuing to forge forward with this current debacle with Health Care Reform. By continuing these discussions, with knowledgeable individuals we'll someday soon get the 'nah-sayers' to realize the country will be in peril if something isn't done about Health Care in our Country. Keep up the excellent work!

Posted by: Claudette Tracey | September 27, 2009 9:28 PM

Claudette Tracey
I am so pleased to see Senator Harp, Representative Ritter and Universal Health Foundation’s Frances Padilla making such remarkable contributions to helping us to understand the health care system. It was helpful to understand why SustiNet cannot be implemented immediately. This 21st Century Conversations TV program was truly informative and we need more such programs in the New Haven community and throughout the country. I learned more from this program than I ever could watching all of those frightening commercials put on the air by those who oppose health care reform and the public option.
If this little organization called OneWorld Progressive Institute can provide us with these excellent guests and such good information, imagine what could be done to educate Americans nationwide if the millions of dollars being spent to oppose reform were put into educating people! Whenever others are willing to spend so much money to tell us what they are against that should be a RED FLAG to all of us. It is always better to inform us with the facts; tell us what you are for; that is more constructive; instead we are bombarded by scare tactics and outrageous commercials. Why are they willing to spend so much money to oppose reform? I like the motto of OneWorld Progressive Institute; it says “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” I applaud N’Zinga Shani and her OneWorld organization for their commitment to education. I thank the New Haven Independent for its work in bringing us these articles. We need more positive information and less about dirty politics.
In CT and nationally we need a good health care infrastructure and solid health care reform. I hope that CT will be able to move forward with implementing SustiNet even if the scare-mongers win nationally.

Posted by: Richard N. | September 28, 2009 12:31 AM

Something needs to be done about health care in this country. I feel sorry for President Obama for what they are doing to him. Clearly the people on this program are trying to help us to understand how the whole health care system works; however, I think we need a lot more.

The members of Congress need to stop being influenced by the rich and powerful and serve the people who elected them to represent our best interest. That is not happening now. We need more people like the late Senator Kennedy who had the guts to stand up to his colleagues who were on the wrong side of the health care issue. I am asking the senators and reps to use some of the lobbying money offered to them to sponsor more education programs such as this one; we need it.

Posted by: Free Markets Only | September 28, 2009 9:35 AM

Lazy thinkers! It appears many folks listen to TV personalities and the proponents of a government run health systems rather than really researching on their own. What a shame. My two Canadian friends come to America for their healthcare! I wonder why... But wait, we are America, we are better than Canada and Britain. Let's see, social security will be insolvent in the not so distant future. Medicare and Medicaid are struggling fiscally as well. The VA system is about busted. And as for efficiency, just look at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles! When the government runs a system, that system becomes a line item on the federal budget. Invariably, the bureaucracy associated with that system overwhelms it and the system exceeds its budgeted amount. Then what? Who pays then? Who now can't have a treatment because it is too expensive? American capitalism and free markets work because of the ingenuity and energy applied by those willing to take advantage of opportunities. If you are not willing to work your butt off, then you lose. We are not entitled to be equal(the same)in America; we are entilted to equal access and opportunity of access. My father crawled around Germany stripped of his stripes and dogtags, being told if caught he would be disavowed. He fought for freedom. He earned his stature. What have you done to earn you stature, besides cheering for government intrusion into the free market system, and assisting more American's in becoming addicted to "free stuff" from the government. Lazy Thinkers!

Posted by: Christopher | September 30, 2009 1:10 AM

Free Marketer - you are simply uninformed. Interestingly, it is those lazy thinkers who are acting like lemmings and following those who are paid by the lobbying guns to work themselves into a frenzy and scream and shout. If proponents of a public option are listening to TV personalities, who are you listening to? Do you really believe you are thinking for yourself? From where do you get your false assumptions?

A public option is not a system run by the govt; it is an option to have a system that allows an alternative to the costly mega insurance rip-off system. Your two friends coming to America for care is a lame reason to oppose a public option. Many more than two Americans live in other countries because those countries have a better health care system. What a shame!

Thousands of American seniors drive to Canada every six months to buy their medications at a third of the price they pay in America! America spends the most on health care but is #37 in the quality of health care outcomes among all industrialized nations.

Children do not die in Canada because they cannot afford to get good dental care; that happens in the US. People in Canada and Britain do not lose their homes because they cannot pay their medical bills; that happen in America. When it comes to health care access and outcomes America is not better. Your statement “...we are America, we are better than Canada and Britain” is sheer arrogant assertion; there are no facts to support it. Here are some documented facts with research done by loyal and talented Americans.

"In looking at patients in Canada with a specific diagnosis compared to Americans with the same diagnosis, in Canada patients had at least as good an outcome as their American counter parts and in many situations, a better health outcome," said one of the 17 authors, Dr. P.J. Devereaux, a cardiologist and clinical epidemiologist at McMaster University in Hamilton.
"And that is important because in the United States, they're currently spending a little over $7,100 per individual on health care annually, whereas in Canada we're spending a little over $2,900 per individual annually."

"Overall, Canada did better, and in fact we found a statistically significant five per cent mortality advantage [of survival] to people with diagnoses in Canada compared to their counterparts in the United States," Devereaux said. 'What it shows is that despite an enormous investment in money, we do not see better health outcomes [in the U.S.]' — Study author Dr. P.J. Devereaux

The study covered data on patient populations in the United States and Canada from 1955 to 2003.
Many researchers looked at a total of 38 studies that compared the Canadian and the American health care systems. Some disorders, such as kidney failure, favored Canadians more strongly than Americans, whereas others, such as hip fracture, had slightly better outcomes in the U.S. than in Canada.

Of the 38 studies the authors surveyed, which were winnowed down from a pool of thousands, 14 favored Canada; five favored the U.S. and 19 yielded mixed results. When you take into account that in America we spend 2.45 times the dollars per person as they do in Canada; their system is better. America needs a single payer system; that is even better than only a public option. What exactly are you all afraid of?

Posted by: RoseMarie | September 30, 2009 1:21 AM

CT legislators, Universal Health and all of us people of good will need to stand up for the public option and move forward on SustiNet now.

Some of the things happening in America today is truly frightening. All of us who do not agree with the diabolical conduct of some of the people on the extreme right need to think very carefully about our own behaviors. All it takes for evil to thrive is for people of goodwill to do nothing. People who want solid reform need to speak up and not allow the shouters to silence us.

Why are the Republicans so opposed to a public option in health care reform? Why is the mainstream media, with the exception of MSNBC, acting as cheerleaders for the hard right? The Senate Finance Committee today voted against the Public Option for health care reform. That is an outrage! America needs solid health care reform and we need the public option. CT needs to move forward on SustiNet and not depend on the national program because the Republicans dominate most of the media, and the Democrats are too afraid of the boisterousness of the harsh right.

It seems fine for us to move to a single party system and single set of ideas, but we oppose real choice in health care. Shame on all of us for caving in to the HARD RIGHT! We did that in 2000 and look where it has gotten us! We would not be in Iraq; we would not be on the brink of financial collapse, and George Bush would never have been president. We need to stand up for fairness.

Posted by: mr october | September 30, 2009 11:27 AM

Important issues, however none of us would be talking about this program if it were not for the actual medium that has allowed this discussion - public access television - i see no mention of it's relevance, nor it's importance. someday it will be gone if we continue to take it for granted, i for one praise local access television and Citizens Television.

Posted by: Health Provider | October 1, 2009 4:52 AM

These types of programs that educate the public about what health reform involves are essential in a democracy. One way in which the Congress has failed is that it has not provided enough information about exactly what needs to be done to provide comprehensive health coverage. The White House and Congress have taken it for granted that the public knows what is meant by health care reform with a public option.

The reason why the Republicans, the right wing media, and the far right have been able to frame the discussion with lies and scar tactics is exactly because there has been no clear specifics about the President's proposal. The scary ads fill the void and that is very dangerous for all of us. If the govt wants to make a significant change, it needs to do bit-size education programs. We need more than a 30 mins presentation by the President. Where are all of the congressional reps? Where are their information sessions in CT? What this organization, OneWorld, is doing with its TV program is what every state senator and state rep should be doing in their districts; chances are they do not know either. However, at election time they will want our vote.

Frances Padilla told us what is involved in setting up a health care infrastructure and why SustiNet cannot go into effect until 2012 when that infrastructure is in place. She also explained that federal reform will be essential to the success and benefits of SustiNet as without federal reform health care cost will continue to rise and could go as high as 34% of family income. People need to know this and understand how they will be affected.

Betsy Ritter explained that SustiNet is designed so that CT can use existing public health dollars to administer SustiNet. That is a very important point and Senator Harp expanded on that by telling us where some of the administrative dollars can be found to administer a single payer system. These are concrete pieces of information that are very helpful in understanding what is involved in health reform in CT. Instead of these screaming town meetings, we need our state legistators and local house reps to hold small informational meetings and help people to understand the details. We need that nationally.

This 21st Century TV program did more to inform many of us than all the TV ads combined have ever done. We commend Senator Harp, Rep. Ritter, and Frances Padilla for an outstanding community service. We thank N'Zinga Shani and OneWorld Progressive Institute for their commitment to the community. We are grateful that public access TV exists so that time is allowed for these top quality educational programs. As a service to the community, which is what public access TV is supposed to be, these programs need to be aired many times each week. People are confused about health care reform; this program brings more clarity to the topic than anything else I have ever seen or read in the past 8 months.

Posted by: Mari | October 2, 2009 3:03 PM

Thanks for 21st Century Conversation/OneWorld TV Health Care Forum. After reading the QA conversation - I have a better understanding of the Universal Health Care issues. On the issue of public option - it was pointed out that our government have many programs in place right now that assist the uninsured - medicare, medicaid, SAGA, for poor single adults, and the HUSKY program that help children and their parents. Why can't we expand these programs, create new ones, and give everyone an option to choose what insurance company fits their situation. This is America, a very powerful country, and to watch how this country is dragging their feet on the health care issues -it breaks my heart. To me, powerful means providing basic care for everyone. I take care of my mom, who is 80+ years,and who has many health issues. if she didn't have insurance, it would break my heart to watch her day after day, dieing without dignity. The battle shouldn't be about large insurance companies,the wealthy who doesn't want to give up what they have, it should be about providing health insurance coverage for everyone. Again, thanks for sharing.

Posted by: Robert | October 2, 2009 8:12 PM

This seems to have been an interesting and informative TV program; however, the bottomline is the elected officials here in CT have dropped the ball. They are the ones who should be holding town meetings and have experts on hand to educate constituents. In other states House Members and Senators have made valiant efforts to educate people. where are the educators in CT? I tip my hat to this OneWorld community organization trying to do a big job for the community. Lieberman tells us the votes are not there; where are the others who are supposed to really care about health care reform?

Posted by: Ron Mitchell | October 2, 2009 8:17 PM

This whole subject of health care reform is difficult to understand because no one has offered a blueprint of what it should be. Those of us who have health insurance are either satisfied or partly satisfied. Many of us would like to get something better, but we we don't want to lose it until that better is available to us. The ads we see tell us that we will lose what we have, or that it will cost more. Who are behind these ads?

We need reassurance and information about what better will look like. So far, the Republicans have been the ones defining what the future of health care will look like and it is frightening. We need more extensive information programs like the potential this one offers. If a small volunteer organization can put this together, imagine what our elected officials could do. Come on Congressional people; step up to the plate.

Posted by: Carol | October 2, 2009 8:22 PM

As I read some of the comments I just want to remind people that America is spending billions of dollars on wars and our young men and women are getting killed; yet there are many in Congress who don't want to give health insurance to the parents of some of the soldiers fighting those wars. Many of us between the ages of 52 and 64 are suffering due to lack of health care; that is wrong. It is also a shame that this public access TV program, 21st Century Conversations, gives us better information than we can get from our elected officials. We need a national health plan or a public option. Thanks NHI, OneWorld, 21st Century Conversations, Rep. Betsy Ritter, Senator Harp and Frances Padilla.

Posted by: Clive Spencer | October 3, 2009 7:58 PM

Twentyfirst Century Conversations provides a valuable service to our community in airing discussions on relevant topics that are of critical importance to our everyday living. The discussions on the current need to seriously address our Health Care dilemma is a case in point. For OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc. NZINGA and her board have chosen the motto ..."It is better to light a candle than to curse the dark;" considering the work this organization does, I say "SIC LUCEAT LUX" and be a beacon to the State of Connecticut.

Thanks to the New Haven Independent for providing coverage for these remarkable programs.

Posted by: M. Thompson | October 5, 2009 2:47 AM

This health care reform issue is one that deserves all of our close attention. Instead of all those hostile meetings where people are screaming, we need more sensible and informative programs such as this one by OneWorld. I do not believe that most people who have health care appreciate the crisis this is. There are people who have coverage now but who will not have it in a short time. People are still losing their jobs. Unless we have a public option what will happen t those who cabnnot afford the high price of COBRA? It is inhumane for the Republicans and conservative Democrats to opopse the public option.

Posted by: Truly Disappointed | October 6, 2009 9:44 PM

The more I listen to the things being said on TV and radio by Republican agents such a Limbaugh, Beck and the various others whose job it is to frighten people and tell outrageous lies about health care reform, I cannot help wondering where are the proponents for sensible health care reform? Exactly what is wrong with the Democrats? Why are they being such cowards?

All people of goodwill and elected officials and particularly Democrats need to stand up and be counted for what is good for most of the American people. Those who are lying and being deceptive should be exposed for those behaviors. Those who want health care reform need to have a place of support and to have their voices heard in the same manner as the fear-mongers do. The mainstream media and the organizations that know that much of what we are being told are lies and deception need to do more to balance the scales of democracy.

When I talk to people all over this town they want health care reform and they want a public option. Our own politicians in CT, except for Lieberman (a Republican by any other name) seem to be afraid to come out and tell exactly where they stand; they do not want to be seen as supporting a public option until the votes are counted; if it comes out in favor they will then stake a claim to the winning position. I hope that all of us who vote will take note of who is acting with conviction and who is invisible.

Posted by: annie | October 7, 2009 7:24 AM

How can we as Americans be proud that we are 37th in the world when it comes to healthcare. We have to have reform or none of us working people will be able to afford insurance. While public options is out there as the way to go ultimately single payer is the answer. I chuckle when people don't want socialized medicine because they don't want government involved in their insurance. Wake up America our fellows in Washington many of them take dollars daily from the insurance companies. Lobbying against changing the system is big dollars and it translates to what is in our policies today. Government already decides what is happening to our health why don't we turn it around and make it benefical for us not working against us?

Posted by: Dave Blackmon, Jr | October 9, 2009 8:47 PM

This TV program called 21st Century Conversations have been on the air for many years; it is an education program totally dedicated to informing the community about critical issues. In the mid to late 1990s this program took on the Sheff V. O’Neil school desegregation issue; it took on poverty, housing and financial problems, domestic violence and a range of issues that no one else in the media was really talking about in meanigful ways.

Many people came to the studio at Citizens TV when it was downtown New Haven to engage in conversations and plan coordinated action to bring about change. I commend N’Zinga Shani and her board of directors for their steadfast commitment to these critical issues. I am not surprised to read what they are now doing with health care reform.

When N’Zinga arrives at the TV studio she is prepared to ask the types of questions that will provide the comprehensive answers she needs to keep the community informed. It is not an easy task; there are many who do not understand her commitment to the community. She is simply someone who values education and truly believes that knowledge is power.

Senator Toni Harp is another hardworking committed public servant; she is always well prepared and not afraid to speak truths as she sees them. We need more people like her in politics. I am pleased to read that Rep. Ritter (co-chair of the public health committee) and Ms. Padilla from Universal health also provided valuable information about health care reform. This is the type of information we need to make informed decisions. There is no question that we need good and sustainable reforms in health care; it needs to be affordable and it needs to be accessible. I commend all of these people who are so committed to helping the rest of us to understand why we need to invest in getting accurately informed. Public Access Television is the perfect vehicle for programs such as these. Thank you all.