Gangster politics in Washington

as recent as slick willy

That is definately true. But, this is a case of the government using government regulations to stifle freedom of speech for entire groups of people/companies; not a case of making an "individual" stop talking. Neither is right; but, this is much larger in scale.

We are supposed to support anyone who tells the truth and then is threatened for doing so; regardless of who they may be and whether we like them or not! The fact is that - 1) it will cost more to provide preventative care to everyone they insure with no copays or dedcutible; and, 2) it will cost more to insure everyone who applies regardless of any preexisting conditions they may have. Saying that increased costs will result in higher premiums is pretty obvious; but, they are being threatened for stating facts and that should not be allowed to happen.

The insurance lobby is not exactly telling the truth if you look at the whole story though. Here's more from the Fox News article I linked to above, which you should read, by the way: [i]According to publicly available profit and loss statements, our nation's largest health care providers such as Humana, Wellpoint, United Health Group, Cigna and Aetna collectively posted a net income of over 12 billion dollars in 2009. Is it not just a little bit suspicious and beyond coincidence that so many Americans are receiving these letters from separate "independent" health care providers all over the country? The letters are almost identical in content and verbiage. According to the Consumers Union report, not-for-profit Blue Cross/Blue Shield groups are raising health insurance premiums by as much as double digits to build up their cash reserves -- in some instances to more than three times what states require. It is no secret that these companies generate substantial investment income from reserves.[/i] The key points...over 12 BILLION in net income in 2009 alone and they're raising rates in advance to build up their cash reserves that they invest and earn additional "substantial" income from. This is not about honest companies raising rates because they fear going into the red in 2014...it's about dishonest companies using 2014 as an excuse to gouge consumers and rake in as much additional income as they possibly can. They are not telling the truth...they are misleading people and they should be called on it.

So, now they'll make almost $7 billion a year net profit for the next 4 years that they can invest for an even larger yearly return. I don't agree that raising premiums this far in advance in anticipation of increased expenses is ethical or fair to the consumers, no. I also don't believe that misleading the public is right either. We have very strict price gouging laws here in Florida because certain businesses...gas stations, motels, stores...were dramatically raising their prices immediately prior to, during and following a major storm in anticipation of shortages. This was unfair to the consumer and it was outlawed. I'm all for freedom of speech but I'm also a big supporter of consumer protections. There is no valid reason for the insurance industry to raise prices right now and blaming it on future healthcare reform costs just doesn't cut it.

I am not blaming Chicago for what Obama has done while in office; but, I am blaming Chicago's influence for the way that he has done some of it.

Since Obama is the one who appointed the individuals in his administration; he should have known how they do business. And, the ultimate responsiblilty for their actions rests on him. If he disagreed with what they are doing, he could tell them to stop or if necessary remove them from their positions. By not doing anything, he is endorsing their actions. A different leader will bring in their own people - with their own problems (or lack of problems),