Tonight on Larry King Live

Not sure what country Michael Moore lives in but this country is more socalist than anything! This country has lost sight of what it is like to be poor and to go without! Michael Moore suggests that people who have or are achieving the American dream give to the rest. Problem I have is My family and I dont get any breaks and are expected to keep paying taxes so others dont go without! I was raised dirt poor and was taught a high set of values. I was raised to work hard for anything I want in life and to never expect a handout! Everyone I have seen looking for free health care or whatever all have cell phones, designer clothes, internet, computers, but these people are not expected to give these things up for their health care. Obamanation is not working and Joe the Plumber was right about Obama redistributing the wealth in this country whether you worked for it or not! At least one things for sure Obama will be out in 2012 and not a minute soon enough!

I agree with Michael. It is absolute evil at the core of these group's controlling the federal reserve and the capital system. The Freemason's are absolutly evil.

Free market enterprise is good, the spirit of control and greed is not.

This is one of the countries that makes money out of sick people.

ask mr.moore what is his net worth if he hates capt. so much...LOL...funny bet he dont hate sooooo much

Michael Moore needs to get a grip. He is one of the biggest capitalists and has taken full advantage of the system. I live in Michigan. Let him turn in all his millions to the poor who do not have health insurance and buy a $100,000 downtown grand rapids. All I can say is quit your complaining!

Michael accurately shows in "Sicko" how people are denied health care because they have pre-existing conditions just to save companies money. That is sick and wrong and things need to change.

2 days back in AC 360 insurance agent lost her health insurance because she raped

Bunch of criminals raped the teen Bunch of criminals watch that can we ignore the victim?
We can’t give her life back We must help the victim with free health insurance

Michael, thank you thank you thank you, for keeping these issues in front of us, I guess we have all fallen asleep thinking since the election, things would just work out. This is not the case, we all need to get back on our feet and make ourselves heard.

Every country makes money "out of" sick people. As long as people are sick, we and other countries will have a healthcare system; people will work in that system and hopefully they will be paid. Therefore, they will make money.

Why do you think most americans are not sufficently informed about their government?

Completely agree with Michael on Capitalism. It is a system that helps 1% of population to get rich at the cost of creating many poor people. It is time to create an economic system that works for the current world not the 19th century or the 20th century! The world has seen and learned enough from both Capitalism and Socialism to be able to create something new. The reason we want have a logical and rational system is because people who have been benefit from these systems don't want to have any change that can potentially reduce their sky high profit. BTW, the US is not a socialist country, and Joe the plummer was wrong!

His movie on capitalism has not been a big success. Is CNN trying to promote it for him? Most Americans, if not already, will eventually tire of his constant putting down the country.

Michael Moore is the real deal, if you can not figure that out well, you are not too smart.

Btw Mr moor you rock.

Larry, I am not sure if Michael knows or is not saying, but AIG has sold some of their companies. I think this has to be somewhat slow so as not to mess up the market.

The founding fathers didn't preach CAPITALISM but DEMOCRACY.

True democracy cannot be had when the voice of the people is drowned out by the chatter of Washington lobbyists.

EVERYONE listens to whoever is signing your check.

Without campaign reform every other reform is useless.

MH, there are many, many people outside of the top 1% who have focused on education and taking care of their health, who have focused on taking responsibility for themselves, and have prioritized where their money should be spent and they are doing quite fine in our capitalistic society. BTW, these people don't seem to worry about the upper 1%. Again, they are busy taking responsibility for themselves and usually that is working.

Any regulation for the financial institution I will support

Poor people suffer more in all the world

They live their life with dreams given by politicians with fake promises

Angela, Moore is the real deal for what he believes. Do you mean to say if someone disagrees, he/she could not be intelligent? Hmm....interesting.

We all seem to forget how we got here. BUSH!!! He messed up everything because of his lack foresight. Perfect example when he got into office first thing he wanted to do is not even worry about foreign policy. It slapped in the face with 911. Explain why are we in Iraq, oh yeah to find firecrackers oops WMD's sorry. Please remember that his removal of legislation caused the banks, and businesses to go nuts and create Collateralized Debt Obligations. These things caused the economic crash. If you go to youtube and type bush fannie mae you will see the speech where he says we need to make homes more affordable to people that really can't buy them. We can go on an on. Why can't I get excellent Healthcare? I don't want the Govt to pay for everything but at least make Healthcare a law. Lets bring the troops home and protect our own DAMN borders. What about he cartels coming across from Mexico?

I am a liberal democrat, but there is much I disagree with regarding Afghanastan. I think Mr. Moore is much too simplistic. Afghanistan lands in our lap about every 30 or so years. The last few times, pretty dangerously. Unlike Vietnam, there is a really immediate reason to be there. "Winning" is not necessarily a goal. Attempting to stabalize is. Would I love to throw up my hands and say "We're outta here"? Yes, but that is absolutely a fantasy that many people cling to for being possible or even the right thing to do.

Moore, President Bush met privately with many families who lost family members in the war. A private meeting seems appropriate and it's unfortunate that you are so biased that you could not give him credit for that. Obama did a very nice thing but President Bush apparently felt it did not need to be a PR photo op.

Hi Folks
I just saw Michael Moore on Larry King Live and felt to myself " What a poor presentation of the right thought!"

It is loud and clear that the government wants to enter the competition with the insurence providers to provide a "low cost" option to public but at whose cost?

I am a taxpayer since I entered this country as an "Alien" (Although I still look like a human being!) So far whatever services I receive from any of government agencies,a fee ischarged for it such as Visa fee, Driver's test fees, license fees etc.. There is no explaination of how the cumulative sum I pay as "Tax " is spent. There is no government website telling me that and everyday all i hear about is government funds being mismanaged.

Taking a lead from the current administration's proposal , would it be fair for the "public" to ask the government to have a fair competition from the private companies for the services provided by the government?

I am sure based on my experiences at the govenrment offices the competition would better the service, improve the quality and cut the cost due to the law of nature"The Fittest to survive"

I am not trying to support the insurence companies either. From my own experience, I had a coverage through my company till 07 and the company paid BCBS a huge sum of $1364 per month for covering just me and my son. After I became self employed, I got a policy from BCBS for me my wife and son for $220 per month. There is no way I could compare these two policies! To me, the copay was same and the deductible was same. If an insurence company can cover us for 20% of the price they can charge to an employer, i think there should be some standardization in the sector.

I could say a lot on this issue, I guess I would let the "public figures" do the talking.
Have a nice day

No more troops to Afghan our kids will miss their parent’s good night kiss

I can’t sleep with out give kiss to my kids

Larry, things donot change as fast as Moore want. Money puts out ads to support what they want. Look at CNN, you take ads against healthcare. There ads for insurance companies. Money put spins on what they want the American people to beleive. Congressmen get paid to push their agenda. Every time health care comes up-the lies start from these companies.

Oh my. I will have to mute for a while. Ron Paul makes me nuts.

Michael makes some very valid points. If the President gives a half baked attempt of the "middle ground" by giving some troops he is making a huge mistake and history will tell that story.

But I take issue with, "we can't win in Afghanistan". If the President gives the support he should to the Generals that are fighting this war, our military can win any war put in front of them, GUARANTEED.

Give the military what they want, they WILL win.

Ron Paul what is Medicare and social security? They are socialist.

Larry you are asking killer to save the life

Doctors doesn’t like health care reform

Thats exactly what i'm talking about Vicky. The media says we will lose the war if we pull out. What will lose, really? Loss of my American Soldiers, 150B a year, oh most importantly the Halliburton contracts.

There is so much wrong in this country. The average working American citizen just struggles daily to get by. It seems our government doesnt care about the average Joe Smith or Suzy Q that put their ugly faces in their high government positions so they can suck at the tit of American greed. Michael Moore is so right on the money, he tells it just like it is. He is the average American citizen's voice. It makes me ill when I see the government bailing out big corporations, giving billions so the big CEO's can rake in more millions for their personal bank account; people, this is our money. They couldnt/wouldnt even given social security recipients a raise, but they sure can give billions to crooks who are on the take. What about the millions across this country that dont/wont work.....have no intention of working, all their neccessities are taken care of, given to them for free so what is the incentive anyway to work. They have another baby and get more on that check, so they can buy more drugs. Yet the working American citizen is terrified of losing their job/health care and if that happens, we will be on the street. The priorities in the country is upside down......we need to stand up and put our foot down and say we are not going to allow ourselves to be raped any longer. Folks, we are the only ones who can change it.

Cindy, President Bush never went to Dover to see those casket with love ones comne home to America. To see it is far more revealing. To see that casket with a young soul gone. It weighs a lot heavier than sitting in the tower but not sweeing first hand.

I've heard that insurance companies are NOT subject to anti-trust laws. Is that true?

Public Option is NOT socialism

Bailing out Wall Street, the car companies, AIG and the Banks is SOCIALISM!!!

The insurance companies, the Pharmaceuticals and the AMA are afraid that the government will be able to offer health care at a much lower cost!!!

there is no FREE healthcare!

I've lived in a country where every "employed" person has state healthcare.

I have no problem with that system. The employer pays a reasonable ($40-50) monthly premium and the employee has "basic" coverage.

"Basic" coverage is just that, not the best medicines or procedures. If you can afford to buy your own supplemental insurance then you have access to better healthcare.

People overseas are fine with that. They don't expect to get a half-million dollar procedure for free. It's just reality.

We as Americans have trouble dealing with reality. People get sick and sometimes they die. That's life.

Roosevelt and Truman were called socialists because they wanted to start social security and medicare. Is that socialism??? Heck no. But bailing out the banks is socialism,,,,, oops sorry... its not socialism because we have NO SAY in what the banks are doing with OUR money!!!

I have checked OUT Michael Moore's information. He is right on TARGET!!!

The military will always ask for more than they will get. That is a given Ron Paul where were you when Bush started this? Now you talk. Did you say that to Bush/Cheney? Now you are the big guy. Please.

We are being brain washed by the AMA, insurance companies and the all and powerful Pharmaceuticals and they have used OUR money to give to lobbyists to buy out Congress!

It is all an outrage!!!

DODIE,
Loaning banks money is not socialism. Let's put all of the facts out there and once again, leave the big broad brush at home. Goldman Sachs paid the government back the money they were given and they paid 17% interest for the few months they had it. Over a year, that would have been 23%. Is there a problem with our tax money getting that kind of a return? And that is certainly far from the concept of socialism.

No one says healthcare has to be free. I think we all will pay a REASONABLE price for it. The problem is when the Insurance beauracrat is involved saying Sally Sue has to die because we won't pay for a surgery or proceedure that would save her life, but's cheaper for her to DIE. What is great about that? Heck that could be my Aunt Sally Sue, or Mom, or Sister, or Grandma. To heck with that I want access that is afforadable on middle class salaries.

I believe Ron Paul is wrong because capitalism is supposed to work by having competition. We, in the United States are forced to go out of the country to compete.

I don't understand this, if the so called government doesn't work why are we paying your sallary congressman Ron Paul? are you saying you can't do the job that we ellect you to do?

Sure you won't be turned away with a life threatening immediate
situation. The underlying situation causing the crisis will get
you referred from the ER to a specialist.

sure, you might get all kinds of treatment – prepare to be sued,
your house taken away your paycheck if any garnished, the
tax people of your state engaged to collect, maybe your
driver's license held up and your credit rating shot to hell.

Sure patients WHO CAN AFFORD TO TRAVEL go elsewhere.

but if you can live long enough, getting free major treatment
is worth it.

Corporatism IS the result of unregulated free markets.
Free markets were originally a commie pinko peacenik
type of thinking by Adam Smith, to create international
economic living in each other's pockets interest so as to
prevent expensive wars. Smith advocated government
prohibition of businessmen's organizations, because
they never meet, he said, except to figure out how to
rig prices and cheat the public.

capitalism vs. socialism is not the issue, and govt.
intervention is NOT socialism. socialism is the control
by the workers of the means of production, eliminating
ownership and upper management altogether. This
is not govt. intervention, something with precedent
both Judaeo Christian and pagan back to antiquity.

Has anyone thought that we are playing into Bin Laddens hands. No one ever wins a war waged within another company!!! Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and now Afghanistan. No other country will even try that. They know better.

When will we ever learn???

Breaking or depleting a country is also a win. That is exactly what is happening to us.

Do the American people really know and understand socialism? It is not what some in Congress have stated. It is not a bad thing. Look it up for yourselves.

@ King

You are right on targete!

SOCIALISM is fine in concept but AWFUL in its execution.

The people deciding how to spread the wealth never want to give up their turn. It's not so much fun when someone else is spreading your wealth.

Those that do not have healthcare insurance need to get real. I am 42 yrs. old, unemployed,and have no healthcare insurance or income of any kind. I am a full time student reeducating myself so that I can get a job with benefits in the medical field. I currently have a simple vaginal infection but have no money to receive the medical care I need. Yes, there are free clinics but they do not have gynelogical appts available at this time because of the lack of gynecologists that are willing to donate their time. A simple infection can and will turn into a medical problem that in the long run will cost much more than a doctor's visit. This is the problem. An infection that can be easily cured with antibiotics can turn into a very expensive emergency surgical procedure because those of us that fall through the cracks of the current system cannot receive the preventative care that we need!

Ron Paul is one of a handful of voices of reason in an otherwise thoroughly misguided and corrupt political establishment. How I wish his ideas received greater attention.

@ Cindy

You are correct. We GAVE the banks our money. If it was socialism... at least we would have a say in how they spend OUR money!!!

Dodie we have always taken the war abroad. That was the so call reason of Afghanistan and Iraq. Take it to them and prevent them from bringing war here.

Ron Paul is the best man in politics, today !
I wish you could have him as a guest at least once a week.

I donot agree stephen. I have lived and studied in socialist country too. It is not what American congressman keep preaching.

What is the difference?

Capitalism: The corporations dictates what happens

Socialism: The government dictates what happens

What ever happened to Democracy???

Dodie we didnot give them the money. It must be paid back. That is a loan in any type of government

DODIE,
I don't think I am qualified to tell the bank what to do with the money I loaned. Some people seem to think they are qualified to speak on the subject of any corporation or business in America.

We did not GIVE the banks money; we loaned it. If we gave it to them, why are we getting it back with interest; again 17% from one company.

Maybe if you would work for someone other than the government, you could better appreciate life for those who do not work for the government.

I hope your move to Vancouver, per your post a while back, works out because no one should be as unhappy with the country as you are.

Good evening; I have to prepare for work tomorrow.

Diane:

We need to make our borders more secure here. Waging a war in another land with just certain people just does not work...

Dodie we have never had a true democracy. Look that up also. There isn't any government that is true democracy, socialist, marxists or anything else.

CT,
how can there be a REASONABLE price for health insurance?

nobody buys home insurance or car insurance PLANNING on using it.

Insurance is for JUST IN CASE

let's call it something else.
maybe HEALTHCARE LEASE or HEALTHCARE TIMESHARE?

I agree with Ron Paul America should withdraw from the war in Afghanistan, This idea of winning and loosing is creating financial burden on the US. Lets face it these countries were at war since the beggining of time and will always be at war. Why does America think they can stop war in this region. Plus those who oppose to puling out of Afghanistan are the stakeholders, such as the Capitalists(Republicans) who manufacture weapons etc. People are starving in this country, people need jobs and would like to live a comfortable lifstyle. The US is in a financial crisis. I think Obamah should just disregard all the negative criticism and pull our young men and women from this evil country.

@ Cindy

What about bank of America, Wellsfargo, Citi group????? They all still owe us and using our money to give more bonuses....parties, etc.

Dodie we have more than enough resources to secure our borders. For corporations and small businesses, if we did, could not have cheap labor. Do you beleive for one minute with our advanced technology we can't stop border crossings?

Dodie, this administration has been closing those loopholes up left by the previous administration.

Cindy

You continue to talk about ONE company. What about the rest? They just had people protesting in Chicago because of the banks utilizing our bail out money for their own personal use.

Cindy
Any democratic state implores social programs here and there – taking care of its citizens' health is most common form of governmental participation, paid for by tax money. That cost upsets you, while paying for wars not upsets you? So far we had no % return of that spending. And lending banks money was a socialist maneuver, whatever you like that word or not. There is nothing dirty in socialism in healthy doze.

Dianne If that is so, then why are we in Afghanistan?

Debate over the Middle East, debate over Health Care. Lets debate the number of lives lost from both issues. 45,000 die annually due to their inability to obtain health care. This is 450,000 over 10 years.
3,000 Americans died during the 9/11 attacks and 5,000 American troops have died since fighting terrorism.
8,000 deaths in the 8 years since 9/11 does not compare to the 450,000 projected deaths from our health care system over the next 10 years, and the costs of the wars do not add up to the cost of health care reform!
Simple math shows that the costs of health care reform far out weigh the costs of the War on Terrorism.
Lets buy our Conservative Elected Officials a $5.00 calculator and see if they can debate the costs of the policies they support and oppose.

Stephen

A reasonable price for Health care insurance is when people get incentives wellness. I ride my bicycle 180 miles from Houston to Austin every year. I put over 1000 miles on it every year. I run, I work out, my blood pressure is gerome gerome the metronome 129/74 today. I eat right, and the like if the insurance companies pushed a healthly lifestyle that if they see you doing that then they lower your premiums. That would foster people from eating at Jack in the Box/Mcdonalds every night to at least think about eating healther. It costs them less money which should cost us less money. Why is there a Mcdonalds on every corner?

Dianne I agree. The Obama Admin. has been trying to plug up those loopholes; however, they really need our support!

Larry:

I have e-mailed once b-4 re an interview w/ a great Dr. w/ views on health car: refefering to u a a liberal to which u took some exception in responce, Henestly I meant it as a fact not a negative or positive....In any case, I watch your t.v. program always and often listen to you on radio. Bottom line = you are a good man!

GOD Bless

Ron Divin

Dodie we are not in Afghanistan because of our borders

border crossings of illegals are likely ACCOUNTED for by the gov't.
I'm sure we have the ability to know exactly how many people cross with the use of infra-red satellite imagery, or reconnaissance aircraft.

Maybe once we hit the daily quota then we send out the Border Patrol to round up the excess "inventory".

Not to nitpick and like the journalist wouldn't mind those last four digits myself, but I can read lips and you might want to mention to Mr. Norton in post production of the documentary - blurr Mr. President's mouth because some of us can still understand the numbers he spoke even if the sound was cut out.

@ rickfromdetroit

The estimated cost of The Iraq war (including all the medical costs incurred from the war) comes to Three Trillion Dollars. You mean our health care would cost more than Three Trillion Dollars with manageable premiums???

Oh by the way, I have health care and will have it for the rest of my life. I am just concerned for those that do not!

I do not understand why going to a public school, taking social security at retirement, using police and fire brigades, borrowing books from public libraries etc do not make us "socialist" but a health care system with public option and government regulations would make us socialist.

I respect Senator Ron Paul but do not agree with his views. If Senator Paul's salary, health insurance, security, office expenses, and other previlages funded by tax payers money does not make him a Socialist then how a health care system supported by government which is optional to adopt would make me a socialist.

Stephen no disrespect, but many people have to work two jobs or long hours. It is dark when they leave for work and dark when they come home. I am not making this up. There isn/t time for the things you do for those people. You are fortunate. Many work six days a week and their second minimum wage job on Sundays. They are justifiably tired and always in need of sleep.

DODIE,
When the bank loans your money via a mortgage or more appropriately an equity loan, do they tell you how to spend the money, how to decorate your house or do they simply wait for you to pay it back as agreed?
Now I am talking about loans to all of the different banks. If you don't know banking, don't find yourself in a position to tell them what to do.
Negative, negative is all some people post here.

Dianne

Then why are we in Afghanistan? To find Bin Ladden or Al Qaeda ? We have no idea where they are. The Taliban are just like a bunch of gang members. They may or may not even have any connection with Al Qaeda,

Dodie

That is great that you have healthcare. Have a look at this my Brother-In-Law broke his ribs a few months ago. He does not have healthcare, how much cost did the E.R. get that day. He works everyday, decent man, pays his taxes but has to go the E.R. because they are the Doctor of last resort.

Dodie you underestimate the enemy–the Taliban. Donot think they are not educated, know about America, and understand stratgy. The Bush people made the mistake of underestimating people. They are highly organized and are not gang thugs. To beat the enemt, first respect the knowledge they have.

Cindy!

Well only time will tell what will be. I have protected myself as I will not go down with the ship.

Looking at what is going on is not being negative. That is only your perception

Some times Negative is a way to wake people up. There are many good people out there that have lost their jobs, now lost their homes and no longer have computers or you would be hearing a lot of negative.

@Dodie ~ California
I also have health care insurance! I am currently collecting Social Security Disability for my knee injuries and receiving medical services from the VA, and I am on my second Lawyer trying to get my insurance company to pay for my injuries. The injuries occurred in 2005 and the insurance company has not paid a dime since 2006. Due to additional damage from my inability to receive the treatment my doctor prescribed, but I did not receive while fighting with my insurance company, the projected costs for treatment have risen by $400,000. Need I say more??

CT

That is the reason I am passionate about this. I have no worries for myself. I did what I needed to do 3 years ago as I knew what would happen to this country. But I do worry for my fellow Americans.

I am so sorry about your brother-in law.

Dianne: there are several ways to win a war. One is to deplete the country of its resources. I live part time in another country. I see this country much clearer living there. I guess its hard to see when you just live in the USA

Rick

That makes my case all the more reason for the Public option. Salute to you, because you fought for my freedom, and I am forever indebted to you for that. Personally i feel if you get hurt fighting for this country I don't care how much it cost it should be paid. Period.

Is easy to express when there is freedom,people like Moore unfortunately doesn't know it,is easy to be a communist when you have enough money and few houses around the world and know Obama and company are in the same line of Chavez supporting mr zelaya after episodes of violation of laws of their constitution no member of senate nor from the camara read Honduran costitution and there are supporting Chavez and friends one of these days we are going to hear that the violation of the constitution that Ortega did in Nicaragua is wonderful ;where is the real voice of secretary of state to talk seriously about it or are we going to believe that the Chavez -Iran friendship is childrens game ??

@ aftab

Beautifully stated...

This country has enough negatism. We give up to easy and succumb to negatism. We seem to only concentrate on the negative and what I donot have. It is all about me. How does that decision affect me. I am so glad I grew up when things were definitely not right but we wanted to make it better for all of us. We all were in this together. This is not the firwst time our budget has been negative. You would not know that listening to blogs and congressmen that it ever happen before. Most of my adult life the budget has been red. The amount? Congressmen never calculate the value of the budget in the past with what todays amount would equal. It does cause me to get upset. One generation has always paid for others.

Dodie

You are not alone my wife and I are debt free with cash reserves, and even though i'm in stellar health I worry what would happen if one of us falls ill. With catastrophic illnesses quite simply something has to be done. I appreciate the concern for my brother-in-law.

DODIE,
I'm glad you have healthcare. From previous posts, I assume our tax dollars pay for it since you indicated you work for the government. (Surely that is true since you have nothing good to say about corporations).

If you protected yourself 3 years ago, why not share with everyone what you did so everyone else can do the same?

Dodie I have lived in several countries myself.

DIANNE, well said.

RE: Swine flu vaccine.

I simply do not plan to take the swine flu vaccine or flu vaccine in general. I have Addison's and it is advised those on steroids NOT take the flu vaccine. My husband has Adrenal Fatigue (PTSD from the Army) and is on hydrocortisone, low dose. He also will not be receiving the vaccines. And by virtue our 3 year old daughter will not get the vaccine.

We are both extremely health conscious and have done our own research on the vaccine, not just "internet" scans. We maintain superb levels of our D3 hormone and immune system nutrients. We are confident that even if we contract it, like many MANY others we have personally spoken with who have actually gotten H1N1 and said it felt milder than "seasonal" flu.

@ rickfromdetroit

I am so sorry for your situation. I completely agree. The VA has been a problem, I think, because the government never wanted to spend the money on the war veteran starting with the Vietnam War vets. This is hard for me to write this to you as I completely emphasize with your situation. I worked with War vets for years. But not with the VA. We funded our own program because of how bad the VA was.

I am hoping with the Obama Admin. This will change...

for CT,

I agree that if a person has more risk factors like smoking, drinking, drugs, etc. They should pay more.
But how can you not expect the insurance companies to try to screw over their customers when we are all trying to screw them over?

Why not call it what it is?

No health insurance company has been able to make any money on my family that's for sure.

DODIE,
What other country do you live in ad what is it like there?

Cindy:

I would love to, but our American Dollar is losing its value. You can not do today what I did 3 years ago.

Dianne, then you should see this very clear.

By the way Dodie a truly intelligent person is able to understand various issues. To live out of the country does not necissarily make one more wise sometimes maybe a bit more condecending an arrogant. Everyones o[pinion need not be second to someone else

@ CT

I see Americans every day in deep depression, homeless, Suicidal... California was hit very hard. I am sure Detroit has been too.

CT,
I hope your brother-in-law was treated properly, as anyone who has ever had broken ribs knows there is nothing the doctors can do. One can only wait for them to heal, and perhaps take pain meds along the way. Good luck to him. It's a long, slow recovery.

Cindy:

I am learning Chinese Traditional medicine. I have seen it heal people whereas western Medicine could not. I prescribe to Western Medicine, but I would like to understand what they know. So that takes me to the hart of this... to China, I am struggling with learning their language. It is very difficult

Stephen

I honestly have to agree with you. Personally I hate insurance companies. Heck I get mad when the car insurance goes up for no reason. No natural disasters and the like just randomly going up. The only real way to curb costs is to either A. Switch everyone to a Govt option and rebalance the system. B. Regulate them. My solution would be a delicate mixture of both.

CT,
Good idea but government option will not curb costs. We will simply pay what we might have saved in new taxes. And if we regulate companies too much, they will have to eliminate jobs and then we will have more people to take care of. I wish it were as easy as some think it is.

@ Dianne

I have never said anyone else's opinion is less than mine. I am always open to listening to what others have to say. Everyone has a right to what they believe. It is not for me or anyone else to judge!

You talk about not being condescending; however when you make this statement:

"To live out of the country does not necissarily make one more wise sometimes maybe a bit more condecending an arrogant. "

That Is Condescending!

Dodie and Cindy

All he could do is take over the counter medication because they did not perscribe him anything. Unnecessary costs to the system that we don't need. Something has got to give I looked at his situation and I was like d@# nothing I can do about it to help him, all I can do is watch.

Dodie ~ California
The problem was not with the VA or Social Security. The problem is with the Insurance Company. If it were not for the VA and Social
Security, I would be parking my wheelchair next to a park bench. The VA and Social Security are the only ones that an American Citizen can depend on while the lawyers and insurance companies corrupt our health care system. Thanks to the Socialized part of our Health Care System, I still have a roof over my head and three meals a day! THANK YOU UNCLE SAM!

CT,
when you say "I don't care how much it costs" you're not talking about YOUR money are you?

We are all on a healthcare treadmill that pharma-biz has created. How can they afford so many TV ads? Nobody has more TV ads.

If we all want to see HEALTHCARE costs go down, simply eliminate insurance period.

Don't you think surgeons will take $10k cash for a $50k surgery if there is no insurance to pay for it?

Cindy:

Government does curb costs, They are 'non profit' whereas private industry is 'for profit' to make as much money as they can. There is nothing wrong with that as long as you do not harm many people in the process of your greed!

Dodie you talk as if that gives you special insight. Note your answer to me. It must be clear since you lived out of the country. Sometimes the most brillant people are right here at home. I donot beleive I know better since I have had the priveldge of living elsewhere. Your statement please reread leads me to that opinion.

Stephen,
If we don't pay surgeons well, why would they want to spend half of their life in school? Some would do it out of kindness, but most people want to make a living. Some feel there should be no reward for years of education; perhaps just make the same money a high school drop out makes. I want very intelligent, educated people as my physician and I am willing to pay for that.

END the 2 wars,,so many lives lost..how many now over 5,000? how much are the wars costing us? 90 billion a month? we need the help in this country...& Bush wants 23 million to build his library ? Give it to the poor....he never cared @ the homeless 1 block from the white house..sad..

@ rickfromdetroit

I am sorry I misread what you posted. I am so thankful the VA helped. Years ago I worked with many veterans that were so angry at the VA for not helping them. I am really happy to hear this and hope the Obama Admin will continue to take care of our war vets. This must happen.

@ william....

I completely agree...

There are other ways to save money. Systems for one. I am a Systems Adminstrator so I know a thing or two about this. Different systems can talk to each other and now with the Internet it's almost regardless of platforms. Let me explain, If I go to the Hospital why is there a printout of my prescription that should be sent electroncially to the pharmacy of my choice in real time. Why is there so much paper in the system. I honestly believe that if we could just get the paper out of the system that is probably 1/3 of the costs right there. Last time I went to the doctor they printed out 17 sheets a paper that they immediately threw away 9 of them I counted.

Dianne. You are putting words in my mouth. I never said special insight. I said clearer. There are people that know business much better than I do... that does not make them better. You placed an emotional value on what I stated...

Oh Dodie donot be melodramatic.

Stephen

Quite simply name one insurance company that has fought for your freedom.....

If he put his life on the line for mine then I would pay more for taxes to cover his costs because that is the right to do. I won't argue the point because i'm set firm on that. My cousin is on his 4th tour to Iraq as I write this. We must remember People come first.

CT

All counties have health care in place. Call the area you live in and see what they can refer you to. They know of lost cost medical care. We have low cost clinics... yes, paid for by the county I live in to help the average American that does not have health care insurance. In my area, these clinics usually charge around $37 a year. but it is based on the person's income so can be more than $37. Yes, the lines are long and so is the wait, but it is worth it.

I am so sorry he has to resort to that.

Dodie ~ California
Just wanted to clear the record. I like to give credit where credit is due.
The VA receives a lot of criticism, but the care is exceptional compared to many places and the patients care prevails over their ability to pay. If the private sector put patient care ahead of how WELL the industry can line their pockets, our health care system would not be ranked 35th around the world!

Dianne,

so now you are name calling?

Cindy

I could not have said it better.

Stephen

Would you want a doctor that read Brain Surgery for Dummies to do Brain Surgery on you? I think not.

DODIE,
Corporations are not NON-PROFIT because they are not paid for by the taxpayer. They pay their own way and they pay the second highest tax rate in the world.

I think sometimes the most opinionated are those with the least facts. The dollar is still very strong in Vancouver.

I feel bad that you have such negative feelings about America.

Dodie

Thanks for that I will look into it for him.

When the state has too much control of the individual loss stimulus ,creativity, competitivity,that is the soul that made this country the best in the world, is easy to express when there is freedom, easy to work when there is opportunity, easy to growth when there are dreams and conditions ,nothing of this virtues growth in places with closed state control , mr Moore dream .He doesn't know what is to hide, to be hungry for days , to don't express ,to have fear of everything , fear to work well or just enough , to make line for a pound of rice, to be confiscated, ,etc etc he has his own fantasies

@ rickfromdetroit

I responded but I do not see it on here... maybe i forgot to hit the "submit" button...

I do apologize for reading your earlier post wrong. I am also relieved that the VA was a good experience for you! Maybe they are changing. We really care for our clients. We try to give them the best too. I think we Americans should take care of our war vets. They gave everything for this country. Some gave their lives. I am very passionate about this.

Cindy

I never said I was negative about America. Quite the contrary! It is because of my passion for my fellow American that I speak out. If I did not care, I would not be here now!

Stephen

You said they (Insurance Companies) have never made a dollar off of your family? How is that?

CT I wish you the very best. It is obvious you care for him and want the best for him. You seem like a kind person

CT,
ok THAT makes sense!

I agree with you and I am willing to pay more for him. It just drives me crazy when people want the money fairy to pay for nice stuff.

I believe in social welfare, I don't want to see hungry kids in the street and beggars on every corner like I see when I travel to other countries.

That costs money.

Awesome healthcare costs money as well. I just wish we all knew how expensive it is and that shifting the cost to the gov't or an insurance company is unsustainable.

Dodie,
You are passionate but you have never in your hundreds of post ever given a nod to someone else's opinion. It is extremely unsophisticated to suggest and act as though the government can and should run everything. Posting comments with the wide stroke of a brush with nothing concrete to work with seems shallow. I think opinions need to be supported with facts. And if opinions find everything wrong with corporate America, then there is a lack of understanding of business and economics.

CT

I completely agree. you always want a good MD.

Stephen

That is what your wrote

October 29th, 2009 10:22 pm ET

for CT,

I agree that if a person has more risk factors like smoking, drinking, drugs, etc. They should pay more.
But how can you not expect the insurance companies to try to screw over their customers when we are all trying to screw them over?

Why not call it what it is?

No health insurance company has been able to make any money on my family that's for sure.

Every year I become more negative about this country. After serving in the Military in the late 60's and early 70's, a year in Germany, then a year in Viet Nam, I was very patriot, but when I see our Elected Officials constantly bickering over the cost of one of the most basic necessities, health care, I become very nauseous. We pay our Elected Officials well and furnish them with health care and a pension. In return, they spend 30 years to raise the minimum wage to a level far below their salary and fight tooth and nail over the cost of health care for the people paying their wages. Are our Elected Officials concerned about anything other than their Corporate hand outs?

Stephen

I never said shift all the costs to the government. I said that there are ways to curb the costs through technology, paper and waste in the system. I believe that if there is no support then there should be some be coverage by the feds. If there is 50M in paper costs a year to XYZ Hospital. If they went paperless that is 50M out of the system and that is only 1 hostpital in 1 county in 1 city in 1 state. That is where I'm going with it.

Cindy:

Where have I stated: The government can and should run everything?

Why Must I give a nod and how is that equated with being... what is your words... ah yes... "extremely unsophisticated"

Just because I do not agree with you does not make me unsophisticated. I have the right to not agree. Just as you have the right to not agree with me. So what of it!

I never said All of corporate America is bad. You are putting words in my mouth and making assumptions that are not correct.

Actually, I prefer a balance... government and corporations.

Thank you Dodie. I don't have any brothers and having him as my brother-in-law is the brother I never had.

@ rickfromdetroit

I completely agree with you. I would love to see the following illegal.

1. lobbyists
2. Derivatives
3. Hedge funds

My heart goes out to you! Vietnam was very difficult. You not only fought in a war over there, you also fought over here because of the Americans reaction.

DODIE,
You continually address everything with negative soundbites with no real facts. Pharma, insurance, and any private company connected with healthcare always takes the hit. Sorry, but it does seem a little melodramatic after a while.

I said this earlier, but I really have to sign off now as I have to prepare for a full day tomorrow, and yes, that would be in corporate America

Rick

Perfectly said

CT

He is lucky to have you in his corner!

When you call your local government, you might get the run around because many workers just do not know. I would recommend, you ask for Administration's phone number. Go to the top! The people who answer the phone will transfer you to their supervisor and then you have a direct line to the top if you do not get a good answer from the supervisor. That is in their by laws.

Cindy!

you never gave anything concrete either but I was not bugging you about it.

Good night. Rest well.

I say insurance companies haven't made money on my family because with the sky high cost of healthcare in Miami, Florida the medical fraud capitol of the world, my Family has surely spent more than the $12k/year I spend on health insurance.

I love the comment on the lobbyists, derivatives, and hedgefunds.

@ stephen

I am so happy to hear someone has not been raked over the coals by insurance companies.

I still want insurance companies... but I also would like to see public option too. I see nothing wrong with having both! Why not?

DODIE–Yes I did provide facts or concrete thoughts. I often talk about the negative consequences of penalizing companies and the resulting loss of jobs, thus making matters worse and also the need for well-trained, intelligent physicians. I posted the interest rate provided by Goldman Sachs this evening. The problem is most people are so opinionated, they have no time for facts.

Stephen

Fact of the matter is the cost is too high, service is too slow, too much waste in the system. I once heard figures that 1 in every 2 dollars is waste. How much of the 850B is that proposed tonight? 425 right. How much of 425 is because of catastrophic figures say 40 to 50% so really we are talking abou 212.5b dollars of cost for America. How much are the wars again?

Dodie

I do agree with Stephen the hedgefunds statement was really good. And thanks again for my Brother-In-Law

I know the numbers are quickly calculated but you get the idea of how much waste is in the system. That is something that can be worked on from both sides and the costs could come down easily, regardless of what is done in Washington.

nothing wrong with public option as long as we're not expecting the government to pay for the most expensive treatments imaginable for every Tom, Dick, and Harry that claims poverty.

I know people that would love to not have to pay for private health insurance if they could get the gov't to pay for it instead.

@ Cindy:

And what do you mean " concrete thoughts."? You gave one company. I asked you about the other banks? And I listened to what you said... and you are correct. Only the future will tell if they pay us back or not.

Stephen

I agree. Everyone needs to pay some monthly cost for the medical insurance. I also worry about some Americans who want to just live off the rest of us. I see that where I live. I see people lie about their income so they can get as much as they can for free. I see women saying they want children only so they can have free medical health care. I guess that is why it is so complicated and why they are having problems writing it.

Stephen

I like the idea of getting everyone involved. If you use healthcare you have to pay. I do disagree with you on the catastrophic costs though, because if the insurance companies don't want pay and you have gone broke because of it there should be an omega. You should not have to die because insurance says no we paid enough for you to live now you are on your own. That is the true problem with the system, a lot of people have died, how many didn't have to? That is the real question. Stephen I am a person just like everyone else here is, with every right to live. I don't want to be in my darkest hour worrying about the bills when I need to br trying to get better.

good night all...

wait a minute

CT

exactly... you are talking about balance. That is what I want too...

The government is far from perfect. We have corruption here in our local government. And that really irritates me. The CEO or our county and the board of supervisors are also... "on the take" That all needs to be cleaned up.

Stephen... LOL Whats the wait a minute ,,, about?

Fire em all and start over. Quick solution, that will never be implemented. Take care guys, and gals Great talking to you.

CT,
I want the best for everyone, but I just think that PHARMA-BIZ will keep the costs rising as long as we can hand the bill over to somebody else.

Insurance companies shouldn't be able to drop anybody, period.

A deal is a deal, you pay for that insurance, they've got to pay. Are they going to allow their customers to not pay their full premiums?

CT

LOL..... I completely agree. The best statement of the evening!!!

I hope you can get something for your brother in law... Good luck! If you are on Larry King tomorrow, let me know.

DODIE–Yes, we shall see if they pay us back. Are we going to be paid back for jobs around the country that resulted from the government's stimulus package? I don't think that is the plan. I know in my area there is some highway work being done as the result of the stimulus money. So if any one of the banks do not pay us back but the money given them has enabled several people to maintain or obtain jobs, how would that be different than the money that provided employment for the highway?

My point was that we will obtain a very good return on the money when it is repaid. It's only been a short while so it's no surprise only one has paid so early.

Hot D@#$

That is exactly what i'm talking about. We see eye to eye on this issue. Stephen Dodie, take care.

CT

Fire em all and start over. Quick solution, ... I love that solution!

Good night... Enjoyed talking with you and Stephen!

Hey if you guys want to email me to futher any of these conversations hit me up

ctaylor007@gmail.com

There is always a solution to a problem glad you like it Dodie.

Stephen,
Pharma accounts for only about 14% of healthcare so it's not a make or break for healthcare. There are more generics available than ever before and more to come. Having said that, if everyone is insured and obtains the meds they need, we may see a rise in overall spending for pharma. I assume we will understand that is exactly what we are wanting–everyone to have access to what they need.

I will e mail you right now...

CT I just sent you an e mail

Good Night enjoyed the conversation

so now we should allow our gvnt. to make the calls your film just showed? i'd rather NOT the govt determine my 'liability'.

Help Im Looking for a book that was on your show in the last couple years it was about positive thinking and the cover was a shade of yellow with a little guy...doing something (Like a cartoon). I have looked for the last year ....everywhere I could. So Here I am! One Part I remember was : When You Tell your self everyday you are fat...you start to believe it. SO PLEASE HELP!

The body is made primarily of water. Research now shows that water vibrates based upon the intentions we place in water. If we place more intentions of wellness, joy and love into our bodies, we will create different situations with our bodies. If we place our intentions on wellness and that which creates wellness , we will have more well people on this globe.

Good Job Michael Moore!!!

I'm a Canadian and we have FREE HEALTH CARE and it's GREATTT!!!

I work as a Nurse and would like to say to all those people that don't have health insurance that TRUST me, YOU too will one day get sick. Probably after the age of 60 if not before. Guaranteed.

It is a basic necessity that you have adequate universal health care.

I would also love say, GOOD JOB Mr. King for supporting such a influencial figure like Mr. Moore.

I LOVE YOUR SHOW

ron paul 2012

Greetings Larry King, I love your show.

Micheal Moore is absolutely right in his segment comments. The poor in capitalism have nearly zero rights and nearly zero protection. The rich get richer, pay and receive political favoritism, and see to it that laws do not effect them directly, however they directly effect the poor.

Time and time again we see senators that have broken numerous criminal laws not serve a single day in jail, much less prison. The same exact charges are routinely heaped upon the poor and their overburdened public defenders which end up in prison.

On a tangent, it appears that Bush-Cheney-CIA helped flood America's heartlands and grade schools with Heroin. Those that are hopelessly addicted to this Heroin flood from Afghanistan are rolled up by the local Sheriff's and routinely sent to prison where the taxpayers spend well over 50,000 US dollars per year to keep them locked up.

Blind Justice, Yes, but is Justice Equally Applied? Absolutely Not!

A. Smith
Oregon

I wouldn't say that. As I understand and acknowledge his message in regards to Capitalism,and how it's affecting our lives.Fortunately I happen to agree with Michael.This man has a conscience, and is speaking for many working class Americans.All he is doing is peeling off layers of deception feed to the American people in regards to their healthcare reform.
Senators, Congressmen, and representives were ellected to over see that all the people, citizens of this country were treated fair and equally.
To listen to some of these Senators, like Joe Libermann, make's one wonder.Who's side is he on.....Another one is Senator Sherrod Brown.
These are two who need's to be replaced.

It is amazing that the great USA cannot provide universal health care for its citizens. Other western countries have done it with great success. Australia for example.. I was there. The insurance companies are such a powerful lobby that they have succeeded in drowning out the voices of the poor people with no health insurance. I am unable to see a doctor for my heart condition because my last job didn't provide health insurance and my condition pre existing. Yes Ron Paul anyone can go to the emergency room and be treated even if they do not have insurance. But when they get the bill they will end up losing their property or have their credit destroyed.

ron paul stated that poor, sick people have not been dumped on the streets–but hey have been and it has been documented including in the movie sicko.
this lie should have been caught.

Michael Moore speaks the truth. You just have to deal with this somehow. Americans=lots of money=stupidity . Go figure

Capitalism begets lots of money . lots of money begets stupidity

Even though I dislike Mr.Moore,I do want to hear what he has to say. If Mr. Moore is so unhappy with our goverment,then just leave and move to another country. I to am unhappy with certain things in our country,but I would not want to live any other place,and I don't believe he would either. Mr. Moore could not have made all the money he has made himself if living in another country. The USA does have many problems,and that makes me very sad,but just look at how many people that want to come to America,so we're not that bad. It is our responsibllty to make things better by changing DC,and not sending the same sold out people back.I know people will really be unhappy with what I'm about to say,but that's ok! We have taken GOD out of everything,if you would look back in time you will see that is when our country started going down hill,and it will only continue. I love this country and I thank all of those who have gone to fight to give me this right to speak out.

People like Moore do a great disservice in that to further their own agenda they draw attention away from real facts. He is absolutely in love with government control. Let's see now, who keeps the government in check, in Moore's utopia that would be the eliteist nobility. Has anyone read Animal Farm? World history is full of examples of failures of the kind of system Moore envisions, it's never worked and yet there is no shortage of sheep that want to follow the libs agenda to the slaughter. We are about to go down a self destructive road that wil only bring pain and misery and repeat the errors of the past.

we seniors are suffering, we've lost most of our retirement funds..social security does not do much for us....we remember WW 2 & all the rest of the wars...very difficult..

Isn't capitalism all about making exhorbitant profits at all costs. What's the sharemarket..........isn't this all part of it. Comes down to greed more than anything I think.

-------

Dodie – you sound like one crying in the wilderness. I think I hear you.

Michael Moore talks a lot of sense. He's on the button.

Andrew
Hey, about your comment on how wonderfully sucessful government health care is in Australia, I lived there, I know it how pathetic it is. Look up real success rates for treatment and compare them to those in the US. What about the all the people that die waiting for the appropriate treatment there. That always seems to conviently get left out out the arguement. While I love the people of that country, I saw first hand the folly of the socialist experiment. How a government dumps on it's people, while they have little recourse. If you actually think government can run anything efficiently, be cost effective, without awhole lot of red tape and corruption, just look honestly at the Australian model. I guarantee you if you had to get treated there for any serious illness you would have a very different perspective

Mr Moore has always played loose with the truth and he has made a ton of money attacking what he percieves a injustices but he has a problem offering feasible sensible solutions. Ooooh, capitalism is evil, Moore didn't think this one up himself, he copied it from the socialist rant. Capitalism may not be perfect but before you tear it down, better make sure you have something better to replace it with. I can only chuckle at how eager the lemmings are to take off running.

Our current economic models and social concepts ie "Socialism' are outdated. What we think of capitalism today is not real "capitalism" its a cancerous version.Government assisted programs are the PURPOSE of government-it is tax dollars well spent-it is not true Socialism. If its ok for the government to pay for medicare; schools; fire department and police department-why is healthcare for its citizens a problem?

What we see today is a corporate model using both the free markets and the government in its service. Its greed and lack of accountability. The government in America is complicit in its service through its obliging special interest groups.

Basic services such as healthcare can be a good use of tax dollars but the view of Ron Paul with respect to "free markets" I have often agreed with, is myopic, unrealistic and self serving. Of course a family of physicians would have no problem paying $25,000 for a procedure in his version of free market healthcare. The average person can not do this.

Canada does a pretty good job-people are healthy and happy and recovering from the world recession on top of other nations-Maybe Ron Paul can make sense of this model: Responsible, accountable, humble government and responsible free markets and capitalistic strivings. Conservative? Yes. In the true , clean, meaning of the word.

What are the only two "entities" that believe in sustained continuous growth?

Modern economists and cancer cells

I'm so glad folks from Africa and Australia have all the answers for the US. I assume, then, everything is perfect in those countries. It's amazing to me that people are so naive that they really believe Moore can be the ultimate authority on any and every subject. Boy, I'd say that's better than Einstein. Oh, excuse me, one obvious point based on his appearance–guess he's not an authority on health. Then again, perhaps not an authority on anything except how to fatten his wallet at the same time he fattens his body.

Subjecting a phony like Moore to a sofball interview by King, well I just can't wait. I'm sure that this will be an oportunity for some profound learning. All truth and honesty.

For the Moore fans that depend on him for their social and political opinions see Seans blog he makes more sense than Moore will ever be able to.

@ Anne D October 30th, 2009 7:21 pm ET
-----------------------
I presume you're meaning folks from Africa and New Zealand (not Australia) have all the answers for the US. New Zealand is in Australasia and it is a close neighbour of Australia in the Pacific Region. We are much smaller than Australia in size.

Have commented on this because our systems are similar in some ways. We are just on a smaller scale. It seems what happens in America or England comes to our country as well in some ways.

Your Democrat Party is equivalent to our Labour Party and your Republican Party is equivalent to our National Party.

It's always the left or the right opposing one another.

Anne,
you are a typical uneducated american, regardless how many years did you spend in schools.
The average american is always ready to tell this world how to live, how to govern, how to do anything, because we are the greatest and the freest country . Right?
Wrong!! Switzerland has a democracy since well over 400 years, they did it about 200 years before we ever got the ideal of kicking King George in his butts. And in all those years they never had a war!!
The living standard in the USA was the highest 40 years ago, now we are down to place 27 or so, diving rapidly.
Our schools are pitiful, high school graduates cannot understand the diploma they are holding. They heard about the war in Iraq, but has no idea where that country is.
This is an open forum and everyone has the right to voice an opinion. If our politicians would listen more to advice from other countries, then our country would be in a better shape, we would never started the Iraq war, etc. Don´t forget, the eight "american" Nobel Prize winners this year are only partially correct, four were born and educated in other countries. Foreign brain and knowledge made this country big!
So do not get upset if foreigners take part in this discussion and give advice. Thank them for it!

I wish we had a lot more people like Michael Moore who has the guts to speak up and tell the truth. He is not expert of anything, but walks around with open eyes and sees the problems we face and calls our attention to it. If he makes money with it if is fine with me, nobody works for nothing.

the fact that moore and his work gets so little air play should tell you clearly that american media is harshly conservative.
what is more relevant currently than "sicko" but yet i don't see it on tv, not even segments or quotes of it.

moore isn't making anything like the money that right wing propagandists make. limbaugh's current contract was for $400 million. o'reily, who swore that there are no veterans among the homeless, is by far the lowest paid of those with nationally syndicated shows and even he gets $10 milion/yr. none of them works anywhere near as hard as moore.
ted's comments are excellent.