US House passes key healthcare reform

[phanthach]

The US House of Representatives has narrowly voted to pass a landmark healthcare reform bill at the heart of President Barack Obama's agenda.

The bill was passed by 219 votes to 212, with no Republican backing, after hours of fierce argument and debate.

It extends coverage to 32 million more Americans, and marks the biggest change to the US healthcare system in decades.

"We proved that we are still a people capable of doing big things," Mr Obama said in remarks after the vote.

"This legislation will not fix everything that ails our healthcare system, but it moves us decisively in the right direction," he said.

Mr Obama is expected to sign the legislation into law shortly.

Historic vote

The president has pulled off the most significant victory since his election 16 months ago, the BBC's Paul Adams reports from Washington.

[2005DMAX]

I would not call this a victory. I would call it a huge loss and set back for this country. The only thing it acomplished is to give more welfare to the lazy people, and make my health care costs increase.

[cathead77]

Plus, it strips away your choice in the matter. The government decided for you.

[GRAZOR]

The most important thing the passage of this bill has done is to drive a wedge right through the middle of Americas heart. The divisions we are seeing right now in our country are about as bad as I have ever seen things and sure to get worse as the truth about this bill and the real price tag come to light.

Instead of calling it a health care reform bill it should be called exactly what it is, a government take over of massive proportion.

If this take over is not repealed or completely thrown out in the next few years we will see our country go into a very serious financial melt down that will make the current recession seem like child's play.

Just look at all the state attorney generals who are actively bringing major law suits against the federal government. Never in the history of this republic have we witnessed such division or such an assault upon our constitution and our civil liberties. We will soon see many large companies going out of business and mass layoffs and firings take place all over.

So far the only ones who like this bill are those who drink the cool aid.

Gary