I have a question for everyone! Do you think the White House was bought by big Pharma

[ej510]

and the Health Insurance Industry? Do you think they cut a deal in order to raise money for the 2010 and 2012 elections? I think it is a fair question to ask. I know some of you are going to get upset, but we should be able to ask this question.

[dionysus]

1. no, i don't. the bill could have been a lot better but with the blue dogs it's the best we can get

to start out with.

they certainly have bought off senators though.

[FormerDittoHead]

17. Uhh. Was *THIS* report and leaked memo discredited? (link to HuffPo)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/13/internal-memo-confirms-bi_n_258285.html

Internal Memo Confirms Big Giveaways In White House Deal With Big Pharma
08-13-09 11:10 AM

A memo obtained by the Huffington Post confirms that the White House and the pharmaceutical lobby secretly agreed to precisely the sort of wide-ranging deal that both parties have been denying over the past week.

The memo, which according to a knowledgeable health care lobbyist was prepared by a person directly involved in the negotiations, lists exactly what the White House gave up, and what it got in return.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/13/internal-memo-confirms-bi_n_258285.html

[dionysus]

20. we know there was deal, that doesn't automatically equate to being bought and paid for.

obama tries to work with his opposition too much for his own good. i don't think it was part of a nefarious scheme.

i'm not implying he's a saint, but i think a lot of people are really stretching to claim he's been bought off.

[Ian David]

2. We still have to wait and see. n/t

[DJ13]

3. I wish I could say no

But at this point Im not sure.

[sarge43]

4. It may be a fair question if there is reasonable evidence to justify the asking.

Got some?

[ej510]

7. They were a big contributer to his campaign in 2008.

[Cant trust em]

5. I don't think so. I think that if they were really bought HCR wouldn't even be a discussion.

That being said, they have had influence to make the reform less sweeping.

[ej510]

6. I am asking this question, because Obama has been virtually silent on this issue except for

thanking members of the house and the senate.

[SpartanDem]

8. I kinda remember him spending much of the summer the pushing this issue

speeches, town halls, etc

[ej510]

10. What specifically does he want in this bill?

[katandmoon]

9. Yes.

[Cleita]

11. Are you kidding? All of Washington has been bought by big PhRMA.

Let's hope it's only in degrees from slightly bought to wholly bought.

[ej510]

12. This what I believe, but I knew some duers would ignore it if it meant Obama owes special interest.

[ChiciB1]

13. I Don't Know... But I Don't Think He's the Man I Thought I Voted For!!

I'm very upset and disappointed right now! So, what's new... been feeling things going down hill for quite some time!!

[BklnDem75]

14. no. nt

[Whisp]

15. which WH, cuz past ones sure contributed to the selling out, that is a fact

whether this one has is just speculation or wishful thinking - anything to smear Obama and to hell with the consequences for everything else.

[ej510]

18. If you followed me through the primary then you knew I am

not trying to smear Obama.

[Whisp]

21. I didn't mean you specifically, sorry if it sounded that way.

I'm really bad at remembering who said what when by their names and keep a record in my head, I was just reacting to some general opinions of Obama here from the ones that drool over every negative story coming out criticizing him - even if the criticisms come from rightwing sites they would Never give credit to for their own pet projects and beliefs.

[grantcart]

16. So Governor Dean and everyone else who thinks that the bill is a big step forward

also got a check?

[dionysus]

19. no one can dispute these industries have a lot of power witht heir lobbying arms, but to

say they have bought off everyone in the govt and the WH is absurd.

[Sinti]

22. The campaign contributions are only one aspect of how politicians are "bought"

If you look at the stocks hey hold, positions their family members hold, and jobs they get when they leave office you will get a much clearer view of the meaning of being "bought." Campaign contributions pale in comparison to the real dollars, and potential power, gained by their being complicit in all variety of criminal pillage and destruction of human life.

You cannot depend on any of them being kind, caring for the welfare of others, or honest - many men will simply take care of their own. It's not really even a question of ethics. They may figure these things will happen anyway, so what if their family gets to benefit instead of some other person's. The world has crashed, ATM. Prepare for reboot.

[Hansel]

23. No. I think this is a pragmatic White House that thinks

in the long term, not the short term. I don't think Pharma or private insurance can feel too confident that this White House has their backs. The closest they will ever get to this feeling is when in the long run they realize the the White House has them by the back of their necks and is shaking them.

[Bluenorthwest]

24. Either bought off or simply lacking any desire to serve the

people. Obviously.

[treestar]

25. Why would there be any health care reform at all then?

These industries don't want it.

You're insulting the voters. They have no ability to resist advertising? Obama raised a lot of his money directly from voters, on the internet.

[emulatorloo]

27. If I could recommend your post I would n/t

[Peacetrain]

26. No... only a goober would think that.

[ChazII]

28. In a short response:

No.

[ipaint]

29. Not so much bought.

But certainly it was a professional courtesy and his obligation to make sure the industry remained firmly in control.

[Hekate]

30. No, I do not. nt

[earth mom]

31. Yes. nt

[Orsino]

32. All our elections are.

Therefore this White House was, too, but apparently less so than the last one.

[harun]

33. Big pharma isn't the problem in HCR, big Health Insurance is the problem.