B. Sanders on MSNBC: "Let me break the truth to you. BIG MONIED INTERESTS CONTROL CONGRESS.

[chimpymustgo]

Yes, he said it. And more.

Sanders: "This is a big fat giveaway to health insurance companies and pharma."

Lawrence O'Donnell points out - there was never GOING to be a public option. Bernie says they'll come back and try to fix this. O'Donnell counters - the corporations will win again.

Mike Barnacle: "The insurance companies in this country make the GUN LOBBY look like COMMON CAUSE."

Bottom line: Corporations always bring a gun to a snowball fight.

Thank you Bernie Sanders, Howard Dean, Jane Hamsher, Ed Schultz and the other WARRIORS for real health care reform.

[CTyankee]

1. Barnicle always says that...broken record, cuz his wife is a bankster.

So he tries to make the banksters look good. I'm getting tired of hearing this old guys routine. He says the same thing over and over or makes some irrelevant point so he can guffaw...

[chimpymustgo]

4. Lovefest for Bernie: Mika, Lawrence, Jean Chatsky all say the LOVE Bernie for telling the truth.

I agree Mike Barnicle is generally a useless apologist on the show (wife an exec w/ BoA), but did have a great line comparing the insurance lobby to the gun lobby.

[SpiralHawk]

6. Years ago Barnicle used to pose as the Voice of the Common Prole

But that plagiarized pretension has long ago worn off, revealing an overpaid republicon homelander propaganda puppet

[Cleita]

20. I don't see why you people would call him that.

Bernie has more integrity than the rest of the politicians in Washington. He takes calls from everyone on Thom Hartmann's radio show every Friday morning both friendly and hostile something no other senator does. He's been saying that the corporations have a chokehold in Washington for years now. He refuses to see lobbyists something the rest of the senators do. If he were such a bankster, why did he criticize the bank bail out for not putting that money into Main Street and not Wall Street?

[Blue_In_AK]

26. I think he's referring to Mike Barnicle

not Bernie Sanders.

[enigmatic]

27. He was talking about Barnicle, not Bernie n/t

[Cleita]

28. Okay, now I understand.

I thought Barnicle was a nickname given to Bernie. My bad. :blush:

[bertman]

44. Bernie is kinda like an old barnacle, all tough and crusty and sharp. Wish we had more like him

in the Senate.

:hi:

[Enthusiast]

57. If you don't like Bernie,

you are not a progressive. Because he is one of the few.

[Mopar151]

68. And he's a hateful jerk.

I remember the columm that got him canned at the "Boston Globe". A nasty, juvenile screed on the neighboring state of NH - among other things, I recall insults about "ugly women". This was around the same time that his "cut 'n paste" journalisim was being brought to light.

My wife was born in "Dorchesta". Her attempt to explain NH culture to a sister: "Most women in NH don't wear makeup every day, 'cuz they got nice skin. They got nice skin 'cuz it's not all f****d up from wearin' makeup all the time!"

[rocktivity]

2. I don't know about the corporations winning again

If the HRC warriors have accomplished only one thing, it's showing the American people who their REAL welfare queens are!


rocktivity

[Generator]

45. Well they win because you.we. whomever let them

Look it's easy-you stand up to them and take the consequences. You say hey-I either defeat you and win or lose my job. Revolutions are fought over these things. But all of them, and I mean all of them have a cush life and families -they aren't standing up to shit. They only care in the end about themselves and their jobs. When I see a congress person or SENATOR HA HA good one hey-resign in disgust and hold a press conference that'll be the day I know they are working for someone besides themselves. Cowards.

[spartan61]

3. The # 1 reason why we desperately need

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM!!!

[salguine]

37. We're past campaign finance reform. We really need for the People to storm the Capitol with

torches and pitchforks, causing the worms within to run for their lives, before burning the fucker down, that's what we need. Nothing less will fix anything.

[valerief]

56. That appears to be the only recourse. nt

[Vermontgrown]

77. You are absolutley right.

[WestSeattle2]

41. You nailed it. Tnis system will continue to rot until campaigns

are financed differently. What it will take to force that change remains to be seen.

Until that happens, we'll continue to have what I call "Fascism-Lite" government.

[Enthusiast]

58. Real campaign finance reform!

With teeth that bite the corporate ass.

[jschurchin]

5. This is news to some people

However, I realized, long ago, that the people in D.C. work for monied interests. They DO NOT work for us. Anyone who believes they do, is a FOOL.
Anyone sent to Washington is soon corrupted, or they are tossed.

WAKE THE FUCK UP.

[chimpymustgo]

8. I watched "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" last night. Needed to take a break from this board.

I may post some thoughts on that later. It's all a con game.

[2 Much Tribulation]

35. You're right, in the original sense of CON game, which is CONFIDENCE game. Escape by *losing* all

confidence, i.e. emotional or attitudinal reinforcement of legitimacy. Control by monied interests is not legitimate. Someone should ask Senator Bernie Sanders how he reconciles his service in the House and now Senate with the fact that it's all controlled. Not saying that's impossible to answer per se, it's just a good question to ask.

[Mari333]

69. I did , too! and State of the Union with Kate Hepburn and Tracy

I have seen them many times, but it was really TELLING to watch them this time with what is going on in Congress.

The sellout of politicians . The courage of one person if they stand up against the machine.

[chimpymustgo]

78. Exactly. Have watched MANY times. But this time, it was a revelation.

[golddigger]

7. Also Leahy said the same thing

on Dylan Ratigan's show.

This is not going to go well with the American people.

[chimpymustgo]

9. Is is possible that that will be the real good that comes from this? The charade has been EXPOSED.

It's been painful...heartbreaking...to have the last vestiges of hope and belief stripped away. But we have seen the naked, ugly truth. And MOST of us know it.

[yui]

11. Yes!

If only more and more respected movers and shakers speak out like this (and are given the air time to be heard), perhaps a greater good will come out of this.

[dysfunctional press]

10. "This is not going to go well with the American people."

first off- most of the american people already realize it.
second- considering msnbc's ratings, those that don't already realize it probably haven't heard either quote.

[chimpymustgo]

12. I think the reality is so start and blatant at this time, it cannot be missed or ignored.

Even some of the staunchest cheerleaders are facing it.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

13. and thank you Bernie for selling out. From article I posted earlier

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/12/22/2009-12-22_ny_pols_senates_plan_would_close_clinics_threaten_hosps_cost_1b_disgrace_of_a_he.html

Paterson was also bitter that states like Massachusetts and Vermont, which were also generous, got last-minute deals that erase their extra costs.

[DKRC]

43. Bernie can sell me out anytime

it means I can go to the Dr. without having to first turn off all the utilities to pay for the visit.

Emphasis added is mine.

http://sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/news/?id=a23978b9-78b0-411b-a420-adc5003fa00b

<...>

In exchange for his vote on the diluted Senate health care bill, Sanders asked for and received just what the doctor ordered — $10 billion to increase the number of community health care centers nationwide, including at least two more for Vermont. It means health care for 25 million Americans nationwide, if the bill passes.

The Green Mountain State already has eight of those centers, which provide primary care, dental and low-cost prescription drugs. Nobody is turned away, since the centers accept as payment Medicare, Medicaid or nothing at all from people who are uninsured. More than 100,000 Vermonters get their primary care at these health care centers.

Sanders, a self-described socialist who by virtue of the fragile Democratic coalition in the Senate finds himself with more clout than ever before, isn’t stopping there. Now he’s pushing to expand by 20,000 the ranks of doctors, dentists, nurses and other medical professionals who are part of the National Health Service Corps.

<...>

The House health care bill includes $14 billion, $4 billion more than the Senate version, to pay for the expanded health care centers and increase the National Health Service Corps. A well-placed source says there is a very good chance the final House and Senate compromise will match the $14 billion in the House bill.

Sanders’ effort is a tribute to the late Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, who 40 years ago first proposed the system of community health care centers, formally known as Federally Qualified Health Centers. “Now we’re going to take it a giant step forward,” Sanders promised.

[pleah]

14. K&R

[Bluenorthwest]

15. Ah. So when people post that Bernie 'supports the bill'

they are being less than honest for reasons we can only guess at.

[Unvanguard]

22. That depends entirely on what you mean by "support." He clearly is NOT in the "kill the bill" crowd.

Because he could have effectively killed it twice already, and voted with the caucus instead.

[bighart]

16. Really, when did this happen?

[Blue Owl]

17. Corporations always bring a gun to a snowball fight

Good comparison -- and timely!

[chimpymustgo]

40. During the big east coast snow this weekend, a bunch of people gathered for a a snowball fight in

DC, throwing snowballs across the street at each other. A snowball hits the Hummer of an undercover cop driving through. He jumps out of the car, and starts waving his effing GUN at these people. They started chanting: don't bring a gun to a snowball fight.

So the reference was fresh...and quite apt.

[Cleita]

18. Bernie has been saying this all along on his Friday morning radio town

hall that he does on Thom Hartmann's show. Finally, the MSM is letting him talk about it. He has also said that the lobbyists are always lined up outside the senators' offices looking to throw them bribe money. He doesn't let lobbyists in his office. It's too bad that the other senators are as ethical as Bernie.

[Karmadillo]

19. Does that mean he'll vote against the bill?

nt

[Unvanguard]

21. He can say what he wants: more power to him. But he voted against the filibuster.

And that's what counts.

[amborin]

23. um, not just Congress!

[Echo In Light]

24. Why are there still so many who'd dismiss this fact as conspiracy theory?

[enigmatic]

25. He's right

Sadly.

[rhett o rick]

29. k & r

[GreenTea]

30. Common Cause - I've forgotten about them, still around - Great organization to support!

http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=4741359

[spanone]

31. he will probably be censured for telling the truth

[Initech]

32. This will be published in next week's issue of DUH! Magazine.

[laughingliberal]

33. Well, all I have to say is Bernie, there's still time nt

[LaPera]

34. Took Sanders poll.

http://sanders.senate.gov/polls/index.cfm

[bertman]

46. Thanks for posting the pol, LaPera. nt

[Goldstein1984]

72. Thanks. Did the poll and answered progressively

[Starbucks Anarchist]

36. A "warrior" who supports the bill?

:rofl:

[Political Heretic]

39. Wouldn't really call it "support" would you?

[MadBadger]

48. He's voting for it

Id call that support.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

80. I like Bernie, but voting for it defines supporting it.

[Enthusiast]

60. The alternative is worse.

Don't pass the bill and fail in the mid terms. This is not an option.

The more I see of the Tea Party the more I feel I must support even moderate Democrats. These people (ignorant, insane, gullible) are a threat to push us over the edge that Bush pushed us toward.

[Le Taz Hot]

66. News flash:

Passing this piece of shit they'll lose in the mid-terms anyway.

[Goldstein1984]

73. Agreed

2010 and 2012 look worse, not better, after this mess.

[Enthusiast]

79. Okay, what are your solutions?

Because I don't feel losing in 2010 is a viable option. Remember, if the GOP gains two or three seats in the Senate and ten seats in the house it will be a touted as a "mandate" by the people and future legislation will reflect this. With a lot of help from the M$M.

[winyanstaz]

38. Yes...we have only a handful in power that are fighting for us now...

We need to clean house and also try to support the real warriors for the people.

[abelenkpe]

42. love love love Bernie Sanders nt.

[The Gunslinger]

47. He also broke the big news that Tiger Woods likes women.

[eridani]

49. If he doesn't get an ERISA waiver in there, he ought to vote against it then n/t

[dflprincess]

50. I love Bernie, but how does he think they'll "go back and fix it"

when they couldn't pass meaningful reform this time?

[Odin2005]

51. We know Bernie, we know. :-(

:cry:

[SandWalker1984]

52. Hey Bernie, if it's such a bad bill -- why are you going to vote FOR it?

If Bernie Sanders truly wants a decent health care reform bill -- THEN VOTE NO ON THIS SENATE BILL!

Stop the train before it goes down the tracks and runs off the cliff!

If Joe Lieberman can kill the public option, then JUST ONE PROGRESSIVE SENATOR CAN STOP THIS HOLLOW SHILL OF A HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL. Call their bluff! Make them rewrite it! Put back the public option!

So what if it goes to the floor and then loses by 1 or 2 votes -- make those senators vote!! Let them explain to the people in their districts why they shot down real health care reform!!

We deserve better than this health insurance profit protection bill!

[mikesm]

53. If Bernie were legit he would vote against it!

How can you say how this is such a huge giveway to corporations and special interests and then turn around and vote for it. If the vote was 80-20, and it didn't make a difference, then who cares. But any one of the 60 senators can kill this thing. So if it's so bad, just pull the plug on it.

Bernie is just another sellout. If he really believed what he is saying he wouldn't be voting for it.

[Enthusiast]

61. Bernie is legit and

if he judges that he must vote for it, I'm with him. Bernie is no sellout. Why would you say such a thing?

I watched the M$M and the corporate Republicans blame Bill Clinton for not passing health care reform in the 1990s. They (The GOP and their M$M allies) want the chance to do that again. The bill can be tweaked but we must have it.

[deutsey]

71. From what I understand, he opted to vote for it IF the bill contained money for community health

It now contains money for new community health centers across the country.

To me, that's someone who's using his vote to help people rather than witholding his vote to make some ideological purist point.

[neuvocat]

54. And what does he say to do about it?

Rally people to protest for accountability from their elected officials?

[Major Hogwash]

55. Well, I think we knew this was true.

But, still, voting for the bill, their vote should not be up for sale just to give us a "W" in the win column just for politics, as Jane Hamsher said on Ed's show yesterday.

[Enthusiast]

63. We have to get that "W".

Or risk losing to nut case Republicans and Tea Partiers in the mid terms. Nothing could be worse than that. As bad as the HCR bill is at least is a start. And I have just recently taken this position.

[Major Hogwash]

64. Giving away trillions of dollars is not a start, it's "business as usual" in Washington DC

I have read a lot about what this bill does, and it does not even come close to what I could call "a good place to start".

[Enthusiast]

65. I understand you feeling this way.

But, many in both houses of congress worked honestly and diligently to give us the best HCR bill they could. Of course there are bad actors, Obama included.

But not passing a bill will result in even more Republicans and Tea Party members being elected in the mid term election and this is completely unacceptable to me. Because there is nothing worse than a FILTHY Republican.

[Major Hogwash]

67. I don't think this will help many Dems next year. Dodd won't survive the election next year.

I don't think he can pull it out of the fire now.
And he is the one that is the most vulnerable, according to the latest polls.

[Goldstein1984]

75. W = L: What would be wrong with...

Dropping the bill is a strong public statement that opposition from the Republicans and corporate interference has so compromised the bill that they no longer believe it is in the interests of the people to pursue it?

Passing this bill has cost them my support in 2010 and 2012. In this case, W = L.

[Hannah Bell]

59. how brave. so vote against it. oh, not that brave, eh.

[RainDog]

74. he got provisions for nationwide community health care centers

which actually provide health care, not insurance.

if the insurance and pharma whores will not back a public option, this is the what he could get for the American people out of this whorish piece of legislation.

I am grateful to him for that.

As someone working within the existing legislature, he is one of the few who actually gives a shit about the American people and he is telling the truth about the corruption of our system.

I can't fault him for his actions based upon what the democrats put forth. He's not the problem.

[KrR]

62. Yes they got the PO taken out which sucks

but it is still a good bill. Which is why Sanders will vote for it.

[bdamomma]

70. thank god, for people like Bernie who tell the truth.

[Goldstein1984]

76. Not enough Bernie Sanders in Congress