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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2010 > March > 17 > Entry
Martin Gottlieb: Are ‘the American people’ really against health care plan?
It is by now official — whether true or not — that “the American people” oppose the pending health care plan.
Republican House leader John Boehner, of West Chester, says it all the time. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, says it all the time. Likewise for conservative voices in the media. Everybody says it.
Not only do they say it: they start there. It seems to be the most important point to them. Ask almost any public opponent of the plan for a brief statement and you get references to polls.
These warriors see polls as a great weapon for scaring moderate Democrats in Congress whose votes are up for grabs.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent out a poll this week that focused on particular congressional districts in Ohio. The version that came to this newspaper said “51 percent … in the 1st District oppose the … plan … while only 35 percent support it.” The 1st — in the Cincinnati area — is represented by freshman Democrat Steve Driehaus, who beat a Republican incumbent in 2008 and is in for a tough race this year. He’s uncommitted.
One striking thing about the polls is how often that 51-percent figure comes up, or something even lower. A Web site called RealClearPolitics gathers many polls on the subject, from the likes of USA Today/Gallup, Newsweek and Associated Press. It reports that an average of polls by eight organizations between mid-February and the first week in March showed 48.9 percent opposing and 41.3 percent supporting health care reform.
The biggest gap between support and opposition was 12 percent; the lowest, 2 percent. The biggest majority for opposition was 53 percent. If political warriors want to try to scare the politicians by pointing out that more people oppose than support the proposal, fine.
But “the American people”?
President Barack Obama’s pollster, Joel Benenson, referred to another collection of polls (at Pollster.com) in a Washington Post column Saturday, March 13. He said eight out of 12 showed a gap in the range of three points.
He also noted that follow-up questions in two polls show a lot of opponents upset because the plan doesn’t go far enough, which is clearly not what Boehner and Co. mean when they talk about opposition.
Benenson refers to a CNN poll in which 10 percent of respondents opposed the bill saying it was “not liberal enough.” And he noted an Ipsos poll in which a third of opponents say it doesn’t go “far enough.”
He and others note that polls show majority support for the major parts of the plan.
Clearly, though, the Democrats have failed to sell their overall plan. Theories abound as to why: it’s big government and big spending; the White House has been inept and/or lax in making the case; people are skeptical of 2,500 pages of change in a system that already works for many.
The correct theory: Republican and independent voters are both very influenced by the fact that Republican politicians are opposed in lockstep. Many independents distrust anything that doesn’t have more bipartisanship.
In a lifetime of watching, pondering, using and dismissing polls, I’ve come to the general conclusion that polls on issues aren’t useful where the issue is complicated; people just simply do not focus on complications.
Health care might be an exception. Many people report feeling strongly. That has to be respected. The issue has been around long enough that a great many people do have a good feel for it, even if they can’t give you a recitation on the complications.
Those who support the plan are less likely to say they feel strongly than those who support it. One suspects that has something to do with a certain leeriness about everything these days, a reluctance to let one’s hopes get too high.
So what should the impact of the polls be?
If, indeed, the problem in the polls is the lack of Republican congressional buy-in, a good discussion can be had about whose fault that is.
But if the Democrats let Republicans stop them now, (A) they’re giving veto power to the party they defeated for control of Congress and the presidency, and (B) they’re probably not doing themselves any good in the coming election. But that’s another column.
Permalink | Comments (83) | Post your comment | Categories: Columns, Health Care, Martin Gottlieb, National Politics, Ohio politics
Comments
By bobby
March 17, 2010 10:40 AM | Link to this
Editorials about health care by two democrat editorial writers on the same page, on the same day. Coincidence? The full court press is on.
By BigD
March 17, 2010 10:50 AM | Link to this
Not only NO but Heck NO in this form! We already have examples when Government gets too involved administering health care (Medicare & Medicaid). This bill DOES NOT focus on costs, it focuses on INSURANCE. There’s no tort reform included, etc.
By Leslie
March 17, 2010 10:54 AM | Link to this
Here is a poll for you. How about the phone calls to our representatives? How about the faxes and the e-mails? Is that good enough for you? Those are coming in against the health care bill. When the politicians tell you we are against it, it is cause we are calling, faxing, and e-mailing telling them NO! And if you get through some even tell you they actually don’t care what your opinion is.
By John
March 17, 2010 10:56 AM | Link to this
Wheres the Buckeye Kickback? Kucinich sold his vote for an airplane ride! As a native Ohioan, Ohio has the pedal to the metal in the fast lane on the highway to hell and can now see Michigan’s tailights. No jobs; mass exodus; where’s Chrissy Hines to sing MY STATE WAS GONE, in follow up to My City was gone regarding Akron. The fabulous architect of job loss, Jenny Grandholm is in her final term in Michigan. Maybe Ohio would like to vote in a Canadian to speed things up. A right to healthcare would be right up Ohio’s ally. Even if Buckeye’s have to travel 2 states away to get it.
By Keno
March 17, 2010 10:57 AM | Link to this
The citizens of NJ, Virginia, and Massachusetts are against it.
By Against This
March 17, 2010 11:04 AM | Link to this
I am against this particular bill. Healthcare reform is needed but this bill stinks. Closed door negociations, secret deals and kick backs are what this bill is all about. Anyone that votes for this bill will be thrown out of office.
By Skullduggery
March 17, 2010 11:07 AM | Link to this
Go ahead and pass it and see what happens.
By DG
March 17, 2010 11:07 AM | Link to this
I don’t think anyone is reaching by saying that “the American people” oppose the current Senate health care proposal. If it was anywhere near a 50/50 opinion split, it would have passed in the House soon after it passed in the Senate (Christmas Eve, I believe). The reasons for dislike are numerous, I’ll give Marti that, but I don’t think many of them are “the bill isn’t liberal enough”. Personally, I don’t think the government has the authority to nationalize health care (and thus 1/6 of the US economy) nor has the responsibility to provide it to American citizens. Even if they did, the fiscal nightmares of social security, medicaid, medicare, Fannie/Freddie are enough to convince me that government is neither smart nor efficient enough to handle running such a monstrosity. I would love to see a deregulation of the insurance industry, as I’m a firm believer in capitalism and market forces helping to reduce costs… but the likelihood of that happening with this Congress and President are remote.
By Fed Up
March 17, 2010 11:13 AM | Link to this
I am fed up with out of control spending by our representatives and this is another example. Democrats have had control of Congress for the last three and a half years and the entitlements have gotten out of control. Now they want to cut Medicare drastically so they can give more to welfare reciepients and illegal immigrants. I think it will stop this November.
By Concerned
March 17, 2010 11:26 AM | Link to this
To Pelosi, Reid, and Obama, Take your grubby hands off of my wallet. Our rights come from God, not you. You are no different than the temple money changers that were found by Jesus to be reprehensible.
By tommyv
March 17, 2010 11:36 AM | Link to this
Martin: If this were such a great bill and such a huge improvement, then don’t you think your buddies in the Congress would be willing to have a real vote. They don’t want to touch this thing! Your buddy Pelosi is searching for all kinds of corrupt ways to enact this law…because the Democrats don’t want to touch this. Not to mention, Martin, are you ready for your own rates to go way up to subsidize those who don’t pay for insurance today…even thought they could afford it? My neighbor is a physical therapist at Miami Valley hospital, $65,000 salary, and she chooses not to pay $250 per month for their plan. She has other priorities - plasma TVs, fancy sound systems, vacations to Mexico, and two large dogs. Now, should I feel sorry for these choices?
By ballgame
March 17, 2010 11:47 AM | Link to this
The opposition to spending is understandable, but it is surprisingly situational. Any kind of healthcare reform on the scale that is needed will cost - perhaps the trillion dollar number is not far off. It is amazing, and very disconcerting, that so much resistance to this spending has arisen, while its detractors seem very comfortable with the 900 billion the war in Iraq has cost the US Treasury, and the 3 trillion is has cost the US economy since 2003. No one was told to keep their hands off then. Some seem content to see their taxes build bombs, but are apalled when it might help another for fear of minimal exploitation.
By Jim
March 17, 2010 11:51 AM | Link to this
Martin, According to you, socialized medicine is what the public really wants. I guess you still believe in global warming also; you can show your documentation for that in a column next week. If you ever wondered what happened to the liberal hippies of the 60’s, they are in the democrat party and running the lame stream media newspapers.
By Billy Preston
March 17, 2010 12:09 PM | Link to this
ball, Did you say approval of spending money on war is situational? Nothin from nothin leaves nothin, and I’m not stuffin’ believe you me. Don’t you remember I told ya, I’m a soldier in the war on poverty, yeah. Yes I am.
By parental
March 17, 2010 12:12 PM | Link to this
If the democrats haven’t sold this plan well enough it’s because they are hiding the content. They have used misleading information over and over again. Obama might be the worst offender. You are mistaking oppostion to THIS plan with opposition to health care reform. THIS plan is horrible. Obama had his chances over the last year to do reform in a bi-partisan manner. He chose not to. If he had, health care reform would have passed already, both parties would be talking about how wonderful things are and taking credit. Instead, we get the far left plan being shoved down out throats. Obama and his leadership dems have shown they are at best ideologues and at worst lying, cheating crooks. Senator Evan Bayh isn’t even running for re-election because of the way the dems are running the Senate. Now they want to use sleight of hand in ther House to “pass” Obama’s plan. No CBO estimates are valid because the plan isn’t complete. The dems in the house need to hide from an actual vote. The numbers don’t add up. It is NOT bi-partisan and won’t lower costs according to several actual experts. This is a terrible plan.
By KevinJ
March 17, 2010 12:25 PM | Link to this
Most are missing the point of this Health Care Bill. The passing of this bill will not be about Health Care or Insurance. Do you think those “politicos” in DC really care about your health and its associated costs?? Give me a break!! This bill is about government control, they want more of it. In particular, more power will be given to the Executive Branch, this is the real reason B.O. wants it. A government for the people, by the people, has been slowly diminished since FDR was elected. What we are seeing is nothing new, it’s just accelerated. This bill is just another nail in the coffin of individual freedoms.
By TRS
March 17, 2010 12:41 PM | Link to this
Look at it this way - the Dems are pushing another entitlement program. They are like “political drug dealers”, enticing Americans into sampling another gvmt entitlement. Their hopes - the American people will get “hooked” as they have on social secuirty, medicare, etc and they will keep returning to their dealer (liberal/progressives) for more. Think thats a bit wild? Look at the protests in Greece who are seeing their entitlements being threatened or the students in California where tuition cuts are occuring. They have gotten so used to the “mother’s milk” of gvmt, they cannot see the forest for the trees. Pity the DDN is encouraging these “dealers”
By Out_there_2
March 17, 2010 12:41 PM | Link to this
$10 trillion over the next 10 years to cover insurance for 30 million uncovered folk works out to $33,333.33 per year per person. What insurance company are they using for this coverage? Looks to me like just a bit too much padding of the expense accounts.
By SayWhat?
March 17, 2010 1:03 PM | Link to this
Please remember that Martin and his colleagues at DDN also endorsed Rhine McLin for re-election. “Out of touch” should be the flag on this editorial page.
By scott
March 17, 2010 1:21 PM | Link to this
Would I expect any other view from the Dayton Daily Pravda? It is any wonder newspapers are dying?
By SeaBass
March 17, 2010 1:53 PM | Link to this
Real Americans love the health care plan. It’s just the vast right wing conspiracy that controls the airwaves. ;) There’s no correlation to the Democrats losing elections in traditional strongholds and the health care bill.
By Pragmatic
March 17, 2010 1:55 PM | Link to this
Martin, if this Bill is so wonderful, why wasn’t it passed last year prior to the many “deadlines” set by Obama? the Dems had the necessary votes plus some. why mention Boehner & McConnell or ANY Republicans for that matter? if this bill is so wonderful, why the kickbacks, the secrecy, the DC chicanery? why did you even write this column??? that was of course a rhetorical question…we know why.
By Leslie
March 17, 2010 2:00 PM | Link to this
SeaBass wow what world do you live in? The vast left wing conspiracy controls the airwaves. That’s a fact. The MSM does not even hide its liberal bias anymore. Scott Brown won liberal Massachusetts because he campaigned on being the 41st vote to stop Obamacare. Real Americans do not love Obamacare, because real Americans believe in the Constitution. Real Americans defend and protect liberty. Real Americans defend the Constitution. Real Americans know that the federal government is not a national government and the states reserve all rights not given to the federal government by the constitution. Real Americans are tea party people! If you support BIG government and not state and individual rights than you are not a Real American.
By SeaBass
March 17, 2010 2:05 PM | Link to this
it’s called sarcasm.
By Pragmatic
March 17, 2010 2:12 PM | Link to this
i must admit i didn’t catch SeaBass’ facetiousness…that was until i saw the wink & smile! i love your sense of humor!!! also, why was this blog taken off of the first page? Hmmmmmmm…maybe we’ve answered Marty’s question and he didn’t like the answer? just a thought…
By Ricardo
March 17, 2010 4:19 PM | Link to this
Rather than the “American people”, it would be more accurate to say that the “American taxpayers” are the ones against government healthcare - after all, they are the ones who will be footing the bill.
By TRS
March 17, 2010 4:50 PM | Link to this
57% of taxable units pay income tax while 43% pay no income tax. Hmmm..that seems to track with the polls that Martin doesn’t like - good point Ricardo
By davidss2
March 17, 2010 5:30 PM | Link to this
The dems, supported by the dayton daily nothing, have sunk to the lowest lows to try to avoid a real vote. At the time the say the people deserve an up and down vote, they are planning to pass the bill by deeming it passed and then try to vote on a reconciliation. This is so DEMS can say they didn’t vote for the bill. Then there’s the Slaughter technique, that’s behind this. —————This is open government? Come one. Everyone needs to call their reps and the other reps in their state. This list is whom to put pressure on: http://ace.mu.nu/archives/299472.php
By MnM
March 17, 2010 5:47 PM | Link to this
If not the “American people” then who the heck do you think is so against Obamacare? Martin, you’re an absolute idiot. It’s not the Repubs trying to stop the Dems. It is the “American people”. And they vote.
By Tom
March 17, 2010 5:51 PM | Link to this
Wow! Some great thoughts and comments here. Certainly restores my faith that some of us can see through the BS the MSM and our own gov’t from the feds to the state to the county feed us. Does anyone besides me have such a problem with having to disect and analyze every word our “leaders” say so we can sift out the double talk? Martin, don’t take our word for how the people feel, look at your own dwindling DDN to realize whose beliefs are out of touch. Remember all this come election time!
By Huh?
March 17, 2010 6:58 PM | Link to this
If this bill is so great why are special deals being made to get it passed. What happened to having all this on CSpan. The only televised discussions were when the Republicans were involved. Why hasnt the bill been posted on line so we all can read it and all the add ons? I just watched Obama on Fox…so much for answers. Democrats pack your bags, your leaving Washington.
By Horace
March 17, 2010 8:39 PM | Link to this
Martin, you should have said Polls are useful if they don’t agree with YOU. No one asked my opinion, no polsters have called me or my friends and family, I will tell you I don’t want Obama’s health care plan.You liberals want to force us, even your fellow dems aren’t buying it.
By BABA
March 17, 2010 9:06 PM | Link to this
Martin why aren’t you printing the emails in support of HC bill?
By Tom
March 17, 2010 9:38 PM | Link to this
If this is a poll, I vote no for the healthcare bill but, if you want me to reconsider please show me that the president and both houses are signed up for the same coverage as the rest of us. I have voted for plenty of Democrats over the years but, this one vote would make me vote against them for the school board or anything else. We even have a congressman thats wants to deem the passage, hello, do they really mean to say they serve no purpose? How much money could we save if they aren’t performing their duty of office? 435 times how much staff equals?
By Concerned
March 17, 2010 9:42 PM | Link to this
To Baba, Uh, because there arent’t any supporting this HC bill.
By gradya3
March 17, 2010 9:58 PM | Link to this
Why was John Boehner at the American Bankers Association today telling them how Democrats will be punished if they vote for health reform? Why was John Boehner telling the bankers how he and the Republicans will stop banking reform? How is he representing you in his district? Would you please vote him out of office as soon as possible?
By Go Dems!!
March 17, 2010 10:35 PM | Link to this
Pass the BILL so these people will shut the __ up! get real…you opponents are a bunch of sheep for Fox News and Rush Limbaugh who cant think for yourselves. Sad
By Concerned
March 18, 2010 5:31 AM | Link to this
Why is no one talking about the fact that Nancy plans to include converting student loan programs from private lenders to the federal government as part of the Healthcare Insurance Reform Bill? It is not for the government to decide who gets to go to college and what they must agree to do in order to get there. Martin, why are you not reporting all of the facts concerning this legislation that the House wants to deem and pass on reconciliation only?
By John
March 18, 2010 8:08 AM | Link to this
Does anyone remember Woody Hayes making the statement: “Anything easy, aint worth a damn?” Same goes here. Anything free aint worth a damn and it wont ever be.
By davidss2
March 18, 2010 8:14 AM | Link to this
The bias in the two writers doing the editorials is shockingly staggeringly unproductive. This is from a newspaper who’s title for a Neighbor’s article is: City’s adjust as income tax revenues slide. The newspaper can’t even get plurals of city correct; it should be Cities adjust…
By Stephen Lahanas
March 18, 2010 8:27 AM | Link to this
Here’s the real problem with the current Health Care Reform - it’s lost is base. In making the deals to get it where it is (most of which was unnecessary) the legislation has lost most of its focus and teeth. The people who want real reform are now disheartened and those who are opposed to any sort of reform are still going around trying to characterize this bill as socialized medicine. The bill more closely resembles the corporate socialism of the Wall Street Bailout than Medicare. So we’re left with something that no one seems to like. The current state of our political system seems incapable of tackling tough issues in the face of well-financed opposition; thus any true reforms are out of the question…
By Stephen Lahanas
March 18, 2010 8:27 AM | Link to this
Here’s the real problem with the current Health Care Reform - it’s lost is base. In making the deals to get it where it is (most of which was unnecessary) the legislation has lost most of its focus and teeth. The people who want real reform are now disheartened and those who are opposed to any sort of reform are still going around trying to characterize this bill as socialized medicine. The bill more closely resembles the corporate socialism of the Wall Street Bailout than Medicare. So we’re left with something that no one seems to like. The current state of our political system seems incapable of tackling tough issues in the face of well-financed opposition; thus any true reforms are out of the question…
By Bill
March 18, 2010 8:50 AM | Link to this
2009 Profits up 56% over ‘08 while dropping 2.7 million out of Health Care plans…Anthem..91% increase in profits while demanding a 39% increase in rates( since backed off since profits became public)..Health Care system is just fine the way it is…if your WELLPOINT!!!
By Squirrellygirl
March 18, 2010 9:55 AM | Link to this
Our govt doesn’t give us rights and the govt can’t take our God given rights away. Healthcare insurance is not a God given right. It’s not provided for in our Constitution. The American people jammed the phone lines to the representatives and I’ve not been able to get through to express my displeasure with progressives trying to jam this bill through, and especially without a legal vote. Obama justified making it mandatory for tax payers to support stem cell research with “It’s not about religion, it’s about the law” but then he changes his reasoning with the HC bill to “It’s not about the law, it’s about the ends justifies the means.” Obama lies when convenient and the only thing sure about this prez is his socialistic agenda to redistribute our wealth to other countries like China where he sent 2000 manufacturing jobs with the blessing of our stimulus money. When will he be impeached for all of the corruption in his office? Since when is AF One used as a bribery tool to get his political agenda passed? I’m not ok with the backdoor deals, and I’m not ok with pass it and trust us to fix it later. Fix it later could mean this is the first step to a one payer system which AMERICANS have expressed they DON’T want. We don’t want this 2300+ page fiasco of a bill.
By Rob
March 18, 2010 10:02 AM | Link to this
Guess I’m not smart enough to know what I truly want. Thank goodness that the deocrat office holders are so much smarter than me. They’ve even ensured that I get onboard by threatening me will a crushing annual fee if I don’t arrange a medical plan for my family. Thank you for thinking for me since it’s just so hard to get it right. Constitution? What Constitution. I follow the Messiah.
By Leslie
March 18, 2010 10:54 AM | Link to this
A look at the current bill itself reveals even more tellingly the blatant insincerity of the president and acolytes, including those in the media. What they do not want the public to get wind of, before they shove through the proposal, are its provisions for blocking or cordoning off any possible changes in the copious health benefits that “federal employees” (Congressmen and their staffers, and their families) now enjoy under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). These six provisions (see Sec. 1334 of H.R. 3590, passed by the Senate) lock in the “continued support for FEHBP” (specifically, no “fewer financial or personnel resources” can be allocated, the current federal employees’ health benefit program would exist as “a separate risk pool” from other Americans, and more “units or offices” may be established to ensure that there is no “[interference] with [FEHBP’s] effective administration,” etc.). In sum, Obama and the compliant MSM have made every effort to hide the fact that ObamaCare is a blatantly unjust, two-tier, socialist health-care system, as recognized by James Lewis: Socialist regimes reveal their true nature by the special treatment they give to their permanent ruling class; they deny such treatment for ordinary schlubs like you and me. The worst corruption in socialist regimes comes from that simple two-caste system. Obama’s Medi-Grab will force ordinary people into a medico-legal corral. But it exempts members of the ruling left, and by creating a political monopoly over medical care, it ensures that we must all go begging, hat in hand, to the bureaucracy for our very survival.
By FAM
March 18, 2010 11:02 AM | Link to this
Healthcare costs did not start to get out of hand until the 1980’s, following the introduction of for-profit insurance firms in the late 1970’s. Then Blue Cross/Blue Shield, who as a not-for profit had been the main source of healthcare insurance. They responded to the pressure of the profit Ins. taking all of the low risk young clients. BC/BS went to the public -profit model, and now here we are today.
By dave
March 18, 2010 11:33 AM | Link to this
All the American haters screaming like scalded cats! LOL
By Leslie
March 18, 2010 12:45 PM | Link to this
FAM you need to check your facts and your history. AETNA started in 1853.
By FAM
March 18, 2010 12:57 PM | Link to this
Aetna was a Life and Accident Insurance firm. It wasn’t until the 1990’s when it started to buy other Healthcare Insurance firms that it became a major Healthcare provider, and in 2000 the new CEO shrunk Aetna’s customer base from 19 million members to 13 million by abandoning unprofitable markets, including almost half of the counties nationwide in which it offered Medicare products. When the Corp. mission is to provide profit for the share holders (which is the mission of every For-Profit) rather than providing service and care for the ill, the results are where we are today.
By Pragmatic
March 18, 2010 1:25 PM | Link to this
Dave…American Haters? seems to me the American Haters are the folks constantly trying to “fundamentally transform” America. if we didn’t love our Country, we wouldn’t be speaking out so vehemently!! we are America lovers and Freedom lovers…don’t care to give up on either…no matter how many Gov’t sponsored freebies you wish to indulge in.
By Steff
March 18, 2010 1:49 PM | Link to this
You know… I’ve read a lot of things from all over this nation, and I would like to say that it is a breath of fresh air to come back to some Ohioan sensibility. We’re not perfect, this state, but we’re sure as Hell better than California. Down with this monstrosity of a bill. The costs are too high, for a fundamentally flawed product. Not worth my kids’ futures, or yours.
By Leslie
March 18, 2010 1:56 PM | Link to this
1899-Aetna enters the field of health insurance. It wasn’t until the turn of the century when larger insurance companies, with the statistical bases to set adequate pricing levels and the sales forces capable of spreading risk, enter the field, and health insurance becomes a part of the industry.
By Leslie
March 18, 2010 2:03 PM | Link to this
1966-Aetna pays the first Medicare claim. 1971-Aetna Life and Casualty Foundation, a vehicle for corporate giving, is formed. The company continued to be an important source of funding for various humanities and social welfare projects, with an emphasis on Aetna’s role in the Hartford community. The company backed one Hartford revitalization attempt after another — the Hartford Civic Center, the Aetna World Cup, the Hartford Whalers. If you want more information the whole time line is right here. http://www.aetna.com/about/aetna/aag/history.html
By FAM
March 18, 2010 3:58 PM | Link to this
I would not argue that Aetna has been an evil entitiy. My point is that Aetna was one of the first for-profit healthcare firms that started to cut non profitable groups from their coverage, which is consistant with their mission - making profits for their shareholders. WellPoint and Anthem were non-profit BC/BS entities, until they converted to for-profit firms, and when ever profits come before people, the result is what we have today.
By Leslie
March 18, 2010 4:04 PM | Link to this
1929-The stock market crash kicks off the Great Depression. Aetna’s fortunes are not as devastated as one might have expected from a company so heavily involved in investments. Only about 12 percent of the company’s assets are in common stock, and almost half of that was in its own companies. The inherent strength of the Aetna companies enable them to survive the 1930s. Aetna manages the crisis by withholding dividend payments to shareholders from late 1932 to early 1934, reducing the workforce through attrition and cutting salaries by 10 percent. Aetna employees survive the Depression in relatively good shape; there were no layoffs, and the companywide pay cut, already less than the national average of 25 percent, was more than offset by a deflationary cycle that increased purchasing power.
By Leslie
March 18, 2010 4:15 PM | Link to this
I see you meant this one. 1990-Aetna stops selling individual health policies, ending a 91-year-old coverage. Aetna reevaluates its lines of businesses, basing its examination on the profitability of the market and the expertise and resources the company could throw into the line. As a result, the company was able to identify and withdraw from unprofitable lines and markets. 1997-Aetna announces it is committing $7 million to help fund the American Heart Association’s National Women’s Heart Disease and Stroke Campaign to help raise awareness among women about the risks of heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death of women over 25. 2000-Aetna names John W. Rowe, M.D., president and CEO of Aetna U.S. Healthcare, helping Aetna to remake its business model to meet consumer demands for choice and flexibility and enhancing relationships with doctors and hospitals. Aetna completes the sale of its financial services and international businesses to ING for $7.7 billion and spins off the health business to its shareholders. The sale helps Aetna redefine itself as an independent health and group benefits company, on its way to restoring industry leadership in terms of service, reputation and profitability. Aetna becomes founding sponsor of the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA), which raises millions for colorectal cancer research and education. As founding sponsor, Aetna commits $5 million over three years, contributing to new scientific discoveries and educational campaigns. 2003-# Aetna and physicians begin a new era of cooperation by agreeing to streamline communications, reduce administrative complexity and improve the quality of the health care system, ending litigation between Aetna and 700,000 physicians and medical societies. The agreement also results in establishment of an independent foundation to focus on critical health care issues and a physicians’ advisory board. Aetna, a leader in addressing health disparities, commits more than $3 million to address the company’s focus on helping to improve access to care and delivery of health care to diverse populations. Don’t you just hate it when evil insurance companies throw their money around to help out those that are sick?
By FAM
March 18, 2010 4:16 PM | Link to this
The points you report about Aetna’s history indicate it was an outstanding corporate neighbor and a fair employer, but in 2000 J.Rowe the new CEO cut approximately 15K jobs and raised insurance premiums by 16% per year. He also shrunk Aetna’s customer base from 19 million members to 13 million by abandoning unprofitable markets. He left in 2006- he made $225,000 per day 24/7. I wonder if he is related to NCR’s CEO?
By dave
March 19, 2010 8:29 AM | Link to this
Real Americans http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Stories/2010/March/17/families-usa.aspx
By FAM
March 19, 2010 9:20 AM | Link to this
For more objective information go to: http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Daily-Reports/2010/March/19/Health-Policy-Research-Roundup.aspx You won’t hear about this information from Rush, Hannity or Beck.
By political deficit
March 19, 2010 10:07 AM | Link to this
National and State budget deficit spending at an all time high and growing! Ohio and national unemployment leaning towards 10% not away from more job losses. What do we really need right now? A big government bureaucracy of Medicine instead of private enterprise! Absolutely more costs to job providers. I think now is the time to pretend we are not morally bankrupt. Lets pass this malfeasance and just plain and simply financially ruin the United States of America.
By Anon
March 19, 2010 11:46 AM | Link to this
Are the American people really against the health care plan? The ones that love freedom, believe in liberty and personal responsibility, and don’t want the nanny-state government telling them what to do, how to do it, and when to make it happen; those of us that actually pay taxes (thus being forced to pay for this illegal monstrosity); YES WE’RE AGAINST THIS. The leeches of society that accept no personal responsibility and think that it’s the government’s job to take care of them because they’re too lazy and are unwilling to make the sacrifices in life necessary to take care of themselves, the illegals, and others of similar ilk are all for the government stealing my money and giving it to the irresponsible and lazy—after all, it’s only fair, right?
By FAM
March 19, 2010 1:37 PM | Link to this
ANON - So what you are saying is you don’t mind if private industries (i.e., Ins Companies, etc.) steal your money, or dictate what care you can receive as long as the government is not involved. If a gang approaches you and are going to steal from you or harm you, are you one of those leeches that want the governemnt (i.e. Police) to stop them. If you do think the Gov. should protect you then isn’t the government’s job also to protect the citizens from huge Corps. that can steal or harm you?
By Bill
March 19, 2010 2:27 PM | Link to this
Not a good bill when democrats continually have closed doors meetings so they can bribe votes. Second, most of the benefits will not go into effect for 4 years. Third, the majority of americans want health care reform, they do NOT want the feds to take over healthcare.
By null
March 19, 2010 5:33 PM | Link to this
The most recent non-partisan poll shows 46% of Americans support the bill and 42% oppose it. A lot of the popular opposition is based on the misrepresentations by the Republican leaders. Lying to the American people can hardly be considered statesmanship.
By null
March 19, 2010 5:44 PM | Link to this
ANON: You are already paying for the health care of those who choose not to get insurance as well as those who can’t get it. This bill would protect you against being abused by your health insurance company. If you don’t have health insurance, who do you think will pay if you have a serious accident or life-threatening illness? A trip to the emergency room can cost as much as a new car!
By Sam
March 19, 2010 8:47 PM | Link to this
Guess we will find out on Nov. if the American people oppose reform.
By Horace
March 19, 2010 11:39 PM | Link to this
What is wrong with profit? You idiots complaining about the HC Ins making money are socialist morons. Any word on tort reform? Nope, not a peep and the lawyers just love it that way. If you want insurance, get a flippin job and quit stealing my money. Pathetic lazy sumbiotches.
By Arthur Welbert
March 20, 2010 4:23 PM | Link to this
You’re darn right the American people don’t want this healthcare bill! Obama last night on tv lied to all of us. He knows how much control the govt. will have over us all if this bill passes. This is the most corrupt bill of it’s size that I’ve seen in my life! It must be stopped! This bill is not American! America stands for freedom! I say No to Obama! Pelosi is ugly! Rahm Emanuel is a thug just like Van Jones. Obama’s buddies.
By null
March 20, 2010 4:53 PM | Link to this
Kucinich changed his mind becauise obama gave hin a reach around during the flight to Cleveland.
By r
March 21, 2010 11:07 PM | Link to this
sure glad I don’t pay to read this crap….politics Chicago style …you people voted for it……
By Kevin M.
March 22, 2010 12:21 AM | Link to this
No, not All the American people…. just the ones who PAY TAXES, are politically literate, industrious, and try to live virtuous lives.
By we got fooled
March 22, 2010 10:29 AM | Link to this
Democrat voters must be ashamed of themselves. Now that progressives have taken control of our country, the rest of us must commit to electing Republicans (no matter their past failings)in November. We sat on our hands while Barack Obama lied to our faces. Now our country is in great peril. The worst Republican is better for America than the most “moderate” Democrat.
By nullHonda
March 22, 2010 2:37 PM | Link to this
The DDN editorial page is one of many reasons I stopped my subscription. Hope your out of business soon.
By Honda
March 22, 2010 2:38 PM | Link to this
The DDN editorial page is one of many reasons I stopped my subscription. Hope your out of business soon.
By jim
March 22, 2010 5:00 PM | Link to this
This bill may not be peoples cadillac. But if people do not wise up your insurance companies have you where they want you and your to ignorant to figure it out. If you have not used it i am sure it is great but wait till to really have to use it . Wise up and stop watching the negative adds on fox and other channels and negative radio people. It is time to start passing legislation and stop waiting on the republicans the party of no to run this country. These type of people have run this country for years and tore it down and the democratics have tried to stop anything to work with them. It is a fact that the common worker is not a republican importance but people still beleive they will make america wealthy. Check you record books these republicans only think of the rich and when they think the rich. And if things don’t go they way their afraid of loosing their contribution from the crooked money people to get what they want. Democratics just got tired of not being able to get anything done so they did what they had to do instead of waitng on the party that’s does nothing but takes from the working men and women of this country. Enough is enough start getting something done in washington this is why we send these parties to do. Not just collect their big checks and screw the average american.
By jim
March 22, 2010 5:02 PM | Link to this
This bill may not be peoples cadillac. But if people do not wise up your insurance companies have you where they want you and your to ignorant to figure it out. If you have not used it i am sure it is great but wait till to really have to use it . Wise up and stop watching the negative adds on fox and other channels and negative radio people. It is time to start passing legislation and stop waiting on the republicans the party of no to run this country. These type of people have run this country for years and tore it down and the democratics have tried to stop anything to work with them. It is a fact that the common worker is not a republican importance but people still beleive they will make america wealthy. Check you record books these republicans only think of the rich and when they think the rich. And if things don’t go they way their afraid of loosing their contribution from the crooked money people to get what they want. Democratics just got tired of not being able to get anything done so they did what they had to do instead of waitng on the party that’s does nothing but takes from the working men and women of this country. Enough is enough start getting something done in washington this is why we send these parties to do. Not just collect their big checks and screw the average american.
By smoke & mirrors
March 23, 2010 8:40 AM | Link to this
Yes Martin..against THE WAY its funded.See guys like you ask the wrong questions. We all would like reform..but not this way. The employer can now pay the 2,000 in penalties as year or whatever the number is for not covering an employee. This is cheaper than paying the premium.The employee can keep his coverage as promised but he won’t be able to afford it cause he will pay it all. This will force him to go to the government policy. See how that works?
By susan brown
March 23, 2010 10:46 PM | Link to this
Dayton Daily who? not worth 1$…
By Mark
March 24, 2010 9:48 AM | Link to this
This whole issue on public support for Obamacare was settled last month when a state senator won the Kennedy senate seat in the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts campaigning against this. The people don’t want it, Martin; and just wait until they actually see what’s in this this law and the freedoms we will give up. There will be a revolution.
By Dart
March 24, 2010 9:54 AM | Link to this
It’s interesting how the Democratic Party talks about the ‘Mandate from the American People’ when our new President is elected by a bare majority but when the same ‘bare majority’ of people oppose a plan the Democratic Party want to happen then it is no longer ‘the American People’ speaking, just a bunch of ‘Right Wing Nut Jobs’. You have to love the way these peoples “minds” work.
By smoke 7 mirrors
March 25, 2010 6:44 AM | Link to this
The Dayton daily “snooze” is a liberal paper with an agenda.i know because we reported to the paper about the chief of police (Quincy Pope0 in Trotwood not paying his taxes.The story was killed by an editor.I had a friend call.Again it was not reported.I heard the chief has a friend who is an editor and a Democrat.
By Rob
March 27, 2010 9:44 PM | Link to this
Are the 40 million uninsured against health care reform? With no real policies the republicans are on the run and can only resort to threatening those who they disagree with. Fox and the insurance companies who elect republicans lost this one. Hope.