Date: 06/08/2011
Transcript
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David Asman Now, one man who has warned us about all of this is running for president to change all of this, and he joins us now. That is Congressman Ron Paul. Congressman, that’s what scares me the most about ObamaCare; it does increase the coercive power of the Fed. Is that what worries you the most?
Ron Paul: Oh, there’s no doubt about it. But yes, that’s the main thing, but I know the consequence of allowing governments to do that to coerce us into programs like this. It diminishes the quality, that means that you can expect, and you already mentioned that Doctors are quitting and fewer will want to go in. So the quality of healthcare, if that’s the goal, they destroy everything. They destroyed our freedoms of choice, it costs a lot more, and it destroys the quality. And they still argue that they are the humanitarians; that’s what gulls me, the fact that they take the moral high ground. And then we, who believe in freedom and liberty and good quality care and know how to get prices down, they paint us as uncaring. That’s the subject we have to address.
David Asman By the way, for those who don’t know, this man is also a medical doctor. He’s not only a congressman. Would you go in to medicine again today if you were just starting out, knowing that we may be moving towards socialized medicine?
Ron Paul: Well, I thought we were moving in that direction even a long time ago, and we were. And of course, when I got out of medical school we did not have medicare and medicade. But I stayed in medicine and I dealt with this by not participating in the programs. But now you don’t have much choices. Now I have three of my children who have become physicians. I need to discourage them, because they went into medicine for the right reasons. So it’s a shame to want to be a doctor and help your fellow man, at the same time you have to be putting up with the bureaucracy and authoritarianism and undermining the very quality practice that you want to participate in. So, to me, it’s a real tragedy.
David Asman And, you know, people do have vocations, obviously to become a doctor. It’s not just about money but you don’t want to spend your life fighting a bureaucracy instead of fighting to save lives. That’s why a lot of people are turning away from medicine.
Ron Paul: Yea, it is. But to not discourage people too much, but I agree with you a 100%. But the federal government is bearing down on all of us everywhere on everything that we do. What if you wanted to be a quality school teacher and have a little bit of creativity. What do you have to do? You end up spending all your time teaching ‘no child left behind’. So we’re all in this together. As a matter of fact, I stayed off the committees that dealt with medical problems purposely, because I didn’t want people to think I went there to make sure the government stayed out of medicine. Because I think it’s a principle of liberty that affects all of us, whether it’s medicine or education or business. We know all about the regulations and monetary systems. So if you’re an honest broker, it’s pretty though trying to figure out what the government’s going to do.
David Asman By the way, to your point about education, I was teaching in the late 1970s, just a couple of months really after the implementation of the Department of Education. Even then, we were being forced to use teaching methods that, all of the teachers agree, weren’t working. But we had to use them just so they we could the federal grants from the Department of Education. So even way back 30 years ago, the Department of Education was standing in the way of good education. Okay, let’s talk about some of the coercive powers that the government now has, and how we might change it, how you might change it, or how you would like to change it if you become president. First of all, the IRS. I for getting rid of the whole damn institution. What about you?
Ron Paul: I’m with you, and I have something I’ve introduced over the many years, it’s called the Liberty Amendment. It gets rid of the 16th Amendment, it gets rid of the IRS. But it also prohibits that after three years the federal government can’t participate in anything that is designed for the private sector to take care, and it’s not authorized in the constitution. Because you can’t really expect to solve our problem of the IRS and heavy taxation unless we change the appetite of the people for big government. You know, the big argument now is how many people want entitlements and how many people want to quit paying for the entitlements. Right now there are still a lot of people who are lining up for their entitlements. Entitlements now are considered rights by nearly half of the people.
David Asman So let me just make sure I understand. So you’re saying before we put forth getting rid of the IRS, we have to convince the American public, those who have become accustomed to government help, that they shouldn’t get government help.
Ron Paul: No, I think you do them together. It’s just that if you and I had a program where we’re just going to get rid of the income tax, and we don’t cut spending and cut the appetite for big government, it’s not going to happen. They say we did get rid of the income tax and they put a sales tax on us of 35% or 40% that won’t solve our problems. It’s the appetite for money coming from us that makes the big difference. And I think in the long term, the people in this country have to ask the question, “What should the role of government be?” And, for me, it’s to defend liberty and not to run a welfare state and not to police the world.
David Asman You know, a lot of those questions, though … I’ve seen all those questionnaires you’re talking about, the polls saying that essentially Americans are too stuck on what they get from the government to get rid of it. But very often it’s the way you ask the question. If you had a choice between no income tax or no IRS and some of the benefits that you’re not getting from government, I bet people would choose no IRS. I mean, maybe I’m wrong, but that’s what I think.
Ron Paul: You know, I think it might be right, and one angle that I’ve tried in some of my speeches is to say that everybody tells you that you now have to sacrifice for us to get back on our feet again. And I keep thinking, what if we got rid of the income tax and you got to keep everything and deregulate the economy and change the whole system? I don’t think a lot of people would feel like they’re sacrificing, they’d feel like a burden is off their shoulders, so they’ll say, “Wow, this sounds pretty good”. So the only people who would have to sacrifice are the ones who are living off their neighbor or living off somebody else who has work for a living.
David Asman Dr. Paul, we’re almost out of time, but I just got to ask one question about the debt ceiling. If the vote is not made to increase the debt ceiling, what goes first when we run out of money? What goes first, our payment to our bond holders or our creditors, or spending? What do you think will be cut first?
Ron Paul: Well, I don’t think they’ll cut the payments to the bond holders. And I’m predicting they’re going to raise the debt limit because they’re going to drum up enough fear that everybody will have to capitulate, and then there will be a pretence they’re going to cut spending. But let’s say it doesn’t happen. I think they can just say, they could make an announcement, “We’re going to reassure the bond holders and we’re going to pay you first”. Which means that they’re going to have to short change somebody else, and that’s when it’s going to be tough. And that’s the reason why I don’t think it’s going to happen, and I don’t think they’re ready to cut and I personally won’t vote for the debt increase, even if there are promises that 5 to 10 years out we’re going to be serious and cut the deficit. I’ve heard too many of those promises, you have to cut it now. The only budget that counts is this year, and this year our obligation is going to go up 5 trillion dollars when you add up everything.
David Asman Yea, don’t trust these promises, they don’t amount to much. Dr. Paul, it’s great to see you again. Thank you for being here, I appreciate it.
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it’s not taxes,that’s the beautiful thing.Obama is going directly into the pockets of the young people and forcing them to pay into the obamacare.It’s very satisfying for me,in my fifties,to see all these young people being held up at knifepoint to pay for ME.
BTW,I meant to say obama is america’s FIRST black president so you are obligated to go along with him.
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Well I think our tax dollars should go somewhere. Those who are poor and have disabilities, I would love my taxes to go to someone like that. I also don’t think any insurance companies should make you pay more for being a woman, turn you down for a preexisting condition, or because of your income. I can’t embrace something I don’t 100% agree on, therefore, for the 3rd time, repeal parts of Obamacare. And again, why the fuck does it matter if he’s black?
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Well I think our tax dollars should go somewhere. Those who are poor and have disabilities, I would love my taxes to go to someone like that. I also don’t think any insurance companies should make you pay more for being a woman, turn you down for a preexisting condition, or because of your income. I can’t embrace something I don’t 100% agree on, therefore, for the 3rd time, repeal parts of Obamacare. And again, why the fuck does it matter if he’s black?
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if you need medical care then u should embrace obamacare but most people are fre of problems well into their fifties or even sixties.I like the idea of those people being forced to pay into the system.It’s like throwing money away but then,it’s important to help obama because he is america’s black president.
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Not everyone is healthy like you to be fortunate enough to not see a doctor. I have some mental health issues and severe gastrointestinal problems, and I already live a healthy lifestyle. I don’t agree with Obamacare all the way through, which is why I said repeal parts of it. I don’t care if Obama is black or if he were white, blue, yellow, or purple. His race makes no difference.
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Not everyone is healthy like you to be fortunate enough to not see a doctor. I have some mental health issues and severe gastrointestinal problems, and I already live a healthy lifestyle. I don’t agree with Obamacare all the way through, which is why I said repeal parts of it. I don’t care if Obama is black or if he were white, blue, yellow, or purple. His race makes no difference.
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the money for AHA comes from all u kids who will be forced to buy-pay your fair share.
It makes sense to me.I’ve lived my whole life never paying for health care and I’ve never been to see a doctor.So I’ve saved about 50 grand over the course of my life.I’ve enjoyed spending that hard earned cash on my own personal items and luxuries.
But times change so forget about that new ipad for yourself and start coughing up your own money.
Do it for obama.He’s a black president.
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That is very fascinating, You are an overly skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to in search of extra of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks
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I think we need to take out some of the Affordable Healthcare Act. I like the benefits my grandparents have received from it. They pay significantly less for their medication and got insurance after being turned down. One thing we have to think about though is where is the money coming from? It is taxpayer dollars and more government spending.
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I think we need to take out some of the Affordable Healthcare Act. I like the benefits my grandparents have received from it. They pay significantly less for their medication and got insurance after being turned down. One thing we have to think about though is where is the money coming from? It is taxpayer dollars and more government spending.
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RON PAUL 2012!!!!!!
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RON PAUL 2012!!!!!!
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According to newshealth, approximately 6 million Americans each year flock abroad for affordable medical and or dentistry. Most of the Americans taking this risk are either uninsured or underinsured. Way too many of us are being butchered by unqualified doctors in 3rd world countries. Please click on my u-tube name and watch my brief video ” medical tourism nightmare in San Jose Costa Rica ” My hope is that my powerful true story will help million !
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According to newshealth, approximately 6 million Americans each year flock abroad for affordable medical and or dentistry. Most of the Americans taking this risk are either uninsured or underinsured. Way too many of us are being butchered by unqualified doctors in 3rd world countries. Please click on my u-tube name and watch my brief video ” medical tourism nightmare in San Jose Costa Rica ” My hope is that my powerful true story will help million !
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Let me ask you a question? What if you see a doctor, and he does a poor job. Does he/she still deserve to get paid?
It seems to me that if a car mechanic does a poor job on your car, you don’t have to pay him, but if a doctor does a poor job people feel it is still acceptable to pay that doctor.
I’m suing one of my old doctors because he actually made me worse–not better. Its not something I take lightly either.
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Here’s an example. I saw an orthopedist who botched up my surgery, and charged me over $2,000 out of pocket, and he did nothing for me. Did he earn his keep? No he didn’t.
So I changed doctor. Now I see a Primary Care doctor who charges reasonably and he has done more for me than the doctor who charged me $2,000.
This new doctor put me on a treatment plan to actually help me get better so I would not have to keep going back to him. That’s the difference.
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Continued…I have had bad doctors who charged a lot, but didn’t help me. So why should I pay a doctor who doesn’t really help me?
Its not worth my money to see a doctor who is going to waste my time. However, if the doctor is trustworthy, realiable, and gives a treatment plan so I won’t have to keep seeing him, than yes that doctor does deserve to get paid.
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Listen, I hear what you are saying. I don’t mind paying for healthcare as long as I can trust my doctor and healthcare provider. I have not had much luvk in this, but now things are better.
I have a doctor who I like because he is no nonesense doctor. If you need care, he’ll give it to you. He charges reasonably and takes my insurance–no problem.
He also helps people with no insurance by offering sliding scale payments. So the real care comes from a doctor you can trust.
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It is bad for people who don’t want it, that’s our right to choose. And if we don’t buy into it we get fined or thrown in prison?? The last president should have been impeached and so should the current one.
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/watch?v=zv26zzUMVjc&feature=g-all-u&context=G26d664cFAAAAAAAADAA
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You’re so right its sad, really–because the bad parts of the system have basically co-opted the populist impulse against them, to the point where people get sucked into supporting “reforms” which do little more than entrench the same interests they’re meant to displace. Fucking lawyers…
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Fiscal responsibility hasn’t worked for the past 3 decades, and sure as hell won’t work now, education, regulation of food industries, striking down the lobbies, putting more money on healthcare, less on the fucking 500 billion dollar military budget all these are KEY to ending our problem
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Fiscal responsibility hasn’t worked for the past 3 decades, and sure as hell won’t work now, education, regulation of food industries, striking down the lobbies, putting more money on healthcare, less on the fucking 500 billion dollar military budget all these are KEY to ending our problem
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Thankfully, Ron Paul will disappear LONG before any popular healthcare programs like Obamacare, Medicare, or Social Security disappear.
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I will grant you this though–the corn, potato, and soda lobbies are predominantly responsible for creating economic policies/subsidies to keep downward pressure on sugary crap and soft drinks, which truly is an acute example of what you’re talking about. Other than that, personal choice transcends availability–if that weren’t the case, then why am I not automatically fat by way of being “poor”? Because I make my own damn choices, DUH.
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That’s such a load of BS–people know the consequences of their health choices, and healthy food is FAR cheaper than unhealthy junk/snacks. But of course, that’s why you falsely assumed helahty food has to be expensive “organic” crap. A big reason I eat a healthy diet is for the very fact that I am poor and it is CHEAPER!!! Don’t pee down my leg and tell me its raining, when a glance in anybody’s shopping cart these days shows only unhealthy garbage.
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0:50 subliminal message?
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magic johnson is alive still
who paid for that?
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delta
/watch?v=mmNM0oj79t8
omega
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I salute you sir
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I don’t mean to lecture you but it’s more complex…Why are Americans so unhealthy? the reason why is because it is much cheaper to buy an order of Kentucky fried chicken, McDonald’s, burger king, etc. then buy healthy ORGANIC food, for the poor this is the difference…the lobbyists in this Country are what ruin our health, did you know that in public schools PIZZA is considered a VEGETABLE? some people in our country SIMPLY CAN’T AFFORD TO BE HEALTHY!!!
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Does anyone else notice the words floating in the blue background…”loser” “lose” “pundit” (ceck at aound the 00:50 mark). Are you kidding me CNN???? This is so blatantly rude. Unless its a formula for what it takes to work with your organization!
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Sorry, but there is no statistical data to show that Americans are anything but FAR less healthy than ANY other population on the planet, or in history. That the HC industry is ripping us off is true–which is why Obamacare forces you to buy their highly monopolized product irrespective of risk. Ain’t it funny how the revenues rise every time the Left comes up with another HC slogan. Why don’t Lefties see the corruption/capitalism in their own brand of pseudosocialism?
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Where do I made your point?! I showed you Americans aren’t sicker or healthier then the rest of the 1st World. The Danish food tax is the first of their kind in whole Europe. The per capita rate spend for HC in Denmark is 2,160 $. The German system isn’t taxed based. And I don’t deny the pool risk fact. I’m just telling you that your “health industry” is ripping you off. Every one else is doing it for the half price. But what do I care, I’m not the one without insurance.
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Well then–thank you for making my points. You’ve just completely skirted the stark differences in overall health between these countries (obesity, smoking, exercise rates, etc), while reaffirming that targeted taxes are what keeps their systems aloft. Your point sir? If you deny the fact that HC costs are directly proportional to pool risk, and thus individual health, join the rest of the 90% of ignorant, bovine America.
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