# Honest Question: Why are the republicans so pissed about this health care thing? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [March 24, 2010, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682 "2010-03-24T22:55:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4bbf92/32.png) [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/181 "2010-03-27T15:09:46Z")
> [@YogSosoth](#): > > …if you can afford it This man could afford it. What happens to the teeming masses who cant? I WANT health insurance dammit! But I cant afford it. And if my pay doesn’t reach an acceptable level by 2014, I will be taxed further by the IRS. THAT’S what I’m worried about. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4bbf92/32.png) [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/182 "2010-03-27T15:28:19Z")
is there anyone on the boards who actually READ the bill? With the current US Tax codes sitting next to it for reference? Until then, get back to me. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/183 "2010-03-27T16:16:08Z")
Why do you keep obsessing about the IRS? The IRS is not going to manage public health care. They will not decide what insurance you have or what medical care you receive. The IRS doesn’t build highways, the IRS doesn’t deliver the mail, the IRS didn’t invade Iraq. The IRS will keep doing the same thing they’ve been doing for the last hundred years - collecting taxes. ---
**Author:** ![tumbleddown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/184 "2010-03-27T16:16:10Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > Funny, I like Corps better than Gov, because Corps answer to competition. At least if I don’t like Aetna I can switch to Blue Shield. If Blue Shield will take you. If Blue Shield will cover all of your conditions. If Blue Shield is accepted by your doctor. And nothing’s stopping Blue Shield from kicking you off when you cost too much money. Yeah, there was a check on _that_ courtesy of competition, for sure. > [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](#): > > Well, from what I understand, you will pay a penalty if you don’t buy into a plan. SOME arm of the government has to enforce this, no? You know how your employer gives you a W2? Your insurer will now give you a certificate of insurance which you attach to your tax return in order to avoid paying the uninsured tax and/or to receive your tax credit. All rather simple. And doesn’t involve your doctor in any way. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4bbf92/32.png) [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/185 "2010-03-27T16:19:41Z")
> [@tumbleddown](#): > > If Blue Shield will take you. If Blue Shield will cover all of your conditions. If Blue Shield is accepted by your doctor. And nothing’s stopping Blue Shield from kicking you off when you cost too much money. Yeah, there was a check on _that_ courtesy of competition, for sure. > > You know how your employer gives you a W2? Your insurer will now give you a certificate of insurance which you attach to your tax return in order to avoid paying the uninsured tax and/or to receive your tax credit. All rather simple. And doesn’t involve your doctor in any way. And as I mentioned before there are MANY necessities of life. Does this not set a dangerous precedent? If I can’t make it to work because I cannot afford a car or car insurance, how will I support myself? Shouldn’t the Feds shoulder this as well? ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/186 "2010-03-27T16:22:49Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Ah, Washington English. “We are going to conduct research on health care, focusing on outcomes that directly affect patients.” Well, yes. Good idea. Ain’t it wonderful? I’ve been trying to read it, but periodically have to stop because my eyes start to bleed… ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/187 "2010-03-27T16:29:34Z")
> [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](#): > > And as I mentioned before there are MANY necessities of life. Does this not set a dangerous precedent? If I can’t make it to work because I cannot afford a car or car insurance, how will I support myself? Shouldn’t the Feds shoulder this as well? You won’t die if you don’t have a car. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4bbf92/32.png) [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/188 "2010-03-27T16:31:23Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > You won’t die if you don’t have a car. Wow, have you underestimated the automobile and its effects on this country. Must be nice having the teleporter in your bedroom. Watch out for the erring FLY! ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/189 "2010-03-27T16:33:45Z")
> [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](#): > > Wow, have you underestimated the automobile and its effects on this country. How have you lived so long without being aware of public transportation? ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/190 "2010-03-27T16:34:53Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > You have proof that Boehner’s leathery, nictotine-embalmed cadaver is actually still alive? I think he is angry over the 10% tax on tanning salons. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/191 "2010-03-27T16:37:06Z")
> [@jasg](#): > > I think he is angry over the 10% tax on tanning salons. You know, I actually thought about that when I saw that provision. It would not surprise me at all if that was put in there just to piss him off. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/192 "2010-03-27T16:38:19Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > How have you lived so long without being aware of public transportation? Or your feet. Or bicycles. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4bbf92/32.png) [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/193 "2010-03-27T16:39:26Z")
[quote=“Fear\_Itself, post:189, topic:533682”] How have you lived so long without being aware of public transportation?[/QUOTE I point you to my above post: Public transportation? You’re kidding, right? Buses just pull up to anyone’s door? Try living in North Jersey where you’re pretty much SOFL unless you’re closer to urban areas. Fact of the matter is Christie cut all funding to New Jersey Transit. So in response they RAISED fare rates WHILE cutting all Morris County bus routes. State government or Fed government is still government. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4bbf92/32.png) [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/194 "2010-03-27T16:41:28Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Or your feet. Or bicycles. Ive walked 5 miles to work, champ, so dont go blathering on about public transportation. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/195 "2010-03-27T16:44:14Z")
> [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](#): > > > [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > > > How have you lived so long without being aware of public transportation? > > I point you to my above post: Public transportation? You’re kidding, right? Buses just pull up to anyone’s door? Try living in North Jersey where you’re pretty much SOFL unless you’re closer to urban areas. Fact of the matter is Christie cut all funding to New Jersey Transit. So in response they RAISED fare rates WHILE cutting all Morris County bus routes. > > State government or Fed government is still government. But you won’t die if you have to walk to a bus stop, or to work for that matter. It is much harder to find alternatives to medical care in the case of life-threatening medical condition. People can do without cars much easier than they can do without access to medical care. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4bbf92/32.png) [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/196 "2010-03-27T16:50:33Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > But you won’t die if you have to walk to a bus stop, or to work for that matter. It is much harder to find alternatives to medical care in the case of life-threatening medical condition. People can do without cars much easier than they can do without access to medical care. True, but I bet I can find a direct correlation to people being out of work and failing health as a result. Give me some time. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/197 "2010-03-27T16:52:24Z")
> [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](#): > > True, but I bet I can find a direct correlation to people being out of work and failing health as a result. No doubt you can, though I don’t understand how that supports your equivalency between the need for cars and access to health care. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/198 "2010-03-27T16:52:48Z")
> [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](#): > > No matter how you spin it,\*\* I am being forced to buy into something I do not want.\*\* And be penalized in the process if I do not buy it. > [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](#): > > I understand that I will be taxed extra if I don’t buy into it and that there will be exchanges set up by around 2014. I’m just worried about the the whole setup is all. Like I said previously, I don’t make much money and I’m afraid of the extra money taken out of my paycheck. Please don’t misunderstand me, **I WANT health insurance.** It’s the affordability right now I’m concerned about, exchanges existing or not. (emphasis mine) I’m not exactly clear on whether you want to have ‘free’ universal health care or be able to purchase health insurance (with more subsidies). The current bill makes it easier for many to get access to health insurance, but perhaps not you. In that case, you should hope that UHC paid for by the government will happen soon, but your taxes may go up… ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4bbf92/32.png) [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/199 "2010-03-27T16:56:33Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > No doubt you can, though I don’t understand how that supports your equivalency between the need for cars and access to health care. What I meant Fear, is that if people cannot make it to work it will directly affect their health, no? So why can’t I call a taxi on the government’s dime? It sets a dangerous precedent. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4bbf92/32.png) [@Darth\_Hamsandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Hamsandwich)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682/200 "2010-03-27T17:00:00Z")
I’m willing to pay the fine if I decide not to opt in, it’s just that I’m worried if the gov will step in somewhere else saying YOU NEED THIS is all. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honest-question-why-are-the-republicans-so-pissed-about-this-health-care-thing/533682.md?page=11)