Obama is a total nightmare.

Obama, like it or not, just won a huge victory. The republicans opposed this bill so bitterly because it was his baby. They knew if they brought it down it would make Obama a lame duck in some ways. But he pulled it off and now maybe we can get to work on some of the other major problems in this country.

YES! So glad! Health insurance was going to make me sell my home if they jacked the rates up again... i was considering going without health insurance because I couldn't afford the sky high prices. Like how everyone gets gov police/firemen/schools... everyone should get healthcare too.

was it worth it? just look at his approval ratings in the polls. you tell me.

Obama has displayed not only political strength but tremendous
social responsibility in the face of acute and false criticism, racial slander, and money from established corporate hierarchy. Something had to been done about healthcare which has been on the forefront of political minds since the dawn of this century. Nearly every president wanted this to happen on their watch. Obama got it done... And during a time when those in media and in politics could not stand the thought of credit for sweeping change going to Obama... They deliberately misinformed the public to aid their own agendas. And in the months to come the fallout will undoubtedly be felt by Republicans, not Democrats. It is now time for our brightest political minds to get the country moving again as one nation.

Politically I would be considered center right. I must say though that I was very interested in seeing how this President would govern during his term. I expressed to most that I felt he would truly be good for the country and that Washington really did need change. I must say that I am EXTREMELY disappointed in what has transpired and how they manipulated the passing of this legislation. It seems to me that our President will do whatever is in the best interest in himself and the way that he is perceived instead of doing what is in the best interest in the country. I do think that we will be seeing massive changes in congress at the end of the year and we will also see a new president after this term. It is sad that he or his Democratic Congress did not care what the American people were saying.

Congrats to Obama for not giving up! The Republicans should take a break from opposing everything and come up with some ideas that work for themselves. They also should not be so quick to complain about the process...I seem to remember the Patriot Act and Medicare reform having similar resistance and they pushed that through.

Anyone who is against this should think to themselves if they use any other government program such as public schools, Soc Security, or Medicare. Everyone is against this stuff until you fall on hard times and need it. Health Care should be a right for Americans, not a luxury. Great job Obama!!

Amazing that people actuall believe that Obama's Health Care is FREE, can you all people Read or do you just think everything he says is gossipal, he is only telling you what he wants you to hear to get you on his side, it's not free people you still have to pay for it either yourself or through work but it's going to come out of your paycheck one way or the other.

Hats off for Obama. He put his country first instead of hanging on to his hope for second term. As a republician I may not vote for him in the next election but I fully support his healthcare reform plan. As for the other republicans and democrats who opposed the bill:
Their "No" was a verdict to deny millions of Americans healthcare and/or force a lower quality life for lack of it. Hopefully in attempt to self preserve and get re-elected the voters comeback with a resounding "Big " Hell-No.

I'm not fussed about approval ratings, etc.. These ads on TV against healthcare are so false and annoying... why are we the only/one of the VERY few 3rd world countries without healthcare? Insurance companies will stop conning me (as much), I won't get done for a pre-existing condition again and I keep my house.

Congratulations, Mr. Obama!
Congratulations to the American people!

This was the right thing to do, but because of politics all republicans voted against it. I hope this helps us move forward and do what is right for this country once and for all and not what is right for the political parties. I praise our President because he is giving this nation the leadership we need. For Families with member suffering with life threatning diseases this is a great day, not having to worry about reaching your healt care cap or providing coverage when losing your job and having to get new insurance. Thank You Mr. President

It is worth it for Obama becasue he does not care about limiting the power of government, lowering taxes, borrowing money, and being a responsible leader;

He has mainly been worred about his own image and his "legacy" – so he has fulfilled his goals.

Everyone will get healthcare. Everyone will pay whether they want to or not. His legacy will be debt, unemployment, and manditory limited care for all.

I think this is a complete victory for the Democratic party. I think its funny that a lot of the republican pundits are saying that this defies the will of the people. Did they forget that they lost the last presidential election? When I voted for Barak, I WANTED change like this.

also about this FREE thing... just like the Police, Firemen, Schools is paid for, health is too. But it's more expensive to pay for private healthcare because it's a business- gov plans like the police, firemen are there to help you... not to make massive profits. When i broke my arm visiting the UK the hospitals helped me out with surgery and drugs for £6.70 ($3). They were like 'you need help, so we'll help you'. I really don't see why healthcare should be different from the police/schools etc.

We will find out at the mid-terms. I expect it won't be worth it for him as he's demonstrated that he can't be trusted to listen to voters who said clearly "focus on the economy, not healthcare".

The real question is whether it is worth it for the American people. That answer is no. Even the people who expect to get something for nothing will suffer as the economic activity is slowed and costs are passed on through higher prices for all goods and services. Lets not start on unemployment because it will start on us soon enough.

Call him what you like, but the fact is that Obama is a rare gem. Such rises once in several centuries. America should make merry and thank the stars that it has Obama. This is a victory for determination, foresight and humanity. A victory for morality. It is unbelievable that the greatest nation on earth, which clamours about moral values, which can go to war to defend and enthrone democracy in very far shores, could not guarantee health care for its citizens. Most shameful indeed is the stance of the GOP, which is at the forefront of these clamours on morality. How can the GOP be so partisan on the welfare of its own people? Well democracy still has won! Obama is a God-given renovator for this great nation. America should make merry and thank the stars that it has Obama.

I guess those opposed the reform are those whoare wealthy, they don't give a sh-t about poors...i got an idea, send the poor to those wealthy folks and let them take care of the poor. Americans are basically so stupid anyway because they love to vote against themselves. There was one senator who is now dead, thank God, his name was Lee Attwater (not sure the spelling) but he said that his job was to make sure that those poor white ass vote against themselves and Republican has been doing that since to make sure the wealthy and well to do cover their own asses...the inscription of the Statue of Liberty should change to GIVE ME YOUR MONEY AND WEALTH AND DON'T COME HERE IF YOU ARE NOT WHITE..somehow poeple in this country doesn't to learn from UK< CAnada, japan, France and Germany or even Taiwan from their health care system.

Thanks to Obama many americans like myself will finally be able to get health insurance. This guy is for the people.

CK1,
Your comment is what makes most people rail against the GOP, TOTAL negativity, you are the party of NO.

I really cant understand from a purely humanitarian point of view, what is so wrong about provision of healthcare for ALL citizens?

It should be an inalienable right, we are the (supposebly) greatest country on the planet, (the same country that separates 50 million of its citizens from health provision).

Happy for the country...

Congrats Obama, finally you did it!

When you got voted in by the majority the majority demanded change – you delivered!

Good job!

Did any of these passed without opposition?
- Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln
- Women's suffrage by Wilson
- Lend/Lease by FDR
- Desegregation of the military by Truman
- Civil Rights Act by Johnson

Who would stand against those today?

agreed guys, def worth it for Obama and us!

well, america was good while it lasted

Observing this from outside the US, we're all amazed that this issue makes you guys so angry! There seems to be an irrational fear of government doing anything that might actually improve the lives of its least advantaged citizens – because that would immediately tip you into being some kind of socialist state! We've had government funded healthcare in the Uk since the 1940s and, contrary to news reports in the US, it doesn't result in some kind of death lottery, or a terrible descent into communism... it just makes things fairer for everyone. There's nothing wrong with that. Give it a few years and you'll wonder why you made such a fuss about it...

This past year was the first time I voted because I saw a man that seemed to be trying to do things that were best for the people no matter who opposed him for once! Too often our politicians ignore our voices and have their own pockets in mind when making decisions. I'm very disappointed with our republican party as that was where I came from growing up in a very conservative household. I hope the American people see what was done for them, and start kicking these politicians out of office that are controlled by something other than the voice of Americans!

Yes, it was 100% worth it. CONGRATULATIONS America, we finally have a president willing concerned about the healt of all people. Obama is a HERO

Hello CNN friends,

I would like to Congratulate the American people
for their new health care bill and for
the President Barack Obama, who really WALK THE TALK!
Most Presidents worldwide just talk and TALK!

Conclusion:
OUR HEALTH IS IMPORTANT!

Advice
Let us Now Connect to make our world
a Better Healthier and Beautiful World
for You and for Me!

Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
Latin-American

Finally! Every single human deserves affordable healthcare. It's about time the US started caring about ALL their citizens. We are proud of our healthcare system which denies not one person, I hope that one day you as a nation will feel the same way.

Not only does Obama deserve this victory, the millions of americans getting a better live deserve it as well!

Dusty,

It was more of a partisan battle than a bi-partisan one... his own party is very hesitant about this.

This is not the president we saw during his campaign. He promised smaller government. Some of you out there should study your history.
Our country and government was designed by some very smart men that believed that the individual has the power to make decisions and the government should not be making decisions for the masses. Our government has developed into a massive organization of liberals that believes that the citizens of this country are not smart enough to make their own decisions and the government has to make decisions for them. This is called socialism in case you don't recognize it, It gets to be that way by politicians making promises of massive entitlements to the middle class and the middle class swallows it hook line and sinker.and they actually buy the votes with false promises to get in office. This is about POWER (Power to the gov't not the individual.) In 2006 we voted for change and we sure got it. Now all of us will have to pay the price and pitty our children and grandchildren. The snowball is running downhill and getting bigger and bigger. I am glad I will not be around when it hits the wall at the bottom of the hill. Be careful what you ask for.

I believe that those individuals who oppose this Health Bill does not know the meaning of being Poor. They have never been unemployed and cant understand what it means not being able to afford basic Human needs such as Food and Healthcare. My right wing brothers ironically enough are acting like pure unadulterated darwinists. Obama is a welcome breath of fresh air. Thank you, Mr. Obama for bring us one step closer to a utopian society. Thank you very much.

This bill is a major setback for all working Americans.
It will cost working taxpayers billions in additional taxes.
Government has no right to decide who should get how much coverage and what doctors should earn. What ever happened to free enterprise.
Medical research and development will drop drastically.

our children and grandchildren will pay the price.

Only time will tell if it was worth it (politically) for Mr. Obama. Making medical insurance more affordable; raising the taxes of societies "elite" (wealthy); and requiring everyone who is able (employed) to have insurance may well be a short term panacea (most likely ...a placebo). When the insurance companies fold and big government takes the reigns then the utopian fantasy insidiouly woven by presedential slogans such as "Yes we can" and posters with "hope" under his image will begin to unravel. The socialist agenda unveiled will then hasten the demise of this once great nation. Time will tell.....

What a great day for America.
Thank you Mr. President.

The best thing that has happened with the passage of this bill is that we can now begin to focus on the other ills that are sucking the life out of our country; ie; unemployment, schools, the crime rate, etc...the fact is this; the opposition (repubs) have tied up the rebuilding of our post Bush nation with all the intense fighting.

Our president has shown his incredible ability to lead in the face of stupidity, foolishness, racism, etc...name your fruit.

Every administration for the past forty years have tried to insure all of the American people, only to be frustrated by the fiscally irresponsible, friend only to the rich and powerful, republican party. So, the idea that it barely passed just does not fly. That it passed at all, in my opinion, was a landslide!

Kudos to our, my, American president!

As an Australian who has just moved to the US i can say one of the biggest reasons i made the move was Obama. He is a real leader who stands up for his people in the face of adversity and makes the big decisions to help the people. I have been amazed at the condition of the health care system here. In Aus everyone can get access to health care, rich or poor. I cant believe the greedy comments on this blog. This country is the land of opportunity and a great nation. I have always believed in it. And yet there are some people who do not believe that all Americans should get access to health care.

I am proud to live in America now and have become ever more proud after hearing about Obama's victory!!

WEll done and God bless American.

I hope Obama gets everything he wants.

It's unfortunate that Government has to grow even more monstrous before the masses realize that their trust in Government is misplaced.

Smash The State!

The opposition to this shows just how selfish Americans are. SO WHAT if it will cost each tax payer an extra $5, $10, $15 or $20 in taxes, shouldn't we care about the health of the people of our nation!? It just makes me sick that the United States, the most powerful nation on earth, has such ignorant people who would oppose something that would help all of us and make the system fairer for all.

Congratulations to OUR President of these United States for FINALLY doing what so many others have promised for decades. This is just the first big step. A few years from now you will all wonder "What was the fuss about"........... Fear of Nothing.

It is very sad, that a fight of this magnitude is taking place over HEALTHCARE!!!! All of us will need healthcare at some point in our lives. I work a full-time job and CANNOT afford the insurance premiums. To be covered by minimal insurance would take half of my paycheck not to mention the $3000 deductible for a hospital visit. However, I'm blessed and I would like to see less fortunate families afford decent healthcare. I truly believe that whether or not you're a Republican or Democrat there need to be a meeting of the minds and put away a differences at some point.

The passage of this bill is an extraordinary exhibition of courage and leadership by President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid. As to its imact on the President's administration, it will be huge as it clearly demonstrates he can govern and he can bring about his legislation. His bailouts of Wall Street, his stimulous package, his cap and trade, his insurance for children, his support of women's wages, his policies in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and his restoring America's world image as Regan's "shinig city on the hill" are all testament to a leader who gets things done.

Basically, the people opposed to the health-care reform (predominantly over 40s whites) believe extending coverage will give lower income people (predomonantly blacks, latinos and recent immigrants) a more equal seat at the table. This is the crux of the matter.

The repulsive Republican machine has done a fantastic job propagating fear and lies. Same machine that brought us War on Terror, Invasion of Iraq and Afganistan and squandered the great global goodwill America enjoyed briefly after 911.

The question then is, who do you believe?

I wish people would stop being so selfish. I currently have healthcare through the army, so I'm okay. But what about those americans and especially children that do not have healthcare. I see the same type people protesting. People of all walks of life will be covered now. So what is the real issue here people. Is is race or what. If it is, you ought to be ashamed of yourselves. GET IT TOGETHER!!!!

Annette

Michigan

I am a Canadian here. I say to American, we have experienced your Barack Obama, his name was Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Google the destructive policy enacted by this man and you will see your future. I hope you enjoy the courts setting legislation. His policies have paralyzed the will of the people. Enjoy

three words YES WE CAN

This is the right bill, a bill for the people in the center like me. Congratulations to Obama.
We live in a society and so must be responsible for it. If I were to decide on health care based on market forces, the best solution is to provide healthcare for no-one. It is not in my interest to provide you with one penny in case you get sick. We are not greedy leeches to think this way, atleast not me.
On the other hand, free healthcare for all is not viable and the country would go bankrupt. This is the bill that tackles both issues.
For those crying founl on the abortion debate, here is a centrist solution to the problem. I am all for saving babies. I am also for protecting womens rights. Obviously it is not fair to have abortions if someone made a "mistake". But in cases like Rape, incest and in cases where the Mom's and child's health is in danger, the option should be open AND funded by federal dollars. If you do not agree to this, then I am sure you would support havin these embryo tranferred to one of your relatives, while keeping the donor anonymous, so that baby does not end up in a dumpster. THis would protect the womens and the "embryo's rights" and your religion.

I find it quite amazing that the Republicans are arguing the cost of Health Care (which will save lives) when it was their president that sent us to an unnecessary war (which cost us lives) that still costs us $10 billion a month.

Baffling.

[...] Was it all worth it for Obama? [...]

Obama is my hero!

Yes it was important to the presidwent and also to me. What the repubs and tea party did was as if they don't have any brains. The members spit on members of congress, they throw money on a old man, they are nothing but liars and a party of no.

Freeloaders of America, rejoice!

This is just proof that the Government does not Listen to the People they are sworn to represent. A Majority of American's did not want this bill to pass. They (Congress) are not abiding by their Sworn Oath to the American People. This will kill small business' across America. I personally have a Friend who owns a small business with 22 employees and this is going to cost him ~$9K a month.
This will cause the Total downfall of the Democrat party and it will be a LONG time before they get back up from this, if they ever do!
State governments need to step up and Pass laws to keep the Federal government from trying to take control and eliminate our rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
Say no to Socialism!

This was worth it.

Being a part of this time means to show compassion. Being healthy is only an illusion. At any time your bodies which are volunerable can get ill. Obama fixed the insurance problem for all of us whose bodies are not strong as you are and who got weaker because of no health care.

We the sick are not beggers, we are not on welfare. We have the money to pay for health care because we work, we pay taxes and now we can purchase insurance at market rates. For those of us who need a little help with the prices, Obama made it possible also.

This health care reform is not universal health care, but it is a significant step in that direction.
As a Canadian, I regard our universal health care system as expensive, inefficient, and abused by by many. Americans will likely experience similar feelings. However, I consider universal health care to be necessary for any nation that believes all its citizens should have equal rights to the basics of life.
When I read comments about Obama and his health care plan, I have doubts whether the United States of America is the land of equality or a land of hypocrisy.
I see this issue to be not just about health care, money, Obama, and politics, but about attitudes toward fellow citizens. If I somehow fall into the bucket of being average or above, should I pay some of my hard earned money so that a portion of it may be used so a fellow citizen may have access to medical care? I don't want to pay, but it's the "should" that makes universal health care a required burden.

I'm so thrilled this passed! And not just for the fact that we as country have really taken to heart the need to care for all Americans, not just the ones with money. But also to hear the collective head explosions over at Fox News! I would be willing to pay any amount in extra taxes in the hopes of seeing that disgrace of a "news" channel die a horrible death.

My hope is that once this bill's effects start to be felt and people see the good it will do that the hate and fear brokers at Fox can be revealed for what they truly are. I truly think that without the flat out lies and fear that Fox generated during this debate we could have actualy had some bi-partisian support on this bill. It's a shame that those with the biggest mics and loudest voices are heard first and foremost.

Can anyone tell me what the Tenth Amendment says? The congress and Obama overstepped their authority by ramming this mess down the throat of the American taxpayer. Anyone who thinks this monstrosity is going to be the cure for what ails us is going to be in for a rude awakening. Every country that has a socialist health care system has major financial problems with it. We can't afford it.

Don't go into the medical field. there will be no jobs or a crapy payday. Another terrible decision by a terrible president.

I believe this wasn't just a victory for Obama. It was a HUGE victory for all the Americans that put him into office because we NEEDED the change from being rapped by banks and insurance companies. Unfortunately because we live in a state of "instant gratification" or it's considered a failure, my fear is that the same policies that have been put in place to get us out of this debt won't be fully appreciated until it's too late. Thus leading the American people to vote out of "fear" of failure instead of "courage" to change and succeed.

Ask most Canadians this question and you can bet on what the answer would be. We have enjoy universal health care for decades thanks to the foresight of Tommy Douglas. I am 66 years old and have never had to worry one day about whether or not i, nor any of my family, will face bankruptcy if we get sick.

You gotta ask the right people here. The 32 million Americans that now have coverage are very happy right about now I would think!

John

Thank you so much for passing the Health Care Bill! I a time of economic strife I was really wnting to figure out how to make ends meet and paying higher taxes is really going to help us out. Also, I want to thank you for marking everyone with a pre-existing condition as high risk so we can pay higher rates for your required health care INSURANCE that I was so not able to afford before this bill was passed. Also, as a small business owner I would really like to thank you for forcing the little profit we might have made to be sent to an INSURANCE company or to the GOVERNMENT in the form of a fine for not having it.

Everyday that you are President you make it that much harder to enjoy being an american. First the bailouts for the banks with all of OUR hard earned MONEY, now lets given OUR MONEY to the insurance companies. BOO to you Mr Obama who has done nothing but state lies from your first day on the platform...against abortion? not what the health bill says, against more spending? not what the bailouts and your health care say......WHAT's NEXT?

I notice in reading the posts that some say the healthcare plan is not free and has to be paid for. Of course it does. There are some that say I should not have to pay for others. Guess what.... You are doing it already. From the federal level all the way down to the local level. I am no where near 65 years old, but I pay social security and medicare and may not get it when I need it. My kids go to private school, yet I am paying for the kids that go to public school when I pay my property taxes. When your homeowners insurance goes up, you are paying for someone else who had a fire and the insurance company paid their claim. So when people act shocked that they are going to have to pay for the health care reform, I ask..Where have you been b/c you have been doing it the whole time.

The president shown courage in standing up to the pressure of those who lack amount of humanity to care of those who are without the
Ability to have health care for themselves and
Those they are responsible. This country was born with the principle of equality not nobility!

One more freedom taken away by liberals who have a socialist agenda. The cost of health care didn't go down, but now every American is forced to buy health care whether they need it or not, or can afford it or not. Instead of feeding your kids, or paying your mortgage you are forced to buy health care or pay a fine. How stupid can the Democrates be that passed this bill.

As a foreigner, I was really impressed that the president of the United States tried to persuade his own party this past Saturday. You know what? A lot of people like me who live in other countries have never seen or never been familiar with this kind of procedure. Today, I'd like to say that I'm truly envious of the American people.

I am 76 years old. Born during the depression, served in army, earned BS and LLB, worked until 72, now retired and will do by best to help those members of the house and senate be reelected who worked to bring a level health care to the millions of my fellow americans who hadn't health care coverage. This struggle to win this basic benefit has clearly shown the difference between the party of the people and the party of the privileged! The Demo party of FDR, HST, LJB, Clinton and Obama and many other brave men and women is the reason I am a proud voter of the U.S.A.

Was it all worth it for Obama?

If the eventual division of America into a free half and a social democrat half can be deemed worth the effort, Obama has won.

Let America's third revolution begin here.

Yes, This Bill is good for the American people, and good for Obama. Many think this Bill is going to hurt him and fellow Democrats, but since the beginning of his campaign, he said he was going to expand health care. He won the votes to become President based on the issues he talked about while campaining. Voters knew then what Obama stood for. Now, it would have hurt him if he didn't win the votes on this Health care bill.

Yes, it was worth! I feel so happy for Mr Obama and for all the Americans who will be able to benefit from this reform. I believe this makes the USA a more civilized country.

Just when I thought that the masses couldn't possibly get any dumber, you guys had to go and prove me wrong by lowering the bar another notch.

Wake up, already!! This isn't a "victory", and it isn't about "social justice" for "minorities" or the poor.

This piece of legislature is a wet dream for the insurance industry. I can almost here them cheering in every boardroom across the country.

The passage of this legislation will ensure that people who are now barely able to pay their bills every month will have yet-another financial obligation to meet. Once it becomes illegal not to have health care coverage, what do you think is going to happen to the cost of premiums? Hint: Look at what happens to the cost of any utility that is deregulated. Look at what happened to the cost of car insurance once the lobbyists bought off enough politicians to make it mandatory. Remember, kids, when somebody makes it "The Law" to have something, then the provider of said thing is free to charge whatever they want for it and you have no choice but to pay it.

My neigbor lost his 300 acre farm, because he had no insurance and his wife got cancer and the Hospital made him sell his farm to settle the debt. So he lost his wife and a month latter he lost his home, and 2 months latter he killed himself.
So thank-you for all of your votes to pass this HealthCare Reform, it's long over due.

10 years from now, people would be asking themselves "where were you when the healthcare bill was passed?"

This is a great day for our nation America and for OUR president Barack Obama. He has shown me what true leadership is even in the midst of oppositions. He has shown me what a true leader has to endure in order to do the right thing for his people. He has shown me what change is all about (THE CHANGE I BELIEVED IN AND VOTED FOR ALONG WITH THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS). Now people don't have to die in this country just because they can't afford to pay for their health care. People will not be dropped like bad habits by their insurance companies just because they're sick and can't afford to keep paying their skyrocking insurance premiums that got jacked up by their insurance company in order to wiggle their way out of paying the individuals bill and let them die. Hospitals will not have to patch people up and dump them in the alley to make room for someone else who has health insurance coverage.

Today is a great day for American and for OUR PRESIDENT. He is my HERO!!!
Thank God for sending us a president that cares more for his people than for the oil companies and insurance executives and cronies.

Congratulations Mr. President!! Very impressed w. how this was handled.
Not a single Republican vote – pitiful. So they thought this would be Obama's Waterloo? What a bitter pill for them to swallow. The Dems dealt with 8 yrs. of Bush & certainly didn't act in this manner!!

I find it amazing the strong comments against Obama. WIll this reform help America? We don't know. Can we afford it? Yes we can. America spend $10 billion monthly on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. This doesn't include the rest of the money we spend on the military.

I would venture to say we spend frivolously on the Senate and Congress as well. How can elected officials vote no to the health of the voters who got them into office? Do you really care about your supporters? For some democrats to be against is realistic. But for every Republican to vote against? Impossible. It points to issues that are beyond the will of the people. It is a personal vendetta against Barack. The Republicans want to see him fail. Period. The grandstanding for the last year has hurt America in its progress from near disaster with the economic downturn.

Healthcare for all citizens leads to healthy workers for our economy, more taxes, more income to run this country. WIth Obama we will have quality leadership to wisely use these funds to improve the future of America. The future of an America that breeds selfishness and a me-first attitude like so many of the people who placed vile comments on this site. Look beyond your nose and take off your veil of ignorance....Perhaps you can see to help someone other than yourself for once in your pathetic life.

i am a proud african american who is just as proud as being a conservative republican. i am willing to pay higher taxes so we all can have some sort of coverage. its a horrible feeling to feel helpless when you or your love ones life is on the line. to all of you whether demo. or gop., imagine the pain of seeing your mother, child, or wife suffering with cancer or some other life threatning illness. there was a time when i never imagined having a minority as president, just as the haves will never imagine having not.

It is a true social victory for everybody, including all Republican opponents of President Obama. Republicans lost this tug of war battle politically only because none of them has publicly announced that they and their children/grandchildren would abandon all these services for life no matter what happens to them in the future. Also, if they do not like social security, medicare and now this new healthcare reform, they have the right to forfeit all these services and help the nation save money. The choice is theirs. However, this does not mean that all these Republicans do not have to pay any taxes or pay less because they did not want any healthcare or social security benefit at all. The reason is very simple – those who did not support the Bush-Cheney-Liberman's Iraq war did not get any such opportunity. Opting out from social services does not give right to pay less taxes. Of course, nothing should be free and guaranteed for everybody in this country. Existing healthcare system was not working fairly anymore for millions of people who are legal and living in the US for generations. It is true that millions of illegal people currently living in the US and thousands of visitors from rich and poor countries alike will take advantage of this new health care reform, for example visiting the US for giving birth of their babies, having knee or hip replaced almost free of cost or no cost at all etc. Such abuses can be taken care of by the US Congress in steps as necessary in years to come. This health care bill is not the end of the world yet rather it a a beginning of hope for the needy who deserve little help. US Congress should next focus onto taming Israel and bring peace all over the world by eliminating the threat of terrorism for good. Again, focusing on Iran instead, as preferred by the Israelis, would achieve nothing but escalating violence in thousand folds in the region, deaths of thousands more US marines and soldiers and more national debt for nothing. First, it was Iraq and now it is Iran and next would be the Pakistan and so on in order to keep the Israelis happy for ever in their occupied territories. This preemptive war and peace policy has already been proved wrong and is no longer sustainable by selling more US bonds to China or Japan etc. President Obama and his administration should now take help from the UN and recognize Palestine as a sovereign country with the entire West Bank and Gaza strip as their territory. This will help reduce the budget deficit immediately and also improve the fiscal health of this great nation.

"Health-care stocks jumped more than 1.1 percent as a group and contributed to more than 40 percent of the S&P 500’s move, according to Bloomberg data. Tenet Healthcare Corp. had the biggest gain in the S&P 500, surging 6 percent to $6.10. Pfizer and Merck rose at least 1.8 percent. " – bloomberg...

wait a minute...if this healthcare bill is good for wallstreet (healthcare, drugs, medical devices, hospitals) ...who is gonna be paying for the increased costs of the uninsured...???...

THIS IS GREAT!

If you pay taxes go home. Your only working for someone else now anyway. Why should we not take advantage of all these free programs the Obama followers have passed for us? So quit your job and go home. I cleaned out my desk this morning. I'm heading down to social services in the morning to sign up. this is going to be great. I'm glad Obama was voted in. None of us is going to have to work for anything now.

IF YOU THING THIS TOGUE IN CHEEK? I REALY DID QUIT AND I"M DOING IT!

Socialism? Come on. Americans need to grow up and read the writing on the wall. MOST of the things we take for granted is government funded/controlled i.e. MEDICARE, LIBRARY, POLICE/FIRE DEPT, FDA, etc. For the most part, these systems work very well (not perfect).
When Health care becomes a part of the government funded programs, then we will no longer have to worry about outlandish health costs. Yes, our taxes will go up but which is worse 1) Paying an extra $20 per paycheck for healthcare or 2) Paying $700 a month for health insurance that has a high copay and only covers 80% after your $3000 deductible is met. Go ask someone who has been injured or has surgery about their private insurance and then ask the same question to someone who is on Medicare.

In 20-30 years many will not remember that it was Obama who was president when this health care legislation was passed. Who was president when Social Security passed, when Medicare passed?
And we will certainly not remember the pontification of the many pundits.
In 20 years some kid will be taking a history exam about the historic first African-American president and maybe it will be on the exam. And if this child has a heart problem and his mother doesn't have a job, he will go to the doctor and probably not really think about Obama at all.
Was it good for the president? Well, he has just saved the lives of of the thousands of people who currently die every year because they don't have health care. And he has improved the lives of people who now can get preventative care. If anything, it was good for that kid.
I say thank you to Obama who may or may not have lost a lot to save many . Thanks.

Congratulations Obama! Thank you for hanging in there –through all the debates and negative comments from the Republicans. Yes we can and you did.

Who pays for everything that the government runs? Where do they get money to pay for schools, mailmen, policemen etc.? How well is that going? Have you ever actually seen government run healthcare from doctors perspective?

When our kids start working, if they make $10/hour and automatic $6 will be taken out and then some. How will that work?

It seems to me that not a single one of you people that oppose this reform has ever had an illness or been close to someone who has. 6 years ago I had brain surgery, and the resulting bills sent me into bankruptcy and financial ruin that I am JUST NOW recovering from. Had this reform been passed then I would not have been crushed with over $500,000 dollars of medical bills since my insurance company would not have been allowed to cut me off. I would have had the extra 2 – 3 months of physical therapy I needed since the insurance company would not have been allowed to cut me off.

NO one who opposes such a change has ever had anything bad happen to them or anyone they know. Try experiencing the real world for once and not your comfy little cubicle, turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to your surroundings. Wake up you sheep.

Congrats to Obama for doing what he said he would. We need more of that in this world.

I am truly too old for politics. However, if were to be a politician, I would have been a democrat. I believe that they put a human face on top of the monster known as politics. Genetically, they have something flowing in the veins that tells them the little guy is a human being too. Therefore, the little guy needs to live with some dignity and decency. Bravo! democratic party. You have always been in the right side of history. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

Congratulations, Mr. President for a job well done. For all you non-readers, Social Security, Medicaid, rent control, safety nets, bailouts etc. are all socialist ideas. Are you'll against those tool. Where were all the Republican haters when Bush ran through everything in Congress? Does anyone recall Bush having to work so hard on any one bill? How about those spineless 34 Democrats. What do they stand for? Isn't funny that every, read every, Republican opposed this bill. Why? Because they are good soldiers; they fall in line. Do you really think that all REpublicans supported Bush's foolishness. No. But they fell in line when it came time to vote. Take a lesson you spineless Democrats. Stand up for your party and your president. Screw bi-partisanship. Why? Because the GOP does not believe in it. Sorry for the unorganized diatribe.

Absolutely, worth it. WHAT A MAN OF DEEDS AND NOT WORDS LIKE THE REPUBLICANS PALIN AND MCLEAN AND BUSH

Good job Mr. President.

Democrats know that health care is a right, NOT a privilege!!!

For all of you FoxNews lemmings who keep whining that the majority of Americans were against health care reform, I have 2 comments:

1. Quit speaking for me and my fellow informed citizens
2. Many people were against Civil Rights and Voting Rights. Whose side is history on now??

Wow, we finally did it. passed Health care. was it worth it you ask , i resound with a loud yes, you better believe it was. I can't believe that some people would do anything to stop this administration. Some of these fat cats are only thinking about themselves and where they are now; have they always had this mentality, and some of the supporters of killing this, bill it will help many of them, but because of there mentality to see this man and his administration fail they will do anything to go against it, even when its the right thing to do.

Change, (Reform), is a hard thing to accept. We want it but not always willing to put our teeth in it. This Bill is a start, but we must not stop working toward full reform. We've seen over the past years that the trickle down concept did not work. Maybe this approach will put us better in line of achieving true benefits for all.

Thi is is very simple: it is a victory for american people.the republicans are enraged because they want it the same as it was when Bush was here but ,duuh!Change is here!!!

Obama is a hero. Why is it that Americans think healthcare is not as necessary as schools, education, roads etc? Look at all other countries – even UK has fantastic system. The nay sayers are egoistic fundamentalists – same leauge as Talibans.

OldGoat March 22nd, 2010 1514 GMT

Every country that has a socialist health care system has major financial problems with it.

Hey Old Goat,

Living up here in Canada we have soicalized health care and have a financial system that is the envy of the world, so I'd have to disagree with your statement. We just don't abuse our medical system and run to the doctor everytime we catch a cold. Health care won't be the US's financial demise....The greed of it citizens will unfortunately...

I am extremely happy that something was able to get passed. If anything at least it looks like congress actually accomplished something that meant more then naming a bridge in Kansas or something. I also don't understand the people that are so angry saying that the President and Congress did not listen to the American people. The reality is i am an American and like WAY TO MANY Americans do not have health care and this is the only way i could afford it.

Honestly i don't even care if it is just on paper i just think the Republicans need to stop crying about it in congress. When they owned the majority they were pulling all the same crap they are accusing the Democrats of right now.

Have a Great Day

Apparently, the Republican party shows great discipline. The GOP representatives all voted together.

So why is it that when they controled both the house and the senate, they FAILED to push health care reform through like the Democrats? If they wanted it done "right," the party had its chance years ago. Think about it – If the Republican platform was based on tort reform (an early hot button issue), then that should have been addressed when they had power. What the hell was the party doing when it had power? It was strutting around as the party with "values and morals." Apparently the only value the GOP knows is, "no."

The GOP only give ideas regarding reforms when they WANT reforms to fail, just like they wanted health care reform to succeed now.

This is not only a historic moment for the Democrats, but it is also a lesson learned for Republicans - "no" is not a viable strategy.

In fact, American history has taught us this lesson several times!

Could you imagine a party denying African Americans freedom? Oh, right! Conservatives were at the forfront of the "no" movement way back then! It would have been too "costly" to give slaves freedom because the cost of labor would rise. Heavens, what were we thinking? But we perservered. We will perservere now, too. Even though health care will "cost too much" in the short run, it will save lives and reduce the deficit in the long term.

Congratulations to President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi for staying the course over these past 14 months, to enact a legislative bill that will result in health care coverage for a significant amount of uninsured Americans and close the 'donut hole" on prescription drug costs for our senior citizens.

Of course, by the scope of what the President has done will certainly place him in the annals of history of this great nation as the one Commander in Chief who under his leadership was able to conquer this herculean task.

I am proud to have President Obama at the helm of this great nation during these changing times. Wasn't it just a year ago that under his leadership we are now reaping the fruits from the most expensive Wall Street and Automobile bailout? And let's not leave out the passage of the Jobs Bill that was signed into law just last week. I could go on an on about what President has been able to accomplish in just over two years'under the radar' that prior Adminstrations could not come close to accomplishing in consecutive tours as President.

While the naysayers ponder and pout, President Obama is working it all out for our good. God bless you Mr. President and God bless America,

Yes we can!

I'm very gratified to read all the celebration here, for this difficult and hard-earned achievement. The comments are overwhelmingly positive, particularly from people in foreign lands that have better systems. The will of the people has been asserted, after eight years of shameful neglect. The sorrow I have felt for those I know who have lost their lives and homes to a ruthless health care insurance cartel, can now be replaced with hope.

Was it worth it? Yes. Barack made a promise and delivered the goods.

About 500 years ago Machiavelli said “…and one should bear in mind that there is nothing more difficult to execute, nor more dubious of success, nor more dangerous to administer than to introduce a new order to things; for he who introduces it has all those who profit from the old order as his enemies; and he has only lukewarm allies in all those who might profit from the new." Profound words in 1513. Equally profound in 2010.

Mr. Obama is familiar with this concept.

Let's all pull together and continue to right the wrongs and do what's best for our nation. Congratulations, Mr. President. I salute you.

This is indeed a time to rejoice, even though much work and struggle still lies ahead. The bill became somewhat motheaten due to concessions made to the right – and for which they gave ZERO reciprocity. What we DO have is a platform upon which we can now begin to remove the motheaten aspects – and maybe even return the public option which most Americans said they wanted, and which was removed to placate the obstructors.

Had it not passed, there'd be nothing at ALL to build upon or refine. Ted Kennedy advised America to "take what you can get," so as not to make the mistake he made in Nixon's administration, by holding out for optimum attributes. Like the fox and the grapes, it cost him (and us) everything.

But at the same time, we need to consider how it could possibly come to pass that so many people – and their legislators – could oppose legislation that every American needs, and of which we've ALL been deprived for many decades. How can such people exist at all? Who can possibly be against solid health care for all, without having a hatred for democracy itself? What kind of people are we turning out these days? So much profound hate, greed, power-lust, warmongering, absolutism – those things are trying VERY hard to trump everything that democracy IS, and there are so MANY people who want it that way!

Thank God, we finally passed a health care bill to help the needy and middle class in spite of the rabid, misinformed Republicans and all their scare tactics failed again. What a shameful display in a public form as the world watched Republicans make complete fools of themselves again, especially the biggest idiot of all, the senator named Bonner, that is exactly what he is.

And they call themselves the party of moral majority, what a joke! They have no morality, no sense of credibility, they will lose even more in the next election and we can rub that in there faces again.

JD

To Old Goat's response: "Every country that has a socialist health care system has major financial problems with it."

America is just as in debt, if not more than all these other countries, yet you are the ones who don't have healthcare. Maybe Obama is on the right track.. ? Congrats to Americans, you should be proud that your leader is taking a step in the right direction.

This is exactly what Obama promised to do over and over again during the election campaign. Nobody should be surprised. He simply did what he said he was going to do.

I just cant understand WHY the repubs continuiously say no to everything that the President does. Just one message to the few who still want to hate on the president aka people WHO MAKE MORE THAN 250K, repubs & dems alike -

THE PRESIDENT IS UNTOUCHABLE, NEXT TIME YOU WANNA TRY AND DEFEAT HIM YOU BETTER BRING SOME KRYPTONITE!!!

I never understood how the US could not have a system that provides at least basic health care to all its citizens. If Obama can change this he has done America a huge favor.

To the people who are argue that it's too expensive or socialist, I sincerely hope that when you lose your job the system will be in place so you don't need to worry about paying your children's medical bills yourself.

This healthcare is for all American??
Sorry, this bill is NOT for ALL American. This bill is not for the majority middle class and of course not for the upper class.
Yes, this is for the unemployed and poor.

1) Not always a responsible government shall follow the will of the majority of the people, especially when the majority is achieved by the will of the privileged majority to continue damage the minority.

The GOP managed to obtain the support from the elderly, partly because they scarred them, but mainly because these, as comfortable covered by Medicare, simply thought that the cost to help the uninsured and near poor victim of the insurance companies outrages is a waste.
And of the young ones, which opposed the mandatority because their idea was not to pay as long they are young and healthy, and later buy in!!

2) Of course, needless to say: if the young and healthy do not pay, the cost for the remaing old (under 65) and unhealthy would become completely prohibitive.
And the really moronic argument, which some also moronic governors try to follow up, that the US cannot force citizens to buy insurance, after they buy the old age and incapacity insurance (meaning the Social Security, which is a insurance, in Germany with the name “Rentenversicherung” (Pension insurance), in many countries “SEGURO Social Obligatorio” (Seguro = Insurance) for 70 years, can only be called a bad joke!

3) It is difficult to say how voters will react by the 2010 elections. But it could be that once people begin to assess the GOP attitude, this could mean that in a few years, they will loose their major party status, being substitute by someone else, the same as the hundreds of years old Liberal Party in the UK lost it after WW I, when they were swept away by the Labour Party! Has somebody thought how the 32 million uninsured will vote?

AM REALLY HAPPY FOR THE BREAK THROUGH IT REALLY SAYS, "YES WE CAN".

So many seem to have forgot that Obama campaigned on health care as a major tenet! He delivered that in just over the first year in office. Unlike so many politicians who say one thing in an election and then do another while in office, President Obama continues to keep doing EXACTLY what he said he would do during his campaign.

Republicans are just scared - they lied through their teeth and now there's nothing they can do from answering for it b/c soon all of their end-of-world predictions will be proven false.

Here's to health care, repealing Bush's unconstitutional signing statements, stopping torture, trying to be bipartisan, a more open government, ending DADT, supporting our troops, ending the illegal wars, creating jobs, restoring our standing in the world ... Here's to Obama!

Thank GOD, they did not get their way. What is more important than to look after each other? Selfish and money grabbing CEOs are killing what it means to be human (money before life). When we send money to people hit by the earthquake and we deprive our next door neighbour, how can GOD answer our prayers?

The main reason why the Middle East laugh at us and reject our way of living is because we do not practise what we preach (love thy neighbour). We are so heatless that we would oppose the need to look after own. How would anyone in their right mind not support this? The main objective of the bill is right. The next step is to improve it and the only way that will happen is when people contributing meaningfully to the debate.

Its so sad to see so many people in the US unable to break free from the hold of self centered politicians who for decades have manipulated public opinion – and half educated populace – for their own benefit. The Obama health care "earthquake" was long overdue! My guess is that Education ( and Finance ) Reform should be his next target! The US is falling behind PRECISELY because of falling Educational standards. When people are unable to READ, UNDERSTAND and COMPREHEND what laws their politicians have been feeding them all these years, then we have the current results: an ideologically split society which has in the past shown how formidable it can be when united. When the educational standards of this country are elevated to what they should be – by Mr. Obama's reforms – then there will be less likelihood of a highjacking of public opinion by politicians – of either side – and the bitter and unnecessary dividing of such a wonderful resourceful people! They will be better equipped to read and understand whats good for them, and this Bill is good for them – in my opinion.
Health and Education are the mainstay of any Powerful and dominant Nation. Without those two, NOTHING can be successful nor sustainable. Do you really believe Americans at this moment can stand up to the Europeans, Chinese and Indians on those fronts? Really??? My guess is not.
The President was elected to do a job -THIS JOB – and he has broken the back of convention, and business-as-usual in doing so, something that has eluded many before him. Of course some people are upset, and they have the right to. But they do not have the right to foster enmity, stir up trouble – where there is none – and manipulate the half-educated ( and i mean this with reference to the bill!) for their own ends. Yes, i am addressing the politicians. They should serve the people, not their corporate masters. Time for America to admit it has some catching up to do. Obama will be thanked someday! ( sooner rather than later, in my opinion).
Cheers...

Looking at the opposition to health care reform in America from overseas, I must say it is totally absurd, and not just because some people there call universal healthcare "socialism".

Universal healthcare is a basic human right. Since the USA has the money and the resources to build a fair, efficient and universal health care system, it is completely beyond me why you don't already have it. Only now have you taken an big step towards one.

In the USA you pay more for healthcare than in almost any other industrialized nation, and still you have higher infant mortality rates than us here in Europe, you die younger, you have a huge obesity problem, and millions of Americans face huge financial problems if they get sick, not to mention that you have allowed greedy insurance companies to rule the whole system.

From our point of view the need for a complete reform is a no-brainer.

I grew up as a Republican, in a mostly Republican family. Over the years my eyes opened to see who actually works for the poor, the middle class, those in need.

I have been so much more at ease following the Democrats in their agenda's. I don't agree with all their issures but I cannot understand unless a person is rich why they would want to follow the actions, the misrpepresentation, the rudeness, and their self centerness ways of the Republican party.....

Thought to ponder: Who passed the Social Security, the Medicare, and other government ran programs that you or your parents enjoy?

It is only sad that the Public Options part of the reform did not pass. Which was from fear of the misreprentations of certain Republican leaders, just as they lied about killing Grandma......

Way to go O'Bama and the Democrats who voted for it........Now we need to watch their polls rise in spite of more lies from Republicans, once people realize the truth of what took place and what is actually in the bill.....

All you republicans supported a president who lied to our faces and got thousands of americans killed in a war, the cause of which (WMDs) was all a lie, a president who also butchered americans rights and gave the government unlimited access to tap/spy on anyone they wanted any time. But then you bash the president who tries to stop Insurance companies from rejecting anyone who actually needs help, in often cases americans with AIDS who are slowly dying? You selfish greedy right wingers should be ashamed of yourselves.

Also to all of you saying he's doing it for himself, look at his popularity. If he did what would make him just look good he wouldn't have done this, he isn't doing it for himself he's doing it for the country, for those in need. And yes, he probably wont get re-elected because he's like being the usual politician simply catering to whatever will get him elected for a 2nd term.

I really hope everyone takes into consideration that this man did try to work with the republicans...wether or not you like the outcome he did try. However, the republicans instead of being servants of the public have placed the own interests first to try and display a unified front. Every last Republican voted no!! Come one you can't possibly tell me that not one republican saw some good in this bill and how it could possibly help their constituents. People like it or not the ugly truth is that Healthcare needed to be reform in some fashion or another. It has been getting out of control for years now Maybe some of you with deep pockets don't understand that but American citizens whom have struggled to take care of their families this will come as a blessing. If I have to pay a little more in taxes to help my fellow Americans whom can't afford quality healthcare then so be it. Why?? because I was once in that same situation myself.

Absolutely!!! I have followed this entire process. I give the Republicans credit for sticking together. If the Democrats had done the same, the process would have been much smoother. It is beyond me how anyone can be against Americans having medical coverage.

A BLACK PRESIDENT, A FEMALE SPEAKER AND MAJORITY OPPOSITION FROM SOUTHERN STATES!!!! HUMMMMM

He may have not won the popularity contest, but it is nonetheless a victory for many who can see past the real crisis vs those who just like to chastise people when they themselves do not know what it contains instead of just bashing ppl!

Majority of the World runs on middle class people and they will have no impact to this bill, it is to help those who could have never afford it, or where insurance companies were denying those who had previous conditions. So, ask yourself if you are a parent and your child has a condition and you are denied insurance? How will that make you feel?

Passage of this bill will wind up being a big plus for the President and the Democrats down the road. It is possible that if the President continues to let Americans know what the law actually does, Democrats could benefit in the fall election rather than be hurt by it's passage as the Republicans seem to believe.

Regardless, this is a law long overdo and the President, Speaker Pelosi, Senator Reed, and others deserve great credit for finally getting it passed after nearly 100 years of assorted efforts by many Presidents of both parties.

When a public holiday motion for a Martin Luther King day was put to the floor of the house several years ago, Senator John McCain opposed it. Decades later, the same senator now admits he was wrong and should have supported it.

Today, Senator John McCain is now saying he is opposed to the health care bill. Unfortunately, John McCain is close to 80 years old now and we cannot give him the benefit of doubt as he may not have the chance several decades in the future to admit that he was wrong again.

I'm not big in to politics. But I really get sick of listening to people complain about everything that Obama has ever tried to do. I am sick of hearing the Republican bi**h about how much money this is going to cost the American Taxpayer. I sure didn't hear Republican's complaining about the cost of these wars that are costing us billions of dollors a month over lies.

This is going to piss me off so I will just say Great Job! To Everybody who supported this reform.

The bunch of idiots saying Obama does not listen to the American people need to sit back and think who the real American people are, not the republican stooges – the Tea Partiers, who nothing but a bunch of republican disciples.

Those are not the Americans. If the tea party noise making idiots number 500,000 if they ever would get to number in their lifetime, what about the remaining sane, quiet, reasonable and forward thinking close to 399million Americans who are at home watching?

I would rather have a president whom puts his country first rather than his career... Which I'm sad to say many presidents before hand did not have the fortitude to see this through. If Obama is only here for 1 term then so be it. He would have done more in his first 2 years of office than most president have done in 2 full terms.!!!!!

LMAO–Have anyone you actually read the bill?

My thoughts are yes this country needs healthcare reform. The current bill is a bad bill there are numerous things wrong with the bill.

Call me crazy, but I like to do things one time the right way. To pass a bad healthcare bill to just to say you passed it is crap.

I have read alot of interesting comments on here about the Health Care reform but has anyone actually read the bill? All 1011 pages of it? If you have – great. If not let me provide you with a little example of the new Health Care reform alot of you are cheering about.

Just reply to my comment and attach all of your banking information, financial records, and pay stubs.

When you participate in the new Federal Health Care system you give away your privacy – ALL OF IT. Is that what we all want. I am not opposed to helping people that need it but do they really need to invade my life as well.

Republicans are a total nightmare

So much for VA (Veterans Affairs) benefits. My brother-in-law receives VA health benefits for volunteering to help his country by serving in IRAQ for two years. Now that this so called reform has passed, he will no longer recieve these benefits. So what if he was disabled from his service and committment to protecting this country. So much for this president putting his country first.

I am a physician and this is a step forward for Americans in need of health care, especially people with pre-existing conditions.

Of course there is some cost somewhere and as a society we need to "take care" of each other. As long as we stops all these stupid wars, we can make America healthier.

At least now America can say to the rest of the Western World that virtually all Americans will get affordable health care, one way or another.

The Republicans we have in Congress right now are simply a disaster. They vote for no health care for some 32 millions of Americans and they still gladly collect salary paid by taxpayers!

Congrats to the gov. on getting something done!

Love your comments Xman_08.
Obama is the guy the Americans need at this time. The republicans are a bunch of selfish insurance shareholders who are only interested in riding the backs of average American.

Obama put his presidency on the line with health care reform; that is how you know who actually put the American interest first.

In Canada, we enjoy universal health care, so Americans, welcome to affordable coverage. Congrats!!

Sure, it was worth it for Obama. He has backhandedly passed sweeping reform that most Americans were against which will eventually lead to the socialization of America.

Have any of you read the bill. Healthcare will NOT be free. As a matter of fact, nothing in the bill regulates what companies can charge for insurance. However, you are only fined $700 if you do not get health insurance. And, now companies can no longer deny you for pre-existing conditions. So WHY in the world would you get health insurance when you can just pay the fine, wait til you get sick, and then go get insurance (at drastic cost to the insurance companies)? Health insurance companies will quickly go out of business, leaving the government solely to regulate health care.

So what's bad about that? Wait until the government starts passing laws to keep you healthy; i.e. no more sports in public schools, mandated government diet, no more tobacco or alcohol. Ever read "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley? We're on our way there.

And now that government has passed a law that states that you must by something from a private company (if the courts uphold it, which I doubt they will), what's to stop them from doing that elsewhere? Big government tells you what cars to buy, what kind of home to live in, what clothes to wear. Exactly what this administration wants.

good work obama. Why dont the republicans grow up. from this i mean mccains statement on everything in the upcoming year the republicans will oppose to me seems like they are all acting like a liitle schhol girl throwing a fit because they didnt get there way. They need lead by example accept the fact they lost and work together to better the future rather then oppose it.

Matt: Do your credit card company, banks and your current insurer (if you have one at all) have your personal information?

If you own a house, does your mortgage provider have your information? Does your employer have your information? Does IRS have your information?

If you plan to be covered by the government, why wouldn't they have your information?

Obama's socialist healthcare plan appeals to the parasites in our society that expect others to take care of them. Obama appeals to the low-lifes and bottom feeders that want to drag everyone else down to their level. The sooner he and the libs in congress are gone, the better off America will be.

Thank you to a president who finally sticks to the task at hand. I was laid off of my job of 20 years and months later were diagnosed with breast cancer. If you have not walked the steps of a person with a life-threatening illness without insurance, then this really mean nothing to you. Again I say thank you President Obama so that the next person who will walk in my steps will be able to concentrate on getting well and not on how to pay the bills.

To the Republican Party – why are you even there? If you are not in it to help save the American people, then why are you there? Please resign and allow a more focused group of people take your seats.

Wes, I am disappointed in John McCain as well. A man who once seemed to have America's and American's interest at heart now seems infected with Sarahpalinitis or whatever else it is that has caused the Republicans to decide they no longer want to contribute any ideas to anything.

for an outsider, it has now become proud to be Amican again, some to look up to, it is pressing all the right buttons! We all love Amica again!

Please, please submit this message for any one and everyone who can view this.

IT'S ALL FUN AND GAMES UNTIL YOU GET SICK WITH NO HEALTH INSURANCE. PEOPLE I FIND IT A DISGRACE THAT OUR AMERICAN PEOPLE HAD TO WAIT SO LONG FOR THIS BILL TO GET PASSED. IF YOU LOOK BACK IN YOUR LIFE PERHAPS A YEAR, 10 OR 20 YEARS AGO THAT SOMEONE YOU LOVED, NEW BY ASSOCIATE THAT MAY HAVE DIED BECAUSE THE LACK OF NOT BEING ABLE TO GET HELP BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT AFFORD THE BEST CARE. WHAT A PITY AND SHAME ON ANY POOR OLD BASTARD THAT DISAGREES. WHO REALLY CARE WHO HAS TO PAY FOR THE HEALTH CARE. WHEN DOES THE SAVING OF A LIFE BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE GREEN BACK DOLLAR WHICH IS YET FADING AWAY IN ITS VALUE. PERSONALLY I HAD RATHER BE ALIVE AND HAPPY THEN TO HAVE A POCKET FULL OF GREEN. GET IT!!!! YOU CAN MAKE IT BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE IT!!

FLYBOYII
BELGIUM

The time has come. This is why I voted for Obama. I have waited for this legislation my entire adult life. I will almost be on Medicare when the exchanges become available. If not for me, then for my children!

The poll numbers against health care are very deceptive. Amongst those against reform are those who wanted single payer or public option reform. The Democrats worked hard to compromise even amongst themselves, but the Republicans seek to use that against them. It's not arm-twisting when the Democrats remind each other to vote based on their principles of compassion and social justice.

The Republicans didn't want a public option. There is no public option. But they don't want to be seen as supporting Obama so they hide behind the skirts of polls they have misinterpreted. I see a reality check coming for Republicans in November especially if they remain in a pouting mood and won't work with the Democrats on anything between now and mid-term elections as some of them have vowed.

indellible mark left on American history. major blow of historic proportion for Republicans who to me seem more concerned with their brand after defeat to White House then deep seated care for the common folks or America

Yes!
Signing into law something that will improve the lives of millions of Americans is always worth it! I wish all presidents did something like this at least once in their lifetimes.
Now is the time to start working on reforming the finance system, the immigration system, laws about energy and the environment. Let's see if the "other" party is able to look beyond their political aspirations in the coming elections and can help change this country for the better.
After all... if they have some good ideas, why they didn't do anything about them when they were in the government?
Just keep saying "No" to everything, and that's what you will get from the voters as well.
"What you plant now, you will harvest later."

I think that when all is said and done, it will be worth it to Obama. I am sorely disappointed with the GOP. They could have had major influence on this instead of using this as a tool to make Obama a lame duck.

I thought having multiple parties was about having the best ideas come to the surface and to point out flaws and areas of improvement to each other and to compromise...I guess I'm an idealist.

ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT! President Obama has shown that he can effectively enact a reform which has been needed in this great country for years. This is a personal issue for me since my son-in-law's employer does not offer health care and they cannot afford to buy it on their own–my grandchildren deserve the right to see a doctor when needed since parents are working diligently! I will support the President with more gusto than ever!

Regarding the comment about everyone having your information....I'm confused...Do you mean that when people use Medicare and Medicaid, noone collects their personal information???

And these polls that say most people are against the health care bill......I want to know many people exactly take these polls????? Are they really accurate?

Congratulations, President Obama! Good Job!

If the bill is sooo great, why is it 10yrs of taxs for 6yrs of coverage?

THANK YOU TO MY President!!!!Thank you Nancy Pelosi.They did not quit! I now will finally have insurance again!

As for my Louisiana Representatives, all I can say is I will be campaigning for you replacement.
Praise to Bill and Hillary Clinton for trying, and for Bill for helping this time!

I am looking forward to the silence of republicans when the lies that have been told to them by their leaders/media is exposed!

I sure am glad that President Obama got this passed for all Americans, this is what he said he would do if elected now i just hope the Republicans don't find a way to undo this bill.

While I agree health care and insurance policy needs to be updated, I don't think passing this bill by cramming it down America's throats helped Obama's deteriorating image. Just think about it, there are over 300 million Americans and we will spend $940 BILLION for 32 million people. That is $940 Billion for 10% of the population. That means 90% of America will pay for benefits they will never receive. So I have to ask, what is the better good?

I love how people are complaining about how they don't want to pay for other people's coverage. What do they think they are doing now? Any uninsured person can go to the ER and receive care, even if they can't pay for it. So what happens? The hospital is forced to eat the cost, which means they need to make the cost up elsewhere, so they raise their prices and charge more to everyone. That in terms makes insurance premiums go up (which are based on expected cost). So in essence, those with insurance are already paying for those who don't have it.

Healthcare is always a huge emotive issue. Obama did the brave thing and stated the legal basis for reform. It will take much further work to fine tune and get all medical related factors to run right. Even then it will never be perfect. But this is a strong and visionary move in an area where feelings rightly run very high and being popular is less important than eventual results. Some day history will surely be kind to Obama in what he started.

Thank God for President Obama! This is a major victory for Americans and a huge defeat for the NO Party! The GOP should be ashamed of themselves. The Republican Party is AGAINST EVERYTHING, regardless of whether or not it's good for the country!

OBAMA IN 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wonder if any of those who have argued this reform don't have health insurance? All you hear about is back door deals. Does anyone in their right mind think that every bill that goes through the house and senate doesn't have something tied back for political gain. If you vote for this bill, you could lose your seat in November. This is why the members of congress and the senate need TERM LIMITS. Presidents have them, why shouldn't everyone else. I have health insurance through my employer but still have closet to $400 a month taken from my pay for it. That doesn't include the co-pay's!!!! When I started working 31 years ago, my health care cost me $0. There is no such thing as bipartisanship. If your party doesn't control the White House, then the other party will do everything to hurt that President.

Yesssss. It was about time! Who cares about his polls, most of the American people are uninformed on the issue and brainwashed by channels like fox news. They are spreading lies that make people think it's the end of the world and that we will soon be in concentration camps. The US spends most of its GDP on health insurance and we are not nearly the healthiest country in the world. This will save lives.

To James Kirby:

I could not have said it any better myself. As a white person, it's embarassing to see so many members of my own race make fools of themselves in what is SO OBVIOUSLY a matter of keeping other races down.

Thanks!

Funny how often the righties repeat that Obama wasn't listening to the American people, as if there are no Americans but them. True, they managed to scare the bejesus out of enough people to get the negative poll numbers for health care reform up to 40%, but an equal number of Americans were in favor of it, and this time we had the votes in Congress to get it done. It's called democracy, which is one of the things that makes this country great, along with not just being a nation of scared old white people. And I wouldn't bet the farm on a mid-term election right-wing rout. A lot of people are turned off by the tone and new face of the Republican Party. And when they realize the bill isn't the end of life as we know it the Republicans have been promising they may well vote their disgust at having been lied to by politicians who obviously only care about getting and keeping power.

Of course it's worth it! We're required to have car insurance and a lawyer present during questioning but no healthcare? That doesn't even make sense. Obama has a plan to fix health care, that while not perfect, is a million times better than what we had. Republicans are all about fear and keeping the public misinformed! Too bad most of us know to to read & we can go online and check the facts on our own. We don't succumb to fear!!!

Keira:)
NY

as the one reader said, "let the revolution start now" and that is all this president wants to see. once this occurs, then there will be marshall law declared by him, and then he will be the absolute power in these united states that is torn apart. this has really shown that there is a true rift in this government. 1776, 1860, 2010. let this so called great leader lead this torn country.

Hip-Hip – Hurray ! Free Healthcare! free? yea . . . right. Looks like its smoke-break time for our 'healthcare' president. It takes a Carter to get a Reagan. Is it 2012 yet?

It's about time this was accomplished! It's not done yet though, we still need to get a single-payer system but this gives the framework. Time will tell if it's worth it for Obama but it will certainly be worth it for the American people. How much damage it will do to Democrats depends on people's gullibility. If they give in to right wing fear tactics then it will be a problem. If they stand firm and think for themselves then we move forward as a nation.

FOOLS!!! we are not saying there shouldn't be healthcare reform...we are saying there should be..but not in this manner...we should have competition among healthcare insurers across state lines....that would lower costs dramatically...but NO!!! OBAMA wants to protect the insurance companies...this bill will cost $1 trillion – we CANNOT AFFORD IT!!

Yes, this was absolutely worth it! Congrats to Obama and his team for staying positive, being persistent, and fighting for what's right. Its sad when the country so noted for equality is so deceived and selfish so as to hinder every American citizen from accessing quality healthcare. I'm saddened when I think about family members whose insurance wouldn't cover certain procedures due to pre-existing conditions or children not having access to quality insurance.

Now there is hope! And what's more appauling is John McCain's statement that said there would be no more bi-partisan support for the remainder of the year. Well, if the vast majority of Repulicans feel the same, it only shows that they are as immature as a three year old. We elected people to fight for equality for everyone, not to hold grudges and play tit for tat because they didn't get their way!

ITS ABOUT TIME YOU AMERICANS WAKE UP AND READ BETWEEN THE LINES. THE ONLY GOOD POLITICANS OUT THERE ARE THE ONES THAT VOTED NO FOR THE HEALTH CARE.THIS HEALTH IS GOING TO BURY US MONEY WISE.THIS COUNTRY AT THE RATE WE ARE GOING IS HEADED FOR BROKE.TWO MANY AMERICANS SPOKE UP AND SAID THEY DID NOT WANT IT .BUT POLITICANS DID NOT LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE AND THAT IS THERE FIRST JOB TO LISTEN TO THE AMERICANS.THEY WORK FOR US NOT FOR THEMSELVES WHAT THE MAJORITY WANTS IS WHAT WE GET.IF YOU LOVE AMERICA AND WANT TO DO THE RIGHT THING VOTE ALL THE YESES OUT AT ELECTION TIME AND START STANDING UP FOR YOURSELVESOR YOU ALL WILL END UP BEING COMPLETELY CONTROLED.

Obama wins on this one. He said he'd get it done and he did. When reform is finally understood by most Americans, they support it. Nothing this huge happens without some pain. If we had done nothing, the cost to fix it in 10 years would be even more expensive. Republicans have no credibility when they do no offer credible solutions, only rejection.

I'm a Republican, I don't care that 32 more million people got insured. We have just mandated health care for all by increasing obligations of our country. Reconciliation has been used by both sides of the aisle and should be banned as a practice. The CBO did say this would save over 1.3 trillion over 2 decades. I don't understand why not one Republican voted for this when we are lowering the deficit by 1.3 trillion. As a Republican, this is a win in my book. Guess we will have to wait and see how accurate the CBO numbers really are.

Ask my childrens generation when they are my age if it was worth it? Not mine.

How about we worry about some things that put people in hospitals, like gangs and drugs. Things like illegal immigration and the fact that Mexico is heading down the proverbial crapper and dragging half our nation down with them... let's worry about the truck loads of immigrants being trafficed through tunnels built in our lands with bags of cocainse shoved up their ass and pushed to our kids. Let's worry about some stuff worth worrying about. We put too much of a priority on health care, and not enough on the violent crimes and gang wars spilling into our country. These gangs are organized factions fightings for land, just like the other empires in history. Driven by poverty and violent retaliation for further violence and they are tactically inserting themselves in our streets. And as a collective nation, we stand together, "strong and unified," and don't do a thing except wonder how we are going to provide health care to them.

I still love my country. I still love my country for what it can be... what it CAN be. But we are going in a very wrong direction and we are misguided in our priorities. May god bless America, we could use a prayer or two.

Yes, absolutely worth it!!!! Way to go Mr. Prez.

Congratulations President Obama, Speaker Nancy P. and all the DE moc rats who worked tirelessly to garner enough votes to make the bill to succeed. Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can!.....It has been a grim battle. The conflict, derailing of the agenda, and distorting facts by the Republicans! That is not the way to fight any longer in a connected society where facts are easily accessible. this defeats your purpose. Therefore, henceforth, please stick to facts. We all need access to healthcare whenever we are in need; or we will try Canada, Mexico, (those who can)or die, are there no Dr.s in US? Lets work for positive outcomes for US, and being world leaders... for the world as well.

why are we so hateful, because of the color of a person skin, This is why the GOP is is against health care reform. The reason the GOP doesn't want the health care reform to past ,because a lot of GOP are owners of Insurane companies. Racism is very much a life . know one should dislike a person because of the color of there skin. Racism is more alive now than ever, when president Obama won , it seen like a wave of racism can to the top, over the US. Everyone that you talk with has experience it. And stop saying they're crying racism everytime there a disagreement, because we are experiencing it all the time

President Obama has shown he works for the American people and I am very proud of the stand he and other Democrates have shown. There are 34 Democrates who need to stand up to the Republicans who are trying to bring this President down.

Some of you on here make me sick. "Yay, I get free healthcare, and I don't care who I step on to get it." Doctors got to school for 10 years, six more if they want to be a specialist. Then they intern for another 10, working 80 hour weeks making about $40,000 a year and spending half that in malpractise insurance just in case some other lazy bum decides to sue them for a papercut. Now here comes a bill that will reduce their compensation and increase their workloads so that you high school dropouts can demand of their time without taking the time to educate yourself, eat well, and exercise so you don't have heart attacks when you're 50. And this bill does NOTHING about that. As a matter of fact, it transfers student loans (usually $330K worth per doctor) to the federal government, who offers a higher interest rate than prospective students could get after consolidation.

And this probably won't be read because you "Hail Obama" freaks don't have the intelligence, work ethic, or education to understand the big words contained therein. As long as you get your handouts. though. This country is going to hell.

A better question is, was it worth it for the American People. The answer, ABSOLUTELY!

I am a physician specialized in cancer. I have been in practice now for more than 15 years from Chicago to Nebraska. We entered this profession as a calling, so whether we make less money with the health care reform, be it because we have something else to go by: we love our cancer patients, they keep us going. I cannot count how many times my patients were cured of cancer and came to my office crying because they just went financially bankrupt! Many times I look out the windows and started wondering: is this America?

Over the years, out of 10 patients, I have seen 7 with insurance and 3 without. You should look at the faces of those 3: when you are diagnosed with cancer and your other diagnosis is “no insurance”: basically 2 death sentences in a row! Many days I went home very sad thinking about those 3 patients. Now I don’t have to worry about the financial bankruptcy issues for my patients. Maybe I am worried too much, but I am always worried about my patients.

As I mentioned in the other post, shame on the Republicans who just denied some 32 million Americans a health reform and they still have no shame collecting monthly salary from tax payers’ money. This is not my only sentiment but is also my fellow physicians’ sentiment: they think the Republicans are simply a disaster. The American physicians and patients have been waiting too long for this. It finally came!!!

I think the fiscal numbers will look even better 10 years from now. Think about business and people are now less worried. Think about economy picking up soon. Think about economic growth. Think about possible extra sources of revenues the gov. can get to pay for this. When, and if whenever the wars end, we will have extra dollars for this program.

I believe in change. Of course change is always painful. Of course we will pay more tax, but think about this: in the whole Western World, the US is the only country with the least tax. So a bit more tax is fine, as long as there is “social justice”. No pain, no gain!
In the final analysis (10, 15, 20 years from now), things will work out just fine.

I voted for Obama and I am proud I did so!

At least we won't have to hear about Obama's "lack of executive experience" anymore. The guy quietly gets the job done. Quite a contrast to #43 beating his chest as he pranced around the deck of an aircraft carrier in a jumpsuit like one of the Village People.

Well done to President Obama and the Congress in the face of firece opposition to the healthcare bill. It is the right thing to do and they are on the right side of history which is how they will be remembered and judged. Not ratings Cara or polls.

Worthy was the pain Mr Oama took,what is amazing is how selfish we humans are,I use to think this was a problem only in Africa but I now see people all over the world are thesame. The opostion to this bill is not only shocking but shameful. I pray God bless every country in the world with leaders like Barack Obama who do not only think of themselves but of the plight of all citizens, BRAVO Mr President.

Y'know what's really cataclysmically disgusting? The fact that health care reform had to be achieved only after one of the bloodiest political battles in our history. What, may I ask, can POSSIBLY be a higher priority than the health of our own citizens?

I'm an American, but live in Mexico with a spinal disability, where I have full coverage – more than any insurance offers to Americans – and yet back home I'm uninsurable at ANY cost. This "Third World" country could give me what my own homeland denied to me. So how this bill turned out will have no impact on me, pro or con. It does matter to me, because the health of my fellow countrymen matters to me. I have no agendas; I'm safe, now. But I remain angry, because if I hadn't moved to Mexico, I'd be dead, right now – thanks to the abusive insurance industry.

Republicans can be relied upon to quickly approve deepening the national debt in order to launch a war – or expand an existing one. But provide every American with fine medical care without the fear of financial ruin? Never.

We have the Internet today. It has its virtues and its evils, but one thing about it is indisputable: it is the best debunking tool ever conceived by the mind of man. It is able to inform people in dictatorial states about what the outside world is like. It can open the cans of worms in their own governments, for all to see. No dictator is safe from the capacity of the Internet to expose them utterly. It debunked the lies, smears and propaganda of the Republicans all throughout the campaign – and yet they STILL used the same disreputable methods, even after they'd fallen flat.

The Republicans still have a powerful hold on the minds of the people in their "base," mostly because of selfish agendas which are important to those people. But the quality and accessibility of fine health care concerns every single person living in America. Including the Republican "base," many of whom are among the "ignorant-and-proud," lacking much education, and at prime risk of financial disaster from a major health problem. Yet even THEY were rabidly opposed to this bill! Against something in their own best interests! Those agendas must be mighty powerful indeed for people to oppose something they NEED so badly.

Hate, of course, is one of those indelible agendas. If they hate Obama, they MUST hate everything he's trying to do for our people – even things they themselves need. He's black, so his administration MUST be made to fail utterly.

Obama's election has brought out the full scope of our population's racism, and it is FAR greater than any of us could have imagined. If not for the Internet, though, we might have never learned this.

The Republicans love to decide who is and who isn't a REAL American. But racists truly are NOT real Americans, because they do not believe in the "all men are created equal," which has been the very cornerstone of our entire country. They are therefore not truly Americans, even though they still retain citizenship. I wish a way could be found to subtract citizenship from anyone who detests what our own Constitution says about equality. Most racists would merely go back underground, into the sewers where they belong, rather than be caught being openly racist. But even THAT would be an improvement.

You may not have considered it, but if you think about it, racism is the embryonic form of genocide. Nothing could possibly be more opposed to democracy than that! Given time and world enough, ALL hatreds will evolve into genocide – not "might," – "will." Even many racists don't grasp this, themselves, but they'd still fall easily into genocidal mode, given the opening to do so. Try to think of a worse "bad" than genocide. So now you know why hating groups of people is not only loathsome, but potentially very dangerous indeed.

Obama, I'm SO GLAD you're our president! You truly showed us that you'd give your all to give the American people an end to this perpetual suffering over the costs of health care. You fought as hard for US, for OUR health needs, as you did for your election as our president. In some ways, harder. Nor can I deny credit to those Dems in Congress, who fought so hard, endured so much, in order to make this reform a reality. Hats off to them all. And a finger in the eye to every single Dem who voted against it – NONE of their stated excuses comes out in the wash if it obstructs something we all need so desperately. Something worse – I haven't figured out yet what it should be – to each and every Republican, who have now, collectively, and QUITE publicly, told the American people that we don't count.

Many here are saying that supporters of this bill are expecting freebie health care – they've merely quaffed the purple drink, because there is no doubt that it will be paid for – by those who need the coverage, not just by taxes and going into debt. I have Medicare, but even that isn't a freebie. Americans know this is no freebie, either. What sticks in the craw of those opponents is that "people of color" will have equal access to health care now. THAT is the part they hate most. So, for them, I offer this wish: "may the fleas of a thousand camels infest their armpits."

After many concessions to the Republicans – which didn't result in a hair's worth of reciprocity – the bill is somewhat dog-eared and motheaten, but it's still a great victory. Because we now have a platform, an official one, upon which amendments can be made to refine it to the level where it ought to have been all along.

So, come November, let us ALL remember who gave us health reform – and WHO DIDN'T. This bill truly "separated the men from the boys," and so we'll know in November who to vote for – and who NOT to vote for. Kick the bums out! That means every Republican and those 30-odd Dems who opposed reform. They've shown us what they truly stand for, and that our needs don't begin to enter into it. So be it. And let's let them have a piece of our minds in November.

SORRY IT'S VERY PERSONAL OPINION
1)I think medicine in USA is 1 of the most advanced in the world, so resursh, and quality costs money.
2)yet every human being has the right to get treated if sick(ill).
3)systems of paying for services differ all over the world, so almost every one living in america, or resident should have a health isurance. this woun't be a decompensation, or that much load to the American ecenomic state or resession(humans are more important than money).
Conclusion; obama is doing great efforts, should be thanked, and in my experince, even if someone in america doesn't have a health insurance, he/she will be treated, even if chronic disease, and be billed acourding to his/her income, even medications will be under the usual price in the pharmacy. weather it's health insurance or discount, does not matter, i don't know if this is true in all states, but good job Obama, poeple if in need, at least is serious situations, like accidents, or real sickness, has got the right to be treated as humans. I do not know if this is true for certain situations like; cosmetic operations(breast implants), regualr checkups, not 100% indicated prosidures, operation for a herinia for exp, unless eg.strangulated, tonsilectomy in an adult, unless infection is more than about 4 times a year,...ect i mean to say if the patient really needs that money spent. bye bye, please do comment.