Would It Be True to Say that W. Bush Does Not Care About the Health of Poor Children in the U.S.?

Question

The President made clear which side of health care progress he's on when he recently stated his intention to veto a Senate bill to increase funds for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The bipartisan bill proposes to put another $35 billion over five years into a program designed to help families who cannot afford health insurance but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. “When you expand eligibility, you're really beginning to open up an avenue for people to switch from private insurance to the government," says Bush.
Listening to the President, you just have to ask: What is so damn holy about insurance companies? Should their profits always take precedence over children's health needs?
But what's an extra $35 billion over five years for children's health when compared to the $8.4 billion a month the Iraq war now costs the United States? Indeed, the $5 billion SCHIP currently receives annually in federal funds equals only about three weeks of the war's costs.

Mr.Wise:Government Programs that have worked for decades-
Medicare
Social Security
Police Departments
Fire Departments
Veterans Administrations
FAA (contrary to 9/11-Zelicow-Commission claims)

Answer 1

Of course any answer to this question basically revolves around which side of the political spectrum you're on- I shouldn't be amazed at the overly simplistic ranting answers your question has received (or really the overly simplistic question you propose, though, in general, I support your thesis).
Your question is supported by one piece of evidence, which you supply carefully & thoughtfully. This piece of legislation was, as you indicated, "bipartisan" which means it had support of both parties. So it can't be simply described as "liberal" or "conservative," "Republican," or "Democrat". Based on Bush's record though and his unwavering support for the private insurance industry, I would say Bush is opposed to ANY government sponsored health care initiative. The basic mantra of the economic conservatives is "let the people take care of themselves w/ whatever means they have" except when it comes to defense spending. The war in Iraq is a disaster and has no basis for support. The SCHIP program has a reliable track record & broad support. Now make your OWN educated opinion, not some idiotic "bleeding heart" rant from EITHER side.

Answer 2

Actuaries project that Medicare Part A will be insolvent by 2017 and this is based on relatively conservative projections of growth in medical costs. Rather than focus on a solution for this, the President and Congress jointly decided to pass yet another entitlement program (Part D). Now you are talking about expanding an existing entitlement program. Where do you think the money will come from? Especially given the fact that the number of retirees will soon be increasing markedly. This is also true for the Universal Healthcare idea. The idea of care for all 300 million people sounds nice in a Utopian world, but where do you get the funding? I would prefer that my taxes not be raised to 60/70% to fund programs that are just not feasible in the long term.

Answer 3

The president is trying to fight what seems to be the inevitable fall into socialized health care system in the United States or at least socialized forced insurance. You are picking this specific piece of legislation and trying to show that the president does not care about children yet the man gives millions every year to charities that help children. Children are the responsibility of their parents to take care of, not the responsibility of everyone else. Many parents cannot afford to send their kids to college or give them the appropriate health care because they are having their hard earned money forcefully taken in taxes to take care of everyone else. Take some responsibility for your actions and for yourself instead of trying to claim the president and people against socialized health care systems and social welfare programs in general do not care about "the children"

Answer 4

"What is so damn holy about insurance companies? Should their profits always take precedence over children's health needs?"

Its not about insurance profits, its about not being dependant upon the government for your needs.

Answer 5

Well I didn't read all your info just your question....My first reaction was yes it's true but its not because I am poor and there are programs helping me...I'm sick and had cancer and still have problems...no way I could pay for all that myself...so someone is.

Answer 6

I've had this before - you actually pay for it. It's a wonderful program that allowed my husband and I to start our own company.

Answer 7

Well, lets put it this way... If it werent for the war to begin with, we could be up a creek without a paddle... But I agree with you totally, the war has gone on too long.. and what are we in like 8+ trillion dollars in debt?
its ridiculous...
I think we should all go watch Michael Moores movie Sicko...
that should help us out... lol

Answer 8

Yes, it's true. He also hates blacks and Mexicans.

He's probably working on an anti-poor-children-blacks-and Mexicans bomb right now.


No President is perfect. He's done a few things right.

Answer 9

Poor kids get better health care than kids whose parents have insurance. I think you are just another victim of the socialist crowd. Do you homework.

Answer 10

No, it's not true. Bush knows who will be paying for this new boondoggle, you and I in the form of taxes. Can you name a government program that actually works?