President Obama Makes Impassioned Case For Health Care Reform

In a candid, impassioned speech addressed to Congress and the Nation, President Obama made the case for the need for health care reform. Taking to the airwaves last night, the President outlined in concise terms his vision for the Nation's healthcare system and how that vision for healthcare, more specifically universal healthcare, is a benefit for all Americans. The President gave stirring examples of how the present healthcare system is affecting all Americans and contrast the situation to his vision of a universal healthcare plan. The President even read a letter from late Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy that Kennedy wrote shortly after being diagnosed with brain cancer. In the Senator's own words, he stated that healthcare reform was "that great unfinished business of our society" and that health care reform would soon come to pass.  The letter brought tears to the eyes of those in attendance for the President's remarks. Senator Kennedy's widow, Victoria Reggie Kennedy could be seen in the First Ladies Gallery with First Lady Michelle Obama blinking back tears from her eyes. President Obama also chastised members of the GOP for using scare tactics to influence constituents not to take into consideration or seek healthcare reform, sparking an outburst from a member of Congress.  He cited language such as "death panels" and "goverment takeover" as a smokescreen to blindside Americans from making an informed decision concerning their health care coverage.  

President Obama also did not hold his tongue when addressing how health insurers rob Americans of affordable health care coverage by raising premiums to outlandish rates and then dropping Americans when they cannot afford to pay such rates thereby putting their health at risk. He also stated that when the health care reform bill is passed, it will be unlawful for an insurance company to deny you coverage due to a preexisting condition and it will be unlawful for an insurance company to drop a patient when they become ill or decrease coverage when you need it the most. The President also addressed senior citizens, vowed to protect Medicare stating that the Medicare Trust Fund would not be used to pay for this new health care system. President Obama also said that the main goal of healthcare reform is to save billions of dollars by eliminating waste and fraud. He called upon members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to act swiftly and appropriately to pass this healthcare legislation to provide quality, affordable health coverage for all.