SCHIP

I would like to introduce Fault Line USA for some guest commentary about the battle over SCHIP.
““You have to wonder sometimes how Boehner and his Republican allies in the House can look at themselves in the mirror”
Daily Kos
“Well we don’t have to worry about these far, far lefties ever looking into themirror. Like most social vampires, they cast no reflection!”
– Faultline USAHere’s an excerpt of ABC’s blather that passes for journalism these days.. . .
Gathering on the White House lawn and the steps of Congress, the throngswere joined by children who pulled red wagons filled with over a millionpetitions, urging Congress to expand health insurance coverage for children.Yet,it appears that the effort may be in vain after Bush vetoed a bill on Wednesdaythat would have renewed and expanded SCHIP. . .Health policy experts now say lowand moderate income families like the Taylors will be hit the hardest if theveto stands, and individuals fear the social and financial consequences.Congresshas already passed legislation which would reauthorize and expand the program byadding $35 billion over five years, and covering an additional 4 millionchildren — a plan funded by raising the federal cigarette tax by 61 cents to $1per pack. . .Sweets & Light has a great response to ABC’s blatant pandering to the left on the SCHIP veto.Here’s an excerpt (but please go read all of it).. . .
Never mind that President Bush only vetoed a $35 billion dollar expansion of theSCHIP program. There is absolutely no reason to believe that this suddenlyprecious boondoggle (that most people had never even heard of before) will beeliminated. . .. . .But just look at this exercise in objective journalism. Seeif you can find any mention of any possible objections to the SCHIP program. ..Did ABC News speak to anyone except those who were benefiting from thetaxpayers’ (unwitting) generosity? Did this reporter ask any hardworkingfamilies what they thought about paying for other peoples’ kids healthinsurance? . . .. . .Unfortunately, every day we are fed an endless stream ofexecrable, agenda-driven articles like this one, masquerading as news. Articlesso blatant in their purpose they would have even made Hitler or Stalin’s minionsat their respective ministries of propaganda blush.But because our watchdogmedia think they are serving such a noble purpose they are proud of theirefforts rather than ashamed.Of course that is exactly what they believed inHitler and Stalin’s ministries as well.Politico writers Kady II and O’Connor believe that an override veto is unlikely. . .Here’s an excerpt.It’s highly unlikely any House Republican will turn 180degrees and vote to override President Bush’s veto, but nonetheless, Democratshave decided to draw the issue out for two more weeks, until they hold the vetooverride.Interviews with several of the targeted House Republicans — all of whomare considered vulnerable in next year’s elections and are under pressure tochange their vote on State Children’s Health Insurance Program — give littleindication that any of them would flip-flop on such a high-profile issue.
If an override passes, the Daily Kos confirms our worst fears with typicalforked-tongue twisting. No I won’t hyperlink this far left nutcase blog. Here’sthe link.www(dot)dailykos(dot)com/storyonly/2007/10/4/81915/3035Here’s anexcerpt:Which uninsured children are the wrong people? And who is this programintended to help?This report provides an overview of citizen and noncitizenchildren in immigrant families in the United States and their access to SCHIP.The section entitled "ImmigrantChildren at Risk" describes the population, their rising numbers, and theirlack of health insurance. The next section reviews the effects of the 1996welfare reform law on immigrants' eligibility for health care, and studies thatindicate enrollment is down even for eligible immigrant families. The reportthen examines some of the factors affecting enrollment, such as fears of publiccharge, verification of citizenship and immigrant status, and language andcultural barriers. Finally, the paper outlines examples of state responsesthrough state-funded health care and improvements in outreach, application andenrollment. Examples from California, Texas, New Mexico and Florida are given.The appendices include definitions for common immigration terms and adescription of federal funds available for outreach and enrollment to theimmigrant population (SCHIP, Medicaid, and the Temporary Assistance for NeedyFamilies program.). . . While Boehner appeals to Fortress America, statelegislatures are trying to sign these eligible kids up, because we all pay fortheir care in ERs when they don't get care in a medical home. That's why 45governors support SCHIP, from Jodi Rell (R-CT) to Arnold Schwarzenegger(R-CA).You have to wonder sometimes how Boehner and his Republican allies in theHouse can look at themselves in the mirror.Well we don’t have to worry about these far, far lefties looking into the mirror. Like most social vampires, they cast no reflection!