The noise is starting to get to me, interfere with me on a personal basis. You guys are great but to even see words in print such as "squaresville" or "readerreader", I get hives.

After watching Barry O, it occurs to me that now the big megaphones come out. The moral validity of the single payer argument can no longer be assailed but that may mean we'll now suffer an even greater onslaught of innuendo, constant "gotcha" arguments, and endless complaints about minutiae.

I know, be strong. But both on and offline, I'm starting to reflexively de-ball Republicans. I no longer tolerate an argument from any of them. There are no sides, it's my way/highway time and like anyone who's this full of self-righteousness, I'll claim they brought it on themselves.

It's not winning me friends and I've got a headache.

It's a 19th century joke.;)

People aren't getting enough cheese.

Stunning in it's venality.

Disingenuous and inappropriate.

A minor masterpiece in focused screw jobs.

Isn't this like "The Stand"? Maybe I'm thinking of a Wes Craven movie.

Joe B. may be a bit of a knucklehead but it sounds as if you're encouraging the kind of behavior for which we vilify these politicians: obfuscating.

Joe might not speak diplomatically or strategically. God knows many of our citizens are language and logic-challenged. But, referring to an old expression, to "tell it like it is" only helps to keep us grounded and on the same page.

The POV of the writer suggests someone entrenched like the so-called mainstream media, who seem too willing to play the semantics games of the Inner Beltway.

These functionaries are going through motions that are meaningful only to themselves.

Every moment, every comment is a waste of our money. The mere involvement of these individuals means nothing will happen.

How long does the media need to witness the charade before they call it for what it is?

You're worthless. You can't even say what "Obamacare" is. Because it isn't, fool.

I thought the headline "Sarah Palin finishes her book" meant that Sarah Palin finished reading a book.

I just read the Times article about some states passing laws against insurance mandates. This won't be an issue. Don’t these politicians get that there will be no insurance? A single payer environment doesn’t require it.

But the article did point out a misunderstanding that needs correction. Someone in the article seemed to think that if they didn’t have employer coverage and refused mandated insurance that they had the “choice” to remain uncovered.

No, no, all you little libertarians and anarchists, EVERYONE is covered, for all your life, forever. No insurance, just coverage.

Same thing for what’s covered. Everything is covered. Jon Kyl says he doesn’t want maternity coverage. Sorry Jon. To maximize low cost/high quality, we just take care of everyone all the time for whatever.

The ONLY solution is comprehensive single payer health care for all, for life, paid transparently through taxes. No insurance. No "mandates". No exceptions.

That’s how that works.

One of the revealing things about this health care debate is that it illuminates the base motivation behind political philosophies.

However hobbled or badly built the Democratic approach, at it's base it's about providing affordable care for people, however one defines it.

The view of the right seems to be: if you can't afford it, tough. You didn't live your life correctly, you didn't work hard enough or properly, you don't have money, suck it up. If only there were more charities then you could have a poor substitute for proper care.

I'm biased, of course. I'm not a Democrat but I believe a country's moral authority rests on how well it's citizens are treated. Under the right wing/Republican, people are neglected in favor of profits and based on a philosophy of which I want no part.

When I can pay my bills on time and I'm back to three meals a day, I'LL call YOU, how 'bout that?

It ain't over 'til it's over. Fucking morons.

@Zorkna

What, you just sit around and make stuff up? Everyone who has a job is affected by a recession except, as we've been reminded again and again, the rich.

Friend help friends, families help families, charities are over-taxed as are municipal services. People can't spend, businesses suffer.

You really just exist to blow smoke, yes? You sit in front of your monitor lonely and bereft and rain on everyone's parade.

Nice.

Morans on Parade.

Your blindingly sharp riposte to me made no sense. Go back and read it then pat yourself on the back for attempting to use one of the oldest rhetorical tricks. And failing, utterly.

You think you're clever and you're a dullard.

Attention whore? Misanthrope? Terribly terribly lonely dude in a little room somewhere?

All of the above?

I mean, what is it, Zorkna, existence justification? Your parents beat you, keep you tied up?

You've got nothing. You never have anything but negativity, rudeness or irrelevant blather. Over and over and over again..

My name is Zorkna. What, you've not heard of me? Oh you will. Stick around and watch me post. And post. and post.

And many of us don't want the games. A colossal waste of money in a city who needs every buck for infrastructure and curing social ills.

Chicago is already a great, shiny city. The money suck would be a great detriment.

And I think femaleness is the worstest thing I can use to insult someone.

I hope I have good luck with that.