Obama to visit Ireland - thoughts?

jimmynokia

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0226/1224290929566.html

I found an article which says President Obama might visit Ireland.

This might tie in with the Queen's visit

What do you think?

I remember the day Bill Clinton was here - will Obama get the same reception?

Eliot Rosewater

Posters setting up new topics are expected to give an opinion, or at least something substantial. If you are ready to give such you can PM me and I'll open this again, or you can start a new thread.

/mod.

Eliot Rosewater

Thread re-opened and OP's opinion inserted.

/mod

Overheal

Ireland is full of liberals, he'll be greeted with fanfare and circkle jerking. Good for him.

Eliot Rosewater

Yeah, a lot of people drool over him. I think young people especially forget that he is a politician and is in the same career line as the likes of Ahern and Cowen, and not immune to vested interests and other such niceties.

PeterIanStaker

It'll be good PR for Enda & Co but it'll mean shag all. We're still screwed.

TheUsual

It would be good for the public mood here I reckon.
Take the attention off the IMF/EU mess.

Also we would get TV coverage in the USA, so we might get some empathy, tourism and jobs from the USA.
He gets the Irish-American vote for life. It's a win-win scenario.

Denerick

Obama breathes pure cool.

I guarantee you a few Republican hard left nutters will still be out protesting though. Something to do with Israel and Palestine, I'd wager.

Anonymous1987

Eliot Rosewater wrote: »

Yeah, a lot of people drool over him. I think young people especially forget that he is a politician and is in the same career line as the likes of Ahern and Cowen, and not immune to vested interests and other such niceties.

True but which of Obama's vested interests conflict with Irish interests? I'd imagine a visit will be very well received and would be a little boost for the country if immaterial to the real issues facing the country.

Anonymous1987

Denerick wrote: »

Obama breathes pure cool.

I guarantee you a few Republican hard left nutters will still be out protesting though. Something to do with Israel and Palestine, I'd wager.

Eirigi I'd imagine, they're always up for a protest.

Overheal

Denerick wrote: »

Obama breathes pure cool.

...aid? :pac:

He's a character alright but he's a politician. Far from perfect.

Denerick

Overheal wrote: »

...aid? :pac:

He's a character alright but he's a politician. Far from perfect.

STFU.

He is clearly Jesus.

'We are the people we've been waiting for'.

Just thinking about it makes my spine go all tingly.

And I'm not even that drunk.

Anonymous1987

I did find it amusing how open a key organiser of the event was in stating the reason for the visit was winning votes from Irish Americans:

“Virtually every president makes a pilgrimage to Ireland with an eye on domestic politics,” Mr Neal said. “I advised the White House a year and half ago that the president should visit Ireland.”

KeithAFC

Enjoy your trip to the republic obama.

TheUsual

KeithAFC wrote: »

Enjoy your trip to the republic obama.

Such a thread whore.

SB-08

Good news if you ask me. Would be a good lift for the country and good for the local economies etc. Him and The Queen coming in the same month? Will cost quite a bit.:pac:

pablomakaveli

I'm not too bothered whether he comes or not tbh. I thought he was a bit overhyped during the US presidential campaign. Still he's better than Bush.

If he does come though it'll probably be cringworthy when his distant Offaly ancestor is repeatedly brought up.

Wolfe Tone

If he pays for it... we cant afford state visits

MASTER...of the bra

Link

Bush visit cost taxpayer €8m


10/12/2004 - 18:09:47
Garda manpower for policing President George W Bush’s visit to Ireland cost the State a staggering €8m, it emerged tonight.

Joe Costello, Labour Party justice spokesman, said taxpayers had the right to question whether the huge expenses were warranted for what appeared to be a pre-election photo-opportunity for the President.

The Department of Justice confirmed 169,021 Garda overtime hours were required to provide security for the 18-hour visit last June.

“I think the Irish taxpayer is entitled to ask if we got value for the huge expenditure involved in what appeared to be basically a pre-election photo-opportunity for President Bush,” he said.

“Any political leader coming to this country has the right to expect that all appropriate action is taken to ensure his or her security.

However, crime-harassed communities, which are being starved of Garda resources, will be astonished to find the Government had no difficulty in coming up with apparently limitless Garda resources for the visit and that money did not appear to be a problem.”

The joint Garda and Defence Forces protection plan was billed as the biggest ever security operation in the history of the State.

More than 2,000 troops, heavy armoured vehicles, four naval ships and Air Corps planes surrounded Shannon Airport in Co Clare as the President’s flew in for a EU-US summit meeting in June of this year.

A massive police operation involving 4,000 officers was also mounted outside the walls of the exclusive Dromoland Castle Hotel in Co Clare, where the President spent a night.

Mr Costello said the figure was expected to rise. He said Michael McDowell, Justice Minister, could not give a final tally due to claims and other outstanding miscellaneous charges.

With Garda overtime costs running at around 25 euro per hour the total cost of the overtime alone is understood to have amounted to around 4.225m euro.

Mr Costello said that based on an annual average salary of around 40,000 euro for a garda, the 8.027m euro would be sufficient to pay for 200 additional officers.

wylo

I think the visit will be cringy, he we are , a fairly conservative right wing country that opposes radical change but likes to pretend to itself that its not one, and we carry on about Obama as if hes the second coming, even though the majority of our voters would clearly vote republican if we were over there and put in the boots of the American voters.

As for the reception, I dont think anything will top Clintons visit for a long time, for a few reasons, firstly America isnt nearly as popular as it was when he arrived, most of this brought on by the ignorant views of Bush, secondly, they started 2 very unpopular wars, thirdly Clinton showed great interest in the peace process, fourthly, I cant see Obama having the same type of freedom in terms of public speaking that Clinton had.

All that said, I would like to see him here, because I think despite all that , it would simply lift our spirits a bit, and no doubt Obama would use his great public speaking skills ,comment on our economy, and give us some sort of 'hope' speech, and maybe remind us that we need to get our heads out of our asses and start concentrating on making the economy better again. It might just stick with some people you never know.

Einhard

wylo wrote: »

I think the visit will be cringy, he we are , a fairly conservative right wing country that opposes radical change but likes to pretend to itself that its not one, and we carry on about Obama as if hes the second coming, even though the majority of our voters would clearly vote republican if we were over there and put in the boots of the American voters.

I don't think we are to be honest. Maybe in the past, but not so much at present. We're just after legislating for civil partnership, and won't be long before full gay marriage gets the go ahead. In that sense, we're far less conservative than most of Obama's constituents.

Public Speaking Ireland

Think it will be a good thing overall - obviously we'll get our usual protestors (there's always some no matter what the event) - but if it brings us a bit of tourism and positive international press coverage, who are we to complain?

We'll obviously waiting to see what kind of speech he gives :-)

mikemac

You can't buy this kind of publicity.
It'd be good for tourism hopefully

I'd be even happier if Dan Rooney brought over the Pittsburgh Steelers for a game!

Public Speaking Ireland

feelingstressed - I'm with you on the Steeler's!!

Saruman

The man served homebrew at the whitehouse superbowl party. Now that is just cool and impressive.
It would have been more impressive if he brewed it himself but the fact he appreciates good beer means he is alright in my book.

I worked in Gateway when Clinton was over. That was some reception.

Public Speaking Ireland

Have a feeling someone, somewhere will be rolling this out before he arrives (or when he's having a pint in Moneygall) to show him...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HplZ_taHXLM&feature=related

whiteonion

What's so special about Obama anyway? He's just a politician like the rest of them.

Einhard

whiteonion wrote: »

What's so special about Obama anyway? He's just a politician like the rest of them.

He's the leader of the world's only superpower...

whiteonion

Einhard wrote: »

He's the leader of the world's only superpower...

and why should we care?

dlofnep

I like some of Obama's policies - But he has welched alot and become conformist, under the pressure of the GOP. He should be commended for trying to bring accessible healthcare to the most vulnerable in society - but I strongly oppose his foreign policy views. If people protest, then there will be certainly merit in it. Vetos in support of Israel while it continues it's settlement expansion, failure to close down Guantanamo Bay and then some..

dlofnep

wylo wrote: »

I think the visit will be cringy, he we are , a fairly conservative right wing country that opposes radical change but likes to pretend to itself that its not one

LOL - Bollocks we are.

joseph brand

Big news for Trekkies, he was great in Voyager.

This country needs any sort of a lift it can get.

Einhard

whiteonion wrote: »

and why should we care?

Because American companies account for a huge proportion of our GDP, and a huge amount of Irish jobs; American tourists account for a huge amount of out tourism industry; because a visit by the American president would gaurantee a huge amount of valuable coverage in a huge receptive market; because close relations with America has traditionally been good for Ireland. Even were you to ignore all this, why would we snub the leader of the world's largest economy, and the 2nd largest democracy?

irishh_bob

Denerick wrote: »

Obama breathes pure cool.

I guarantee you a few Republican hard left nutters will still be out protesting though. Something to do with Israel and Palestine, I'd wager.

obama doesnt fit the profile of who hard left nutters would be out in force against

Jim236

I really hope this happens and it'll be a great day for the country if it does.

irishh_bob

wylo wrote: »

I think the visit will be cringy, he we are , a fairly conservative right wing country that opposes radical change but likes to pretend to itself that its not one, and we carry on about Obama as if hes the second coming, even though the majority of our voters would clearly vote republican if we were over there and put in the boots of the American voters.

As for the reception, I dont think anything will top Clintons visit for a long time, for a few reasons, firstly America isnt nearly as popular as it was when he arrived, most of this brought on by the ignorant views of Bush, secondly, they started 2 very unpopular wars, thirdly Clinton showed great interest in the peace process, fourthly, I cant see Obama having the same type of freedom in terms of public speaking that Clinton had.

All that said, I would like to see him here, because I think despite all that , it would simply lift our spirits a bit, and no doubt Obama would use his great public speaking skills ,comment on our economy, and give us some sort of 'hope' speech, and maybe remind us that we need to get our heads out of our asses and start concentrating on making the economy better again. It might just stick with some people you never know.

trust me , if the population of ireland were transported to america , the GOP wouldnt want to be relying on us for votes , irish people are hard left compared to the republican party in america

wylo

dlofnep wrote: »

LOL - Bollocks we are.

not surprised at this reaction because im talking to boards.ie which is not at all a true representation of the actual population of Ireland.

We are just after electing our most right wing party,more right wing than FF, we are just about getting over our religious obsessions, and this is mainly due to the likes of the Murphy report revelations not a massive rise in atheism.

Abortion is still very much illegal and I wouldnt be surprised if we voted against it again in a referendum.
We have serious ignorance problems when it comes to both refugees and the influx of Nigerians etc.
We treat travellers the way black people were treated in America in the early 20th century.

When it comes to liberal decisions like legislating civil partnership (thats not even gay marriage and still doesnt allow adoption), it is generally under the influence of our European counterparts.

We think it looks strange when someone has a crazy haircut, dresses weirdly or when you see two men walking down the road holding hands, in other countries people wouldnt bat an eyelid.

We like to fool ourselves, especially people on forums who are generally younger liberal urban/suburban dwellers but the truth is, Ireland as a population is far far more conservative than the rest of Europe, and I believe we as a country would fit more into the moderate republican agenda in America (im not talking about the bible belt racist 'they teeeuukk or jeeooobs' types, just normal republicans).

wylo

irishh_bob wrote: »

trust me , if the population of ireland were transported to america , the GOP wouldnt want to be relying on us for votes , irish people are hard left compared to the republican party in america

im not putting it like that though, we'd be all voting obama no doubt if we were all shipped over and could vote. Im saying that our way of thinking is more in line with moderate normal republicanism in America than it is with the liberal left. The reason i said it would be cringy in my first post is because I believe that despite this, from the outside , we all think Obama is great, yet we choose here to pick the least radical/least political reform party in the country as a replacement for Fianna Fail.

You have to remember that republicans arent all bible bashing red necks, it was the republican party that pushed for gay marriage and legalisation of cannabis in california.

Dont get me wrong, if you reread my first post , youll find that Id love to see Obama here, it would be great for the country.

irishh_bob

wylo wrote: »

not surprised at this reaction because im talking to boards.ie which is not at all a true representation of the actual population of Ireland.

We are just after electing our most right wing party,more right wing than FF, we are just about getting over our religious obsessions, and this is mainly due to the likes of the Murphy report revelations not a massive rise in atheism.

Abortion is still very much illegal and I wouldnt be surprised if we voted against it again in a referendum.
We have serious ignorance problems when it comes to both refugees and the influx of Nigerians etc.
We treat travellers the way black people were treated in America in the early 20th century.

When it comes to liberal decisions like legislating civil partnership (thats not even gay marriage and still doesnt allow adoption), it is generally under the influence of our European counterparts.

We think it looks strange when someone has a crazy haircut, dresses weirdly or when you see two men walking down the road holding hands, in other countries people wouldnt bat an eyelid.

We like to fool ourselves, especially people on forums who are generally younger liberal urban/suburban dwellers but the truth is, Ireland as a population is far far more conservative than the rest of Europe, and I believe we as a country would fit more into the moderate republican agenda in America (im not talking about the bible belt racist 'they teeeuukk or jeeooobs' types, just normal republicans).

could you please elaborate on your statement that we are ignorant about the issues of nigerians or immigration for that matter

as for your point about abortion , why is it automatically assumed by ( so called liberals ) that making abortion freely available is a sign of progress ?

as for your reference to travellers and comparing them to the plight of african americans in the usa in the past , since when were travellers prevented from voting or attending schools with everyone else or prevented from travelling on public transport with other IRISH people

your post is bordering on a carracture of a right on PC liberals musings

Einhard

wylo wrote: »

We are just after electing our most right wing party,more right wing than FF, we are just about getting over our religious obsessions, and this is mainly due to the likes of the Murphy report revelations not a massive rise in atheism.

You mention "right wing" as if FG were going around the place beating up trade unionists, and banning free assembly. FG is more to the centre than a number of the ruling right wing parties in Europe at the moment, and far to the left of the Republicans. Indeed, FG is to the left of Obama's own party!

Abortion is still very much illegal and I wouldnt be surprised if we voted against it again in a referendum.

I'd vote against abortion, and I'm very much socially liberal. Those who oppose abortion on demand are far from the homogenous group that proponents make out.

We have serious ignorance problems when it comes to both refugees and the influx of Nigerians etc.

Ireland has had one of the highest new immigrant populations per capita in the EU over the past decade, and there have been very few problems. There have been no major issues with any of our minority ethnic populations, unlike in some of our European allies. Those bastions of liberality, the Swiss have just banned minarets, whilst France and Belgium now seek to dictate what a woman can and cannot wear on her head!!

We treat travellers the way black people were treated in America in the early 20th century.

Silly analogy. Travellers have to shoulder a fair proportion of the burden for the society's attitude towards them. They are treated far better here than the Roma and other such groups are treated in other European nations.

When it comes to liberal decisions like legislating civil partnership (thats not even gay marriage and still doesnt allow adoption), it is generally under the influence of our European counterparts.

Legislating for civil partnership wasn't introduced by dictat from Brussels. We were under no compulsion to introduce such measures. I fail to see how facilitating the union of gay men and women can possibly be used to sustain a charge of conservative narrow mindedness.

We think it looks strange when someone has a crazy haircut, dresses weirdly or when you see two men walking down the road holding hands, in other countries people wouldnt bat an eyelid.

Eh, if it didn't look strange, it wouldn't be a crazy hair cut, would it? And in most other locations in Europe and America, barring the larger cities, a gay couple hand in hand might attract some attention. However, noticing something out of the ordinary is far from an indication of innate conservatism.

We like to fool ourselves, especially people on forums who are generally younger liberal urban/suburban dwellers but the truth is, Ireland as a population is far far more conservative than the rest of Europe, and I believe we as a country would fit more into the moderate republican agenda in America (im not talking about the bible belt racist 'they teeeuukk or jeeooobs' types, just normal republicans).

I'm sorry, but the evidence you put forward to support your initial contention doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Granted, we are less liberal than some of our European neighbours, but we are far more liberal than others, and certainly not a nation that reflexively opposes radical change, or Republican party fellow travellers.

Einhard

wylo wrote: »

yet we choose here to pick the least radical/least political reform party in the country as a replacement for Fianna Fail.

So, by your reckoning, the most radical course of action must always be the best one? And failure to subscribe to such radical policies are indicative of conservative mindedness?

The reason that more people didn't vote for SF or the various far-left groups isn't because they're too radical, it's because they think their policies are completely loony.

Incidentally, considering SF got 10% of the vote, the general far left (radical) vote must have been approximately 15% of ballots cast, which by reckoning gives the Irish far-left one of the highest representations in a national parliament in Europe. And yet you charge that, in comparison to Europe, we're not radical enough? Seriously, your arguments don't add up at all. Even the evidence you present holds against you.

Min

http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/local/the_battle_for_obama_1_2441244

The Kilkenny people claims:

Members of the US diplomatic corps in Ireland and officials from a number of US intelligence and security agencies have been in Kilkenny city in recent weeks on a reconnaissance mission.

I hope he comes, we have connections with Obama. I would also like the Queen to come, all would be great for tourism.

wylo

Ok im not going to get into a quote battle, but ill try and address each point

Firstly, I think you are taking my version of being conservative and right wing too extreme, i meant we take a more conservative view, that doesnt mean we dont have any liberal views. Hence my example about California. It also doesnt mean we are bad people , because we are not.

Einhard, to answer your point,

So, by your reckoning, the most radical course of action must always be the best one? And failure to subscribe to such radical policies are indicative of conservative
mindedness?

No. When did I say the most radical course of action is the best one? I think people are picking me up wrong, there is a stigma attached to having right wing views, i am not saying whether one is wrong or right, or better or worse. I dont care, as I keep reminding you, I am not talking bible bashing redneck conservatism, just simply holding right wing views on things.


Its not the same in Dublin or the bigger cities, but in some rural areas foreigners are treated with contempt , travellers are feared/disrespected and accused of theft, cons, hustling, a general nuisance to society, this may ring true for some but not all.
The 'strange haircut' is treated as someone looking for attention, I never said it was innate conservatism, bare in mind that its ignorance that makes you conservative, if you are more and more exposed to something you will eventually start swaying the other direction, because it will become normal.

Rgarding your point about France not being able to wear something on their head, why do you think they are doing that? It is not because they are too conservative and right wing, it is in fact the opposite, they are trying their best to create a secular country.

Regarding abortion , fair enough, whether you agree with it or dont , you cannot deny that it is generally the more liberal/left party view that maybe abortion is ok in certain circumstances. Again, PLEASE dont take that of context and presume im saying abortion is the 'better' option, im not saying that, its just the more liberal option.


Anyway ill concede and admit that you are correct, we are obviously less conservative than I thought, but I really think Im being taken out of context when i give examples of our right wing/conservative views. They seem to be coming across as if I am saying they are all bad points. There is plenty room in society for a right wing view too you know.

Also I get the feeling that posters here dont come from proper rural areas and so dont see genuine conservatism in its entirety and hence cannot fathom how I believe that we are capable of holding such views.

Denerick

I'm a very liberal person myself but in work, and in most social spheres I am constantly confronted by a deeply engrained conservatism, both cultural and political. While attitudes towards homosexuals, for example, may have softed among some, in reality most Irish social circles are incredibly hostile to such 'eccentricities'. Once you go out of the cities and into the provincial towns like Longford, Nenagh, Cavan etc. you come to the heart of Irish society. Not overly bad, but hardly representative of the boards.ie liberal consensus...

OhNoYouDidn't

Denerick wrote: »

I'm a very liberal person myself but in work, and in most social spheres I am constantly confronted by a deeply engrained conservatism, both cultural and political. While attitudes towards homosexuals, for example, may have softed among some, in reality most Irish social circles are incredibly hostile to such 'eccentricities'. Once you go out of the cities and into the provincial towns like Longford, Nenagh, Cavan etc. you come to the heart of Irish society. Not overly bad, but hardly representative of the boards.ie liberal consensus...

How are small towns like Nenagh the 'heart' of Irish society?

zig

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

How are small towns like Nenagh the 'heart' of Irish society?

because there is 100s if not 1000s of them all around the country.

Jim236

Min wrote: »

I would also like the Queen to come, all would be great for tourism.

Which Queen is that now? The Swedish one? The Danish one? The British one? The Spanish one? You've got to be a bit more specific.;)

irishh_bob

wylo wrote: »

Ok im not going to get into a quote battle, but ill try and address each point

Firstly, I think you are taking my version of being conservative and right wing too extreme, i meant we take a more conservative view, that doesnt mean we dont have any liberal views. Hence my example about California. It also doesnt mean we are bad people , because we are not.

Einhard, to answer your point, No. When did I say the most radical course of action is the best one? I think people are picking me up wrong, there is a stigma attached to having right wing views, i am not saying whether one is wrong or right, or better or worse. I dont care, as I keep reminding you, I am not talking bible bashing redneck conservatism, just simply holding right wing views on things.


Its not the same in Dublin or the bigger cities, but in some rural areas foreigners are treated with contempt , travellers are feared/disrespected and accused of theft, cons, hustling, a general nuisance to society, this may ring true for some but not all.
The 'strange haircut' is treated as someone looking for attention, I never said it was innate conservatism, bare in mind that its ignorance that makes you conservative, if you are more and more exposed to something you will eventually start swaying the other direction, because it will become normal.

Rgarding your point about France not being able to wear something on their head, why do you think they are doing that? It is not because they are too conservative and right wing, it is in fact the opposite, they are trying their best to create a secular country.

Regarding abortion , fair enough, whether you agree with it or dont , you cannot deny that it is generally the more liberal/left party view that maybe abortion is ok in certain circumstances. Again, PLEASE dont take that of context and presume im saying abortion is the 'better' option, im not saying that, its just the more liberal option.


Anyway ill concede and admit that you are correct, we are obviously less conservative than I thought, but I really think Im being taken out of context when i give examples of our right wing/conservative views. They seem to be coming across as if I am saying they are all bad points. There is plenty room in society for a right wing view too you know.

Also I get the feeling that posters here dont come from proper rural areas and so dont see genuine conservatism in its entirety and hence cannot fathom how I believe that we are capable of holding such views.

how is it conservative to fear those who have a track record of commiting violence and engaging in dysfunctional anti social behaviour like travellers do in numbers which are way out of proportion to the rest of society , to me , thats merley a natural reaction , personally speaking i think the irish state is incredibly tollerant towards travellers considering they contribute absolutley nothing yet make up a huge percentage of the prison population considering thier number and cost the state a fortune in wellfare payments and local authority clean up costs , just because our liberal media and various PC QUANGO and rights industry see them as exotic and interesting from their ivory towers doesnt mean the rest of society are 3rd reich like on the issue

southsiderosie

The Irish will be great hosts, as always.

Fox commentators will raise hell about the cost.

Mainstream network news will introduce the story using cringey puns involving luck, leprechauns, or pots o' gold.

Obama will order some poncey light beer rather than a proper pint. Everyone will groan inwardly.

There will be a "for the camera" meeting with Kenny, and a real meeting with business leaders and the US Ambassador afterwards.

If Michelle comes, she will charm the pants off of everyone.

The End.

westair

dlofnep wrote: »

I like some of Obama's policies - But he has welched alot and become conformist, under the pressure of the GOP. He should be commended for trying to bring accessible healthcare to the most vulnerable in society -

I am an Obama supporter and stood on the Washington DC mall that frozen day and watched him get sworn in. What hopes there were that day...

But let me say as someone who is living in the US his health care policy is an utter failure as regards the "vulnerable' in society. This is the tragedy and why his base deserted him on this issue. I don't know how his health care bill got reported in Ireland? but he utterly failed to control costs - and left the Health care insurance companies completely at the wheel. This has already resulted in enormous raises in health premiums paid to the insurance companies. What the country needed was the much promised 'Public Option' that Obama dropped in the face of GOP opposition.

Now we have a situation where there is a law that requires everyone to buy insurance from private insurance companies without any government control on the cost to the consumer. A monthly health care premium for an average family is running at around $1,000. The poorest in US society have been covered for years by Medicaid but the working poor now have to face the whim of the insurance companies. A travesty. I for one hope that the Supreme Court rules his bill unconstitutional and forces Obama and the Democrats to begin again and face up to his promise of a Public Option - a properly Government run health care system.

irishh_bob

westair wrote: »

I am an Obama supporter and stood on the Washington DC mall that frozen day and watched him get sworn in. What hopes there were that day...

But let me say as someone who is living in the US his health care policy is an utter failure as regards the "vulnerable' in society. This is the tragedy and why his base deserted him on this issue. I don't know how his health care bill got reported in Ireland? but he utterly failed to control costs - and left the Health care insurance companies completely at the wheel. This has already resulted in enormous raises in health premiums paid to the insurance companies. What the country needed was the much promised 'Public Option' that Obama dropped in the face of GOP opposition.

Now we have a situation where there is a law that requires everyone to buy insurance from private insurance companies without any government control on the cost to the consumer. A monthly health care premium for an average family is running at around $1,000. The poorest in US society have been covered for years by Medicaid but the working poor now have to face the whim of the insurance companies. A travesty. I for one hope that the Supreme Court rules his bill unconstitutional and forces Obama and the Democrats to begin again and face up to his promise of a Public Option - a properly Government run health care system.

thier is no support among the majority of americans for goverment controlled health care , the only form of goverment spending americans are ok with in a big way is on defense , americans believe that those who cant afford stuff are simply losers , while i support private healthcare in this country , i would hate to see us end up like the american system where average premiums cost around a thousand dollars per month courteosy of the relentless gouging by insurance companys who are key campaign contributors to the main political parties